CASSANDRA: THE FAMED ROMANCE: THE Whole Work: In Five PARTS; Written Originally in FRENCH, AND Now Elegantly rendered into ENGLISH.  
By a PERSON of QUALITY.  
LONDON, Printed for Humphrey Moseley, at the Prince's Arms in St. Paul's Church yard; William Bentley, and Thomas Heath, in Covent-Garden. M.DC.LII.   

TO THE READER.  
SInce this Translation of Cassandra was put into the Press, the beginning of another by an accurate Pen hath been published to the world; which had given a stop to this, if it had still been in the power of him that did it, though a good part of it was already Printed, and though many took upon them to affirm that the other was not likely to proceed any farther. This comes not therefore to stand in competition with it, but to acknowledge that as it appeared first, so it deserves the priority in all things else; yet they in whom it hath raised an appetite (which are I dare say, as many as have tasted it) may perchance be contented to make up their meal with a dish of the same meat, though not so skilfully seasoned, nor so neatly garnished. He that is taken with the charms of a Mistress presented to his first embraces in the costly ornaments of her Bridal attire, will not certainly reject her conversation afterward in an ordinary dress of meaner apparel. Such is this of CASSANDRA here, hastily and carelessly thrown about her, which makes her suffer a greater disguise by uncourtly Language, then by the plain Country garments wherein she was so long concealed; The former 'tis confessed hath decked her with an habit befitting both her person and quality, this is only suitable to her name and her misfortunes. Her ten years' story is so artificially contrived, and with such exact decorum, that the truth whereon it is grounded, appears the greater fiction; yet neither can the strange success of the Grecian Conqueror, the fatal destruction of the Persian Monarchy, the deplorable end of unfortunate Darius, the afflicted estate of his Royal Family in exile and Captivity, the easy compliance of his subjects with the prevailing Party, nor any other passage in it seem improbable to us, whose eyes have in as short a space, been witnesses of such Revolutions, as hardly any Romance, but sure no History can parallel. She hath been received in France, and many Foreign Countries with too general an esteem to confine herself within the limits of a particular address to any single person now in England; therefore she presents herself to all that understood her not before, who having need of an Interpreter, may perhaps excuse the errors of an ill one. Let others delight themselves with the beauties of the Original, as viewing some curious piece of Tapestry, rarely designed in lively colours and perfect Symmetry; without prying into the imperfections of the wrong side, where the left handed Figures lose the gracefulness of their natural Postures, and where the multitude of thrumbs and knots makes the work course, and the story itself but barely discernible.   

THE AUTHOR TO CALISTA.  
YOu have been pleased Calista, to command that my last follies should be made public, and have given that to the diversion of the world, which I had destined only to your own; sure 'tis a want of goodness, to a person that never wanted zeal or respect to you, and who by this last proof of his obedience hath testified with what submission, he hath resigned himself unto your will. If you had esteemed this Work, you would have been more covetous of it; and if you had considered it, as the issue of his fancy, who will never be but yours, you would not thus have lavished it to the people, who truly have no share in the intention, that made me write it. Besides, the success of it is very uncertain amongst them, & one shall very hardly find charity enough there to hope for the pardon of many faults, which you have favourably excused, or which self-love made you not perceive in a thing that was so absolutely your own. But why do I pretend you should take any care of the reputation of my writings, since you never took any for the conservation of my life, and that you have shown yourself more sensible of the fortunes of strangers, then of one which hath ever been of your own making? I have seen you as it were marry yourself to the passions of my Hero, and enter into his thoughts with such marks of tenderness and pity, as my real sufferings have never been able to draw from you. I have seen your fair eyes, those eyes which the Court hath, and doth yet look upon with dazzling and idolatry; shed tears at the recital of some adventures, which are either feigned or which happened very long ago; and I a thousand times have at your feet vainly implored that pity, which you so easily granted to imaginary miseries; Yes, at your feet have I a thousand times set forth the violence of my passion in terms both more express, and more touching then those that did so mollify you; and (if I may be permitted to speak of myself in such a phrase) I have not been less eloquent in declaring my real thoughts to you, then in describing those of a Macedonian, or a Scythian; and yet the same words, which represented their mishaps to you, with so much success, have not found in you the least sense of my own misfortunes. You will tell me I have painted these illustrious persons in colours which give them a very advantageous splendour, and that their admirable qualities made you embrace their interests, by an esteem which introduced that compassion into your heart. I know, Calista, that I am very far from that sublime degree of perfection, which makes my Heroes worthy of your tears and friendship; but if they have advantages above me, by the qualities of their minds and bodies, and by the glorious marks of their births and actions, I have above them the glory of having served Calista, nay of having served her with respects & adorations worthy of her, & of having through the whole course of my passion, acknowledged with so much justice the disproportion there is between Calista and myself, that in that proud elevation of my soul, Calista, as severe as she is, could not condemn thoughts so full of zeal and submission, nor find occasion to threaten me with a fall which probably I ought to have apprehended. Behold my glory, Calista, behold my advantages and if you pardon a little presumption in him, who hath had so much as to lift up his eyes to you, I will take the liberty to tell you, that by my manner of expressing it in another, you may judge virtue is not unknown to me▪ and that many only fail to practise it, because fortune refuses them the occasions; of this you see an example remarkable enough in 2 Princes, whom I make to live in the same times, & whose fortunes are very different, though their births and virtues be equal; and that by your own judgement the most unhappy, and the least known hath very considerable advantages above the other, who was most favoured by the destinies, & who by the help of fortune, hath in his glory, eclipsed the fame of all that followed him, as well as of all that went before him. You being generous as you are, have taken the part of the more unfortunate, and if I dare reproach you with it, after your own confession of it to me, you have been even in love with him; blush not, Calista, he was a Prince worthy of you, and without doubt the fates should either have reserved him till your Age, or made you to be born in his. But the Gods took care that his reputation should come unspotted to our times, and that his life should be preserved from a blemish, which you would infallibly have cast upon it; his Princess deserved his affection wholly, and only you were capable, to withdraw him from that fidelity, which renders him so dear to you, and so recommendable to all the world.  
Hitherto I have spoken to you, as to Calista, that is to say, as to the Sovereign Mistress of my life, and of all my thoughts; now I speak to you, as to her that is to read this unworthy Piece again, and to whom I consecreate it with my whole heart, and all my affections. Besides the consideration of my love, I find in you all that can be desired in persons, to whom works of this nature are dedicated. Your quality is most eminent, too eminent for my hopes; it hath hitherto made a part of my misfortunes, & it is that which hath made me pass many years in your service, without any other advantage then that of being yours▪ & of being suffered by you. An interessed lover (or rather a captive, who is your idolater) might seem suspected in praising the beauties both of your mind and body; but the eyes and hearts of all France take my part, and bear witness generally, that you are the most accomplished of all creatures. 'Tis therefore under your protection, that Cassandra comes to put herself; she boasts of having some resemblance of you, and 'tis with you alone, she seeks for sanctuary in the various changes of her fortune; you will not know her a great while, though she keep you very constant company, and will wonder to see her give the name to adventures in which she seems to have no part at all; but you shall see her come out of the dark, when you hope least for it, and will know her again, by lineaments that are not common; You in her face may find a part of that which shines most visibly in yours, and in her carriage you shall neither see any thing that can injure you, nor any thing you can disavow. If this First Part divert you, the design I have to mind nothing but you alone, as the mark of all my thoughts, will oblige me to give you quickly the continuation of her Story; and though I be neither Doctor, nor a passablie Learned man, I am certain you will never inspire me with mean, low fancies, since you have inspired into me the resolution of living, and dying, Your, etc.   

CASSANDRA. The First Part.  

BOOK I.  
UPON the Bank of the River Euphrates, not many Furlongs from Babylon, two Strangers alighted from their Horses, under certain Trees, whose thick Leavinesse cast a very pleasing shade: He of the two, who by the richness of his arms, and the respect the other bore him, appeared to be the Master; unbuckled his Head-piece, and lying down upon the Grass, buried all the disquiets that troubled him, in a profound sleep: But scarce had he tasted the first sweetness of it, when by the other that accompanied him, and by a sudden noise, interrupted in his repose, presently starting up, he took his Horse and Cask again, and advanced upon the side of the great Highway, whence he was newly come, to know the cause of it. He soon perceived it by the first object that presented itself, which was a Combat of two Cavaliers, in whom, he instantly observed all the marks of an unusual valour, and great animosity: their Javelins shivered in an hundred pieces under their Horse's feet, had given place unto their swords, which they made use of with so much rage, and so little caution, that he quickly judged the design of assaulting each other, had in those two Warriors, quite extinguished the care of defending themselves; and that to each, the loss of his Enemy's life was much more dear, or much more important, than the conservation of his own. Till then the fight had balanced in the uncertainty of any advantage on either side, when one of them, whose black arms and plume of the same colour, witnessed the grief that was in his heart, rushed upon his Enemy with such fury, that by giving him two or three great wounds, he made him doubt of his safety; and pressing him the more eagerly as he found him grow weaker, had then without question finished a Combat, which seemed too tedious to his revenge, if he who was the Spectator of it, had not cast himself between to part them, praying them to hold their hands, with the most civil entreaties he thought he could use in that encounter. But he in the black arms, whom powerful reasons made to desire the destruction of his Enemy, and whom the hope of Victory had already made confident, cried out with a terrible voice; Whosoever thou art, unless thou be a Protector of crimes, and an Enemy to virtue, and unless thou wilt draw upon thyself the hatred both of the Gods and Men, oppose not the destruction of the most cruel and disloyal man that ever was. And seeing him persist in the design of parting them, he charged him with so much readiness and force, that the Stranger, finding by those first strokes the valour of that new Enemy, lost the care of another's safety, to think of his own preservation. True it is, that the shame of offending a man, who had already an Enemy to fight with, made him for some time stand upon the defensive, but seeing himself pressed with so much vehemence by one whom he had not injured; and seeing the danger into which he did precipitate himself, by sparing an adversary against whom he stood in need of all his force, he had almost forgotten all considerations; when he saw ten or twelve Horse men, who coming up to them full speed, and having known the Combatants, took the part of him that was wounded, whom his weakness had already made but a looker on; and two of the Company having drawn him aside, to carry him off to Babylon, all the rest fell furiously upon him in the black arms, killing his Horse with seven or eight wounds, which made him fall upon the place. Yet was he not so surprised, but that he dis-engaged himself from his Stirrups, and having an invincible courage, he set himself in a readiness to dispute his life generously against them: When the Stranger seeing the inequality of the Combat, and detesting such excessive odds; cried out, Thy incivility shall not make me fail to do what becomes me; and since thou hast more valour than courtesy, I for thee will hazard that life, which thou wouldst have taken from me: And at these words, falling in with a marvellous readiness among those that were newly come, he laid two of them at his feet, with the two first blows he made, and gave him that was dismounted leisure to leap upon one of their Horses, and to come up to him, which he did with a wonderful dexterity. This Cavalier seeing himself relieved with so much generosity, by a man whom he had used so ill, at first admired his virtue; but he became an Idolater of it, when he saw him lay two more of his Enemies dead upon the ground, and charge the rest with so marvellous a courage, that he seemed not to have any need of his help to defeat them all; but in conclusion, having vigorously seconded him, and he that accompanied the Stranger being joined to his Master, they fought all three with so great valour, and so good fortune, that in a short time, they forced those who could escape, to seek their safety in the speed of their Horses.  
They stayed upon the place without pursuing them, and the Stranger feeling his Horse fail, by reason of some wound he had received, forsook his back, and leapt lightly to the ground; which he whom he had relieved perceiving, he alighted also from his, and putting up the Beaver of his Helmet, went to salute him with a civility very different from his first reception. The Stranger was much taken with his graceful fashion, and when he saw his face at a nearer distance, observed something in it that was not utterly unknown to him; so forgetting all manner of enmity, he embraced him with a very great affection. Generous Stranger, (said the other) or rather the most virtuous of men, if my life were dear to me, I should be obliged to him that had preserved it; but how great occasion soever I have to hate it, and what design soever I had to lose it, I will forget both to satisfy my engagement, and will no more dispose of a thing, which you have so gloriously acquired, and which I ought to employ only for your service. My love to your virtue ties me much more strongly than the obligation I have to you, and the knowledge you have given me of it, makes me hope for pardon of an incivility, to which my just anger and despair transported me; You will without doubt excuse it, when you shall hear the cause, and will judge you have not more obliged me by mine own safety, than you have injured me in that of the Traitor Perdiccas. The Stanger by this Discourse, and by the name of Perdiccas, judging of that persons quality, repaid his civilities with interest, and striving to recall the old Ideas, which time had almost blotted out of his remembrance, he showed so much the desire he had to know him, that the other marking his impatience: I should be ingrateful; (said he) If I should hide his name, whose heart shall never be hidden from you; I am the unfortunate Lysimachus, and now more unfortunate than ever, since I am constrained to prolong my miserable life, to acquit myself of what I owe to you. This name of Lysimachus did absolutely open the Strangers eyes, and looking intentively upon him, he no longer doubted but that he was the same, whom he had seen appear with so much splendour in the Court of Alexander the Great; he praised the Gods in his heart, for the opportunity they had given him, to serve so virtuous a person; but not being willing to discover himself yet unto him, he only replied, The name of Lysimachus is so famous, as that of Alexander the Great is hardly more, and one must never have heard speak of his life to be ignorant of the wonders of yours: I did not expect unto myself so glorious an event of this encounter, and the satisfaction I receive thereby, makes me forget the rest of my misfortunes. Lysimachus answered so obliging words, with all the kindness that can be used in a most perfect friendship; whereof having made reciprocal promises, and confirming their promises with an infinite number of protestations, Lysimachus considered that Stranger with the same admiration, he had done during the fight, and truly his astonishment was not without a very just cause, since the Gods had endowed him with all the most excellent parts, that can render a person accomplished; his face was marvellously handsome, and through a beauty which had nothing of effeminate, one might observe something so Martial, so sparkling, and so Majestic, as might in all hearts make an impression of Love, Fear, and Respect at once; his stature exceeded that of the tallest men, but the proportion of it was wonderfully exact, and all the motions of his body had a grace, and liberty that was nothing common: his age seemed to be then about six or seven and twenty; the Sun-burn and toil of a long Journey, had a little taken off the lustre of his former beauty, and the length and negligence of his hair, sufficiently testified the little care he had to preserve himself: But this forgetfulness of a thing, which the importance of his affairs, and the accidents of his life had constrained him to despise, hindered not Lysimachus from observing so fair remainders of beauty, that he considered him as an extraordinary person, and the union of so many excellent parts, added to the obligation he had to him, imprinted so true an affection in his heart, as neither length of years, nor the accidents which after happened to them, were ever able to diminish. All things contributed unto it, they were alike in age; the graceful behaviour of Lysimachus yielded little to that of the Stranger, and if an exceeding deep sadness had not something impaired it, there would have been but little difference. The Stranger who by common fame, and by what he had seen of it himself, was already well acquainted with his virtue, discovering with more heedfulness, as with more interest than before, so many rare qualities in him, conceived a very high esteem of his person, and made no resistance against the powerful inclination which he felt take birth in him, toward a man so considerable. After their astonishment was passed over, and that they were come to themselves out of the ecstasy, in which the merits of each other had mutually held them: the Stranger beginning to speak, If I feared not (said he to Lysimachus) that my curiosity might displease you, I would ask the cause of that hatred, which you show you bear against Perdiccas, since knowing the reputation of you both, I never heard but that you lived in the Court of Alexander the Great, with very good correspondence; and I but now saw you so furiously exasperated against him, that the knowledge I have of your moderation, makes me judge, so great an animosity is caused by greater reasons. Here it was that Lysimachus constancy vanished, and his tears over-flowed with so much violence, that it was a long time before he could answer him; and assoon as he was able to speak again, lifting his eyes up mournfully to Heaven: Great Gods, (cried he) since you have permitted me to survive the greatest perfection you ever sent into this world; If you destiny me not to revenge those illustrious persons, add not one minute to this life, which I do but languish in with horror, and which I can draw out no longer without shame. You oblige me, (continued he with an infinite number of sighs) by believing I have so much moderation, as not to precipitate myself with so blind a rage, into a Combat, the cause whereof were slight or common; but I have so weighty an one, that it is impossible for me to express the least part of it, and it shall satisfy me to tell you, I prosecute that infamous Perdiccas, as the murderer, or rather the butcherer of the fair Queen Statyra, Widow to Alexander the Great, and of the Divine Parisatis her sister, Widow to her dear Hephestion. He accompanied these few words, with so many tears, and doleful lamentations, that any other heart except that Strangers, would thereby have been touched with compassion but his being too sensible for itself, to take heed to the actions of Lysimachus, he only changed colour twice or thrice, and looking upon him with a wand'ring eye, Lysimachus, (said he) I conjure you by all the Gods, tell me true, is Queen Statira dead? It is but too true, she is, (replied Lysimachus) and if you will hear her end in a few words: know, That as soon as Alexander the Great, was dead, pittylesse Roxana, who during the life of that great Prince, had been racked with an horrible jealousy of her, giving Order that that poor Princess (who was at that time retired with her sister to the Castle of Calcis) should not be advertised of his death: wrote Letters in the name of the deceased King, earnestly persuading her to come with speed to Babylon and to give a better foundation to that treachery, she, and Perdiccas sealed them with the Ring which that great Prince as he lay dying had put into the hands of that disloyal man, and which he should have made use of to another purpose, than the destruction of that which was dearest to him. Thus were these innocent Ladies drawn into the snare, which had been set for them, and that very day this cruel Woman, and that horrible Murderer, causing them to be killed in their presence, cast their fair bodies into two Wells, and covered them with a great number of stones. The Stranger stayed not for the end of this Relation, but lifting up his eyes to Heaven, Great Gods, (said he, (with a tone quite different from his ordinary voice) to day it is that I receive the effects of your promises, and that after a ten years' persecution, you grant me the Repose you have made me hope for in these Countries. And at these words, after having looked upon Lysimachus, with an affrighted countenance, in which death was already naturally painted, he drew his Sword, and setting the point of it where the defect of his arms gave way, threw himself so suddenly upon it, that neither Lysimachus, nor his Squire, had means to hinder him, and fell at their feet weltering in a River of his own blood.  
At the noise he made in his fall, and at the cry of his Squire, Lysimachus start out of the deep study, in which the renewing of his griefs had buried him, and helping the Squire, who in despair of that accident, dis-armed his poor Master with cries of a man besides himself, mingled his tears with his, with so great testimony of grief, as made him judge, that his friendship was already exceeding strong, even in its very birth. When he was unarmed, they found he breathed still, and observing his wound as heedfully, as the trouble they were in could permit, they saw that the Sword (not having seconded his design) had slipped along his Cuirasse, and had only passed slanting between his Ribs: this making them conceive some hope of him, caused them to apply all their cares to staunch his blood, the loss whereof had already so weakened him, that he had almost no longer strength to move: while they were busied about this necssary office, the Gods sent them two good honest Country men, who seeing them in that condition, and touched with compassion at so sad an object, charitably offered them their assistance. Lysimachus praised the Heavens for that happy chance, and having learned from them that their House was in a Wood, not above two or three hundred paces distant from thence, he resolved to have him carried thither, not thinking in that change of affairs, that there was much safety for either of them in Babylon: the Squire moreover having told him, there were powerful considerations, which should hinder his Master from retiring thither. This Resolution being taken, they put him upon the Squire's Horse, he getting behind to keep him up, and holding an Handkerchief upon his wound, they began to follow the two Country men. But before they arrived at their House, Lysimachus speaking to the elder: Friend, (said he) it is for thy good fortune, if thou knowest how to make use of it, that the Gods have sent the● this encounter; and if thou keepest that fidelity to us, which we hope for from thee, thou hast found an opportunity to enrich thyself. The Country man having made protestations to him in very handsome Language, Lysimachus saw he was an understanding man, and having also drawn Oaths from him, that he would not betray them, he commanded him to go to Babylon, and having furnished him with all the directions and instructions that were necessary, he gave him also two Rings, bidding him keep one of them for himself, and give the other as a token to his Physician Amintas, and some others of his servants, which he thought he should need in that retirement, with Order to come presently along with him, and bring all things that were needful for them, as well to cure the Stranger, as to defray their expenses. Then having above all things enjoined him secrecy, he sent him away, and being guided by the other, who was his son, came at last to the House, where presently they were well received by Women they found there, who being informed by the young man concerning the liberality and quality of their guests, offered themselves to serve them with all manner of diligence; after which, they laid the poor wounded Stranger in bed, loss of blood having already deprived him of all strength and knowledge.  
Though Lysimachus misfortunes gave him matter of despair, and that being not to be comforted himself, he was little capable of comforting or helping another; yet his obligation to that Stranger, and the interest he believed he had in a mischief which he had occasioned by his Discourse, added to the inclinations he had already towards him, and to the incitements of his own virtue, made him resolve not to forsake him, but to suspend the remembrance of his own unhappiness, that he might give him assistance to the uttermost. Afterwards coming to make reflection upon the cause of that accident, and how powerfully the Stranger was concerned in the death of the Princesses of Persia, he could not divine the cause of it, and expecting till he could learn it either from himself, or from his Squire, he confirmed himself in the friendship he had vowed to him, guessing by the proofs he had, that they were companions in fortune, and that the despair of both proceeded from the same cause.  
He was taken off from these thoughts by the return of old Polemon, and his Physician Amintas, accompanied with some Chirurgeons, and other servants he ●had sent for; Lysimachus praised their diligence, and having recommended the Stranger's health to his Physician, would needs see his wound searched: assoon as Amintas had proabed it, he judged it not dangerous, and assuring his Master of his recovery, filled him with as much joy as he was capable to receive. The faithful Squire was quite transported at it, and waited upon those that endeavoured his Master's cure, with such a zeal as did visibly demonstrate his affection towards him. The Chirurgeons having applied the first remedies to his wound, poured a certain cordial into his mouth, which within a while after made him recover his spirits, sight, and knowledge. When he was come out of his swoon, he fixed his eyes upon the first objects that presented themselves unto him, and seeing himself encompassed by Lysimachus his Squire, and those that had dressed him, he for some time considered both the place where he was, and the persons that were present; and doubting of the truth of the business, he turned his eyes slowly upon those that were nearest him, and having looked upon them awhile without speaking, Cruel Enemies, (said he, with a weak voice) what I have done to you, that you should persecute me with so much inhumanity? Then feeling the pain of his wound, he laid his hands upon it, and would have torn off the Swaths, if Lysimachus knowing his design had not seized upon them, easily holding him by reason of his weakness. The Stranger seeing himself hindered from his Resolution, looked first upon him with a threatening eye, and then finding himself too weak to execute what he had in his mind, he strove to move him by some tears, which ran down his cheeks, and might have obtained any thing else of him, except what they demanded. Lysimachus nearly touched with compassion, alleged all the Reasons that might dissuade him from his despair, and seeing he vouchsafed not to hear them, and that in the end it would be impossible to force him to live, he resolved to try if point of Honour could work him to his own preservation. Sir, (said he, with a more resolute voice then before) till now I believed you virtuous, but at last you force me to tell you, you injur● the proofs you have given of it, by a manifest unworthiness; and I conjure you by all the Gods, (continued he) and by the memory of the Princesses of Persia (if it be true, that you did love them) to assist me in the revenge I must take of their deaths; desiring you to live but so long, as to tear away the lives of their Murderers, for whom I find myself too weak without your help: both they, and I do beg it of you, and if you be as much concerned in their loss, as you would have it believed, know, that you cannot die but ignominiously, if you do not at least endeavour it, as well for your own honour, as their satisfaction: I have as much cause to die, as you can have▪ and since in this extremity it is no longer time to conceal it, know, that I would not have outlived the Princess Parisatis, if I had not believed myself obliged to satisfy her Ghost by the blood of those that ravished her from me. This Discourse had so much power over the mind of this desperate Stranger, that having maturely weighed it, he was ashamed of the desire he had before to die, without revenge, and witnessed his repentance to LYSIMACHUS by these words. You have overcome, LYSIMACHUS, but remember the time you have demanded, and never desire me to lengthen it: In the interim, Araxes shall tell you the cause of my despair, and neither conceal from you the name, nor life of the miserable companion of your misfortunes. After these words, he no longer opposed the will of the Surgeons, and being forbidden to speak for some few days, LYSIMACHUS resolved to spend that time in learning the whole History of a Life, which he judged to be full of very remarkable accidents: But because the night was already a good way advanced, after having taken a light supper, and recommended the hurt Stranger to those that had the care of him, he went to bed, and till it was day rested, as much as his griefs would suffer him.  
The next morning assoon as he was up, he enquired after the health of the wounded Stranger, and being told he was asleep, he led his Squire into a Garden, which the Master of the House kept trimmed with very great care; the beauty whereof was extraordinary for one of his condition, being fitted with all things that could make a place delightful: When they were come into it, they walked a while in the shade of a pleasant Alley, and after they had taken a few turns, LYSIMACHUS through a Hedge which parted two Walks, heard the voice of two persons discoursing together, and having lent an ear with some attention, he discerned that of old Polemon their Landlord, who spoke on this manner: I am not able to clear your doubts, CASSANDRA, but time, and the abode you will make in this place, may easily resolve them; for my part I will labour in it all that I can possibly, and protest to you by all the Gods, I will spare neither my endeavours, no, nor my life itself for your contentment. In the mean time, strive to settle your mind, both from your frights and your afflictions, and believe that CASSANDRA'S virtue is too considerable to the Gods, to let it lie any longer under those misfortunes that persecute it. Polemon making a stop at these words, the other with whom he talked, after two or three sighs, which were overheard by LYSIMACHUS, was in probability ready to make answer, when both being come to the ends of their several Allies, met at the entry into another, which went cross them. This encounter made Lysimachus see, that it was a Woman of very fair stature, clothed almost in a mere Country habit, who was discoursing with Polemon; This was all he could discern, and she who desired no witnesses of her conversation, seeing herself surprised by that Company, turned her back to him as suddenly as well she could, and walking hastily away, went out of the Garden at a little door that led into an high Wood, which grew close by the wall. LYSIMACHUS in whom the consideration of his own mishaps, had extinguished that curiosity which is natural to mankind, sought no deeper into that adventure, nor enquired into a secret to which he was not called; only he lifted up his eyes to Heaven, in a reflection upon his own misfortunes, occasioned by the remembrance of another's, and taking Araxes by the hand, led him to a pleasing Fountain, upon the edge whereof being sat down, and making him sit by him, he put him in mind of his Master's command, and prayed him very civilly to recount unto him all the particulars of his life. The Squire who had received such Order from his Master, and who of himself was willing to obey him, after having bethought himself a while, began on this manner.  

THE HISTORY OF ORÖONDATES.  
IN the Relation I am to make you Sir, you will see the true picture of the inconstancies of Fortune, and since my Lords command, and the desire I have to satisfy you, engage me to the recital of a life through the whole course of it full of wonders, I will endeavour to acquit myself as well as possibly I can. And because it were very strange, if length of time, and the variety of our troubles, should not have made part of the accidents that make it up, escape my memory, I will endeavour to recall to mind, the most remarkable ones: and since I have the liberty to do it, I will discover to you things that are miraculous, and unknown to all the rest of mankind.  
Although my Master's inability to perform it himself, had not constrained him to give this Commission to me, he would have had very great reason howsoever so to do, since that in the miracles of his life, there have so many things passed to his advantage and glory, that his modesty would never have suffered him to relate them to the full. Besides, I am so well instructed in them, having been present at the greatest part, and having learned those from his own mouth, of which I could not be an eyewitness, that even to the smallest particularities, I am not less knowing in them then himself.  
His name is Oröondates, which without doubt would be more known to you than it is, if the necessity of his affairs had not obliged him almost ever to conceal it. His birth is of the most illustrious in the world, being the only son and lawful heir of the Great King of Scythia: so powerful, and so terrible to his Neighbours, that even Alexander the Great himself, to whom almost the whole Earth submitted, never made attempt against him, (as yourself can tell better than I) but to his loss and confusion.  
As for the qualities of his Mind, you will know them, when you have a little frequented his company; and for his Person, you see what it is: yet I may tell you, that how graceful an outside soever you observe in him, his Griefs, and the toilsomenesse of his Voyages, have taken off a great part of its excellency, having appeared with so much lustre, while Fortune smiled upon him, that even those who were most insensible, never beheld him with an indifferent eye. The King his Father finding in him from his very Infancy, the most excellent nature he could wish, and in a body marvellously handsome, a soul capable of all gallant impressions, resolved to nourish both with so great care, that none should be able to reproach him, for not having contributed all that lay in him, to second Nature who had so liberally obliged him. It was about that time that I, with many others of my age, was given him for a witness and companion of his exercises: but as he surpassed us all in birth, so did he likewise quickly outstrip us in the profit he made under his Masters, which was such, as I believe I may tell you without falsehood, that when he was but fourteen years old, he excelled in skilfulness, vigour, grace, and dexterity, either to ride a Horse, dart a Javelin, and use all kind of arms; or in dancing, singing, and playing upon the Lyre, both all those of his own time, and likewise all of former ages. Besides, the graces of his body, they that were near him, observed much more advantageous ones, in his manners, and conversation: His discourse, and all his actions made appear the vivacity, and excellency of his wit; his sweetness and goodness were adored by the whole world, and indeed he sought for nothing with so much care, as the occasions of obliging virtuous persons, and when he met with them, he did it so handsomely, that his manner of obliging, engaged them a great deal more than the obligation itself. His liberality was such, that he kept nothing for himself, and from his earliest youth, he distributed all the Revenue allotted him for his sports and pleasures, among young Gentlemen of his own age, with so much nobleness and freedom, as made known sufficiently, he took as great delight in giving, as the most covetous persons do in receiving. In short, all his actions, and all his thoughts, were truly Royal, and all Scythia with her King, looked upon this rising Sun, as the honour of his Country, and the prop of its future glory and greatness. To say the truth, their hopes were not ill grounded, and you will give me leave to tell you by the way, that his manner of education was more than ordinary; and without doubt you will think it strange among Scythians, whom you Grecians, Macedonians, and other more remote Provinces, have always held for barbarous, cruel, uncivil, and such as lived only according to the Law of Nature; and I will confess to you, our forefathers were so, and that there are still some far distant places, where they yet retain something of their ancient manners, and where they live with much less politeness then amongst us. But in the Courts of our Kings, in the Houses of persons of quality, and in our good Towns, they live with as much pomp as the Persians, are as much civilised as the Athenians, and have the same Government that is among the Lacedæmonians. Thomiris was one of the first that reduced our straggling Scythians, within the compass of walled Towns; and those that succeeded her, laboured in it with so great industry, that within a while, they brought that free, warlike people, void of all craft, under the same Laws with the rest of Europe; so that I can assure you with truth, our great King Mattheus, doth at this day possess one of the greatest, most flourishing, and best governed Empires of the world.  
But to return to my Prince, whose infancy I will forget, to pass on to an entertainment more worthy of you: At fifteen years old, he was of the stature of the tallest men, and endowed (besides the dexterity I have already spoke of) with so extraordinary a strength, that all the world admired the effects of it: he was of a very healthful constitution, patient of cold, heat, and all other incommodities, indefatigable on foot, or on horseback; nay, to such a degree, that at that age, he had many times continued whole days, and nights completely armed, and had already given many proofs of an undaunted courage. He wanted no opportunities to show them, for the implacable War which was between the King his Father, and the King of Persia, gave him a thousand occasions to exercise that matchless valour, wherewith the Gods had particularly blessed him. Not but that you have heard speak of a War, the beginnings whereof are as ancient as those of this Empire. Cyrus' the first Monarch of the Persians, laid the Foundations of it, and promising himself the same facility in subduing that Warlike Nation, he had found in conquering the cowardly, and effeminate Lydians, perished in the enterprise with his whole Army. Darius, first of that name, desiring to repair that loss, and the dishonour of the Persians, lost an Army there of 100000 men; and if this cruel War had any respite during the Reigns of their Successors, it was their mutual weakness, or the multiplicity of their other affairs, rather than any end of their discord, which gave them that intermission. But this old hatred being renewed in the hearts of the late King Darius, and of the King my Sovereign, those two exasperated Monarches, solemnised it by the death of so many thousand men, that the Land of the Massagetes, will look white yet for many ages, with the bones of Persians and Scythians, which there ended unfortunately their days.  
It was in these occasions that young Oröondates passed his apprenticeship, and that being scarcely out of his Infancy, he made himself famous in so many encounters, by a thousand actions of courage and discretion, that the King his Father considering him as a man sent miraculously from Heaven: the more to animate, and improve him, did not think much, before he was full seventeen, to give him the command of some part of his Cavalry. We had repulsed Darius to the hither side of the Araxis, (who a while before was entered in person into our Countries, where he had lost fifty thousand men) and we lay upon the Bank of that River encamped, and entrenched almost within sight of one another, and fixed in the eternal design of doing each other mischief. There passed few days without some light skirmishes, encounters, or single combats; but no occasion in which Prince Oröondates made not himself remarkable by some glorious action. One day (a day alas most fatal to our quiet, and which so many other unhappy ones have succeeded,) the King was advertised that the enemy's Army, either through the negligence of their Commanders, or some other reasons unknown to us, kept not so strict Guards, as the Neighbourhood of so terrible an Enemy, seemed to require. This intelligence made the King resolve to assault them by night in their Trenches, knowing well that for actions of that nature, the Scythians have the advantage above all other people of the Earth. The Council of War having been held, and all Orders given for that design, assoon as it was night the Forces destined for the execution of it, began to march, leaving in our Camp only such as were necessary for its defence. The Enemy's Scouts having discovered us; ran to give the Alarm to their Camp; yet their diligence could not prevent us so far, but that having forced their Outguards, we were already upon the edge of their Entrenchments, ere they had notice of us. Their Works were but of small defence, and their little Trenches being filled up with brush Faggots, which we carried for that purpose, our Cavalry entered in a manner without resistance. The horrible noise of our Martial Instruments, together with so unexpected a Surprise, struck such a terrible fright into the Persians, that before they could recover their fear, part of their Army was already defeated: Indeed this way of making War, was so different from theirs, that I do not think it strange, if in the horror of the dark, an assault so little foreseen, did cause some confusion among Soldiers that were fast asleep. There was a great number slain in the first onset, but in the end Mazeus, one of Darius his principal Commanders, Rallying some Forces as well as possibly he could, held part of ours in play, and gave Darius' leisure to draw up the rest into some form of Battle. But being desirous to confine my Discourse to Oroondates actions, and speaking of others only inasmuch as they are necessary to my Relation, I will tell you, that having charged at the head of three thousand Horse, he beat down all that endeavoured to make any resistance, disdaining through generosity, to imbrue his own, or his Soldiers Swords in the blood of men asleep, and without defence. He was easy to be known, though in the dark, by a great white plume of Feathers, that waved over the Buttock of an Horse whiter than Snow, and by a Stone extremely precious among the Persians, which they call a Pyrope, and which fastened on the top of his Head-piece, cast such a flaming light, as was deservedly to be wondered at. How many actions did he in that obscurity, worthy of the brightest day, and of the whole world to be Spectators. His Soldiers taking courage by his example, strove all to follow him, and imitating that spirit which thrust him on among the thickest blows, were by that consideration enabled to do actions which surpassed the ability of men: I was then with my Master, and to speak truth, one of the nearest to his person, which makes me the more knowing in those things that happened that fatal night. To be brief, his courage transported him so far, that he discovered Darius' Tents, and knew them by the number of the Guards that defended them: two thousand Athenians (besides the Persians of the ordinary Guard) had taken that charge that night by Darius' Order, under the command of one Patro, who was also an Athenian, and had been some little time under his pay. This sight stirred up a violent desire in the mind of our Prince, of winning honour, and in that of his Soldiers, of gaining so remarkable a Booty, as the Equipage of the Richest and most Luxurious King in the whole world. These two different considerations carried them on to this assault, with so much eagerness, and resolution, that after a long and sharp resistance, in which we lost the better part of our men, and wherein all the Athenians fell with most honourable wounds, we at last remained Conquerors, and were ready to break into the Tents with a confused throng, if the Prince who strove to hinder that disorder, and desired to pay Darius what was due unto his quality, had not stopped us by entreaties and threatenings. The profound respect which every one bore him, as to a divine person, caused an obedience without murmuring, and then alighting from his Horse, accompanied only by fifty of us which he chose, whereof I had the honour to be one, he entered, with his Sword in his hand, into the Tents, making all the rest stay in good order at the going in. But, O Gods, what an astonishment was his, when in stead of Enemies which he sought for, he by the light of an hundred tapers, saw a troop of Ladies, who instantly sent forth most lamentable cries, and sufficiently testified the fright and terror which the sight of us had occasioned in them. They were (as we have known since, and as we guessed then, by the respect the others showed them) the old Queen Sysigambis, Mother to Darius, the Queen his wife, and the two Princesses, Statira, and Parisatis his Daughters.  
You will not think this relation strange, since you know that during all our Wars they never forsook him, and that the great number of their Chariots, and the good order of their Equipage made their abode in the Army, almost as commodious as if they had been in Persepolis. Darius was gone out of the tents, at the beginning of the alarm, hasting to those places, where he thought his presence was most necessary; he had (as I told you) left the charge of the Princesses to them that were of the Ordinary Guard, and to those Athenians, who all died fight obstinately upon the place. Judge if these Ladies were affrighted, seeing my Prince all smeared with blood, his sword in his hand, and accompanied with so many of us in the same posture, enter into a place of Conquest, with a fierceness which even in the midst of blood would have had something very pleasing, if the trouble in which they were would have permitted them to consider it. The young Princesses more dead than living, shrunk close to their Mother, and to old Sisigambis, thinking themselves in some safety near so venerable a person. That great Queen, to whom the Gods had given a heart equal to her quality, blamed their despair, and waited for her destiny with patience, when the Prince surprised at so unlooked for an object, which made him stand for awhile strucken in a confused amazement, at last recovered himself, and made his address to her with so humble a respect, that she quickly banished all manner of fear, and praised the Gods, for having made Darius' Family fall into the hands of so civil an Enemy.  
He had taken off his head-piece, and let the point of his sword fall to the ground, which moved the Princesses, being a little settled again, to look upon him with a heedful consideration. The heat of the fight, and the astonishment of that encounter, had added a lustre to his natural beauty, which in the opinion of those Ladies, made him at first pass for a God, but their esteem grew yet to a greater height, when bowing down to the ground, and directing his discourse to Sisigambis, he said in the Persian Language, which he speaks with as much facility, as if he had been born in Persepolis: I should not be pardonable, Madam, in the error which night hath made me to commit, if its darkness did not plead for my excuse, and if I did not protest to you before all the Gods, that had I known the sex, and quality of those persons I have so mortally offended, I would rather have been mine own destruction, than have disturbed their quiet, or have offered to come in among them so unreverently; if my Crime could be repaired, I should not think my blood, no nor my life too dear for its expiation; but since that is not in my power, be pleased to give me leave, Madam, to conjure you, and these Ladies also, to cast away that apprehension, which so uncivil an entrance hath undoubtedly caused in you; Those that are with me, obey my Orders, and neither they, nor I, pretend any greater advantage here, than the honour to serve you as Guards till the return of your own, and to have the opportunity of lessening by some small service, the ill opinion this rudeness has made you conceive of us. While he spoke on this manner, the Ladies were in such suspense between joy and admiration, that Sysigambis could not of a long time find words to answer the Civility of so generous a Conqueror: from a Prisoner which she believed herself, she saw she was not only free, but still reigning and absolute over those, to whom she thought she had been captive: Before she would have accounted her condition most happy, if she could but have hoped to obtain the liberty of herself, and her daughters, by a part of Darius' Dominions: and this glorious enemy, not only gives up all kind of rights, and pretensions to them, but even offers himself to be their defence against his own Soldiers, and to do the same offices they could have expected from those, the Gods had made to be born their Subjects. The Consideration of this happiness, and the admiration of so great a virtue, held her for some time in a suspended silence: but at last not to appear uncivil, she answered him with all the humility her present condition could require. Whosoever you are, Sir, whether you be born amongst men, or rather (as your actions testify) you spring from the blood of the Gods; neither I have words to praise you, nor Darius' Empires to acquit himself of what he owes you, no nor heaven itself graces' enough to recompense your virtue; the proofs you give of it, both to our cost, and to our advantage, strike us with so much admiration of your valour, and so great a sense of your goodness, that we are doubly your prisoners; yonr modesty hinders you from giving us that title, but our knowledge of the rights of war, makes us take it, and that of your virtue will enable us to bear it with much patience. She afterwards said many other things to which he lent but little attention, having by misfortune fixed his eye upon the face of the Princess Statira; from whence he never withdrew it, till he left her his heart in exchange: A wonderful thing! who would have believed that this young Prince, should find his own loss, in his first Conquest; and that he who had with an indifferent eye, seen all the beauties of Scythia die for him, should in fight, in blood, and in horror, meet that which he had avoided in the midst of ease, pleasures, and delights? And yet it is too true, he yielded himself at that one only sight, and that was the first moment of his misfortunes, or rather the womb from whence all his others have taken birth. I shall not need to tell you that the Princess Statira, who was then but fifteen years old, was the most perfect workmanship of the Gods, you have seen her sufficiently to bear faithful witness of it; I will only say that the trouble, and fear she had been in, giving some addition to her beauty, made her appear such in the eyes of my Prince, that he considered her not as a mortal person. His eyes and heart were so intentively fixed on her, that he neither thought on Sysigambis, nor himself; and we heard a strange noise of arms, and an infinite number of cries without the tent, before he could get out of that deep ecstasy in which her beauty had as it were entranced him. At last one of our Soldiers entering the tent in haste, To horse, to horse, Sir, (cried he) unless you will be surprised by Darius, who is coming here in person with the greatest part of his forces. This was a most sensible blow unto the Prince, seeing himself constrained to depart from her, whom he had seen but too much already, and whom he had so little hope to see again; yet making a virtue of necessity, and dissembling his trouble: Ladies (said he) I shall withdraw myself if you please, since by the presence of your own servants, I can be no longer useful to you, and that you will believe yourselves safer under their protection, then in the guard of persons, in whom you have yet but little confidence; At these words he made them a low obeisance, and putting on his head-piece, was going out of the tent, when the Queen, Darius his wife, who had not yet spoken to him, taking from her neck an Incarnadine Scarf, all Embroidered with flames of Gold, enterwoven with the Letters of her name, and that of Darius together, put it over his shoulder, saying; The Gods forbid, that having preserved the honour and liberty of Darius his mother, wife, and daughters, you should go away from them without carrying some mark of their acknowledgement along with you, keep therefore this poor testimony of it which I give you, and with it the remembrance of them who are too powerfully engaged to you, to be ever guilty of oblivion. The Prince received these Words, and the Present upon his knee, and prouder of that spoil, then of all he had so generously despised, after having taken his latest leave, separated himself at last, though extremely against his will, from that Illustrious Company, leaving them a very sensible trouble for his departure, and carrying away with him a fire in his heart, which he hath ever since conserved, and which can never be extinguished, but with his life.  
The alarm that had been given us, was a very true one, and to return to the fight, I will tell you in a few words, that Darius, and Artabasus, having drawn up the Army in Battalia, while Mazeus kept our men in play as well as possibly he could, charged our Troops with such a vigour, that being much more powerful in number, they quickly recovered their affairs, and our men were beginning already to retire, when Darius, by some of his Soldiers, was told the defeat of the Athenians, and the danger of the Princesses. His love to them, made him forget all other things, and leaving the body of the Army to Artabasus, he hasted with a strong party to fall upon us. Oroondates was scarce on Horseback when he came, and judging himself not strong enough, caused a Retreat to be sounded, and retired in very good Order, yet with the loss of two or three hundred Horse. It began to be break of day, and our King, who feared lest that should discover his weakness, made his last Divisions file off, and causing Artabasus to be resisted by the best mounted of his Cavalry, he retired with the rest of the Army, not without a considerable loss by some Charges the Enemy made upon the Rear.  
But admire Oroondates Fortune, and observe how all things contributed to his engagement in an affection that has been so ruinous to him. It was already broad day, and we were come a good way from the Enemy's entrenchments, endeavouring to overtake the body of our Army, which was Retreating, when by the side of a little Wood that was hard by us, we perceived a Combat of some twenty Horsemen: At first we believed, (as it was true) that some of the Enemies having engaged themselves too far in the pursuit of those that retired, had found so brisk an opposition, as made them obstinate in the fight. Yet Oroondates, to know the truth of it, galloped directly toward them; we followed, and were witnesses of a sight that filled us all with admiration: It was a Persian Cavalier, whose arms were all covered with precious stones, who surrounded by a score of ours, defended himself with so wonderful a courage, that he was not far from making them all despair of the Victory: He had made a Rampart of dead bodies and horses; but besides those which we judged he had slain, we saw thirty or forty more lying under foot, as well Scythians as Persians, which made us know, he had not been alone at the beginning of that action, and that those who accompanied him being killed in his defence, he was left alone, to dispute his life still against so great a number of enemies; we all considered his valour as a marvellous thing, and if that of our Prince had not equalled it, and made us often see such Prodigies, we should not easily have believed the testimony of our eyes; Our arrival daunted him not, and being resolved to perish, rather than yield, he resolved also to sell his life as dearly as he could, and rushing in amongst the Scythians, with greater fury than before, made two more of them tumble breathless at his feet; then feeling that his horse wounded in many places, began to fail between his legs, he sprung lightly to the ground, and endeavoured to prolong his destiny by a more than human resistance, when our Prince already passionately in love with his virtue, and considering the danger in which he was, spurred on his horse, into the midst of them, and making himself known to the Scythians, caused them to retire with respect, and shame at the inequality of the combat: Cowards, (cried he) have you so little sense of virtue, as not to be moved by that of this gallant Enemy, rather to seek his conservation, than his ruin? Then judging by the richness of his arms, that he was of exceeding high quality, he alighted from his horse, and unbuckling his Cask, went to embrace him with all testimonies of affection. Invincible Warrior, (said he to him) pardon the brutishness of these men, who cannot reverence in you, what they never possessed in themselves; and if you think I do you any small service, in causing you to be Convoyed into your own Camp, with all manner of safety, grant me for all the rights I can pretend, but the honour of your friendship, and I shall believe myself most gloriously recompensed. The Persian was infinitely surprised at an usage so little ordinary, and judging by the behaviour of our Prince, and by the respect we bore him, that he was a man of quality, he unbuckled his Helmet also, and let us see so rare a handsome face, that we began to lose the opinion we had, that no man's beauty could equal that of Oroondates. They were in age alike, their stature little different, and we believed with some appearance of reason, that the Gods had by so unexpected an encounter, brought together the two most accomplished Persons of the Earth. They beheld one another with admiration, but the Persian highly obliged by the magnanimity, and civility of the other, took his Sword at the point, and presenting it to him with much submission, Generous Sir, (said he) hitherto I have disputed my life and liberty; but now since I can lose neither of them, for one more virtuous than yourself, I render myself your prisoner, with this satisfaction, that I yielded only to the bravest of all men living. Oroondates stepping back with much respect: The Gods forbid, (said he) that I should pretend any other advantage from this encounter, save the friendship I have desired of you; you are free, unless you be engaged to bear some little good will to a Prince that has a most real passion for you; and invincible, unless you will suffer yourself to be overcome by my services. The Persian confounded, and excessively in love with the virtue of Oroondates, embraced him a second time, with extreme tenderness, and said with much affection: Now it is that I am truly unhappy, since the Gods suffer me to be conquered so many several ways, and that they can never grant me the means to acquit myself of the best part of what I owe you; though if the Heavens had made me fall into the power of another, I might have offered him Treasures, and Provinces for my Ransom, since I am Artaxerxes, Darius his only son, and lawful heir of all his Empires; for I think I should commit a crime (continued he) if I should longer conceal from you the name and quality of a Prince, who is indebted to you for his life, and whom the usage he receives from you, together with the strong inclination he has to love and honour you for your merit, have made entirely yours. Judge, I beseech you of my Master's joy, and astonishment, and whither he did not believe the Gods had taken care of his happiness, and that they were guiding him to it by ways quite extraordinary. Certainly of all the joys he ever felt, that was the greatest, and that which surprised him most; he desired nevertheless to hide the occasion of it, and to pay Prince Artaxerxes as Darius his son, the respects he owed him as Statira's Brother. After this knowledge of him, he renewed his protestations with more respect and submission then before, and the young Prince of Persia returned them with such usury, that besides the interest Oroondates had in his affection, the conformity of their persons and manners, joined to the esteem they had naturally of one another, inflamed them really with a most ardent friendship. They could never have been weary of giving each other testimonies of it; but Oroondates seeing Prince Artaxerxes blood run down from many places of his body, began to be extremely afflicted at it, and persuading him to get upon his horse, which he forced him to accept of, being the handsomest in all Scythia; he called for another for himself, and getting him to take the way towards his Camp; notwithstanding all Artaxerxes could do to dissuade him from it, he never would forsake him till he was within sight of his Entrenchments. This separation was very unwelcome to them both; and giving each other the last farewell, with much trouble, the Prince of Persia begged of Oroondates, with the most civil entreaties in the world, to tell him his name, unless he had some reason to conceal it. But my Prince not judging that convenient for the design he had, thought fit to tell him he was Orontes Prince of the Massagetes, a vassal and near kinsman of the King of Scythia's. Artaxerxes satisfied with this knowledge, threw his arm once more about his neck, and departed from him with a most sensible grief. Oroondates was not less afflicted at it, than he; but on the other side, he was so joyful for his happiness, in having done that service to the Brother of her, for whom he had already so strong a passion, that he had much ado to dissemble it. When we were returned to our Camp, the King who had been in care for his son, and who was informed of part of his marvellous actions, received him with an excess of joy; and causing his arms to be taken off in his presence, he with much trouble perceived he had two or three small wounds, but they were such light ones, that the Prince hardly ever kept his bed for them.  
In the rest of that Summer's service, there passed nothing memorable, and the cold beginning to incommode the two Armies, they both began to think of drawing away to their Winter Quarters, till the Season should be convenient to take the Field again: That of the Persians dislodged first, and in its Retreat there were some skirmishes, in which it received much loss; but being as I told you pressed by the Wether, and in great scarcity of provisions and forage, we did not engage our selves in their pursuit. And the King seeing the Prince perfectly cured, after having given out his Orders, and disposed of his Army into several Garrisons, returned with his Court to Issedon, or Serica, a Town in Scythia, where he makes his most ordinary Residence.  
But though the Prince were in a good condition for the wounds of his body, those of his mind were really grown so much worse, that he had lost all hope of recovery; He strove by a thousand means to drive away an affection, in which he foresaw much mischief, and hoped for little satisfaction; he proposed to himself all the difficulties he had to break through, and all the dangers to which he was visibly going to expose himself; and the result of all his considerations, ended in a full acknowledgement of his fault, but in no hope at all of amendment. Unfortunate Oroondates, (said he to himself) by what extraordinary means the Gods have resolved to destroy thee, and of how great importance does thy misery seem to be to them, since they lead thee on to it by so uncommon ways: was it not enough to make thee love with so much violence, unless they also made thee love with so much impossibility of success? For in short, Wretched man that thou art, what dost thou hope for? What wilt thou do? And what will become of thee? Think'st thou the King of Persia will give his daughter to the son of his mortal and irreconcilable Enemy? Dost thou believe he will purchase the losses he has sustained by thy Father's Subjects, with so dear a price, and with such an ingratitude for the death of so many thousand men who have lost their lives for his particular quarrel? Knowest thou not that the War between these two Kings, is not of the nature of other Wars; and that neither the interests of their States, nor the desire of glory and greatness, laid the foundations of it, but that it is fixed to the persons of the Kings, and of the Royal families; and that Matheus would willingly sacrifice his Dominions for Darius his destruction, and Darius would but smile at the loss of all his friends, so he might but overwhelm Matheus in their Ruins? Hope no more therefore for his alliance, by ways of gentleness, and thoughts of a reconciliation, which thou oughtest not to expect during the lives of these two Kings; since neither Darius will ever grant his daughter to Matheus son, nor Matheus ever suffer his son to marry Darius' daughter: What canst thou then pretend to, since these ways are forbidden thee? Canst thou think to win her by the Sword, and constrain Darius, the greatest and most puissant Monarch of the world, to yield thee that by violence, which thou oughtest to obtain by services and submissions? But though thou shouldst surmount that difficulty, (which is not in the power of man) couldst thou overcome Matheus his spirit, and tear that from him by force, which thou must never hope for with his consent? And though by miracle thou hadst broke through all these obstacles, shouldst thou not still have a more dangerous Enemy to combat? And dost thou believe that Princess, who has sucked this hatred with her milk, who has always been bred up in the Court of the King her Father, with a horror and detestation of the family of the King of Scythia; can ever divest herself of her natural inclinations, to love the hereditary enemy of all her kindred? Oroondates argued with himself on this manner, upon all the crosses he foresaw in his affection; and these considerations tormented him so violently, that a less courage than his, would infallibly have sunk under them; but he having one invincible, and capable of the greatest enterprises, passed over the top of all opposition; and grounding himself upon his most fortunate beginnings, upon the friendship of Artaxerxes, whom he had so highly and so handsomely obliged, upon the esteem of the two Queens, and of the Princess herself, (all whom he had defended from the violence of his soldiers, and used with such civility, though they were his lawful prisoners by the right of War) and upon the probability that Darius himself whose mind and birth were Royal, would not perchance be insensible of such obligations, as happily he had never received from his best friends: he began to dissipate his former fears, and to these last considerations adding the necessity of his love, and the impossibility of being cured of it, he embarked himself more and more upon that sea, the Tempests whereof he has endured for the space of ten whole years. In sum, seeing them disencamp, and that the King his father prepared himself to repass the Araxis the next morning; after having long disputed with himself, he at last took one of the strangest resolutions, that ever fell into the mind of a Prince, and sending for me at night, and calling me to his bedside, when he had commanded all those that were in his Tent to withdraw, he said to me with a voice a little troubled: Araxes, If among all my servants, I had not particularly observed your courage, understanding and affection to me, I would not have made choice of you, to trust you with the secret of my life, and to make use of you alone in a design, upon which all my happiness and the settling of the whole remainder of my days, doth absolutely depend; but after having carefully considered both your Person, and all your former Actions, I believed you would have judgement enough to serve me in my Affairs, valour enough to accompany me in dangers, and fidelity enough, never to deceive me. These words obliged me to cast myself at his feet, and make earnest protestations of my loyalty to him; in which, he observed so much affection, that raising me up, and embracing me a thousand times, he discovered his passion to me, and the design he had newly taken, which was such as you shall hear by the rest of this Discourse; then having given me his Orders, he commanded me to go instantly about the execution of them, which I did with much joy at the honour he did me, and astonishment at his strange resolution: I chose the four best horses of his Stable, one for him, one for myself, and two more for two servants, whose fidelity was well known to me, and whose attendance only he meant to make use of in the Voyage he intended to take. After I had fitted this small Train, and set things in a readiness to depart before day, I went to wait upon the Prince in his Tent, who instead of sleeping, had in the interim employed the time, in writing a Letter to his Father, whereof as I remember these were the very words.  
PRINCE ORÖONDATES. TO THE KING OF SCYTHIA.  
SIR,  
I Should not have left your Majesty, if you had not resolved to draw into Garrison for this colder part of the year. I beseech you by all the affection, which hitherto you have honoured me with, to pardon me the liberty I take, to make a little Journey during this time of rest and idleness; a youthful desire draws me from your Court, together with a design to mould myself in strange Countries, and gain instruction in all things necessary to be known, that I may become a worthy Son of such a Father; my Voyage shall not be longer than the Winter, and assoon as your Majesty shall take the Field again, you shall see me with you, to render you those services you ought to expect from your Son  
OROONDATES.  
Having ended this Letter, he wrote another to his Sister the Princess Berenice, of whom I have not yet spoken to you, and who nevertheless deserved a particular commendations as well as her brother, since in the excellency of her wit and virtue, she equals not only all the Ladies of her own, but even of all former ages. The King after the death of his Queen, whom he had lost many years before, had taken care to have her bred up according to her birth, and the rare endowments that were seen in her: and the Prince her brother, who loved her infinitely, would not depart, without giving her proof of his remembrance by a Letter; having folded them up, he gave them to one of his servants, commanding him not to deliver them till four days after. When he had done so, causing all those to go out of the Tent, which were suspected to him, he took his richest jewels, and the most portable money he had, to supply our necessities, and giving it all into my custody, he furnished himself also with admirable good arms, and having passed a great part of the night in these employments, we took horse a little before day, riding the way towards Persepolis, and following the tract of the Persian Army, which had dislodged some few days before.  
I will not tell you the King's grief for his son's departure, nor that of the Princess Berenice, to whom he was extremely dear: you may guess at that as well as I, and you know it is of no importance to the rest of my Discourse; nor will I spend time in telling you the particulars of our Voyage, since we had in it but very ordinary adventures, and that the tediousness of them, would without question tyre you: besides, I have so many things of moment to relate, that they have caused a great many of those of lesser consequence to slip out of my memory. It is enough therefore if I tell you, that the next day after our going away, we clothed ourselves in Persian habits, which we had before provided, and having that Language reasonable perfect, we passed without difficulty, both through the Towns of Persia, and amongst their scattered Forces which we overtook in our way, as they were marching to their Garrisons. We traveled at a good rate, and riding whole days, without other stay then what necessity compelled us to, at last after a long Journey, we arrived at Persepolis, whither the King and his household were come some days before us, and where they made their most ordinary abode, as indeed it was the fairest City of all Asia; and if your Great Alexander can be blamed for any of his actions, it is for having consented to its destruction, and to the firing of the bravest and most stately Palace in the world. My Prince was overjoyed to see himself at the end of his Voyage, and took a Lodging in the Town, where we rested a few days, framing ourselves in the mean time to the manners and customs of the Country, and informing ourselves of what was most necessary for us, till the Heavens should offer my Master some fair occasion of discovering himself to Prince Artaxerxes. It presented itself within a short while, and the most honourable that could be wished, for our Landlord told us news, that contented him extremely, in the design he had not to make himself known, but in a handsome manner, and to the purpose. We learned of him, that within less than a week, the King's birth day was to be celebrated, according to the custom of the Persians, and of many other Nations: and to divert the Ladies from objects of War, and give them proof of their gallantry and dexterity, Artaxerxes and other young Lords, had obtained leave of the King to make a Match for Courses and Combats on horseback, to which every body should be admitted, and whereof the Princess Statira herself should give the prize: This kind of Combating has been used a long time amongst the Persians, and of late amongst us, and is on this manner. Two Cavaliers armed at all points, with strong Javelins, whose heads are blunted, run against each other full speed, and meeting in the midst of the Career, rush with their Shields and Javelins, so impetuously at one another, that if their darts break not, one of them must of necessity fall to the ground: the Conqueror is obliged to bear the shock of the second, third, and all the rest, till such time as he be beaten down, or that he have no more enemies to encounter. If he be overcome, he that hath had the better of him, is tied to the same conditions, till the last; having got the Victory of all the rest, goes to receive the prize with a great deal of pomp and ceremony. Oroondates, who knew the conditions of Combats of this nature, and who in that exercise and all others, is one of the ablest and most vigorous men in the world; praised the Gods for that fair opportunity they afforded him, to make his coming to that Court remarkable, and to let the Princess whom he adored, know, with how many graces the Gods had favoured him: So being resolved not to lose that happy occasion, he gave me order to provide what was necessary, and prepared himself for that day with all the diligence that was possible.  
Scarce did the day so much desired begin to appear, when he was already up, and called for his Arms: but our Landlord told us, the Courses were not till after the King had dined, which yet would be hastened, that so much more of the day might be bestowed in that diversion. Why should I detain you any longer, and protract the time of which my Master was extreme impatient? The wished for hour comes, Oroondates completely armed, mounts on horseback, and goes into the place appointed, being accompanied by none but me. The magnificence and state of that gallant Assembly, took his eyes up for a while; but seeing the King, the Queens, and the Princesses arrive, he despised all other objects, to fix his sight upon the most noble ones, and instantly sought out her with his bodily eyes, who was always present to those of his mind. The extraordinary richness of her Apparel, did not disguise her from his knowledge, and she who in a sleight Field habit, by the light of a few Torches, in the terrors of fight, and the apprehension of her Captivity, showed so charming: Now amidst all her Jewels in broad day light, and upon a stately Throne, appeared to him so glorious and triumphant, that his wounds opened afresh, and his flames were more then doubled. He was quite at a loss in the consideration of her; and if the sound of the Trumpets had not roused him out of the deep ecstasy he was in, to make him think of the design that brought him thither, he would have spent the whole day in that delightful contemplation.  
The Princess Parisatis was close by her, little different from her elder sister, either in the bravery of her dress, her outward beauties, or inward virtues. The Queens sat a little above them, and the King accompanied by his brother Oxyartes, and attended by Artabasus, Mazeus, and a great many of his chief Officers, whose age excused them from those violent exercises, was under another cloth of State, not far from that of the Ladies. When Oroondates had looked upon them a little, he turned to behold Prince Artaxerxes, who at the head of all the young Cavaliers, was mounted upon the same horse he had given him at their parting, armed all in bright Arms, without any device. After they had by lot decided who should run first, they began the Courses at the sound of many Trumpets, to the great contentment of the Spectators, and to the praise of many young Gallants, who in them gave great proofs of their force and activeness. I will not tell you the particulars of all, but only touch them that concern my Master's affairs, and the thread of my Discourse. You shall know then that after many brave Carieres, the honour yet belonged to Cambyses, Mazeus his son, when my Master having no longer patience, came into play among the rest; instantly the whole Assembly cast their eyes upon him, and truly the habit he was in at that time, pleased me so much, that I must needs describe it to you in two words. All his Armour was made of little scales of silver, edged with gold, and in the most remarkable places, stones of great life and value, the bottom of his Cassack (which appearing under the lower parts of his Cuirass, covered his thighs to the upper part of his knee) was purple, embroidered with flames of gold very rare and artificial; his sleeve (which coming out of an antique work in gold, made like a Lion's mouth, covered his arm unto the elbow) was of the same; his buskins were leather silvered like scales edged with gold, as his Cuirass, fastened at the leg with golden muzzles, like those of his sleeves, and buckles of rubies set with excellent workmanship; his head-piece made also of scales, was covered with a silver Dragon, whose crest, wings and claws, were gold; and instead of flames, vomiting so great a number of feathers near that colour, that my Master's head and shoulders were all covered with them: Yet not so much, but that one might easily see the skarf he had received from Darius his Queen, which suited wonderfully well with the rest of his attire, and in which hung a rich Sword, the blade whereof crooked as a Cymiter, was of the best in Syria, and the hilt of the most curious work. His horse was black as Ebony, with only a little star in his forehead, and of so perfect a shape, so full of spirit, and of so proud a carriage, in all his airs, that he did not ill accompany the grace and skill of his Master; and he on the other side road him with so much expertness and vigour, and put him on into the Lists with so Majestic a fashion, that he presently drew the eyes, and I believe the hearts of the whole Assembly. Cambyses not disdaining an enemy of so brave a presence, came to receive him in the midst of the Course with more courage, then good fortune, for he not only made him reel, but threw him out of his Saddle, with such force, that flying over the crupper of his horse, he made the print of his whole body upon the sand. There was a great cry among the whole company at Cambyses fall, and Oroondates finished his Career exceeding gracefully. He had overturned two or three others with the same facility, when Hydaspes, Artabasus son, impatient and jealous of his glory, presented himself at the end of the List. My Prince received him with joy, and seeing him set forth at the sound of the Trumpets, did the same, and ran upon him like lightning; the course indeed was very fair on both sides; Oroondates roughly shaken by Hydaspes' blow, lost both his stirrups, but he encountered Hydaspes with such violence, that he threw him a good way from his horse; and having ended his career with the same gracefulness, he also unhorsed Bessus and Narbasanes; I say, that Bessus and that Narbasanes, Monsters of our Age, who have since basely imbrued their hands in the blood of their Prince. My Master having dismounted them, did the like to Mythranes, Megabises, Oxydates, Ariobarsanes, Phradates, Oriobates, and Cohortanus; and proud of so good success, set himself in order to receive the Valiant Memnon, who burning with Love for Barsina, Artabasus daughter, prepared himself to repair her Brother's dishonour. You since have known them both, Barsina afterwards being Memnon's Widow, merited the Affections of Alexander; and that great Memnon did such remarkable things against Alexander, that his memory will never die amongst the Persians. The Prince of Scythia knowing the reputation of this Man, who was already at that time highly advanced, gathered together his utmost force to preserv that honour against him, which he had gotten against Hydaspes; and therefore when he saw him move, he came to meet him in the midst of his Course. The violence of this encounter was so great, that their Javelins broke in a thousand pieces, and their Horses not being able to bear so unusual a shock, staggered backward, and could not recover themselves without the help of the Spur, with which their Masters having wakened them, got them again upon their Feet with much ado, and made an end of their Career, so that one could not observe any advantage on either side. A general Shout solemnised the excellency of that Course, and they that were acquainted with Memnon's Valour, already considered my Prince with admiration, while he alone despised himself; and vexed with Grief and Shame, took another Dart, by the example of Memnon who had done the like, and rushing against each other more impetuously than before, they made the whole Assembly admire a Career more furious than the former, but of a different success. Oroondates was sound shaken, and the valiant Memnon, after having tottered a while, fell at last under his horses feet. His fall caused great acclamations of wonder, which redoubling my Prince's courage, did at the same time work a contrary effect in some of those that yet remained. But Prince Artaxerxes already passionately in love with my Master's valour, would have made trial of it himself, and was advancing with that design, when he saw Rhesaces in the Career, and Spithridates at one end, to take the place of him that should be overthrown. These two famous Soldiers were they that made Alexander the Great, run so much hazard at the passage of the Granicus, and who were both slain in that battle, one by Alexander himself, and the other by the hand of Clitus; being both of them truly valiant, they put my Master to some trouble, but having been dis-mounted at the first Course, they gave way to the impatience of the Prince of Persia, who at last turned his horse to take his Career against Oroondates. Then it was that the whole place resounded with an Universal shout, and that all the Assembly admiring the valour of this Stranger, and grounding their last hopes on their Prince's courage, were in suspense expecting the success, and beheld intentively the Course of those two Warriors. They set out at the third signal of the Trumpets, but being ready to meet, my Master unwilling to offend the Prince of Persia, threw his Javeline to the ground, and covering himself with his shield, sat firm in his saddle, to receive the blow of so redoubted an hand: Artaxerxes dart was shivered in a thousand pieces, and if it had not slipped upon Oroondates shield, he had run an exceeding great hazard in that encounter; his horse was so astonished with it, that he flew back five or six steps, ready to set his hinder quarters on the ground; but my Master reviving him with the spur, thrust him forward, and settling himself in his seat, ended his Career, almost without seeming to have been at all discomposed. All the world observed this action, and the King himself having considered it, witnessed by the clapping of his hands, both the notice he had taken of it, and the marvellous esteem he had of that noble Stranger.  
But Prince Artaxerxes, who had perceived it as well as the rest, and who by reason of his surprise, and the swiftness of his courser had not been able to show the same consideration of him; turned his horse, quite astonished, and coming softly to him, said, being half nettled at this action: I know not why you spared me so, unless it were in contempt; yet I think not myself so inconsiderable, but that he with whomsoever I have to do, may stand in need of all his Forces; however, if it be out of any consideration of friendship, I remain much obliged to you for it, and ask you pardon for the vain attempt of my arms against you. My Prince who could not desire a better occasion to discover himself, took his hand, and bowing in respect to his very saddle, answered with a reasonable loud voice. He that would only bear arms for you, will never make use of them against you; and is not come so far to seek you, that he might give you proofs so contrary to the desire he has never to be but yours. I cannot contemn a virtue, of which I have already had so many testimonies; but since it hath absolutely won me, disdain not also the zeal of him, who hath dedicated the rest of his life unto your service. Artaxerxes more confounded then before, cast his arm about his neck, and embracing him lovingly; Whosoever you are (said he) though it were the King of Scythia himself, I am already wholly yours, and the knowledge of your virtue, and my obligation to you, engages me so powerfully to be so, that nothing shall ever be able to separate me from that resolution. But I beseech you (continued he, untying the straps of his head-piece) conceal no longer from me the face, nor name of him that hath so fully gained my heart, and to whom I have vowed myself with all my affections. I will obey you, replied Oroondates, and though neither of them are much known to you, perhaps they may recall into your mind the Idea of a person, to whom out of mere goodness, you have promised some part in the honour of your remembrance. At these words he unbuckled his helmet, and the beauty of his face, and youth, producing their ordinary effect, instantly drew the eyes, and the astonishment of the whole Assembly. Artaxerxes dazzled as well as the rest, knew him not at first, but having looked awhile upon him, and easily recalling to mind both the tone of his voice, and the features of his countenance, was so surprised with joy, and with amazement, that not being able to express either by word, or action, he remained a long time silent, and unmoveable. When his wonder was overpast, and that joy had gotten the sole place in his heart, it broke forth with a cry of gladness, and tears which he could not possibly retain, and then lifting up his hands, and eyes to Heaven; Great Gods (cried he) moderate your mercy to me, if you will not either have me die, or be unthankful; and having ended those few words, he threw himself into Oroondates arms, and hugged him between his with so much vehemence, that my Master found he truly and ardently loved him: My dear Orontes (said he, kissing him a thousand times) is it possible that it is you yourself, and that really I see you, and embrace you? Good Gods if it be a dream, grant that it may last eternally; and interrupting these words with infinite expressions of kindness, he would not have given them over of a long time, if the King who saw their actions from his state, but could not hear their words, had not sent Bagoas, to let him know he desired to share with him in his contentment, and in the sight of that gallant Stranger.  
Artaxerxes had no sooner received this command, but taking Oroondates by the hand, he led him to his father, showing in his face so excessive a joy, that every body judged he had some powerful cause to love him. Both of them having alighted, went up the steps of the Scaffold, and being come to the King, my Prince kneeling to salute him after the Persian manner, Artaxerxes at the same time said, Sir, to oblige you to pay this Stranger the honour that is due to him, I shall only need to tell you he is the Prince of the Massagetes. Darius' having learned by his son, the usage he had received from that Prince, appeared no less surprised than he, and rising with a sudden joy, took him up, and embraced him with much love, and tenderness; he began his kindnesses often times afresh, and observing things in him which were far above ordinary men, could not be content to make an end of them. My son (said he) (for so it is I may with just title call him, by whom I yet possess this other which the Gods have given me) what design soever may have brought you to this Court, know that you are here extremely welcome, and that affording me the sight of one of those two admirable persons, whom I have so ardently desired to behold, you make me no less happy, then when you preserved, and regave me my only son. If the Gods who have granted me Empires in subjection, had not given you virtue enough to disdain them, I would offer you part of mine, but since all that I possess, is below your merit, I can only offer you our hearts, and an eternal desire to requite your generosity, by all that shall ever come within our power. My Prince answered so obliging a discourse, with all manner of respect, and submission, considering the person of the greatest King in the world, the kindness he expressed to him, and the advantage he pretended by it. Darius' having moreover kissed his cheek, (a remarkable favour among the Persians) would himself present him to the Ladies, and having led him to their Scaffold; Ladies (said he, coming up to them) give the Prize unto this Prince, not only of the Courses, but of the life and liberty of Artaxerxes. Before they could answer, Artaxerxes told them the pretended name of my Master, and those great Princesses, seized with so unexpected a contentment, received him with testimonies of favour, which cannot be expressed; the Queens embraced him, and the Princesses more reserved, saluted him very civilly. After all the particularities of this reception, the Princess Statira, by the King's command, gave my Master the Prize of the Courses, which was a Bracelet of Diamonds, the fairest, and the best set that could be found in Asia. There was a civil contestation, between him, and Prince Artaxerxes, to whom he would have yeiled that honour, which being ended, he kneeled down to receive it, and then it was that all the Ladies considering him more nearly, thought they saw the same person from whom they had received so great a service, and of whom they yet dearly preserved the remembrance. Whilst they were yet in doubt of it, the Queen cast her eyes upon the Scarf she had given him, where observing the Letters of her own name, and that of Darius. It is too much (cried she) Great Gods! it is too much; and showing the Scarf to Sysigambis, and the Princesses, made them see clearly who it was: then instantly they all together sent forth cries of wonder which confounded the King, and the whole Company, and they so perfectly remembered all the lineaments of his face, that they were astonished at themselves for having been so long before they knew him. 'Tis he, (cried Sysigambis) 'tis he. Yes Madam, (replied the Prince) I am he who having committed against you an irreverence unworthy of forgiveness, come now to present myself at your feet, rather to expect punishments, then receive recompenses from you. They were ready to have answered him, if the King, and his son already instructed in the cause of their admiration, and transported more than can be imagined, had not interrupted them, to do him honours which it is impossible for me to relate. Oxyartes, Artabasus, Nazeus, and all those that were near Darius, saluted him with great expressions of friendship and respect: Even Memnon himself, Hydaspes, and the rest of those he had dismounted, passed many Compliments with him, and showed much joy to have yielded only to that hand, which in one night had preserved Darius his whole family. The King openly called him the Angel Guardian of his House; and I remember, that at that time, he broke forth into these Prophetic words to those that were about him: It cannot possibly be (said he) but that so great, and unexpected a happiness, must needs threaten me some very strange misfortune. He stuck but a while upon this thought, and getting up into his Chariot again, made Oroondates accompany him to his Palace, where he caused Lodgings to be appointed him, though he used great endeavours to avoid that honour: when they were come thither, the King entered into his Closet, whither calling only Artaxerxes, and my Master, he made the door be shut, and seeing himself alone with them, It is impossible (said he to my Prince) that being a Vassal and Kinsman to the King of Scythia, you should have left his Court, to retire to that of his mortal and irreconcilable Enemy, without very strong and pressing considerations; I beseech you hide them not from me, and believe that what cause soever can have brought you hither, you in my Court shall have both all manner of power, and a most assured retreat. The Prince of Scythia, after having with all humility given the King thanks for his most obliging offers, made him this answer, which he had contrived beforehand.  
The Gods are my witnesses, that in the two small services I had the honour to do your Majesty's Family, I had no other aim but that of my duty, and the respect I thought myself obliged to bear to persons of so high a quality; and that I never proposed unto myself, the glorious recompense I receive for them, without having merited the least part of it; Yet those whom I had most frequented, and who had least cause to suspect me, made not the same judgement of them; for assoon as I was returned unto the King, I was slandered for those two actions, by those very men that had accompanied me in them: whether it were that their brutishness disapproved things so contrary to their nature; or that they envied me the favours the Gods had granted me; or (as it is most probable) that they conceived this spleen against me, for having hindered them of the spoil they pretended to in prizes of such inestimable value; whatsoever it were, they accused me of treason, and of holding intelligence with your Majesty; and by their practices so stirred up the King against me, that he resolved to put me to death; I received divers advertisements of it, from many of my friends, but I despised them all, trusting to mine own innocence, till walking one day with the Prince of Scythia, that young Prince who ever loved me, and with whom I was brought up; having led me aside to a by-place where his action could not be observed by any body, wrote upon the ground with the point of a Javeline he had in his hand, these few words which I read as fast as he wrote them; Fly Orontes, or thou art but dead; but fly to day, if thou wilt not die to morrow: and having put out the writing with his foot, assoon as he saw that I had read it, he left me quite confounded, and went back to the rest of the Company. This advertisement had more power with me then all the rest, and made me believe, that that young Prince being bound by Oath not to tell his Father's secrets, had made use of that device to save me, without exasperating the Gods against himself: I than saw plainly it was a truth, and considering the danger that threatened me, I departed that very night with as small a retinue as possibly I could, without having any other design, then that of flying from the King's anger. The next day being already got a great way from our Camp, I remembered the Prince of Persia's goodness, and the promise he had made me, after the slight service I had done him. I also called to mind the good fortune I had had in the Encounter of the Queens, and persuaded myself, that being in disgrace only for th●se two occasions, I should not at all do unhandsomely, in making your Majesty my Sanctuary, and that you would be so gracious as to protect an innocent Prince, banished from his Country by the calumny of his Enemies.  
He added many other words to this discourse, at the end of which, the King said to him, If we did not receive a great advantage by your Disgrace, we should condole it with you; but how great soever our Obligations to you are, we cannot utterly lay aside the affection we bear ourselves: though the King of Scythia were not mine Enemy, I am bound by so many considerations to protect you, that I will hazard my Empires, and my life itself for your defence; and because it were not just you should be whappie only for having obliged us with so much generosity, believe that you shall find as advantageous conditions here, as among the Scythians; and that for the Province of the Massagetes which you lose, I will give you choice of the best of mine, without pretending to engage you, either to reveal the secrets of your Prince, or to bear arms against him. Oroondates casting himself at the King's feet, kissed his hand in a thankful acknowledgement of his favours, and retiring to his quarter, found order was already given to settle him a household. Presently they provided him an Equipage worthy of his true quality, and so great Pensions were allowed to entertain him, that he could not have been better fitted with all things, in the Court of the King his Father.  
See in what manner my Prince was received, and stayed by Darius with so much satisfaction, for his happy beginnings, that he lost the remembrance of all the dangers to which he exposed himself, and of all the difficulties he had yet to overcome. I had forgot to tell you, that the name of Orontes Prince of the Massagetes, was not an imaginary one; the Massagetes had really had a Prince of that name; of Oroondates age, and bred up with him, but they had lost him at the first passage of the Araxis, by the fall of a bridge of boats, which sunk unfortunately under him, and many others that perished with him; this reason persuaded my Master, to take the same name again, he had already given himself, at the encounter of Artaxerxes, believing that if the news thereof should come into Scythia, he might pass there for the true Orontes, who might be thought to have escaped drowning; knowing also, that notwithstanding all the diligence that could be used, they never by any means could find his body.  
In the mean time the King of Persia, who truly was one of the best, and most generous Princes in the world, seeing himself so highly obliged to my Master, desired to requite the services he had received from him, by such proofs of love, and such remarkable favours, as might serve for an example to Posterity, and a spur to those that were coldest in his service. And indeed he heaped so many preferments upon him, honoured him with so many offices, and assured him of his good will by so many tokens, that within a short time neither Memnon, Mazeus, Artabasus, nor Oxiartes himself were more considerable in the Court than he. Many persons, especially such as knew his obliging nature, made their applications to this new favourite, and to say truth, (he had unresistable charms to attract hearts withal, and wonderful strong chains to hold those he had attracted.) All the riches he received from Darius, he shared among those that were in most necessity, and straitened himself in his Domestic expenses, to follow his liberal inclination. All suitors for offices, or pensions, addressed themselves only to him; and though he carried himself very modestly toward the King, and never asked any thing of him but with bashfulness, yet did he proceed so handsomely, and with so much moderation, that without being accounted troublesome, he afforded part of his favour to all those that would acknowledge it. This manner of carriage, wrought an effect very extraordinary in the minds of the Courtiers, who suppressing their envious nature, beheld his fortune with gladness, and never gave us any knowledge that he had gained himself one enemy, for a thousand admirers; whether it were that they knew him void of ambition, or that the marvellous ascendent he hath upon all hearts exempted him; or that (as it is also probable) he tied them to him by good turns, wherewith he obliged all the world. The Queens and Princesses moved by gratitude, and the inclination they had to virtue, together with the King's command, strove who should favour him most, and devested themselves of that gravity, which in Persia is usual among Ladies of their quality, to give him proofs of their good opinion. In all Companies they let him see the particular esteem they had of him; contrary to the custom he had free access, and entrance into their Lodgings, and conversations, and by the Kings will and command, he lived with them, in the same freedom as Prince Artaxerxes. But all the demonstrations of love he received from the King, the Ladies, and the whole Kingdom, were weak in comparison of those that were shown him by that Prince. He gave his heart so absolutely to my Master, and my Master engaged himself in so strict a friendship with him, that never were two Lovers linked with a more violent passion; whether it were a hunting, or at other exercises, or in visiting Ladies, they were never seen asunder; At first Oroondates pressed Artaxerxes to receive what was due to him from the Prince of the Massagetes; but he so often testified he was not pleased with those respects, and conjured him so ardently to forbear them, that my Master, after much resistance, was at last constrained to let himself be overcome, and to live with him almost in the same fashion, as he should have done if his true quality had been known. This freedom absolutely conquered Oroondates, and plunged him into that friendship, for which he hath since received such sensible afflictions; And truly I must confess to you, that the Sun never beheld any thing more lovely than Artaxerxes, and that I have not attributed any qualities to my Master, which that Prince possessed not as advantageously as he: You already know something of his valour, his handsomeness was admirable, his goodness went beyond it, and in all his actions he had a grace so little common, that it was impossible to know him, and not to love him. I wonder not if my Master was bound to him with so strong a chain, since I myself have felt the effects of his merits, with a passion which shall for ever make me reverence his memory.  
This remembrance made some tears fall from Araxes eyes, and Lysimachus who till then had hearkened without interrupting him, coming as it were out of a trance, in which his astonishment and attention to the recital of those extraordinary things, had buried him; I bear a part with you (said he) in your grief whatsoever it be; but you have told me such strange adventures, and wherein I perceive I shall have a very great share, that it is impossible for me to express the confusion you have put me in: Yet proceed I pray you, and fear not that I will interrupt you.  
The Prince of Scythia (continued Araxes) did indeed receive some satisfaction in the kindness of Artaxerxes, in the favour of Darius, and in the love of his whole Family, and constrained himself as much as was possible for him, to testify his acknowledgement; But his passion which was infinitely augmented by conversing with the Princess, could not be satisfied with those contentments; and those favours wherewith he was in a manner overwhelmed, how dear soever they were to him, began to be but troublesome, when he turned his thoughts upon those, whereon he had fixed his whole desires. He saw the Princess daily, entertained her with much liberty, and was looked upon with a very favourable eye, that great and virtuous Lady thinking herself obliged, to take off much of her severity for his sake, and at least to afford a good●look, to the preserver of the whole Royal Family; besides, my Master's rare endowments, already producing in her, some of their usual effects; had made no light impression in a mind already prepossessed with powerful obligations. This conversation perfected the undoing of my poor Prince, and discovering charms in the mind and manners of that divine Princess, which were more attractive than those he had observed in her face, he gave himself so over to his passion, that by it, he lost not only part of his invincible courage, but also the whole remainder of his quiet. The liberty he had with her, made him but the more sad, and all he could do for himself in his present condition, was to be patient and wait the pleasure of the Gods, without attempting any other remedy. To express love to her as Orontes, he saw but little reason, and less hope of being favourably received; and to discover himself, was the utter ruin of all his projects, and too evident a danger of his life, which yet he would have hazarded without difficulty, if he had seen but never so little probability in his design; These considerations which he often did me the honour to communicate to me, made him resolve to keep himself still undiscovered; And in the interim endeavour to win the Princess' favour under the name of Orontes; till being assured of it by some proofs, and having made himself yet more powerful with the King by some important service, he might see more encouragement, and less danger to declare himself.  
In the mean time he continued his visits, but he entertained the Princess with so much respect, and wariness, and with discourses so far from the inclinations he had to her, that unless by his ardent sighs he gave some knowledge of his passion, it was no easy matter for her to perceive it. Not but that he sought all occasions to please her, and to do her all kind of little services with such care and watchfulness as is not to be found in one indifferent; his looks also spoke sufficiently to make him be understood by an interessed person: but his mouth was always silent, and his tongue tied up by so profound a respect, that it left its whole business to his eyes, and to his heart all the pain it suffered for the temerity he accused it of. He continued upon these terms two or three days, and his disquiets so charged his humour, that growing daily more melancholic, and less sociable, he at last was hardly to be known. When I undertook to comfort him, and to condemn the weakness he showed, he answered me with nothing but sighs and sobs, which piercing my very soul with grief, made me detest his ruinous passion: His body grew quickly sensible of his mind's affliction, and his former good looks gave place to a fallow complexion, which left almost no mark of that excelling comelyness, that was wont to work an astonishment in the Persians. Artaxerxes who from day to day, observed so wonderful an alteration, took a great deal of pains to find the cause, but Oroondates still put him off with some feigned excuse, and disguised the truth from him by all the pretences he could invent. He tried to divert him by all manner of pass-times, and exercises, but seeing all his cares were vain, he bore a part of his trouble with very much discontent, and was so excessively grieved, that my Master knowing his affection by those visible proofs, constrained himself in his presence, and forced his countenance to express a pleasantness, of which his heart was utterly uncapable. The King, who loved him dearly, used his endeavours to infuse mirth into him, nor did the Queens and Princesses forget any kind of divertisement to withdraw him from a sadness, which infected the whole Court.  
One Evening the King being with the Queen his Mother, where the Queen his wife, the Princesses his daughters, and the fairest Ladies of the Court were likewise; the Company having long entertained itself with the change of my Master's looks and humour, and every one diversely alleging the cause, the King giving his opinion: Without doubt, 'tis Love, (said he) that hath robbed us of the Prince of the Massagetes, and he hath infallibly left some beauty in Scythia, which persecutes him here in Persia, and so revenges her Country for the injury we do it, in depriving it of a Prince, who is one of its chiefest ornaments. Artabasus, who was near the King, replied: Do you think, Sir, that among so many Ladies as are here, there may not one be found, whose beauty might have produced an effect so disadvantageous to our contentment? For my part, I believe 'tis among the Persians, Orontes has lost that liberty he preserved among the Scythians, since he hath left that pleasing humour, and those fresh looks here, which he brought with him out of his own Country. If it be so, (cried the King) and that among our Ladies there be any one so cruel, as to let him continue longer in a condition so worthy of pity, I declare myself her mortal enemy, and swear by the Sun, I will receive all the harsh usage she shall show him, as done to mine own person. Artaxerxes to second the King his Father, conjured all the Ladies one after another, to have compassion of his dear Orontes; and the Queen his Mother added, I do not believe that among all our Ladies, there is any so flinty as to reject Orontes affections, nor that the credit of a King, or intercession of a friend can obtain much, where his merits have been able to do nothing. Oroondates, who was touched to the heart with all these discourses, would often have answered such obliging speeches, but fearing he should not have power enough over his passion, to keep himself from giving some knowledge of it, either by his words, or action, he went to join Discourse with the Princess Roxana, Barsina, and Memnon, who were conversing together near a window, and left them not till the King retired: but during their entertainment, he had his eyes so fixed upon the Princess, and showed so much distraction in all his talk, that Roxana was like to have suspected something of the truth.  
After that time, seeing how concerned the whole Court was in his sad or pleasing humour, and in what manner his least actions were observed, he strove to dissemble part of his discontent, and to give those that were most curious, less occasion of inquiry after the cause of it, not being willing to discover that by his imprudence, which he hid with so much care, even to the loss of all his repose and quietness. But alas! the disease was already too violent, and his soul was too full of passion, to afford a room for any other thing. This constraint made him still grow worse, and he would have wasted away insensibly to nothing, if that which happened to him shortly after, had not made some change, or rather alteration in his fortune.  
The fairness of a day extraordinary clear, and temperate for the season it then was, invited the Princesses, to walk in the Gardens of the Palace, the greatest Gallants waited on them thither, and at their alighting out of their Chariots, Oroondates took Statira by the hand, Hydaspes Parisatis, Artaxerxes Roxana, and Memnon his dear Barsina; Rhesaces, Ariobarsanes, Orsines, and some others, led Arsinoe, Cleone, and other fair Ladies, whereof the Persian Court was exceedingly well stored: It is not necessary for me to describe the beauty of those Gardens to you, you have seen them in their greatest glory, before the insolency of some loose women, carried on your Great King to the ruin of the bravest Palace, and fairest City of the world. After that the whole Company had walked together awhile, it divided itself according to the several inclinations of the Ladies, one part ran to the Fountains, another sought for shade in Arbours; some sat down upon the grass, and the rest visited the fair and sp●cious Allies. Statira being herself alone with Oroondates, in a by-walk, twenty or thirty paces from all the Company, resolved to take that time to discover his trouble; and when she thought no body could overhear her, having looked a while earnestly upon him; Orontes (said she) after the proofs we have had of your nobleness and civility, have I not reason to believe you have also a readiness to comply with Ladies, and particularly with them that esteem you so much as I do: I say, who unfeignedly acknowledge your generosity more, than all those you have obliged? My Prince astonished at the beginning of this Discourse, was a while without answering; but in the end, that he might not continue silent, Madam, (said he, with a very low humility) there is so much glory in pleasing and obeying you, that though I were not engaged, both by duty and inclination to that compliance, and obedience, I find too high recompenses thereby, ever to forsake either of them so long as I live. I expected no less, (replied the Princess) from a civility so well known to me; but if I be not satisfied with words, and that the interest I take in your good will, makes me desire proofs thereof: will you not fall off from that obedience you promise me, and leave me the trouble and shame of a refusal, which mine indiscretion hath perchance deserved? Oroondates not knowing whither this Discourse would tend, answered her trembling with love and respect; No, Madam, I will never fall back from the vow I have made to obey you eternally, and should I in that honour meet the certain loss of my life, it is too advantageous to me, not to embrace it, as my most glorious fortune. That's too much, (replied Statira) I have sense enough of my obligations to you, never to buy the greatest good I could wish for, at such a price; and indeed it is nothing but the desire of its preservation that makes me curious, and perhaps indiscreet, in urging you to things which it may be are both against your humour, and against your resolution: In short, Orontes, that which I desire of you, (both by the remembrance of your promise, and by the consideration of that which you love best in the world) is nothing else but a confession of the true cause of your affliction. I conjure you to it, Orontes, as much as it is possible for me, and I protest to you it is not out of any curiosity in my humour, that I entreat this of you; but out of the real compassion I have of your trouble, and a desire to procure its redress, by all the means that shall depend upon my assistance, and the credit of the King my Father. If my Prince had been struck with thunder, he could not have been more suddenly deprived of all sens than he was at the hearing of these words; he was not able to keep himself from stepping back, and changing colour two or three times, with actions of a man quite beside himself; and was so inwardly touched, that the Princess who considered all his carriage with astonishment, repented herself of having pressed him so far: but much more, when lifting up his eyes, (from which he could not withhold some tears) and fixing them upon hers; Ah! Madam, (said he, with the tone of his voice quite altered) What is't you ask me? He repeated these words twice, and then walking about twenty paces with her, before he spoke, being entranced like a man in the agony of death, he had a thousand designs in his head, all which in the end gave place to his last resolution; that being taken he made a stand, and turning toward the Princess, so changed, that she was much troubled at it: Yes, Madam, (said he) I will obey you, and though I see my death inevitable in what you desire of me, I remember that in the offers I made you, I exempted it not from the proofs of my obedience. The Princess as much surprised as he, and perhaps beginning to doubt the truth, was very sorry she had gone so far, and interrupting him, said, No, no, Orontes, I will have none from you of that nature; I thought I had asked something of smaller moment; but since it is of so great importance, I, if you please, will disengage you of all you have promised me. My Master, who after a strong conflict, had already taken his resolution, and who without doubt, would have been sorry to lose an opportunity, which perchance he might not find again in his whole life time, resolved to break through that dangerous passage, and said to her with a voice a little more confident; No, no, Madam, 'tis now too late to free me from a thing, to which I am already engaged, both by my promise, and by other too powerful considerations; and that charitable care you express for the conservation of my life, will not be unuseful to me, when you shall know it depends only upon yourself; the Gods are my witnesses, (continued he, lifting up his eyes and hands to Heaven) that nothing but your command alone, could have drawn from my mouth, a confession which will be most fatal to me, and which without your express injunction, I would have carried with me secret and undiscovered to my grave: Yes, doubtless, I should rather have chosen to die in silence, then incur your displeasure by so presumptuous a Declaration: but since that besides the obligation to which your will has engaged me, I see my destruction evident on all sides however, I shall think it both more glorious, and more justifiable, when by your own command, I shall have told you, that you yourself are the cause of it: Let not this insolent confession surprise you, Madam, nor do not turn away your eyes through horror, or indignation, from this unfortunate man: It's true, Madam, I have said it, and if at the last extremity of my life, I may be permitted to say't again, I die for you; and if one death be too poor to satisfy you, accuse the gods for having given me but one life, to make reparation for an offence, the expiation whereof would require a thousand. The Prince would have said more, if the Princess touched to the quick with so free a Declaration, and who knowing herself to be daughter to the greatest King upon Earth, thought no Prince in the world ought to speak to her in such terms as those, had not pulled her hand away from him, and sat down upon a green Bank, looking on him with eyes full of disdain, while this poor Prince leaning against a Tree, waited trembling, for the sentence of his condemnation. She bethought herself awhile what she should answer, wavering between anger, and compassion; she had already some good will towards him, and though she thought herself highly offended, she also remembered what he had done for her and hers; which indeed were services considerable enough, to blot a light offence out of the mind of one so nearly obliged: this reflection softened her a little, but hindered her not from making this answer, with much coldness and moderation. Orontes, if the obligations I have to you for my Brother's life, and the liberty of our family, were not as great as the fault you are guilty of, I should not want means to make you understand the nature of an offence, which without doubt, your good reception in this Court, hath encouraged you to commit: but since whether I will or no, I am much indebted to you, and that by mine impertinent curiosity, I have some share in your fault myself, I will conceal't, upon condition you shall never entertain me again with such like follies, and that you will utterly lose all thought of them, on pain of my everlasting hatred. These words went so near to Oroondates, that depriving him of speech and sense, they made him fall down at her feet, without any sign of life. The Princess touched at that object, with compassion, astonishment, and perhaps with an affection then taking birth, cast forth a great cry, at which two of her maids who were not far off came running, and after them Barsina, and Memnon, and a while after Artaxerxes, and the whole company; their grief was very violent, but not long, and my Master coming to himself within a while, drew them out of that apprehension, into which his swooning had put them. He was much ashamed to find himself, in the midst of all that company, and in the arms of Artaxerxes, who bedewed his face with tears; but when he had well recovered his sense and reason, he feared he had by that accident discovered, what he so much desired to conceal; and rising up, begged pardon of the Company, for the trouble his indisposition had given them; so taking his leave of them, and of his Princess by a look that had something of fatal in it, he retired with Prince Artaxerxes, who by no means would forsake him, and with many others who accompanied him to his Lodging.  
Araxes would have gone on with his Discourse, and Lysimachus harkened to him with so much attention, that he never thought of dining, and would have passed the rest of the day, before it had ever come into his mind, if Amintas, and Polemon had not come to interrupt them for that purpose: They returned into the house, and Lysimachus having made such a meal as the disquietness of his thoughts would suffer him, went to visit Oroondates, whom he no longer could behold without admiration; he found him taking his rest, and not being willing to disturb it, he took Araxes by the hand, and brought him to the same place where they had passed the morning, sufficiently expressing by that action what he desired of him. That faithful servant, who knew his meaning, and who was never so well satisfied, as when he was talking of his Master, without making himself to be entreated, began to continue his Relation on this manner.   
The End of the First Book.   

CASSANDRA BOOK II.  
THE accident that had happened to my Master, passed in the opinion of the whole Court, for an effect of his bodily indisposition, and of all them that had been present, perhaps there was not one who guessed at the true cause of it. Assoon as he was in his Chamber, Prince Artaxerxes would needs have him go to bed, and take his rest the remainder of that day, without being disturbed by any body; he did so to obey him, and was no sooner said, but the Prince after having closely embraced him, and conjured him to be cheerful, retired, and carried with him all the company that waited on him: Assoon as Oroondates saw himself at liberty, his sighs and tears broke forth with so much violence, that I thought his soul would have gone out with them: I drew near to comfort him, and to take that part I was wont to bear in his affliction; but I no sooner began to open my mouth, when, Let me alone Araxes, (said he) and give this miserable wretch leave to die in peace; tie not thyself any longer to the fortune of the most unhappy man upon the face of the whole Earth▪ take all the Money and Jewels I have left, return to thy friends and mine, and lose both the sight and the remembrance of him that would overwhelm thee in his ruins, if thou shouldst still be so obstinate as to keep him company: I endured thy assistance as long as I was suffered to live, but now that is forbidden me, and that I have received the cruel sentence of my death, leave this unfortunate man for ever, and go tell the King of Scythia the fatal adventure of his son; tell him I am dead, by a Sovereign Decree, but a Decree pronounced by the fairest mouth in the world; tell him, That Darius takes revenge by his Daughter, for the Defeat of his Armies, and that I satisfy for the blood of so many thousand Persians, slain by him cruelly in the Wars. He said many other things, which pierced my very heart with compassion, and made me answer with a deluge of tears, which I poured forth at his bed side; I would nevertheless have alleged some reasons, to settle him in better temper, but he stopped my mouth, saying, It is enough, Araxes, let's talk no more on't, Satira will have me die, and I am fully resolved to obey her; oppose my intention no longer, since thou knowest I am not ignorant of the means. Yes fair Princess, (continued he, lifting up his eyes and crossing his arms upon his breast) you shall be served your own way, and you shall not at all stand in need of any body's assistance, to punish me for the offence I have committed against you: you forbid me to speak, nay, you forbid me to think of my affection; but than you should have forbidden me to come into your Tent that fatal night, in which I preserved both you and yours, from the insolency of the Scythians. That small service for which you confess yourself indebted to me whither you will or no, makes you conceal my crime; but that which you call crime, aught to be a thousand times more considerable to you then that service. In serving you in that encounter, I did but an action of a Prince; but in forsaking all my friends, and divesting myself of all the bonds of nature, to receive an inevitable destruction at your feet, I have done an action of a Prince that loves you, and of a Prince that dies for you; 'tis true, you are ignorant of these obligations, but those that are known to you, are considerable enough, to make me expect the same success in those that are unknown.  
You threaten me with your eternal hatred; Ah! Cruel, and what have I done to you worthy of it? Examine the nature of mine offence, and you will see I am not so guilty, but that my death may free me from part of that severity; shall your hatred last longer than my life; And can you detest a soul that forsakes its body only to obey you? No, no, dear Princess, you are not so hard hearted, that satisfaction will without doubt content you, and when I shall cease to be, surely I shall cease to be odious to you.  
He said a thousand other things to this purpose, and though I used all my endeavours to make him take something to refresh him, he still obstinately refused, and passed the whole night in complaints, that would have touched the most insensible hearts with pity.  
When I came to his bedside in the morning, I found him in a burning Fever; Prince Artaxerxes who came into his Chamber assoon as it was day, was exceedingly grieved at it, and sending for his Physicians, forced him by my entreaty, to take something in his presence; without his help I should never have brought him to it, but for fear he should visibly show him his despair, he obeyed: yet assoon as he was gone, he refused all things, and mocked at all the Physicians prescriptions. The King came that day to visit him, and expressed so much trouble for his sickness, that his grief was redoubled by knowing he had so many partakers in it. The Queens came thither also, and the Princess Parisatis for the Princess Statira, fearing that her presence or countenance might discover something, feigned an indisposition to exempt herself from that visit. My poor sick Master, who made not so favourable an interpretation of her absence, was so touched with that inhumanity, that his Fever grew thereby much more violent. He passed the second night as he had done the first, and it was no sooner day, but he presently called for his clothes; he was in so unfit a condition to rise, that it was long ere he could persuade me to obey him; but in the end seeing he would have no denial, and that he began to be angry with the Grooms of his Chamber, I was fain to be patient, and expect what would be the issue of his design: when he was ready, he went with much ado into his Closet, commanding me to let in no body but Prince Artaxerxes: he had scarcely shut himself in, but the Prince entered the Chamber, and coming softly to his bed, he admired when he found him not there, but more when I told him in how weak estate he was gotten up, and what charge he had given me. Before he saw him, I begged that he would employ his power to persuade him to have more care of himself, wherein he promised me to use his utmost endeavours.  
Assoon as he was gone in to him, and had bidden him good morrow, he ran with open arms to embrace him; but my Master putting him back as well as his weakness would suffer him, No, no Artaxerxes, (said he) 'tis not to me these kindnesses are any longer due; you must now change your manner of living with me, and with your error lose a friendship which I have not reserved, and which I can no longer keep without deceiving you. Though the advantages I receive thereby are exceeding great, I cannot suffer myself to be guilty of abusing you, and having nothing more to fear, I have now no more need to dissemble. Artaxerxes amazed at this discourse, expected the end of it with trouble, and astonishment, while Oroondates forcing himself beyond the strength his present indisposition had left him, continued on this manner: Be not so soon transported with wonder Artaxerxes, and since you have so much desired to know the cause of my discontent, learn with it the crime, the name, and the quality of him you have honoured with your friendship; But rather (pursued he, taking a Dagger which lay upon the Table, and presenting the handle of it to him) take this steel for a revenger of my crimes, and assoon as I have spoke the word, strike through the heart of this disloyal man, who hath repaid your open freedom with dissimulation; let not our friendship dissuade you from it, for though I dearly preserve its memory, 'twill quickly be at an end on your part; think not you shall infringe the remainder of it by this action, since it is safe for your Estate, pleasing to all your friends, and since by sending me out of this world, you will free yourself of an enemy, who were not to be despised if his hatred were hereditary; to conclude, consider me no longer as Orontes, Prince of the Massagetes, who had the happiness to do you some small service, but as Oroondates Prince of Scythia, and lawful Successor to him that hath so often died the Fields red in the blood of your Subjects, and whom (to make him completely guilty) the Beauty of the Princess Statira your Sister drew unto this Court, where her hatred hath reduced him to that miserable condition in which you see him: why do you delay still, now you know all this? you will not be to be blamed for destroying him, whom you have so much cause to hate, the King your Father will thank you, and your Sister, who before she knew me, was taught to hate me from her Cradle, will think herself extremely obliged to you for it.  
Artaxerxes whom so unexpected a discovery had made more unmoveable than a Statue, knew not whether he were awake, or in a sleep, and not being able to imagine such strange things could be other than a dream; he was absolutely like a dead body, save that the tears which ran down his face, gave some testimony that he was alive. In the mean time Oroondates persisted in his design, and angry to see him so slow to take revenge; these tears (said he) injure your courage, and this irresolution wrongs the generosity of Artaxerxes; let not this occasion escape, to revenge yourself of a powerful enemy, and to oblige a faithful friend: my death will be more glorious, and more welcome from your hand, then from mine own, and though both should refuse to give it me; Love, Grief, and Sickness will shortly satisfy my desires. Artaxerxes who till then had harkened to him with attention, wakened at last as out of a deep sleep, and knowing that all he saw was most assuredly true, after having considered awhile, he threw himself suddenly upon him, his heart being so pressed between a mixture of grief and joy, that he was a long time before he could get out one word. Though Oroondates loved him more than his own self, (the condition he was in rendering him uncapable to taste any happiness) he at first received his kindness very coldly, but then coming to consider, with what affection, the Prince embraced him, after a Declaration, that seemed justly to exempt him from it, he was ashamed to let himself be overcome in generosity, and hugging him in his arms, as close as his weakness could permit, he made him quickly know, he had not put of the affection of Orontes, though he had laid aside his name, and quality: They held one another a good while in such straight embraces, that they seemed to be become one body; but at last the time they spent in them having something dissipated Artaxerxes astonishment, and given him leisure to recover his spirits, he said to Oroondates, with a more settled countenance; Great Prince, the error your disguise has made me live in, causes in me as much trouble, as the honour of seeing you in this place does joy for so unexpected a happiness. I have failed infinitely in my behaviour toward you, and if I were not assured of your goodness, I should have no hope of pardon; as you (if I may say such a thing) shall be a good while before you obtain it, for an opinion that has mortally offended me. Cruel Oroondates, could you believe that the change of your condition, and the hatred of our Families, could change my affection to you, and that Artaxerxes was so cowardly to lay hold of such a base occasion, to revenge himself of an Enemy, from whom he has received both his life, and liberty? No, no generous Prince, Posterity shall not blush for a crime, the stain whereof would remain eternally in the blood Royal of Persia, and it shall never be reproached to me, that the knowledge of Oroondates, blotted out my remembrance of our Obligations to Orontes; I loved you as Orontes, but I will honour you as Oroondates; and if the alteration of your quality allow me any remainder of your former liberty, I will love you always more than myself, since it is impossible for me to live without your affection; receive great Prince, these new assurances I give you of mine, and refuse me not the confirmation of those I have received from you. If Statira (who is too much honoured by your love) have not the same inclinations, and same sense of the pains you have taken for her, I will disown her, and declare myself her most most bitter enemy; I hope nevertheless that the knowledge of your merits, and of your birth, added to the force of my persuasions, will be able to do much with her, against whom I take your part with so strong a passion, that you shall soon perceive, how dear your interests are to me. All the recompense I pretend to by it, is nothing but to change your discontented manner of life, since I can take no pleasure in mine, while you are so afflicted, and that from henceforth you ought to rely upon my care, in whatsoever shall concern you.  
It is not possible for me to relate Oroondates joy and wonder, his hope raising itself by such sweet promises, he became quite changed in a moment, and these testimonies of a friendship which was so dear, and so advantageous to him, produced very sudden and marvellous effects, both in regard of the health of his body, and of the quiet of his mind; and indeed, he so forgot his sickness to answer Artaxerxes freedom, and engaged himself so far in protestations of service and friendship, that he would not have given over of a long time, if that Prince who forsook not the care of his health, had not in a manner by force made him go to bed, refusing to hear any more till he was there again. When he had yielded to his desires, Artaxerxes sat down by his bed side; and there being no body but I left in the Chamber, he commanded me to recount to him my Master's adventures, which till that day he was ignorant of. My Prince, notwithstanding all Artaxerxes endeavours to hinder him by reason of his fever, would needs make the recital of them himself, not thinking any body else was able to express the least part of his passion; he took up the Story therefore from the beginning of his love, not hiding from him the smallest particularities, even to the Princess' last words which had caused his falling into the swoon, the occasion whereof Artaxerxes till then was ignorant of; and he related it so feelingly, that the very remembrance of it would have put him into the same condition, if the Prince who had harkened to him without interruption, had not comforted him with these words. Though your distrust, and obstinacy in concealing yourself, from the most faithful Friend you ever had, touches me very sensibly, I will not call to mind that injury, since you have forgotten greater, and of more importance, and without considering the offence I commit against him by whom I came into this world, I will employ my endeavours for you with such care that they shall not be unprofitable. Statira loves me exceedingly, and you are exceeding lovely, these two points make me hope for all manner of good fortune, if yours depend only upon her, since while I entreat her as your friend, I will counsel her as her brother: I assure myself she will hearken to us, and I already believe she hates you not considering that besides the obligations for which she is indebted to you, I dare swear there are few Ladies in the Court that have not some inclination to you; lose not this opinion for the words she spoke, they are no sign of aversion; and it were very strange if so unexpected an encounter with a discourse so unlooked for from a man whom she ever thought her inferior, should not have extremely surprised her: you know the customs of her sex, and especially of those of her quality: consider them I beseech you, and instead of casting yourself into a despair unworthy of your courage recover your former health, your former humour, and expect all manner of satisfaction, from your own merit and my assistance. And do you, (replied Oroondates) expect from me all that you ought to look for from a Prince, whom you have drawn out of the grave, and who will not with less passion embrace the occasions of sacrificing himself for you, than he would that excess of happiness you promise him.  
After these passages and some others, Artaxerxes took leave of him to go labour for his contentment, and to give him liberty to take a little rest. I say rest, since indeed he now began to taste some in such sweet hopes, and that he forsook the desire of death, upon which he had so firmly fixed his resolution; though the disorder he had committed in rising that day, had something moved him, yet was not his fever the more violent for it▪ and within two hours after the Prince of Persia's departure, the Physicians found less distemper in his pulse, and more signs of recovery in his voice and countenance.  
In the mean time Prince Artaxerxes giving the God's thanks for their favour, in affording him the means to requite part of his engagements to my Master, resolved to lay hold of the occasion with so much care that he might never be accused of ingratitude; and not being willing to delay it longer, assoon as he was out of my Master's Chamber, he went (as I have learned since) from Oroondates, to Princess Statira's Lodging. He found her without any other company but her maids, and not desiring witnesses of what he had to say, he prayed her to go into her Closet. When they were there together and had shut the door, the Prince making her sit down by him, after he had a while looked silently upon her, took her hands, and pressing them gently between his: Sister, (said he, with a voice less confident than at other times) is it not true that you love me well? Brother (answered the Princess) I know not to what end you ask assurances from me, of a thing which I believe you do not doubt. But I mean (replied he) that it is with a friendship more than ordinary, and that you will not refuse to give me proofs of it, when I shall desire them from you, They must needs be very difficult ones if I do (said the Princess) since it is not truer that I am Statira, than it is that I love Artaxerxes more than all the world. I ask not so much (replied he) and I will never envy another that which he hath deserved better than I; wonder not Sister (continued he) if I ask you questions, which your manner of living does without doubt make you think strange; I did really believe you loved me, and upon that belief, I have laid a foundation for my life; but see well to the confirmation you give me of it, and remember, that if you have the heart to repent you, when I shall desire proofs, you ought no longer to hold Artaxerxes for your brother; but for the man whom you have the most mortally offended in the whole world, and for him, whom you will most infallibly send unto his grave. Till then the Princess was not moved at his discourse, but seeing with how much earnestness he spoke, she answered him more seriously; The Prince of Persia has so much affection to his Sister, that he will never desire any thing from her, unworthy of either of them, neither will she refuse him her very life, if he ask it of her, for a proof of hers. I will ever be ready to lay down mine, for the conservation of yours, (replied the Prince) and will rather consent to mine own ruin, then to your disadvantage; you have reason to believe it dearest sister, and I also will believe that desiring only things which are easy, and which you ought to do, you will not refuse them, when your brother's safety is concerned. In short, dear sister, not to detain you longer, it is mine own life I beg of you, in that of my dear Orontes, both of them depending absolutely upon you, and you ought not to judge otherwise of the condition I am in, then by that to which you have reduced him. If he die it is impossible I should live, if he live, I shall be indebted to you for my preservation; and it is rather me, than him you make to suffer the punishments of that presumption whereof you do accuse him. Wonder not, Sister, 'tis in the last extremity of his life, that he has discovered to me what passed between you; and 'tis in the same extremity he hath made himself known, but known to be such an one, that I may without injury to the Crown of Persia, beg that of you for him, which you might refuse Orontes.  
Stick not therefore upon his quality, for it is equal to ours, and we have found him too powerful to have any reason to despise him: I must not keep you longer in suspense, besides your obligation to him, and your love to me, you have also discretion enough to deserve to be trusted with a secret of this consequence, and to persuade me to discover to you, that it is no longer to Orontes, Prince of the Massagetes, you are so much indebted, but to the valiant Oroondates Son to the Great Emperor of Scythia, and lawful Successor of the most Potent Empire of all Europe. Be not amazed, dear Sister, but take this I tell you for a thing as true, as to you it appears strange. He is no longer a Fugitive Prince, who to fly the anger of his King, hath sought for Sanctuary in our Court: but a Prince, who burning for love of you ever since that first sight, which-was so fatal to him, and so advantageous to our family, hath abandoned the tender affection of his Father, and the Countries over which Heaven made him to be born a Sovereign, hath traveled thus far into his Enemy's Territories, and hath exposed himself to so many evident dangers to see you, and to dedicate a life unto you, which he would not preserve but for your sake. He would have gone on still, when the Princess who had harkened to him with much attention and more astonishment, not suffering him to proceed farther, cried out, O Gods! Brother do you abuse me, or must I give credit to what you say? You ought to do so, (replied he) since I tell it you seriously, and conjure you to receive him as his birth, his merit, and the services he hath done you, oblige you to do. What, would you have me love the Son of our sworn Enemy, (said Statira?) Sure if you consider how highly it will offend him to whom we owe our being, you will not think it strange if I disobey you. I shall think it a greater cruelty than death itself (answered Artaxerxes) having vowed such a friendship to the Prince of Scythia, that our fortunes henceforth are inseparable: If you will not save his life, I beseech you detain me here no longer, and believe you never shall see Artaxerxes more, but at his Funeral.  
Is it possible, (replied the Princess) you should be so passionately concerned for him that hath so often shed the blood of your Nation, and with whom you can hope for no peace, so long as his Father and yours are living? But is it possible cruel Sister (said he) you should conserve the memory of that, after so many obligations, which ought to have wiped it clean out of your remembrance? Are your interests in it greater than mine? And can you look upon him as Oroondates, who hath made his valour appear to our loss, when he knew us not, and that his duty obliged him to it; without considering him at the same time, as the man that saved the honour, the liberty, and the life of you and yours, and who to see you, and serve you, has made no difficulty to forsake his party, his kingdom, his father, and his life itself, which he is come to deliver into the hands of his most mortal Enemies? Shall a pretended injury, make you forget such real services? And can it so prepossess you, as to keep you from knowing what you owe to the pains and hazards to which he hath exposed himself for your sake? It is impossible (Statira) that ever you should be able to requite them; and should you do much more in favour of him then I demand, you would scarce disengage yourself of a part of your own debt, besides what is due to his interests and mine. Let us consider yours, Sister, since I protested I would never desire any thing to your disadvantage; can you wish for a greater Prince, or a match more suitable to your birth? Would you have a handsomer man; or rather is it possible so many excellent qualities, and that comeliness able to charm the rockiest hearts, should have suffered you to remain unsensible? No, no, dear Sister, if you have been so hitherto, it is now time to let yourself be conquered; you have defended yourself too long against his merits, against the obligations you have to him, and against the earnest intercession of a brother, that loves you far more than his own self.  
To these words he added many others, able to soften a more savage heart than Statira's; in which, finding some inclination, they in the end forced her to yield to so many powerful motives. She was a long time in these reflections, without answering her brother, who sometimes embracing her with much tenderness, and sometimes falling on his knees, forgot neither prayers nor tears, to move her to compassion▪ At last lifting up her head, and coming out of a deep study, she looked upon him with something a kinder eye, and casting her arm about his neck, said, Well then, brother, what must I do to satisfy you? The Prince transported with joy, after he had straight embraced her, You must cure poor Oroondates (answered he) by an usage contrary to that, which put him into the condition you shall see him in, and by a disavowing of the words you spoke to him. Will that suffice for your satisfaction, replied the Princess? No, no, sister, (said Artaxerxes) when you have raised him again from the place where you have laid him, you must acknowledge his services, by giving him leave to hope for a friendship, which he hath so well deserved. Well (answered Statira) I grant you all you desire, since you force me to it, and that it is impossible for me to resist any thing wherein you take so deep an interest; For your sake, I will give him leave to love me. That's not enough, (cried Artaxerxes) his affection requires more than so, and deserves that his own consideration should oblige you to it; add but that word (dear sister) if you would have me the most happy of all men living. You are very troublesome (answered Statira smiling) yet since I have done so much, I will refuse you nothing more; but will leave to you the whole care and management of an affection, into which you are going to engage me, and wherein I foresee an infinite number of obstacles; your prudence shall make way through them if it can, and remember I have but a small share in the fault which you make me to commit. The Prince extremely overjoyed, after a multitude of thanks, and dear expressions, strove to make her cast away all the fears that assaulted her, and telling her the particulars of my Master's life, left her not till he found she had a great deal of good will toward him, and as much desire to hasten his recovery.  
That it might not be delayed longer, Artaxerxes persuaded the Queen his Mother to go see him that same Evening; the Princesses her daughters accompanied her, and he himself would needs make one, in a visit of his own motioning. The Princess Statira entered into his chamber trembling; and considering what she was going to do, and what repugnancy she found in herself against those things which her brother exacted from her, she drew near my Master's bed, with so much confusion, that whosoever would have observed her, might easily have found it in her countenance. Nevertheless having already some small kindness toward him, and seeing him reduced to that sad condition, only by the love he bore to her, pity completed the introducing of affection, and made her resolve to break through all difficulties, to satisfy her brother, to requite her obligations to my Master; and also to follow the incitements of an inclination which already began to gather strength in her. After the Queen had asked him how he did, and talked a while with him, the Prince her son, as if he had something to say to her, took her with one hand, and the Princess Parisatis with the other, and led them to a Window, where he amused them with some Discourse which he invented for that purpose.  
Then it was that Princess Statira was in so strange a confusion, that she had very much ado to get out of it, and to remember her last resolutions. My Prince trembling with love and fear, durst hardly lift up his eyes unto her, and quite ashamed that he was yet alive, seemed to ask her pardon for it by his silence, and by some tears which utterly overcame her, and were like to have made her show signs of her compassion; which without question would have discovered the cause of it. But she resisted stoutly, and coming near my Master, she said so low that she could not be heard by any body but him, What, will Orontes die then? Yes, Madam, (answered he) he will die, as he ought to do; and if he hath so long deferred to give you that proof of his care to please you, do not accuse him for it, since he hath done both what he could, and what he should to satisfy you. Let Orontes die if he will, (replied the Princess) so Oroondates live. Oroondates quite lost in that sudden surprise of joy and astonishment, was so strucken for a time, that he could not find words to make reply; yet seeing that the Queen was ready to come back to him, he spoke these few unto the Princess. Oroondates would live, Madam, if she for whom he both will and aught to die, did but consent unto his life. The Princess answered him in haste, She not only consents to it, but also entreats, and if she have any power commands it.  
The Queen, and the Princess Parisatis, who drew near, hindered them from saying more: but Prince Artaxerxes knew easily by my Master's face, that that short time had been happily employed for him; he could not dissemble the joy he felt, and assoon as the Queen and the Princesses were gone, he learned the success from my Master, with so many marks of satisfaction, that I thereby knew the ardency of his friendship to him better than before. It is not possible for me to express in the least degree, how my Master was transported, what he did, what he said to the Prince of Persia, how often he called him his God, and his protecting Angel, and how many protestations he made to him of an eternal fidelity. It shall suffice me to tell you, that the next day his Fever was gone, and that this change of his life made such an alteration in his health, that within two days he was out of bed, and within two more out of his Chamber.  
Those that were concerned in his sickness, heard of his recovery with much joy; and I may truly say, it was almost a public gladness, Oroondates virtue having in that short abode, gained him as many friends, as there were persons capable to understand it. Assoon as he went abroad, he repaid his visits carefully, and when he had seen the King, and the Queens, he went to the two Princess' Lodgings, where he found them together, and their Cousin Roxana with them. He made his addresses with the same fear, which of late did ever accompany him in Statira's presence; but Artaxerxes who came thither almost as soon as he, holding Parisatis and Roxana in talk to oblige him, gave him as free liberty to entertain the Princess as he could desire. He was not willing to lose the opportunity, and having looked a while silently upon her, he said at last with an inward trembling, I know not, Madam, whither in giving me leave to live, you have also given me leave to speak, but though I were forbidden it for all things else, yet ought it at least to be allowed me, that I may return her thanks who hath preserved my life.  
The Princess to these words made answer: Our whole family hath obligations to you of the same nature, and I should have had little gratitude, if I had not contributed all that depended on me, toward the health of a person to whom we are all so much indebted. Those small obligations (replied the Prince) carry their recompense along with them, and all the services I shall be able to do you, while I have breath, are too gloriously paid already, if the charity you had to a dying man, be not extinct to one whom you see in better health. I did too good a work (answered the Princess smiling) when I assisted your recovery, ever to repent me of it while I live; and besides my knowledge of your quality, your merits, and our engagements, my brother's satisfaction is so dear to me, that I to it will always sacrifice the better part of mine inclinations. Oroondates with a deep sigh replied, Since the Gods have not been liberal enough of their favours to me, to make me worthy of myself to serve you, I receive the fortune they send me as proceeding from them, and if by the most holy zeal and the most respective passion that ever was, I cannot merit the honour of being yours, I shall esteem myself too happy, if for the consideration of that dear brother, you will exempt me from the hatred of our families, and if laying it aside, you permit me to live as a person not indifferent to him that is so dear to you.  
The Princess who truly loved him, and desired to favour him as much as she believed she might, answered but with some violence to her reserved humour, I forbid you not to make more favourble interpretations of what concerns you, and I shall not take it ill, if you believe you are considerable enough of yourself; true it is, I was moved by my brother's solicitation, to the action which you call charitable, but I will confess to you, that if I had believed I might and ought, I should have done that of my own accord, which I did by his persuasion. My Master was so overjoyed at these obliging words, that he was ready to cast himself at her feet, and make known the nature of their discourse by his action; but of a sudde● coming to himself, he preserved judgement enough to consider the place where he was, and the persons that were present, which made him restrain himself as much as possibly he could, so that he only said with a countenance which discovered the excess of his contentment; I perceived well, Madam, from the happy moment which first gave me to you, that something Divine forced me to reverence you in a quite extraordinary manner, and I receive proofs of that Divinity in the absolute power you have over our lives; you took mine away, by a sentence which my temerity extorted justly from your fair mouth, you restored it me again by words which your compassion produced; and now you bless it with so undeserved a mercy, that I have much ado to know myself, being drawn out of an abyss of misery, and raised to a glory that ought to be envied by the Gods themselves. The rapture he was in, would have made him say more, if the Princess had not interrupted him on this manner. Oroondates, I without question do more than I ought, if I consider who I am; but if I likewise consider who you are, and what you have done for us, and particularly for myself, me thinks I should be most ingrateful, if I did not show some acknowledgement of that affection, whereof you give me so great and so dangerous proofs. Indeed I was not pleased that Orontes should dare to love me, but since my brother thinks fit that Oroondates should, and that I should suffer him, and that he being a Prince of quality equal to me, exposes himself to so manifest perils for my service, I should think I committed a fault both against friendship and against duty itself, if I abated not something of my first severity: abus● it not I pray you, but live in such a manner both for your own sake and mine, that the Prince of Scythia, and the Princess of Persia, may never be suspected to hold intelligence. The reflecting upon this thought makes me tremble, and when those obstacles which frighted not you, come into my consideration, I am so confounded at your design, that I can only leave the conduct of it to the Gods, to your own prudence, and my brother's assistance. Oroondates already receiving marks of affection from his Princess, which were beyond his expectation, made her this answer: The mercy of the Gods, and Prince Artaxerxes goodness, which have given way to the birth of a most perfect affection, will without doubt favour the success of it; and that hereditary hatred which makes my greatest hindrances, will yield, I hope, to juster considerations: for my part, Madam, since you do me the honour to command it me, I will carry myself in a such a manner, that a fortune I have never deserved, shall never be suspected; and though the Prince of Scythia should be discovered in the Court of Persia, the Princess Statira shall not at all appear more faulty than the Princess Parisatis.  
The remainder of their discourse was cut off by the Princess Roxana, who being something concerned in it, came maliciously to interrupt them. Artaxerxes and Parisatis joined company with them, and they all together passed the rest of the day in an indifferent conversation. After that meeting, Oroondates employed his time so well with his Princess, that he made a marvellous progress in his affairs, and pressed her with so much discretion, that at last he received assurances both by her words and actions, that he was really beloved of her. This knowledge restored him to his former health and humour, and made him such in the eyes of the whole Court, that he drew the hearts and admiration of all afresh; Prince Artaxerxes being resolved to oblige him to the uttermost, did him all the good offices that might be, but he within a short time was but little necessary to him for the gaining of his sister; for that Princess observing f●om day to day so many admirable qualities in the Prince who lived only for her sake, suffered herself to be insensibly won to so strong an affection to my Master, that his passion had the advantage but little over hers. She carried herself nevertheless with so much reservedness, that the severest of the age, no nor Diogenes himself, of whom your King had so great an esteem, could not have told how to condemn any of her actions, though they had been published to them. My Prince never emboldened himself so far as to take the smallest favours of her, and accounted himself more happy in a kind look, or an obliging word, then in the possession of an Empire. Nor can I forbear to tell you by the by, (though perchance you know more of it then I) that as I do not believe ever woman was adorned with a more excellent beauty than that Princess, so neither do I think that ever beauty was accompanied with a more rare and eminent virtue; her wit was marvellously quick and apprehensive; her humour always equal, and so full of sweetness, that all the world found themselves charmed with it; her courage (as you know) without being much shaken, has resisted the roughest assaults of fortune; her discretion and modesty, were wonderful; and her reservedness such, that though she had a most true and real affection, she was always enough Mistress of it, never to be carried to the smallest action, that was against the severest rules of duty, though the time and opportunities she had, might have sufficiently excused her.  
Oroondates seeing this abstract of perfection, was even besides himself when he considered his own happiness; and though he were infinitely taken with the beauty of her body, that of her mind had so captivated him, that not being able to love a lesser virtue, nor make account of a more easy conquest, he found sweetness in the very difficulties he met with in his design. His access to her was very open; for the King and the Queens, thought they could do no less to him that had preserved their daughters, then to allow him their conversation; neither did he abuse that liberty, and to give no matter of suspicion, he entertained the Princ●s●s Parisatis as often as her sister, and seemed not to tie himself more to her, then to Roxana, Barsina, and other Princesses which he saw every day, and by whom he was looked upon with a very favourable eye. Artaxerxes was extremely joyed, seeing so good success in the purpose he had not to appear ingrateful, and took so good order to make him still pass for Orontes, that he was never suspected by any body. This happy change of his fortune restoring him his former looks, and humour, with more advantage than before, returned him the affections of the whole Court, and especially of the Ladies, who seeing him excel in all things with a marvellous grace, had some trouble to dissemble the inclinations which so extraordinary a man produced in their hearts; and if his passion to the Princess, had left him in a condition to be sensible of that good fortune, he had wherewithal to satisfy himself in the testimonies of affection he received from the fairest Ladies of all Persia. You have without doubt known many of them that were not exempt; but because that Discourse would be too long, and not important to my Master's life, I will only tell you what I cannot omit without concealing from you his most remarkable accidents.  
It was at the Wedding of Memnon and Barsina, that my Master discovered an effect of his merit, which hath since been very prejudicial to him. The gallant Memnon having made himself considerable by a thousand noble actions, after a long suit obtained the fair Barsina, with the general consent of her Father Artabasus, the King, and the whole Court, who thought themselves much concerned in that alliance. The high esteem of the Persons, made it a Solemnity to all Persia, and their quality obliged the King, the Queens, and the whole Royal Family, to honour Artabasus house with their presence. My Prince, who for his virtue, had contracted a near friendship with Memnon, was one in all the Meetings that were made to celebrate his Marriage, and appeared every where with so much dexterity and magnificence, that he shared the whole honour with the Prince of Persia, who likewise gave a thousand proofs there of his gallantry, and activeness. When the Pomp's of the day were ended, there was a very stately ball, and the Queens● the Princesses, with all the fairest Ladies, and of the chiefest quality, were present at it with so extraordinary a lustre, and improved their natural beauties, with so many ornaments, and with the sparkling of so many jewels, that truly my eyes were hardly able to behold such glittering objects. My Master was seated near the Princess Roxana, who was indeed exceeding handsome, and very sumptuously apparelled: you already know the rank she held in the Court, as daughter to Cohortatus, Darius his Cousin German, and Governor of the Sacans. I will say nothing of her face, nor wit, you know much more of them then I; and we have so much cause to detest her, that it is hard for me to preserve any remembrance of them to her advantage.  
When Oroondates h●d talked a while with her of the beauty of the Persian Ladies, wherewith he confessed himself to be dazzled; Roxana after she had looked earnestly upon him▪ and by the divers changes of her countenance testified the inward trouble of her mind: But is it possible (said she, so low that she could not be overheard) you should have still conserved the coldness of your Climate among so many beauties, and that the sight of all these wonders (as you term them) should not have made you lose a little of that indifferency which hath displeased them all? They have too much of that themselves to one so unfortunate as I am (answered Oroondates) to be touched with the inclinations I may have; yet I am not so unsencible but I have such to them, as one ought to have to the fairest creatures of the whole world. But, Madam, I do not want respect, and I know how to conceal, what I could not declare without temerity; besides that, indeed I use my utmost endeavours to defend myself from a wound, whereof I could not, without much presumption, hope for any cure. You are a dissembler (replied the Princess) and you understand yourself well enough, and us too, to have thoughts quite contrary to your discourse; the Ladies here know how to value persons like Orontes, as well as in other places; and if I did not believe I should be the Author of too much vanity in you, I would assure you there were few of them but would receive your affection as a very happy fortune. She blushed so as she made an end of these words, that my Master was almost out of countenance for her; and answered with a low submission, You may make yourself sport, Madam, at the cost of an unfortunate man, but can never draw him by such a kind of jesting, from the opinion he has of himself. When you have such a one as you should have, (said Roxana, interrupting him) you will hope for all you shall desire. I think she would have absolutely discovered herself, if Prince Artaxerxes who was destined ever to do my Master good offices, had not come to take her out to dance; or if when he brought her back to her place, he had not sat discoursing with them all the rest of that Evening.  
When Oroondates was come home, calling to mind Roxana's words, and many of her former actions which he had not been concerned enough to take notice of before, he began to find that indeed she loved him, and by some secret instinct foreseeing the crosses that affection hath caused him since, he looked upon the birth of it with a great deal of trouble. He resolved nevertheless if she persevered in that humour, ro use her as civilly as he possibly could, as well to render what was due to her person and quality, as not to exasperate a mind which he knew to be very active and unquiet; and likewise that he might not give her any suspicion of his love to the Princess of Persia. After that time he received many other testimonies of it, and Roxana who thought she had already broke through the greatest difficulty, passed by no occasion to let her looks, and her discourse give him tokens of her inclination toward him. Oroondates dissembled all very cunningly, and feigning not to perceive it, carried himself to her, as he believed her birth, and her favourable usage did much oblige him; but she not being satisfied with ordinary civilities, and her good opinion of herself being strong enough to persuade her, he only avoided the knowledge of her affection, out of a fear that he was unworthy of it, resolved to free him of that apprehension; and after some difficulties she found in her haughty humour, she forced the laws of decency, and one day slipped a paper into his sleeve, which he found there when he was retired to his Chamber; he suspected not the truth at first, but having opened it, he saw these words which he read before me, and which made him sufficiently know the person that had written them.  
Roxana's Letter to Orontes.  
IS it possible, Orontes, that my past actions should not have discovered my inclinations to you; and that contrary to decency and modesty, you force me to declare I love you? 'Tis true Orontes, you do force me to it, but make not a wrong use of it I pray you, and vudervalue not her, who hath sufficiently vudervalued herself, in doing that for you, which she ought to have expected from you.  
My Master who did me the honour to acquaint me with his most secret affairs, did not conceal Roxana's affection from me, and was pleased I should use the liberty to give him my advice he resosved to take no notice of that paper, but, if that Princess asked him concerning it, to feign that it was lost, as it was probable it might have been; hereupon he began to see her seldomer than he was wont; and to avoid the occasions of being alone with her, seeking as much as he could, without show of a particular design, the opportunities of entertaining Statira, to whom nevertheless out of discretion he would never say any thing of her Cousins passion, hiding that for her, which he thought she should have concealed her ● self. In the mean time he received so many proofs of friendship from his Princess, as he had never wished for greater, and then it was, that he was truly happy, both by Artaxerxes assistance, and by Statira's inclination; but Fortune that makes her pastime of our Destinies, had only raised him to that height of bliss, to hurl him with more violence, into that bottomless sea of miseries, in which he has been tossed the remainder of his days.  
O Gods (continued Araxes, his face all wet with tears) can I not without blasphemy accuse you of injustice, since you have consented to the greatest loss that Asia could ever suffer, and that for the glory of one man, you have permitted the destruction of the chiefest House in all the world? It is well (pursued he) that Oroondates is absent, for at this fatal relation you should have seen him transported with the most furious storms of grief, that any soul is capable to feel, and indeed he has so just a cause that I should never blame him for it, since I think that I myself shall not have courage enough to recount a misfortune to you, which will infallibly draw tears from your eyes; yet will I do my utmost endeavour for your sake, and having had courage enough to bear it, perchance I shall also have enough to make the recital of it  
Although the cruel Wars between Persia and Scythia, seemed almost quite extinguished by the deaths of so many thousand men, who had unhappily ended their days in them, yet were they but a little smothered, and those two Kings whose hatred was irreconcilable, still keeping in their hearts a greedy desire of destroying one another, watched carefully for all occasions that might bring their designs to an effect. The Scythian who the year before had been invaded by the Persian, resolved to prevent him the year following, and to carry the War home to his own doors. To that intent he took the field with an Army of two hundred thousand men, and passing the Araxis entered Persia, where he did all acts of hostility. The Siege of Selena a Town upon the Frontiers of this Kingdom, having put a stop to the progress of his Arms, the rumour of it came presently after to Persepolis. Darius who already had his Army on foot to have assaulted him if he had not been prevented, was not much surprised at the news, and giving the Governors of his Province such Orders as were necessary, prepared himself to go drive him out in person; but this design was thwarted by the news he received at the same time of Alexander's marching into his Countries. Alexander had already made himself famous by the defeat of the Triballians, and by the taking of Thebes; and though Darius the most Potent Prince in the world, despised that young Conqueror, and threatened him with the rod as a child, all his Counsellors not making the same judgement of him, gave advice that he should oppose him in person, and in the interim send one of his Lieutenants against the Scythians. The persuasions of his friends carried it from his first resolution, and in the Counsel whither my Master was called, it was determined, that an Army of two hundred thousand men should be sent against the Scythians, under the Conduct of Artabasus, and that to give him more credit and Authority, Prince Artaxerxes should go along with him in person; he having by reason of his youth, refused the Command of the Army, referring it to the prudence of an old renowned Captain.  
This was the resolution taken in the Counsel; Judge I beseech you of my Master's perplexity, seeing himself constrained either to fight against those of his own Nation, or by retiring to them, ruin his whole design that was so fairly advanced, or stay at home with shame among the Ladies, whilst his dear Artaxerxes was exposed to dangers, and to the fury of the Scythians. These considerations held him for some time in uncertainty; but in the end, paternal duty, and the protection of his Country, yielded to the love of Statira, and to the friendship of Artaxerxes, and made him resolve not to forsake a friend, to whom he was indebted for all his contentment, and all his fortune. Having heard he was alone in his Closet, he went to see him, being attended only by me; and found him as much afflicted as himself, for the despair of a peace which he had so ardently wished for. Being ignorant of my Master's intentions, he knew not yet what he should look for from him, though he was fully determined never to be his Enemy, and rather to disoblige him that had given him his being, then him to whom he had vowed so perfect a friendship. Their mutual trouble was the cause they walked a while together without speaking, but in the end Oroondates broke silence with these words. You do not doubt brother (for now they called each other by that name alone) but that in this confusion of affairs (which I think Fortune manages on this fashion purposely to ruin me) my astonishment is very great, since that indeed I should have no sense of humanity, if the tie of blood did not work naturally in me; and if seeing the sharp afflictions which the Gods now send me, instead of the happiness which you raised me to, I had constancy enough not to be touched with that alteration: No, I confess to you my courage cannot bear this stroke, with an equal countenance, nor without yielding something to the sorrows I foresee, knowing what Enemies Fortune gives me to fight against, and that I must necessarily commit one crime, to avoid a greater: yet believe not dear brother, that this accident changes me, though it trouble me: for although I am Oroondates, son to Matheus King of Scythia, I am also Orontes, Statira's faithful Captive, and Artaxerxes most faithful Friend: I shall not fear to become an unnatural son, that I may be a Loyal Lover, and a Friend without reproach; nor shall I make a conscience to fight against a Father, who comes to overthrow that Fortune which my Friend has established me. That which I desire of you, and which I shall most ardently beg, is, that the new ca●se you have to hate the Father, may not make your enmity descend unto the son, who ought not to bear any blame for his designs, since he not only is innocent of them, but does even detest them, and prepares himself to ruin them.  
Artaxerxes having harkened to him patiently, answered; Brother, I had proofs enough of your friendship before, not to believe that any accident could shake it, and I wish the Gods may never look favourably upon me, if it be not infinitely more dear to me then all the rest of the world; or if I desire to live for any other reason then to be Oroondates Friend, and to merit his affection by the testimonies of mine. I confess I was extremely troubled to hear of the King your Father's entry into the Territories of Persia, as well out of the fear I had to lose you, as because I could not hinder myself from honouring him that has given the world so lovely a Prince, and one so perfectly beloved by Artaxerxes; but that this consideration should have been able to diminish the friendship I bear to Oroondates, you are cruel if ever you have harboured such a thought: No, no, dear Brother, my friendship is of such a nature, that neither time nor accidents can alter it. I have indeed considered as well as you, all the difficulties that present themselves, I have balanced the duty of a friend, against that of an obedient son, but in the end your scale proving the more weighty, I have taken a resolution to refuse the employment the King my Father gives me, to keep you company; if you forsake us to return into Scythia, I conjure you to suffer me with you, instead of making one consent to see you fight against your own Country. My crime will certainly be less than yours, my engagements to you being greater, and no body can blame me for laying down my life for him that was the preserver of it. O Gods! replied Oroondates, can you without dissembling prefer the small service I have done you, before obligations that never can be valued? and do you think that pretence will excuse you for refusing me a request that was made before yours? Your Friendship to me is strong enough alone, to make you give me proofs of this high consequence, and do you not know that besides the same consideration, I have also my affection to your sister, which is a motive you cannot allege? do not therefore any longer oppose a desire so full of Justice, unless you will ruin the fortune I hold from you, since howsoever, reason and my obstinacy must carry it. What will you constrain me to in the end (said Artaxerxes) and what will you say of me, if I suffer myself to be overcome by your persuasions, to consent to a thing of so little equity? I will say (answered Oroondates) that having perfectly obliged me hitherto, you were not willing to do the contrary, by the refusal of a thing which I so earnestly begged, and that you resolved to do, what you could by no means avoid. At least (replied Artaxerxes) do not commit a crime without any necessity, and since you will not suffer me to accompany you into Scythia, stir not from this Court at all, nor go to fight with Enemies, that aught to be so considerable to you; though your company be infinitely dear to me, I love my sister well enough, to yield her the satisfaction I reap by it; and do not you hate her so much, as not to be able to pass your time with her till our return. Leave her not I conjure you, give her this testimony of the love you bear her, and me of the friendship I require of you.  
If your other Proposition displeased me (said Oroondates) this offends me past expression, for besides my friendship to you, which will never suffer you to run into any danger, in which I do not participate, I love glory, and hate infamy sufficiently, not to stay among the Ladies, while you are fight Battles. If you seek matter for your valour to work upon (answered Artaxerxes) you shall have enough here quickly, Alexander is already near the Granicus, and you may better employ that courage the Gods have given you, against him, then against the King your Father. To these reasons he added many others, which were all but vain, to remove my Master from the firm resolution he had taken to accompany him; and the friendship he had vowed to that most deserving Prince, made him not only forget the nearest engagements of kindred, but also what he owed unto himself, and to the consideration of Statira, from whom he could not absent himself without most violent sorrows.  
But she poor Princess was not to be comforted, for seeing the two persons that were dearer to her then the whole world, ready to depart from her, to expose themselves to hourly dangers, she had not strength of mind enough to dissemble her affliction. In the mean time the besieged pressing the King to send them relief. He commanded Artabasus to march away with the body of the Army, but the Princes, who needed not to move so slowly, stayed some days behind him, to take their leaves; they made almost all their visits together, and especially that to Roxana, to whom my Master would not pay that ceremony alone, lest he should afford her an occasion, and conveniency to prosecute what she had begun. She was very sensibly troubled to find how industriously he shunned what she desired, and expressed so much grief to him at that separation, that he could not hinder himself from bearing part of it. The night before they went away, after having taken their leave of the Queens, and the Princess Parisatis, they went to Princess Statira's lodgings, whom they found in her Closet, so extraordinarily grieved that they despaired of comforting her, yet did they their endeavours, though she gave but little ear unto them, and presaging some sinister accident by her tears, they were forced to shed some with her, both to give their sorrows vent, and to bear her company in her affliction. Artaxerxes to oblige my Master went out of the Closet, and going into the Chamber, passed the time with his sister's women, while Oroondates kneeling upon a cushion which was at his Princess' feet, and taking her fair hands, whereon he passionately imprinted many lasting kisses: Madam (said he) you would do me wrong, if you were not most assured that your griefs are at least as sensible to me, as to yourself; but if in the unhappiness which separates me from you, I might yet hope for any good fortune, O Gods, how infinite a one it would be to me, if I could pretend to any share in the tears I see you shed, and if the departure of a brother, whom next to you I love above all the world, were not the sole occasion of them. You were ungrateful (answered the Princess) if you should any way doubt of my friendship, after the proofs I have given you of it, and but dim-sighted if you did not perceive, that your going away does very sensibly afflict me; 'tis true, I love Artaxerxes better than myself; but my affection to Oroondates does not at all give place to that I bear to him; the tears I shed at your departure, are indeed for both, but if they can suffer a difference without injuring my kindness to my brother, you may make a judgement of them to your advantage, and draw comfort from it in our common affliction, if you can take any in so small a matter. But is it possible (replied Oroondates) that this disturbance your quietness receives from those so near me, should not in some sort alter your first intentions, and dispense with you for the promise you made to the Prince your brother? No Madam, I see your noble soul has more regard to a most sacred affection, then to the troubles our enemies are preparing for us; I say our enemies, since I will never acknowledge them but for such, and that the consideration of blood is too weak a thing, to oppose a passion like this of mine. This excess of goodness would win my heart extremely, if it could be more yours than it is already; but if I can yet obtain any thing more of you, give some respite to those tears that kill me, and make me not die by your sorrow, since mine own is enough of itself to take away my life, and that the cruel separation I am constrained to resolve upon, puts me rather in a condition to beg comfort from you, then to give you any; all which I can receive, consists in the hope I have, this absence will never be able to do any thing to my prejudice, and that you will preserve some remembrance of him, who adores you with all the Zeal the Gods themselves can desire from you. Dear Princess, may I keep this belief without presumption? true it is, if I consider you, and then cast mine eyes upon myself, this hope is strangled in its very birth, and turns to a fear that some more worthy person— Cruel Oroondates, (said she, interrupting him) the grief I feel already, should have been sufficient to content you, without giving it any new increase by your disobliging suspicions, your own thoughts must needs tell you, these jealousies are but feigned, and yet the afflictions they cause in me are real; Ah! Orontes, or rather now Oroondates, how much more reason have I to fear that absence will wipe these light Ideas out of your memory, and make you repent the pains you have taken for one, whom you had only seen by night, and in a sudden passage; and in whom since, time and long frequentation have made you observe defects, which that darkness had concealed from you. There is so little probability in that (answered he coldly) that I will not make you any new protestations, to put you out of an opinion, which I am confident you are very far from believing: and then having paused a while, Well Madam (continued he) since your fair mouth assures me of a happiness, which I never ought to have hoped for, I beseech the Gods to keep you still in the same mind, and that they would never open your eyes, to let you find how little I deserve so great a blessing. And I (added the Princess) beseech them to preserve you from all dangers, and command you with all the power I have, not to hazard that, but to very good purpose, which is no longer yours, unless you will revoke the gift you have made me of it; and if you love my life, have so much care of yours, that you may be able to give me an account of it when I please. Nothing engages you to rush headlong into dangers, and though your friendship to my brother, and that you bear to me have persuaded you to take our party, you have no animosity that can incite you to seek your ruin in that of your own Nation. I have vowed you so much obedience (replied he) that I will never err from your commands, and will preserve myself in hope to see you again, with as great a desire as I would have forborn this voyage, if mine honour, and the departure of Artaxerxes, whom I neither can, nor aught to leave, could have suffered me. But O Gods! (pursued he, kissing her hand again with incredible ecstasies) What do not I owe to the care you have of fortunate Orontes, and what can he do to acknowledge the smallest part of it? Keep what he has promised me (replied the Princess) and in his disobedience foresee the utter ruin of his happiness, if so be he ground it upon Statira's friendship. But alas! (continued she weeping, and raising her voice a little) I know not what it is that my sadness presages, and though I strive to put it off, because I see you participate in it, yet can I not overcome myself so far as to forbear it. At these words Artaxerxes being come in again, and seeing her all in tears. Sister (said he) you should be ashamed to show so little courage to them, whom your grief touches infinitely; what could you do more if you saw one of us carried in a Coffin, to receive the last duties of affection from you? Ah! cruel Brother, (cried Statira) with what do you threaten me, and with what unfortunate presages do you redouble my sorrows; will you not pardon these small testimonies of them, to the friendship I bear you, and to that you have given birth to? I am very much obliged to you for both, (replied the Prince) but I should be glad to see you bear this parting with more moderation; so excessive a sadness, besides that it increases ours, may make it be believed, that in this separation, you lament more than a Brother; not but that the proofs of affection you give my Oroondates, are as pleasing to me, as to himself; but dear sister, these tears were more excusable, if you were deprived of all hope to see him again, and if they were not prejudicial to what we have hitherto so carefully concealed. Well then, (answered she) I will endeavour to bear, what it is impossible for me to shun; but however, Oroondates, I recommend Artaxerxes to you, and you brother have a care of Oroondates, since you have commanded me to love him.  
After this Discourse and many others, seeing the day draw near, they took their last leave of her; when she had given my Master a bracelet of her hair, which she tied about his arm, and which he wore there a long time after, notwithstanding all the accidents that happened to him.  
At break of day they went to receive the King's commands, who embraced them a thousand times, and could not let them depart without much trouble; then getting on horseback, we marched after the tract of the Army, which we overtook within three days. During the whole Voyage, they were inseparable; yet Prince Artaxerxes who undertook it against his will, was commonly so sad, that he had but very little of his good humour left: and Oroondates considering to what extremities his passion had carried him, and against what enemies he had taken arms, was sometimes little less than desperate; but the remembrance of Statira coming again into his mind, blotted out all these considerations, and overwhelmed all his griefs in those which her absence caused in him.  
The Reasons I have already alleged, will hinder me from entertaining you with the particulars of this Expedition, and from drawing out a War in length, which was quickly brought to a conclusion. I will content myself with telling you that the Inhabitants of Selena, being advertised of our coming to relieve them, armed themselves with a valiant resolution, and defended themselves so stoutly, that they gave us as much time as was necessary for us to come up to their Relief, and it was very lucky, that that Siege amused so potent an Army, which without that obstacle would doubtlessly have much endamaged Persia. In the mean time we advanced with great diligence, and being within a days march of Selena, a Council of War was called, and there was a long debate what resolution should be taken; but in the end the general opinion was, that they should attempt to raise the Siege, though with the hazard of a Battle, which they thought they might the better venture, since the courage of their Soldiers was not yet abated, but that with loud cries they still called to be led on strait unto the Enemy. Artabasus encouraged by their eagerness, and persuaded by the advice of all the Commanders, prepared his Forces for that bloody day, and dividing the Army into three Bodies, he gave the Van to his Brother Tiribasus, a very valiant man, and one who by the long exercise of arms, was grown to great experience. He left the Rere-guard to Narbazanes, and kept the Battle for himself, having besides these three given his son Hydaspes the command of five hundred Chariots of War, armed with sharp Scythes, and filled with Median Archers, who that day did much mischief to the Enemy; and to Prince Artaxerxes four thousand horse, which being loose from the rest of the Army, were to succour those that should have most need of it, this was all the employment he would take, though Artabasus with much submission offered to resign what he thought due to his birth, and courage, Oroondates who desired to be free from care, and to be as little faulty as was possible for him, refused all command, and placed himself with the Prince that he might fight near his person This order having been taken in our Camp, we advanced into a great Plain some thirty or forty Furlongs from Selena, free from all kind of Trees, and very proper for a place of Battle. The Enemy advertised of our coming, was already encamped, and expected us in very good order, for this praise must be given to King Matheus, that there are few Princes in the world, but must yield to him in experience and conduct. Night being near when we came thither, Artabasus gave it wholly to the Army to take their rest, and to prepare for the day that was to follow; and in the mean time we encamped within sight of the Scythians, whose fires we discovered in great abundance: but not being ignorant of their custom, we set forth strong outguards, that we might not be surprised, and passed almost the whole night in arms.  
Assoon as day appeared, and that the two Armies faced one another, they cast forth terrible shouts, which witnessing their marvellous desire to fight, joyed the Commanders with the hope of Victory: yet Artabasus having adored the Sun, and causing sacrifices to be made through the whole Camp, himself viewed most part of the beasts that were offered, whose entrails were all found defective, either in the liver or the heart, and the fire they were burnt with, looked all bluish, accompanied with a black thick smoke, and which instead of rising up strait to heaven, spread itself in great Clouds through the whole Army. Some Victims having received the stroke, escaped out of the Priests hands, and ran through the Camp with horrible roar, which was the cause of a very great disorder: Besides these unlucky Omens, which Artabasus and the other Commanders understood very well, and which not to strike a terror into the Soldier, they yet feigned not to take any notice of, the day was so extraordinarily dark, that we had much ado to see one another, and seemed all ready to have put on mourning for the death of so many thousand men, to whom it was to be their last. This hindered not the Armies from drawing near together in very good order, nor from showing much impatiency to join Battle. I make you judge of my Master's thoughts, who with his eye had already found out the place where the King his Father was to be, and felt strong remorse of a crime, for which he expected a near punishment from the Gods. I did not doubt, for my part but that my nearest friends, which are of some note among the Scythians, were in their Army; yet having given over all thought but of my Master's interests, I forgot the remembrance of my own, and was afflicted only with his discontents. But Prince Artaxerxes trouble was incomparably beyond ours. His countenance was wonderfully sad, and there being no cause to attribute the change of it to any want of courage; one might yet read in his looks an unwillingness to go upon that action; He came close up to my Master, and said to him in his ear, Brother, You shall know it is by mere force, I march against your Nation, and you shall see I had rather die, then injure Oroondates in the person of those he is obliged to love. The throng of those that encompassed them, hindered my Prince from answering him, and in the mean time the Commanders passing through the Ranks, and showing themselves to those that were farthest off, did with their words and gestures encourage the most backward; and finding in them as much spirit as they could wish, they gave the last Orders, and the Trumpets the last Signal to begin the Battle: Then it was that the faint Light of the day, of itself but very gloomy, was even quite darkened with a Cloud of Arrows, shot from both Armies, and that the Earth became covered with an infinite number of dead and wounded men, by whose fall the first Ranks grew thin already. But that fight at a distance, not satisfying the eagerness of those that were most fiery, they gave over the use of their Bows, and the first Bodies joining close together, began to fight terribly at handy-blows. This first shock was given with so much fury, that it quickly made the Earth change colour, and the Scythian and Persian Squadrons mingled together pellmell, showed an horrible face of cruelty, disorder, and confusion. The Scythians had some advantage in this first encounter, but the rest of the Forces came up to them that were more advanced, and Hydaspes with his armed Chariots falling in among the Scythians, made a wonderful slaughter of their Infantry, and by his arrival recovered the disadvantage of the Persians. It is impossible for me to describe the particularities of this Battle, for besides that the tediousness of the Relation would weary you, I could not be present in all places, not witness of an infinite number of memorable actions, which were done that fatal day; therefore I will only tell you, that in this general mixture of Forces, that little order, and obedience, which remained among the Soldiers, was in the end quite lost; and the Commanders of both sides being no longer distinguished in so strange a confusion, contented themselves with fight in their own persons. Artaxerxes stirred not from his place, but restraining the impatience of the party under his command, feigned to stay still in expectation of the success, and to observe the weakest places, that he might succour his own side to better purpose; though in effect, he did it to defer, as much as he could possibly, the fight against those, whom the consideration of Oroondates made him love; and while he stood thus delaying the time, he was charged himself by a Body of Horse, which thundering in upon us with much fury, forced us in the end to defend ourselves. He spared them yet as much as he could, and had already received two wounds, before his Sword had drawn one drop of Enemy's blood. Oroondates who perceived it, and saw how much that strange temper, and moderation, might endanger him; riding up close to him, Artaxerxes (said he) if your friendship to me, makes you suffer yourself to be killed, my death shall quickly free you from that consideration. He had not ended these few words, when seeing him receive a third wound, he flew so fiercely upon him that gave it, that he instantly laid him dead under his feet, and striking down another with the same readiness, he rushed in among the Scythians with an incredible fury. Artaxerxes, whom neither his own blood, nor the care of his own life could move, seeing him in that danger, would not forsake him, but fight for the safety of his friend, quickly showed us proofs of an incomparable valour. I did my utmost endeavours to second them, and keeping as close to them as I could, I saw the Persians, animated by their glorious example, fight with so much courage, that the first Squadrons began to shrink, when a new Reserve which came up to back them, compassed us in on every side. There it was (O misfortune, which Asia can never recover!) there it was that poor Artaxerxes being no longer withheld by any consideration, but fight for the life of his dear Oroondates, whom he saw in extreme danger, after his Sword had made a great heap of dead bodies, fell in the end himself, losing his life by an infinite number of most honourable wounds; the last testimony of his affection, was an attempt he made to turn his dying breath into a farewell to my Master, striving to say, Adieu, Oroon— He was only able to speak the first syllables, and sinking among the horses feet, gave us a sad assurance, that he had breathed his last.  
Though Araxes did all he could to forbear weeping at this sorrowful remembrance, yet fell the tears in such abundance from his eyes, that he was constrained to allow them a free course, while Lysimachus most sensibly touched with this fatal Relation and having his heart pressed with grief and compassion, witnessed the greatness of his trouble by a stream of tears, and by very doleful lamentations. These expressions of pity having held them a quarter of an hour, Lysimachus in the end speaking first. This gallant man (said he) whom you have so well described, and whom your recital has made me perfectly in love with, died only for the glory of Alexander; and the Gods who had destined that great King to so many glorious conquests, facilitated his way to them, by the loss of a Prince, who would without doubt have retarded them, if they had suffered Persia to enjoy him still. The beginnings of so brave a life did wonderfully take me; and the end of it moves me so exceedingly, that it is impossible for me to express it. But proceed I beseech you, for you have so engaged me with your story, that I am not less interessed in the passages of your Prince's life, then in those that nearliest concern mine own. Araxes having settled himself a little during these words, and wiping his eyes, O Gods! continued he, what do you think became of poor Oroondates at this woeful sight? Imagine to yourself, Sir, all that rage and despair can produce in a heart like his, and then you may fancy some small part of what he did. Seeing him he had so ardently loved, trampled under foot, by the insolent Soldiers, he made such a slaughter of them in a short time, that the blood wherewith he was presently besmeared all over, made him look dreadfully in a moment; he fought no longer for his life, but having resolved to lose it, he meant to accompany it with so many others, that his friend's ghost should be thereby fully satisfied. At that time me thought he appeared bigger than he was wont to be, and the horror that attended him which way soever he turned, and the blood wherewith he was died all over, making him hard to be known, struck some terror even into me. Grief had quite taken away the use of his voice, but it had so augmented his strength, that seeming immortal and invulnerable, he made way on every side, and carried infallible death whither soever he went. The Gods know, that I used all the force I had, and though they left me my life, it was not because of any care I took to preserve it: But finding the way opened, and without resistance wheresoever he led▪ I had no great difficulty to follow; yet in the end we must of necessity have lain by it, and my Master in the points of a thousand Swords, had found that death he so earnestly sought for, if the flight of a great number of our men engaging us in the midst of them, had not carried us away also, in spite of us. Oroondates strikes indifferently at all, but his endeavours were in vain, and the crowd lifting him out of his Saddle, drew him quite out of the Ranks, do what he could in the world to hinder it. Assoon as he was gotten free from that thronging multitude, his loss of blood had brought him to such a weakness, that he fell down without all sense or sign of life. Though I was extremely wounded, I sat down by him, resolved that whatsoever became of me, I would neither forsake him dead nor living; but seeing that our men by little and little left the Field, I determined to look to his security, in case he should yet have any remainder of life in him; and making him be carried a little out of the Battle, by three soldiers who offered themselves to do that Office, I mounted the first Horse I could light upon, and followed them in a great deal of pain. It was just about the time when the Sun was ready to set, and that the two Armies having fought most obstinately, were both of them in a manner utterly defeated. That of the Persians, quitted the Field a little, by the cowardice of Narbazanes (since, the horrible murderer of his King) who that day appeared unworthy of the Charge he had, and shamefully turning his back, put the whole Rere-guard which he commanded, in disorder. But the Scythians were so weakened, by as great a loss as that of the Persians, that they were not in a condition to pursue them.  
Judge in the interim of the woeful condition I was in, by that to which I saw my poor Master reduced; when we were at a little distance from the remnants of the Armies, causing him to be set down upon the ground, I unbuckled his Head-piece, the fresh air made him come to himself; but scarce had he opened his eyes, when turning them wildly upon those that stood about him, he cried out weakly, Ah! Artaxerxes! and presently shut them again, with all the signs of a man drawing to his end. There is no doubt but that I should instantly have employed the small strength I had left, to make an end of myself, and keep him company, if I had not been withheld by the Soldiers who had assisted me, and who telling me that I could not without infidelity, leave him in an estate which did so necessarily require my service, made me take some heart and conceive some hope of life in him. We were but two hours riding from Brisa, a little Town, where my Master had left his Baggage, and some few servants before the Battle: The remembrance of the conveniency I might have there, and the knowledge that that Town, though but a little one, was not ill provided of things necessary for his succour, made me resolve to carry him thither as well as possibly I could, causing him therefore to be set upon an horse, and a good strong man behind him to keep him up, we went a reasonable good pace, though my wounds had made me so weak, that I could hardly sit upon my Saddle. But my ardent affection to my Prince, putting spirits in me, and being favoured by the Moon, which seemed pretty clear, coming after so cloudy a day, and guided by those charitable Soldiers, who knew the Country, and were perfect in the ways, we arrived at the gates of Brisa about two hours within night. We had much ado to get them opened, but in the end having told who we were, after the accustomed Orders at such times, and upon such occasions, the Governor caused us to be admitted in. We went to the house where my Master's servants were, and having gotten him to bed, the Physicians, and Chirurgeons of the Town were sent for to look to him; though I was extremely hurt, yet would I not go to bed, till I had seen his wounds searched, and had heard the Physician's opinion concerning them; after a long dispute among them, they at last agreed, that he might possibly live if he were diligently looked to, and that no ill accident happened to him. Having received this assurance, and seen the first remedies applied to eight or ten wounds he had, I went to bed in his Chamber, meaning not to leave him, though he had very careful Servants, especially those two we had brought out of Scythia, who in that necessity gave him very faithful attendance.  
I had five or six dangerous hurts, which yet the Physicians thought not mortal, and dressing them in the same manner as they had done my Masters, they tried their endeavours to get him out of his swoon; but notwithstanding all the care they could use, it was day before he ever opened his eyes; Assoon as he was come to himself, he appeared wonderfully astonished to see that he was yet alive, and cried out as loud as his weakness would suffer him; O Gods! do you force me to live still? he then held his peace, and after he had looked earnestly upon all those that were about him, imagining the truth of the condition he was in; Barbarous people (continued he) you strive but in vain to preserve my life, and the Gods who have permitted you thus far to prolong it, have not deprived me of the means to take it away. He would have made an attempt to rise out of bed, but he was so faint, that he was hardly able to lift up his head, considering himself in that estate, and putting his hands where he felt the pain of his wounds, he light upon the plasters and rollers that had been bound about them, and thinking that to be the means to execute what his weakness would not suffer him, he began to undo them, as he would have done yesterday in your presence, when they that tended him perceiving his design, hindered him from going any further: What will you do, Sir, said the Governor of the Town who was come to visit him, Defend myself from your cruelty; answered he sharply, and looking with anger upon him; But do you not think (replied the Governor) that this despair, offends the Gods in the highest degree, and that it is from them you ought to expect the end of a life you have received from their hands? Since they have taken away that of Artaxerxes (said my Prince) they have given over all care of mine, and having deprived me of the comfort, have deprived me likewise of the desire of living. But Sir (added the Governor) what have you done with that great courage, which made you be esteemed so much through the whole world? It is that (answered Oroondates) makes me run unto this death, which will deliver me from thousand others; and I give you notice that all your cares are to no purpose, for you cannot alter my resolution, and that you may well augment my misery, by making me defer the remedy of it, but cannot hinder me from fasting till I have executed what my weakness and your cruelty deny me.  
My bed was so near to his, that I could easily hear all he said, and indeed I could not utterly condemn him, knowing well that a friendship like that of his with Prince Artaxerxes, cemented by such strong obligations, could not suffer so cruel a separation, without exceeding great violence; and to say truth, the merits of that poor Prince, had imprinted so deep a sorrow in my heart for his loss, that I accompanied all my Master's words with a flood of tears, and knew not what consolation to give him, in so fresh, and so lawful a grief; yet did I strive to dissuade him from that obstinate desire of death, and his life being dearer to me without comparison than mine own, I did all that was possible for me to preserve it. Sir, (said I, withholding my tears as well as I could) Is not your judgement yet come sufficiently to you to consider what you do? Assoon as ever I spoke endeavouring to turn his head to that side whence he heard my voice come: Is it thou Araxis? said he, Yes Sir, (answered I) I am Araxis: Oh! praised be the Gods (replied he) and if thou art still my faithful Araxes, canst thou suffer the inhumanity of these that persecute me? Sir (said I) I am as much wounded, and as weak as you are, and if I be able to do any thing, it is to advertise you, that you will make the Gods your enemies, if you persist thus in your obstinacy. And thou mak'st thyself mine (replied he) if thou persist in thine, and if thou be'st still my dear Araxes, my contentment ought to be more pleasing to thee, than the griefs to which from hence forward thou wilt for ever see me exposed, and for pity (continued he with tears in his eyes; seeing that his faithful servants stirred not from him, but watched to hinder him from his design) for pity, favour him whom thou hast made profession to love, and if thy good will to him be not utterly lost, be not so cruel as to oppose this sweet end of all his afflictions now it is that I have need of thy assistance, and that I by my death, demand of thee a proof of that fidelity which thou hast so often vowed me.  
I was so plunged in sorrow, that I could only answer him with tears, while he made such doleful lamentations, as cloven the hearts of all that heard him with compassion. Dear Artaxerxes! (said he, all drowned in tears) if thou hast yet any remembrance left thee of him that loved thee beyond himself, deliver me from the Tyranny of those that hinder me from following thee; and if the memory of our past friendship be not quite blotted out of thy heart, comfort him by thy sight at least, whom thy loss makes to live in torments, much more intolerable than that death which has so cruelly parted us; I have not had the happiness to give thee the last farewell, and if my memory fail me not, thy last care was, to let me see thy friendship forsook thee not with thy life: I had not so much as the means to close thine eyes; and mine alas are open still, but open only for tears, and for all dreadful objects. unjust and cruel Gods, if you were thirsty of man's blood, and that your cruelty could not be glutted by that of so many thousands, whom the anger of the King of Scythia has sacrificed to you, why did you not pour out the poor remainder, that which yet runs in the veins of his wretched Son, and preserve that of Artaxerxes, though even at the cost of all his own; Yes, monster of hatred! yes unnatural Father! I wish that the loss of thy life, could restore me my dear brothers, and to recover it at that price, I would lay aside all sense of humanity, as thou hast devested thyself of all manner of pity. The obstacles of thy Guards, and these of my wounds, should be but weak to save thee, and I would fly to this revenge as eagerly as thou to thine, and to the satisfying of thine ambition. Unfortunate Statira (continued he) how ill have I performed the charge thou gavest me; and how much ashamed should I be to appear before thee, whom my cowardice has so mortally offended! what should I answer thee, when thou shouldst demand a brother from me, whom thou hadst so strictly recommended to my care, nay a brother that had built my Fortune, and a brother to whom I was indebted for all my happiness? He brought forth these words with so many sobs, that the most insencible persons must needs have been touched with them: For my part, not being able absolutely to blame them, I thought fit to let pass that first extremity of his sorrow, without exasperating him any further, believing one might better help that with time, which in its first violence appeared incurable, then by persisting to argue him out of it so presently. By good fortune the Governor was gone, and they that tended him, not being too quick witted, ascribed this talk (which was enough to have discovered him) to a light headedness which they thought his fever might have caused. It was to small purpose to tell him that the making of those vehement lamentations did prejudice his health; he was deaf to all such persuasions; and if he made them any answer at all, it was only entreaties that they would suffer him to die, or to let him be quiet: He spent the greatest part of the day in these first passions without taking any thing, and without heark'ning to any thing; if I opened my mouth, he rebuked me as well as the rest, and I should have despaired at last of doing any good, if I had not bethought myself to bury the remembrances of his friendship, in the considerations of his love; and to make use of Statira's power, to preserve her him, who lived only for her; when he had tormented himself a great while on this manner, his weakness made him give some respite to those furious fits; and seeing him with his eyes lift up to heaven, sigh and sob every moment without speaking a word; Sir, (said I) I will not persuade you to receive this affliction, with an unmoved countenance; but like a man that is a little master of his passions; I cannot condemn such lawful tears, but neither can I approve your despair, your weeping shows that you are a man, and that as such you resent the crosses wherewith it pleases heaven to afflict you; but your wilfulness to destroy yourself, would prove you to be none, since you have so little reason at this time when it is most necessary for you; now since all these considerations can do nothing with you, and that one must no longer strive to comfort you, either by reasoning or by the fear of the Gods which you have forgotten; suffer me I beseech you Sir, to represent unto your eyes, that Princess to whom you had dedicated the remainder of a life, which you will now make away without her consent: Consider I pray you whether you can justly do it, and whether this obstinacy to dispose of yourself without her leave, must not needs mortally offend her; remember yourself of the vows you made her of an absolute resignation, and do not overwhelm her with so many losses, since that she hath already, is enough to send her to her grave, unless she preserve herself for your sake; yes Sir, it is for you that she will certainly preserve herself; but she has need of your assistance, and you ought not to abandon her in an affliction, in which the consolation of a person so dear to her as yourself, will be so necessary. Think upon it Sir, I beseech you, and believe that if this consideration has no power with you, she will have just cause to think you never loved her. To these words I added divers others with all possible earnestness, which wrought a very great effect in the mind of my despairing Master he answered nothing for the present, but musing deeply upon them, gave me liberty to urge many others of the same nature, and though the Physicians gave me order to hold my peace for my own health'sake, yet would I never give over, till I saw he was a little settled. At last he began to complain with less violence, and suffered his wounds to be opened and dressed, and took something that was given him; but still with so many sighs and groans, that I was not without some fear his sorrow alone would be enough to kill him. Seeing him in a way to permit the endeavours that were used for his recovery, I began to think of mine own, and to obey the Physicians, who enjoined me silence. My Master also in the end, disposed himself to follow their directions, and to prolong his life to see Statira again, that he might beg leave of her to lose it.  
The third day after the battle, we heard by the Governor, that the Scythians seeing themselves too weak to stay longer in Persia, were drawing off their broken Forces, and that part of them had already passed the Araxis; but that before their departure, to the end they might not leave the dead bodies of their Countrymen to the mercy of wild beasts, they had made a huge fire in the Camp, and burned all that great number of Carcases, both friends and enemies, which was a new surcharge of affliction to us, losing by that means all hope of paying the last offices to the Corpse of Artaxerxes. Within two days after we learned that Artabasus, having in the battle lost his son Hydaspes, and his brother Tiribasus; had encamped with the remainder of the Army between Brisa and Selena; but that seeing the Scythians dislodge, and having received Letters from Darius, which called him back to serve against Alexander, who was already come into his Territories, he began to march away toward Persepolis, when he had left such Orders as were necessary upon the Frontier.  
I will not tell you Darius his grief, nor that of the Queens and Princesses for the death of a son, and of a brother, to whom it was so due, we were too far off to be witnesses of it; but we have known since, that the King bore that loss with less patience then that of his Dominions, and that the Princesses by whom he was so ardently beloved, being weary of their lives when he was gone, were like to have followed him to his grave; and one may truly say, that never Prince was so generally bewailed in Asia, though it were already much burdened with your Forces, and that the consideration of men's private losses, might have taken away their sense of those of the Royal Family. For us, I may tell you that being in a place, where we were attended with much care, and looked to by men that were skilful enough in their art, we were within a short time out of danger; but our wounds, especially my Masters, were so great and many, that we were forced to stay above six months for the cure of them. Do but guests at my Prince's impatiency, who having given himself over to grief, had deferred his design of dying only to see Statira, and by those troublesome wounds, saw himself retarded from that sight, in a season when both his honour and his love called him away to her. He had her name eternally in his mouth, and a thousand times a day kissed the bracelet of her hair, which she had given him at his departure. Assoon as he saw some probability of my being cured, he resolved to send me to the Court, that he might hear from her, and let her know what was become of him; but scarce had he begun to give me my instructions, when I was taken with a cruel relapse, and brought to such extremity, that I was fain to keep my bed longer than he: this accident was like to have killed him with grief, and not daring to trust a Message of that consequence to any of his other servants, he resolved to take patience, and wait till we were both recovered, which he did, though with such disquiets as you are not able to imagine.  
We were visited every day by the Governor of the Town, a good old man, whose conversation was very pleasing, and who made us partakers of all the news he heard. One day we saw him come into the chamber extraordinarily sad, and my Master having asked the cause. Ah! Sir, (said he) now it is that the Gods indeed forsake us, and that the Royal Family of Persia is threatened with its ruin, and this Empire with a general desolation. These words having stirred up a desire in my Master to press him farther, he sat down by his bedside, and said,  
Know, Sir, that this young Conqueror Alexander, whose fame is already so far spread, has passed the Granicus, and with an handful of men routed all the Forces the King had sent to hinder his passage. The wonders he has done, make him now pass almost for a God; the obstacle of a deep, swift River, the Banks whereof were of an inaccessible height, and covered with an infinite number of Persian Squadrons, have not been able to abate his courage, nor retard a Victory which he has most gloriously obtained; but leaping himself first into the water, and by his example, teaching his soldiers to despise a danger, which he braved with so much assurance, he waded through, and gained the shore in spite of our opposition; so fight first with his Javelin, and then with his Sword, he with his own hand flew Rhesaces and Spithridates, two valiant Commanders, whom without question you have known.  
The Macedonians imitating the valour of their King, did prodigious actions, and to be brief, for thirty or forty men they lost, they killed thirty thousand of ours, and put all the rest to flight, remaining Masters of the Field, and of all the Persian Baggage. But that's not all, this Victory hath made so great an alteration of affairs, and imprinted such a terror of his name among the Persians, that even Sardis itself, the capital City of the lower Provinces near the Sea, has yielded to him without resistance; and all the rest have followed it with the same facility, except Miletum and Halicarnassus, which made some defence; yet he forced them in a short time: and making himself Master of all the Neighbouring Country, with little trouble, his heart was so puffed up with that prosperity, and the little resistance he met, that he overran all the Coast of Pamphilia in a few days: but that which is thought strangest of all, and which makes the Persians believe, the Gods take a particular care of his Conquests, is, that that shore, which was never wont to be without storms, and which in its greatest calm, is as much troubled, as other Seas are in the most furious Tempests, nay, which besides is hardly Navigable by reason of the many Rocks that lie hid, all along the Coast in great abundance, submitted itself voluntarily to him, and during his Voyage, was so smooth and quiet, that the like was never known before. He embarked at Phaselide, and passed the place commonly called the Scale, then assaulting the Pysidians, he overcame them, and conquered all Phrygia, in a very short space. Now he turns his arms toward Paphlagonia, and Cappadocia, to take his March into the higher Provinces of Asia. The King whose courage is not lessened with all these changes, is now near Susa, where he is recruiting his Army, to stop the course of this impetuous torrent, that lays waste his Territories with so swift a fury. 'Tis thought it will grow to three hundred thousand fight men, against whom this Alexander, how valiant and invincible soever he appear, will not be able to stand with but thirty thousand Foot, and five thousand Horse, which are all the Forces his Army is composed of. True it is, they tell wonders of the goodness of his Forces, and of the order that is observed among them; almost all his men are old soldiers, and most part of them bore arms under King Philip, where Alexander knew them, and chose them all himself for this Expedition: they all seem to be Captains, all their Captains Kings, and they that have seen them, make very advantageous reports of a great number of Princes that are near his person, and say that one would take them all for Alexander's.  
This was the Relation the Governor made unto my Master, who accompanied it with an infinite number of sighs, and with words which sufficiently testified the sorrow that oppressed him, seeing himself forced to keep his bed, while poor Darius and that family which was so dear to him, were upon the very brink of ruin; Great Gods! cried he, are you so much concerned in the glory of one man, that to raise him up, you will destroy the image which comes nearest to your greatness? Ah! how justly do you punish the meanness of my spirit, and how dearly do you make me buy this life, which I so wretchedly languish out since the death of Artaxerxes! Then complaining to the Physicians of their tediousness, he promised them excessive recompenses, if they hastened his cure, and I know not whither his desire to be well, contributed any thing toward it, or that indeed he was more carefully looked to, but one might discern a visible amendment in him; and to make short, within one month after, we were upon our legs, and like to be quickly in a condition, to endure the hardship of a Voyage, for which my Prince prepared himself.  
Before our departure, we heard that Alexander was Master of Paphlagonia, and that he within a few days, expected the same success in Cappadocia, with the same facility. Oroondates who besides the interest of Darius, was already pricked with emulation of Alexander's glory, being jealous of the Victories he obtained so gloriously, was no sooner able to get on horseback, but he left Brisa with his retinue, after he had taken his leave of the Governor, from whom he had received great testimonies of affection, and to whom he gave very rich Presents at his departure. If my Master had not known the hatred of the King his Father to the King of Persia, he would have turned short into Scythia, and begged supplies there to assist him with; but being well assured that King Matheus would contribute all that lay in him to advance Darius his ruin, he lost all hopes on that side, and resolved while the Gods should make some change in their affairs, to go see Statira again, and serve the King her Father with his own person, as long as the fates should please to continue his life. With this design having taken guides, we traveled great days journeys toward Susa, where the King was recruiting his Army: but scarce had we ridden three or four, when we learned that having gotten it up to the number, the Governor of Brisa had made him hope for, he was marching toward Cylicia, to meet Alexander, who being already Conqueror in Cappadocia, was coming towards Syria to encounter him. This intelligence made us change our Road, and caused us to come later to the King, then else we should have done. Before we arrived there, my Master received news, whereat he was exceedingly grieved, which was the death of the valiant Memnon, the bravest of all Darius his Commanders, and him that Alexander apprehended most, as indeed the hearing of his death, was that which confirmed him in his resolution of invading the higher Asia, seeing it was no longer defended by so redoubted a Warrior. Oroondates gave some tears unto his memory, and to the affliction of his fair Barsina, but his soul was yet so full of mourning for the loss of his dear Artaxerxes, that he was much the less sensible of all others.  
Araxes would have continued his Discourse, if the night which was very near, had not made them retire, referring the continuation of it till the next day: Lysimachus had harkened to him with so much delight, and grew to have so much interest in the wonders of the life he related, that he very unwillingly yielded to that intermission, but being constrained to it by many considerations, he returned into the house, and ran to the Chamber of Oroondates, whom he found in a condition good enough for the hope of his recovery; but his mind was in so sad an estate, that one less concerned in it then he, would have been deeply touched with compassion; he would not make him speak that Evening, knowing how much it might do him hurt; and fearing to give him occasion to talk, he wished him good rest, and withdrew into his Chamber, where after a light supper he went to bed, and passed the night, as he had done that before.  
The End of the Second Book.   

CASSANDRA. BOOK III.  
BUt sorrowful Oroondates, more nearly touched with the loss of his Princess, instead of taking any repose in a place which seemed to have been created purposely for it, did there linger out the hours of his condemnation (for so he called the necessity that constrained him to live) in pains more sharp, and insupportable than death itself. Night with its darkness bringing back horror and silence into his Chamber, brought back also most dismal objects into his mind, and represented to him the wretchedness of his present condition, in so many, and such terrible forms, that he was like to lose his life, with very grief that he was forced to keep it. Then it was that all the passages thereof, as well the most pleasing as the most fatal came into his memory, and that he saw himself most cruelly assaulted, both with a remembrance of the blessings he had lost, and a sense of the miseries in which he was overwhelmed.  
He made reflection upon the strange birth, the marvellous progress, and the tragical success of his affection, and from all three, he conjectured that the Gods had never engaged themselves with so much interest through the whole course of his misfortunes, but to show in his life a dreadful example of their wrath, and of the afflictions into which those men precipitate themselves, whom they have forsaken; He embarked again upon that tempestuous sea, which had tossed him for the space of ten whole years, and recalling to mind all the most memorable accidents of that time, where there was any matter of trouble, he afflicted himself really, but if there were any occasion of joy or comfort, he was so little sensible of that, that he easily found, his soul being prepossessed with impressions of grief, had no entrance at all left for any thing else, nor sense of any other touches then those of despair. But when having overrun all, he arrived at the bloody Catastrophe of his love, and that after the cruelties, absences, imprisonments, jealousies, quarrels, and rigorous commands of his Princess, he came to imagine her death, nay a most certain bloody and inhuman death; than it was that his constancy utterly forsook him, and that courage which had not yielded to the rest of his mishaps, sunk under the burden of an affliction of so high a nature. He fancied before his eyes that fair and magnanimous Queen, remainder of the Illustrious blood of Persia, and widow to the greatest man that ever was, holding forth her naked throat to the sword of Perdiccas, and to the bloody executioners of pitiless Roxana; he represents her to himself all bloody, and disfigured with a multitude of wounds, which make that fair body hideous, and scarcely to be known: he than seeks her in the bottom of a well, under a heap of stones that buried her, and his imagination working very strongly, made him behold her in the strangest and most ghastly shapes his mind could possibly conceive. Then it was that he plunged himself headlong into his grief, and forgetting his resolution of being cured, he sent forth cries of lamentation, and gave himself quite over to sighs and groans, swimming as it were in a river of tears, which streamed from his eyes as two eternal sources. He broke the silence that was enjoined him for his recovery, and the absence of Lysimachus, Araxes and the Physicians, gave his tongue liberty to ease his heart of some part of its sorrow. Fair Queen (cried he with an interrupted speech) if your soul be not utterly unloosed from all earthly thoughts, and if you still conserve any remembrance of your faithful Orontes; Fair Queen, beautiful Statira, divine spirit, look yet upon this miserable man, and if you be the same Statira so religiously adored by poor Orontes, see that I am still the same Orontes, by whom the divine Statira hath been so religiously adored: Yes I am still the same, I declare it to my own shame and confusion, I am the same, unless I be changed by that meanness of spirit which I have showed in surviving you; yes, dear Princess, I live still, though you, alas! are dead; but if you know my affection well, you cannot doubt but I will shortly follow you; this cowardice of which I accuse myself, is only a cowardice in appearance, but is indeed an effect of my courage, and of my love to you. I do resolve to die Statira, assoon as you are revenged, and the numberless deaths I suffer in expectation of my last, aught to satisfy you better than one alone, whereby you have outgon me. One death great Queen was enough for you; but this unhappy wretch that was the occasion of it, this unfortunate cause of Roxana's hatred, aught to suffer ten thousand, to recompense that one life he made you lose. He stopped at these words, to turn over a thousand furious resolutions in his mind, and to invent as many kinds of revenge, which all seemed too light to his indignation, fire and sword seemed too gentle for his satisfaction, and Roxana, and Perdiccas too mean, too feeble subjects to wreak his anger; he wished the Gods would resuscitate an Alexander to defend them, or that the whole world would take up arms for their protection. Nay, he who in the whole former course of his life, had ever appeared moderate, and most religious, fell now to contest with the Gods, as if he meant to force them to take the part of his enemies. Great Gods (said he) you who to raise an Alexander to that pitch of glory, which never any man before attained, have destroyed the Royal Family of Persia, and beaten down the pride of so many mighty Kings; you who have submitted so many Empires, and sacrificed so many thousand lives to his ambition; and who on the contrary have made me linger out my miserable youth in love, in irons, in unknown Countries, without name, without glory, and without fortune, though you had given me both as eminent a quality as his, as high a spirit, and perhaps a Soul capable of as great designs: If you abhorred her for being loved by me whom you have ever frowned on, why did you not at least protect her for being so dear to that great man upon whom you showered down all your Favours? Was it so great a crime in Princess Statira, to have been loved by Oroondates, that the glory of having married Alexander could not blot it out? Were you not satisfied with having tormented, afflicted, and persecuted me from my childhood, by the violence of my passion, by the death of my dear Artaxerxes, by long and insupportable absences, by the captivity of my Princess, by an infinite number of wounds, by long imprisonments, by the loss of Darius and his Empires, by the marriage of Statira, by her anger, by the persecutions of Roxana, by my banishment, by such toilsome and dangerous voyages, and briefly by so many hazards, by so many pains, and by so many crosses as the courage of your Alexander would infallibly have fainted under; unless with my life you also robbed me in the very haven, of that Prize which I was upon the point of receiving, and which I had so gloriously deserved? Blind Divinities! by what offences have I drawn your hatred so visibly upon me? He spoke many other things of this nature, till at last with tormenting himself so extremely, his senses were a little dulled, which made him fall into a slumber, burying the thoughts that afflicted him, in some repose: But she that was eternally in his imagination while awake, appeared to him likewise in his sleep, and having entertained himself with her the rest of the night, at break of day he verily thought he heard her voice at his bed's head, which having often pronounced his name; went on, saying, Ah! 'tis he, Orontes; my dear Orontes! These words which he did effectually believe he heard, wakened him in a start, and drawing the Curtain of his Bed, which was a little open, he fancied that he saw in his Chamber the very face of his dear Statira. This belief having marvellously surprised him, made him cast forth a loud cry, and thrusting his head out of bed to see her more distinctly, her image suddenly vanished from his eyes. The poor Prince troubled with this vision, and not being able to distinguish whether the force of his imagination, had represented a shape unto his fancy, which had not appeared indeed; or whether the Ghost of his dear Princess had really presented itself unto his sight, remained in a strange perplexity; but the last persuasion being the stronger, he absolutely believed that Statira came either to comfort him in his affliction, or to animate him by her presence, to the vengeance she desired of him. In this conceit he cried out, Whether fly you fair Princess, whether fly you? vanish not so soon from him that dies for you; dead as you are, you appear no less charming to me then when you were alive, and I ought not to be more hateful to you now, then when I was your dear Orontes. He had said more, but that he saw Lysimachus enter, who coming to his bed side to bid him good morrow, and seeing him all in a cold sweat, asked him the cause of that distemper; The Prince extremely moved, and crossing his arms upon his breast, said to him with a very deep sigh, Ah! Lysimachus, what have I seen? Ah! what have I seen, Lysimachus? and stopping at those few words, appeared so much amazed, that Lysimachus his desire increased to learn what was the cause of it, and having conjured him to tell him; Why do we delay, Lysimachus (replied the Prince) why do we longer defer this revenge, to which we have obliged ourselves? Our Princesses come to summon us to it themselves, and at the very moment you came in, Statira vanished from my eyes; my eyes, my own eyes have seen her without illusion, and my ears heard that same voice, which while she lived, was wont to pronounce my Oracles; I tell you seriously, and in my right senses, I saw her, fairer, taller, and more animal than ever, and though I saw her but as a flash of lightning, yet had I no difficulty to know the features, which I have so deeply engraven in my heart. Lysimachus at this discourse joining his hands together, and shrinking up his shoulders; Great Gods (said he) since you have been pleased our destinies should be linked together, never separate them, but give an end quickly, to these miseries, which have lasted too long already. I do not doubt at all (continued he turning toward the Prince) of the truth of what you say, since I myself had just such another adventure, for passing through a long Entry near this Chamber, the Ghost of the Princess Parisatis appeared to me, she had her very fashion, and her very countenance, I would have cast myself at her feet, but she vanished away so suddenly, that were it not for what you tell me happened to you also, I should believe my fancy abused me, and that I had only seen in imagination, what I indeed saw really, and without deceit. Oroondates hearing Lysimachus his confidence; Let's doubt no more on't Lysimachus (said he) Let's doubt no more on't: Our Princesses did without question come to visit us, to comfort us, and to solicit us to that revenge which we have promised them; perchance they likewise demand the last duties of us, and that their fair bodies which have yet had no other Tomb but a heap of stones, expect Funeral honours from us, more suitable to their quality: that's it which makes their spirits wander still amongst us, and makes the churlish Ferryman deny them passage, as long as they are deprived of the Rites of Burial. Come Lysimachus, let's go make them a gallant Monument of the ruins of Babylon, and appease their Ghosts by the Sacrifices we owe unto them; we know the obligations they require, let's go and offer them, and mingle our own innocent blood, with that of those barbarous people that ravished them from us. Lysimachus answered him coldly: Assoon as you are in a better condition to execute your just resolutions, I'll bear you company in all things, and will instruct you in what estate are the affairs of Perdiccas, Roxana, and of all the successors of Alexander. In the mean time I will employ this day in some particular sacrifices, and in visiting a Temple of Apollo, which is but a little distant from this house: there I may pay some part of what we owe to the memory of our Princesses, and there I may consult the pleasure of the Gods, both for you, and for myself, our fortunes being so chained together, that we have need but of one Oracle for us both. At my return I will entreat Araxes, to continue the relation of your Adventures, and after that, I will acquaint you with mine, and with some particulars of your own, which without doubt you are ignorant of, so shall you see what shave I have in them, and know the mixture of our Interests, which from henceforward can never more be separated. If my Fortunes were better than they are (replied Oroondates) I should be overjoyed to have such a Companion in them as yourself: but being such as by this time you partly find them to be, I cannot but be extremely troubled, by learning that my unhappinesses are common to you: I'll wait for your return, and (since you will have it so) for the health likewise which is wanting to this miserable body, that I may second you in our just designs: but after that, what answer soever you receive from the Gods, I am fully resolved not to languish always in a life which I cannot spin out longer without shame and horror. I do not at all love mine better (answered Lysimachus) than you do yours, and if I still leave the disposing of it to the Gods, 'tis to obtain facility in our revenge, and to pay the duty I truly owe them, according to the precepts of Philosophy which I have learned, and to the lessons of that good Philosopher calisthenes. They had yet some other discourses, after which Lysimachus took leave of Oroondates, and went out of the house, attended only by his squire, and the son of their Landlord, who was to be his guide.  
They took their way toward the Temple Lysimachus meant to visit, and because it was not far off, and that they went a reasonable good pace, they arrived at the Gate of it in less than an hour: 'Twas contrary to the ordinary custom of the Territories subject to the King of Persia, that that Temple had been built in that Country, for in almost all the other Provinces, they made their sacrifices in the open air, and upon the tops of mountains: but King Artaxerxes, one of Darius his Predecessors, out of some particular devotion, had caused this to be built, within forty or fifty furlongs of Babylon, and not above five or six from the River Euphrates: he had also taken care to enrich it with a great number of Presents, and the Oracles that were delivered there, made it quickly very famous through all Asia: the Platform of it was a Pentagone, and the Frontispiece appeared in Perspective, between two rows of trees of an extraordinary height, which made a long Walk, whose other end reached to the bank of the River. This Front was marvellously high, beautified with many Statues, and particularly with two Marble Pillars of an excessive height, upon which the God Apollo, and the Goddess his Sister, were placed in their Chariots. The Gates were Cedar standing on the top of five or six Steps, of the fairest Parian Marble that was ever seen: the Floor of the Temple was Paved with the same, and the Walls were all adorned with Pictures which represented the most famous actions of that God: There was his birth in the Floating Island, with the punishment of those that were turned into frogs, the Victory of Python, the Metamorphosis of Daphne, whom the Gods seemed still to embrace most ardently, insensible as she was, the death of Coronis, and the transformation of the fatal Crow, the Loves of Clytiae, and of the daughter of Orchamus, who being half buried, implored the assistance of the God that loved her, the Destiny of fair Hyacinthus, and that of poor Cyparissus; and in short, all the most remarkable Stories the Poets had sung of that God, were painted there by an excellent hand, and enchaced in Cornishes whose materials were very precious. The Access to the Altar was hindered by a Baluster of Brass, which reached unto the Arch of the Temple, the form of it was round, and upon it stood the God of the Stature of a man, his head environed with rays, and so glittering with Gold Diamonds, and other Stones of great value, that human eyes were hardly able to endure the lustre of them. Behind the Altar was the hole of the sacred passage or Tunnel whence the Priests drew that fury which made them pronounce the Oracles: but the coming to it was not permitted to any but them alone, who came thither through a Vault under ground, which led from their quarter to the Altar.  
Lysimachus came into the long Alley, at the same time when a stranger who had newly alighted there, was walking near the Gate, and expecting when it would be opened: scarce had he left his horse, but he came up to him, and saluted him most courteously: although he desired not to be known, yet was he not willing to appear unmannerly, and seeing that he had put up the beaver of his head-piece, he discovered his face also, and returned his salute with all manner of civility. Besides the decency that obliged him, he was likewise moved to it by the strangers handsome fashion, and considering him more nearly, he observed so much Beauty and Majesty in his face, and stature, that though he had been bred near Alexander the Great, in a Court, out of which so many Kings had issued, yet did he not believe he had ever beheld any thing that could equal it. He thought nevertheless that he had seen the like features in some face or other; yet he spent no time to strengthen that conceit, but followed the inclination which already moved him to some kind of respect, and affection to him; The Stranger also who saw something extreme graceful, sprightly, and martial in his carriage, considered him with admiration, and began to speak to him in the Persian Language, with so sweet and so obliging a countenance, that Lysimachus looked upon him, and harkened to him, as an extraordinary man. I believe Sir (said the stranger) that the same design leads us both hither, but I pray the Gods, you be not brought by so ill a Fortune as I am.  
The goodness you express to me, (replied Lysimachus) and the esteem I have already for a person of so winning a behaviour, make me beg of the same Gods, to send you rather any other fortune, than one like mine. I would to heaven (answered the stranger with a deep sigh) I were as surely equal to you in the good qualities which doubtless you possess, as I go beyond both you, and all men living, in misfortunes. If to have no more hope, but in the grave (said Lysimachus) and to have lost by a cruel, and unusual death, the person a man loved, or rather the only thing for which he lived, be a condition that can suffer any parallel: I confess there may be found very miserable ones; but if all those to whom misfortunes of the like nature have happened, have not had passions as ardent as mine, and for as lovely objects as that I bewail, they must needs yield a prize to me, which I, in spite of me, carry away from all the rest of the world.  
May the Gods be pleased to comfort you (replied the stranger) since I suffer some addition to my griefs by the knowledge of yours, for I am very far from that humour, which makes unfortunate men find some sweetness in meeting with others as unhappy as themselves: For my part, I who hope no more almost for any but in death, and who besides miseries of the same nature with yours, have also suffered many others, under the burden whereof I should have sunk, but for the particular assistance of heaven will wait its pleasure with the same heart, which hath made me bear a thousand losses without murmuring, the least of which ought to have sent me to my grave. This courageous resignation (added Lysimachus) is a most perfect mark of your virtue, and accuses those Gods, to whom you so voluntarily submit yourself, or cruelty and injustice; they will pardon me this liberty of speech, which neither comes from a want of respect to them, nor from an impious humour inclined to blasphemy; but if I may continue without offending them (said he walking under the trees) and if we may be permitted to reason of things that are above us, methinks those cruel scourges wherewith they have afflicted you, should rather have been destined to the punishment of Parricides, and of many other crimes, which ambition, or other motives, daily make the monsters of the present, and past ages to commit; and yet we see them fortunate, and come to extreme old age, without being crossed by any accident to trouble the repose of their prosperity. We have seen an Occhus, predecessor to Darius, bloody with the murder of fifty of his brothers, his father Artaxerxes the murderer of his own, of his eldest son; and many other Princes who for reasons of State, have not forborn any kind of crime, reign and live peaceably to their hundredth year, without any trouble, and without any sensible cross; and we see poor Darius, a good and a generous Prince, with all his illustrious Family, the mirror of virtue, constancy and generosity, persecuted by heaven and fortune, and breathing out their lives at last by strange, and cruel ways, which seem to accuse this Sovereign providence. We see an Alexander, known enough through the whole world, taken away in the flower of his age, and almost in the birth of his hopes, and with these a great number of other persons truly virtuous, who seem to have come into the world for nothing else, but to make sport for the inconstancy of Fortune, or to serve for the Butt of her persecutions.  
The stranger who harkened quietly to him, after he had wiped away some tears which this discourse drew from his eyes, answered with much moderation. Truly I have made the same observation with you, and in the diversity of things which I have seen, have sometimes fastened upon considerations like to yours; I have indeed known many very vicious persons, who have lived to a very great age, and very happily, at least in appearance, and I have seen many virtuous men, harshly used by fortune, and given over to all manner of infelicities; but this hath never made me accuse the Gods of injustice, nor of want of providence in human affairs; and if you will give me leave to tell you my opinion, I have always believed that there were as many different kinds of happiness, as there are several kinds of humours, and that as the true sovereign good consists only in the contentment of the mind, the very variety of inclinations may make the difference. So we may often deceive ourselves, by accounting a man happy when we see him possess treasures, which perchance he disdains, to desire the possession of a person whom he loves; and likewise make very false judgements of the Fortune of another, seeing him enjoy a Mistress, whom he would willingly forsake for those treasures that are denied him; On this manner may we abuse ourselves in the opinion we have of the happiness of vicious men, who though they should obtain that felicity which consists in the satisfaction of the mind, and the fulfilling of the desire, the remorse of their guilty conscience makes a war within them unknown to us, and troubling their quiet by continual assaults, renders them incapable of tasting that sweetness which they propose to themselves in the fruition of things desired, or in the being freed from those they hate, or apprehend. Do you think that Occhus could feel any pleasure in his Victory over the Armenians, or find any tranquillity in those Estates which he had secured by so many murders, when he set before his eyes the death of so many brothers, with whose blood he had cemented that greatness wherein he lived the space of many years? and do you not believe that Artaxerxes detested the length of his life, when to secure it he saw himself constrained to sacrifice that of a son whom he had dearly loved? Certainly if you make reflection upon them, you will judge that the number of evils, these persons (happy in appearance) feel, is much greater than that of the goods, which make us believe them to be so; but though I should grant you that these cruel men, these Parricides, and these monsters, did taste a real happiness, and that enjoying all they could wish for, they were neither troubled with ambition, love, nor remorse of conscience; may we not believe that the Gods have preserved them so many years, to make use of them as Instruments of their Justice, and scourges wherewith they have punished others, as faulty, and as wicked as themselves? What do we know, whether they gave Occhus so long a life for his own happiness, or for the destiny of his brothers; and whether it were rather their love to him, that made them preserve him, to destroy them, than their hatred to them, whose inclinations perchance were worse than his? Ought we not also to believe that they suffered Artaxerxes to live to his hundreth year, only to use him for the punishment of a son, that was to attempt against his life? This is my opinion for what concerns the prosperity of evil men, and the adversity of good, though truly it be an affliction to all that have any virtue, yet me thinks also it no way shocks Divine Providence; perhaps those that seemed most innocent to us, were not so before the Gods, whose Judgements are very different from ours, and are punished by the miseries to which we see them exposed for some crimes that are concealed from us: but if they be free of them, it is without question to make trial of their virtue, and to give it the brighter lustre, that they send them such afflictions, The example of those you allege to me.  
The stranger stopped short at these words, and as he was about to have gone on with his discourse, he seemed prevented by some so pressing remembrance, that it would not suffer him to proceed further. Lysimachus who had harkened to him with much attention, and who admired his gracefulness, both in his discourse, and in all his actions, would have begun their conversation again, if at the same time the Gates of the Temple had not been opened, giving them liberty to go in to their Devotions.  
They entered both together, and staying but little to observe the Pictures, and other beauties of the Temple, they kneeled down near the Baluster, and after they had prayed softly a while, the stranger raising his voice, and addressing himself to the God to whom the Temple was dedicated, prayed on this manner:  
Powerful Divinity, who dost not only dispense thy light to mortals, but also dost truly give being unto all things; Thou independent Being, upon whom all others do depend: if the prayers of a miserable man may yet be heard, behold, (thou Father of the Day) the most unfortunate one living, prostrate at the foot of thine Altar, one who forsaking all hope of human succour or consolation, expects neither but from thy Divine goodness. Thou know'st all my misery, thou know'st my losses, and thou know'st great God in what a sea I have floated the space of many years. If thy justice be satisfied with so many losses, and if after having taken so much from me, thou yet preservest that in the world, which I seek with so much diligence: Enlighten me thou Author of light, and guide my steps in the tract of what I have lost: I part with all things else untroubled, but great God restore me that I love, restore me that which makes me live, or at least restore me a hope, which hath already forsaken me.  
Thus the stranger ended his Prayer, and Lysimachus who had harkened to it very attentively, and with as much compassion for his distresses, as the remembrance of his own would permit, seeing that he had done, and that the Priest being gone behind the Altar, waited at the hole of the sacred Tunnel, for the answer of the God, he prostrated himself with all humility, and made his Prayer unto him in these words.  
BRight Star of the day, thou Gi● that beholdest all things, and by whom all things subsist, Two miserable wretches who have but one Destiny, cast themselves down at thy feet, to render what they owe thee, rather than to beg relief or alteration of a Fortune, in which they are void of all manner of hope, save that of death: they have lost all that they could lose, and all that they desired to keep, and can expect no help from thee, unless thou in favour of them shouldst once again use that power, which thou didst communicate to thy 
* Aesculapius.  Son, and unless thou shouldst restore the lives of those Illustrious persons, to whom they'rs were wholly dedicated. Assist them only in a most just revenge, and in the design they have to pay what is due to the Spirits of them they have so perfectly loved.  
Lysimachus ended these words with bowing himself to the very ground; and a while after the Priest came back before the Altar, so changed that one had much ado to know him, he seemed taller than ordinary, he had a wild affrighted look, and being transported with the God that possessed him, he in his rapture pronounced these words with a dreadful voice.  

The ORACLE.  
LEt the Dead wait for the Duties of the Living, and let the Living hope for the assistance of the Dead; the Dead shall build the Fortunes of the Living, and the Living shall establish the repose of the Dead. In the mean time I will have the living live, and the dead rest; and both the living and the dead, expect my pleasure upon the banks of Euphrates.   
After that the Priest had pronounced these words, he came by little and little to himself again, and though at the entreaty of Lysimachus, and the stranger, he went back to the Hole again, yet would the God give no other answer, and left them in an uncertainty both of the sense of the Oracle, and to which of them it was addressed. Each took it to himself, but not being able to comprehend any thing by it, they resolved to wait for the fulfilling of it, without informing themselves any further: and after they had offered some small sacrifices, according to the Custom, and to the intention which obliged them to it, they took leave of the Priest, and went out of the Temple as ignorant of their Destinies, as they were before.  
If the Affairs of Lysimachus, and those of the stranger, or rather the sorrowful condition of both could have suffered them to endure company, they would not have parted so soon, for they had already conceived so high an esteem, and so much good will for one another, that they could not bid farewell, without some trouble; but being called otherwhere by urging considerations, they both got on horseback, and the stranger departing his way, Lysimachus likewise took his towards Polemons house where he had left Oroondates.  
He road that short way without speaking a word, seeming to be buried in so deep a study, that they that accompanied him, durst not put him out of it; when he was within two or three hundred paces of the house, he saw upon the right hand, near the River, an exceeding high wood, which appeared to him so desert, and solitary, that he thought it a fit place to pass some of his melancholic hours, and to entertain his sad and dying thoughts; with this intent alighting from his horse, and commanding his Squire to lead him back to Polemons house, he thanked his son for having guided him, and dismissed him also, entering alone, and on foot into the wood, where he walked up and down in the most gloomy shades he could find, and such as were most retired from the company of men. There he revolved the words of the Oracle in his mind a hundred times, and after having as often examined them, he understood so little, that he gave over all care of finding out any more of the meaning of it. In this solitude his tears had liberty to break forth, and being not seen by any body that could accuse him of weakness, he made lamentations and complaints, able to have moved the very trees to pity: The remembrance of the vision he had seen that morning, coming then into his mind, made him conjure the spirit of his Princess to appear once more to him, and that with the most ardent prayers, and the most tender moving words his passion could suggest.  
Divine Parisatis (said he walking very softly with his eyes lift up to heaven, and his arms a cross upon his breast) if notwithstanding your Divinity, you have already vouchsafed to comfort this unfortunate man by your sight, and to lay aside the splendour that environs you, to make yourself a fit object for the weakness of his eyes, do not now refuse him the same favour, since he is still the same, and that in so solitary a place you may with more liberty, honour him with the commands he waits for from you. Discoursing with himself on this manner, he continued his walk under the trees, till coming near a great Oak, he saw words cut into the bark of it, and then looking about upon the other trees which were nearest to it he saw they were almost all marked with the same Characters; he drew near without design and lifting up his head toward the nearest, he perceived the names of CASSANDRA & EURYDICE, engraven upon the bark in great Letters, and in divers places: After this fight, being at the foot of the great Oak, and casting his eye upon the writing which reached down almost to the very root of the tree, he read these words distinctly which he found there.  
Whosoever thou art, whom Chance or Design shall bring into these solitary places, bewail the misfortunes of desolate Cassandra: here it is that unhappy She weeps and will weep the remainder of her days, both for what she has lost by her own fault, and for what she has lost by the anger of the Gods: by her tears she will deplore what the Gods have taken from her, and by her tears she will testify to those same Gods, and to the memory of that which was so dear to her, the full repentance of her crime: She loved that which she ought to love, she still loves that which is now no more, and to her grave will conserve both her first and last affections, pure and inviolable. Lysimachus was touched with compassion at the reading of these words, and lifting up his eyes to heaven; Great Gods (said he) it is not upon me alone you pour forth your wrath; and the number of the unfortunate is almost as great as that of men; then going on yet a few steps further, he saw a little Rock standing upon the edge of a pleasing brook, all covered over with the like Characters; he there saw the names of CASSANDRA & EURYDICE. Interwoven a hundred several ways, and underneath these words graven with the same hand of the former. Strive not O Charitable Eurydice, to assuage my miseries by the consolations thou givest me, that which I loved and which I ought to love, either is no longer in this world, or is no longer in it for me, contest no more therefore with me about an advantage which thou hast injustly disputed for; though thy losses be of the same nature with mine, thou hast defended thyself better than I from that violent passion, which makes mine so sensible to me, and it is only the consideration of my misfortunes, which makes the greatest part of thine.  
Lysimachus his own afflictions hindered him not from bearing a great share in those of this unknown Cassandra, but he was yet more deeply touched with them, when being set down upon the bank of that little stream, he saw these words also at the foot of the Rock, in the same manner of writing. Fair remainders of what I have so dearly loved, whether part of you be placed in the rank of the Gods, or that part of you wanders still amongst men, since this heart which was open to you as long as it could, and as it ought, leaves you still an entry, which shall never be open but to you, behold with how many tears I solemnize your memory, and content yourself with the last duties I pay, both to the ashes and remembrance of that which was the better part of myself, the thought of my other losses hath no part in my afflictions, and as all my felicities were bounded only in you, so your loss alone hath settled this sorrow in my soul, which can never be separted from it.  
Lysimachus could not make an end of reading these words without letting fall some tears, and the knowledge of others misfortunes, calling to mind the remembrance of his own, afflicted him so deeply that he remained almost without sense or motion; when he was come a little to himself again, he took off his Cask, and stretched himself all along by the side of the brook which running upon small stones made a very pleasing murmur. There it was that his eyes after having shed abundance of tears, were closed by a gentle slumber, caused both by his weariness, and waking the nights before; and that his body as overburthened as it was with the passions of his mind, let itself be sweetly lulled into a quieter repose, than his present condition seemed capable of. And indeed he made a mends for his former want of sleep by such a sound one, that night was already well advanced before it left him; neither perchance would he have waked so soon, but for the noise which two men made, who were talking together very near him. When he had roused up himself, he wondered to find that he was in a place from whence darkness had already driven away the day, yet lifting up his eyes toward heaven, he perceived through the boughs which robbed him of part of it, a pale faint light, by favour whereof he resolved to seek out his way to Polemons house, not doubting but his servants were already in pain for his long stay; yet as he was upon the very point of rising, he heard the same voice that had wakened him, and though he was loose from all other thoughts save those of death, yet some remaining spark of curiosity made him desire to learn what the discourse of those persons might be, in such a place, and at such an hour. They that talked, were set close by him, and making use of the delightful coolness the evening afforded, entertained themselves freely without fear of being heard. Lysimachus lending an ear, heard that one of them said? But Astyages, would you not hold me for the most wicked of all men living, if I should follow such pernicious advice, I believe your friendship only oblige● you to give it me; but consider also who I am, and against whom you counsel; such an action besides that it would be shameful, and horrible to the remembrance of all the world, would also draw the vengeance of the Gods upon one, and would never leave my miserable conscience any quiet.  
Those that are much in love (replied the other) will never stick upon these slight considerations, and though in other matters the fear of the Gods be to be commended, in an enterprise of this nature it can pass for nothing but weakness; a violent passion may excuse all, and those that are overborne by such an one, commit no crimes but such as are very pardonable: shut up your eyes, Sir, against all that may dissuade you from your design, and call that no longer virtue, which is indeed a faint-hearted and an unreasonable patience. But is it possible (said the first) that they who love perfectly can ever bring themselves to do actions that displease the party whom they love; and that you have ever been capable of that noble flame, you I say who give counsel so contrary to the maxims of all those that are touched with it?  
I have loved most perfectly (answered Actiages) but not as these speculative Lovers that content themselves with a glance, or with a sigh, who discover their affections, and Idolise a face ten years together, without pretending to any other fruit by their adoration, but the sight and entertainment of their Mistress. My Love, as it is more real, demands also more real and solid favours, and cannot feed upon those Chimeras which satisfy the imagination of these empty melancholy wits. Will you have me set the difference? know Sir, that among those thave love, some love simply out of an affection to the thing beloved, and others out of love unto themselves▪ the first have no other aim but the perfection of their object, and ground their happiness only upon their own passion; they love (or believe they love) a beauty, not to be repaid with an affection by the person that possesses it, but merely because they judge it lovely, and these, Sir, me thinks are void of common sense: The latter, to whose maxims I have always stiffly adhered, seek after a real good, and their own contentment, as having only reasonable opinions, and such as natural instinct is able to furnish them withal. They love, upon hope that they shall be equally repaid, and that they shall taste that happiness in the enjoyment of the thing beloved, which they proposed unto themselves, before they embarked into their passion; and these engage not themselves so deeply, as to continue their love when they have lost their hope: but let us leave both in their opinions, and let us stick only upon what concerns you; you think, that by a sweet, pleasing violence, you shall offend her you love; had you that consideration, when you pulled her out of the arms of her friends? or did you think you should displease her less by that action, then by this which would make her entirely your own?  
Ah! Astyages (interrupted the other) this 〈◊〉 alone makes me tremble; and consider I pray you, that my Princess is not only daughter to one of the greatest Kings in the world, but she is the daughter of mine own King, and that the very attempt you propose, would deserve a thousand thunder bolts.  
You should have had this thought (replied Astyages) before you came to the terms you are now upon; but in the state your affairs are at present, your condition cannot be worse, and losing no hope but what you have already lost, you shall labour your own satisfaction, and enjoy a contentment for which you have forsaken all others.  
But after all, (said the first) what happiness can one taste by forcing the possession of a thing, in which the will alone gives all the sweetness, and with what delight can one make much of the body, if the mind do not lend its consent to welcome it? They that love, for the love of themselves, (answered Astyages) make no difference in that, and favours are still favours, which way soever they are obtained; think upon it therefore, Sir, since it is high time, and that all things are favourable to you; make use of the power you have in this place, and consider how great your grief will be, if you let slip a prey out of your hands, which would never fall into them again. I promise you, that after this action, you shall be possessor both of the body and mind together, for all that's past will vanish out of their memory, and she will do that by necessity, which she would not do by inclination. He made a stop at these words, and seeing that the other answered him not, he continued on this manner: Set before your eyes, Sir, the little hope you have to enjoy her any other way; remember how many vain prayers you have spent; how many unprofitable tears you have shed, let your past submissions make you ashamed, and blush for having subjected yourself so much, to her whose insolent disdains make her almost unworthy of your affection; talk no longer to her as a slave, but as a Master, and instead of beseeching her as you have done hitherto, say boldly, I will, and if she resist after that knowledge of your desire, make use fearlessly of that power which the Heavens have given you, and never apprehend the anger of the Gods, for a fault whereof they themselves have so often been your example.  
After that the other had harkened some time to this Discourse▪ coming of a sudden as it were out of a deep sleep; Astyages (said he) thou hast overcome, thy reasons are so strong, that it is impossible to defend one's self against them; and notwithstanding all the resistance I can make, I feel myself so gently forced to consent to what flatters me so pleasingly, that it is very difficult for me not to yield. I'll follow thy advice, and if the first means (which I will try yet for a while) prevail not, I'll have recourse to thine, and whatsoever comes on it, will accuse none but thee, of a fault I shall commit by thy persuasions. The Gods be thanked, (replied Astyages) who have at last given you thoughts worthy of you; follow my counsel, Sir, follow it boldly, and spare not to lay all the fault, and all the punishment you fear, upon me. But, Sir, (continued he, after he had held his peace awhile) we may perchance stay here too long, it is already late, and the Moon which begins to shine, will now discover to us the ways, which are not unknown to me; let's get out of this Wood, and return to those in whom our stay may have bred some apprehensions.  
At these words they arose, and Lysimachus who believed so by the end of their discourse, and by the noise they made in going away, rose up also; The conclusion of their entertainment had informed him of the ill design they had, and although his affliction was able to smother all other thoughts in him, his horror of wicked actions made him resolve to cross their intention, and as much as possibly he could to hinder it. The night being reasonable clear, he followed them for some time, eyeing them still before him; but in the end notwithstanding all his care, he lost sight of them among the Trees: he endeavoured a good while to find them again, but after he had gone up and down the Wood to no purpose, he came to the bank of the River, and knew the great Road to Babylon, and the path which led to Polemons house. Scarce had he gone fifty paces in it, but he met some of his own servants, who were come out to seek him; he quickly put them out of the trouble they had been in, and returned with them and Polemon, who was their Guide to the house, which was not far from thence.  
Though it was late when he came in, he would not go to bed, nor sup, without seeing Oroondates, when he knew by Araxes that he was not asleep, but would be extreme glad to see him, having expressed much trouble for his absence since it was night. After he was entered into his Chamber, and that being come to his bedside, they had embraced one another; Well, Lysimachus, (said Oroondates to him) what do the Gods ordain us? They have explained themselves very ill, (answered Lysimachus) for their will is exceeding difficult to be understood: I know not whither you will be a better interpreter than I; and whither you can penetrate into the meaning of the most obscure Oracle that ever was. At these words, after having recounted his Journey, and his Encounter with the Stranger, he told him the words of the Oracle which he had most carefully remembered. Oroondates considered a while what explication might be given them, and after he had mused a little, I know not (said he) what obscurity you find in it, but me thinks there was never a clearer one pronounced, and that the Gods never discovered their wills more openly, nor more intelligibly. Let the dead (says the Oracle) wait for the duties of the living: These words are all expounded of themselves; the sense without question is, that those fair souls expect the last duties from us, and that the God's reproach us for our slackness and delay. And let the living hope for the assistance of the dead: There is no doubt but that in what we have yet to do for the satisfaction of those dear spirits, their assistance is necessary for us, and if we be weak against such powerful enemies, the remembrance of those we loved, will infallibly redouble our Forces: This is that they come to offer us, and is certainly the cause of the Visions we saw this morning. It is by this assistance, that the dead shall build the fortunes of the living, and the living shall establish the r●pose of the dead. All our fortune from henceforth consists in the death we seek, and the revenge we hope for▪ and by this revenge, and by the duties of burial, we shall establish the repose of these poor spirits, which wander yet about while their bodies are deprived of Funeral rites. In the mean time I will have the living live, and the dead rest; and both the living and the dead, expect my pleasure upon the banks of Euphrates. I see more impossibility in the execution of this command, than difficulty in the interpretation of it: If the Gods will have me to live, they must restore me my Princess; as for the dead, they may easily rest, and expect their pleasure, either upon the Banks of Euphrates, or those of Cocytus: and see dear Lysimacbus, how these poor souls obey them, and how, though devested of their bodies, they dare not forsake this place, carefully rendering to the Divinity, that duty which it yet exacteth from them. Lysimachus confirmed him in this belief, and after some discourse they had upon that subject, he told him the several encounters he had in the Wood He repeated part of the words, which with the name of Cassandra, were engraven upon the Trees, and upon the Rock, and then he related the conference of the two persons, whom he had not been able to hinder from their evil design. They detested their wickedness together; and Lysimachus seeing it was very late, wished good rest to Oroondates, and retired into his Chamber, where after having eaten moderately, he went to bed, passing the rest of the night as he was accustomed to do.  
The next morning Araxes came to give him the good morrow, and Lysimachus after having enquired how his Master did; I fear he is yet so ill, (added he) that I shall not dare to beg the Continuation of that Recital from him, which you began to me; such a long-winded Discourse would do him a great deal of harm: but if you have still the same desire to oblige me you have expressed, I beseech you to go on with it, and to tell me the rest of a life, which is more dear to me, and more considerable than mine own. Araxes expected not to be more entreated, but sittting down in a chair, which was near his bed, after having thought a little what he had to say, he began to pursue his Relation on this manner.  

THE CONTINUATION OF THE HISTORY OF OROONDATES AND STATIRA.  
IF you were touched by the beginning of my Discourse, I doubt not but you will be so much more, by that which yet remains to be told you: we are now going to launch into the open sea, and you will judge by the rest of this recital, that the small misfortunes wherewith my Master had hitherto been assaulted, were but the Lightnings of that Thunder which threatened him, and the mists which foreran that storm which was to fall upon his head. You might spare me part of the things I have to tell you, since without doubt you know them already, but I will pass them slightly over, and will tell those more at length which are unknown to you.  
Assoon as my Prince with the death of valiant Memnon, and the other ill news told you, had heard also of the diligence the two Kings used to meet, that they might decide the Empire of Asia by a second battle, he was much afraid he should not be present at that memorable day, and showed his impatience so much by straining his horses, and making them travel such long Journeys, that he killed them▪ within a few days; but having gotten others for money, and others again after them, we hasted on with so much speed, resting almost neither night nor day, that we came up to Darius his Army, the Evening before that Bloody battle of Issus. My Master nevertheless resolved not to make himself known till after the fight, and to do Darius such service first, as might make his Discovery more dear and welcome to him.  
We arrived in a great Plain near the River Pindarus, time enough to see the Army pass by in Battalia, and because their order in marching, appeared to me extraordinary and magnificent, I observed it very heedfully, and will tell it you in a few words, if you have not heard it already from some body else. Darius' his Army was composed of the most part of those several Nations that were under his subjection, at least of those that were nearest to him; for the more remote as the Arrachosians, Zogdians and Indians, were not summoned, because of the haste wherewith the King raised his Forces in that pressing necessity. Of natural Persians he had thirty thousand horse, and threescore and ten thousand foot, all proper handsome men, gallantly mounted and richly armed. The Medes had brought ten thousand horse, and fifty thousand foot; The Bactrians two thousand horse, armed with Battle-axes, and little light bucklers, and ten thousand foot armed in the same manner. The Armenians forty thousand foot, followed by seven thousand Hyrcanian horse, the bravest of the whole Army. The Dervices, a barbarous people, subject also to the King of Persia, had no more than two thousand horse, but forty thousand foot, the greatest part whereof, by reason of the scarcity of Iron in their Country, were armed only with Pikes and Javelins all of wood, having hardened the points of them in the fire. From the Caspian Sea, and other Provinces of Asia, there were come four or five thousand horse, and ten thousand foot. Besides the Forces which he had drawn out of the Nations under his obedience, the King had also thirty thousand Greeks in pay, young valiant men, in whom he had a more perfect confidence then in all the rest. Thus have I briefly numbered the men whereof the Army was composed, their order in marching was this. Before all the Forces passed the sacred fire, (which among the Persians is held in particular veneration) carried upon silver Altars, and followed by three hundred three score and five Magis, who sung after their usual manner, and as many young men clothed in purple robes, this number being ordained, because it is the same of the days that make up the year, according to the ancient ceremonies of Persia. These Altars were followed by Jupiter's Car, drawn by twelve white horses, led by men in white robes, with golden switches in their hands. After the Car came the largest and most beautiful horse that could be found, which they called the horse of the Sun, not ridden, but led by men in the same habit as the former. Then came the Kings ten armed Chariots, all glittering with gold, and stones of price, much fitter for ornament then service. The Cavalry of the several Nations, quite different in their arms, customs and language, marched next, divided into many Squadrons, whose number I need neither tell you, nor the names of those that commanded them: I will only let you know, that the first were those the Persians call Immortals, a selected body, composed of ten thousand men, clothed in Cassocks edged with gold, over which they had arms all gilt, and above them great rich chains, wherewith they adorn themselves to go to fight, as if they went to some Assembly of joy and triumph. A little after them we saw the Doriphores appear, ('tis by that name they call the King's kinsmen) being fifteen thousand in number, more fit to adorn then to defend a Camp, the riot of their apparel, and the sleightness of their arms, making them almost uncapable to do service. My Master seeing them tricked like women, looked upon them with scorn, and quickly turned his eyes from them, to fix them upon Darius, whom he saw pass by, elevated high upon a Car, with much Pomp and Majesty.  
This Chariot was so sparkling with Gold and Jewels, that it could not be beheld without dazzling, the sides of it were enriched with many images of the Gods, embossed in massive Gold, in a most rare and excellent form; the Seat was covered with an Eagle of the same metal, stretching out his wings to shelter the King from the Rain, the Sun, and other inconveniencies of Wether. His habit was purple, embroidered with little Suns of Gold, over which was a Mantle that reached to the very ground, of Cloth of Gold, very light, buckled before with two Hawks made of Gold, who fight together seemed to hold each other fast by the beak; in an extreme rich Girdle, hung a crooked Scimitar, whose Scabbard was of an entire precious stone; the Cidaris (as the Persians call it) which he wore upon his head was of pure white Linen, rowed with blue, but there appeared very little of that, by reason of the great number of Diamonds, and Pyropes wherewith it was beset. The Chariot was encompassed with two hundred young Persian Lords of the nearest to the Crown, and of the most eminent Families of the Kingdom, who being exempted from all command, because of their youth, were to fight near the King's person; their Arms were wonderfully rich, and their Javelins headed with Gold instead of Steel; these were followed by ten thousand Pike-men of the King's Guard, whose Pike heads were all of silver, and by four hundred of the King's horses, led in men's hands, after which followed the rest of the Infantry.  
About the distance of a Furlong from the Rear of them, appeared Queen Sysigambis in her Chariot, and Queen Statira her daughter in law in hers, and the two Princesses likewise in theirs, accompanied with above forty others, which carried their Ladies of Honour, and the chief Women that attended them in that War, the rest were on horseback, and in other Chariots which they call Armamaxa, wherein ordinarily are the Governors of the King's children, and the Eunuches of his house, who are not despised among the Persians, as in other Nations: The King's money came after these, drawn or carried by six hundred Mules, and three hundred Camels, guarded by fifteen thousand Archers, and some Squadrons of Cavalry. Then came without order a great number of Women, who accompanied their Husbands, or their Sons in that Voyage; and after all an infinite many servants and boys, and all the Baggage, wherewith your Soldiers enriched themselves within a few days after. I could not much observe these last things that passed before us, being obliged to follow my Master, who had not deigned to consider the rest, when once his Princess was passed; he accompanied her with his eye, till he saw her alight with the Queens to go into the Pavilion, which was already prepared to receive them, and easily to be known by a Sun made with marvellous Art, which was set upon the top of it within a Crystal.  
Though my Prince had very much ado to conceal himself longer from her, for whom alone he had conserved his life; yet having taken a resolution (as I told you) to make himself considerable once again to Darius, before he discovered himself; he persisted in his design of expecting first the issue of the Battle, and seeing the night approach, that he might be the farther from the King, and from those that might know him, he thought best to Quarter among the Athenians, who were under the King's pay, and whom Patro their Commander, had recruited since that fatal night, wherein my Prince had defeated them, while they so gallantly defended Darius his tents. Oroondates discovered himself only to Patro, and took of him a horse of service, fit for the occasion he thought he should have; but within a little after, we disencamped, and while it was night, poor Darius ill counselled, and impatient of a Victory, which he held for certain, fearing lest Alexander should escape him, advanced forwarder, and engaged himself in narrow places, which caused him the loss of the battle. My Master knew well the fault he committed, and advertised Patro of the disadvantage that ground would bring him; for indeed, if in the Plain he quitted, he had embattled that infinite number of men and horses, whereof his Army was composed, and had expected you in good order, without precipitating himself as he did between the Sea, the Mountain, and the River Pindarus, he might commodiously have made use of all his Forces: whereas having engaged himself in those strait, uneven passages, your advantage was equal to his, and your men came up in Front against the first of ours, who could be but very little succoured by the bodies that followed them▪ besides that, the Infantry whereof your Army chiefly consisted, fought with less confusion in those narrow places, than our Cavalry could do.  
Darius, Artabasus, and Mazeus, found the Error assoon as it was break of day, when they saw Alexander nearer than they believed him. They would have retired to give themselves more room, but 'twas too late, and the Armies were already so close together, that there was no more possibility of going back, nor of prolonging the destiny of so many Persians, as perished in that bloody day.  
I will not tell you the particularities of a Battle, in which you without doubt were one of the first, you know both the beginning, and the success of it, you shall only hear from me, that in the first skirmishes, my Prince having left the Athenians, went and put himself among the young Persian Nobility, who fought without any command, either near the King's person, or in other places where they thought there was more danger to be hazarded, and more glory to be acquired. He was mounted upon Patro's horse, which was a wonderful brave, and fiery one, his Armour was black, his Coat of Arms, his Plumes, and the Horse Tail that served him for a Crest, were all of the same colour, for since the death of Artaxerxes, he would never wear any other: I never stirred one step from him, and I saw him do things, which to say truth, surpass belief. Good King Darius did very gallantly in his own person, insomuch that you know he closed up to Alexander himself, and that they had fought some time without advantage, when they were parted with the throng of their Forces; but in that separation Darius was thrown out of his Chariot, and surrounded with a great number of Macedonians, who would certainly have slain him, if he had not been rescued by my Master, who fought hard by him, and hearing the report of that great King's danger, which came from one to another, turned his horse furiously against those that were about him, and encountering Philotas, the first, and the most eager to have taken him, he rushed upon him so violently, that he sent him among the horses feet, he also; overturned Clitus with his, and making room which way soever he moved, scattered that crowd so well, that he got Darius from amongst them; and making me stop Philotas his horse, he gave him leisure to mount him again; scarce had he done him that service, when Alexander fierce in the pursuit, returned himself to the same place; My Prince knowing the danger the King might run, secured him in a Squadron of his men, and turning about to Alexander, went to receive that famous Conqueror with an incredible joy.  
That was the first time ever I saw him, and if I remember well, his head-piece, and the rest of his armour were of such bright and polished steel, that the Sunbeams striking directly upon them, made it almost impossible for one's eyes to endure to behold him. He was all enriched with Jewels, and his Coat of Arms embroidered with Diamonds; his Cask was covered with great white Feathers, with a horsetail in the midst of them as white as snow, and which reached almost to the Crupper of that he road. This great Prince did not disdain an Enemy like my Master, and knowing that it was he who had dismounted Clitus, and Philotas, and saved Darius from the attempts of the Macedonians, he clavae the press of his own forces, to make way to him. Their shock indeed was very strange, and their horses having met head to head, Bucephalus had the advantage of my Masters, and thrust him back upon his gaskins, but Oroondates spurring him up again, and rushing close to Alexander's right side, ran him into the thigh with his Javelin, and coming up to him again cut the straps of his Cask, with a ●lash of his sword, and showed his head bare to all that were about him; 'twas then indeed that Alexander was in great danger, but he was quickly relieved by his own Soldiers, who got before him, and all together charged Oroondates, and those that were with him.  
Here Lysimachus interrupting Araxes; O Gods! (said he) What's this I hear from you! that Cavalier in black armour who wounded Alexander, and did so many gallant things in that battle, was he your Prince then? ‛ It was even he, answered Araxes. I am witness, (added Lysimachus) of some of his actions, and I was one of those that were nearest to Alexander when he was wounded. I was likewise one of them that first opposed his fury, nor did I escape some of his blows, he beat down also Craterus and Neoptolemus, in our sight, and I must tell you true, that Ptolemeus, Seleuchus and myself, were much taken with his courage, and would not suffer him to be prosecuted so eagerly as without doubt he would have been, but for our hindrance. Our King who without knowing him, gave him very great praises, showed himself pleased with us for that action, and talked not of him but as a prodigy, or a man sent by the Gods for the defence of the Persians. My Prince (replied Araxes) hath more obligations to you that you know not; 'twas thereby you were to knit this friendship, which ought to last as long as your lives, and 'twas only your own virtue that gave you a love to his, which was so profitable to him.  
True it is that I perceived the Macedonians pursued us but coldly, and my Master in his retreat took notice of their remissness, which he imputed not unto that cause: He retired, but he retired like a Lion, and knowing that the King was in a place of safety, after many warnings and signals to come off, he yielded to the number of Conquerors, and to the darkness which began to overspread the earth, and rob the Macedonians of a part of their Victory. Yet was it so great an one that Darius lost a hundred and ten thousand men, his Chariot of War, and all his equipage, except what he had left at Damascus, which after the taking of that Town fell all likewise into your hands. My Master oppressed with grief for the unhappiness of Persia, of its King, and of the whole Royal Family, which was reduced unto so sad a condition, would not forsake them in their misfortune, but resolved to perish with them, since Love, Friendship, and Honour obliged him to accompany them unto the utmost. In this design he commanded me to follow him, and not so much as enquiring after his own baggage, which we had left some days journeys off, he crossed over the Camp, into which your Soldiers already came thronging, and informing himself of those that fled, which way the King had taken, he followed the tract of him till the obscurity of the night would no longer suffer him to have the least sight of it. The darkness stopped him not, nor the weariness of his horse, wounded with some light hurts; he had also received a few himself, but such inconsiderable ones that for the present he was but little troubled with them. We continued our way, committing ourselves to the tuition of the Gods, from whom my Prince implored no other favour but to see his Princess again, and that poor King oppressed with so many losses. His grief kept him from speaking, and his courage from making lamentations unworthy of him, but by sighs drawn from the bottom of his heart, he expressed the nature of his affliction so movingly, that all the night long I durst not open my mouth to interrupt him. You yourself may judge what his thoughts were, and in what manner he bore the ruin of a Family he had so dearly loved. The Country through which we rod was very rough and uneven, and the trouble of the dark, together with that of the way, would perchance have made us fall into some precipice, if we had not often been overtaken by runaways, after whom we still went enquiring news of the King, Queens, and Princesses. At break of day we saw a body of horse appear, which retired before us, and straining our horses to get up to them, we reached them within a little while. It was Prince Oxyartes, Darius his brother, with Mithranes, the Eunuch Bagoas, and Patro, he to whom alone my Master had made himself known before the battle. They were followed by two or three hundred horse, among which we mixed ourselves without showing our faces, or discovering who we were, till Patro observing my Master's arms, and the horse he had given him, after he had looked a while upon him, doubted not at all but that 'twas he. Assoon as he believed it certain, he cried out with some kind of joy, and riding up to Prince Oxyartes, Ha! Sir, (said he) See here the protecting Angel of the Royal Family, he who yesterday preserved our King, and did things that surpass man's belief, those are his very arms, and that the very horse I gave him before the battle, and which he made use of so gloriously for himself, and so fortunately for us. With these words drawing near my Master, he himself discovered his face to him, and filled Oxyartes, and all the rest with joy and astonishment. He had already learned from him that that gallant man to whom Persia was so much indebted for the safety of its King, and for so many brave actions as he had done in favour of it, was the noble Orontes, for whom the whole Court had wore mourning, and who had been absolutely thought buried with Artaxerxes This sight surprised them so, that the remembrance of their present fortune could not hinder them from mixing a great deal of joy, among the thoughts of their sorrowful condition. Oxyartes embraced him a long time with demonstrations of friendship, which drew some tears from both. I always hoped most brave Orontes, (said Oxyartes to him) that if you were alive, you would not forsake us in the misfortunes which the heavens have precipitated us into; come, come see a King yet once again, who as well as his whole Family, is indebted to you for his life, which the Gods have preserved only to serve for matter of your glory, your sight will comfort him in his losses, and your presence will raise his hopes again, which were ready utterly to forsake him.  
My Master answered with all the expressions which the sense of so much kindness could furnish him with, and after the first civilities, and embraces of the chief men of that Troop, Oroondates with impatiency asked news of Darius, and of his Family. Oxyartes answered him, as they still rod on their way, the King's confidence of an infallible Victory, persuaded him to take the Princesses along with him in his army, without providing for their security; but assoon as he began to doubt of it, by reason of the disorder he perceived among his Forces, he called Megabises, and the Eunuch Tyreus, and commanded them to fetch them out of their Tents, and to conduct them secretly, and speedily towards Damascus, whether most part of the Court Ladies were retired; and giving them three thousand horse for their Convoy, he recommended them to the great Orosmades, and then taking care of the battle again, he engaged himself among the Enemies, where he had undoubtedly been lost, if you had not rescued him by effects of more than human valour; Afterwards being forced to yield to his ill fortune, and to the prayers of those about him, he sent me word by Bagoas; that he was going towards Vncha a little Town upon the bank of Pindarus; some four hours riding from this place, and that he would expect news of us, and of the Ladies, in a little wood we know, and which is not above ten or twelve furlongs from thence, but so private and retired from the abode of men, that he could not have chosen a more convenient one to avoid the pursuit of his enemies, and to fit himself at that town with fresh horses, and things necessary for his retreat; this is known but to very few, and I discover it only to them whose friendship and fidelity I am well acquainted with; after this discourse they redoubled their pace, but my Master by hearing of this news, was put into great perplexity, his love persuaded him to leave the way toward Darius, and run that which led unto the Princesses, and to that purpose he was often ready to go from Oxyartes, that he might follow the incitements of his passion; but the consideration of his honour quickly banished that thought, and made him sacrifice his Interests to the care of his reputation, and to the remembrance of Darius his misfortunes; besides, he called to mind that whether Oxyartes and those that accompanied him, interpreted his departure according to the truth, or according to other appearances, the judgement they should make of it either way, could not but be hurtful to his repose, and disadvantageous to his glory. With this last resolution he pursued the way in which Bagoas, and some guides conducted us: and to be brief, we came before it was noon to the wood, where the King was retired two hours before. Our Guides who knew the secretest paths, after many turnings, brought us into the thickest part of all, close by a fountain, upon the side whereof we found the King, attended only by Mazeus, Artabasus, Cohortanus Roxana's Father, and about a score of his most trusty Officers, and such as had been most diligent in following him. That great Prince was set at the foot of a tree, upon the mantles of some of his servants, leaning his cheeks upon both his hands, along which one might perceive some tears fall to the ground: those that were with him stood waiting round about, seconding his sorrow with a profound silence, and such an unmoveableness, as made them seem so many Statues. Though the King was deeply buried in his thoughts, he was raised out of them by the noise of our horses, and being surprised with a kind of fear, start up from the place where he sat; but assoon as he knew his brother, and some of the rest, his apprehension vanished, and he came a few steps forward to receive him, but with so sad a countenance, that I easily found his heart as Royal and as generous as it was, could not hold out against such violent assaults of fortune. After a salute intermingled with sighs, and with some tears, the King embracing the chief of our Company, cast his eyes upon Oroondates, and observing his arms rather than his face, O Gods (cried he, stepping back a little) Is not that the man, or rather the God, that saved me so miraculously, and did actions for my relief, that surpass the ability of men? It is the same (answered Oxyartes) and moreover he is a person very dear to you for many obligations of the like nature. At these words my Master having pulled off his head-piece, cast himself at his feet, and taking his hand kissed it with much reverence and affection.  
Darius at last opening his eyes, and looking more earnestly upon him, knew him to be the same Orontes to whose loss he had given some of those tears, which he shed for Artaxerxes; nay that Orontes, who not content to have preserved his wife, his mother, his son, and his daughters by so many acts of a transcendent virtue, was come as it were out of the lower world to save him likewise, out of a danger whence nothing but the protecting God of his Family could have delivered him. Ask me not how astonished he was, you may conceive that sufficiently yourself, and 'twill be enough for me to tell you, that if he had not been upheld by a tree close by him, he was already dejected enough, not to bear so strange a surprise without falling backward; and truly he was longer before he recovered his spirits, in that unexpected encounter, then in all the former accidents of his life; but in the end coming out of his deep amazement, and lifting his hands and eyes to heaven: Great Orosmaides (cried he) since thou hast restored me the saviour of my house, all Alexander's success does no longer terriie me, and I by thy goodness find that hope to revive in me, which but even now was quite extinguished; and then turning toward my Prince who was still upon his knees before him, and bedewing his face with intermingled tears of grief and joy. My Angel Guardian (said he to him) who never forsakest us in those extremities, wherein we have need of thy assistance; My Son, my dear Orontes, or rather my dear Artaxerxes, since the Gods taking him away from me, have in thee left me the better part of him, and also of myself, come take again the same place in my affection, and likewise in my Court, which I had given thee, and which cannot without injustice be possessed by any man but thee alone. Though these words pronounced with an excess of affection, and an infinite number of embraces, were able to have drawn the envy of all the bystanders, and particularly of Oxyartes, yet was he so generally beloved, and his virtue so perfectly known, that neither he, nor any of the rest▪ made the least show that those kindnesses had displeased them, and I know not whether they gave my Master the boldness to do what he did, or that he had so resolved before, but I saw him do an action, and heard him bring forth words, which either his despair, or his confidence in the King's affection drew from his mouth, when I least expected it.  
The King still embracing him with much tenderness, and again calling him his dear Artaxerxes, endeavoured to raise him from the ground, but my Prince continuing still upon his knees, No Sir (said he with a louder voice then ordinary) do not so lightly give that name to him you know not yet, and who must lose it presently, as also that he hath hitherto taken upon him, together with his life, and your affection: That which he has done for you, aught to have been done by any Prince, and by all virtuous persons: but that which his friends have done against you, cannot be repaired but by the loss of that which is dearest to them: In short Sir, I come not hitherto demand recompense for what I have done for you, but to receive punishment for what they have done against you, and to ease your present and past afflictions, by the satisfaction you may receive in revenging Artaxerxes, and so many thousand men as waited upon him to his grave. The King of Scythia has robbed you of a son that was perfectly worthy to be loved: do you take a son from him whom he loves most perfectly: and by a lawful exchange, punish in the person of his son, the murderer of yours. In the false Orontes, you behold the true Oroondates, Oroondates Son to the King of Scythia, your mortal enemy: Oroondates who burning with love for the Princess Statira, ever since that fatal night that gave him entry into your tents, changed both his name and quality to serve her, though utterly unworthy; and under that deceit hath abused your real affection. In fine, Oroondates (who hath perfectly honoured both you and yours; but has not been able to save you and yours from the damage you have received by his friends) did believe while your losses were equal, that without crime he might avoid the punishment of those he had innocently committed: but since the King of Scythia has bereft you of a son whom you loved, who loved him, and whom he loved above himself: he thinks he ought no longer to shelter his from your just indignation, and hide him under the name of a person whom you have honoured with your affection.  
He would have spoken longer, if the King more astonished then if he had been in another world, had not retired a step or two folding his arms upon his breast, and considering him twice or thrice from head to foot, with eyes and with a countenance which sufficiently testified the alterations of his mind, and the several thoughts wherewith he was assaulted. All that were present were as much surprised as he, and looking upon one another with admiration, expected the event with doubt and impatience. When the King after having a while balanced his hatred to Matheus with the love he bore Orontes, and the injuries he had received from the former in the death of his son, and so many thousands of his subjects; with the services the latter had done him in his own preservation, and that of all his Family; and besides considering with what a grace, and what a greatness of courage he came to submit himself to him, at a time when nothing could make him seek his friendship nor alliance, but his mere generosity, he yielded in the end to so many motives, to his own inclinations to Orontes, and to the incitements of his own virtue; and coming towards him again, he raised him up by the arm, and after having kissed his cheek, he said to him with much gravity, accompanied with a certain sweetness, which was very natural to him. The Gods▪ Prince Oroondates, send an addition to my afflictions, by giving me the knowledge of you, at a time, wherein I cannot, as I could have wished, express how considerable it is to me; and if you judge not of my heart by the generosity of your own, you will without doubt believe that the necessity of his affairs, his weakness, and the fear of his enemies, make a conquered King, devested of the best part of his estates, abandoned by his friends, and ready to fall himself into the power of his adversaries, receive a friendship now, which the hatred of our families, and the loss of a dear son, might perchance have made him reject in his prosperity; but if with the Royal dignity, which the Gods have not yet taken from me, they have also left any credit to the word of a King, I swear to you by Orosmades, that knowing you as I do, in what condition soever I had been, the losses I have sustained by your Father, should never have extinguished mine inclinations to yourself; nor should the injuries I have received from him, ever have blotted out the obligations I have to you.  
This is all I can protest to you, in the state you now behold me, and if you can yet desire the alliance of a Prince, reduced to such pitiful terms, I offer it to you with protestation, that by my consent, that daughter of mine, which you honour with your affection, shall never be but yours, and that I will no longer esteem you but as my son, and as the person that is dearest to me in the whole world.  
My Prince more overjoyed than one can imagine, at such obliging words, and such advantageous promises, cast himself at his feet again, and embraced his knees with transports of an incredible affection: but the King having helped him up, embraced him tenderly, and then Oxyartes followed his example, and all the rest were preparing themselves to do him honour, and to rejoice at their knowledge of him, as much as their present sorrow would permit, when they saw a Troop of horsemen come toward them, whom they presently knew to be Megabises, and some of those that had accompanied him to convoy the Queens and Princesses. This sight made the King to startle, and going towards him without staying till he came up; Well Megabises, (cried he to him) Where are the Ladies? Megabises casting down his eyes, answered him with a trembling voice, Alas! Sir, They are no longer ours. How! (replied the King, very much troubled) Are they no longer ours? No, Sir, (said Megabises) They are Alexander's prisoners. Alexander's prisoners? cried the King again. Yes, Sir, (answered Megabises) for scarce had I gotten them five hundred paces from the Camp, to conduct them to Damascus, as your Majesty had commanded me, but I was followed by Parmenio with part of Alexander's Cavalry; we could not make our retreat from them by reason of the Ladies, and of the encumbrance of their Chariots, so that we were constrained to sustain the Shock of the valiantest Macedonians: they fought like gallant men, and the Doriphores your Majesty gave me, like fearful women, who after a faint resistance faced shamefully about, and Parmenio not troubling himself to pursue them, ran to the fair prize they had abandoned: The Gods are my Witnesses, I would have perished there, if my death could have done the Queens any service; but seeing myself alone, and wounded in five or six places, I thought fit to employ the life I had left, in telling you what perchance you might have heard from some other body with less certainty.  
The King harkened not to these last words, but being too sensible of this new assault of fortune, he threw himself upon the ground, and muffling his face with his mantle, began to lament with sighs and groans, which would have rend the most stony hearts with pity.  
My Prince lea●●ng against an Oak, and crossing his arms, lifted his eyes pitifully to Heaven, and in his thoughts accusing it for that sudden alteration of his fortune, expressed his gri● more truly by his looks, and by his silence, than he could have done by all the words in the world. Oxyartes, Cohortanus, and Artabasus, accompanied his sorrow with theirs, and all there present were so strucken and confounded, that woe and desolation never appeared in a more perfect form. The King after having continued some time in the posture I have told you, discovered his face, and sitting upright: It is too much, O fortune! (cried he) it is too much; though thou didst persecute me as a King, thou oughtest to have spared me as a private man, and to have contented thyself with the loss of my estates, without burdened me also with the loss of my family: It was enough that Alexander triumphed over my Empires, thou neededst not have made him triumph also over the honour of my daughters, and over mine own too, and thou shouldest have been satisfied with bringing him into my Throne, without bringing him likewise into my very bed!  
This thought violently tormenting him, made him do things mis-becoming the gravity and dignity of so great a Personage, he tore his hair and his clothes, and jealousy made him utter such desperate words, that all that were present trembled for fear, and wept for compassion When he was a little settled, he made Megabises begin his Relation again; but not having patience to hear the end of it, Ah! Coward, (cried he to him) hast thou then preferred a shameful, infamous life, before a brave and glorious death, and when thou mightest have fallen so honourably at the feet of thy Queen, couldst thou desire to prolong thy days, only to shorten mine, by so fatal a news, and so prejudicial to my honour and quiet? With these words darting a furious look at him, he put his hand upon the hilt of his Sword, but Megabises quite beside himself with fear, got out of his presence, and by that second flight escaped the danger that threatened him.  
I could not in this accident, but admire my Master's courage, and the power he had over himself: I doubted not, having so much knowledge of his love, but that his grief was at least equal to that of Darius, yet how violent soever it was, his constancy of mind was so great, that he never let slip one word that could accuse him of weakness, or increase the affliction of a King, who being both Husband, Son and Father, seemed utterly to give himself over to it. When he saw the first brunt of his sorrow a little past, he came up to him with a wondered temper, and said with a fashion which discovered the greatness of his courage; Sir, although my passion for the Princess your daughter, and the favour your Majesty has lately granted me, had not made me so highly concerned in this your last, and greatest loss, the Gods can tell how large a share I should take in your affliction, and with what pleasure I should lay down my life to recover the repose of yours. The Truth of this, and the Honour I hope your Majesty will do me in believing it, give me the boldness to represent unto you, that it is no longer with tears you must remedy your misfortunes; they are not perchance so great as your apprehension imagines them: though Alexander be a Conqueror, and young, yet is he a Prince and virtuous; he in the person of the Queens and Princesses, will without doubt consider the Royal dignity, and the care of his own reputation. In the mean time your Majesty may redemand them of him, and offer him Treasures and Provinces for their ransom: I will accompany your Ambassadors, and visit them unknown, to whom your interests and my passion make me fly; if your offers cannot move him, and if by my careful endeavours I cannot release those Illustrious Prisoners out of his power, I'll either kill that Conqueror with this hand, which he hath already felt, and restore a Calm to your Estates; or die gloriously, disputing with him to the last drop of my blood, the price of my services, and the fruit of that infinite favour your Majesty has granted me.  
The King harkened attentively to him, and casting his arm about his neck; I do not doubt Son, (said he) but that you love us very much, and that you would cast yourself into any danger for persons that are so dear to you; neither did I expect any thing from you, but such effects as are ordinary with you; and I should rather hope to regain my quiet by your assistance, then by the help of all my Forces; but how great a change soever your valour might bring unto my fortune, I cannot resolve to let you go away from me, in a season wherein your sight is so dear, and your consolation so pleasing to me: We may use some other remedies, and how low soever I seem, I have yet powerful means to rise again▪ for though Alexander hath seized on a part of my Dominions, I have still ten times as much as ever his Ancestors possessed; I am going toward the Euphrates, where I can yet raise a Million of men, and will cover the Fields of his new Conquest, with such vast numbers, that in spite of all his fortune, I'll make him know the difference there is between the Persian Monarch, and a petty King of Macedon.  
While you are making those Levies (replied Oroondates) I'll labour for the deliverance of the Princesses, and if Alexander restore them willingly to your Ambassadors, I'll wait upon them to your Majesty; not that I can leave you in this condition, without a very sensible grief, nor that my passion could draw me from you, if my misfortune, and the King my Father's obstinacy, had not made me unable to serve your Majesty with more than mine own person; for the King of Scythia's hatred, and my knowledge of his nature, hinder me from offering you his assistance; since than I can be no other ways useful here, then as a single person, be pleased to give me leave to go to Alexander, where I may serve you with much more efficacy. Your Majesty shall give no Battle, wherein if I am alive, I will not fight by your side, and possibly before you are in those terms, I may have made an end of all your Wars alone.  
They had yet some other contestations, which the hazard the King might run if he should have stayed longer so near his Enemies, made them put an end to, and my Master having at last obtained his permission to go to Alexander's Camp, persuaded the King to get upon fresh horses which were brought him, and having taken his leave of him, of Oxyartes, and the whole company, with many tears, he saw them take their way toward the Euphrates, staying behind with Mithranes, and those that were to accompany him in his Embassy. We followed the poor King with our eyes and thoughts, and my Master having lost sight of him, appeared so sad, and so afflicted, that if his grief had not been abated by the hope of seeing his Princess quickly, he had been utterly incapable of any comfort.  
After this parting, I began to think upon our wounds, not judging that my Prince ought in that condition to engage himself among the Enemies, where perchance he might not find that help and that repose which were necessary for his cure; he gave ear unto my reasons, and riding with Mythranes toward that little Town, which was not far off, we got thither within an hour: There we had our wounds dressed, and rested the remainder of that day, and the day following. The morning after, we received a Letter which Darius had written to Alexander, and another to the Queens, to give the more credence to my Master; that good King knowing they would not be unprofitable for him, and believing he would be glad to carry them himself; but the next day Alexander's Forces under the command of Craterus, came and summoned that little Town, which finding itself too weak to sustain so much as their approaches, cast itself into the arms of the Conquerors.  
We had liberty to march away, and going out in the same Equipage we came in, we bethought ourselves of another retreat, where we might stay the cure of our wounds, which were not great, but grown much worse by our want of care to get them looked to in time. We learned of the Macedonians, that Alexander was gone toward Marathon, which he already caused to be beleaguered, with an intent to be at the Siege in person, though he was very much troubled with the wound in his thigh, and that he had sent Parmenio with part of the Army to Damascus, where all the remaining wealth of Darius his Army, with the Wives of the Princes, and satraps of Persia, were under the charge of Artaban the Governor of that Town. My Master being yet very unfit to perform his Embassy to Alexander, was by this news persuaded to put himself into Damascus, which was not above a days Journey and an half from us, with an intention to stay there till his wounds were cured, to see the fair Barsina, Widow to the valiant Memnon, and many other Ladies of his acquaintance, to whom his assistance might perchance be necessary in such an encounter; but his last and chiefest motive was a design to use his utmost endeavours to do Darius some service in the conservation of that place, which was of so high consequence, and though strong enough to endure a Siege, yet he feared in some danger of being lost; for having formerly known Artaban in the Court, he who could very well judge of men, had observed something in his carriage, which made him believe so great a trust might have been put into better hands.  
These considerations made him take the resolution of going thither, yet being unwilling that the solicitation of the Princess' liberties should be so long neglected, he delivered Darius his Letter to Alexander unto Mithranes, whom he persuaded to go directly to Marathon, after he had earnestly desired his secrecy in whatsoevet concerned him, and made an appointment to meet him at Alexander's Army, whither he intended to come to him, in case he should stay there any time: so taking a Passport from Craterus, and a small Convoy which he gave us to Damascus, we set forward that way, and arrived there the day following before the Sun was set. We had a very favourable encounter in this Retreat, for we found our baggage, which having joined with some part of Darius his, was with it gotten into that Town, and the first we met as we entered, were my Princes two faithful servants. He was very glad of that conveniency, but though his wounds troubled him much, yet would he not go to bed till he had visited the fair Barsina, and rendered to that noble Widow, what he thought himself engaged to pay her merits, and the memory of gallant Memnon.  
I have not time to tell you the ceremonies of this meeting, the reception he had from her, in a visit she so little expected, and the tears on both sides in the remembrance of their mutual losses: It will suffice if I tell you that my Master received all the kindest welcome he could look for from a virtuous Lady, who had ever had a great inclination to his desert. But the satisfaction of this visit was moderated by the vexation of hearing that the Princess Roxana (whom he believed to have been taken with the Queens) was in the Town, and that Prince Cohortanus her brother, who was ready to retire among the Sacans, whose Governor he was, had sent her into Damascus, with his mother, and many other Princesses, among which were the daughters of King Occhus, Darius his Predecessor, the wife of Pharnabasus, who had succeeded Memnon in all his Offices, the daughters of Mentor; and in a word all the principal Ladies of Persia. Although he was exceeding sorry for the encounter of a person, in whose love he foresaw many crosses and incommodities would befall him, yet would he not omit to pay her all that the quality of such a Princess, and her near alliance to his, could require from his civility, and from that very moment he resolved not to deceive her any longer; but if she persevered in the same humour, to let her know his mind in terms as little dis-obliging as he could possibly. He went to visit her as he came from Barsina, but she was so surprised at the sight of him, and showed him such extraordinary kindness, and so little suitable to her quality and modesty, that Oroondates easily saw his long absence had not at all diminished her passion: She had bewailed him as dead, or at least as dead to her, and this so unhoped recovery of him, filled her with such an excessive joy, that she lost the remembrance of all her losses, and of the general misfortune of her Country.  
It was so late when my Prince came from her, and besides he was so troubled with his wounds, that he could by no means make any other visits, wherefore he commanded me to go make his excuses, and went home to the Lodging that was appointed for him, where he found Physicians and Surgeons, who making him get to bed, began to fall to work about his cure. The next day he was visited by the Govenor, of whom his ill opinion was not causeless; for that Traitor who in his heart had already sold his Country, did by the coldness of his Discourse sufficiently express the little contentment he received at his arrival in a Town which he was upon the point of delivering into the enemy's hands. This behaviour increased my Princes former dislike of him, to some doubt of his fidelity, and made him resolve that assoon as he was in a better condition, he would openly oppose all the designs he feared he might have against the service of his King. Yet did he dissemble his thoughts for the present, and waited for a fitter opportunity to declare himself. Assoon as Artaban was gone, his Chamber was full of Ladies, Roxana, Barsina, and her mother Artabasus his wife, the Princess Occhus his daughters, and all the rest I named came to congratulate his return, and to testify unto him the confidence they had in his virtue, at a time wherein it was so necessary to them: after having stayed awhile, they went away all but Roxana, who for that purpose came last, and meant to stay alone▪ f●er the rest, that she might entertain him with more liberty. After the company was gone, seeing none in the Chamber but her Women, and some of my Prince his servants, but both these, and those far enough from the bed, she took that time to speak more clearly to him, than she had formerly, and to draw a knowledge from his mouth, which she had not yet been able to draw from any of his actions. Her face spoke a great while for her, and the divers changes of her colour which foreran her dicours, prepared my Master for a combat, which he could no longer avoid; she began with assurances of her joy for his return, of the sorrow his long absence had caused in her, and of the fear she had, she should have lost him in those dangers, out of which the prayers she had made unto the Gods, had perchance delivered him. My Prince answered her with his ordinary civility, and expressed his acknowledgements in the most obliging terms one could make use of in such an encounter. But Roxana, who was not satisfied with his civility, requiring from him marks of such a passion, as he was not capable of for her, fell into her discourse again, with a great sigh, and some tears, which it was impossible for her to retain  
I would it had pleased the Gods, Orontes, (said she to him) that the first moment I ever saw you, had been the last of my life, and that the same shaft which wounded my heart for you, had sent my body to the grave. I should not then have been in that extremity, to which my misfortune, and your insensibility have now reduced me, neither should I at this time have done a thing so unworthy of the Bloud-Royal of Persia, of a little beauty wherewith some have hitherto flattered my belief, and of that virtue whereof I have always made so severe a profession: It is needless, Orontes, for me to tell you again that I love you, my past actions have showed it you, a writing of my own hand has confirmed it to you, and it is for you in short, I utterly lose that bashfulness, which so well becomes young Ladies of my quality, and which ought never to have forsaken me but with my life. I have wrestled long with myself, before I could make this Declaration to you, and I long expected that from you, which I received from a thousand others, and which my vanity made me hope for, from a person less insensible than I find you are; but since you alone have undeceived me, I ought with the false opinion of my beauty, to lose also some part of my pride; and to tell you once again to my confusion, that it is true I love you, and that it will be very hard for me to live, unless I be beloved by you again. Yet is it likewise true, that this passion which deserves the terms of decency, does not withdraw me from those of virtue; and that if I had still as much power over my tongue and countenance, as I have pureness in mine intentions; I should not be unblamable for my affection to you: I have always regulated my desires to modest and lawful pretensions, and I have prevented my Father's choice only in the reservations I owe him, and after my knowledge of his great esteem of you. If my affection be not odious to you, I beseech you to have that opinion of it, and do not hate a Princess, who commits faults only for your sake, yet such as it is in your power to make very lawful ones.  
She ended these words stammering, and casting down her eyes with an action, which did enough express her shame, and confusion, for having said so much. My Master more in disorder than she, remained a great while unable to answer her, tumbling over a thousand several designs in his head: but at last they all ended in the resolution he had taken to undeceive her, and not to repay a true affection with dissimulation, and with a feigning which would quickly be discovered, and which his heart was not capable of, especially with such a person as Roxana, who was not of a quality to be abused: besides that, the overture he had made to Darius in the presence of Cohortanus himself, would not suffer him to use disguise any longer; not doubting but that Roxana would quickly be advertised of a love, whereof he had already made so manifest a Declaration; he thought fit therefore to prevent all others, and by a free ingenuous confession, oblige her to be content with what he could do for her, and by those proofs of trust, make her to change the nature of her affection. It is true, that he was long searching out terms to sweeten what he had to say to her, and that not finding any but such as were hard enough to be digested, that demur and irresolution put her into a very strange perplexity; but she was much more dashed, when after so long a silence she heard these words.  
Wonder not, Madam, at the confusion in which you see me, and let the trouble of my mind excuse my incivility. I confess, that I am more than confounded, both at the honour you do me, and at the part I am forced to play; if your quality and desert were meaner, and that I had weaker inclinations to honour you really, and unfeignedly, I should be less uncivil with you, and speak to you with less freedom: but since my respect to you, and my obligations to your goodness, forbid me all manner of dissimulation, I must break through a passage that is very difficult for me, and discover unto you the obstacle which the Heavens have put in a fortune whereof I acknowledge myself most unworthy. The Gods are my witnesses, Madam, that the proofs I have hitherto received of the honour of your affection, (though the knowledge I have of myself hindered me from taking them otherwise then as effects of your goodness) would without question have made me raise my thoughts to the service of so divine a person as yourself, and that I should have been the proudest of all men living, to have lived and died for a Princess, that makes all the Princes of Asia to sigh for her: but, Madam, before I had the happiness to see you, this heart which is capable of all thoughts of honour and respect to you, was so no longer of any impression of love, and that destiny which brought me by night into Darius his Tents, made me leave that liberty at Statira's feet, which else should have been due to you, and which a soul less prepossessed, or prepossessed with any other object, would without doubt have dedicated to you; 'tis for her I have burned ever since; 'tis for her I have left my Country, and that I have disguised both my name and quality, to expose myself unto my enemies; and in short, 'tis she alone that caused me the honour of your sight, and does now cause so much trouble in me, that I cannot otherwise then by my respects, acknowledge that friendship wherewith you vouchsafe to honour me. At last the Masque is taken off, Darius himself hath heard both my name and my design, from mine own mouth, he has learned the one, and approved the other in the presence of Prince Cohortanus your Father; and by his Royal word, has made me raise my pretensions to the glorious possession of the Princess his daughter: Judge whether this engagement be not powerful, and whether besides the considerations of love, these latter are not very strong ones; the Gods know with how much sorrow I make this Declaration to you, with what a sense of acknowledgement I receive the grace you do me, and at how a dear a price I would buy the occasions of sacrificing myself for your service. But, Madam, this is all that my want of power, and my engagement will suffer me to do, and if you have not as much goodness to consider it, as you have showed in your good wishes to me; I shall die in appearance the most ingrateful, and in effect the most unfortunate of all men in the world.  
He ended these words with tears, which the compassion of Roxana, and the remembrance of his afflictions drew from his eyes; and looking upon that Princess, to find by her countenance which way she had received them, he saw in it all the marks of grief and despair; and indeed she was so touched with them, that but for the extreme force she used in striving to contain herself, her grief would certainly have broken out with violence; she was almost half an hour ere she could speak a word, sighing and sobbing, with so much vehemence, that her Women thinking she had been sick, ran presently to give her their assistance; but making them retire, and recovering herself a little, she with much ado got out these words as she was rising up.  
Orontes, Statira, I confess, is more worthy than I; but she is not for you, she is Alexander's Captive, he will shortly be hers, and he is now her Master; Neither Darius nor Statira can do any thing for you now; for she is utterly lost unto you both. The Gods (replied my Prince) may ordain what they please concerning it; but if after that loss, I can conserve my life, I shall do it only for your sake. If you give me that assurance (answered R●xana) I shall be half comforted, and for my particular interest shall make prayers contrary to the good of my Country, and of the house from whence I am descended.  
After this discourse having taken leave of him, she went away so sad, that it was easy in her face to read all the marks of a most powerful affliction, and left him so touched with her grief, and so strucken with her threatening prediction, that it was impossible to settle him all the rest of the day. After that time she saw him almost daily and entertained him with her passion, as much as her mother's absence would give leave; he always answered her with the same civility, and constrained himself so much not to disoblige her with unkind looks, that she lost not the hope of being beloved by him, at least in default of Statira, who in all appearance was not like to escape easily out of Alexander's hands.  
He was often visited also by the Princesses, Occhus his daughters, by the wives of Pharnabasus and Artabasus, and by the fair Barsina, whose virtue and rare qualities, won all the inclination which his fidelity and the remembrance of Statira could allow: she (as you are not ignorant) was of a very pleasing conversation, very knowing in many Sciences, and particularly in the Greek Tongue, but above all she was endowed with a marvellous discretion, and modest freedom.  
This knowledge of her moved my Master to discover himself particularly to her, and to tell her all the accidents of his life, except the love of Roxana, which his discretion, or rather his misfortune made him ever conceal from her with much care. His wounds had suffered so much by his neglect of them at first, that he was forced still to keep his bed, and while he was in that condition, he received so sensible a grief, that since the death of Artaxerxes I had never seen him fall into so great a passion's It was for the loss of the bracelet which Statira gave him at his departure from Persepolis, and which in all his unhappiness he had dearly preserved as his only consolation. he was wont to kiss it a thousand times a day, and in the delicate hair whereof it was woven, seeing something of the person he adored, and that wrought with her own fair hands, he received an exceeding great satisfaction by it in all his discontents; but one morning putting one of his hands to the arm about which he commonly wore it, he missed that precious favour which he valued at so high a rate; instantly all his servants were employed to seek it, but when he saw their diligence was vain, and that he believed it absolutely lost, he made such pitiful complaints, that all that heard him were deeply touched with a sense of his lamentations; he wept, he tormented himself, he threatened his servants, and uttered words misbeseeming the greatness of his courage, taking it as an Omen of despair, and interpreting the loss of that gift, as a presage of that of the giver; all that day he was not to be comforted but in the end, that heart which had resisted so many crosses of another nature, was fain to pass over that likewise, or at least dissemble it, to think of affairs of more importance.  
He was advertised by Barsina that Artaban was ready to deliver up the Town, and so many persons of eminent quality as had taken refuge there, into the enemy's hands, and that to that intent he had dispatched one Mardus to Parmenio, who was encamped within a small days journey of Damascus. This information confirming his own jealousy, made him leave his bed to oppose as much as he was able, the design of that disloyal man; but if by his persuasions he could not bring him back into the path of virtue and fidelity to his Prince, he saw no possibility of doing good any other way, being all alone in a great Town where he was known to none but Ladies, and where all the Soldiers and the Inhabitants themselves were at the Governor's Devotion, besides, they had all taken such a terror, that they trembled at the very name of Alexander, and made no resistance against the design of that Traitor, who had destined to him so considerable a prey. He resolved nevertheless not to spare himself in the business, and to give poor Darius in his adversity, all the proofs he ought to hope for from his friendship▪ for that purpose causing himself to be made ready, and resting upon a staff by reason of a little wound he had received in his thigh, he went to the Governor's Lodging, whither he took no body with him but me, I being already nearer cured than he was. Artaban received him with a feigned demonstration of joy for his being so well recovered, but my Prince having desired him to go into his Closet, and entering with him, after having been awhile silent: Artaban (said he) I know you, and the obligations you have to your good King too well, to believe you have any intention to dis-serve him; it is a rumour which your enemies spread abroad, and which you should do well to take some order in, that you may make appear to the whole world, the faithful resolution you have for the service of your Prince.  
Though the Governor was a little moved at this advice, yet being upon the point of pulling off his vizor, he dissembled his thoughts, and answered coldly. They that make such a report of me, Orontes, are little acquainted with my designs, which shall ever tend to what they ought, while no more is exacted from me than I may perform. You may (replied Oroondates) do Darius a most remarkable service in the conservation of this Town, and so many persons of quality as he has deposited in your charge; the place is strong enough to endure the siege of a more potent army than that of Alexander, and those under your command are zealous enough for his service, not to forsake you in so commendable a resolution, which you are obliged to by your birth, by your Oath, and by the consideration of your honour.  
The Governor who began to be angry at this remonstrance, answered my Master sharply: Do not inform yourself concerning my designs, Orontes, nor teach me my duty in a place which had not been trusted into my hands, but that I was known capable of commanding in it; you are yet too young to give me my Lesson, and I am but little obliged to receive it where I myself am Master. At these words he rose up without staying for my Prince's answer, and going out of the Closet, left him so ill satisfied, that without taking other leave he presently went away to Barsina's house, and told her all the discourse that had passed between them, assuring her of the loss of Damascus and of their Liberty, unless the Gods relieved them by extraordinary ways. He spent the rest of that day in getting some to sound the affections of the Inhabitants, and to waken their souls to some remembrance of Loyalty, and courage against the Garrison which sold them basely to their Enemies; but they answered those that solicited them, so faintly, that my Master could do nothing more for that time but detest the poorness of their spirits, and deplore Darius his misfortune, and the Captivity of so many noble persons as would be involved in the taking of that Town.  
The next day at sunrising all the Forces were in arms by the Governor's order, who setting Guards upon the spoil, that he might deliver it entire into Alexander's hand, caused the Gates to be opened that he might go out to meet Parmenio who was not above ten or twelve furlongs from the Town; than it was that my Prince seeing all lost, resolved to hazard all, and making his arms be put on, and mine likewise, he got on horseback, and being followed by me alone, went to the great Marketplace, where the Assembly was made, and whether by the Governors command the Ladies were already brought; as he passed through the streets he cried out to those he met, Ah! Syrians heretofore the prop and honour of the Crown of Persia: Giddy people! whither run you? consider what a Prince you forsake, and to what Tyranny you submit yourselves: He said something else to them in passing by, but those faint-hearted and affrighted souls, gave no ear to his incitements, but ran on blindly to their captivity, as the only means to avoid death, the fear whereof had wholly seized them; when he was come into the Marketplace which he found full of armed men, and that by the meeting of the Ladies (already prisoners) his anger was raised to the extremity People of Damascus (cried he) poor people, blinded by the persuasions of a Traitor, stay, harken to the son of a King that speaks to you, and will die with you; what terror has seized you? what losses have weakened you? are not your Walls still as strong as ever? are not your Forces still on foot? see whither you precipitate yourselves, and by what baseness you are going to prostitute your wives and daughters to the insolency of the Macedonians; you go to fetch them in yourselves, those happy conquerors, and without costing them one drop of blood you will bring them into your houses, and into your beds, never considering what you owe unto your King, what you owe unto your Families, and what unto yourselves: you go to offer your hands to the shackles that are already prepared for you, but will not vouchsafe to emyloy them for the conservation of your Honour, of your Liberties, and perchance also of your lives. And you (said he to those whom he judged the most considerable) you men of Honour, whom the cowardice of these miserable wretches would buri● in their ruins, think yet upon yourselves, and resolve either to die with me, who will die for your defence, or oppose the treachery of those that have so unworthily sold you.  
These exhortations did but very little good, and of all that great number of men, there was none but young Ilionëus, Artabasus his son, Aristogiton, Dropides, and Levertes, Athenians; Persippus, Onomastorides, Omaius, and Callicratides, Lacedæmonians; who preferring a glorious death before a shameful captivity, joined themselves unto my Master, with those few men he went to meet the Governor, who advertised of the endeavours he used against him, came to oppose them with all his Troops. As soon as Oroondates saw him; What? Artaban (cried he) is it then in good earnest that thou betrayest thy Prince, thy friends, and thine own honour, and that no consideration can dissuade thee from that infamous resolution? Artaban looking scornfully upon him: Scythian (said he) retire, and do not longer exasperate my goodness which permits thee this retreat, unless thou wilt die for the quarrel of the King of Persia, having quitted the service of thine own.  
Ah! disloyal wretch (replied my Prince) I must die once, and I will never receive favour from a Traitor. At these words, his eyes sparkling fire through the beaver of his Helmet, he took a dart out of Aristogitons' hand, and raising himself upon his stirrups, flung it with all his force at Artaban: that treacherous man by ducking down his head, avoided the blow, and the dart thrown by so powerful a hand, struck through two men, who fell instantly among the horses feet. Oroondates mad that he had missed his aim, draws out his sword and falls in after Artaban, who had already crowded himself amongst his men, to escape the death that threatened him, and while he fiercely persisted to make a passage to him, his horse was killed with an infinite number of blows, and fell so suddenly, that my Master having neither had the leisure, nor the thought to disengage himself from his stirrups, lay under him oppressed with his weight, and at the mercy of his enemies: I would have run in to him, but that I had the very same mischance, and then it was that my Prince had certainly lost his life with a thousand wounds, if Artaban thinking he should better his conditions, by delivering him alive to Alexander, had not forbidden to kill him, but made him be disarmed and tied, with those that had accompanied him, who indeed resisted gallantly, but were at last fain to yield to numbers, and followed my Prince's condition as they had done his brave resolution.  
Oroondates when he saw himself bound, turned his eyes on all sides, and seeing Roxana and Barsina near him, Ladies (cried he) we run the same fortune, and we all yield to that of Alexander; he could say but those few words to them in the Choler that transported him, fearing he might do something misbeseeming his ordinary moderation; the Ladies looked upon him with a very sensible grief, yet mingled with some kind of joy, for seeing him out of a danger, wherein they had despaired of his life, Artaban causing him to be set upon a horse, with his legs tied under the belly, and his hands bound behind him, cloven the hearts of all that beheld him with pity, and putting the spoil, and the Garrison into the order which your soldiers found them in, went with us in this equipage unto Parmenio.  
I will say nothing of his reception, nor of the order that Parmenio took about the spoil, you know those passages better than I do, and not being willing to entertain you with any thing but my Master's life, I will only tell you that Parmenio having received the Ladies, and the more considerable prisoners very civilly, and put both under strong Guards, Artaban presented my Master to him. Parmenio considered him intentively, and much taken with his graceful fashion, asked the Governor for what crime he had so tied that handsome young man; my Prince preventing Artaban's answer; Let him tell you the Traitor that he is (said he to Parmenio) and by a true relation, oblige you to give me the punishments that are due to me, and him the recompense he deserves.  
Parmenio who truly was very generous, was exceedingly pleased with my Master's confidence, and hearing all that had passed from Artaban's own mouth, he no sooner knew the truth, but looking upon the Governor with contempt; I do not wonder (said he to him) that you punish actions which are so contrary to your humour; and I no longer think it strange that Darius with so many millions of men, defends his Estates so ill, since virtue is so unworthily handled in them; but the Macedonians who are your Masters, do reverence it in another manner, and instead of Fetters which you give it, present it with Crowns which it better deserves: At these words turning toward my Prince, he commanded him to be unbound, declaring him free, and giving him power to choose which party he liked best. My Master received that favour without pride, or meanness of spirit, and having asked the same for me, with great civility received arms which Parmenio caused to be given him.  
But Artaban extremely vexed at his liberty, and frustrated of the recompense which he expected from Alexander for delivering him, or rather running to meet his destiny. Sir (said he, addressing himself to Parmenio) think well what you do, it is not Darius his friend whom you set at liberty; but Alexander's mortal Enemy, he that wounded him at the battle of Issus, and who by a solemn Oath has engaged himself to carry his head unto Darius: My Master looking upon him with an eye of indignation, Ah! perfidious fellow (cried he) is it possible thou shouldst open thy mouth in the presence of a generous man, and that having branded thyself by an infidelity without example, thou shouldst before him condemn such actions as his virtue makes him to approve? Artaban emboldened by Parmenio's presence, near whom he believed himself in safety, made this reply. In preferring the party of Alexander before that of Darius. I only yield unto the Conqueror, and follow the pleasure of the Gods, who will have all the earth submit itself to that great man; but thou in forsaking before me, and without necessity, thine own party, and the service of thine own King, didst commit a treason without excuse, and in contracting a feigned friendship with Prince Artaxerxes to sacrifice him, and carry him to the slaughter among thine own Countrymen, where thyself gave him his last wounds, thou art guilty of a double perfidiousness, which never any former age could parallel.  
I am not able, Sir, to represent to you my Prince's fury, you may guests it when I tell you, that the remembrance of Artaxerxes wakened itself so powerfully in him, and made him so sensible of these reproaches, that he lost the use both of speech and reason, and transported with rage, never considered that he was before Parmenio whose prisoner he was, nor that he was without all hope of any assistance that could secure him; but drawing out his sword, flew instantly at Artaban, not being able to bring forth one distinct word. The Traitor grew straightway pale at that object, and casting himself behind Parmenio, and the rest there present, strove to avoid that death which he saw before his eyes. But Oroondates even besides himself with grief and rage, and not finding any obstacle able to stop so just a fury, made himself way among all those that opposed him, and with his sword clearing his passage to that disloyal man, ran him twice through the body, in the face of twenty thousand men, who had not the power to hinder him, the villain fell upon the earth, and with his blood vomited out his base and faithless soul.  
After this execution, Oroondates laying aside all anger, and recovering his former temper, turned toward Parmenio, and putting up his sword into the scabbard, said to him with a settled countenance, Great Parmenio, now that Darius and I are both revenged, dispose of my destiny with the Gods, I refuse not your shackles, being free from those of this Traitor, and I without trouble, offer these hands to you, which have punished his perfidiousness, and which were instruments in the want of respect I have showed you. Parmenio more astonished than I can express, eyed him often from head to foot, with an admiring look, and with inward motions full of irresolution: this action of my Princes, wherein he had shown so little regard or consideration of him, after so late and so high an obligation, exasperated him infinitely against him, and made him incline to his destruction: and on the other side, that rare generosity which he had in one day testified by so many gallant effects, together with the grace wherewith he accompanied and authorized all he did, stifled his first resentments, and made his interests yield insensibly to the affection and esteem that he had for him: but withal making reflection upon Artabans' words concerning his oath against the life of Alexander, and judging by so bold an execution, what such a person was capable of, he feared he should fail in duty to his King, if he should preserve him so considerable an Enemy▪ in the end his perplexity being a little over, Whosoever thou art (said he) thou deservest either death or liberty; but the Gods forbid I should give death to so valiant a man, or liberty to so dangerous an enemy of Alexander's; if the Gods had raised him up but two more such, he might give over the hope of his Conquests, and Darius might recover that of getting up again into the Throne of his Predecessors. At these words he gave him into the custody of his most trusty soldiers, charging them to use him well, and to be answerable for him, upon peril of their lives.  
Disloyal Artaban was punished on this manner, his body remaining a prey to Vultures, and his head (as we have learned since) was cut off by a Persian, and sent to Darius, who by that fight received some ease in his misfortunes. Parmenio after having put a Garrison into Damascus, and given such orders as were necessary for the Province, took his way toward Marathon, which Alexander had besieged, and where he knew he should find him yet. We arrived there in four days, and Parmenio leaving the prisoners under strong guards, went to present his duty to his King.  
After he had given him an account of the stately spoils he brought him, he made mention of my Master, and extolled his generocity in such terms, as made him better satisfied with the taking of him, then with that of Damascus, and all Darius his wealth; and advertising him of the design he had against his life, according to what he had heard from Artaban, and what he had testified himself in the last Battle, whereof Alexander yet bore the marks, he gave him a greater apprehension of him alone, than he had of all the Persian Armies. All these considerations made him desire to see him, but, Sir, it is not necessary to repeat that to you which passed between them, you were without question present, and that encounter was memorable enough for you to have still preserved the remembrance of it.  
Lysimachus seeing that Araxes made a stop, said to him, I was at that time absent from the King, and Meleager, Polypercon, and myself, were by his command gone toward the Isle of Arada, which put itself into our hands without resistance: and though I have since been told something of it, 'twas with so much confusion and uncertainty, that you will oblige me very much, by pursuing your recital without interruption.  
Since you desire it (replied Araxes) I'll tell you that Parmenio, knowing the King's pleasure, caused my Master to be brought into his presence; he was not bound, but without arms, and so well guarded, that it was impossible for him to make escape; Assoon as ever he was before Alexander, the gracefulness of his person produced its usual effects, and as we judged by the actions of that King, drew his admiration, and more respect than the greatness of his fortune, suffered him to show to other men: whether it were the Majesty of his countenance, or the relation he had heard of him, or that which he had felt himself in the Battle, which caused him to set that value on him.  
My Prince was then but in the twentieth year of his age; yet his stature was already so advantageous, that he was taller than Alexander by almost the head, and it was formed with so exact proportion, and accompanied with so great a vivacity in his eyes, and so marvellous a grace in his behaviour, and in all his actions, that he was considered by those that were present as a very extraordinary person; and his outside easily persuaded them to give belief to the report that already ran of his virtue, and the greatness of his courage. Oroondates did not salute Alexander with that low submission which he afterward exacted, nor with a fawning humility which might have seemed to beg favour from him that had an absolute power▪ neither did he affect an uncivil and unseasonable pride; but keeping himself in a just moderation, he paid him what he believed he owed, in perfect liberty, to a man of his quality, famous by the consideration of so many Victories.  
Alexander received him courteously; and having looked twice or thrice attentively upon him: Is it possible (said he) that you are that valiant man, that did so many exploits in the Battle of Issus, and whom I encountered with so little advantage to myself, that I yet bear very troublesome marks of it? Oroondates obliged to Alexander for the praises he gave him, answered very modestly, I did so small a matter in that Battle, that but for the cowardice of those of my party, my actions would not have been taken notice of, and the glory I received by them, is only that I turned not my back, till I had tried the valour of a man who had put three hundred thousand to flight.  
Alexander was extremely pleased with this modest, confident answer, and looking upon Hephestion and Ptolomeus, he by his approbation of it, obliged them to express the like, and then turning toward my Master; But is it true, (said he) that you have a particular design upon my life, and that you are one of those whom the hope of a thousand talents has made to promise my head unto Darius? Though my Prince seemed offended at that question, as I found by the colour that came up into his face, he replied without being moved, The hope of a thousand Talents, nor that of a thousand Empires, shall never make me undertake any thing but what honour and virtue shall command; but the consideration of what I owe unto Darius, shall make me always attempt both against you, and against all his enemies, whatsoever a virtuous King can desire from a friend, against the Usurpers of his Dominions, and the Persecutors of his life.  
This answer nettled Alexander; but it also filled him with admiration and esteem of my Prince, and caused him to reply, If Darius had had many friends like you, I should perchance have been still on the far side of the Granicus; but if he had any one of mine in his power, and that he should hear such a Declaration from his mouth, I believe he would put him to death, and assure his life by the loss of so dangerous an enemy. If you have the same fear, (answered Oroondates, without being daunted) you have the same power and I have still the same intention. Alexander more surprised then before, remained a long time ere he spoke again, showing an unresolvedness in his countenance, while all that stood by, waited impatiently for the success of this adventure; and I assure myself, that the most virtuous of his friends, though they would have been very glad to secure the life of their Prince by the death of one of his enemies, had already so much inclination to him, that they could not have seen his without discontent; for my part I confess I was afraid for him, and trembled in the expectation of so uncertain an event.  
But in the end, Alexander after he had long held his eyes fixed upon the ground, turned them on a sudden upon my Master's face, and rising from a chair, where he had still continued sitting, because of the wound in his thigh, he said, touching him with his hand; Whosoever thou art, Greek or Persian, Prince, or private man, I know thee to be too generous, and too gallant, to attempt against my life by ways contrary to virtue, and I account myself strong enough to defend it whensoever thou shalt assault it as a man of honour; I will not secure it by the loss of thine, but will endeavour to make thee share the danger, when the advantage shall be shared between us. I therefore leave thee thy life, and thy liberty, which from henceforward thou mayest employ for Darius. I fear thee not enough, to endeavour to win thee to us, after such a Declaration as thou hast made; neither do I despise thee so much, but that if I could now with honour, I would prefer thy friendship before the best Province of Asia. Go thy way when thou pleasest, and if thou be'st at the Battle, make thyself known, and remember thy brave resolution, there it is that we will fight for my head, and there, (more handsomely, than I should now) I may endeavour to take satisfaction for the wound thou gavest me.  
If my Master's magnanimity pleased Alexander, that of Alexander so deeply wrought upon my Prince's heart, that it took away all the hatred he had against him; or if there yet remained any resentment in him, 'twas less for Darius his losses, and for the Captivity of his Mistress, then for the grief he suffered by seeing himself overcome in generosity. And indeed he has since confessed to me, that he had seldom received a more sensible one; and at that time, he by the discontent that appeared in his face, did visibly enough express the trouble he felt for that occasion; answering Alexander only with these words, in a sadder tone than he was commonly wont to speak: 'Tis now that I deplore Darius his fortune, and that I hold his Empire lost, by the anger of the Gods, since they have raised him up an enemy, that wins hearts as well as battles. He said no more, but taking leave of Alexander, he refused all the Presents he offered him, except Horses and Arms for himself and me, which he received at last in exchange of those that had been taken from him. He also took his Equipage again, which Alexander caused to be restored to him entire, and contented himself with the safe conduct he gave him, refusing the Convoy which he offered, to bring him in safety to any of the Towns that were yet in Darius his possession. Thus parted those two gallant men, keeping in their hearts such an esteem for one another, as by these passages you may well imagine.  
Araxes was in this part of his Relation, when he was entreated by Lysimachus, to go into Oroondates his Chamber, to make his excuses, if he saw him not that morning, and to allege unto him the impatiency he had to learn the remainder of his life. Araxes did as he desired, and seeing his Master was reasonably well, he came back to Lysimachus, and sitting down again in his chair, at his request, he continued his Relation on this manner.   
The End of the Third Book.   

CASSANDRA. BOOK IU.  
OROONDATES having parted thus from Alexander, carried away with him so high an esteem of his virtue, and conceived so true an affection to his magnanimity, that he gave over all designs against his life, or at least took a strong resolution never to assault him, but at the head of his Army, and when he should be forced to it, either by the consideration of his honour, or by that of the safety of Darius, and of his Princess; nor was it without a most sensible displeasure, to see himself crossed in his intentions by obligations of such a nature. But that high virtue which he loved, and reverenced even in his very enemies, would not suffer him still to continue them, and would have made him more willingly consent to his own destruction, then to that of so generous an adversary.  
Then it was that he wished the possession of his Father's Crown, to dispute with him upon equal terms, both for Empire and Virtue; but neither did the humour of his Father permit him such a hope during his life, nor his affection to Statira suffer him to forsake Persia, no nor so much as to leave the Camp where she was detained. When we were out of sight of Alexander's Tents, my Prince turning toward me, Araxes, (said he) now it is that all our industry will be necessary, and though we be habituated in Persia to live amongst our Enemies, we have need now of a more than ordinary wariness: we must change both our names and habits; and the better to avoid the knowledge of those that may have observed my face, you must pass for my Master, and study to act that part skilfully; by that means we may live among the Macedonians with more safety, and perchance the Gods will facilitate me some way to see my Princess, and to procure her deliverance.  
After these words, having given me some other instructions, we were come quite through the Camp of the Macedonians, and finding a Wood very commodious for our purpose, he commanded clothes of the Macedonian fashion to be taken out of his Sumpter, which he had caused to be made expressly at Damascus; for before Artaban's treachery broke out, believing that Siege would keep him so long, that he should not be able to meet Mythranes in Alexander's Camp, according to appointment, he furnished himself with those habits, with a design, if Darius his Embassy should take no effect, to disguise himself with them as he now intended, and attempt some way to procure his Princess' liberty. We having put them on, he commanded me to take such Jewels and Money, as were of easiest carriage, and keeping only his two Scythian servants, who were apparelled in the same fashion to attend us, he gave order to the rest to go with all his other things to Babylon or Persepolis, and to expect news of him near Darius, to whom he wrote Letters, which he delivered to them with Alexander's Passport, that they might make use of it, in case it should be necessary for them, to pass with the more assurance: having dispatched them with full directions, we got on horseback again, and returned to the Camp, where we arrived just when Marathon had newly surrendered itself, and that the King was making his entry into it; we retired to a quarter as private, and as far from the King's, as we could conveniently find; and my Master having showed me a place where I should come to him again, sent me into the Camp to hearken after Darius his Ambassador. But having sought him long in vain, I learned that he had had his audience, and was gone away very well satisfied, having obtained nothing from Alexander, but very sharp Letters, which he had written to Darius.  
I afterward informed myself cunningly, and without seeming to have any design, concerning the Queens, the Princesses, and the other Ladies that were prisoners, and I learned they were all under the custody of Philotas, and Nicanor, Parmenio's sons, that they were waited on with all manner of respect and civility, and that of all the things befitting their quality, they wanted not any else but liberty; they were guarded with so much care, that it was almost impossible to see them, and that those that had been taken at Damascus, as Roxana, Barsina, the daughters of King Occhus, and the rest, were not yet with the first, as the King had commanded; but that they all were kept so retired from the commerce, or frequentation of men, whether Persians or Macedonians, that they were not so much as seen, except by very few.  
I brought back this news unto my Prince, who was exceedingly well satisfied at the usage they received, and very much troubled at the difficulty of seeing them; he resolved nevertheless not to leave the Army, hoping that the Heavens would suffer him some favourable occasion.  
The next day the Army marched from Marathon, and entered into Phenicia; we followed them all that Journey, my Master making me still go first, and doing me such services before company, as hindered such as saw us from taking notice of him. Our stay among the Macedonians was much facilitated by the liberty which Alexander gave to all persons to retire amongst them, and the welcome that both Persians and other Nations received, who came in daily, and of whom his Army was already in great part composed. The very first days march, we saw the Queens and the Princesses pass by in their Chariots, they were all in black, and wearing a habit suitable to their present condition, drew tears from the eyes of all that considered them; but the access to their Chariots was forbidden by so great a number of Guards, that it was necessary to be satisfied with looking on them, without expecting any other advantage.  
My Master was ready to die for being limited only to the sight, and almost losing the remembrance of his resolution, was even upon the point to make himself known, and ruin himself. The second day we saw Hephestion, Perdiccas, and yourself, Sir, riding by the Chariots, and entertaining the Queens and Princesses; you were I remember upon a white Horse, which you made go so gracefully before the Ladies, that it moved us to ask your name, and those of the two other Lords. The third day we had no more favourable success, nor in all the rest of the March, till we came to Sydon, where Alexander resolved to make some stay, as well by reason of the fairness of the Town, as to depose Strato, and put another in his place.  
My Master dying with impatiency, passed all the nights near the Queen's Tents or Lodgings, to watch some opportunity to see them, and to make himself known to them, but it was impossible for him to find any: I indeed had observed the Eunuch Tyreus, but we could never find an opportunity to speak with him in private. The fifth day after our arrival at Sydon, we saw them go out of the Town, and with their Guards, take the way towards the Garden of Abdolominus, that name is sufficiently known to you, and the beauty of that Garden, which that good Man, (whose fortune within a few days after was so strange) kept trimmed with an extraordinary care. Those illustrious prisoners found so much delight in walking there, as they got leave to be desired of the King, that they might go thither again sometimes, during the abode they were to make in Sydon; which being granted, and the Princesses passing almost no day without seeking that diversion there, which they were then capable of: Oroondates thought he might by that means obtain what was with so much strictness forbidden him.  
To that end he went very early one morning to Abdolominus, and being instructed in his poverty, he at first coming presented him with Gold, and Jewels, and conjured him by the most ardent prayers his passion could invent, to give him admittance into his Garden, and that if he could possibly he would not suffer him to be put out of it all that day. Abdolominus having considered the grace, and winning fashion wherewith he made his suit, let himself be overcome with his entreaties; and refusing his Presents, Whosoever you are (said he) you know me but little, if you believed your riches could do any thing with me; my Trees are dearer to me, than all treasures, and my Garden furnishes me with enough to satisfy my ambition; but if you assure me that you have no ill intent, as your countenance would easily persuade me, I'll grant you your desire, though it be most expressly forbidden; neither shall I believe I offend the Gods, in disobeying those to whom they have not made me be born a subject, to oblige a man of so good presence, and who makes his request with so handsome a grace.  
My Prince protested to him that his intention was no other, then to see (if he could possibly) one of his sisters, who had been taken with the Princess Statira, to whom she had the honour to belong, and that if he might obtain that contentment by his favour, he would endeavour to requite it by his services, since he saw his virtue made him despise the Gold and Jewels which he presented to him. The good man touched with that winning carriage which gained the heart of all the world, and approving so commendable a design, did not only grant what he demanded, but also offered him his house, the retreat whereof might be commodious for him during the stay Alexander should make in Sidon; and having forced him to accept that courtesy, he brought us himself into the Garden, where he left us, after having showed us private Walks, Grots, and secret Arbours where we might hide ourselves in time of need.  
It is not necessary for me to describe the beauty of a place which you have often seen; for my part I was of opinion, that the Gardens of Ecbatana, though they were more costly, and artificially adorned, were but little more delightful: yet my Master not so much as regarding the pleasantness of it, waited there for the arrival of the Ladies, with an unspeakable impatience, and passed part of the day in an unquietness that cannot be imagined. In the end we were not deceived of our expectation, and when he began almost to despair of it, we saw the so much longed for persons appear. Alexander had always had that respect for them, that he suffered not any body to come into their Chambers, nor into their conversations, without being introduced by their own pleasure, leaving them those marks of Royalty, even in their servitude. This privilege was very convenient for us, for assoon as they were come in with the Ladies of their Train, and some Eunuches of their House, the door was shut again; the Guards contented themselves with encompassing the Garden, and hindering all kind of persons from going in or out, without order from Nicanor, who had that charge that day. It is very difficult for me to express unto you the inward motions of Oroondates at the sight of his Princess, he trembled with love and joy, and was upon the point to have gone and cast himself instantly at her feet, and have discovered himself to all the Ladies; but upon better consideration, he desired to do it with less surprise, and watched for some occasion to show himself to Statira alone, rather than to them altogether; which presented itself within a little while, and as lucky a one as he could have wished. We were in a very close Arbour, yet from it we might see the gate of the Garden, and know all that was done in it, without being perceived. We saw the Ladies part several ways, according to their different inclinations: the Queens began to walk in a broad Alley, which went along the side of a little Stream. The Princess Parisatis, with Apamia and Arsinoé, Artabasus his daughters; and sisters to Barsina, withdrew into an Arbour, and the Princess Statira, making a great Cushion to be carried by Cleone the dearest of her Maids of Honour, walked toward a Grot where there was a pleasing Fountain. My Prince having seen her pass by, gave her the leisure to retire as she intended, and a while after slipped through a covered Ally, which led unseen unto that Grot. He gave me leave to follow him, and going softly, and without noise, we came unto the entry of it. My Master trembling with love and respect, was even like a lost man, but he was much more so when drawing near his Princess, he saw her laid along by the edge of the Fountain, and already fallen asleep upon the Cushion which Cleone had brought her. Cleone to let her take her rest, was gone out of the Grot, and walked gathering flowers in places from whence she could not discover us. Oroondates drew near Statira so transported, that he hardly knew where he was, and seeing her fast asleep, he kneeled on the ground, and began to look upon her in such an ecstasy as cannot be expressed to you but by him that felt it. Then it was that numberless different thoughts assaulted him, and that he was seized with a greater apprehension than ever he had had in any battle: he feared that his Mistress by so long an absence, might have blotted him out of her remembrance; that her mind might have received some impression disadvantageous to him, and favourable to some other; that having only loved him to obey her brother, she might believe herself dis-engaged by his death from continuing those proofs of her obedience; or that after the misfortune of so great a loss, it might be thought a crime in him, to appear alive before her whose last parting words had imposed so strict a command upon him, to be careful of that charge: these apprehensions tormented him in such a manner, that they were easily to be read in his eyes and countenance, and made him fear to waken her, lest perchance her mouth should give him proofs of a misfortune, which he was come to seek so far, and with so much pains and hazard. His Princess was laid upon her side, leaning her head upon one of her arms, and the other negligently stretched out upon her thigh. Her beauty, though grief had abated something of her flesh, and of the vivacity of her colour, was already come to perfection; her neck was half uncovered, and her sleeve being a little turned up, showed part of an arm, to whose whiteness snow was but a mean comparison; the blackness of her habit did set it off with the greater lustre; and her hair which was of the same colour, playing by the help of a gentle wind upon so much of her cheeks as appeared unto our sight, discovered the delicateness of her complexion so well by that opposition, that Ivory and Ebony were never better matched together. Her eyes though closed, had left free passage to some tears, which stealing along her cheek, ran down to her mouth, where they ended their coarse, as the only place that was able to equal the beauty of the sources from whence they flowed.  
I could not forbear making this little Description to you, (though unseasonable, and no way proper in our affliction) when I remembered the time my Master spent in considering her, which was indeed so long, that I feared, he by his own fault, would lose the fair opportunity the Gods had sent him. He took notice of it himself at last, and recovering a little courage, after two or three deep sighs, which he could not possibly retain, he bowed his head gently down to steal a kiss of those tempting rubies, but the first touch of them struck him into such a rapture, that not considering what he did, he fastened his lips upon them with so much ardour, that his very so●● was all at his mouth, and had like to have stolen from him in that excess of love and contentment. The Princess wakened by so close and passionate a touch, and seeing herself in a man's arms, she, who though a Captive, had never seen any approach her but with such respects as are paid unto Divinities, was seized in such a manner, that she could not express how much she was surprised and frighted any other way then by a loud crying out; but when she started up to defend herself against the violence of that enemy, and that she had fixed her eyes upon Oroondates his face, whose memory was always present with her, and to whose supposed death she gave those tears, wherewith her cheeks were then bedewed, her astonishment turned into a cold shievering, which deprived all her senses of their function, and made her after a second cry, fall stretched out in his arms, without any sign of life. My Master quite besides himself, and transported with his passion, pressed her between his arms, bend her forward, and wetting her face with his tears, took kisses which had never been permitted him with so much liberty, nor had he ever ventured on them with so much boldness. In the mean time I stepping to the Fountain, and seeing how little help she received from my Master, cast water several times upon her face; but she was in so deep a swoon, that she came not to herself, and we were in an affliction hard to be expressed, when Cleone drawn by the Princess' cry, came running frighted to us; and at the same time through another Ally the Princess Parisatis, Apamia, Arsinoé, and many other Ladies. I make you judge, Sir, of their astonishment and fear, both for the Princess whom they saw in a swoon, or dead in the arms of two strange men, and for themselves whom the condition of their present fortune made apprehensive of every thing: they began already to send forth cries, which would in the end have been overheard by their Guards, when I rising up, and leaving my Master intent about an employment which their coming made him not forsake, addressed myself unto them, and discovering my face which was not unknown to them, Ladies, (said I) you may destroy us; but in ruining Orontes▪ you lose the man who of all the world is most affectionate to your service, and who comes to die here, for no other end, but to give you proof of it by the loss of a life which he lays down for your sakes.  
These Ladies though they were more dead than living at this accident, ceased their cries at these words, and remaining immovable, expected the issue of so strange an adventure. In this interim Cleone kneeling to Statira, unbuckled her robe, and threw so much water in her face, that at last she opened her eyes: Assoon as she began to come unto herself, she cried out, Ah! Orontes, and seeing him still present, she was like to have fainted away a second time. My Prince kneeled down before her, and while Cleone, more courageous than the rest held her in her arms, he kissed her hands, and bathed them in his tears with so many sobs, and broken sighs, that she being a little recovered, ventured at last to look upon him, and the rest becoming confident by her example, began to come all round about him. When she saw herself fortified by the presence of so many, her fear began to pass away, and fixing her eyes upon my Princes, after having looked awhile without speaking, Are you alive (said she) Orontes, or do you come after your death, to visit Prisoners, to whom you were so dear during your life? My Prince re-assumed by those words, and embracing her knees with sudden raptures of affection, which cannot be related, made answer: Yes, Madam, I am alive, and being only born to live, and to die for you, I come to live, and die here at your feet, and render to you, and yours, the service I owe to both till the last moment of my life.  
After these words, the Princess Parisatis, and the Ladies being a little settled, came nearer to him, and my Prince kneeling to Parisatis, and saluting all the other Ladies with infinite civility, drew them by degrees out of the fright they had been in, and filled them all with as much joy as they could receive in their Captivity. Statira was sorry my Prince had given so many proofs of his passion before those Ladies; but he who knew Darius his pleasure, and who was upon the point of making a more ample Declaration to them, was not troubled at it. In the mean time Arsinoe went to find out the Queens, to prepare them for this news, and free them from being as much surprised at it, as they themselves had been. The amazement of those good Princesses was not to be equalled, and not being able to credit what Arsinoe said, nor to stay for my Masters coming to them, they were going to the Grot, but as they went they met him, who with the whole company was coming toward them; assoon as he was near them, he fell upon his knee, and those good Queens having lifted him up, embraced him a thousand times, with tears of joy and affection, and expressed all the kindness to him, which they could have showed to Prince Artaxerxes, if the Gods had raised him from the dead again? Are you alive then, Orontes? (said Queen Sysigambis to him) and have the Gods preserved you to be a witness of our misfortunes, and of the ruin of poor Darius? 'Tis now indeed, you see us truly prisoners, and prisoners of a Conqueror less generous than you were, who from the first minute of our being taken, offered us that liberty of your own accord, which Alexander refuses both to the prayers and presents of Darius. Madam, (replied my Prince) the Gods have saved my life, after a loss that made me hate it, because they had resolved, that I should neither keep it, nor lose it, but for your family. I willingly obey them, and the powerful inclination that has forced me from Darius, to come and die in your presence, or to employ myself in your service, to the last drop of blood that I have left.  
Darius' his Queen learning by my Master's words, that we had seen the King her husband, after having expressed new favours to him, began to inquire after that good Prince, and Oroondates drawing the Letter he had sent him, out of his pocket, presented it to them, meaning by the reading thereof to prepare them for the Discourse he had to make. Sysigambis took it, and after she had looked upon the seal, which she knew to be the King her Sons, she broke it open, and read these words, as near as I can remember,  
King Darius to Queen Sisigambis his most honoured Mother, and to Queen Statira his dearest Wife; HEALTH.  
HE that comes from saving my life, goes to save the rest of my Family; Orontes, whom the Gods have raised again for my safety, goes to labour for yours, and to employ himself for your liberties, with that marvellous affection, which makes him to forget his own Interests to think of ours. But receive him no more as Orontes, and repair by your submissions the faults you have committed. Honour in the person of a Prince, that has so perfectly obliged you, that of Oroondates Prince of Scythia, who has drowned the hatred of his house, in a friendship which is so advantageous to you, and which amidst all our losses, aught to serve for our consolation. Our daughter Statira, whom the Gods have given us for our happiness, is his, both by the merit of his services, and by the word of her Father, and of her King. Use him therefore as our Saviour, and as our Son, and since that after so many losses, his generosity is so great, as still to desire our alliance, endeavour to make it clear to him, both by your acknowledgement, and by the testimonies of your affection.  
DARIUS.  
The Queens finished the reading of this Letter with an incredible astonishment, in which the Princesses kept them company, and particularly Statira, whose discretion was to be admired, in dissembling her joy in so sudden and happy an encounter; their knowing of the Seal, and of Darius his own hand, hindered them from doubting in the least manner of the truth of the Letter, but their experience of my Prince's nature, gave them yet a stronger belief. They began to use him with more respect then ordinary, and making appear that they expected a greater light into his affairs, by his own discourse, they went together into a close arbour, and being set down upon seats of green turf, they desired him to declare the truth of his life unto them; he yielded obedience to their commands, and in a few words made them an abridgement of what I have told you, excepting only the love of Roxana, and the proofs of affection he had received from Statira. That Princess was extremely satisfied with his discretion, and all the rest amazed at the last adventures you heard, as well in the battle of Issus, and the rescue of Darius, as the generous passages with Artaban, Parmenio, and Alexander. When he had ended his story to the perfect contentment of the Queens, and to their great admiration of his virtue, they rendered him such honours and civilities as almost confounded him, and expressed their joy both for the knowledge of him, and of his design, by such advantageous proofs, that he thought himself gloriously recompensed, both for all the pains he had undergon, and for those which in appearance the Gods had still reserved for him to suffer.  
After many discourses, Queen Statira turning toward the Princess her daughter: Daughter (said she) though you were not moved to the acknowledgement of what you owe Prince Oroondates by the remembrance of our obligations to him, and by an inclination from which I believe you not exempt, and for which no body can lawfully blame you; the Command of the King your Father is so express, and that of the Queen my Mother, and mine own likewise so just, that it is impossible for you to disobey them, without drawing the continuance of these misfortunes that persecute us, most deservedly upon your head. Dispose yourself therefore, to execute (assoon as it shall please the Gods to make an alteration in our Fortune) your Father's will, and ours, since with the permission of the Queen my Mother, I declare that it is conformable to his.  
My Prince at so obliging words cast himself at the Queen's feet, and Princess Statira, making a low obeisance received the command, without answering otherwise then by a modest blush, wherewith her cheeks were overspread. They then began to think of the means of meeting again, and of deceiving the vigilancy of so many guards; whereupon Oroondates told the Queens the discourse he had had with Abdolominus, and the offers that good man had made him of his house, which was within the enclosure of the Garden; it was resolved he should still make use of that retreat, and that he might do it with the less danger, he should quit his present habit, to take one more rustic, and less suspicious, wherein we might pass for workmen employed to dress the Garden; and they on the other side promised him, that during their abode at Sidon, they would not let pass one day, without taking their walk there, since that liberty was permitted them.  
After having taken his resolution, seeing it began to grow late, and fearing somebody might come in, and surprise them together; the good Princesses bade him farewell, and getting up into their Chariots, were carried back unto their Lodgings. We returned into Abdolominus his house, and my Master having embraced him a thousand times, conjured him more ardently than before, to assist him, and excuse him if he trespassed so far upon his goodness, as to accept the offers he had made him, and seeing the good man disposed to help him in his desires, he discovered to him, the design he had to disguise his condition under the habit of a Gardener, and begged so earnestly of him for that employment, that he consented to his request, and furnished us with such clothes as we demanded, laying ours up for us, and allowing us to continue in his house while Alexander, or the Princesses should stay at Sidon. Toxaris, and Loncates our two Scythian servants kept our arms, and horses at the Town, and took care to bring us meat, though Abdolominus would not have suffered it, but my Master to whom his poverty was not unknown, would not put him to any expense, and did all he could to persuade him to take his presents, which he still refused with so much generosity and greatness of courage, that we often judged him worthy of the fortune which befell him within a little after.  
The next day Oroondates expected the Lady's arrival in the Garden, with an impatience equal to that of the day before, true it is that his mind was much more quiet, and that having nothing more to overcome but Alexander's fortune, he thought himself in a high degree of felicity; they came at the accustomed hour, and found him apparelled in a plain grey suit, yet not unhandsome, and such as did not much diminish the graceful fashion he had in his ordinary habit. Their first discourse was of their affairs, and of the means that might be found for their deliverance; but after they had studied for that in vain, and considered the impossibilities that thwarted it at that present, they resolved to wait still for the occasions that heaven might offer them, and not to use an unseasonable haste that would but ruin their designs, and take away all the facility that might be found for the future: their conversation was long upon that point, but the Queens judging of my Master's impatience by their knowledge of his Love; and not doubting but that after so long an absence, he desired ardently to entertain his Princess, were willing to leave him alone with her, and taking their walk in these pleasant allies, they obliged Parisatis and the other Ladies to do the like; only Cleone remained with Statira, but I taking her by the hand, walked at a little distance with her, who not opposing my Prince's happiness, was content to afford him an entire liberty.  
Then it was that this passionate Prince, threw himself before his Princess' feet, and that cementing his lips to her fair hands, he entertained her with the violence of his affection, in terms which it would be hard for me to repeat, though I have learned part of them from his own mouth. There by a deluge of tears they solemnised the death of Artaxerxes, and endeavoured to comfort one another, for a loss which was equally sensible to them. After they had given some time to that remembrance, Oroondates wiping his eyes, Madam (said he) I should certainly have died, to keep company with a person whom I loved better than myself, if my faithful Araxes, being less possessed with grief, had not put me in mind of what I owed to you; I confess Madam I yielded to that consideration, and my friendship to Artaxerxes, not being to be overcome but by my love to you, my love got the victory of my friendship, and made me preserve that for you, which I had resolved to lose with him, and which I ought to have lost for him, in acquitting myself better then I did of the charge you gave me.  
The Princess who had a mind to divert him from so sorrowful a remembrance; You have put that life (said she) but in too much hazard, which I so dearly recommended to you; yet since you disobeyed me so soon, I beseech you do so no more; if I have the power of it, I command it you, and since it is impossible for us to fetch back my poor brother to life again, let us take care that he never die in our remembrance, where we will raise him an everlasting monument: and in the mean time revive your spirits as much as you can, and as our present condition will give you leave, and knowing that all your griefs are as sensible to me as to yourself, recover your former looks, if you will have me find those features in your face, that made me love it.  
She pronounced these last words with so obliging a tone, and looked upon my Prince with such a piercing eye, that he fell out of one extreme into another, and passing from grief to joy in a moment, suffered himself to be so transported with his passion, that it made him lose part of his respect, and drawing nearer his Princess, he surprised her lips with his, and sealed them with so much ferventness, or rather forgot himself with so much sweetness, that he seemed as if he never would have parted from them, if the Princess had not gently thrust him back, saying, It is enough Oroondates, abuse not the privilege so soon which Darius his consent has given you, and stir not up the Gods yet more against us, by seeking pleasures while our Family is afflicted with so many losses, you will not be less satisfied when you shall know I love you by other proofs, nor shall I love you less, though I urge you still to continue that respect which always pleased me, and which becomes you so extremely well: My Prince alittle ashamed to see himself so reproved, answered her, Madam your goodness will pardon these transports, in consideration of their cause which pleads excuse for them, and I hope you will not think it strange that I pay myself in one moment, for the pains of a whole year, nor that a man grown insolent by the approbation of the King and of the Queens, emboldens himself to a liberty which their consent seems to authorise. Not that I will make use of it if my Princess be displeased, for I fear much more to offend her, then that I shall stir up the Gods against us, by the effects of my passion, and by my most innocent intentions. But Madam, ought I to trust my fortune, and may I with some appearance of reason believe that your favour to me will continue ever firm? aught I not to tremble at the remembrance of Alexander, and fear that that Conqueror of men may prevail also with the other sex, and overcome your mind, either by his fortune, by his merit, or by the power he now hath over you? That question disobliges me (replied the Princess) and if you think me fickle enough to yield to any of those considerations, you esteem me but little, and by consequence cannot love me much, if it be true that perfect love is grounded upon the esteem of the person beloved; I love you Oroondates, both because you deserve it very well, and because I believe you love me, and my affection cannot cease, so long as those two causes continue, and though they should both fail, I know not whether I should have reason enough left to wean myself from it: Fear not Alexander therefore any longer, since neither that fortune, nor that merit which you allege, no nor the power he hath over me, will ever be able to shake the resolution I have taken, and the promise I make to be never but yours, unless you change your humour first, and unless you repent your having loved a Captive, the Daughter of a Prince dispossessed of his Estates; and one who hath nothing of her former quality left, except her courage. My Prince ravished with the beginning, and deeply touched with the end of her discourse: Ah! Madam (said he) do not accuse me of a baseness which I never can be guilty of; he that feared not the difficulties that opposed his first design of serving you, will never consider the changes of fortune, and if for mine own Interest I might have been permitted to make prayers that were prejudicial to you, I should always have wished that the Gods had made you be born without that greatness, which I would have raised you to, that I might not have obliged you to abase yourself to me, nor to believe that the height of your quality gave the least increase to a passion, which I conceived for your person alone; but since that notwithstanding you are all divine, you yet vouchsafe to stoop so low as to me, and that this great disproportion hinders you not from giving me such lofty hopes, the Gods are my witnesses that I envy not their condition, and that I would not change my fortune with Alexander, no nor with the Gods themselves.  
Besides these discourses they had many others, whose length keeps me from repeating them, and when they were fully satisfied by the mutual assurances they gave of an eternal affection, they thought it time to return unto the Queens: So they went out of the Arbour where they were, and having called us, joined company with them again in one of the Alleys, and continued with them till they departed. After that day they passed many others in the same tranquillity, and my Master for that time was so satisfied with the condition of his love, that it almost made him forget that of Darius his affairs, and of his Princess' Captivity: but within a very little after, that calm of Fortune was something troubled, and it was by the arrival of the Ladies that had been taken at Damascus, who being brought to Sidon were put among the rest. My Prince was glad indeed at the coming of Barsina, and in show for that of Roxana, and that Princess to whom then both the true affection, and true quality of Oroondates were no longer unknown, for some days forbore her importunities, but she fell into them again a while after in such a manner, that she made him lose much of the good will, and esteem he had for her, yet did he conceal her love with so much care, as well to follow the incitements of his own virtue, which obliged him to hide the faults of a person who committed them only for his sake, as because he knew her wit was able to cross him in his affection, and percance utterly to ruin it, if he should absolutely have offended her.  
In the mean time Alexander fell in love with Barsina, and as you know that new passion made him see the Ladies often, whom before he visited not at all, through an affected continence; which many times had made him say, that the Persian Ladies troubled the eyesight. One day when they were in our Garden, and my Prince with them in his ordinary entertainment, the desire of seeing Barsina brought him thither; yourself was with him, and Hephestion, Perdiccas, Leonatus, and divers others. Assoon as ever my Prince saw him come in, he slunk away from the Ladies, and retired into a corner of the Garden, where he feigned to busy himself in a Trade wherein he was not very skilful, not giving over that employment, of all the time the King continued in the Garden, and every time he took the like walks, he hid himself so carefully that he suspected not any body could observe him. In all other occasions we kept ourselves exactly upon our guards, but within a few days after we had a terrible fright, whereof you know the cause well enough, though I believe not the effect it wrought in us.  
We were with Abdolominus in his house two or three days after the King had been there, when we saw a great number of his Guards come in, and a man at the head of them who seemed their Captain, I began presently to tremble, but my fear was infinitely increased when Abdolominus advancing toward them, and ask them the cause that brought them thither; he that was the chief of them made answer, we come to seek for a Prince that lies hid here, disguised in a habit nothing suitable to his quality, he must come before Alexander to whom he is not unknown, and receive from so just a King the recompense that is due to him. Judge Sir, of my Master's astonishment; than it was that he thought himself absolutely lost, and no longer doubting but that some of Alexander's attendants had discovered him in the Garden, his mind was pestered with several thoughts, suitable to the condition in which he was; but he was quickly eased of his apprehension by the same man who had already spoken, and who addressing himself still to Abdolominus; Prince Abdolominus (said he) be not struck with wonder, but come and receive from Alexander the Crown of your Country, your virtue cannot continue longer hid, and great Hephestion to whom the King has left the disposing of it, chooses you among all the Sydonians, to command a people that gives an universal testimony of your wisdom and integrity; Leave off therefore these clothes unworthy of your present condition, and putting on those that are appointed for you, come and give thanks to Alexander and Hephestion, for the present which they make you and for the esteem they have of your merit.  
Our astonishment was dissipated by these words, but that of Abdolominus was such as you may imagine, he could not believe of a long time but that they mocked him, and when he saw them persevere, he received that change of his condition as a misfortune sent him from heaven, and behaved himself before them, and before Alexander as you know, and as all Asia (to whom this Story is so well know) has highly published.  
Lysimachus interrupting Araxes at these words, I was with Alexander (said he) when he was brought before him, and the King after having considered him awhile, Let us hear (said he) since we destiny thee to a Crown, in what manner thou hast supported thy poverty. I beseech the Gods (replied Abdolominus without being moved) that I may support the Crown with the very same mind. This answer pleased the King so much, and he found it so conformable to the relation he had heard of him, that he confirmed Hepestions choice, and added to the Territories which Stato was wont to possess, some other neighbouring Provinces, of which that good man remained peaceable King with a general approbation. My Prince (replied Araxes) was extreme glad of his good fortune, and praised the Gods for a success so marvellous, and so full of Justice. This new King expressed great kindness to us, and made us many advantageous offers, favouring us in our design, as much as he could possibly; but within a few days after Alexander resolved to remove from Sydon, to go unto the siege of Tyre. My Prince was much troubled at that resolution which put him besides all his conveniencies, and reduced him to a necessity of seeking new intentions to see his Princess. The day before they were to go away, he consulted a long time with the Queens, and their last conclusion was, to make use of Barsina's friendship, and of the power she had over Alexander to obtain from him, that during the Siege of Tyre, he would leave them in that Town, which was but a small days Journeys from thence. Barsina was glad of that occasion to serve them, and to free herself from the discommodities of the Army, and that very Evening being visited by the King, she so well represented to him, how the tenderness of the Queens and Princesses, and her own likewise was such, that they were not able to endure the want of accommodation which they must suffer necessarily in that Siege; besides how the unwholesomeness of the air (it being a Sea-Town) might prejudice their healths, especially that of Darius his Queen, who was not very well already, and of Sisigambis, whose constitution was weakened with years, that the King who truly loved her, and who likewise considered, how their being there would incommode his Army, granted all she desired, and gave them all permission to remain at Sidon, during the Siege, leaving a strong party there to guard them. The joy of the Princesses was incredible at this news, but my Masters was far greater, seeing his happiness continue, when he expected nothing but the end of it.  
Alexander departed on this manner, and Oroondates remained in his former satisfaction, and to complete his good fortune, the Ladies having desired to lodge at Abdolominus his house, that they might with more liberty make use of the Garden, it was willingly granted them by Nicanor and Seleucus, in whose custody they were left: Thus my Master, who under the habit that disguised him, had free entrance thither, was for the most part with them, and then he was in an high degree of contentment; the proofs he daily received of Statira's affection, having raised him to such a point of felicity, that except the liberty of his Princess, and the satisfaction of Darius, he had nothing more to wish for; true it is, that he often blushed for shame, to see himself idle, and obscured in a habit so unworthy of his birth, while all Asia was in arms; and considering himself in that estate, Araxes (said he often to me) art thou not sorry for my miserable condition, and for that hard necessity which forces me to act a part so contrary to my courage, and to the beginnings of my life? must I remain with my arms across, and languish under this mean apparel, using nothing but a pruning hook, while Alexander sweats under his Cuirass, and wins Empires with the edge of his Sword? O Gods, what a shame, or rather what an unjust constraint is this! and yet Araxes (pursued he) it is impossible for me to conquer it, and these considerations of mine honour, cannot draw me from a place, where those of mine affection have tied me fast.  
He often made these reflections, and was most sensibly afflicted with them; all his designs were for the liberty of the Ladies, but though he attempted many, not any of them could be effected, and they were so carefully guarded, that he lost all hope of delivering them any other way, then by Darius his getting some Victory, or by the generosity of Alexander.  
In that time he was exceedingly persecuted by Roxana, and that Princess not being taken off by the little success she saw in her love, pressed him with so much obstinacy, that in the end she forced him to an aversion: true it is, that she brought him to it by a thousand malicious tricks, and by as many little inventions she strove to make some breach between him and his Princess, and yet though he thereby felt most kill discontents, his discretion was always such, that he would never discover the cause of them, and that at the price of his own repose, he preserved a consideration of her, which afterward proved very hurtful to him. He often saw the fair Barsina, and lived with her in a modest liberty, having found so much virtue in that Lady, and so much freedom to him, that he thought himself obliged to honour the one, and to acknowledge the other by all manner of proofs of his good will: It was upon these foundations, that Roxana built her treachery; she first (cunningly, and without seeming to have any design) made the Princess take notice of their familiarity; she made her observe the care he took to entertain her particularly, their kind looking at one another, and that confidence which they had not in others, and bethought herself of so many little subtleties, all grounded upon some probability, that in the end she made some impression in Statira's mind, and began to persuade her, that she who at first sight had captivated the heart of Alexander the Great, might by a long frequentation have gained something upon that of Oroondates. To these thoughts she added the remembrance of the Journey he had made to Damascus, whither he had been careful to retire, to no other purpose but to see Barsina, and from whence he would not have stirred, if he had not been forced, having been carried to Alexander's Camp with her, and having stayed there only for her consideration.  
All these things which malicious Roxana blew into Statira's ears, whensoever she found opportunities, began to move her, and touched her in the end so sensibly, that the grief of her soul appeared quickly in her face; she received my Prince more coldly than she was wont, and by little and little, grew to live with him in such a way, that not knowing what to impute that change unto, he was even ready to die with excess of sorrow; and desiring to find what it was, assoon as might be, he laid hold of the first occasion that offered itself; nor was it hard for him to find one, for the liberty he had to entertain his Princess every day, did facilitate the means unto him. To that purpose, having met her one day in the same Grot, where he had found her asleep, there being no body with her but Cleone, to whom their love was not unknown, he kneeled down before her, and seeing that she kept her eyes fixed upon the ground without regarding him, he said to her with strange inward motions, accompanied by a deep sigh, It is exceeding hard for me, Madam, to imagine the cause of your coldness toward me, but it is much harder for me to bear it without dying; pardon me I beseech you, if I take the liberty to tell you, that I think this alteration very strange, and that the manner of your carriage to me for some few days of late, has put me into torments which I cannot possibly express; if I have trangressed, sentence me to death, since the least faults I can commit against you, deserve not any lighter punishment; if you have found in this miserable man, any new defects that were unknown to you, discover them to me for charity's sake, to the end I may either correct them, or for ever banish from your sight, a person too defective to be loved by you: but if I be neither more guilty, nor more defective, than I was before this fatal change, make me not die with so much injustice, and so little knowledge of my crime.  
He spoke these words with much action and vehemence, and the Princess answering only by some tears, which it was not possible for her to withhold, after having in vain expected her reply; What, Madam, (continued he) are these then the tears you give unto my death, after having resolved upon it? Have you charity enough to bewail my loss, and yet not goodness enough to let me know the cause?  
The Princess at last lifting up her head, and looking upon him with an eye, which though full of tears, inflamed him more than ever; made answer without being moved, Orontes, Orontes, neither I am capable of change, nor you of transgressing; your inconstancy is not to be blamed, since it makes you forsake a Captive, for the Mistress of her Conqueror, and of her Master. My Prince understood not the meaning of these words, and replied in great distraction; I beseech you, Madam, explain yourself better, and draw a man that is already besides himself, out of the confusion into which you have put him; whatsoever you intent to accuse me of, the Gods know that I am most innocent, and I expose my head to their loudest thunder, if I be guilty to you in the least thought. To love Barsina (answered she) is not to be guilty, she is truly fair and lovely, yet all her good qualities cannot give you a dispensation for your Oaths to me, nor absolve you from the infidelity you commit against the daughter of Darius, and the sister of Artaxerxes, for one of their subjects. Do not change your countenance, Orontes, (continued she, turning toward my Master, who was quite surprised, and confounded at so unexpected a Discourse) the truth is discovered at last, the cause of your Journey to Damascus, and of your stay amongst us is no longer hid, and I have found at last, against my will, that I served for nothing but a pretence, and cloak of your new affection: but well, (pursued she with tears in her eyes) follow this last inclination, I oppose not the advantage you find in this your change, and though I cannot see it without grief unto myself, yet will I see it without any resentment that may be prejudicial to you.  
My Prince quite amazed at this adventure, and not knowing where to find words that could justify the constancy of his affection, was able to do nothing at first but embrace her knees, and shed so many tears upon them, that by his sighs, and the vehemency of his action, she began already to believe him partly innocent▪ and to lose something of her former opinion. But when he lift up his head, and that showing her a face all drowned in tears wherein his real passion was too lively painted, he was preparing to say something in his own defence; he saw Barsina all alone passing close by the Grot, and of a sudden, without considering that his action might displease his Princess, he ran distractedly to her, and drawing her by the robe unto the entry of the Grot, he fell down upon his knees before her, and taking her hands with an action that marvellously surprised her; Barsina, (said he) I conjure you by the light of the Sun, and by the power of Orosmades, and of all the Gods that hear us, by the head of Darius, and by the memory of Memnon, to draw me out of the Gulf, into which you have precipitated me; and to declare before the face of Heaven, and of those Gods I have invoked, if ever by any of my words, or by any of my actions, I have expressed any affection to you, and if ever either here, or at Damascus, or at Persepolis, I have lived with you in any other fashion, than I might have done with mine own sister.  
These words pronounced with a tone quite extraordinary, did so surprise Barsina, that of a long time she could not answer, and when she had a little recovered that deep astonishmennt, Prince Oroondates, (said she) I know not why you require such a declaration from me; but whatsoever you may suffer for my consideration, I protest to you by the same Gods you mentioned, that I am most innocent, and declare before the Princess, that I never received, nor pretended to any of those things from you, which are due to her alone, and which I desire to yield her while I live.  
Although Statira by her countenance, witnessed the amazement this action caused in her, yet was she very well satisfied with it, and not being able to attribute that indiscretion (in a man whom she had always known most discreet) to any thing but the violence of his passion; she began to fall a little from her jealousy, and to suffer Oroondates, who was now a little settled, to perfect the undeceiving of her, by the assistance of Barsina, who representing unto her the little probability there was in her suspicions, and the advantages the Gods had given her, above her, as well in beauty, as in descent, left not any mark at all of the impressions she had received, and when she found she was cured of them, and that she learned from her mouth, how much Roxana had contributed to them, It must necessarily be (continued she) that this malicious woman either loves Oroondates, or hates us; but, Madam, lend her your ear no more, and believe that 'tis not without some interest she takes so great care to make a difference between you.  
My Master blushed at those words, but he discovered nothing of Roxana 's affection, and importunities; and addressing himself to Statira, Madam, (said he) the Gods without doubt have raised her up, to keep me from losing the knowledge of myself, in the happiness to which I am exalted, by the favour you have done me; but since by another of the same nature, you draw me out of the grave, which she had prepared for me, I conjure you not to hearken to her any more, to my disadvantage, and never to suspect him of infidelity, who can never possibly be guilty of it. And I (added Barsina) for my part, if I were handsome enough to give you just cause of jealousy, I protest to you, that assoon as ever I had my liberty, I would retire, and deprive myself for ever of Oroondates his sight, though I value both his company, and his person very much.  
The Princess ashamed of what had happened, asked pardon of them both, and casting her arm about Barsina's neck, conjured her earnestly to forget it. In this manner they were reconciled, and my Prince grew thereby more satisfied then before, in the assurance of being loved by his Princess. This little accident served to make him distrust Roxana; and from thence forward, he avoided her as much as possibly he could; and lived with Statira, in better intelligence than ever, she having opened her eyes, and considered the little reason she had had in her suspicions.  
But some few days after, Alexander wearied with the length of the Siege of Tyre, came to refresh himself a little at Sidon; it was believed to be for Barsina's sake, and perchance that was his first intention: but in effect that day he spoke to Princess Statira, and which is more, spoke to her of love. The Princess who had ever been made to fear that misfortune, answered him with much modesty, and considered the condition she was reduced to, without forgetting the quality of her birth. The next day he entertained her with the same Discourse, and before they parted, he made her know, that he was really in love with her. She concealed not the truth of their conversation from the Queen her mother, nor from Sysigambis, Parisatis, and her companions: But she discovered nothing of it at that time unto my Prince, believing that the knowledge thereof would afflict him, and that Alexander's passion might vanish as suddenly as it was come, without my Masters hearing any thing, of what could not choose but be most unpleasing to him. But Roxana did not the same; and contriving new kinds of malice upon this occasion, two days after Alexander was gone back, she came to my Master in an Ally of the Garden, and took her time so well, that notwithstanding all the care he used to avoid her, yet was it impossible for him to get away. You fly from me, Oroondates, (said she, coming nearer to him) and you follow those that fly you, or at least those that deceive you, and despise you. See what it is not to know how to take your aim better, a Lady of meaner quality than the Princess of Persia is unworthy of your affection; but also a Prince of less power than Alexander is unworthy of the Princess of Persia's. I always told you that Statira was not for you; but that pride you have ever had, made you mock at my predictions. I am now a little satisfied, since I am revenged; and if generosity would suffer me to make sport with another's unhappiness, I should now have a fair occasion to be even with you.  
Oroondates heard these reproaches patiently, and waited the end of them with a marvellous coldness, though he was already touched with a deadly apprehension; and when she had done speaking, Well, Roxana, (said he) whither do all these reproaches tend▪ and with what new misfortunes, or what new afflictions do you mock me? Ah the insensible man! (replied Roxana cunningly) Oh the Philosopher! how well he knows which way to take a resolution in his crosses, and to bear the assaults of Fortune with an equal countenance! do not dissemble, Oroondates, nor do not fain a constancy, of which I judge you not to be capable; you are mortally strucken, and if you have loved as truly, as you desired I should believe, you will have much ado to bear this loss.  
Though my Prince knew that young Lady was full of subtlety, yet was he troubled at this Discourse, and crossing his arms upon his breast; But, Roxana, (said he to her) will you tell me nothing else? What, (replied Roxana) would you have me then believe, that you alone are ignorant of what is unknown to no body else, and that you only have not heard of Statira's fortune; you I say, that have more interest in it, than all they that know it? I have indeed so much interest in it, (answered my Prince) that it shall ever be the maker of mine; but I have heard nothing yet to persuade me she is changed. How? (said Roxana) do you not think her happy then, in having effected her design, as she has done, to make Alexander in love with her, and in having won the heart of that great man so much, by the industry, which she, and the Queens have used for that purpose, that he is disposed to marry her within a few days, and by that alliance to restore peace unto Persia, and that splendour unto the family of Darius which it has lost?  
My Master at first knew the malice of Roxana, but when he made reflection upon Alexander's Journey to Sidon, and that he remembered he had seen him speak often to Statira, which he had never done before, he began to fear part of what she said, and answered her with an un-assured voice, Madam, by your malicious talk, you have already been like to ruin me; I know not what your design is, and though you should send me to my grave, I am ignorant what satisfaction you can draw from my death: this you say is not only unknown to me, but you must pardon me if I tell you, it is your own invention, and that Statira will never use any industry to make any body love her, she who is so generally beloved by all those that know her, and who can win the heart, not only of Alexander, but of all men living without trouble, and without using any artifice. Though Roxana felt herself stung with those words, yet did she answer without being moved; You may believe what you please of it; but be it as it will, you should never have heard this news from my mouth, if those affairs were in terms of being concealed; you may learn the truth of the first you meet, and of Statira herself, who will not be able to dissemble it much longer from you.  
At these words she left him in such a confusion of thoughts, that he knew not where he was, he sat down upon a seat hard by him, and calling to mind all those things that could confirm, what Roxana had said, he fell into a mortal agony▪ true it is, that his knowledge of her malice, and the late proofs she had given of it in a business of the same nature, kept him a little from the despair which threatened him; he passed the rest of that day in strange disquiets, and the next appeared so sad, and looked so ill, that he was scarcely to be known; he walked in the most retired Alleys, and Statira who was troubled to be so long without seeing him, sought him at last herself, being attended by none but Clione, and having gone over almost all the Garden, she found him laid along, close by a stream that ran thorough it, his belly toward the ground, and his head leaning upon both his hands, down which ran tears that fell into the water. The Princess seeing him in that condition, hearing him sigh two or three times, made a stop uncertain what to do, while my Master, not thinking himself overheard by anybody, and not being able to retain his thoughts. It is too much, great Gods, (said he) it is too much; and if my misfortune be true, you ought not to have prolonged my life by such extraordinary ways, to tear it away from me now by one more extraordinary; but (continued he) he shall not long enjoy this glorious conquest, and that generosity which diverted the anger of an enemy, shall not stop the fury of a rival. He had said more if his restlessness would have suffered him to continue long in the same posture, and if turning upon one side, he had not perceived the Princess, who harkened to him; he was ashamed to have been surprised in that manner, and wiping his eyes, he arose, and bowed to the Princess with so sad a face, that she read part of his sorrow in it, but not desiring to be free from any that he felt, How now Orontes, (said she to him) what new disaster afflicts you, and what ought I to fear by those tears I see you shed, by that sadness I observe in your looks, and by those words I heard you speak?  
My Prince constraining himself exceedingly, to make answer, Madam, (said he) that Alexander loves you, is an effect of the same merit that forced me to do so; but that by your care you should win him to it, and that to gain his heart, you should use an industry unworthy of yourself, is a thing which destroys the protestations you have made me, and takes away a life which you were once pleased to desire I should preserve. The Princess surprised at this Discourse, and touched with pity, replied in offering him her hand, That Alexander loves me is a thing most difficult for me to hinder, but that I should seek his love, or ever consent to it while I live, is a thing you cannot say without offending me, and which you cannot have from any body but Roxana. It is true, (answered Oroondates) Roxana gave me the first hint of it, but since so many things have confirmed it, that I am but too well instructed in it, to have any quiet, or rather to have any life.  
Statira looking upon him with a more cheerful countenance, and with an eye able to drive away all fear replied, I ever doubted, that that malicious creature would take occasion from what is past, to trouble our contentment, but dear Oroondates, I wish the Gods you invoked the other day for your justification, would make me perish before your eyes, if ever you had more cause, then at this very time to be satisfied with my affection. I confess Alexander has talked to me of love, whether it w●re to divert himself, or that perhaps he be truly in love with me; but if his Courtship has wrought any effect upon me, and if I received it from him any otherwise, then as from the destroyer of our family, I desire to suffer all the torments which Orosmades inflicts upon the 〈◊〉 perjured souls; true it is, I concealed it from you alone, as the person whose quiet was m●st considerable to me, and to whose quiet I thought it most prejudicial; but dear Oroondates, do not fear this rival, and receive yet once again the promise I make you, that so long as I believe I have your affection, neither Alexander, nor any other man but yourself, shall have the least part of mine; and that no reason of State▪ shall ever make me violate the faith I give you, and which I will preserve unto my grave. O Gods! what a strange condition is that of lovers, and how subject it is to sudden and marvellous vicissitudes. A minute before these words, my Prince desired nothing but death, and now he falls out of an excess of grief, into an excess of joy, which is not imaginable, he instantly recovers his former liveliness, and detesting the malice of Roxana, imprinted a thousand kisses upon the fair hands of his admired Princess, with transports, and raptures, that are incredible.  
Thus was his mind quickly cured again, and Roxana deceived in the project she had to advance her own affairs by that means. From that time forward, they both began to hate her, and resolved not only never to give credit to her words any more, but not so much as to have any communication with her▪ they did according to this determination, and four or five days after, my Prince having met her, and desiring utterly to break with her; Madam, (said he) your plot has not taken effect, and the Gods have hitherto preserved us from your malice; but if you think to win a heart by such extraordinary ways, and so contrary to those that ar● commonly practised to gain affection, I give you notice that you are infinitely deceived; and as I opened my miade to you at Damascus, with all manner of freedom, I do so now again, with the very same, and tell you plainly, whether I will or no, that it is impossible for me to love you; 'tis not without constraining my humour very much, that I tell you this truth; and that I conjnre you to let him be quiet, whom you have been already like to send unto his grave. He stayed not to hear her answer, but going away, with a low respect, left her in such a confusion as you may imagine, and from that day avoided her conversation so diligently, that he was no more importuned by her.  
Two days after the Princess meeting him, and taking him into an Arbour, Oroondates, said she, I will let you see how exact I am in my promises, and how carefully I will labour for your contentment; my new servant is not cooled since his departure; I have just now received a Letter from him, which here I bring you, and to which I desire that you yourself would make the Answer, if you think fit I should write any; saying so, she gave him a paper, and my Prince having opened it, found these words.  
King ALEXANDER to the Princess STATIRA.  
THe Conqueror of your Kingdom, lets himself be conquered by you alone, and you alone have been able to do, what all Asia hath attempted in vain. I deliver up my Arms fair Princess; and take more glory in my defeat, than I have taken in all my victories; but use not that with cruelty, which you have obtained with justice, and deal not with him as an Enemy, who declares himself your Captive,  
ALEXANDER.  
My Prince was exceedingly troubled at this perseverance of Alexander's, and from the very beginning foresaw those misfortunes, which have since befallen him; he judged it not convenient for her to exasperate him, in the condition she was in, lest she should bring upon herself the indignation of a Conqueror, and of a Master; and that therefore she was obliged to return an answer; she would have had him dictate her Letter; but he excused himself, and remitted that care to her own discretion, and the prudence of the Queens, so having asked their advice and agreed with them, she answered him in these terms.  
The Princess STATIRA to King ALEXANDER.  
THE quality you give me, suits so little with the condition I am reduced to, that it is almost impossible for me to keep them both; you are still unconquered, and shall ever be invincible, unless you be overcome with other arms than mine; the fortune of our house having confined my eyes to no other employment, but only to weep for the desolation of it, will not suffer me to make use of them, to any other purpose, nor to acknowledge you for other than my Conqueror, and my Master, since I am really your prisoner,  
STATIRA.  
The Princess sent this Letter by him, that had brought Alexander's, and within two days after she received another, whereof as I remember these are the words.  
King ALEXANDER to the Princess STATIRA.  
THE Maxims of Love, are so different from those of War, that the condition of a prisoner, and that of the Mistress of my heart, are not incompatible, you need not keep them long together, but may quickly lose the former, if you please to accept the latter: If you consent, we will make an exchange, and if you disdain not the passion of a King that dies for love of you, I'll quickly pay the ransom of your liberty by that of  
ALEXANDER.  
The Princess by the advice of the Queens returned him this second answer.  
The Princess STATIRA to King ALEXANDER.  
'tIS but to divert yourself from the toils of War, that you spend time in entertaining your Captives, I will still preserve that title, acknowledging myself unworthy of that which my misfortune forbids me to accept, and I shall never desire my liberty, but with the freedom of the Queens, and the happiness of Darius; the honour you do me shall not make me forget my miseries, nor take from me the remembrance of what is due to Alexander the Great, from the unfortunate  
STATIRA.  
I know not whether Alexander's ambition was at that time stronger than his love, and that he would not engage himself further by Letters to restore the prisoners to liberty, and peace to Darius his Estates; or whether some other reason dissuaded him, but the Princess received no mo●e of them while we sta●d at Sidon; and my Master very well satisfied with his silence and coldness, did yet for some time freely enjoy all the contentments whereof his soul was capable.  
But fortune grew weary of favouring him so long, and the taking of Tyre, quickly robbed him of those delights, which he tasted unseasonably, while all Asia was in mourning. That stately Town was taken, as you know, after a seven months' siege, and Alexander's Forces which he left at Sidon, received order to come to join with the rest, and bring up the prisoners. Judge Sir, of my poor Prince's trouble, and imagine that he was infinitely sensible of it, though he had already prepared himself for that change. He bewailed those good Princesses, who were going to suffer the incommodities of an Army, true it is that they were accustomed to them with Darius, and that with Alexander they were but little worse accommodated; for indeed the King had taken care to have them used like Queens, continuing their household servants about them, and endeavouring to make them bear the misfortune of their condition, by the noble usage they received; they never heard a rude or unbeseeming word, nor ever saw any body but such as rendered them all the respects they could have required from Darius his own Subjects; but Sir, I forgot to whom I spoke, you know more of this than I do, and I am confident were not ignorant of many things I have related to you.  
To proceed, I will tell you that my Prince was in a strange irresolution, he could not resolve to forsake his Princess, and to leave her a prey to Alexander's passion; but on the other side he knew no means to see her as he had done, and though the Gods should have offered him a second opportunity as favourable as the former, his knowledge of Roxana's malice, would not suffer him longer to hope for any safety so near Alexander: and he feared with some appearance of reason, that her unquiet spirit, infinitely exasperated against him, would in the end discover all his practices to the King, and fly to all extremities, rather than suffer any calm in that happiness, which she often had openly disturbed. Besides (and that reason was indeed the strongest) the noise of arms awakened him, and as Achilles beheld himself with shame among the daughters of Lycomedes, while all Greece was running to the Siege of Troy, he contemned the life he led, while all the world was fight, and while Darius was already in the Field, to recover what he had lost, or to decide the Empire of Asia by a final battle. This last consideration made him resolve upon a cruel parting, and knowing that Darius was near Babylon, with the Army he had set on foot, he purposed to go back to him again, and to run his fortune in what part of the world soever he should fight; having at last concluded it, after a very sore conflict with himself, he communicated his intention to the Queens and Princesses, they did all they possibly could to keep him longer with them, but having alleged to them the considerations that forced him to depart, and particularly that of his honour, and of the service he owed unto Darius, he in the end made them consent to it. It is impossible for me to tell you their sad Adieus; imagine to yourself all that sorrow can produce in hearts like theirs, for so cruel a separation, and you may conceive a small part of what they felt▪ the Queens embraced him a thousand times, Parisatis and Barsina gave him a thousand testimonies of their trouble, and of their affection: but his Princess was like to die indeed when he took his last leave of her. She held him a great while in her arms, drowning him in tears, which flowed from her eyes as two ever-streaming sources, she spoke the kindest, tenderest words to him, that Love and grief could put into her mouth, and brought him into such a condition, that nothing but his tears bore witness that there was still some little life in him. When she was upon the point to get up into her Chariot, to obey the cruel Ordinance of the Conqueror, embracing him, and kissing him for the last time, Farewell Oroondates (said she) remember always this poor Prisoner, and be as exact in the observing of your promises, as all the world shall see me resolute to die, rather than break that which I have given you: And you Madam (replied my Prince) never forget your faithful Oroondates, and to save his life, which he will employ only in your service, resist Alexander's affection, and defend him from Roxana's malice.  
They departed in this manner to go to Tyre, and from thence to Gaza, which Alexander was preparing to besiege; Good King Abdolominus was very sorry for their going away, but he would needs detain my Master two days longer, as well to enjoy his company, as to stay for a Passport from Alexander, without which he would have found it very difficult to get to Babylon Abdolominus procured it as for a friend of his, and till it came, expressed all the endearments to my Prince, he could any way invent, giving him so many proofs of his affection, that being extremely obliged to his kind freedom, and most assured of his sincerity, he in part discovered to him his quality, and the passages of his life: but he was strangely surprised when at the return of him that had been sent to Alexander, he saw with him a page whom he knew to be Roxana's, he was a little troubled at it▪ but not to appear utterly uncivil he heard his Message, and received a Letter which she writ to him; having opened it, he found in it a Bracelet of hair delicately wrought, and folded up; and drawing an evil omen from that Present, he read also words to this effect.  
The Princess ROXANA To the Prince of Scythia.  
HOw great soever the rigour you have showed me is, I cannot imagine your heart so hard, and savage as you dissemble it; the wildness of your Country may well have contributed something towards that harshness you express, but I assure myself, your desire to please another, is almost the only cause of it. Give it over from henceforth Oroondates, and with it the hope of possessing one who already thinks no more of you, and to whom the Gods have destined a higher fortune. For my part, I think it not handsome in you to disdain that I have already offered you, and my belief that you will acknowledge your fault at last, makes me still continue the remembrance of you, and persuades me to send you this Bracelet of my hair, which you will keep tenderly if you be wise, and if you think yourself worthy of the favours of  
ROXANA.  
Oroondates was so amazed at this liberty, or rather at this impudence of Roxana, that he knew not what judgement to make of it: O Gods! said he, hath this woman lost her wits, or if she persist still in the design of gaining an affection, does she so little understand the way? See here Araxes (continued he, showing me the Letter) in what terms she writes, and do but mark if they seem not chosen purposely to abuse me, and to make herself be hated; but she shall receive small satisfaction by it, and if she will force a Letter from me, to play me some new trick with Statira, she shall be sure to see nothing in it to her own advantage: in this humour he called for paper, and following his first inclinations, he wrote to her to this purpose.  
OROONDATES To ROXANA.  
IF you were of opinion that I dissembled, you were not at all deceived; I did dissemble I confess in my compliance to you, but I dissemble not in my passion for one more lovely than you are; you have indeed made me forsake a place, which your importunities made me hate. I leave you therefore, but I leave you without any trouble, and without any design to advantage myself, either by your remembrance, or by your favours; I obtained them with too much ease to value them, and because the Presents of Enemies are always fatal, I send you back your Bracelet, and retain nothing of you, that can trouble the repose of▪  
OROONDATES.  
My Prince wrote this Letter against his humour, and against the respect he had ever born to Ladies; but being much displeased with Roxana, and judging that she had written to him in such disobliging terms, with some malicious design, he meant to thwart her intentions by an answer, from which she might not be able to draw any advantage in case she would make use of it against him; that was it that made him write on that manner, though he hath since repent himself sufficiently, and having sealed up the Bracelet with his Letter, in another paper he delivered it to the Page, and sent him back to his Lady. The next day he took leave of Abdolominus, and that good man at his departure, made him all the kind profefessions, and all the obliging offers he could hope for from a perfect friend; my Prince returned him thanks with much civility, and great acknowledgement of his favours, and could not part from him without some addition to the sorrow, which oppressed him already for his separation from Statira.  
Thus it w●● that we went from Sidon, and taking our way toward Babylon, we hasted on with great days Journeys, staying as little any where as we could possibly: Our Macedonian habits, and Alexander's Passport favoured us much in the Territories of his Conquest; but assoon as we had passed them, we put on our Persian ones again, and traveled with the more facility in those Countries that were yet under Darius his obedience. I should lose time, if I should tell you the particulars of our Voyage in which we had no memorable encounter, besides, we made so little stay in the places where we passed, that we observed not the diversities of them; at last we arrived near to Babylon, and having passed the Tigris, we found the whole field between that River and the other of Euphrates covered with so many thousand men, that we were in a greater admiration than ever of Darius his power, who after so great losses, was able yet to raise so great recruits.  
True it is that he used his utmost endeavours to make these latest Levies, and that besides the Bactrians, the Zogdians, and the Indians, he had likewise drawn into his pay some of the Scythians, that inhabit in Asia on this side of Mount Imäus, who notwithstanding the enmity of their Kings, had offered to serve him against the Common Enemy of Asia: My Master having passed through all these Forces, came to the Gates of Babylon, and to make short, entered into the Palace where the King at that time made his abode: all those to whom he made himself known as he went by, welcomed him with gladness, rendering him such honours as they thought due unto his merit, and the news of his arrival which ran from one to another, being at last brought unto Darius, the good King surprised with a joy that cannot be imagined came out to meet him with all the Lords that were then about him: He found him on the top of the Stairs, and my Prince kneeling upon one knee to salute him, the King, raised him up with so many dear and tender expressions, that his affection to him discovered itself most visibly by those proofs, and by the tears which fell down his cheeks for joy. My son (said he holding him in his arms) may I believe my eyes, that I see you again, and can it be that fortune having forsaken me, should still leave me the consolation I look for from you? Great Orosmades (pursued he, looking up to heaven) if the ruin of my house be inevitable, hasten it not so fast but that I may have leisure to satisfy some part of what I owe this Prince.  
Sir (replied my Master) I am too gloriously satisfied by the honour you do me, and though I should die at your feet, I could never acquit myself of those favours I have received of your Majesty, I come hither to seek the occasions of it, and I forsake the glory to which your goodness had raised me, for that of running the same fortune with you. After some other passages of the like nature, the King gave time to the Princes and Lords of his attendance, to welcome him in their turns; they did it with excess of civility, and Prince Oxyartes, Mazer's Governor of that Country and Lieutenant General of the King's Army, Arriobarzanes, Oriobates, and many others whose names and persons have been known to you since, strove who should honour him most, and in a manner confounded him with their Compliments and testimonies of respect and affection.  
This first reception being past, the King appointed him a lodging in his Palace, and from that time forward used him as his son, and as the only man upon whom he grounded the remainder of his hopes. Our Equipage had been there a long time before, and Darius having by those that came with it, and by the Letters they had brought him, learned all that had happened to my Master before their departure, he himself told him whatsoever had befallen him since, except those things which his discretion made him to conceal. Darius who could no longer contemn Alexander, was troubled at the proofs of his virtue, which he received by my Prince's relation: and believed it would be very difficult for him to conquer so generous a person, and one who by so many virtuous actions, drew both the Gods and men unto his party; but yet he also received some contentment, in the hope he had that the good usage of the Queens, and Princesses should still continue. My Master heard from him that he had made a Truce for two years with the King of Scythia his Father; who had yielded to it, by reason of some troubles that arose in his Dominions, and of the threats he himself received from Alexander, against whom he made preparations with a courageous resolution to dies upon his Frontiers, rather than endure the Yoke to which all Asia submitted; he also was very glad to see the Scythians that were under Darius his pay, and having made much of their Commanders that came to wait upon him▪ he promised to fight at the head of them himself; and being very well pleased that he was able now to do Darius' better service then formerly he had done, he dispatched two of the principal Officers with Orders, money and Commissions, to make more Levies in their Country.  
We were four or five months in these preparations for the War, and my Master labouring in them with much diligence, and easing Darius as much as he could, made him, Mazeus, Artabasus, and all the old Commanders, wonder both at his vivacity in all his actions, and at his experience in so green years, as seemed almost incapable of it. Darius who admired those excellent qualities the heavens had given him, was extremely satisfied with his daughter's happiness, and seemed to lament her captivity only because it retarded the means of his gaining so accomplished a son in Law. When we had stayed at Babylon as long as I have told you, news came to Darius that Alexander being returned from the Temple of Jupiter Hammon, and having already crossed through Egypt, was marching directly towards us with all his Forces, being resolved to prosecute him, into what part of his Dominions soever he should retire. This Intelligence made him hasten his preparations the more, and when he saw his Army in the condition he desired, he went from Babylon with an intention to meet Alexander, upon the way he heard he was coming.  
I tell you all these things succinctly, as not concerning my Master's History particularly, and to go on with my recital as briefly as I can: I will tell you that Darius made a general review of his Army, where there were so many different sorts of Nations, Arms, Habits, and Languages, that it is very difficult to reckon them, neither is it necessary, and besides, you have heard enough of them since to ease me of that trouble. About that time my Prince's Levies which he had sent to raise upon the Frontiers of Scythia, came up also, they were above thirty thousand men, in so good order▪ that the King grounded part of his hopes upon them, and provided for their pay and quarter more carefully, than he did for the natural Persians.  
With these Forces he passed the Tigris, and learning by Spies he had in your Camp, That Alexander was not far off, he sent forth Stratopaces with a thousand commanded horse to discover, and dispatched Mazeus with six thousand more, to cut off passages, and spoil the Country where your Army was to encamp, believing with reason that by that means he should incommodate your Forces, who received their subsistence only from the field: you felt the effects of it, and I assure myself that within a while after you found the Corn destroyed, and the Villages burned, and yet smoking with the fire he had set them on by the King's command: the victual of our Army was brought part by land in wagons, and part by help of the river: we quartered at Arbela a Village till then of very small note, but since famous by our defeat, and having with a Bridge of Boats passed the River Lycus in five days time, we went to encamp near the Bomele another River, where the fertility of the Country, and the vast extent of the Plain, gave the King as much conveniency as he could desire, to range the great number of his Battalions at liberty; he likewise caused all uneven places to be leveled, the Trees to be felled, and all things beaten down that could take away any part of his advantages; but while he was carefully busied in that employment, he received ill news by Mazeus, who returned into the Camp, being repulsed by your Forces, and not having been able to keep the Pass of the River, where Stratopaces with his thousand horse had been cut in pieces by Arriston Commander of the Paeonians: Upon this, and the Intelligence he gave us that Alexander was not above a hundred and fifty furlongs from us, we began to dispose ourselves in good earnest to the battle.  
For this purpose the King visited all his Squadrons in person, caused Arms to be delivered to such as wanted, and made his Chariots to be armed with sharp scythes, and heads of Javelins, but while he was taken up with these businesses, and that with a marvellous diligence, he gave those Orders that were necessary, a man was brought unto him, whom his Sentinels had taken as he was coming over from Alexander's Camp, to ours: His eyes were full of tears, and when he was near enough to be observed, the King, my Master, and many others knew him to be Tyreus the Eunuch who having been taken with the Queens, had continued with them ever from that time: The sight of him, and the sadness that appeared in his countenance wrought so upon the King, that fearing some misfortune, he durst hardly inform himself of the occasion of his coming, and yet wanted patience to expect what he would say, foreseeing he had brought some fatal news. In the end, after having looked long upon the Eunuch trembling, Thy face (said he) presages something mortal, but I prithee disguise not the truth from me, and flatter not him, whom custom has made ready to receive all manner of disasters. Dost thou not come, Tyreus, to tell me the dishonour of my house, and to afflict a husband, or a father, with the ignominy of his wife, or daughter?  
Tyreus answering with much ado, and lifting up his eyes, which till then had been fixed upon the ground: I weep not Sir (said he) for the dishonour of your Family, it hath suffered none, but that of Captivity, and truly, hath received from the Conqueror, all those respects, and marks of honour, which it was wont to have while with your Majesty; but Sir, I weep, (continued he redoubling his sighs) I weep for the death of an Illustrious Queen your dear Consort, and my good Mistress, who hath lately breathed out her soul in the arms of your daughters and of the Queen your mother.  
Although Darius had taken a strong resolution to resign himself wholly to the will of the Gods, and with a Royal courage to bear all the miseries they sent him, yet could he not at this so new, and so sensible affliction, remember that brave determination, but receiving this loss, as an arrow that had struck him to the heart, he sunk almost without sign of life, in the arms of those that were about him, and when he recovered his sense and speech, he made such woeful lamentations, as touched them all most deeply with compassion; and the whole Camp learning this misfortune of one another, was filled in a moment with groans, and Funeral cries. My Prince bewailed that Queen, as her virtue, the proofs she had given him of her love, the interest of his Princess, and that of Darius, together with his own good nature obliged him; But seeing the King in such a mortal grief, he dissembled part of his own, to give him that consolation, which he received more willingly from him then from any other. Darius was a long hour, sighing and tormenting himself, not able to speak one word with a settled judgement, and when by the assistance of my Master, of Oxyartes, and the rest, his passion was brought to a little less violence, he reflected upon his loss and still doubting (though what Tyreus had said might have made him hope the contrary) that his virtuous Queen died for the defence of her honour; O Alexander! (cried he) what have I done against thee or thine, that should make thee use me with so much inhumanity? was I one of the Murderers of King Philip, or of any other person that was dear to thee? thou hatest and persecutest me, though I have given thee no cause to do either; But though thou dost assault me in a fair War, what glory canst thou draw from this defeat, and what trophies of honour canst thou acquire, by the death of a poor woman, who never injured thee, and who only defended that by duty, which thou perhaps didst attempt by violence?  
The Eunuch hearing these words, addressed himself unto the King, and said, Sir, I beseech you use not Alexander's virtue, with so much indignity, and do not so ill requite those honours he hath paid to the deceased Queen, and to the rest of your Majesty's family yet remaining with him, he hath served them all with great respect, and for her death shed not many fewer tears than your Majesty; I protest to you Sir, before all the Gods, Alexander received this news, as you have done, and was as much afflicted at it, as for his brother or for his own son, he rendered the same duties to her corpse, which the Queen his mother could have expected from him, and for his grief one could hardly have discerned a difference 'twixt yours and his. The King looked earnestly upon the Eunuch while he spoke, and having harkened to him attententively, he fell in a moment out of one suspicion into another, and his jealousy joining itself unto his grief, began to torment him with exceeding violence. He rose up from the bed he lay upon, and taking the Eunuch by the hand, led him into an inward chamber, where seeing himself alone with him; Now it is Tyreus (said he) that I require proofs of thee, both of the fidelity thou owest me, and of the zeal thou hast had for the service of my Family, behold the face of thy King, and if thou yet findest any Majesty in it, or any cause of reverence, which the change of my fortune cannot exempt thee from, speak to me with the truth thou owest both to thy past oaths, and to the presence of the Gods that hear us. I do not threaten thee with torments to force it from thee, for if the misfortune of the Persians, have not made thee turn Macedonian, the command of thy natural King, will sooner draw it from thee, then fear of torture; I conjure thee therefore by the power of Orosmades, by the light of the Snn which we adore, and by all that thou dost acknowledge to be most holy, and most sacred, to discover unto me the true cause of Alexander's lamentations, and of the sorrow he expressed for the death of the Queen thy Mistress; for what so moving pity can he have for the wife of his enemy, who has not the least spark of it, for the deaths of so many thousand men, as he sacrificeth to his ambition, without having been at all offended by them? how can her loss so deeply touch him, whom my misfortunes, my entreaties, and my offers could not move at all? and in short, what chaste friendship can a young Conqueror have, with the wife of a man whom he uses with so much cruelty?  
Tyreus who understood the King's meaning by these words, cast himself instantly at his feet, and shedding tears upon them, Ah! Sir, (cried he) deal better with the memory of the most virtuous Queen that ever was, and dishonour not her after her death, who honoured you so perfectly during her life: She was an example of virtue, chastity, and conjugal affection, and Alexander is one of generosity, continence, and moderation: neither the Queens, nor the Princesses your daughters have ever felt their captivity, but by your Majesty's absence; and your enemy has never used them otherwise, then as he would Olimpias, or you Queen Sysigambis. I protest this to you Sir, by the Veneration I owe your sacred Majesty, and by the power of the Gods whom you invoked, and if in all that I have said, I have swerved any thing from the truth, I conjure the Great Orosmades to strike me dead with thunder at your feet.  
The Eunuch accompanied these words with many oaths and tears, which cleared the King's mind of the suspicion that harboured in it. When he knew the innocence of his dear wife, he began to be at a little better quiet, and having nothing to perplex him but his grief alone, he gave way to that, and sitting down wept for some time with his face covered; but when he was a little settled, he arose from his seat, and came back into the great chamber where he had left all the Princes, then lifting up his eyes to heaven, and clasping his hands together; Great Gods (said he) if the prayers of him whom you have abandoned may yet be heard, be so merciful unto me as to restore success to Persia, and set me again by your assistance in the Throne to which your goodness raised me, to the end that in my Victory and re-establishment in my Dominions, I may be able to acquit myself of the obligation I have to Alexander, for the noble usage my Family hath received from him; but if in your divine Ordinances, whose decrees are irrevocable it be determined that I must fall, and that I must make room for more happy successors, grant O great Gods, that never any other of mine enemies except Alexander, may sit after me upon the Throne of Cyrus.  
He spoke these words with such an action, and such a tone, as made all that were present know, they came from the bottom of his heart, and having taken a little rest, at the entreaty of his friends, he suffered himself to be spoken to, and gave them leave to allege all those reasons that could bring him any consolation.  
The next day, though he believed himself much more powerful than Alexander, and that according to probability, he might hope for the victory over him, he was so sensible of his great humanity and virtue, that it made him think still of peace, which Alexander had refused twice already, upon the conditions he had proposed to him; To this effect he sent ten Ambassadors, of the most considerable persons of his Court, with ample power to treat with him, and to offer him thirty thousand talents for the Ransom of the prisoners, and his daughter Parisatis in marriage, with all the Territories in Dowry, that lie between Euphrates, and the Hellespont. I need not tell you who know so well, how Alexander received them, but at their return, they brought answer to Darius from him. That heaven could not suffer two Suns, nor earth two Sovereign Emperors, that if he would yield him the first place, and be contented with the second, he would grant him the peace he desired, but if he would not submit to that condition, he should prepare himself to battle.  
Darius hereupon despairing of Peace, turned his thoughts wholly upon war, and disposed himself in good earnest to the encounter. To this end having made a general Rendezvouz of all his Forces, in the great Plain where they were encamped, he divided them into two bodies. At the point of the left wing, he placed a thousand Bactrian horse, a thousand Dahaes four thousand Arrachosians and Susians, these first Squadrons were followed by a hundred Chariots armed with Scythes, after which marched Bessus, with eight thousand Bactrian horse, seconded by two thousand Massagetes; then stood the infantry of several Countries, separated according to their Nations, and Commanded by Officers of their own Provinces; Next these appeared the Persians, Mardes, and Zogdians Commanded by Ariobarzanes, and Oriobates, with many other mingled Troops (whose names I neither know nor their Officers) and fifty Chariots under the charge of Cradates, Commander of the Caspians, Indians, and people near to the Red Sea, useless in fight, and who were rather to make up number then do Service; these were followed by fifty other Chariots armed with Scythes, and sharp cutting blades, and by part of the Foreign supplies that were under the King's pay; After them marched those of the lower Armenia▪ the Babylonians; Bellites, and those that inhabit the mountains of Cossa, and then the Gortuans a people of Eubea, the Phrygians, the Cataonians, and last of all the Parthians: These were the Forces whereof the left wing was composed: Upon the right were the Syrians, the Medes, and those of the greater Armenia, the Caducians', and the Cappadocians, with fifty Chariots as the former: All the Army consisted of fifty thousand horse, and two hundred thousand foot. After it was imbattelled in this Order, the King made it march about ten furlongs forward, and finding the plain very commodious for his design, he commanded it to make a stand, and resolved there to expect the Enemy in good order, and with a good desire to fight.  
The next day Mazeus being gone out of the Camp again, with four or five thousand horse to make discovery, came back within a short time after, with certain intelligence that Alexander's Army was very near, and that they were already upon the top of a hill whence he was newly come: This news made the Persians stand to their Arms all the rest of the day, and of the night following; Darius who believed that Alexander by reason of the disproportion of their Forces, would rather fall upon him in the night, then discover his weakness in open day, and in a Plain where he could receive no advantage from mountains and rivers, as he had done in Cylicia, set forth very strong outguards, caused an abundance of fires to be lighted, and used all necessary circumspection to avoid a surprise. The night was spent on this manner, and assoon as day appeared, we discovered your Army encamped close by ours; both of them began to shout most terribly, and the sight of one another wrought several effects, and stirred up very different thoughts in the hearts of the Soldiers: My Master entering into the King's Tent gave him the good morrow, and found some of the Commanders already with him. Darius' expressed much favour to each of them in particular, and testifying the confidence he had in their valour, obliged them by the honours he did them, to employ their utmost forces, not to contradict his good opinion of them; but addressing himself especially to my Prince, after having embraced him a thousand times, he asked him what command he pleased to accept of, and at the head of what Troops he would fight; Oroondates having communicated to him a design he had and left a Commander in chief, over the Body of Scythians in his stead, chose out only a thousand from among them, and the most valiant Persians, to make use of them, assoon as he should find an opportunity.  
The Counsel of War having been held, Orders given, and Sacrifices offered, the King put on his Arms, and with him my Prince, Oxyartes, Artabazus, and the Principal Officers of the Army, and when they thought it time they got all on horseback, except Darius, who having seated himself in his Chariot, went up and down the ranks every where, to animate with his voice and presence, the most faint-hearted, and raise them to a contempt of danger; his countenance had an extraordinary Majesty, his voice was louder and clearer than it was wont, and because I was very near his Chariot, I heard him speak to his Soldiers, in these or such like words.  

DARIUS his Speech unto his Army.  
WE have been Masters heretofore of all that the Ocean washes, and of all the Hellespont environs, but we have lost it all, and sight no longer now for the recovery of those Country's, nor for glory which is more Considerable than our estates, but for our safety, and for our Liberty, which is dearer to us then our lives: Heretofore we had new supplies, and places of refuge, we could recover in Cylicia, what we had lost near the Granicus, we could retire into Syria, when we were beaten in Cylicia, but now we are reduced to such extremity, that our places of retreat, our supplies, our Goods, our Cities, and all our latest hopes, are shut up within the circuit of this Camp; here therefore it is, that we must either Conquer to save what remains, or lay our bones in the presence of your wives and children, who have no other security but that of your defence. This is the fatal day, that must either establish, or utterly destroy this Empire, which for this two hundred and thirty years has been terrible to the whole world. The Gods are witnesses that I have done my part for its conservation; I have raised Forces, I have armed them, I have brought them to face the enemy, and now the rest depends on you: do but dare to conquer, and never be frighted at a vain reputation, which can make no impression in men of conrage. It is but rashness, which hitherto you have feared, mistaking it for true valour, having vented its first fury, like Serpents that have lost their stings, you shall see it faint and languish. This plain discovers that weakness, which the Mountains of Cylicia concealed, behold the thinness of their ranks, and mark how their wings stretched out to the uttermost length, have left their battle empty, and without defence: as valiant as you count them, we easily may trample them under our horses feet, and if we win this battle, the War is ended. They have no way to scape, being shut up between two Rivers, and their Camp burdened with our spoils, is cumbersome, and disabled to retreat; what they have taken from us, will facilitate our victory, in which you will both find your safety, and recover all that you have lost.  
This Alexander, whose name strikes such a terror in the fearful, is a man as well as the worst of you, happy rather by our cowardice, than his own valour. Though fortune has given success to his temerity, her favours will not last for ever, whereas reason alone makes our felicity durable. Perhaps the Gods have thus afflicted Persia, only to make this Empire, (proud of an universal command) acknowledge a Sovereign power, and think upon the frailty of humane affairs, which in prosperity does often escape our memories. We have formerly made War against the Greeks, upon their Territories, now we repel it in our own; these are the vicissitudes of fortune, but if you be assaulted with them, your King hath felt them much more heavily; for besides the public calamities, the miseries of my family, aught to move you to compassion.  
My Mother, and my Daughters, your Queen and your Princesses are in the bondage of your enemy, who brings them along in triumph that should command you; and but that I still reserve myself for you, I should say, that I myself were a Captive in my better part. Deliver my bowels out of slavery, and restore me my children for whom I refuse not death. My Wife your Queen, has already expired in bonds, and all that remains of her and me, stretch out their hands to you, and conjure you by the Gods of your Country, and by the love you bear your own, to free them from chains, and from a Captivity, which is shameful both to you, and to them that were born for you. I conjure you to the same myself, and pray you by your household Gods, by the eternal fire we carry upon our Altar, by the light of the Sun which rises within the limits of my Empire, and by the memory of Cyrus, who added that of the Medes and Lydians unto it, that you would save both the name and Nation of the Persians, from its utter ruin, and from its utter infamy, and leave that glory to your posterity, which you received so entire from your Ancestors. You carry in your own hands, your goods, your lives, your liberties, and your future hopes, and in your faces a most assured Victory, I read it in your eyes, and in your March; he that despises death, avoids it best, and it soon catches the fearful that fly from it; Let's on therefore, (fellow soldiers) whither so many considerations call us, I see the Enemy's Army move go and receive them courageously, or rather follow me, for I refuse not to lead you on, and to be your example either of valour or cowardice.   
The King spoke these words with a great deal of vehemence, and the soldiers answered them with a shout, that pierced the very clouds, from which he drew a good omen of the Victory. But the two Armies being so near, that they were upon the point of joining battle, all the Commanders ran to their charges, and my Master parting from the King, who gave him his last embrace, Sir, (said he) I will either die generously to day, or restore unto your Majesty some part of what you have lost. Go Son, (said the King) may the Gods take as great care of thy safety, as of mine own, and be so gracious, that I may see you again with as much joy, as I part from you with sorrow. We left him on this manner, and my Prince placing himself at the head of a thousand horse which he had chosen, went aside from the rest of the Army, while the Signal being given on both sides, they presently closed battle, with great terror, and slaughter. I will omit to tell you any thing concerning it, you know the beginning, progress, and event of it, much better than I can tell you, besides that I going along with my Master, could only be a witness of the meeting of the two Armies.  
After we had beheld their first encounter at a distance, my Prince made himself be conducted by Guides, whither he had a design to go; He, by Tyreus, and by spies he had in your Camp, had learned both the place where the prisoners were kept, and the number of those that guarded them, and taking a great compass, that he might not be discovered by your Army, he went almost quite round both the Camps, and passing under the favour of a little Valley, he came at last within sight of the Tents, where the Princesses were● True it is, that by the way he wavered often full of irresolution, and remembering the last words Alexander had said to him, he feared his absence might be censured a kind of cowardice, and as an avoiding the combat, to which he had challenged him: This thought was like to have made him turn short about, to seek him in the midst of all his Troops, and decide all differences with him by an encounter, to which he believed himself obliged by honour, and by interest; but in the end the consideration of his love strangled this thought, and made him take that opportunity to deliver his Princess, not doubting but he should find occasions enough to fight with Alexander, whereas perchance he might never light of such another, of giving that relief to her he loved, which he assured himself she expected from him: This consideration having carried it from his former, he turned toward those that accompanied him, and looking upon them with an eye, able to have infused courage into them, if they had wanted it; My friends, (said he) to day it is, that we shall gain a reputation, which will never die in the memory of men, and that we shall do a service to Darius, which will be more considerable to him, than the conservation of his Dominions; I should not have undertaken this exploit, with so small a number, if I were not well acquainted with your valour, and with the interest that most of you have in the success of this enterprise. Some of you must fight to day for the deliverance of your Queen, and Princesses, and some for the liberty of your fathers, wives and children, who are prisoners with them; but all for your own honours, and the service of your King; Let us fall on therefore (my dear companions) with confidence, and fight gallantly, or else die gloriously with me, who will not refuse to lose my life in your quarrel.  
After these few words, he flew like an Eagle, upon those that guarded the prisoners, closely seconded by his party with cries which struck a terror in them, and gave us much facility in the victory. They that accompanied us, were indeed the flower of the whole Army, and that day they showed so remarkable proofs of it, that my Prince repented not the choice he had made of them, and redoubling his hopes by the brave actions he saw them do, he forced the first guards without difficulty, and breaking through those that made any resistance, with a suddenness that is not to be imagined, he in a moment covered the whole Field with dead and dying bodies. Assoon as there began to be a confusion among the Macedonians, the prisoners rose up with a great shout, and crying liberty, came and offered themselves to our men, who taking off their bonds armed them with the weapons of their enemies, and stirring them up by their example to fight for their own liberty, increased our party by almost the half; this addition of strength absolutely defeated the Macedonians, and my Master charging the firmest Squadrons with an extraordinary fury, put them all to the Sword, and in a short time made himself a free passage to the Tents of the Queen and Princesses.  
Here Lysimachus interrupting Araxes, you had time enough (said he) to do it, and the King's refusal to succour those you had defeated, gave you all the leisure and conveniency you could desire; He had already made Darius his first Battalions face about, and was eager in the prosecution of his Victory, when Polydamas came to him from Parmenio, to tell him those that guarded the prisoners, and the baggage were routed, and to advertise him of the danger of losing them, unless he sent some speedy relief.  
The King turning towards us that were about him, Parmenio (said he) has lost his wits to day, and does not consider that if we conquer, we shall not only recover our own baggage, whose loss he fears, but also make ourselves Masters of the Enemies, and that if we die, we shall stand in need of neither. With this answer he sent back Polydamas, and would not suffer any body to stir, till the battle was absolutely won, and that having long pursued Darius, he had lost all hope of overtaking him; Then he began to think of Parmenio's message, and to march against you, but it was so long first, that I have often admired, why you made so little use of your Victory, and employed the time so ill, whereof you had as much as you could wish.  
Learn then the cause of it, (said Araxes, going on with his relation) and with it the sad adventure of my poor Master; assoon as he had forced the passage he desired, and that having no more enemies to oppose him, he came covered with dust and blood unto Sysigambises Tent, he alighted from his horse, and entered with his Sword in his hand, attended by a few of us, leaving the rest round about in a condition to make defence, against the relief that might be sent. When the Ladies saw him come in, looking almost in the same manner he did the first time they saw him, they were a little troubled, but seeing him address himself to them with respect, they began to be re-assured, especially when my Master turning towards the Queen, Madam, (said he) you are free, by the assistance of the Gods, let's not lose time in talk, but if you pleas, make haste to lay hold of this good fortune; having said so, he took off his Cask, and made himself known to the whole company.  
The Queen who had received his words with a moderation worthy of her, and had showed no sign of joy unbeseeming her gravity, looked also more coldly upon him then she was wont: My Prince not being able to divine the cause, and ascribing it only to the surprisal of her mind, after having made an obeisance suitable to her quality, went to cast himself at his Princess' feet, and embraced her knees in an inconceivable ecstasy; But she having beheld him a while with an eye of displeasure and indignation, turned away her face from him of a sudden, and freeing herself roughly out of his hands, broke away to the other side of the Tent, leaving him in a confusion that can hardly be imagined, much less expressed; yet the necessity of the time made him rise up, and looking round about, he saw all their countenances so cold to him, that he himself became more cold than marble, and not being able to guess the reason of his misfortune O Gods, (cried he) what strange adventure is this? then considering his Princess, who sat in a Chair not deigning to regard him and the rest of the Ladies in a profound silence, he was as much amazed, as if he had been fallen from the Clouds; yet taking a little courage, and kneeling down again before his Princess; Madam, (said he) have you quite forgotten me, or do you in your present trouble, take me for a Macedonian? The Princess at this broken silence, and not so much as turning her eyes toward him, No, (answered she) but for a Scythian, and by consequence for a more cruel Enemy than any Macedonian. Though this word was as a thunderbolt to my poor Prince, yet did he strive to keep up his courage, in the need he had of it, and looking upon her with an eye, able to have banished all her anger, if she had vouchsafed to consider him; Madam, (said he) this is not a fit season to make trial of me, I think the reality of my affection, is not unknown to you, and though you should have just occasion to reproach me, you ought to take a more convenient time, and employ this, in perfecting that liberty, which the favour of the Gods, and the assistance of your servants have procured you: Statira then, darting an angry look at him, and repressing some sighs, which would not suffer her words to come smoothly forth; It is not by thy assistance (said she) that I will be free, and I shall always prefer Captivity, nay, death itself, before a liberty I should receive from thee. If Darius be Conquer or, I shall be free without thee, and if he be conquered, I had rather follow his fortune, then be beholding to the relief of our most mortal enemy.  
My Prince harkened to these words more than half dead; and the Princess not stirring from her Chair, after she had wiped away some tears which fell, whither she would or no, continued on this manner: Art thou returned then perjured man? and has the Truce between our Fathers, made thee take up those thoughts again, which thou hadst lost? nay, rather being but half satisfied, thou comest back to complete thy Treachery, and to overwhelm a family by thy last perfidiousness, which is already too near its ruin; but go thy way disloyal man, leave her now at quiet, whom the change of her condition, and the misfortunes of her house, have made thee basely to forsake; I am not so abandoned by the Gods, but that I may find as good a fortune; Alexander loves me, and though I cannot love him, I will give myself to him, to punish this heart of the fault, which thou madest it to commit. Get thee gone from before me for ever, and free me for ever from the sight of an enemy, that hath so mortally offended me, and used me so unworthily.  
My Prince who was still upon his knee, and harkened to her quite besides himself, could not forbear interrupting her at these words. ay, Madam? (cried he) have I mortally offended you, and used you unworthily? Yes, perfidious man, (replied the Princess) thou thyself, and for God's sake speak not one word in a justification which is deadly to me, and indifferent to thee; I have proofs of it, which thou neither canst, nor wouldst gainsay, and thy guilty conscience does sufficiently reproach thy crime; but if the memory of Artax●rxes had ever any power with thee, I conjure thee by the remembrance of him, and by those Gods whom thou hast so often invoked, in the falsehood of those Oaths that have abused me, leave me to bewail my fault in quiet, forsake this hated Country for ever, where thou hast been but too long to my unhappiness, and never present thyself again before her, who cannot behold thee but as a dreadful object.  
When she had said thus, she rose up from her feat, and notwithstanding all my Master would have alleged for his justification, she would neither hear him, nor so much as look upon him. He was so deeply touched with so unexpected an accident, and with so unforeseen a change, that he was like instantly to have died with grief, and seeing that death was not quick enough in seconding his desire, he turned the point of his Sword against his breast, but then considering the undeservednesse of that usage, he received from a person to whom he had given so many, and so gallant proofs of his love, for whom he had done so many remarkable actions, and whom he had so often obliged, with the hazard of his own life, and the lives of his Father's subjects which he had sacrificed for her sake, he resolved to fall more nobly, and rising up of a sudden, after he had looked a while upon her with an eye that sparkled with love and indignation both together, It is true, (said he) Madam, I am treacherous, unworthy, and disloyal, but if I be, 'tis to my Father, and my King, to my Kindred and my Country, whom I have betrayed, and forsaken for you and yours, and 'tis by these treacheries, and these disloyalties, that I have often saved both you, and all your family from Captivity, from death, and from dishonour; 'tis by these treacheries I have often emptied all the blood of this miserable body, and briefly 'tis by these treacheries, that I have ruined myself alone, while you, and all your friends have profited by them. These are all the reproaches I can fear; but this unworthiness you accuse me of, is truly to be found in yourself, you feign that I forsake you in your misfortunes, that you may thereby take a pretence to forsake me, when I had already delivered you out of the hands of that Enemy, whom you unworthily prefer before me: That's the true baseness indeed, it is this Conqueror has made you forget him, who forgot his kindred, his estates, and himself, to do services to you and yours, which neither you nor yours, will ever be able to requite: I leave you therefore for ever, both to make place for one more happy, and to free you, not from a dreadful object, but from an object that would make you blufh for the falseness of your Oaths, and would for ever reproach your ingratitude and infidelity. Think no more of unfortunate Oroondates, if you would have your conscience be at rest, and I will keep myself from thinking of you by my death which is very near, but a death, which I will strive to accompany with that of the rival, for whom you have forsaken me.  
At these words putting on his Cask again, so furious that none of us durst look him in the face, he went out of the Tent without saluting any body, just upon the time when we heard the noise of your Troops, and that Amintas with part of your Cavalry was already hard by. He leapt upon his horse, and commanding the Trumpets to found a Charge, he ran to meet him with a fierceness, I know not which way to express. Amintas sustained his first blows a while, but after he had received two or three wounds, seeing his Troops cut in pieces by the valour of my Master, and those that accompanied him, he turned his back, with those he had left, and ran to seek a new supply. My Prince guided by his despair, pursued him till he saw the body of the Army appear, and Alexander himself at the head of all his Forces. Oroondates who knew him by his horse, the richness of his arms, and by the rank he held among the rest, ran up to him with a terrible cry, and advancing above an hundred paces before us all, Alexander (said he, with a loud voice) I am he that come from defeating thy Troops, I am he that wounded thee at the battle of Issus, and I am he to whom thou since gavest a life, which I come to lose here by thy hands: Pardon me this ingratitude, I have loved thee as an enemy, but as a rival I cannot suffer thee to live, unless thou takest away my life, as thou hast taken Statira from me.  
At these words he flew upon him like lightning, and the Troops being joined, the ground was quickly covered with dead bodies on both sides. Alexander forbade his men to touch my Prince, desiring to have the glory to conquer him without assistance; but they soon found the difficulty he would have, and therefore many of them falling upon him, parted them whether they would or no; and delivered the King from the danger which certainly threatened him in my Master's fury. When he saw himself in spite of him, separated from Alexander, he fell upon the first of those that opposed him, and with his Sword opened a way large enough to have saved himself, if he would have fled; but being resolved to die, he rushed in among the valiantest of the Macedonians, with so much rage, and so little circumspection, that in the end he received so many wounds, as made him tumble among the horses feet, without any appearance of life in him. I saw well that Alexander was displeased at this action, but I not desiring to live after my dear Master, crowded in so far among the enemies, that after having received many wounds, I fell close by him, and did all I could to embrace him dying, and to give him that last testimony of my affection, in the last moment of a life which I thought was at an end. But, Sir, the Thread of my Discourse has misled me without question, and made me tell you in a few words, a passage which was not unknown to you before. It is true, (said Lysimachus) I was a witness of that action, where I saw the King in as violent grief for him, as he had ever felt; and certainly your Master, who was not known to any body, did actions that surpass the power of man; besides the number of those he slew, he ran Hephestion through the right arm, hurt Perdiccas in two several places, and overthrew Coenos, and Menidas dangerously wounded; Menidas as he fell, killed his horse under him, and he was surrounded by so many others, that in the end he kept company with those he had beaten down. After the Field was cleared, and all the Persians defeated, the King commanded Eumenes to make the body of that valiant Warrior be sought, and to render him the honour of burial as the greatness of his virtue deserved; he shed many tears for his loss, and spoke of him after, with expressions that showed he esteemed him as a miraculous person; but when my turn comes, I will tell you more of it.  
Araxes would have proceeded in the relation of his Master's story, when Amintas the Physician came into the Chamber, giving Lysimachus notice, that it was very late, and that Oroondates desired very much to see him and to dine with him. Lysimachus who adored him for the knowledge, which Araxes Discourse had given him of his virtue, got up, and having made himself ready, went into his Chamber, where he gave him the good morrow, and enquired after his health, with perfect testimonies of affection. Oroondates returned his kind endearments in a most obliging way, and a while after they had dined, Lysimachus who was in great impatiency, entreated him to allow him also that afternoon to learn the rest of the wonders of his life, and retiring with Araxes into the Garden, they sat down together, and the faithful Squire beginning again where he had left, continued his recital in these terms.  
The End of the Fourth Book.   

CASSANDRA. BOOK V.  
AFter the defeat of our party, the Macedonians disarmed and stripped the dead bodies; I believe it was that which made me come to myself, for when they had taken of my Head-piece, the fresh air revived my spirits restored me my understanding: I no sooner opened mine eyes, but I thought of my poor Master, and raising myself up with a great deal of pain, I sat looking on all sides, and saw him still lie close by me without any sign of life. I cast my arm yet once more about him, and grovelling upon his face I began to bewail his misfortune, as much as my weakness would permit me; while I was thus employed, I saw Cumenes come and a great many others with him; he sought my Master's body among the dead, according to the order he had received from Alexander: and in the end, being in the place where it was, and seeing me alive, Canst thou not tell me (said he) which is the body of the valiant man that commanded you, and who to day charged the King single so courageously? That question made me redouble my lamentations, and hanging down my head again over his face, I cried out, Ah! my Prince, my Prince: These words were observed by Eumenes, and having asked me the same question again, Sir, (said I) he whom you seek for is my Master: I have never forsaken him yet, nor will I leave him now, if you have charity enough to make me be carried away with him: I have waited on him duriug his life, and I conjure you by all the Gods, not to separate me from him, but suffer me to follow him also to his grave. Thy fidelity (said Eumenes) deserves an exceeding great reward: so causing my Prince to be laid upon a hand-barrow, he made me be put upon another, and both of us to be taken from among the dead. As they were going, one of those that carried my Master, perceived him stir a little, he presently told Eumenes, who coming to the body, and finding yet some warmth in it, This man (said he to them that accompanied him) is not quite dead, and I should think I committed a great offence, if I neglected the safety of so considerable a person: Do but judge, Sir, if these words were welcome to me, I lifted up my head with joy, and addressing my speech to Eumenes, Sir, (said I) if my Master have yet any life in him, save I beseech you, for mere generosity, both the most virtuous man, and one of the greatest Princes in the world.  
Eumenes having given ear to what I said, commanded us to be carried into his Tent, and making us be gotten to bed, caused our wounds to be looked to with much care. The Physicians with many several experiments, brought my Master at last unto himself, and considering his wounds very attentively, they were long in doubt, whether there was any hope of good success; they believed that mine were curable, and began to use their endeavours for both with a great deal of charity. My Prince could hardly speak all that day, nor the night following.  
The next morning, Eumenes being obliged to go after the King, who was already a great way off, in pursuit of Darius, gave order to have us carried to Arbela; his servants obeyed him carefully▪ and having removed us gently to that little Town, put us into a good house, and recommending us unto the Master of it, gave him money to get us looked to according to the command they had received from Eumenes. After their departure, our Host seeing me in a better condition than my Prince, came and asked me his name; but scarce had he learned it was the Prince of Scythia, whom he had seen pass by two days before with Darius, when lifting up his hands to heaven, he praised the Gods for the occasion they offered him, of doing his King yet some service, in the help he might give to one that was so dear to him, and from that time, moved by a hearty zeal, he ran to the Physicians, and Surgeons of the Town; and besought them to take care of my Prince's safety, with words full of tenderness and affection. Those good men wrought upon by his prayers, and the knowledge they had of us, employed all their art for our recovery, and not being ignorant in their profession, after having long consulted, they agreed in opinion, that if without incision they could get out the head of a Javelin which was in my Master's body, their remedies with the assistance of the Gods, might save his life; Thereupon they presently fell to work about it, and by the help of their Instruments which they handled very skilfully, they in the end drew it out without any incision; but with such excessive pain, that my Prince swooned many times, and was like to have died immediately. Assoon as the Surgeons had got it out, they dressed us with more satisfaction than before, and enjoined us rest, and silence for many days. I was so much obliged to my Master, that assoon as he could speak he enquired after me, and being told that I was in the same Chamber with him, and that I was in better health than he, he expressed much joy at it: But assoon as his memory was come to him again, and that he called to mind the cause of his wounds, and the cruel usage he had received from Statira; this grief assaulted him with so much violence, that that remembrance was like to have made him lose a life, whose preservation was laboured with so much diligence; yet did he appear more moderate than after the death of Artaxerxes; whether it were that his heart accustomed to misfortunes had learned at last to support them with more patience, or that with more age, he had gotten more strength of reason, and firmness of mind, or that in effect, he in a generous and just despite, thought he ought not to die for one, who after having received such remarkable services from him, had used him so ingratefully and so unworthily.  
True it is indeed, he complained in terms able to have cleft the most rocky hearts with pity, and showed a wonderful contempt of his life, but he was not so obstinately bend to lose it as the other time, he tore not off the plasters from his wounds, nor did he oppose the industry the Physicians used for his recovery. It is certain that spite fortified him very much, and that making reflection upon all his services, and upon Statira's ingratitude, his resentment stifled part of his sorrow, and of his love; and made him almost repent of what he had done for her, and of the design he had had to die for so ingrateful a person▪ for in the end after having examined all the actions of his life, he found them so full of innocence, and of the proofs of a real affection, that he could not attribute her change to any thing, but the inconstancy of her humour, and to a meanness unworthy of her birth, which made her prefer an enemy, because great and victorious, before a Prince who had so faithfully served her, and to whom she was engaged by so many oaths, and so many obligations; He repassed in his thoughts all the progress of his love, full of so many memorable events, and of so many brave effects of his passion, and seeing all conclude (against all the likelihood in the world) in a perpetual banishment, he stood in need of all his courage indeed, not to sink under so powerful an affliction; sometimes when he was more sharply tormented with these cruel remembrances, and that he called to mind the last words of Statira, which were too deeply settled there to be forgotten: Is it possible said he, Statira, that it should be you yourself, who pronounced this cruel sentence of my banishment? you, I say, who had so many ways testified unto me that you loved me, and had by so many protestations engaged yourself that you would love me eternally: you who had sworn a thousand times that you would never be but mine, and who by a thousand proofs of my affection were most assured that I would never be but yours? Are not you that same Statira, whom I saved from the violence of the Scythians, the same whose most deserving brother I preserved from death and imprisonment; she for whom I forsook my Father and my Country, for whom I disguised my quality, and exposed myself to numberless dangers, in the midst of my greatest enemies; she for whom I fought against mine own Father, and my King, and received wounds that brought me so near unto my grave; she whose Father I rescued from so great danger, with the peril of my life; she for whom I suffered the captivity of Artaban, Parmenio, and Alexander, for whom I resisted the affections of the fair Roxana, for whom I laid aside all consideration that I was the son of a great King, to become a poor contemptible Gardner, and she, that very she, whom but a moment before my ruin I with the price of my blood had ransomed from the bondage of Alexander? Yes, you are the same, nay, more you are also the very same who after such powerful obligations, has had the heart to say, Get thee gone from before me disloyal man, and deliver me for ever from the sight of my most mortal enemy: Yes, Statira, I am your enemy, and all these actions which I now reproach you with, are indeed the actions of an enemy; but if you give that name to me, whom will you call your friends? From which of your best and nearest friends, have you received better offices, then from this enemy? Is it from that Alexander whom you prefer before me, and for whom you forsake me? Has he left his Estates to serve you? has he often saved the life, the honour, and the liberty of both you and yours? Outrages then, and mortal injuries pass with you instead of obligations, and services of the nature of mine, are accounted unpardonable offences. He that has destroyed your Country, burnt your Towns, slain your subjects, dispossessed your Father of his Dominions, and perchance by this time of his life, he that hath kept, and doth yet keep yourself and all your family in a cruel Captivity, has without question both used you very well, and done you very good service, and I am he that hath used you unworthily and mortally offended you. Alexander loves me, say you, and I will give myself to him; you make him a present, which he has highly deserved indeed, it is a recompense due to the infinite services he hath rendered you, and you know his affection to you by many gallant proofs, and by a number of great obligatigations; nay, rather say with more truth, Alexander is Master of all Asia, and of a good part of Europe, and I am basely ambitious and inconstant, which makes me change with the face of fortune, and scorn any thing under the Conqueror of the world. Oroondates loves me indeed, Oroondates hath done me service: but Oroondates is without power in his Father's Dominions, and perchance is hated and cast off by him for having loved me: I will therefore follow the better of these two conditions, and forsake him that loves me, since he is unfortunate, for him that loves me not, since he is great, happy and victorious. 'Tis thus you reason with yourself, Statira, and 'tis thus that from hence forward I will reason with myself; I will forsake Statira, not because she is unfortunate, not because her Father is dispossessed of his Dominions, not because she is Alexander's Captive, but because she has not an heart worthy of her birth, because she is base, because she is faithless. You may well pardon me these words, Statira, since you have so easily pardoned him whom you now love, all the miseries you have suffered by him, and that you can so quickly forget both injuries and services.  
He would often say many other things, which all ended in the design of forgetting so ungrateful and so unconstant a woman, and of leaving Persia for ever, to return into his own Country, and there to recover that repose, which he had voluntarily lost, for so many years. Assoon as I saw him in that mind, I endeavoured to confirm him in it, by all the reasons I could allege: sometimes he would seem absolutely resolved upon it; but within an hour after, Statira appearing to his fancy more fair, and more charming than ever, took away all those former resolutions: and I perceived against my will, that he would have a mighty difficulty to free himself of a passion, that was like to last as long as his life; Yet he having a wondered great courage, his indignation wrought powerfully upon him, and seeing himself driven away with so much disdain, by a person whom he thought he had so dearly bought, and so well deserved, he made a conquest over his passion, worthy of him, and disposed himself in the end not to love her no more, for he was not able to pull up a so deeply rooted affection; but at least to obey her, in depriving himself for ever of her sight▪ In the mean time the Surgeons laboured effectually in our cure, and within a little time they no longer doubted of my Master's recovery. But the usage he had received from Darius his daughter, hindered him not from thinking upon her father whom he truly loved, and whose misfortunes he lamented with as much sorrow as his own; when he had often inquired news of him, he heard that he passed through Arbela the same night after his defeat, yet that he stayed there but a very little while and that since he was gone into Media, with a design still to levy new Forces, and to fight as long as he had a man, or a drop of blood in his body: that Alexander had pursued him, with a resolution to seek him, in what corner soever of his Territories he could retire to, judging that the end or the continuance of the War consisted in his person alone; and that so long as Darius was alive or at liberty, he must not hope for any calm in the States he had usurped from him; and this was all we could learn at that time. I will not trouble you with telling how we passed all the time that our wounds forced us to stay at Arbela, it would be but tedious, and to no purpose, let it suffice if I tell you that they were so great, that notwithstanding all the care that was had of them, we could not be in a condition to get on horseback in four whole months: true it is, that my Master's grief did much retard his cure, and made him relapse twice or thrice, very dangerously in the apprehension of those that had us in hand: yet at last he mended reasonably well, and though his afflictions rather than his wounds, had made his face hardly to be known, he in the end grew able to endure a Journey. But when we were preparing to depart, we heard very doleful cries through the whole Town, and saw our Host come in with tears in his eyes, and gestures of a man in very great sorrow. Ah! Sir, (said he to my Prince, as he entered into the Chamber) what woeful news do I bring you? Poor Darius our good King has ended his life by the treachery of his own subjects, and had no other comfort in his death, but what his spirit may receive by having been bewailed of Alexander.  
These words were like a thunderstroke unto my Master, and though his own disasters, had in probability left him but small sense of another's misfortune, yet was he so deeply touched to hear this loss, that our Host, and all that were present, thought he would have died with grief. I will not repeat all his complaints, he made no fewer for him, then for Artaxerxes, and for two whole days he would not suffer any body to speak that came to comfort him, the third day being a little settled by the remembrance of his own miseries, he permitted our Host to make him the relation in a few words, of what he had heard concerning the death of that poor Prince, which he did on this manner.  
Sir, (said he) our good King being come to Ecbatana, the Capital City of Media, where he was often want to make his abode in the Summer time, found himself destitute of all his Forces except thirty thousand Foot, whereof four thousand were Grecians under the command of Patro; and three or four thousand Bactrian horse commanded by the disloyal Bessus, having made some stay in that Town, he heard there how Alexander had already made himself Master of Babylon, by the means of Mazaeus who delivered that place, the Province, his children, and himself into his hands without resistance; that Abulites Governor of Susa, and Tyridates Governor of Persepolis, had followed Mazaeus his example, and that without drawing Sword, he had gotten all that Country in less time, than he could well have seen it; and that he was coming with very long Marches toward him, being not very far off already. The King at this news resolved to fly no farther, but to try his fortune for the last time, and to die honourably if he were Conquered: with this design he took the Field again to meet him, and holding a Counsel with Artabazus, Bessus, Narbazanes, and those other Commanders that yet remained with him, concerning what was best for him to do, Narbazanes had the impudence to advise him to deposit the Empire for some time into Bessus his hands, under whom Fortune would perhaps change her countenance.  
The King was so offended at this motion, that drawing his Sword, he would have killed that insolent fellow, if he had not been hindered by those that were present: The Conspirators seeing their evil design discovered, resolved to put it in execution, and for that purpose secretly seducing the hearts of the Soldiers already weary with so long sufferings, they drew them all unto their party. Patro who commanded the Grecians, had some information of what was plotting, and being truly generous and faithful he earnestly beseeched the King to receive him and his men for the guard of his person, and in a few words laid open to him the conspiracy of the Traitors; the good King hoping no more for any safety after so many losses, or not desiring to live any longer, after he was forsaken by all his soldiers, gave him kind thanks for his advertisement and offer, but made no use of either, and being that night retired into his Tent, with his ordinary Guards, he saw himself abandoned by all except only Artabazus, and some few Eunuches. Assoon as he plainly perceived his misfortune, he gave Artabazus a parting embrace, and praying the Gods to recompense his fidelity, he conjured him with the most prevailing words he could devise, to go away from him, and from thenceforth follow a better fortune: but when he saw Artabazus would not obey him, he made him be pulled away by force, and constrained him whether he would or no to take his way toward Parthia; After his departure he dismissed his Eunuches, rewarding them as well as he was able in his present condition. Go, (said he to them) think of your safety, and tie yourselves no longer to the fortune of a Master that must die very shortly, but had rather die by the crime of another, then by his own.  
Presently after Bessus, and Narbazanes came in, and without any respect shackling him in manacles of Gold, they made him be put by force into an ill-favoured Chariot covered with skins, drawn by unknown horses, and driven by men in an unknown livery, carrying him many days in that manner, so that no body knew what was become of him; but when they heard that Alexander was at their heels, they ran to the Chariot and commanded the King to get on horseback, to save himself with them out of Alexander's hands; but the good Prince preferring any other condition before the company of those Traitors, refused what they would have had him do, with so much constancy and resolution, that those Monsters exasperated by his resistance, and frustrated of all hope of making good conditions with Alexander by delivering him up, wounded him mortally in divers places, and cutting the hamstrings of the Chariot horses, saved themselves by flight. Within a little while after, a Macedonian named Polystratus running to a Fountain, found the good King in the pangs of death, and having known him by his own discovery, he gave him water at his entreaty, and good Darius taking it very kindly from him, This (said he) is the last of my misfortunes, that having received this courtesy, I have not the ability to requite it; but Alexander shall recompense thee for it, and the Gods him for his noble usage of my mother, wife, and children.  
At these words he took him by the hand, and desiring him that he would give it unto Alexander on his behalf, he yielded up the last breath of a life which deserved a more fortunate end. Presently after, Alexander himself came thither, and Polystratus having told him what he had said, he shed many tears upon his body, and covering it with his own Cloak, sent it to Queen Sysigambis, to render him the honours of burial.  
This sad Relation did so strongly renew my Master's grief, that he was much harder to be comforted then before, and for five or six days he gave us cause to fear he would fall back into a worse condition then that he had newly recovered; but in the end being a little settled, we took leave of our Host, and though we had lost all our baggage, I had yet some few Jewels sowed up in that remainder of my clothes the Macedonians had left me, by this means my Master recompensed those that had done him service, and having bought arms and horses we departed from Arbela just four months after the battle.  
When we were on our way, he thought all objects in Persia brought Statira into his remembrance, and desiring to free himself from those persecutions, he resolved to get out of it assoon as possibly he could, and for ever to forsake a Country, wherein he had been overwhelmed with all manner of losses and afflictions. This reflection made him believe that all the miseries he had felt, had been sent him from Heaven as a punishment of the crime he had committed in leaving his Father's party, for a foolish consideration of love; and serving in his own person, his most mortal enemies against him, which fault he repented as much as the violence of his affection would suffer him; and being willing to repair the trouble which he doubted not but his absence had caused in his friends, he determined to return to them again, hoping that his abode in Persia, and what he had done for Darius, was yet unknown to them: Ask me not whether I confirmed him in this desire, and whether I was joyful to go receive the welcomes of my kindred, and to retire with him from those continual disasters which had persecuted us in Persia. This resolution being taken, we traveled through Media, and then entered into Bactria, after that we went into Hyrcania, and having passed, the Araxis came into the Asiatic Scythia, through the Province of the Massagetes.  
You know that Scythia is divided into two parts, one whereof is in Europe, and the other in Asia, they are separated by the Mountain Imäus and are both subject to King Matheus, who makes his abode at Issedon in Europe. You will dispense with me, if (as I could) I relate not the particularities of our Voyage, in which we had no considerable encounter; and besides the recital of them would be so long, that I had better tell you only matters of more importance, and not trouble you with accidents of so little consequence. I will only say, that my Prince was ordinarily so sad, and so weakened, and altered with his afflictions, that I myself should hardly have known him, and I was almost out of hope of being able to bring him so far as Issedon. After we had crossed throug the Asiatic Scythia, we passed Mount Imaus, and entered into Europe, where in the first Village we came at, my Prince desired to inform himself a little of the state of the Kingdom, and enquiring of our Host, as a stranger moved with curiosity, he got him to tell him all he knew concerning the King his Father, and the whole State.  
Our Kingdom (said the Host) thanks be to the Gods, is in very great tranquillity, except some Provinces far remote, which having risen up in arms not long since, forced the King to send an Army against them under the Command of Arsaces, who has already defeated them in two great battles. As for Foreign Wars, we have not been molested with any since the Truce with Persia, and our King keeps his neighbours in such a fear of his power, that they are content to enjoy their own Territories peaceably, without attempting any thing against his. Some two years since he married a second wife, whose name was Stratonice a Princess, but his subject, and sister to Arsacomes Prince of the Issedons. All the Kingdom blamed this Marriage, so unequal both for age and quality, and the least passionate were of opinion, that the King hearing no news of our Prince, and having besides him no other child by his former wife but the Princess Bernice, had a desire to get a successor to his Empires. True it is, that the King seems to dote in his affection, and to please his new Queen has as it were forgot the care of his Dominions, reposing all the charge of them upon his brother in Law Arsacomes, who governs with more liberty now that Arsaces is absent.  
My Prince interrupting our Host at these words, I know Arsacomes well, (said he) but I cannot tell who that Arsaces is, of whom you have now made mention to me twice. It is he (replied the Host) who stands in competition with Arsacomes for the first place in our King's favour, but he disputes it only by virtue, the other by the power of the Queen his sister. Not but that Arsacomes is truly valiant and liberal, but they that know Arsaces' do publish wonders of him which I am not able to relate; he is either a Bactrian, or a Parthian by birth, and of some late years has been in the Court; he came thither at first as a private man, and served without name or office in our Armies, but since his virtue having made itself known in many several encounters, he was advanced in the Court by Theodates: he at his first coming in, did the King some remarkable service, and being taken notice of as an extraordinary man, he followed his affairs so well, that from step to step he is risen to such a height of favour, that he hath no equal in credit but Arsacomes. It is true indeed that all the world is pleased with his good fortune, and that it is by his good counsels we have been eased of many burdens which oppressed us before. At this time he is absent, as I have already told you, and is gone to chastise the Tauro Scythian, and Agatirsian Rebels, whom since his departure he has beaten in two set battles, and this is all I am able to tell you concerning Arsaces. Arsacomes is now with the King, and it is believed that his favour has so blinded him, that by the assistance he receives from the Queen his sister, he has not only raised his thoughts to the Princess Berenice, but doth also pretend unto her openly. These are the passages we can hear by those that come from Court, when you come nearer to it you will learn other news above my capacity, and wherewith it would neither be easy nor seemly for me to entertain you.  
This was all we learned of our host, and my Prince who in another season, would perhaps have impatiently born the marriage of his Father, was hardly so much as moved at it then, so far had the interest of his love swallowed all others, and rendered him unsensible of any other care; we prosecuted our voyage, and after many days journeys we in the end arrived at Issedon, where the King was at that time; we passed through the streets without being known of any body, and entering into the Palace, my Prince went to do his duty to the King, who was of easy access to all kind of persons. He found him in the Garden, with the Queen, the Princess his sister, Arsacomes, and many others of the chief of Scythia, and kneeling upon one knee before him, he kissed his hand with an exceeding great respect; the King knew him not at first, and ask his name many times, What Sir (said my Prince, does not your Majesty then know him to whom you gave his being; and is the face of your son Oroondates so altered that you have lost all the features of it? These words, and the tone of his voice, opened the eyes of all the company, and they all having considered him with more attention than before, knew all the lineaments of his face, though his sorrows had very much disguised them.  
I was also observed by my friends, and the sight of me facilitated the knowing of my Master; so unexpected a return, produced very different effects, and the King being retired three or four steps extremely surprised and astonished, the Princess Berenice's respect to him, could not keep her from falling about her brother's neck, with so many tears of real joy, that he by them received a great testimony of her affection toward him; he repaid her embraces with the same tenderness, and being in the end got loose from her, to receive those he expected from his Father; he was in a great amaze to see him change colour twice or thrice, and instead of affectionate welcomes, to hear him speak these words; What (said he, darting a furious look at him) are you then Oroondates, not my son Oroondates, but Oroondates the cruelest of all my enemies? art thou that unnatural son; who basely forsook the Party of his Father and his King, and who going over to the Enemy, fought with his own hand against an Army where I was in person, killed my most faithful Subjects almost before mine own eyes, and perchance sought out me myself to imbrue his Parricide hands in the blood of him to whom he owes his birth? He that has spent whole years in the Court, and in the Service of my irreconcilable Enemy, while I was oppressed with Domestic Wars, and who has sought his alliance with abasements unworthy of his quality, while he in the interim laboured my destruction?  
My Prince was so confounded at these reproaches, that he was not able to speak to him of a long time; he was not at all prepared for that reception, not believing his Father so well instructed in the passages of his life; and having nothing to reply against the truth of what he said, he was a great while studying what answer he should make; but in the end lifting up his head, and looking upon him with an eye able to have made him relent, Sir (said he) it is true, Love hath made me to commit follies, which one that were not a Father, and a very good Father, would not easily pardon; but Sir, besides my repentance of them which I come to testify at your feet, and the submission wherewith I came to expose myself to all the punishments I have deserved, I have suffered so cruel a penance, that your just anger would not have enjoined me so sharp an one.  
The King no way mollifyed by these words: No, perfidious wretch, (said he) think not to soften me by a forced submission, thou didst not believe I had been so well acquainted with thy crimes, but thou shalt receive a punishment for them, which shall serve from hence forth for an example to all unnatural children, and Parricides like thyself; take away this ingrateful son from before me (continued he, turning toward the Captain of his Guard) and let him be carried to the Castle of Seréy, we'll first take order for his security, and then consider what kind of punishment is due to him. At this sentence my Prince arose from before him, and believing he had satisfied what he owed unto his Father, he was so displeased with him for so inhuman an usage after so long an absence, that he daigned not to say one word to him in his justification; but followed the Captain of the Guard, after he had only demanded that I might not be taken from him.  
We were brought to the Castle of Serey, not far distant from the Town, it is a very strong place, destined for the imprisonment of Princes, and furnished with all things necessary for recreation, as a fine Garden, a fair Park, and all other ornaments that can befit a Royal Palace. We were shut up and kept there two whole years, without being able to pacify the King's anger. He was served according to his quality, but so strictly guarded, that all hope of liberty was forbidden him: True it is he laboured not at all for it, nor ever made any attempt to escape, or so much as ever got the King to be spoken to for his enlargement. I believe the Princess his Sister, and all virtuous persons solicited it with much industry, but the power of the Queen his Mother in Law, to whom his death, or at least his captivity was very important, was so great over the Kings will, that her consideration alone, strangled all the good motions which nature, and the counsel of impartial friends could work in him; we believed indeed that the impression she gave him, made him persist still in that displeasure, and that as long as she had credit with the King, she would oppose my Master's liberty, but besides that, we knew his nature slow to be angered, but much slower to be reconciled. As long as Darius was alive (said he to those that spoke in favour of him) we saw him not, nor should we see him now if his Fortune were yet on foot, and I will make him know, that we could have spared the sight of him still.  
In the mean time my Master, to whom neither his liberty, nor the pleasures he might have enjoyed in the Court were at all considerable, endured his Imprisonment very patiently, and found a much greater quiet in it, than he had done in the throng of affairs, and in the conversation of the world: his mind was now become so out of love with ordinary diversions, that nothing but solitarinsse alone could please him: and in that humour, Araxes (would he say to me sometimes) if the King knew how gentle a punishment this restraint is, he would without question set me at liberty, and would not suffer me to enjoy a tranquillity wherein I taste some sweetness, but rather would precipitate me into those innumerable misfortunes which I have but too much felt already. It were of great importance to me to see some Scythian faces, after having so long seen, and lost the sight of my fair, and faithless Statira, and I might by their help recover, what her infidelity has made me lose. That which is most lovely among them, has some resemblance of what is most imperfect in her, and the conversation of Scythians would be wonderful delightful to me after that of Darius and Artaxerxes. Invent thou King of Scythia, another kind of chastisement for him who is no longer in an estate to receive any addition to his griefs by all thy cruelties; Fortune has done what she could against me, and my soul has no free place left for thee to afflict.  
He often entertained me with these and the like discourses, and led a life that made me wonder a thousand times how he could outlast so many days: but the Gods whose wrath was not appeased, and who destined him yet to sharper sorrows▪ and to his last losses, were pleased to prolong the course of them, lest they should lose the ordinary subject of their cruelties. No body was suffered to come into the Castle to us, and of all that begged it of the King, only the Princess Berenice obtained permission to see her brother twice in two years of his imprisonment; but both times with such vigilant witnesses which were set on purpose, that she could never speak one word to him alone, though she expressed a wonderful desire of it, and requested it with great importunity. The Prince her brother who loved her dearly, was extremely troubled at it, and entreated her to procure a greater liberty to visit him if it were possible. In the mean time he wasted himself daily by his sadness, and withdrawing into the most remote and solitary places of the Park, plunged himself into fits of melancholy in which he sometimes spent whole days. Then the Image of Statira representing itself unto the eyes of his mind more beautiful, and more attractive than ever, made all the resolutions vanish which he had taken to forget her: sometimes he fancied her in the same condition he had seen her in; when he received the first testimonies of her affection, he found the same sweetness in her eyes, and heard the same words wherewith she drew him back almost from his grave; he tasted some pleasure as long as this thought possessed him, but assoon as it made way for another, and that instead of that gentle, sweet, obliging Statira, he saw a Statira armed with wrath and thunder against him, he yet trembled with fear and was ready to die with sorrow: and in both imaginations he sighed, as well for the miseries he felt, as for the felicities he had lost. Behold (would he say sometimes) a youth extremely well spent, and gallant hopes brought into a very fair haven; behold a happy success of so many labours, and a fortunate conclusion of a love grounded upon such marvellous beginnings; it was exceeding necessary to expose myself so to many crosses, and to so many disasters, as this miserable life has been perpetually tossed withal, to reap this brave, this glorious recompense. O Statira, the best beloved, and the most faithless of all womankind, how generously you have dealt with me, and in how fit a season, and how handsomely you have again taken up the thoughts of that ancient hatred of our Families, certainly you have gained an infinite glory by this last action, and have fairly revenged the Persians of those losses they had heretofore received by the Scythians. O how happy art thou Alexander, to have attained unto the end which I aspired to by ways so contrary to those I practised, and to have won that by blood, by imprisonments, and by outrages, which I have lost by so much love, by so much fidelity, and by so many services; and how well satisfied art thou Roxana, to see thy Predictions accomplished, and this ingrateful, this brutish, and this uncivil man, punished according to thy wish, with a chastisement that was most justly due to him.  
Thoughts of this nature were his ordinary entertainments, and sometimes lying along by the side of a Fountain whose source he often augmented with his tears, when the water of it was a little settled from the trouble which their falling into it had caused, and that he could read the marks of his affliction in the alteration of his face; Were it possible (would he say) that Statira could see me in this condition, touched with pity, and that she could behold the change of my countenance and not have some remorse for that of her own heart.  
These were all his pastimes, and if he went sometimes a hunting in the Park, where there was great store of game, he was so insensible of the pleasures which were wont formerly to divert him, that we judged in the end, his disease was utterly incurable. He never enquired after the affairs of the State, and had so given over all kind of other cares, except that of his grief, that he seemed no longer to have any interest in the world. I stirred not out of the Castle no more than he, and though that leave was offered me, upon condition I would come in no more, I would not accept it, but persevered in the resolution I had taken, to fix myself inseparably to the good or evil fortune of my Master; he lamented my condition, and often said to me, Araxes, be no longer obstinate to accompany my destiny, it is so unfortunate that 'twill entangle thee in my destruction, and I am so sorry to see thee spend thy youth in so unhappy an estate, that my griefs do thereby receive a most sensible addition, retire from me I prithee, and if I be not able as I ought, and as I could wish, to requite the good services I have received from thee, satisfy thyself with my good desires, and expect thy reward from the Gods, who without doubt will not suffer thy fidelity to go without a recompense. These words drew tears out of my eyes, but not the design out of my heart, which I had settled in it never to forsake him while I lived.  
A year was already run out since the beginning of our imprisonment, when we learned by our Keepers that the Macedonians were entered Scythia under the command of Arimbas, and my Prince asked the Captain of our Guards what order the King took about it; Sir (answered he) it is but very few days since Arimbas Governor of Pontus for Alexander, is come into our Frontiers with an Army of forty thousand men, he has done no great matters yet, and as the King was thinking to raise Forces to send, or lead thither himself for the defence of his Country; he heard that the valiant Arsaces was coming home victorious with his, after having done such actions of courage, and good conduct against his rebel Subjects, as surpass belief; The News made him change his Design, and instantly he dispatched a Messenger with all speed unto Arsaces, sending him Order to march with his whole strength against the Macedonians, while he raised more to come, and join with him under the command of Arsacomes; every body hopes for a happy success of this War by the valour, and good fortune of Arsaces, and all the Kingdom prepares cheerfully, to oppose this enemy of the whole earth.  
Do but see Sir, how love, and grief, those two fatal and ruinous passions, had changed my Master's mind as well as his body, and how they had divested him of all his former inclinations, to leave no access for any but themselves. In former times he would have been extremely moved at such an occasion, and would not have been able to endure his imprisonment, when it was needful to take up arms for the defence of his Country, and that the King his Father was fain to ground his hopes, and the protection of his Dominions, upon the valour and fidelity of a stranger, of mean and obscure birth; but then he received this news as the relation of a Story in which he was not at all concerned, and made no show in the world either of sorrow for the troubles of his Country, or of envy to the glory of that Arsaces who possessed his place, and rendered those services to his father, which in all likelihood he should rather have expected from him; he only said to him that had made him that relation; If I were not so criminal as I am, and that the King would honour me with this enterprise, I would serve him in it, perhaps with less prudence, and less valour, but at least with as much fidelity as Arsaces. Two months after the advancing of these Forces, news came to Court, and to us also, that Arsaces had given battle to the Macedonians, that he had killed their General Arimbas, and had gotten so absolute a victory, that scarce a man escaped.  
All Scythia made bonfires for this good success, and they of Issedon prepared to receive Arsaces', who all covered with Laurels, was returning into a Country which he had restored to quiet by many victories gloriously obtained; within a few days after we heard that he was come, and that the King, the whole Court, and all the people had rendered him honours worthy of his virtue and services; but within a week more we were told how the King without any consideration of his deserts, had caused him to be put in prison, the reason of his disgrace being known but to very few. My Prince was sorry for his Father's ingratitude, and would wilingly have disposed himself to help that gallant man, if he had had any power to help himself: To what purpose Sir, shoul Entire you longer with so tedious a thing, and tell you the particulars of our imprisonment, which are not of any consequence: I will therefore pass by these small matters, and let you know that two years were almost expired since our restraint, when my Master heard by some of those that waited on him, that the King his Father was at the Castle gate, and that he was coming in to see him with a small Train. Oroondates was surprised with so unexpected a visit, from him who seemed to have laid aside the name of Father, to take up that of his most mortal Enemy, and not losing time to consider what might be the cause that brought him, he went out of his Chamber to receive him; he met him in the Court of the Castle, attended by some of the Principal of his Officers, and having saluted him with an humble respect and submission, the King used him in a very different manner, from the reception he had given him at his arrival in Scythia, and having raised him up with a kind embrace. Son (said he) you have suffered enough for a fault, which to say truth, deserved some punishment, but now I come myself to release you out of an imprisonment, which the inveterate hatred of our Family against that of Persia has perchance made to last too long. The Prince without expressing any joy at this news of his enlargement, replied, Your Majesty next to the Gods, may dispose of my Destiny, and either hasten or retard my liberty, according to the greatness of my fault, and according to your Royal pleasure. Well son (answered the King) let us blot what is past, out of our remembrance, and endeavour both of us to make amends by actions contrary to those that made this difference between us.  
After this discourse, those that attended the King, saluted my Prince with tears of joy, and such expressions as visibly testified, that the affection which his rare virtues had kindled in the hearts of his friends, was not yet extinguished, and that all Scythia which mourned for his captivity, would receive his Freedom as the best fortune that could befall it; when he had returned their embraces, the King leaving the company in the Hall, entered into an inward room whether he called only his son, and Arsacomes, and having walked a turn or two, he began to speak thus unto my Prince.  
You must needs confess Oroondates, that you have infinitely failed in what you owe to me, in what you owe unto your Country, and in what you owe unto yourself: and I will confess too, that I perchance have likewise proceeded against you with a rigour very contrary to the former testimonies of my affection, and to what you might have hoped for from a father who had not seen you of many years: we have been both of us to blame, but the knowledge of our mutual faults, can neither wipe out of our minds the engagements of nature, nor those of virtue; and as I find that the remembrance of yours, hinders me not from considering you still as my son, nor from giving you proofs of my former love by the confidence▪ will have in you: So I hope also that the remembrance of the usage you have received from me, will not hinder you from considering me still as your Father, nor from giving me proofs of your former obedience and fidelity, by using that confidence I have in you as you ought to do. This assurance (Son) together with the belief I have that you have lost nothing of that virtue, whereof from your first years you gave such pregnant hopes, encourages me to put you again into employment; you have now a brave occasion to make yourself remarkable, and I should think I did you a mortal injury if I should trust that command unto another, which by right is due only unto you. Know then that since the defeat of Armibas, Zopirio his brother, Governor of Thracia for Alexander, has past the Bosphorus at Byzantium with an Army of fifty thousand men, and is entered into our Territories, where he does all acts of hostility, his coming has wrought such an effect among the people whom the name of Alexander has struck with terror, that most part of the Towns upon the shore of the Euxine Sea, and upon the banks of the River Boristhenes, deliver themselves up to him already, and stay not for the coming of Alexander, who with a much more puissant Army, is advancing himself as a deluge to overflow our Dominions; you have here a gallant occasion to defend your Country against the Usurper of the whole Earth, and to decide your old quarrels with your particular Enemy: My Age which makes me now unable to bear the toils of War, will not suffer me to oppose this Conqueror in mine own person, nor to go and fight with him upon those limits which never any body yet invaded, but to their loss and confusion; I have protected them against his Father, and you my son shall go and defend them against himself. Some of my Counsellors opposed the choice I made of you, and represented to me that my rigorous usage of you, did in part dispense you from the fidelity you owe me, and forbade me to trust you with an Army, upon which I have grounded our support and conservation; but my knowledge of your good nature, of your love to glory, and of the emulation you ought to have against Alexander, has drowned all these suspicions, and I have moreover considered that you will fight also for yourself, and that in deceiving me, you would but deliver up unto the Enemy those people that must hereafter obey you, and those Estates you must hereafter possess. I have drawn those Forces out of Garrison, that returned home with Arsaces, and have already made them begin their march toward the Euxine Sea where Zopirio makes his progress; you shall go forth from hence, and overtake them, to command them while I make new Levies, which shall follow you as soon as they are in a readiness, and by which addition you may increase your Army before the arrival of Alexander: but I mean you shall away to morrow morning, without making any longer stay, without coming into Issedon, and without seeing any of your friends, but those that shall make the Voyage with you; I have particular reasons to dispatch you with this diligence, and to morrow you shall find at this Castle gate, all your Equipage in Order, and all those that must attend you in this Expedition.  
The Prince answered this long Discourse of his Fathers, no otherwise but with a low reverence, and some protestations of his desire to do him the service he was obliged to. Yet though he was almost absolutely taken off from all thought of State Affairs, that desire of glory which still remained in him, and the love of noble actions, which his sorrow had not extinguished, made him with joy receive, not the news of his liberty, but of an occasion to bear arms again, and to dispute of valour with Alexander, at the head of an Army, which happiness he yet had never had, though he always had most ardently desired it. He demanded leave of the King to see the Princess Berenice his sister, but it was refused him, and the King commanded him not to inquire the cause that made him send him away so suddenly, and so secretly. The Prince resigned himself to his Father's pleasure, without murmuring, and spent the rest of the day with him in receiving Orders and Instructions for that War.  
The next morning assoon as it was day, the King himself led him out of the Castle, where my Prince found a very brave retinue, and among the Officers appointed for his house, he knew Toxaris and Loncates, those two faithful servants which he had lost at the battle of Arbela, and who a while before were returned into Scythia, after having run through an infinite number of dangers, and endured a long captivity among the Macedonians. My Master was extremely glad to see them, and having used them with great kindness, as the faithful companions of his fortune, he with much civility embraced all those who by his Father's election were to attend him. The King saw him get on horseback, and having taken his leave of him, returned to Issedon, assoon as we were gone.  
My Prince being accompanied by Arsacomes, Theodates, my Father whose name is Cleorestes, and two or three hundred of the chief men of all Scythia, followed the Army, which was two or three days march before us, and took the way toward that part of Scythia which is called Sendica; and which is situate between the Euxin Sea, and the River Boristhenes. The fourth day after our departure, we got up to our Forces, and upon the banks of the River Hypanis, my Prince made a general muster of them; he found them very weak, and admired the King his Father would send him with so poor a strength against the Conquerors of the whole world. The Issedons had armed six thousand horse, the Sarmates four thousand, the Massagetes 5000, the Agatirsians 3000, the Tauroscythians 3000, the Agripeans 2000, the Nomadians three thousand, the Hyleans, the Basilides, and all those that are near the Lake of Bugs six thousand▪ and the Satarchians two thousand; he had no Infantry at all, for you know the Scythians never make use of any but in great Expeditions, and where they are constrained to bring up all their Forces.  
The Prince having found by his Muster Rolls, that his whole Army consisted of no more than five and thirty thousand horse, divided it into three bodies, he gave the first of ten thousand to Arsacomes, the second of a like number to Theodates' Prince of the Sarmates, and kept a third of twelve thousand for himself, making my Father Cleorestes his Lieutenant, and giving him the command of that body in his place, whensoever he should be forced to go to any other part of the Army where his presence was necessary. There yet remained three thousand horse, and my Prince was pleased that I should have the honour to command them as a loose reserve, to give relief to those that should first stand in need of assistance.  
This being ordered, the Army marched straight to the Boristhenes, and having passed it over a Bridge of Boats, advanced toward the City of Olbiopolis, which was then besieged by Zopirio, being the only place that had had the courage to make a generous defence. I believe, Sir, you will be content I should cut off as much of the discourse of this War, as I can possibly. I will tell you therefore, (omitting many particularities of small importance) that the same day we passed the Boristhenes, we received intelligence, that Zopirio advertised of our hasty advance toward him, had raised his Siege from the place which he had blocked up before, and was coming to meet us with Colours flying.  
Oroondates gave the God's thanks for his brave resolution, and though he knew the weakness of his Forces, yet would he not stay for the Supplies the King his Father had made him hope for, but thought he would encourage those he had, so well by his example, that he should infallibly obtain the Victory: with this confidence he marched straight toward him, and to shorten this relation, the third night after, we discovered the fires of his Army in a great Plain which is between the Cities of Olbiopolis, and Miletopolis, and the Boristhenes, and the Danube. This sight put courage into the Scythians, who indeed are the most Warlike of all men living, especially for the defence of their Territories.  
My Prince had much ado to keep them in that night, and assoon as ever the Sun began to restore his light unto the world, the two Armies saluted one another with such dreadful shouts, that the Banks of the Danube echoed with them, and many birds astonished with the loud shrilness of that noise, fell down affrighted among the soldiers feet. Oroondates at the very first peep of day, had caused the signal of the battle to be set up on the top of his Tent, which was in a field Gules, two cross Javelins proper. The Scythians no sooner saw it appear, but they sent forth a second shout, full of joy, and eagerness to fight, from whence my Prince drew a good presage of the Victory. When he was gotten up, he offered sacrifices in company of all the Commanders to Jupiter, to Apollo, and to the Goddess Tellus, and to Mars the fairest horses of the Army; and having given out Orders to the principal Officers, he sent them away unto their charges. A while after he put on all his arms except his head-piece, which Toxaris carried after him, and mounting on horseback, he visited all the Troops one after another, observing, and carefully correcting the defects, giving all instructions necessary for the winning of the battle, and exhorting them to do gallantly, by the most pressing words, the desire of Victory could put into his mouth, My friends (said he to them) these you have now to fight withal are not the Persians, your ancient enemies whom you always conquered more easily than you could meet with them; I will not flatter you, nor make any scruple to tell you that which might strike terror into cowards, but will only add vigour to that noble courage which always accompanies you upon service, and which hitherto has made you victorious over all those that have dared to encounter you. They are Macedonians, they are Thracians, two valiant, warlike people, and to be plain they are part of those Forces that have made their King the Emperor of the world: They are the Usurpers of all the earth, who not being satisfied with that Tyrannous domination they have got by violence over all Asia, Africa, and the better part of Europe, would yet extend their Empire over your liberties and your lives: Let this difference of your enemies raise you to extraordinary achievements; you cannot conquer them without difficulty but neither can you conquer them without glory, nor without fruit; upon the winning or losing of this day, depends the repose or utter ruin of the Scythians. If they prevail, Alexander will without question, have a free entrance into our possessions, and that mighty Army wherewith he marches already against us, will advance without resistance into the remotest parts of Scythia, and into the secretest places of your abodes, and families; but on the contrary by their defeat, he will give over the design of invading you, or if he should persevere in it, you will howsoever gain an infinite advantage, by having learned to conquer those that were never conquered.  
He said many other things to this purpose, and finding they had produced the effect he desired, he made the Army march in Battalia strait unto the Enemies, who advanced likewise in very good order. Then it was that I observed a cheerfulness in his countenance, I had never seen there, since the unhappy accidents of his life, which had quite taken away his lively humour: I had never seen him before at the head of an Army under his own command, and I considered him there with so much pleasure, that it is hard for me to pass over in silence, his gracefulness, both in commanding, and in all the other Functions of his charge. He had so noble, and yet so lovely a fierceness in his arms, that he moved both love, and fear in all that looked upon him; when the Armies were drawn near to one another, he put on his Cask, all covered with plumes, and stones of value, and setting himself at the head of the Battle, he commanded Arsacomes who led the Vanguard, to begin the Charge. Scarce had the Trumpets given the Signal, when the first Squadrons closed with a fury hard to be expressed; the Thracians had not the leisure to make use of their Arrows, for the Scythians falling in pellmell forced them to fight at handy-blows: This first encounter was very bloody, but after having long contested for the better, our Cavalry began to put● their Foot into disorder, when Zopirio perceiving it, came up with the main Body of the Army, and thundering in upon our men made a terrible slaughter of them, before they could be relieved by Oroondates. I kept upon the right Wing, with my three thousand horse, and observing the disadvantage of our side, I rushed into the midst of the Enemies, and recovered our affairs a little again; while my Prince moving forward with his Battalion made the fight something less unequal. Zopirio who, as well as my Master, had parted his Army into three Bodies, made his last advance, and Theodates by his example, and by the Prince's command, led on the Rere-guard to oppose him. Then it was that the two whole Armies being engaged, fought with marvellous courage and obstinacy, each having taken a resolution to conquer, or perish upon the Field; and I may well assure you with truth, that of so many thousand men as fallen that day, there was hardly so much as one that received his death in running away; The Thracian and Macedonian Infantry, seeing themselves trampled under foot by the Scythian Cavalry, killed their horses with Javelins, and keeping close together, covered themselves with their shields, and bore up stiffly against them to hinder their being utterly routed. Our Enemies surpassed us in number, and they were much better armed than we, but the valour of our General, and his wonderful readiness in giving seasonable relief where there was most need, made them lose all the advantage, which their number, and the difference of arms gave them over us. He had already done miraculous things, and by reason of the blood that was all over him, could hardly be known but by his stature, and the blows he gave; when Zopirio seeing the day incline already to our party, observed him among all the rest, and considering that the greatest part of the Victory consisted in the death of that Commander, he broke through his own men, and having a strong Javelin in his hand, after he had defied him with a loud cry, he rushed upon him; and striking him while he was otherwise employed, the point of his Javelin passed between the nails that defended his arm, and gave him a slight hurt in the hinder part of his shoulder. Zopirio seeing his Javelin engaged in my Master's arms, let it go, and was already lifting up his sword, to second his first blow, but my Prince turned about to him with so great a fury, and so admirable a readiness, that Zopirio frozen with fear, began to repent his boldness, when the blade that seldom failed of making a mortal wound, finding passage through the defect of his Curass, under the arm which he had heaved up, ran him quite through the body, and made him drop down dead among the horses feet. The death of their General did much abate their courage, and the Scythians who saw him fall, sent forth a fierce cry, which struck yet a greater terror into them, and without doubt hastened their defeat. Certain it is, that we found not so much resistance among them as before, and that in the end the Victory declared itself openly for us. To what purpose is it, Sir, to keep you in a tedious Relation, the Enemies were defeated, as without question you have heard, but their obstinacy was so great, that not one of them ever turned his back, or asked quarter; and our Victory was so absolute, that after the heat of the Fight, my Prince had much ado to save a small number, though miserably hacked by the cruelty of the Scythians. Six thousand of ours were slain upon the place, and more than ten thousand wounded: After this notable Victory, my Prince having given thanks unto the Gods, retired into his Tent, and would not suffer his wounds to be dressed, till the bodies of the principal Officers were sought, and particularly Zopirio's, which he commanded to be honourably buried, as if he had been the best of his friends. Of fifty thousand fight men that had followed him, not one as I told you avoided the fury of our arms by flight, and all the rest died most gallantly upon the place, except those few prisoners which my Prince saved from the like destiny, whose ransom he paid himself to those that had taken them▪ and set them at liberty, giving leave to those that would to stay in his Camp till their wounds were healed, allowing them wherewithal to pay for their cure, and showing them as much kindness as they could have hoped for from their own kindred. He also gave order to have the wounded men of his own Army carefully dressed, to have those that had fought well recompensed according to their deserts, and to have the spoil distributed with justice, and without confusion▪ He had three hurts himself, yet but light ones, and such as kept him only three or four days in bed. Assoon as he was well enough to ride on horseback again, he made his Army dis-incamp, and sending his sick and wounded men to Olbiopolis, in Wagons, he marched with his Forces towards Miletopolis, and the other Towns which had shamefully deserted their King's party, to receive the yoke of the Macedonians. Miletopolis was the first he laid siege to, and that City which had not had the courage to oppose their Enemies with honour and justice, had yet the stubbornness to stand out against their lawful Prince, and to refuse him entrance, whether it were because they were dis-affected to their King, or that the knowledge of their fault, putting them out of hope of pardon, made them resolve to expect relief from Alexander, or bury themselves in their own ruins.  
The place was very strong, and kept us a month without the walls; but in the end after the loss of some of our men, our Prince having stormed it vigorously on all sides, carried it by assault, and his mercy was so great, that assoon as he saw himself Master of it, he stopped the execution, and being satisfied with the death of those that were slain upon the breach, he generously pardoned all the rest, though they had not so much as a hope of it, and placing a reasonable Garrison in the Town, suffered the Inhabitants to enjoy all their former Immunities and Privileges. This Act of Clemency was blamed by many of his party, who could not approve his so great gentleness, to a place so obstinately rebellious, and who maintained that to terrify such as were guilty of the same crime, and were yet to be subdued, he should have utterly destroyed it.  
But my Prince smiled at their Maxims, and following the inclinations of his own generous nature, attained by that moderation, to the end which they would have had him tend to by contrary mean; for within a few days after, the report of his mildness being spread through that revolted Province, all the Country submitted itself voluntarily unto him; and within less than three months, fourteen Towns that had declared for Alexander, returned again to their obedience, and put themselves into his hands. Tagus, Caliorbia, and Orchilachia, seated upon the Frontiers of Tau●●a Cherchonesus stood out the destiny of Miletopolis, and having resisted to the last extremity, were taken by force like it, and received almost the like favourable usage.  
I pass lightly over these things, to shorten the Relation of matters not much important, that I may come to the conclusion of my Prince's loves: I will tell you therefore, that while we lay before Orchilachia, my Prince saw two or three of his Guard come into his Tent, who presented a man unto him. Oroondates having asked them why they brought him before him, Sir, (answered they) he is newly come out of the Town, and being fallen into the hands of our men, he prayed them to bring him unto you, to whom he would tell something of great consequence; we neglected not to do so, and though he speaks the Scythian Tongue so ill, that we had much ado to understand him, and made us easily see that he is not of this Country, we believed yet, that your knowledge in Foreign Languages, would assist you to draw that benefit, which you may hope for from his Intelligence.  
Oroondates who while they were saying thus, had considered the Stranger, observed features in his face that were not unknown to him, and having called me, to require help from my memory, the man after he had saluted him upon his knee, said to him in the Persian Tongue, I see you have forgot me, Sir, but if you please to call to mind those persons I have served, you will remember, that I have had the honour to do you some service also.  
These words, and the tone of his voice, put us out of doubt, and made us know him presently, to be the Eunuch Tyreus, that faithful servant to the Princesses of Persia, who had been taken with them by Alexander, and had never left them, but to carry the news to Darius of the death of the Queen his wife, and who had led us himself to Sysigambis his Tents, where he had continued after my Master's fatal adventure. This knowledge of him infinitely surprised my Prince, who rising up from his Chair, embraced the Eunuch with great kindness, and with tears which he could not refrain, at the remembrance which his sight awakened in him. O Tyreus, (said he) is it possible that I see you, and that you have been able to forsake the Ladies you served, to come into Scythia? Sir, (replied the Eunuch) if my being in this Country has surprised you, the cause of it will surprise you a great deal more; I'll tell it you when you please to give me the liberty, and will give you a faithful account of the charge that has been trusted to me.  
The Prince startled at this Discourse, and was assaulted with so many several inward motions, that the changes of his countenance witnessed the disturbance of his mind▪ his mouth was open twice or thrice to speak; But in the end he came to himself, and considered that without question the Eunuch had things to tell him, which required not so many witnesses. That was it that made him resolve to stay some few hours, that he might discourse with him, and hear what he had to say at better liberty; with this thought, Well, Tyreus, (said he) we will talk together anon at night with more leisure and conveniency, in the mean time I will assure you, that what business soever brings you hither, you are very welcome into a place where I have some power, and where I will endeavour to requite part of the courtesies I received from you in your Country.  
After these words he afforded me the liberty to embrace him, and to renew the acquaintance which we had made together in Persia. I took care to give him accommodation to rest himself, to welcome him with all the good entertainment I could give him, and to divert him the remainder of the day, while my Master thought of the affairs belonging to the Siege as much as his new impatience would permit him. When it was night, and that my Prince after supper had gotten free from the Commanders, and other Officers that had business with him, he retired into his Chamber, and assoon as he was in bed, he sent me to call in Tyreus, and causing stools to be set by his bedside, he commanded us to sit down, and to make every body else go forth. We were no sooner left alone, but addressing himself to the Eunuch; Tyreus, (said he) now we are at liberty, or rather I am now ready, to receive by your Discourse, most sensible renewings of my grief, and perhaps some change in my present condition: Speak without flattery I pray you, to him who can neither have any addition to his sorrows, nor hope for any kind of joy. The Eunuch being sat down by his command, and having bethought himself a little of what he had to say, began his Relation on this manner.  

The History of STATIRA.  
THE Discourse I am to make unto you, Sir, will satisfy you, and afflict you both together, and I think that never any news was so equally divided between joy and grief, as that I bring is like to be to you. I shall tell you some things which I could not be present at myself, but I learned the truth of them from Cleone, and from the Princesses own mouth, and instructed myself very well in them, before I undertook took the business that was imposed upon me.  
After that by Alexander's command, the Queens and Princesses were gone from Sidon; and that with a most sensible sorrow, they were separated from you by the orders of the Conqueror, they removed to Gaza, which he had already caused to be blocked up; during that Siege they were lodged in an house near the Town, where Alexander visited them often, and where he renewed his persecutions of Statira. That generous Princess remembering her obligations to you, and the promises she had made you, resisted all his importunities with a wonderful courage, and yet with so much civility and gracefulness, that Alexander instead of being taken off, was rather the more inflamed by her coldness, and finding by conversation the beauties of her mind, as he had already observed those of her body, he gave himself absolutely to her, and forgot all the passion he had formerly had for Barsina. The Princess was extremely troubled at it, but having an admirable discretion, she dissembled part of her thoughts, and discovering the rest, behaved herself in such a manner, that without exasperating a young Conqueror whose power was absolute over her, she gently extinguished those hopes, which her civility, and favourable usage might make him to conceive. True it is, that Alexander had so many employments, that she had much respite by them, and during that time of quiet, her entertainment was only concerning you; Cleone hath given me assurance of it, and told me that the knowledge the Queen's whole family had of your affection, allowing her the liberty to discourse of it with the Princess her sister, Barsina, and those other Ladies that were dearest to her; the sweetest consolation she had in her misfortunes, was to speak incessantly of you, and to hear the praises those Ladies gave you in her presence, as well to bear witness of the truth, as because they knew the satisfaction she received thereby. After the taking of Gaza, we were fain to go from thence into Egypt, and the King giving order to have the Princesses brought upon the Nile, to Memphis, came thither the same way also himself. There it was that rest made him fall into his old professions, and he spent all his abode in that Town in prosecuting his love: The Princess used him as she had done before, and carried herself to him with so much moderation and virtue, that she increased his esteem of her the more, and was commended by the Queens and by all those that observed her deportment and discreet behaviour. But that great Prince not being able to continue idle, and not suffering the thoughts of Love to bury those of War, which had ever been predominant in his mind, departed from Memphis, where he left the Princesses, and in the mean time overran all Egypt, which he brought under his obedience, and having taken a sudden resolution, went to visit the Temple of Jupiter Hammon. I will not entertain you with his Voyage, but will only tell you that after his departure, one day, (a day alas! fatal to the repose of the whole remainder of her life, and most contrary to yours as we have sufficiently known) the Princess being alone in her Chamber, was told that a servant of yours was come, who desired to speak with her from you. She trembling with joy, commanded him presently to be brought in, but not having patience to stay his coming, she ran out to meet him, and presently knew him to be Arbates, one of the Officers of your house, whom you had taken in the Court of Persia.  
My Prince interrupting Tyreus at these words; It is true, (said he) we left him at Sidon, with money to go whither he would, he having excused himself to me, that he● could not wait upon me in my Journey, by reason of some indisposition he had. Assoon as he was come in to her Chamber with her, (said Tyreus, going on with his Relation) the Princess enquired news of you with great impatiency: I left him in Hyrcania, (answered Arbates) ready to pass the Araxis to retire into Scythia, and from thence he sent me back into this Country, to bring you this Letter: The Princess who thought you had been with the King her Father, was infinitely troubled at what she heard, and taking the Letter she broke it open with such an aching heart, as presaged those afflictions which she since has suffered by it; assoon as she had taken off the paper in which it was folded up, the first object that presented itself unto her eyes, was a Bracelet of hair, which sight made her tremble, and took away her courage, so that she was hardly able to read the Letter; yet striving to recollect her spirits, she read thess words with all the difficulty in the world.  
IF you were of opinion that I dissembled, you were not at all deceived, I did dissemble I confess in my compliance to you, but I dissemble not in my passion for one more lovely than yourself; you have indeed made me forsake a place which your importunities made me to hate, I leave you therefore, but I leave you without any trouble, and without any design to advantage myself, either by your remembrance, or by your favours; I obtained them with too much ease to value them, and because the Presents of Enemies are always fatal, I send you back your Bracelet, and retain nothing of you that can trouble the repose of  
OROONDATES.  
When Oroondates heard the words of this Letter, not permitting the Eunuch to proceed, O Oods! (said he) Tyreus, what's this you tell me? what, was that Letter then which I wrote unto Roxana, carried unto my Princess, as being addressed to her, and did her Bracelet which I sent back fall into the hands of Statira? Not that you sent her back, replied the Eunuch, but another, which (if you remember) you lost at Damascus, and which the Princess assoon as ever she saw it, knew to be the very same which she had given you, when you went away with Artaxerxes to fight against the Scythians; but hear the rest I beseech you, and your wonder will be sufficiently cleared.  
Judge, Sir, of the Princess' astonishment, at the reading of this Letter, the hand whereof was so well known to her, and at the sight of that Bracelet, whereof she had neither forgotten the work, the hair, nor the fashion, having received both by a man, who she knew belonged to you, and was of some account in your family; she made him often repeat what he had said, that she might not be deceived, she often looked earnestly upon every part of the Bracelet, and often with a settled eye, read over and examined every word of the Letter. She saw so little probability in this adventure, that she could neither give credit to her eyes, her ears, nor her memory; she believed she was either asleep, or besides herself, and strove either to get awake, or recover her senses; but when she was assured of her misfortune, by proofs which it was impossible for her to contradict, her courage, and her strength forsook her, her spirits failed, and letting both the Letter and Bracelet drop out of her hand, she fell into a swoon, and sunk backward in the Chair she sat upon. Cleone who only was present at that accident, ran to her Mistress, and unclasping her robe, did all she could to bring her to herself, but finding she was too weak to do it alone, she called her companions to her assistance; when she was come to life again by their endeavours, she looked upon them all with a dying eye, and commanding Cleone softly, to bid them all withdraw, she made her stay still with her, being as you know more trusted by her then all the rest. Then it was that she gave herself over to her grief, and that she uttered complaints of your supposed infidelity, which Cleone could never repeat to me, without tears; she wept all that day, and would not hear one word of consolation, neither would she be seen by Barsina, nor Parisatis, no, nor by the Queens themselves; she passed the whole night in lamentations, and the next morning Cleone, who truly ever honoured you most perfectly, going about to allege something for your justification; Hold thy peace, (said she) thou fool, against thine own opinion, and against common sense, open not thy mouth to defend that treacherous man; can he deny his own hand in this Letter? Is it not sealed with his own seal? Can he disavow his servant that brought it? And can we mistake this Bracelet which we wrought with our own hands, the hair whereof thou didst cut off thyself? Is there any matter of doubt? Is there any trick of Roxana's, or any shadow of hope, that we may be deceived? Do but speak now, Cleone, and believe I shall be most perfectly obliged to thee, if thou canst find any invention to disguise my misfortune, or if by any reason thou canst persuade me that I am out of my wits, or that I am asleep.  
Cleone was dumb at this Discourse, and having nothing to answer against such visible testimonies of your falsehood, she could neither excuse you, nor condemn the resentment of her Mistress. Since her swooning, she had not seen Arbates, to ask him more particulars of his Master's infidelity, (you will pardon me, Sir, if I use that word, so it was she called your change, and all the names she could give it were pardonable enough, to so just an anger, as hers was in appearance) and the force of her sorrowful displeasure wrought so powerfully upon her, that she fell exceeding sick. Although she had taken a strong resolution to conceal the cause of it, from those persons that were dearest to her, yet was it absolutely impossible; and assoon as she was visited by Barsina, the Princess Parisatis, and by the Queens, she could not forbear breaking out into a flood of tears, and showing them the fatal Letter which had brought her into that pitiful condition, she confessed unto them the strong inclination she had had to you of a long time, and asked pardon for the fault she had committed, in giving way, by Artaxerxes his persuasions, to that affection without their consent, expressing her thoughts in such sad and moving terms, that she quickly filled them all with compassion of her, and detestation of you; they all condemned your proceeding as most contrary to generosity, to the sanctity of your oaths, and to civility itself, and most unworthy of a Prince of your quality, or of a man touched with any sense of virtue. Nay, even Bars●na, who till then had borne a wonderful great friendship to you, was one of the readiest to condemn you, and taking the part of that afflicted Princess, she showed a horror against the usage she had suffered from you.  
Roxana visited her sometimes as she was obliged, and at first spoke more moderately of it then the rest, avoiding all occasions of discovering by any of her actions, the interest she had in the business; but when she saw her fully confirmed in the belief of your infidelity, and that she found the time proper to strike her blow, she neglected not the opportunity; Madam, (would she often say to her) the Gods have at last been pleased, that you should be disabused, and that the sincerity of my intentions should be made manifest unto you; I gave you notice sufficiently of the humour of that disloial man; but my faithful advertisements were suspected, and you rejected that with scorn, which I spoke out of a real affection; but you are not the only one he has deceived, he made show here to sigh for many others▪ Barsina though she dissembles it, is not exempt from his perfidiousness, and since we are no longer in terms to disguise any thing from you, suffer me now to confess unto you, that I myself have been deceived by him, and that that false man, has a thousand times in your absence, taken the same Oaths, and made the same Protestations to me, which I doubt not but you received from him: but the Gods were at least so merciful to me, that I never gave much credit to them, nor ever granted him any favour, which he can brag of among our Enemies.  
She used to say many things to her of this nature; and though the Princess neither loved her, nor had any great faith in her, yet being in a condition fit to believe any thing, that confirmed your infidelity, she would give her the hearing with sighs, and answer her only with tears and sobs; but assoon as she was alone, or none but Cleone with her, she would pour forth her resentments in words able to make the roughest natures melt into grief and pity. Is it possible, (would she say) that Oroondates the son of a King, and one whose virtue in appearance was equal to his quality, he that forsook his Country and Friends, to serve me, and who testified his love to me by such gallant proofs, should be capable of a baseness so unworthy of his birth, and so contrary to that virtue, and to those proofs of his passion? But is it possible that I should doubt of it, after the assurances he has given me of it with his own hand? Or rather is it possible I should live, after such unquestionable marks of my unhappiness? No, Statira, credulous Statira, facile Statira, amorous Statira, and unfortunate Statira by thy credulity, by thy facility, and by thy amorousness; thou oughtest to die for the expiation of so many faults, for the reparation which thou owest to the illustrious blood of Persia and inseparably to tie revenging furies to the heart of that disloial man, whom thou hast believed, whom thou hast suffered, and whom thou hast loved. Die then, miserable Statira, linger not out a life full of so many disaster, full of so much shame, and full of so much repentance; do not survive the scorn of that insolent Enemy, but by a favourable death, prevent the last misfortunes of thy family▪ thou mayest yet die like a Princess, and like the daughter of a King, and if thou stay a few days longer, thou mayst perchance see the ruin of him, and all his friends, and die devested of all the marks of thy former quality; Go thy way to that dear Brother, who innocently precipitatted thee into those miseries that are the cause of thy destruction; reproach him with the infidelity of his friend, and show him thy repentance for having outlived a brother, whom thou lovedst so dearly, though his friendship has proved most fatal to thee.  
She would continue for some time in this design of dying, and then of a sudden changing her resolution, and discourse, What, (would she say) shall I die for that Traitor, who uses me with an indignity which is beyond example, and which was never practised against Maids of the most vile and mean condition? Shall I die for that ungrateful man, who after having received a thousand proofs of my affection, is not ashamed to tell me that he dissembled with me out of compliance, that he sighs for one more lovely, that he leaves our company only to shun my importunities, that he forsakes me without trouble, that he slights my favours because he had obtained them too easily, who sends me back my hair, as a fatal present of his most cruel enemies, and who will retain nothing of me that can trouble his repose, and his new, or real affections? No, no I scorn to die for him, I have done enough without dying, and that would be my utmost shame, and his utmost vanity, he would be too proud of that, the Traitor, and would brag with too much insolence, that he had made the Princess of Persia, and the daughter of his Father's Enemy, die for love: I will rather live to hate him, and to despise him, and though I begin too late, and am only wise to my own cost, and to my own confusion, it is no matter, though I change last, I change at least with justice, and have the satisfaction to do that without a crime, which he has done with a baseness detested both by the Gods and Men.  
She many times would fall into these and such like speeches, which it would be hard for me to repeat; and in the end with time, and the consolation of the Queens, of her sister, and of her other friends, she armed herself so strongly with despite, and resentment of the injury she had received from you, that if she could not resolve to hate you, she resolved at least to use all her endeavours to do so, and to blot out of her mind as much as she could possibly, a remembrance that could not but be most fatal to her. This resolution made her receive those remedies that were given her for the curing of her sickness, and it was laboured with so much care, that within a while after she recovered, and left her bed, healthful in all appearance, but in effect so ill, and so much changed, that she moved compassion in all them that frequented her, and by her conversation, engaged themselves in that affection, which none that ever knew her could avoid. She than strove to banish you quite out of her mind, forbade Cleone ever to name you to her, tore all your Letters, and prayed her Sister and her Friends, not to bring any thing into her mind, by any of their actions or discourses, that might make her so much as think of you; yet was it not without strange violences, nor without feeling those bitter pangs, which you may well imagine, if you have truly loved her.  
During our stay at Memphis, Alexander's absence sheltered her from his persecutions; but after his return from the Temple of Jupiter Hammon, he found her so much altered, that he was extremely sensible of it; he tried all the ways he could possibly to learn the cause, and not being able to discover any thing, he believed that her Captivity, and the misfortunes of her house, were the only reasons; this consideration obliged him for some time to importune her less than he was wont, and in the interim he made her and the Queens also be served with respects and honours, able to have partly abated the unhappiness of their condition. About that time he gave order for the building of the new City of Alexandria, and leaving Peucestas, and Eschilus to command in Egypt, he caused us to depart from Memphis, to go toward Babylon, whither he had heard Darius was retired; and his diligence was so great, that within eleven days, we encamped upon the Bank of the Euphrates, and having passed it with a Bridge of Boats, within four days after we came unto the Tigris. The courage of the King, was indeed to be admired, in the passing of that River, he entered into the water first himself, and inviting all his soldiers by his example, made his whole Army wade through that Current, which is the most rapid and impetuous in the whole world. From thence, after having defeated Stratopaces, and some other of Darius his Troops, he came up to him within an hundred Furlongs. In the mean time Darius his Queen, worn out with toilsome Journeys, and her ordinary afflictions, fell sick, and died within a few days after. You may Judge, Sir, by your knowledge of the nature of the Princesses, how sensible they were of so great a loss, and with how many tears they deplored the death of a most virtuous Princess, and a mother that had always most dearly loved them; I will not enlarge myself upon that subject, for besides that the Discourse would be troublesome to you, you have already heard the particularities of it, and likewise you know that then I left them, to bring the sorrowful news unto Darius; I saw in what manner you received it, and within a few days after, I with you saw the issue of the bloody Battle of Arbela; I also conducted you if you remember, unto the Queen's Tents, and having been witness of the wonders you did for their deliverance, I was witness also of the usage you received from the Princess; I at that time thought it very strange, but having continued with them, after you went out, I since learned the cause of that unlooked for reception, and wondered no more, as I had done, at a fault which could not be excused by a lesser cause than that which I have faithfully related.  
Tyreus having made a little stop at these words, I do not marvel, (said my Prince, wiping some tears which that remembrance drew from his eyes) if that poor Princess so maliciously abused, could not endure the sight of him, who with so much probability, aught to pass in her opinion, for the basest of all men living. Alas! how just was her displeasure, and how cunningly, and artificially was that plot contrived! but proceed, Tyreus, for I well imagine this is not the last of my misfortunes.  
After the Battle of Arbela (pursued Tyreus) I remained as I was before, in the service of Sysigambis, and the Princesses, and the day after that bloody defeat, I departed with them, and passing through Arbela we arrived at Memnium in three days, and from thence marched with Alexander directly to Babylon. But scarce were we upon our way, when Mazeus the Governor of that Province, came to meet him with his children, all his friends, and the principal Inhabitants of that City; and presenting him the keys of it brought him in, and accompanied him himself within the Walls. Bagistanes, Governor of the Citadel, and Keeper of all the Treasure, delivered up both into his hands, and the Citizens having hung the Streets with rich hangings, adorned the Walls of their Houses, with their most costly Furniture, and strewed the ground all over with Flowers, received him as a God, rather than as a Man, and submitted unto the yoke with an Universal applause. Alexander used Mazeus Bagistanes▪ and all the Inhabitants, with much gentleness, and entering into the Town at the head of his Forces, he took possession, of what the cowardice of his new subjects gave up to him.  
In this interim, it would be a hard matter for me to represent the several inclinations, which the Princess had toward you, after your coming into the Tent; how much soever she strove to hate you, she could not be contented with your death, and believing you were slain in the Battle, she was certainly like to die with grief; but being come to Babylon, she heard Alexander speak of you, and heard from him, that the valiant man, who had done so many wonders for her liberty, was not killed, and that Eumenes having by his command taken him from among the dead bodies, had caused him to be carried to Arbela, where they had left him alive, and with hope of recovery. The nobleness of her heart, rather than her love, made her rejoice at this news, and remembering out of how many dangers the Gods had delivered you, she believed you might escape that as well as the rest, and though she no longer had any design upon you, yet did she make some prayers for your conservation, and begged of the Gods to bring you back happily into Scythia, for a recompense of the services you had done her family, out of your mere generosity, it was to that virtue alone she did ascribe them all, and though Cleone put her in mind of the last you would have done her, and that Barsina remembered her of your last words, so contrary to those of your Letter, and to the report of Arbates, who said he had left you in Hyrcania, ready to pass the Araxis, whereas she had seen you with Darius, fight for her safety to the last drop of your blood; she answered that in those words, You had dissembled, as well as in your former professions, that being upon the point of entering into Scythia, the anger of the King your Father (who perhaps had been advertised of your abode in the Court of his Enemy) had without doubt made you return to Darius, where your Valour had made you fight, with your ordinary success. And when Barsina pressed her upon that consideration, and said to her; But Madam; how valiant soever he be, or how strictly soever banished from his Country, what could those passionate words he spoke to you serve him for, and to what purpose was that despair which he so visibly testified, if really he did not love you?  
But Barsina (replied the Princess) what could the sending back of my bracelet serve him for, and to what purpose was that Letter so sharp, and so full of injuries and indignities, if really he had loved me? Do you think these latter signs of his love, clearer than those former proofs of his hatred and contempt? Or can you imagine any thing that should have obliged him to it, or any dazzling of our eyes, that should have made us mistake his Letter, and my Bracelet? besides (pursued she) if you took notice, he never spoke one word to pacify me, and after he had contented himself, with telling me, instead of a justification, that if I had any thing to reproach him with, I might take a convenient season, he arrogantly upbraided me with his services, and went out of the Tent, without so much as vouchsafing to give me a salute. Do you not judge Barsina, that in permitting me to make reproaches other where, he confessed I had cause to do so, and that in not deigning to bend his spirit to some word of justification, he had lost all the respect he had, or had feigned to have heretofore unto me? Though the Princess discoursed on this manner, yet did she not cease often to make reflection upon your last words, and upon your last actions, and in the uncertainty they caused in her, she remained in such supence between her first inclinations, and the resolution she had taken to love you no more, that if you had returned at that time, you might without question have blotted out much of those impressions; but not hearing any news at all of you, she in the end absolutely believed, that you had utterly forgotten her.  
In the mean while Alexander expressed his love to her by an infinite number of proofs, and during the stay he made at Babylon, she hardly passed one day without visiting her: One time when he was in her company with Ptolomeus, and Lysimachus, falling with them upon the discourse of the battle of Arbela, and of the divers encounters he had had with you, he desired the Princess very earnestly to tell him your name and quality, and she having answered that she knew you not; Whosoever he be (replied the King) if his birth be equal to his virtue and graceful fashion, he is exceeding worthy to be loved, but though his valour was able alone to make me esteem him, the declaration he made in coming up to me, of his love to you, made me take a more express care either of his safety, or of the honour of his burial. 'Tis by this Madam (continued he) you may know the nature of the love I bear you, since he who by his own confession had so great a thirst to take away my life, finds the preservation of his own, in the care of his very rival; and since I lose the remembrance both of mine own interest, and of mine own safety, to serve a person who loves you to the prejudice of my happiness and of my life itself. This is to have an affection very pure, and very free frm common considerations, and if you consider it as you ought, you will certainly lose much of that humour, which makes you disdain a Prince who is dying for you.  
The Princess answered him very modestly: Sir, I disdain not so illustrious a person, neither do I receive the honours you do me, any other way then as the state of my present condition may permit me, I confess I have great obligations to you, and by their greatness, I strive as much as I can possible, to counterbalance the evils you have done us; but Sir, what particular marks soever you give me of your affection, which way would you have me to receive the proofs and expressions of your love, while you persecute my Father with so much cruelty, and that not being satisfied with the usurpation of his dominions, you aim so eagerly at his life, and refuse him the retreat of a little corner, which is all he hath left of so many Countries he formerly possessed? Which way would you have me receive the offers you make me of your liberty, so long as I am deprived of mine own? and how will you have me believe myself your Queen and your Mistress, so long as I know I am really your prisoner, and your Captive? Alexander was ashamed at this discourse, and with his hand hiding the blush which came into his face, Your reproaches Madam (said he) have much reason hitherto, but the cause of them shall quickly cease with the War; which if I have made against Darius, it has been for Empire, and for glory, and if I be firm in the prosecution of my Victory, it is less to have the honour of Conquering him, then to have the means of using him generously; it is that I may myself restore that to him, which I have gloriously taken from him, and to make you Mistress of Asia by the gift you shall receive of it from me, rather than by succession.  
When we shall see these effects (replied the Princess) of your goodness, and of the affection you profess to me, neither Darius will be so ungrateful as not to acknowledge that obligation as he ought, nor I so disobedient as not to submit unto the command he shall lay upon me, to honour you, and to esteem your person, both according to the greatness of your actions, and to the favours you shall do us. Though Alexander was not satisfied with this answer, he feigned nevertheless to be so, and from that time forward he laboured to win her love, by all the actions which he thought might be pleasing to her.  
After we had stayed a month at Babylon, we were to remove from thence to Susa. Abulites the Governor of that Town, did as Mazeus had done, and coming to meet Alexander upon the bank of the River Hydaspes, delivered it up into his hands, with infinite store of spoil, and fifty thousand talents. That Town put an end to the Princess' voyages, and Alexander finding by Statira's countenance and discourse, how much she was troubled to run after all his expeditions, and to endure the incommodities of his Army, gave them leave to reside in that City, from whence they have never stirred since that time, having left the charge of them to Archelaus, Xenophilus, and Callicrates, with three thousand selected Macedonians for their Guard, and for the Garrison of the Town. Before his departure he went to take his leave of them, and talking with Statira, while Hephestion who was in love with Parisatis, and favoured by the King in his affection was entertaining her. Madam (said he) I am forced to leave you, but though I go from hence, my thoughts shall not be separated from you; perhaps I shall come back one day to lay all my Victories at your feet, and I pray the Gods to grant that I may be able to conquer your mind, as they make me able to conquer Kingdoms, and that I may find you as much softened at my return, as I leave you obdurate at my departure.  
The Princess replied, You shall always find me most ready to acknowledge both your worth, and the favours you do me, and I will never rule my actions otherwise then by the will of my Parents, and the usage they shall receive from you. If the Princess had followed her own inclinations; she would have repulsed him with less obliging terms, but being extremely discreet she would not exasperate a young Victorious Prince by her disdains, nor give him occasion by her deportment, to cast off that respect which he had ever showed her. He departed on this manner from Susa, and left them by his absence in a very great tranquillity: it lasted for some time without interruption, but within a while after the Queen was earnestly solicited by Madates her Nephew, and Governor of the Province of the Vxians, who having incensed Alexander by his resistance, and not being able to obtain pardon, implored her credit with him from a Town where he was besieged, and reduced to extremity. Sysigambis suffered herself to be urged a great while before she could find in her heart to make any request to Alexander, but in the end being forced to it by the importunities of Madates, who had stirred up that displeasure only by his fidelity, she wrote to him in his favour, and besought him to grant her only the life of her Nephew. I was dispatched to the King with her Letter, and I obtained not only Madates his safety, but also his re-establishment in all his Commands, and the conservation of the Privileges of his people, with the same immunities and advantages they enjoyed under Darius. He sent back some of his servants with me, who brought a Letter to the Queen, and another to the Princess, that to the Queen contained only Civilities, and the other to the Princess was as near as I can remember in these words.  
ALEXANDER to the Princess STATIRA.  
I Give Madates his life to the Queen who asked it of me, and I give the whole Province to my Princess who asked me nothing; I would it pleased the Gods that she were as easy to be entreated, and that she would lose all her rigour to me as quickly as the remembrance of her hath dissipated all my anger against those that have relation to her. It is only of you fair Statira that I implore the same mercy which these vanquished people have obtained, since it is for you alone that I suffer much sharper pains, than those which they apprehended; use me but as I use them, and do not dishonour your Conquest by showing cruelty in his destruction, who hath rendered himself without any resistance, I hope for this effect from your generosity, and only from your goodness for the safety of  
ALEXANDER.  
The Princess Parisatis received one also from Hephestion, but I having no interest in it, never desired to learn what it was: The Princess Statira by the Queen's advice answered Alexander to this purpose.  
The Princess STATIRA to King ALEXANDER.  
BOth in the safety of Madates, and in all your actions, we receive proofs of your virtue, I shall always have a most justly deserved value of it, and for the favour our friends have received from you, desires full of acknowledgement and esteem; this is all that a Captive can do for her Lord, and all that Great Alexander can expect from the unfortunate  
STATIRA  
She received yet some other Letters, which it is not necessary for me to repeat, and after these Messages, O Gods! can I have the heart to tell it you? these poor Princesses received the fatal news of the death of poor Darius, and within a few days the body of that great Prince which Alexander sent them, to bestow upon it the honours of Burial. Be pleased Sir, to give me leave to be brief in this sad Story, and (as the industrious Painter) to cover that sorrow with a Veil which I am not able to represent: It will suffice me to tell you that all the most doleful and lamentable expressions of grief and despair, appeared then to the full in the actions of those Princesses, and that being overwhelmed with such a bloody surcharge of affliction, they with all hope of consolation, lost all their remainder of courage and resolution; they lay many days prostrate upon the ground, vailed and separated from all conversation, and solemnised this last loss with so many tears, that we doubted their lives would find a passage through their eyes. I will not weary you with reckoning up the ceremonies which were observed at the funeral of that great King, they were too deeply afflicted to affect any extraordinary pomp in so sorrowful an action; and Darius was too deeply buried in their hearts, to suffer them to employ their cares in the Fabric of a Monument, less sensible, and less worthy of the ashes of that great Prince. Upon his Tomb they offered tears of blood, locks of their hair, and made imprecations against Alexander, but scarce had they allowed any respite to their first transports of grief; when he arrived at Susa, whether the design of visiting them, and giving them some consolation, had brought him with some of his friends Among those that accompanied him was Prince Oxiartes the deceased King's brother, who had been found among the prisoners, and whom the King after he had favoured him as his quality and virtue deserved, had received into the number of his friends, and settled again in all his dignities: he would needs wait upon him in a visit to persons that were so near and dear to him; and indeed the sight of him gave them all the comfort which this last blow of Fortune had left them capable to receive. He sadly mingled his tears with theirs, and for Darius his death expressed all the resentments of a good Brother, and of a virtuous Prince.  
Alexander found those poor afflicted Ladies in a chamber the windows whereof were close shut up, and scarce could he perceive them in so gloomy and mournful an obscurity. By the light of certain great Tapers, he saw so many tears fall from the eyes of his Princess, that his heart was nearly touched with compassion. That first day he did nothing but weep with them, the next he endeavoured to give them some consolation, he spent many others likewise in that employment, and never desisted from that care till he saw their grief a little abated, when he found they were something in better condition, and that he judged the Princess capable of other discourse, he fell again into professions of love, and renewed his protestations with so much ardour, that she thereby understood the violence of his passion better than she had ever done before. Her grief was very sensibly redoubled by it, and having suffered him some time with patience, when she saw he persevered with obstinacy, she could no longer kee●●n her indignation, nor hide the resentment she had against him who had destroyed their house; and one day when he had urged her extraordinarily, after having looked upon him with an eye inflamed with anger, Sir (said she) you are yet died with the blood of Darius, and by those winning marks of your affection, you would oblige his Daughter to love you; the Queen my Mother lately expired under the pains she suffered in her Captivity, and you would have me look with a loving eye upon him that has sent her to her grave, the fields are yet covered with the carcases of a million of our Subjects, and of the most eminent of our kindred, the ruins of our fairest Cities are yet smoking with the fire that has devoured them, and all the Countries which heretofore obeyed the King my Father, are at this present objects only of terror and desolation, and you would have me give myself to him who has laid them waste, to the murderer of my nearest friends, and to the cruel destroyer of the Kingdom and Family of Persia. No, no Sir, 'tis not by such like obligations, 'tis not by the blood of her friends, nor by the ruin of her Estates, that the heart of a Princess is to be won, how great virtue soever shines visibly in you, and what marks of greatness soever I acknowledge, I cannot consider you otherwise then as the murderer of my mother, and the murderer of my father. Give at least some truce to her whom you have deprived of a father that was the greatest of all the Kings of the Earth, of a mother who most tenderly loved her, and of the hope of the most flourishing Empire in the world. Enjoy that peaceably which they and I resign to you, I neither envy you your victories, nor your Kingdoms, envy not me therefore the repose I beg, and suffer that all that remains of Darius, may spend the remnant of her life in tranquillity, in some little corner of those Territories which were formerly his. It is not till the extremity Sir, and after the loss of the hope you had given me of Darius his safety, and re-establishment, that I make this request to you, and this declaration. I have carried myself toward you hitherto as a Princess, who though she had a thousand causes to hate you, had yet a father to preserve, and I suffered an affection which the death of the Queen my Mother, and that of so many thousands of our Subjects, aught to have made me reject with horror, only to make use of it, to the advantage of a Father, whom the Gods had yet been pleased to leave me. You have deprived me of him since, both contrary to pity, which is natural to men, contrary to the veneration due to sacred persons, and contrary to the promises you had made me yourself; you have prosecuted him to the last moment of his life, and never gave him over, till you had seen him breath out his soul by so cruel a death, that yourself, and all that wear a Crown, aught to tremble at it with horror. Now that I have suffered all, and lost all, I have nothing more left to apprehend, nor nothing to desire, and I need no longer dissemble with a person, whom I no longer fear, and from whom I no longer hope for any thing. I am not ignorant, Sir, of the power which Victory, and Usurpation have given you over me, but neither am I ignorant of the means to free myself from it, assoon as I shall see you endeavour to abuse it, and the Gods who have caused me to be born a Princess, have taught me the way to die also like a Princess.  
These words struck Alexander with a very great astonishment, and she had hardly ended them, when rising from before him, she went into another Chamber, and would neither see him, nor hear him any more, notwithstanding all the entreaties that were used to her, and all the commands she received from the Queen. Alexander admiring the greatness of her courage, and not being able to contradict the truth of her reproaches, was yet so stung with them, that he protested before Sysigambis, he would never importune her more while he lived, and that he would change the design he had had for her advantage, unto the favour of some other Mistress. So without making any longer stay at Susa, he took horse with those that had attended him, and carrying back Oxiartes with him, he returned unto his Army, which was in the same place where he had left it a few days before.  
Before he went away, he gave order that the Queen and the Princesses, with all the companions of their fortune, should be no longer kept as prisoners, knowing well that after the death of Darius, and the loss of all they had, their surest retreat was under his protection; he therefore settled great allowances to maintain them, and left them in a perfect liberty. Hereupon many of the Ladies whose husbands, and Fathers had continued still at their own houses, or had been reestablished in them, and their commands by Alexander, went home again unto them, Rox●●a's Mother was one of that number, being sent for by her husband, who having retired into his Government, had not yet felt the power of Alexander. She departed from Susa, when she had taken her leave of the Queen and Princesses, and took her daughter Roxana along with her. Statira who loved her not, was not sorry for her going away, and though cunning Roxana shed some dissembling tears at that separation, the Princess to whom her malice was well enough known, showed but very little trouble for parting with her.  
The daughters of King Occhus, fair, and virtuous Princesses, and the daughters of Mentor, remained still at Susa. Barsina would not forsake Statira, with whom she● was knit in a most constant friendship, though she heard within a while after that her Father Artabazus with the rest of his Family, had been courteously received by Alexander, and placed in the number of his dearest, and most considerable friends, and certainly his virtue deserved that usage, for having preserved so inviolable a fidelity to his deceased King, that the changes of his fortune, had never made him capable of change.  
The Court of Susa would at that time have been reasonable fair, if it had not been composed of persons, whose faces were the true pictures of sorrow and desolation; the situation of that Town is very pleasant, and the conveniency of the Walks invited the Princesses often to divert part of their melancholy in them. They spent a whole year there without being troubled with any new disquiet, and hearing every day the marvellous progress of Alexander's Forces, they learned how he had vanquished the Mardes, and conquered all Hyrcania, how he had subdued the Draches, the Evergetes, the Hydaspians, and all the people that inhabit near Mount Caucasus, how he had also made the Bactrians and Zogdians submit unto him, and how all the Territories that heretofore were under Darius, had already received the Macedonian yoke, and lived under them in a still calm, and a very perfect obedience: The most pleasing news they heard, was that of the punishment of Bessus, whom after he had seized upon Bactria, Alexander had taken, by his own cowardice, and the conspiracy of his friends; and that great King, detesting so wicked a fellow stained with the murder of his Prince, had delivered him into Oxiartes hands, who to revenge the death of his brother, had caused that Parricide to be put to death, by an extraordinary kind of execution; he made four Trees to be bended down by a great number of men, and causing the legs and the arms of that disloyal man to be fast tied unto the branches of them, they being all let slip with violence, tore every one its quarter, and dismembered that miserable wretch, with marvellous suddenness. Alexander pardoned Narbazanes at the intercession of the Eunuch Bagoas, who was in greater favour with him, than he had been with Darius.  
After this news, they heard another, at which they were very much surprised, and that was the Marriage of Alexander to Roxana, which by the hastiness of it, filled his whole Court, and all Asia, with astonishment. At these words, my Prince interrupting the Eunuch, What, (said he) has Alexander then married the wicked Roxana? Yes, Sir, (answered the Eunuch) and learn but in two words how that adventure was related to us. Alexander being come into the Province of the Sa●ans, Roxana's father who was Governor of it, after he had delivered up all the Towns, and the whole Country into his hands, made him a very stately reception, and a most magnificent entertainment. His fairest ornament in the King's eye, was his daughter Roxana, who accompanied by thirty other Ladies, chosen among the most beautiful of all that Province, waited upon the King all the while he was at meat, and that Prince who had formerly seen her near the Queens, with an indifferent eye, thought her at that time so attractive, that he became passionately in love with her, and having by long absence, by his great employments, and partly by disdain quenched the affection he had borne Statira, he resolved to make Roxana his wife, and not deferring longer to effect it, he declared his intention to his friends, and to the Father of that Princess, and having the consent of all, either through fear, or through compliance, he consummated the marriage the same day, and raised that proud, malicious woman, to a fortune which she had never pretended to.  
The Queen, and the Princesses were amazed at this news, and though they did not at all envy her advancement, their knowledge of her humour made them apprehend her power, and fear some part of those misfortunes which have since befallen them. Yet Statira was exceeding glad that she was by that marriage delivered from Alexander's importunities, and began to live with more tranquillity, than she had done since the loss of Darius, and the belief of your supposed infidelity: In the mean time notwithstanding all the care she had taken to blot you out of her remembrance, yet could she not utterly do it, but you returned into it in so many, and so different forms, that she hardly knew you any more.  
Scarce did you begin to appear unto her imagination, as that brave Oroondates by whom she had been so perfectly loved, and from whom she had received so many services but presently a new fancy represented you, as that faithless, and dis-obliging Prince of Scythia, who had so cruelly forsaken her, and so mortally injured her: She spent the most part of her life in these different thoughts, and seemed so loosened from all other cares, and all other divertisements, that the Queen, the Princess her sister, and her best friends, had with the hope, given over also the endeavour of making her forget her sadness.  
It is not necessary for me, Sir, to tell you all the less important particulars of her life; during Alexander's absence there happened nothing remarkable at Susa, but in the end two years after his departure, we heard he was returning thither, having subdued the Indies, and all the people that inhabit on this side of the River Ganges. The Princesses received this news, with their ordinary moderation, and to shorten this Discourse, within some days after they saw him come back with a Triumphant Army, laden with the Spoils of the greater part of the world. Assoon as he was arrived, he went to visit them, and rendered them all the civilities and honours they could have expected from those whom the Gods had made to be born their subjects. He entertained the Princess with Discourses full of respect, and remembering the resolution he had taken at his departure, & the affection he had promised to his Queen Roxana, he continued a few days in a very great coldness, and conversed with her in terms full of indifferency. But in the end the sight of her wakened his passion which was but laid asleep, and the charms of that fair Princess working their usual effects, wiped out of his mind both all his resolutions, and all the impressions which the beauty, and subtlety of Roxana had made in it.  
That new Queen had stayed behind at Pasargada, by reason of a sickness that hindered her from accompanying the King to Susa, and it was her absence that gave him a fuller liberty to fall again into his old affection. He began his Courtship afresh with more earnestness than before, and confirming himself by the custom of Persia, which permits the marrying of many wives, he returned unto the service of Statira with that design, and laboured to gain her consent, by all the proofs it was possible to give her of his love. He found her the same he had left her when he went away, and received answers from her, that would a thousand times have repulsed, or a thousand times made desperate another man, whose courage had been less firm and constant. But that great Prince being invincible in all things, persevered with so 〈◊〉 a resolution, and combated her mind with so much patience, that the Princess considering with what submission, and respect he served her, being in a condition that gave him all manner of authority over her, began to lose some part of her aversion, or of the resentment she had against him; and accustomed herself to receive him, and suffer him with more mildness, and compliance than she was wont before; not that she could dispose herself to love him, and sway her mind into a second passion, after having been so unhappy in the former; for having been so ill dealt withal by the first man she had ever loved, she had conceived a general indignation against all others; but at least she brought herself to look upon him as the greatest Prince in the world, and as he, who of all men living, did at that time express most affection to her. Alexander was contented for a while with this alteration, which he thought very advantageous to him, hoping that he might win her insensibly, and that having obliged her to some compliance and esteem, he might at last engage her in the affection he so much desired; but when he found that all his hopes were vain, and that she continued still in the same terms, he thought best to beg the assistance of her friends, and of those that had any authority over her, and having vainly employed the credit of Cleone, Apamia, and of the Princess Parisatis herself, he addressed himself to Queen Sysigambis, and discovered his heart, and passion unto her, in such moving, and obliging words, that meeting with a mind already full of esteem of him, he wrought in it also a great willingness, and desire to procure his satisfaction in that design. When she was retired, she sent for the Princess into her Chamber, and having commanded all to withdraw, she spoke to her Grandchild to this purpose, I always believed (my Statira) that this resistance you have shown against Alexander's affection, had been an effect of that great courage, which you drew from the illustriousness of your birth, from the example of your Ancestors, and from the resentment you still had for the losses of our Family, against him that is the Author of them; and truly I have hitherto found so much justice in those thoughts, that I have not condemned you for them. But n●w that fortune has wholly rejected us, and absolutely submitted us to him, who submits himself absolutely to us, me thinks we should part with a little of our severer resolutions, for him that parts with much of the rights he hath over us, and no longer seek our own utter ruin, in an unseemly, and unseasonable generosity. Alexander our Conqueror, and our Master, woos you with the submissions of a slave, to a thing whereof all the glory, and all the advantage will be yours, and he who by all manner of rights, may obtain all that he can desire of you, upon terms that are most shameful, and very different from those he offers you; devests himself of all his power, to present you the Empire of the whole world, with respects, and humilities which are very extraordinary.  
Consider it, (Statira) and do not still persist in a rigour, which would prove destructive to you, and which is no longer consistent with reason, no, nor with generosity itself; if some of his actions have given us cause of tears, and of complaints against him, let us believe that the Gods who had destined him to an universal Monarchy, and to the ruin of our family, could not have made the Relics of it fall into the hands of a more gentle and indulgent Conqueror; and let us consider that the evils he has done us, and which by the will of the Gods, he was decreed to do us, if they can be counterpoised by obligations, are so by those he voluntarily hath laid upon us. In short, Statira, fear, or rather let us all fear, he may change his humour, and grow weary at last of entreating her whom without punishment he may constrain: This is the counsel I give you, both for your own interest and ours; and since that by the death of my dear children, there remains none but myself, who hath any lawful power over you, I command you as much as I can do now, not to resist his affection any more, so long as he shall sue for yours by means that are so glorious to you, and by offers of a Crown which raises our house again to a much greater splendour then that from whence it is fallen.  
Having ended these words, she left the Princess alone, with liberty to digest them: she at first thought it extreme difficult, and defended herself a long time against the consideration of her obedience to the Queen, against the dangers wherewith she threatened her, and against the advantages she proposed unto her; but being some few days after urged again, with the like, or more pressing arguments, and seeing herself persecuted by those friends she esteemed most, she opened her eyes to the truth of those reasons they alleged, and looking upon Alexander, whom till then she had beheld only with disdain, she saw nothing in his person that was not truly great, and truly amiable. He is (as you know) a very handsome Prince, in the flower of his age, and endowed (besides that valour which has made him the greatest of all men living) with all the qualities that can render a person most complete. The Princess considering these things, without that animosity, which before had hidden all the lustre of them from her, and remembering that by your infidelity, she was more than dispensed with, for the promise which she had made to you, and of which she believed you would never exact the performance, suffered herself in the end, (though with very much ado) to be overcome by so many appearances of reason, and by the persuasions of all those that had any credit with her.  
Oroondates could not forbear interrupting the Eunuch in this part of his Relation with so many sobs, and such lamentable complaints, that he forced him to break off the thread of his Discourse, and melt into tears of compassion. His fire was kindled again by this recital, and so much of his affection as was smothered by the belief of his Princess' infidelity, broke forth again into such a violent flame, by the knowledge of her innocence, that he became more ardent, and more passionate than ever; He was a great while before he could settle again, and when Tyreus saw him a little recovered, he went on with his story on this manner.  
I will not relate unto you, Sir, the joy of Alexander, nor the sumptuous preparations for the Wedding, but will only tell you, that within a few days after he had her consent, he married her publicly at Susa, with all the pomp, and all the magnificence, which the high quality of two such eminent persons could require, and crowned her Queen of all the people that lived under his obedience. That Wedding was not celebrated alone, for with the liking of the King, Sysigambis, Artabasus, and of all those that had interest in them, Hephestion married the Princess Parisatis, and shortly after Ptolomeus, and Eumenes, Apamia and Arsinoe, Artabasus his two younger daughters, and many other Princes, and Lords of the Court, were wedded to the Princesses, and Ladies of Persia. The King then seeing himself peaceable possessor of that beauty, for which he had sighed so long, desired to stifle the remembrance of all past misfortunes in an universal joy, and restored those happy days to Persia, which had so long been banished thence. Sysigambis took the same place with him, she had enjoyed with Darius, & really gave him the affection, she had born unto that dear son. Oxiartes and Artabasus, were in greater splendour and authority than they had been under him, and all the Persians began generally under the mildness of his Reign, to recover breath after that tedious burden of their miseries, & hope of that quiet peace which had forsaken them. The King having got so rich a prize of Beauties▪ took his revenge upon them, for all the disquiets they had made him suffer, and made much of his fair Queen, with so dear a tenderness, that she began to approve that out of affection, which she had yielded to only out of reason of State; she began to condemn that obstinacy, which had so long made her fly from her own happiness, and by the strength of her virtue, banishing all those remembrances, that could withdraw her from the love she owed unto the husband which the Gods had given her, she gave herself to love him in good earnest, as her duty, and the proofs of his affection obliged her. Then it was that to please him, she drove away all those sorrows which were wont to appear in her troubled countenance, and by a compliance worthy to be esteemed, she set forth her beauties with all the ornaments, which the misfortunes of her house had caused her to lay aside.  
But scarce had she begun to taste the sweetness which this change of her condition might have brought her, when Queen Roxana came to Susa; she had not yet fully recovered the sickness that had retained her at Pasargada, but having got a hint of the King's relapse into his old passion, and of his design for a second marriage, she resolved to break it by the means she had in a readiness; but being advertised of it too late, she arrived not at Susa till eight days after the wedding. I can very hardly tell you the greatness of her displeasure at it, and the words which jealousy, and the competition of a rival so much advantaged above her, made her to bring forth. It being no longer in her power to hinder a thing already done, she took a resolution at least to alienate their minds as much as possible she could, and to put Statira again into her first affection, thereby to withdraw her from what she owed to a husband, whom she desired to possess alone. With this determination she went to visit her the next day after her arrival, and after a salute full of civility and dissimulation, and an hour of indifferent discourse, she prayed her to withdraw into her Closet, for she had something to say to her in private; The Queen did as she desired, and shutting the door, when they were alone, Roxana broke silence in these words; It is hard for me Madam, longer to conceal the obligation which you have to me; and the desire I have to be better beloved of you, than I have been heretofore, forces me to declare that 'tis to me alone you owe this establishment, and this greatness to which you are now raised.  
The Princess astonished at this beginning, would have replied, when Rovana perceiving her amazement, pursued on this manner, Let not this discourse surprise you Madam, I say nothing but truth, and I will quickly make you see it by infallible proofs; yet to speak unfeignedly, when I laboured for your happiness, I did not pretend to that I now possess; for perchance I should not have been so good a friend as to procure that Fortune for you to my own prejudice, which since that time the Gods have granted to myself; but having always believed, that only the Daughter of Darius was worthy to be the wife of Alexander the Great, I used all my endeavours to dispose her to love him, and to drive out of her mind all those thoughts that might withdraw her from a felicity which she rejected out of considerations that were justly to be blamed. That was it which made me often go about to make a difference between you and Oroondates, and which made me at last find a means to banish him out of your heart, and to introduce an affection that would be more advantageous to you. True it is Madam, that my knowledge how firmly you were fixed upon a person as unhappy as yourself, made me take recourse to all kind of inventions that I might, to give you inclinations more prifitable to yourself; I feigned to love him, thereby to win him from you; and though I laboured but in vain, and that he ever preferred his fidelity to you inviolable, I fortunately drew the means from that dissimulation, to make him utterly lose your favour, and to make him pass in your opinion, for guilty and disloyal, though he were in effect the most faithful, and the most innocent of all men living.  
Statira interrupting her at these words, Ah! Madam (said she) what is this you tell me? Was Oroondates innocent after the proofs he gave me of his infidelity, which are so clear and visible, that it is not possible for him to disavow them himself if he be yet alive? He was so (replied Roxana coldly) and I would not confess unto you the treachery I used, if my design had not been very good, and the success very advantageous for you: and to make it appear to you Madam (continued she) all the knowledge you ever had of his inconstancy, comes only from the sending back of the Bracelet you gave him, and from a Letter which you received by one of his servants; as for the Bracelet it never was in his hands after the time he was at Damascus, where I made it to be stolen from him by the same Arbates, who brought it to you, and whom I by gifts corrupted to deceive his Master, and afterward to forsake him to serve me in the design I had against him. Then for the Letter it was not intended to you, and if you have it still you may observe it hath no Superscription upon it, but that by which it was directed to you, was written upon another paper, in which both the Letter and Bracelet were folded up. Besides, there is no great probability, those words should have been written to one for whom he had taken so much pains; if their sense had some reference to your condition, it agreed much more with mine, and indeed I was the person to whom it was addressed, being the Answer of a Letter I writ to him to Sidon, by a Page that went along with the man, who came from Abdolominus to fetch a Passport for him; the Bracelet he sent me back was one of my own hair, and the Letter I wrote, was in the most dis-obliging terms I could invent, to draw such an Answer from him as I desired: by good fortune he returned me such an one as I could have wished for my design, and to let you see I have not forgotten them, these were the very words of both. With that she repeated first her own, and then that she had received from Oroondates, without omitting a syllable, and then continued; Seeing it so proper and in terms that suited so well with my intention, I put his true Bracelet within it, and having sent for Arbates, whom I had gotten to leave his Master at his departure from Sidon, he readily undertook the carriage of it, and did not only fold it up in a loose cover just as it was before, but counterfeiting Oroondates his hand exactly, directed it to you, and furnished me also with a trick to take the perfect impression of his Seal. I have heard since that he acquitted himself likewise in the delivering of it as well as I could have desired, and assured you that he had left his Master in Hyrcania, though you may have learned since that at that time he had not stirred from Darius.  
After these words she laid open unto her all the rest of her treachery, and made it so clear and visible to that poor Queen, that there remained not the least doubt either of her wickedness, or of your innocence. This discovery touched her heart so deeply with grief and repentance, that all her blood retiring thither, left her fair body pale, cold, without motion stretched upon the bed where they were sitting. Wicked Roxana, who would have been gladder to have seen her dead then in a swoon, going to the door called in only Cleone, and showing her her Mistress in that case, could do no less though against her will then assist her endeavours to bring her to life again, and having thrown cold water in her face, they at last saw her open her eyes, and being set up by their assistance, she looked round about her with so sorrowful an eye, that without doubt she moved compassion even in her, who had put her into that estate.  
Roxana coming with a feigned officiousness to comfort her, Madam, (said the Queen to her) let me alone I pray you, you by your wicked inventions may well give me my death, but shall never by Oroondates his innocence, make me fail against what I owe unto the King my Lord and Husband. I know how to die for the expiation of the crime I have committed in forsaking and making desperate a Prince to whom I was so highly obliged; but I shall also know how to defend myself as I ought from a remembrance which I can no longer lawfully preserve. Be satisfied, Madam you shall quickly possess Alexander alone, but he alone shall possess my heart and all my affections, during the short remainuer of my life.  
At these words Roxana going away, left that poor Princess, with no body but Cleone, in such an excess of grief, that I want words to represent it to you. And certainly all that a most passionate sorrow, and the remorse of such a crime could produce in an afflicted soul, tormented hers so cruelly, that Cleone was destitute of all hope, of her ever being able to hear that last assault of fortune, though she had supported all her former ones with so much courage. Then it was that your last words, and your last actions came all into her memory, and making a just reflection upon them, she found so many marks of your love and innocence, that she could not imagine by what charm she had been bewitched to believe a thing so far from all appearances of truth. I cannot tell you, Sir, what a Flood of tears she shed at this remembrance, nor what complaints she made for a loss, which she had caused unto herself by her own credulity. Cleone got her to bed, where she presently fell into a violent Fever, within two hours after she was visited by the Princess her sister, now wife to Hephestion, and by the fair Barsina. Assoon as she saw them come in, she could not forbear sending forth a loud cry, whereat they were extremely surprised. Ah! my dear sister; Ah! my dear Barsina, said she to them, and stopping at those first words, left them to judge by her silence, of the confusion of her soul. These two Princesses astonished at that reception, drew near unto her bed, and Cleone causing all the rest that were in the Chamber to go out, gave them liberty to ask her the cause of her affliction, in a time when she seemed to have buried all the remainders of her discontent, and the Queen opportunity to discover the ground of her sorrow to them; and so she did, but with so many sighs and tears, that those two Ladies who were well acquainted with all the particulars of her life, and who had ever been much concerned in all the accidents of it, by that she came to the end of her relation, appeared in a condition little different from hers, and accompanied her with a deluge of tears, which her present grief and the remembrance of your misfortune, made to gush abundantly out of their fair eyes. Well now, (pursued the poor Queen, when she had told them the treachery of Roxana) to what do you condemn this credulous, or rather this faithless, this ungrateful Woman? and by what expiation do you believe she may repair a fault of the nature of hers? Who can restore her that dear Oroondates, which she has lost by her inconstancy? Or rather though she should recover him, who can give her the power to love him without a crime, whom she hated without a cause, and who had loved her without any reservation? Poor Prince, how well thy fidelity has been requited! And what an happy conclusion of so brave a passion as thine, was this last usage of this unthankful woman, which made thee fly from her, and from a life that was much less dear to thee then she! How fortunatly hast thou employed those years, which thou hast spent in serving, and loving her more than thyself! And how justly the loss of thy youth, of thy Estates, of thy Kindred, of thy repose, of thy blood, and peradventure of thy life hath been recompensed!  
She made many such like complaints, nor could the consolation of those dear friends diminish any thing of her affliction, and indeed they appeared so deeply touched with it themselves, that they were but little able to comfort her, by their Discourse. After she had a long time accused herself of her fault, she gave way to another thought, and justifying herself to you as if you had been there; But dear Oroondates (continued she, if at least my present condition may permit me without offence, to speak to you still by that name) how guilty soever I am, yet am I not without some excuse; and as you were most sharply stung by your knowledge of my change, so was it very hard for me to be insensible of so many appearances of yours; and though I loved you, I was a weak, simple woman, and too innocent to dive into a treachery, so maliciously contrived, and so cunningly managed; I have lost you, but believe rather that I have lost myself, and if I have caused some discontent to you, I have made myself a hell of torments, for the remainder of my miserable life. I have given myself unto another, thinking that you no longer desired to have me; but though the present I have made to him of an unhappy creature, give him the entire possession both of my body and of my mind, he shall not enjoy them long, and my duty which will not suffer me to give Oroondates that which ought only to belong to Alexander, permits me to give that unto my grave, which it forbids me to take from Alexander, and which my inclination forbids me to refuse Oroondates.  
After these she spoke many other such like words, and would not have put an end to her lamentations, if the King advertised of her being ill, had not entered into her Chamber. He came close to her bedside, and expressing his affliction by the disquietness into which that sudden alteration of her health had put him, he made her presently repent all the kind motions she had had to you, and fortified her strongly in the resolution she had taken to keep her affections entire for so worthy a husband, of whom she was so perfectly beloved.  
She concealed the cause of her indisposition from him, as well as possibly she could, and the King having kissed her very ardently; Madam, (said he) if I could deserv to have my life, and my health dear to you, I would conjure you to preserve both of them in your own, since it is impossible, you should feel any sickness, but that I shall be at least as sensible of it as yourself.  
The honour you do me, Sir, (replied the Queen) in cherishing my life, shall make me endeavour to preserve it for you, and your consideration, shall always make it dearer to me then mine own. The King answered her with those kindnesses that were permitted him, but they were such as had little conformity with the humour in which the Princess was at that time, and he would perchance have stayed a great while with her, if her sister Parisatis, who easily judged in what a constraint she was, in the presence of a great many who had accompanied him, had not desired her husband Hephestion to get him away. That Favourite whose power with the King is absolute, put him in mind how incommodious so long a visit might be unto the Queen; which consideration instantly moved him to retire. Assoon as ever he was gone, Poor Oroondates, (cried the Queen) I now am able to do nothing for thee, content thyself with the tears I give thee, and contest no longer for my heart, against the lawful possessor of it; the Gods who will not suffer me to do any thing but weep for thee, have given me entirely to him, and if thou hast loved me perfectly, thou oughtest never to wish that I for thy sake should abate any of that virtue that obliged thee to love me.  
She held her peace, because Sysigambis came in, to whom, out of respect, she said nothing at that time of what had happened to her, and having passed the rest of the day in the company of those dear friends, she spent the night in disquiets and conflicts which it is impossible for me to represent. Love and duty, fought a long time in her breast, but in the end duty got the mastery, and made her resolve rather to suffer death, than any blemish in so pure, and so unspotted a life. Nevertheless she thought she was obliged to justify herself some way to you, and since your innocence was known to her, she purposed likewise to give you assurance of hers, and to take away that impression you might have of an infidelity, which were not pardonable after so great obligations as hers to you. Within a while after the news came to Susa, of Zopirio's defeat, and it was assured at Court that the Prince of Scythia had killed him with his own hand, and that he in person commanded the Army of the King his Father. Alexander was troubled for the loss of Zopirio, and of his Army, and thereupon gave order that his whole Court should wear mourning for three days; but he did not prepare himself to take revenge, though there was a strong rumour spread abroad, that he would come in person into this Country; for indeed Zopirio had not undertaken that War by his Orders, but unknown to him, and out of an unjust desire to make himself great.  
The Queen was infinitely pleased to hear news both of your life, and of the place where you were, and when she had long consulted with Cleone what means she should use to give you some satisfaction, and whom she should employ in the business, at last they cast their eyes upon me, in whom they had found fidelity enough to be trusted with a matter of that importance; and assoon as the Queen was able to leave her bed, where her indisposition kept her for some days she sent for me into her Closet, whither she admitted no body but Cleone, and after having looked awhile upon me; Tyreus, (said she) I have known nothing by you hitherto, that should give me occasion to doubt of your fidelity, but the service I desire from you now, is of such a nature, that it forces me to exact new Oaths from you of it, and Protestations, that you will not deceive me in a business which I will trust to none but you alone.  
At these words, I cast myself at her feet, and kissing the hem of her robe; Madam, (said I) I protest unto your Majesty, by all the duty I owe to great Orosmades, by the memory of King Darius my Sovereign Lord, and by the head of Alexander the Great, that to my grave, I will preserve the fidelity I have ever had unto your Family, and that I will lay down my life with joy, if your Majesty can draw any service, or advantage from the loss of it.  
I expected no less from you, (replied the Queen) and that is it that obliges me to make choice of you among all my servants, to give you a Commission, not of so much danger, as importance. Cleone will instruct you fully in it, and when you have learned from her, what I have given her charge to tell you, you shall know the rest from my own mouth.  
Having said so, she returned into her Chamber, and left me with Cleone, who informed me at large of all the passages I have now related to you, and added many particulars of the King's Loves, which the fear of being tedious, hath made me forbear to repeat; and when she had made an end of instructing me, That which the Queen desires of you, (continued she) is, that you should go and find out the Prince, and deliver him a Letter, which she writes to him for her justification, and for the peace of her own conscience. To this end, you must go into that part of Scythia, where he has defeated Zopirio; and if it please the Gods you meet him, you must make him the recital of these things I have told you, and represent unto him the Queen's innocence, in the same manner you have heard it.  
When she had thus taught me my lesson, she went unto the Queen, who coming back with her, gave me the Letter, which she had written to you, and charged me to be secret, and diligent in my Voyage, she furnished me with Gold and Jewels, to supply those necessities that might befall me, and dismissed me with a command to set forward assoon as I could possibly.  
I departed from Susa the next morning, and having informed myself of the way, I thought I should get more easily into this part of Scythia, where we are, through Thracia, and by the Bosphorus, then by Hyrcania, Bactria, and the Mount Imaus; and with this design, being after a reasonable long Journey arrived at Byzantium, I embarked in a Vessel that was bound for this Country and going to set Sail, there being already a free commerce among those people, since the time that your subjects had put themselves under the dominion of the Macedonians. Being Landed at the nearest Port unto this place, I came strait unto this Town, and the next day after my arrival, you began to lay siege unto it; this morning having received new assurances that you commanded the Army in person, I asked leave of the Governor to come forth, which was easily granted me, and by that means I obtained the happiness to see you once again, and to acquit myself of the Commission that had been given me.   
The End of the Fifth Book.   

CASSANDRA. BOOK VI.  
THE Eunuch ended his Relation on this manner, and my Prince who had harkened to all the latter part of it in a mortal agony, and had accompanied every word with a stream of tears, having heard the conclusion, gave himself so over to his lamentations, that it was not possible for him to settle himself at all, in above an hour. In the beginning he had prepared himself for the worst events he could apprehend, and though in Statira's marriage he had learned nothing but what he had ever expected, the assurance he received of his Princess' innocence and repentance, reviving all those flames, which his despite, and an absence of three years had almost extinguished, plunged him into his first passion with more violence than ever, and the knowledge of her engagement and of her virtue, forbade him ever to hope for any relief from her, who was no longer in a condition to requite, nor perhaps to suffer his affection.  
In these deadly thoughts, he received her Letter which the Eunuch presented him, and having opened it trembling, he knew the Writing of that fair hand, which he had kissed with so much ardour▪ and which he despaired ever to kiss again while he lived; he joined his lips to those lovely Characters, and bedewed them with so many tears, that he was almost like to have washed them out, this fear made him take them away, and casting his eyes upon them, after having begun with a deep sigh, he read these words.  
Queen STATIRA To Prince OROONDATES.  
I Know not generous Prince▪ how you will look upon the Letter of this guilty, or rather of this unfortunat creature that writes to you. If you turn away your eyes through aversion or resentment, cast them yet upon it, through compassion and generosity; and refuse not to see these sorrowful, and these last marks of my grief, and of my repentance: They are all that I now can give you, nay, I make myself faulty in still conserving a remembrance, which I can no longer conserve without a crime, and which I lost when I could not lose it without ingratitude. But how great soever that severity of virtue is, which ties my affection to a Husband whom I love, as I ought to love him; I think myself obliged to satisfy a person, by some protestations of my innocence, to whom besides my life, my honour, and my liberty, I owe much more. You will learn part of it from the mouth of Tyreus, and if you yet consider with some spark of goodness, the weakness of a woman maliciously abused, and the force of those appearances that deceived me, you will have more pity for my misfortune, than indignation for my change; and judging of my heart by the greatness of your own, you will yet do me the favour to believe, that all the Empires of the Earth, could never have been able to work any thing upon me, if I had thought I had still had any part in you. Give credit to this truth out of compassion, and cease to hate her, who loved you more than herself, while she could, and believed she might, and who now that she can no longer, loves you still more than she ought; this remainder of an affection which was heretofore most just, continues with me to torment me for my crime; but if I cannot blot it out of my soul, I will keep it there only for my punishment, and convert it to an use which shall not injure that I owe unto the husband whom the gods have given me, I shall always remember you, as him, to whom of all men living, my affections were most lawfully due, and from whom the Gods have taken them, only because they knew me unworthy of his: I will consider you, as the protecting Genius of our Family; I will make prayers for your prosperity, and will beg of Heaven to recompense what you have done for us. This is all I am able to render you, for so many great obligations, and it is all you could now hope for from this unhappy creature, if you should yet afford any moment of your life to the remembrance of the unfortunate  
STATIRA.  
I know not how to express into what a miserable condition this Letter put my poor sad Prince, he let it fall upon his bed with a great cry, and began to sigh with so much violence, that I feared his sorrow would instantly have deprived him of his life; he was a long time before he was able to speak one word that could be understood, then of a sudden crying out like a man beside himself; Ah! Statira, (said he) how unseasonably your repentance comes! And how much too late are you undeceived! Why do you acknowledge me for innocent, when you will no longer acknowledge me for yours? And why do you cease to hate me, now you cannot love me without a crime, since you ceased to love me, when without a crime you could not hate me? Why do you kindle those flames again, which you will never be able to extinguish while you live? And why do you force me to love you still, since out of duty, you force yourself to love me no more?  
He remained a while in this thought, then falling presently into another; No, no, Statira, (pursued he) you shall not get free at so cheap a rate, I am not so easily to be shaken off, nor can such losses as I have suffered, be so lightly repaired; your prayers for my prosperity cannot content me, and 'tis in vain you believe to satisfy me by making requests unto the Gods for my happiness, and for my repose; you who are the only creature that has destroyed my happiness and my repose, and who hast cast me headlong from that high degree of felicity, to which I was risen by my services, into that depth of misery, in which you would have me spend all the remnant of my days; ask therefore of those Gods to whom you recommend me, that they would annihilate what is past, that they would revoke your marriage, and that they would restore you again to the condition in which you were when you forsook me; behold the means to satisfy me, but since you hope not for it, no, nor so much as desire it, and that the affection you bear your husband, permits you not to make wishes in my favour, and to his disadvantage, resolve Statira, to suffer that punishment, you propose unto yourself, not only a remembrance of Oroondates, not a faint remainder of the love you gave him heretofore, but Oroondates himself from whom you have not yet escaped, you shall yet see him again at your feet, you shall yet hear his reproaches, and perchance he yet may have the happiness, to breathe out a life in your presence, which cannot possibly be but yours.  
After these and some other passionate Discourses full of love and despair, he commanded us to retire, and while I carried the Eunuch to take his rest, and that I myself endeavoured to get as much as my sense of his misfortune would suffer me, he languished out the night in disquiets a great deal more insupportable than death itself. It was no sooner day but he sent to call us, and assoon as we were alone by his bedside, Araxes, (said he to me) we must abroad again, and since the Heavens have made thee unhappy in my friendship to thee, thou must keep my misery company unto the end; I was infinitely troubled to hear this resolution, but being steadfast in my design of running his fortune throughout, and never to leave his service while I had one moment of life, Sir, (replied I) I never will forsake you, and into what Corner of the world soever you go, Araxes will not part from you, nor will ever die but at your feet.  
My Prince having tenderly embraced me, at that answer; Dear friend, (said he) the Gods will give thee the recompense thy fidelity deserves, and if by their mercy there happen any change in my condition, thou shalt have such a share in my fortune, that thou shalt not perhaps bewail thy youth, which thou losest in company of this miserable man; since therefore thou still perseverest in thy first affection, I give the same Order for my departure, that I gave for my first Voyage into Persia, I will have but the same Equipage, and the same persons that went with us, but we shall need a Bark to pass over to Byzantium, that's the way I mean to take my Journey, endeavour therefore to procure me one, and to set our businesses in such a forwardness, that we may depart within two days.  
When I had received this command, I went instantly from him, and was no sooner out of his presence, but I remembered, that in the Army we had a man of Miletopolis, nearly obliged unto my Prince, who might easily accommodate us with a Bark, and carry us himself unto Byzantium, where he had a great deal of acquaintance; I had made a particular friendship with him, having known him to be a very honest man, and going immediately to seek him, I disposed him to all I desired; and sent him away presently to the Port of Hypoleon, to set the Vessel in a readiness that was to carry us: I spoke not a word concerning my Master, but promised that I would be with him within three days.  
My Prince was overjoyed at this happy success, and by good fortune the Town we besieged, was surrendered that very day, and left almost no more matter to continue the War in that Province. Oroondates being resolved to depart the next day at night, settled some necessary Orders in the Army, and provided himself of what he thought most useful for his Journey; two hours before he went away, he wrote this Letter to Arsacomes, commanding one of his Officers to give it him after his departure.  
Prince OROONDATES to ARSACOMES.  
MY cruel destiny forces me away from you, without having the time or means to bid you farewell; you will command the Army which I leave you, and which I could not commit into better hands than yours; inquire not after the cause of my departure, nor the place of my abode, and let the King my Father know, I forsook not the Army he had given me, while this Country had any need of my presence, and he of the service of  
OROONDATES.  
We took horse two hours within night, and being followed only by Tyreus, Toxaris, and Loncates, we traveled the way toward Hypoleon, which is a very noted Haven upon the Euxin Sea, and riding by Moonlight, we arrived there by break of day. We found our Bark in the best readiness we could have wished, and the wind very right for our design: My Prince commended the diligence of him I had employed, and promising him great recompenses, went a Shipboard, then making the Mariners hoist Sail, we launched out strait toward Byzantium.  
Now, Sir, make a little reflection upon my Master's fortunes, call to mind the first actions of his life, remember the beginnings of his love, the marvellous continuation of it, and think upon the end which the Gods seemed to have put unto it; and from this consideration, draw a knowledge of the persecutions of Heaven, and of the inconstancy of Fortune: He in the course of his affection, had suffered all that the courage of man was capable to endure, and when Fortune after having taken all from him, made show to promise him some shadow of quiet, yet but a false one, and bought with the loss of his true quiet, and of all his hopes, that unstable Goddess envied him, even that appearance of repose which she had granted but by force, and took that also from him, which he enjoyed against her will.  
Behold my poor Master, yet once again in the wide world; behold him more passionate than ever, and behold him burning and flaming, even in the midst of the waves that carried him; his Bark though it cut them with a wonderful swiftness, seemed too slow by half to his desires, and though the wind carried us with a stiff and favourable gale directly toward Byzantium, yet did it not swell our Sails sufficiently to satisfy the eagerness of his love, nor blow impetuously enough to second the impatiency that transported him; he discovered it by a thousand actions contrary to his former moderation, and by a thousand sayings which retained but little of the solidity of his wont Discourse: sometimes he seemed to us reasonably cheerful, and some glimpse of hope which shined yet into his soul through the midst of so many obstacles, put him for a few moments into something a more pleasing humour: he then revolved the passages of his Princess' Letter in his thoughts, and calling to mind those words wherein she expressed the remainder of her affection most to the life, he laid new foundations for his happiness upon them, and found matter to raise his dejected hopes which had been buried so many years.  
Who forbids me to hope (said he) but that this Princess may again take up her affection, with the knowledge of my love, and of mine innocence? but what should make me doubt it, since she assures me of it herself? does she not confess that she loves me still, and that she will conserve her affection for a punishment of her crime? I am certain than she loves me, and by consequence I am most assured that I am happy; and that I am contented, since 'tis upon her love alone that I have ever grounded my happiness and my contentment; be satisfied therefore Oroondates, since thy Princess loves thee, and that moreover she would see thee, for to what other end did she cause thee to be sought out with so much care, and so much hazard of her reputation and quietness; and to what intent should she yet write so passionate a Letter to thee, if she did not desire to draw thee to her once again? She loves thee then, and she would see thee, comfort thyself therefore, and obey her, since by that consolation and obedience, thou recoverest all that thou hast lost, and goest to live in a happier condition than thou couldst hope for.  
This thought would keep him for some time reasonable well pleased, but then of a sudden the marriage of his Princess coming again into his memory, together with the consideration of her virtue, and of what she owed, and would undoubtedly pay to such a husband as Alexander, she whom he knew to be of an humour to hold herself to the severity of her duty, though to a man much less considerable than so great, and so gallant a person, thinking also upon the protestation which she made to him of it herself, and the assurances wherewith the Eunuch had confirmed it, all his hopes vanished, and he became more sad, and melancholy then before. 'Tis true (said he) Statira loves me, but she loves me for her punishment, and not for my satisfaction; this is but a new matter of grief for me; if I were still hated by her, I should only suffer my own torment, but now seeing her languish in an affection, which by her own confession, must only serve to make her unfortunate, I shall be unhappy both through her miseries, and through mine own; her Letter is only a mark of her acknowledgement, and a duty she renders to him whom she had used so ill, and by whom she had been so faithfully served; she had been very cruel if so many expressions of my love, and the knowledge she has lately had of mine innocence, had not extorted from her at least as obliging words as those of her Letter; it is a great deal less than she owes me after all that I have done for her, and though she had asked council of Alexander himself, he would not have taken it ill that she should give me this slight satisfaction, so long as she gives herself entirely to him.  
This last thought cast him down again so extremely, that as often as it came into his mind▪ he would lie immovable, and stretched out upon the deck with very little appearance of life in him; then of a sudden coming out of a deep study in which that remembrance had buried him, O Gods (cried he) perchance at this very moment while Oroondates weeps and sighs, Alexander is taking kisses from the inviting lips of my dear Princess, and perhaps that face which I have so much adored, is at this instant cemented to his, who has been the murderer of her Father and Mother, and the destroyer of her whole Family; that fair body, that excellent mind, that admired All is now his own; that glorious, that happy rival peaceably possesses both, and disdaining what I after so many services got only now and then by stealth, he with authority reaps those favours, which my respect scarce ever suffered me so much as to have a thought of. In this and such like entertainments he spent whole days and nights, and having had no other employment, we entered the Haven of Byzantium, with a very favourable wind, which had continued during all our passage thither.  
My Prince would not go into Byzantium till it was night, and the next day keeping within doors, in a by-lodging, which he that provided us our ship, had taken for him, he made Tyreus and Toxaris, buy Persian habits, with such other things as were most necessary for our Voyage, and the morning after, we took horse to travel by land directly to Susa. The way was long, and all the while we were going it, my Prince passed his time only in such thoughts as those that had taken him up while he was at sea; and for the most part was in so profound a muse, that to please him, we let him ride whole days without interruption: after we had spent many in our Journey, and had encounters which I will omit because they were not of any moment, we at last discovered the great City of Susa. At sight of it my Master could not retain his sighs, nor forbear to utter such words▪ as though they were addressed to things insensible, did not the less feelingly express the persecution he suffered by his thoughts.  
Alexander and those of his Court had never had but one hour to take notice of his face, and since that time, his three years' absence, and the greatness of his sorrows, had made such an alteration in it, that 'twould have been almost impossible for persons by whom he was so little known, to observe any features that could have discovered him; yet would he not put himself in hazard, but as little as possible he could▪ and judging what caution was necessary for the importance of what he undertook, he stayed till day had given place unto the night, and entering the Town when it was dark, he took a lodging by Tyreus his direction, in one of the least noted, and the least frequented places, and very near the Gates of the City. There he commanded me again to take the personage of his Master, before company, and desired Tyreus to keep the house for a few days, and not show he was returned, that in the interim he might watch an opportunity to discover himself unto his Princess, as he intended.  
He was tormented all the night by the most cruel thoughts, that a soul can be afflicted with, and considering Alexander's felicity, and the difference of their present conditions, though they were both shut up within the compass of the same Walls: Is it possible (said he) that that Princess of whom I was heretofore so much beloved, should now have buried all the remembrance of poor Oroondates, in the embraces of that happy husband, and that she should not at least interrupt his endearments, by some sigh in favour of him? But is it possible poor-spirited Oroondates, that while he hugs her in his arms, thou shouldst lie still with thine across, and let that unjust Usurper possess her quietly, who ought only to be thine, and whom thou hadst bought with so much blood, and so many sufferings? No, no, Oroondates, waken thyself, to make him sleep eternally, he must not live, that injurious ravisher of thy happiness, that tormentor of thy soul, and that irreconcilable enemy of thy repose: he's not immortal whatever Divinity he hath vainly affected, and the blood thou hast drawn already from his veins, tells thee at least he is not invulnerable: he must die therefore, and thou by his death must recover her, who cannot be thine while he hath life, and who while the Gods leave thee any, cannot, nor ought not to be his. Scarce had he taken this resolution, but the remembrance of Alexander's virtue altered it: That glorious Enemy had twice given him a life, which he might lawfully have deprived him of, and which the conservation of his own obliged him to destroy: Those two generous actions had so won his heart, that it was no longer able to hate him, nor to have any other inclinations but those of love and esteem. If my Interest (said he) obliges me to take away his life, was he less interessed in the loss of mine, by his knowledge that I had designs against his, and by the proofs he had already that I was not an Enemy to be despised? But if I were insensible of the motives of virtue and acknowledgement, have I forgot what I owe unto my Princess? He is her husband, and moreover she loves him: I could not attempt any thing against his life, without offending hers, nor without making her an accomplice of the death of a husband, who is most worthy of her and of her affection; let us therefore preserve our respects to him for ever, let us reverence what she loves, and what she ought to love; and if our life have already reached the term the Gods had appointed, let us not endeavour to prolong it by the loss of the most glorious one that ever was.  
He argued thus with himself in Alexander's defence, and continued a long while in these virtuous motions, but the violence of his love beginning again to torment him, drove away part of those considerations, and the day which began to appear while he was in these debates, found him still unresolved what he should do; he seemed nevertheless to incline a little to revenge, and his passion not leaving him the free use of reason, thrust him whether he would or no upon thoughts, which it is most difficult for humane nature totally to avoid.  
Not long after he was up, Loncates who had been walking abroad near the Palace, brought him home word, that Queen Statira was to take the air after dinner, along the river side, which as you know, runs close by that Town. This news made a sudden alteration at his heart, and after he had mused a long while in an uncertainty, he commanded three horses to be made ready, and having dined temperately, he got on horseback, taking Toxaris and me to wait upon him; Our lodging was near one of the City Gates, so that without being seen of many, we got out into the fields; and taking the way that led us toward the River, we arrived in the place whither the Queen was to come, but my Master's impatiency having made him come abroad too soon, we stayed a long while looking for her coming, and my Prince alighting under certain trees, and giving our horses to Toxaris, made me lie down by him upon the grass, and during the time we were in this expectation, he broke forth into the most passionate expressions, that human thoughts are able to imagine.  
In the end we saw the Chariots appear, and my Prince standing up, waited with an inward shivering for the approach of her he adored: we were at a little distance from the place where the Chariots passed, but near enough to to discern Statira, and to observe that the King was with her. This sight made my Master tremble every joint, and put him again in those disturbing conflicts that had kept him all night awake, he changed colour many times, and seeing him in such a case as I had never seen him in till then, I apprehended the effects of some sudden and violent resolution. After he had continued a good while in these trances, he began to be a little settled, when the Chariots made a stand right against the place where we were; Meleager mounted upon a wonderful handsome horse, was talking with the King who sat on one side of the Chariot: After some discourse which we could not hear, Meleager alighted, and the King leaping out of the Chariot, went to that gallant horse to get upon him; the horse was extreme fiery and unruly, and though two or three men held him, the King had very much ado to throw himself into the Saddle; but assoon as he made him feel the spur, he fell a plunging and running so furiously, that the King's strength and skill, were both useless to govern him, he no longer obeyed the hand nor heel, and having made 100 bounds, without giving the King leisure to cast himself off, nor those that were round about to stop him, he took a full carrier toward the River, the bank whereof was something high, and flung himself headlong into the Current. But Sir, you perhaps were present at this accident, and without question you know part of those things that passed there. Lysimachus presently making answer, I was at that time (said he) in a condition which would not suffer me to be there; and though I have heard part of it, I beseech you interrupt not your discourse, since I am hitherto ignorant, what share your Prince may have in that business. The horse (continued Araxes) having thus precipitated himself into that deep and rapid stream, went to the bottom with his burden, and within a while came up again without it. This mischance did infinitely surprise the whole company, and with affrighted cries looking what was become of the King, they saw him a little lower, struggling with the waves, which sometimes tossing him up, and sometimes swallowing him again, made most of those that were present despair of his safety; you know he could never swim, and that he was wont often to complain of the carelessness of those that had had the government of him, because they had not made him to be taught in his youth; many leapt into the river to save him, but it was so impetuous, and the banks of it so steep, that 'twas impossible for them to help him, and two or three being drowned, took off the edge of all them that had yet any desire to hazard their own life for that of their Prince. My Master and I were also run to the river side, a little below the rest of the company, and being likewise witnesses of the King's manifest danger, we were assaulted with very different thoughts: I am ashamed Sir to confess my own unworthiness; though the peril in which I saw this great Prince, struck me with some trouble and compassion as well as the rest, yet my Master's interest in the loss of a life, which was incompatible with his▪ gave me some touch of joy, and made me hope this accident would put an end to his misfortunes: but while I was rejoicing at his happiness, I saw him plunge himself into the water, with a marvellous suddenness, dividing the waves with so much force, that in a moment he swum unto the King, who deprived of sense, made no longer any resistance against the violence of the stream that carried him away: My Prince catched him by the hair, and swimming with one hand, drew him to the shore, with a wonderful strength, and with such difficulty that any other man but he, would infallibly have perished in the attempt: I had thrown myself into the river after him, and knowing his generous intention, seconded him as well as possibly I could. Assoon as we were gotten to the bank, my Master lifting up the King by the feet, made him cast up a great deal of the water he had swallowed, and recover his senses, but with so little understanding, that he could not discern any thing that was done in his presence: Not being satisfied with this action, he took him in his arms, and forgetting the caution he formerly had of discovering himself, he carried him through the company to the Queen his wife, who more dead than alive at this accident, did by her tears express her true affection to her husband.  
My Prince laying him gently down before her, Madam, (said he) receive yet one service more from him, of whom you no longer expected any, and by the nature of this, acknowledge what you owed to all those others I have done you. The Princess was so troubled at the first accident, that we could not judge by her countenance, whither the amazement we observed in it, proceeded from her knowledge of my Master, or from her former fright, neither indeed had we the leisure to learn, for rising up instantly, he went with all possible haste through the company that stood round about, and running to our horses, he vaulted readily upon his, and inviting me by his example to do the like, we clapped spurs to them, and riding away full speed, lost sight of the company in a moment.  
Lysimachus stopped Araxes in this part of his story, crying out, Good Gods! is it possible that our Age should have produced so virtuous a person? And was it your Prince then, to whom Alexander was indebted for his life? Was he the man who vanished from every body's eyes like lightning, he who was thought to have been miraculously sent from heaven for his preservation, and he to whom the King, and the whole Court afterward offered sacrifices as to a God? Did Oroondates, to whom the King's death was of so great consequence, and so necessary, and he who but a moment before had had such excusable designs against his life, hazard his own so visibly for its conservation? Certainly this generosity has no example, and of all the souls that ever were created, none but only his could be capable of it. While Perdiccas, Meleager, Leonatus, and many others who were present, suffered him to perish without relief, he received his life from him, to whom it gave a death, and whose own could not be saved but by his destruction. Lysimachus holding his peace after these words, Araxes took up the thread of his Discourse again, and thus went on with it.  
We galloped away so swiftly, that in less than half an hour, we were gotten above threescore Furlongs from Alexander, and those that accompanied him. Yet could we not ride without much trouble, the coldness of the water in a season that was not very hot, had half benumbed us, and our clothes yet full of it, were extraordinary heavy: True it is, that they disburdened themselves of a good part of it by the way, and we marked our tract sufficiently, to discover whither we were gone, if any body had had a mind to follow us, but they were all so concerned in the King's condition, that I believe their care of him took them up wholly for the present; we struck out of the way, and road cross the Fields, and within an hour discovering certain Cottages, far from the great Road, my Prince thought good we should go thither to dry ourselves, and pass the rest of the day. When we had alighted, the Master of the house at my entreaty, made us a great fire, and fitting a couple of such beds as his poverty allowed him, we went into them, leaving the care of our horses and of drying our clothes unto Toxaris. While we stayed there, I could not retain my thoughts, nor forbear extolling my Prince's generosity to his face, expressing how much I had been troubled, to see him oppose that happiness himself, which the Gods had visibly sent him. But his modesty first cut off the course of those praises I was running on withal, and then the greatness of his courage quite stopped my mouth.  
Araxes, (said he to me) let us not pretend by base ways, to that which is not due to such as are capable of base inclinations; if the Gods will not by other means restore what they have taken from me, let us resolve rather to bear the loss then recover it with so much shame, and meanness of spirit: Alexander has no fortune, but what he has very well deserved, and if the Gods who have destined to him the Empire of the whole Earth, have not exempted from it what I pretended to, let us not oppose their wills, or at least let us oppose them with more glory, and by the same ways, which gained him that we would dispute for.  
But Sir, (replied I) though you should not have observed in what manner Heaven laboured so visibly to your advantage, what shame had you received by suffering what Meleager, Perdiccas, and divers others suffered without casting themselves into the danger, whereinto you precipitated yourself; and what cause would Alexander have had to complain, if his mortal enemy had not given him that succour, which he found not among his chiefest friends?  
I should have been extremely ashamed, (answered Or●ondates) if by my fault, I had let perish the greatest of all men living, by whom I am injured only through my own misfortune, and by whom I have been obliged only through his generosity; besides, one could not without infamy have avoided the danger there was in helping him, nor without inhumanity could I have refused my Princess' tears the safety of a husband whom she loves, and whom she ought to love. Though Alexander had had no cause to complain of me, I should have had a great deal to complain of myself, and being my own satisfaction is dearer to me than his, the reproach I might have us'● unto myself (for having failed to do a noble action, either through fear of danger, or consideration of interest) would have been much more sensible to me, then that I could have received from him, of whom I neither pretend to thanks, nor recompenses.  
With this and other such Discourse, we spent the time till our clothes were dry, and when the night was near, we got ourselves ready, and taking horse again not long after Sunset, we made our Host bring us into the great Highway, and as it grew late rode strait to Susa, where we arrived within little more than an hour. The Gates of the Town did not use to be shut, and in spite of the darkness we found our lodging where we alighted. Assoon as my Prince was in his Chamber, the impatience of seeing his Princess, set him upon the rack more than ever, and being resolved to execute what he had forethought, he called Tyreus to make use of him in that occasion. His so long abode with Darius had gotten him a great number of friends, who at that time held the same place near Alexander, which they had enjoyed during the life of the deceased King; He was most assured of Prince Oxiartes his friendship, that of Artabasus was not unknown to him, neither did he doubt of Mazeus, Oxidates, Bagoas, and many others, to whom he believed he might with safety commit his person, and the secrecy of his affairs. Among the Ladies also he knew divers, to whom he would have made no difficulty to trust himself: the Princess Parisatis, and even Queen Sysigambis, had expressed too much affection to leave him any suspicion of their good wills. Apamia and Arsinoe then wives to Ptolomeus and Eumenes, the daughters of King Occhus, and the daughters of Mentor, had appeared too affectionate to his interests, to make him fear any alteration in them. But amongst all these, he thought the fair and virtuous Barsina was she in whom he might have the greatest confidence, and from whom he might hope for the best assistance, and when he called to mind the modest friendship, whereof she had given him so many proofs, and the report Tyreus had made him of her perseverance in taking his part in the deepest of his disgrace, he judged he ought not to discover himself to any other, and that he ought to give over the care of the remainder of his life to her alone.  
Having taken this resolution, he would not defer the executing of it, and for that purpose going out of our lodging, accompanied only by Tyreus, and myself, he went unto Barsina's, being guided by Tyreus, who knew the streets and turnings of Susa very perfectly, and who had been often sent by the Queen his Mistress unto her house. Tyreus having made himself known to the Porter brought us in, and by the help of the Candles that were upon the stairs, conducted us into a private Hall. Barsina having supped, was retired into her Chamber, where by good fortune she was at that time without other company save one of her waiting women; Tyreus who knew the house, and was known by every body in it, went up to her without difficulty; but no sooner did Barsina see him, when surprised at his arrival, she ran to him to inquire after the success of his Voyage. After she had welcomed him, and received him very civilly, O Tyreus, (said she, speaking reasonable softly) what news do you bring us? None bad, Madam, (answered he) but I have left two men below in the Hall, who will tell you more certainly what I bring you, if please to admit them to speak to you in private.  
Barsina without informing herself any farther, either of their names or condition, entered into her Closet, and once again bidding Tyreus welcome, she prayed him to fetch those persons from whom she expected very pleasing news. Tyreus came back to us, and telling my Prince how Barsina had received him, led us through a Gallery to a door that went into her Closet. It was presently opened to us, and my Prince finding Barsina there alone, judged by her impatiency of the truth of her friendly affection. Assoon as ever we appeared, she arose from her seat, and came toward us with much civility, but scarce had she cast her eyes upon my Master's face, when in spite of the change which some years had made in it, she knew him by the light of many tapors which made the place as bright as day: At first she was amazed, and by her silence testified the confusion she was in, but within a while after, recovering her astonishment, she could not forbear casting her arm about my Prince's neck, and embracing him with such kindness as discovered the freedom of her friendship to him more than ever: Good Gods, Sir, (said she) is it you, and are we yet indebted to your love, for a happiness we never expected again, and which we had no reason in the world to hope for? Has not then the ingratitude you have found amongst us, and the loss of what you had so gloriously acquired, kept you from coming again into a Country, where you have suffered so much, and where you have gained so little? Do you come, (continued she with tears, which grief and joy shared equally between them) do you come to see her in the arms of another, whom so many services, and so many gallant actions in favour both of her, and of us all made so lawfully yours, and whom your common misfortune rather than the fault of either of you, has unjustly robbed you of?  
This thought touched them both so sensibly, that it was impossible for Barsina to say more, and for my Prince to answer her otherwise, then by a stream of tears, which he poured forth out of interest, to second those which she shed out of charity; but when he was a little settled, and that having returned her kindnesses in silence, he was set down by her, he looked upon her a while with an eye able to make her die with pity, and then taking her hands, which he pressed with transports of grief, and tenderness, Madam, (said he) behold this castaway of Heaven's anger is returned, this miserable banished man, or rather this faithless, this unworthy man, whom you have oftentimes condemned yourself unto the torments he has felt; behold him more ardent▪ and more passionate than ever, and as if his passion received increase from his misfortunes as they grew up, and reached to the greatest height they could attain to, so fast likewise did it redouble, and mount unto the highest pitch to which there was a possibility for it to rise. I return, Madam, but I return to die in your presence, or to receive that assistance from your goodness, which you have been always pleased to afford me; you helped me charitably in my prosperity, and forsook me not in my adversity, you also are the only person to whom I now have recourse, and from whom I come to beg some relief, and some consolation in the small remnant of my life; do not refuse, sweet Madam, to take this unfortunate man under your protection, and to do something for the conservation of a life, which he no longer hopes for but from you. I require from your friendship, no proofs that may be prejudicial either to your virtue, or to what you owe to Alexander's person, or condition: the inclinations I have, and have ever had to you, are full of too much respect, and those I have had unto the Queen are too noble, and too pure, to change their nature now; I have not with my hopes, lost my remembrance of what is due to her, and to yourself, and all the favour I look for from you, and which I beg of you, by that pity which your tears express to me, is nothing but to see▪ and to discourse with my Princess, which you may easily procure me without danger to her, or to yourself. If I may but yet tell her upon my knees, that I am, and have been always constant, and that I was never faithless, I shall then die satisfied▪ and no longer envy Alexander's happiness, but confess myself obliged to you alone, for so fortunate a conclusion of my life.  
My Prince brought forth these words, and some others which he accompanied with so many sighs, that Barsina's heart being touched with grief and compassion, she was not able to answer him, and when she had a little recovered her countenance, and wiped away the tears, that had bathed both her cheeks and neck, she replied with a great deal of trouble, Sir, the Gods are my witnesses, that I was not much more deeply grieved for the loss of my dear Memnon, than I am for your afflictions, and that sorrow which brought me so near my grave, had but little advantage over that I suffer for your misfortunes; Yes, Sir, I protest to you, by the memory of that dear Husband, I would willingly restore you part of your contentment, with part of my life, and should be so far from considering Alexander's interests, that I would not at all consider mine own, to settle you again in that happiness, which was so lawfully your due, and which you so unjustly, and unfortunatly lost; I am too much concerned in your affairs, to have laid aside the remembrance of them, and your virtue has too powerfully won me, to leave you any belief, that I can receive the occasions of serving you, otherwise then as my greatest blessings. Make not use therefore of any farther conjuration, to oblige me to do for you, all that so virtuous a Prince can ever desire; I will labour for your satisfaction with much eagerness and fidelity, and perhaps with more success than you expected, require the rest from your own courage, let it supply my weakness, and the Queen's want of power, and find in it a love wherewithal to satisfy a noble and generous soul like yours; perchance the Gods will make some alteration in your fortune; this day wanted but little of being; the happiest you ever saw, and he who is now the obstacle of your joys, is commonly exposed to so many dangers, that it is not likely that hindrance can continue long. This sight you desire of me, shall not be hard to be obtained; I have that good fortune, that the Queen in all the accidents of her life has honoured me with her first affections, and I yet have hopes that the endeavours I shall use in it, will not be unpleasing to her.  
My Prince not being able to suffer her to say more, cast himself down upon her, and embracing her knees with raptures full of affection, said all that his acknowledgement of so great an obligation would put into his mouth, and made protestations to her, which might have been thought due only to Statira. Barsina having raised him up with much respect and shame, to see a person of so high quality in that posture, renewed her promises to him, and having given him encouragement to hope much from her assistance, and made him abate something of the violence of his grief, she began to inquire after the passages of his life, for those years he had spent since he went from Persia.  
My Prince was willing to content her, and to that end, related succinctly all that had befallen him in Scythia, and the most important particulars she was ignorant of; but when at the conclusion she learned that it was he who had saved Alexander that afternoon, she was so seized with admiration, that she could not forbear expressing it, by exclamations full of wonder and amazement. O Gods! Sir, (cried she) have you then taken so painful a Voyage by Sea and Land, to give that enemy his life, who gives you your death, and did you so visibly expose your own, to preserve one that is so fatal to you? O miracle of virtue and generosity! there was no other action remaining but this alone, to crown all those gallant ones you had done before; if you had come to Susa but one day later than you did, or that you had been but a little less generous than you are, you would now perchance have been the happiest of all men living; but great Prince, hope from so many marvellous events, for an advantageous success unto yourself; you have merited Statira by so many rights, that its impossible but she must be one day yours, and the Gods were very unjust, if so great a virtue should not in the end constrain fortune to yield it the victory. After these, and some other sayings, which her astonishment produced, she in exchange of his recital, gave him some account of the life, which the Queen and she had led during his absence, she enlarged herself a little, upon such matters as he had not learned from Tyreus, and ended with those that happened since that Eunuch's departure.  
My Prince informed himself curiously how she stood affected to him at that present, and heard that her inclinations to him were little different from those she had expressed in her Letter; and that knowing herself obliged to love her husband, she endeavoured by all manner of ways, to bury the remembrance of my Prince; not that she has any hope (added Barsina) to effect it, but her virtue is so perfect, and the proofs she receives of the King's affection are so great, that she makes incredible attempts, to root those thoughts out of her heart, which are hardly consistent with the love to which she believes herself engaged; but how strong soever her resolution to that purpose is, we scarce can pass one day without speaking of you, and no sooner has that mention awakened you in her memory, but her soul is so afflicted, that the perplexity I see her in at those times, has made me often resolve to avoid all occasions of that discourse. And for Roxana, (said my Prince) how is she employed now? In bewailing herself (answered Barsina) for the little affection the King expresses to her, having given himself so wholly to the merits of Statira, that he seldom so much as bestows a visit on that other Queen; she is fallen into such a jealousy, and vexation at it, that she is not to be comforted, and they were saying to day at my Fathers, that not being able to endure the King's visible neglect of her, and his extraordinary fondness of Statira, she is resolved to go away within a few days, to pass over her ill humour at Babylon; the loss of her company will be but little lamented by any of us, and we have all conceived such an aversion against her, that we wait impatiently for the hour of her departure.  
Ah the wicked creature! cried my Prince, and making a stop at those words, gave ear to the rest of the news Barsina was telling him. It was grown very late while they entertained one another on this fashion; and Oroondates not to incommode Barsina any longer, would have retired unto his Lodging; but she would not suffer him to go from her house, and commanding that some Chambers a little out of the way, should be made ready for Tyreus and those that were with him, she caused us to be conducted to them, not accompanying my Prince herself, for fear those honours should discover something of his quality. She bade him not good night, till she had promised him, that he should see the Queen the next day, and making us pass for Tyreus his friends or servants, took away all the suspicion her people might have had of my Master. Ask me not how he passed the rest of that night, in the expectation of an happiness he had been encouraged to hope for; the day appeared before he could close his eyes, and scarce could the length of his former watchings cause him to take a little rest in the morning: It was reasonable late when he awaked, and was not yet gotten up, when Barsina sent to know if Tyreus were ready; we knew very well it was my Prince whom she inquired after, and Tyreus went into her Chamber to give her the good morrow from him, where he told her how he had passed the night: Assoon as she was dressed, and that she knew my Master was so too, she came into his Chamber, being attended only by a Waiting woman, whose fidelity was well known to her, and with whom I had formerly made a friendship. When she had bidden him good morrow, and used him with all the modest kindness she could invent, she led him through a Gallery, into the Closet, where they had conversed the night before, and after some Discourse whose length hinders me from repeating it, she commanded the Table should be served in her Closet, where she dined with my Master, not admitting any body but that woman, and some servants who could not know us; yet howsoever she before them gave the chief honours to Tyreus, to keep Oroondates the more from being discovered. Assoon as we had dined, and that she believed the Queen was risen from the Table, she gave order to have her Chariot made ready to go to the Palace, but before that was done, they brought her word that Queen Statira, was coming to visit her as she often did, and that she was already at the Gate: So unexpected a good fortune, made my Prince's heart leap for joy, and tremble with apprehension: It is hard for me to express his inward motions to you, but it is true▪ that he was so besides himself, that in his whole life time I had never seen him in such a condition; In the mean time Barsina having given him charge to stay in the Closet, shut the door, and ran down to meet the Queen, she found her at the bottom of the stairs, and having received her as she was wont to do, she helped her by the arm in her coming up, and waited upon her into her Chamber. The Queen who made that visit, to discourse with her in private, bad all those that came with her, to stay in the out Chamber, and taking only Cleone in with her, commanded her to shut the door; that of the Closet was a little open, and my Prince coming gently to it, saw her enter, but so charming, and so ravishingly beautiful, that he was like to lose his senses in the ecstasy, which he was struck into by the sight of her. Good Gods! how will it be possible for me to represent this encounter to you; and to make you comprehend the agitations of his mind, and the transports unto which his soul was elevated; he at first became as cold as marble, but afterwards that Ice giving place to the fire which was more essential to him, he appeared more ardent and inflamed then ever, yet not without quaking and trembling in such manner, that he had scarce strength enough to stand upon his legs.  
In this interim the Queen was set down, and making Barsina sit by her, her face changed colour divers times, and in all her actions she seemed so troubled, and prepossessed either with some new thought, or some new accident, that it was a long time before she was able to speak; after she had continued a while in this perplexity, which put Barsina into some disquiet, Dear Barsina, (said she at last) I am the most confounded of any woman living, and 'tis the confusion I am in, which makes me run to you, as to her in whom of all the world I find the greatest consolation; the accident that has happened to me, will without doubt surprise you, and I assure myself that you will partake in my joy, or in my grief, or in them both together.  
She made a stop at these words, and seeing that Barsina harkened to her attentively, and by the alterations of her countenance witnessed how deep an interest she took in all things that concerned her fortune, she went on thus: Know that the same accident, which had like yesterday to have made me lose my husband, made me recover Oroondates, but I only recovered him to lose him again; and the same moment that presented him to my sight, robbed me also of him for ever; I saw him with these eyes, him that is in the world for nothing else but the safety of all that have relation to me, and the sorrow I was in at that time, hindered me not from knowing the air of his face, from discerning the tone of his voice, nor from understanding the sense of his words. 'Twas in his arms I saw my husband cold, and in a trance, and 'twas from him that I received him, as a present he made me of a good which I had lost. 'Twas he himself, (my dear Barsina) or if 'twere not his body, (as the suddenness wherewith he vanished from our sight makes me to fear) 'twas at lest the Ghost of him who having been created only for me and mine, came out of the Elysian Fields just at so fatal a minute, to preserve all that I had yet left to lose; my tears drew him thither without doubt, and stifling in him the consideration of his own interests, moved him to the conservation of that person which ruined him. Alas! (continued she, breaking forth into tears, and letting her head sink gently upon Barsina 's shoulder) Alas; dear Oroondates! and too dear for my quiet, and too dear for my duty; whether it be that thou still lovest me alive, or that thy soul devested of its body, doth still preserve its first inclinations to me; why dost thou return now, both to disturb my quiet, and to assail my duty? If my quiet was dear to thee, my duty also aught to be considerable; nor canst thou trouble the one, without arming thyself against the other, with those same arms, against which I never could defend myself.  
Her sobs interrupted the progress of these words, and Barsina taking her in her arms, and mixing her tears with hers, Madam, (said she) comfort yourself, since you have no new cause of affliction, and that if your soul be yet capable of any joy, you have less matter of grief than consolation. Oroondates is living without question, and you have really received a service from him, which a spirit without a body could not possibly render you.  
Ah! dear Barsina, (replied the Queen, with a deep sigh drawn from the bottom of her heart) if he be dead, it is impossible I should live; but if he be alive and near us, what do you think will become of me? how shall I receive him whom I have used so ill, and how shall I use myself if I receive him otherwise then as being the wife of Alexander? Shall I banish him once again, him to whom I am engaged, by so much affection, by so many Oaths, and by so fresh obligations; and if I cannot banish him, how shall I see him? how shall I suffer him, whom I can neither see, nor suffer without mortally offending my husband, and mortally offending myself? how shall I love him without blame, whom I neither can nor will hate; and how shall I hate him without blame, whom I neither aught, nor can lawfully love? do but see Barsina, the misery of my condition, I cannot consent to Oroondates his death, nor can I consent to see him yet alive; I must therefore die myself; by that means my grief will be satisfied, and my duty will remain unblemished; I shall acquit myself to Oroondates, and to Alexander, of what I owe to both, and shall likewise pay what I owe to my duty, and to my affection. She would perchance have said more, if my Prince quite besides himself, and in the condition you may imagine this discourse had put him, could have had patience longer, and if he had not thrust open the Closet door, running to her with so much ardency and suddenness, that he was at her feet, almost before she perceived he was in the chamber. Judge Sir, in what a case that poor Princess was at the sight of him, she first gave a great shriek, and then letting herself fall into the arms of Barsina and Cleone, who made haste to hold her up, she remained with so little sense or motion, that she seemed rather to be dead then alive. Tyreus and I came in at the same time, and were witnesses of the most moving spectacle we had ever seen, and certainly there is no heart in the world so barbarous, that would not have been touched with compassion. My poor Master lay prostrate before the Queen, and kissed her feet with raptures able to have carried forth his soul along with them; and the Queen looking upon him in that posture with a dying eye, had neither assurance enough to speak to him, strength enough to raise him up, nor as I think, understanding enough to know what he did; the whole room was in a profound silence, and Barsina intentive upon their action, seemed as much astonished as they themselves, and made no attempt to draw them out of the condition they were in.  
My Master opened his mouth to speak three several times, and as often his sighs and sobs strangled his words ere he could get them out, but in the end, recalling his great courage a little, in that necessity he had of it, he struggled so with his passion, that he at last brought forth these words in reply to those last his Princess had spoken. Trouble not yourself any longer Madam, to think what should become of you, nor to contest what resolution you should take, for the interest of your duty and for the establishment of your quiet; he who by your own confession, came into the world for no other end but merely to serve you, and to please you, returns not to you now, to trouble a quiet which must needs be dear, nor to assail a duty which is considerable to you; neither come I to reproach you, or to challenge you of your word which you have broken, and which you are now no longer in a condition to keep, your own heart, and your own conscience speak enough to you for me, and I have nothing to recall into your memory which both of them have not often represented to it; I return only, Madam, to see yet once again, the person for whom only I have lived; to save the life of a husband who is dear to you, and who ought to be so for the consideration of his virtue; and to yield up a life at your feet, which I have kept only for your sake, and which I will keep no longer, since you have now drawn from it all the service it is able to do you, since it is prejudicial to your quiet, and to your duty, and since it is not pleasing enough, to give me any desire to prolong it. Behold the reasons, Madam, that brought me hither, but how specious soever they may seem, they should not have recalled me from that banishment to which you had condemned me, if you had not revoked it yourself, and if I had not learned that mine innocence was not unknown to you, and that I was faulty in nothing else, but in having raised my thoughts to a happiness, which Alexander alone could lawfully aspire to; the Gods have granted him a fortune, which was due to none but him, and have given you him for a husband, who of all men living is least unworthy to possess you; let him live without any fear of losing, what cannot worthily be but his; and do you live without any remembrance of the oaths which you have violated, I quickly will deliver him from the apprehension of a rival as fearelss as himself, and you from a remorse that may trouble the calm of those delights you ought to enjoy.  
The poor Prince would have said more, but the Queen, who during his discourse had raised herself a little out of the astonishment in which she seemed to have been buried, harkened to his words with conflicts, which it were impossible to represent, and looked upon him with eyes, which though drowned themselves, made him live and die a thousand times in a moment: than it was that love and duty renewed their dispute afresh, and that both of them distracted the mind of that poor Princess with incredible vehemence. But in the end though duty got the upper hand, yet was it not able to hinder love from giving such expressions, as it could not have forbidden without inhumanity: and that fair Queen after she had long enough contested it, let herself sink at last upon my Prince, and casting her arm about his neck, joined her face to his with such a transported ardency, that both of them were like to have yielded up their souls, oneby the sweetness of that reception, and the other by the violence of that sweetness. The mixture and force of their different passions, had put the Queen so besides herself, that she appeared inseparable from my Prince, and seemed to have forgotten herself in his arms; and my Master who could not die more happily, nor more gloriously then in hers, begged of the Gods either to prolong his bliss, or to finish his days in that condition: The Queen in that action had not the strength to bring forth one word, but the name of Oroondates only, which she repeated twice or thrice, with so much tenderness and affection; that she expressed her meaning thereby more eloquently, than she could have done by all the words which the estate she was in at that present could have put into her mouth. In the end she withdrew herself from her kindness, and sitting down again upon the bed side, where she sat before, she seemed extremely out of countenance for an action that had so visibly testified her want of power over her passions, and put her handkerchief up to her face, to cover the blushes which died it, and to wipe away the tears which ran down her cheeks.  
When she had a little recovered herself, she looked awhile upon my Prince with an eye, which dying as it was, commanded him to live, and then with much ado forced out these words, though they were so interrupted with her sighs that they were hardly to be understood. What testimonies soever you have newly received of the affection I still bear you, I know not (Prince Oroodates) which way I can carry myself toward you now; If I consider my present condition, and what I owe to my lawful husband, and to mine own honour, I can neither speak to you, hear you, nor see you; but if I remember what is past, and recall him into my memory who was my dear Orontes, who was my life, who was my all, 'tis not by speaking to you, by hearing you, or seeing you, no nor by giving you my heart, my soul, and the little life I have yet remaining, that I can satisfy the least part of my obligations to you: What will you therefore have me do, and to what do you destiny this unhappy creature, who had destined herself to you alone, and who had never been but yours, if the Gods and her own misfortune rather than yours, had not disposed of her to another? I know all you can say against me, and all I can allege for my justification, but you are too generous to confound a wretched woman with your reproaches, and I am both too guilty, and too much obliged to you, to go about to clear myself of a fault which I cannot repair, and for which I suffer at least as much as you. It is true most noble, and most faithful Oroondats, I ought to have been yours by all manner of rights, and by all manner of reasons, and you ought to have been mine by that ardent and pure affection which I really bore you, but you see the heavens had otherwise ordained, and the sincerity of our love, has not been able to defend us from the anger of the Gods, nor from the malice of our enemies. Now my dear Oroondates, (I say my dear Oroondates, since in spite of all the reasons that can forbid me, you are still, and to my grave shall always be dear to me) since by that cruel decree which has separated us for ever, I am able now to do nothing for you, what do you require of me? you know my want of power, my reputation I am sure is dear to you, and that virtue which made you yesterday run into the jaws of death, to rescue him from thence, who has sent you thither, puts me in safety from all those thoughts that might offend it. By what means then can I preserve unto my Lord, that which can be no bodies but his, and satisfy part of those deep engagements you have laid upon me? O Gods (continued she, lifting up her hands and eyes to heaven) Gods who have poured down all your cruelties upon the Royal house of Persia, why did you not bury me in the ruins of it, and why aimed you not all those darts of vengeance at me alone, which were the destruction of poor Darius, and which robbed us of our dear Artaxerxes?  
Her tears which overflowed most violently, would not suffer her to go on, and I must confess to you Sir, that Barsina, Cleone, Tyreus, and I, kept her such faithful company in that employment, that we were incapable of giving her any consolation. My poor Prince who had not stirred off from his knees, and who still embraced hers with raptures of affection which cannot be expressed, nor scarce imagined, received some comfort indeed by finding that her love was not extinguished, but he was so sensible of the grief in which he saw her overwhelmed, that his own thereby was unspeakably redoubled. He nevertheless drew some relief from his great courage, and using infinite violence upon himself to settle his passion so far that he might be able to speak, Cease Madam (said he) to give me a double death, my grief is strong enough alone to send me to my grave without the help of yours, nor ought you to be longer in pain which way to satisfy me, since the tears you shed for this miserable man, have but too fully requited all he ever did for you; weep no longer for a misfortune, in which your charity only makes you be concerned, I alone ought to bewail it, since it belongs to me alone: the Gods could not more equally match the most perfect of all women, then with the greatest of all men, and you ought not to murmur for what they have done against me, since for you they have done all that in reason you could wish. Possess without disquiet, and without sadness the Empire they have restored you, enjoy the tranquillity wherein they have reestablished you, and never disturb it with the remembrance of this unhappy wretch, whom you have justly abandoned, and who will quickly abandon himself to the last, and most assured of all remedies. These words were so sharp unto the Queen, that it was impossible for her to suffer them longer without interruption.  
Cruel Oroondates (said she looking sidewise upon him) you should rather keep yourself to the justice of your cause, then make yourself faulty by reproaching me with so much inhumanity: reproach me with your services if you will, reproach me with the falseness of my oaths, and the violation of my faith which I had given you, and I will confess all without reply; for though I be innocent in my intention, I am too guilty in the effects, ever to pretend to justify myself; but reproach me no more with a baseness which I never was capable of, I have shunned Empire too much, ever to give occasion to have it believed that I found any sweetness in it, and the repugnance I have showed against that I now enjoy, has given cause enough to have it thought I established not my happiness in that. I am indeed more happy than I ought to have hoped, in the possession, and in the love of a Prince worthy of a better fortune: but I never found any felicity in that wherein you establish it for me, and 'tis only the consideration of my duty that has made me taste any sweetness, where my inclination made me to feel a bitterness: you are not therefore unfortunate alone, neither shall you run to death alone, if all such as are so must run thither; I do not love that Empire and that tranquillity you reproach me with so well, but that I'll keep you faithful company, and if it be thereby that you desire proofs of my affection, that without doubt will be more easy to me, and more lawfully permitted then the least of those I now could give you. Those you have received too day, though weak and fruitless, are yet truly to be blamed, and I can no longer without fault, dispense with myself to take those liberties which are now forbidden me; but I have given them for this once, to the memory of what you have heretofore done for me, to the reparation of a crime which I cannot better repair, to the pains you have taken in coming to me again after the loss of your hopes, to the safety of a husband, whom you so generously restored me, and in short to the remainder of a passion which I was not Mistress of. All these considerations render my first slips excusable, and you from henceforth will have so much regard of me, as not to desire to make her more criminal whom you have loved so perfectly.  
Oroondates knowing the aim of her discourse, suffered her not to continue it, and after he was risen up, crossing his arms upon his breast, and retiring a step or two, Yes Madam (said he) you have done too much for me, and you have reason to repent the testimonies I have received to day of your friendship, I have merited them so little, that you ought to blush for having granted them, and this miserable man who is of so small value, and has done you such poor services, could not justly hope for such favours from the greatest Queen in the world.  
The Queen drawing a sigh from the bottom of her heart▪ replied; You are too blame Oroondatrs, to put me yet again in mind of the merit of your person and services, you know that I am ignorant of neither; and I have already confessed to you, that the gift of my heart, of my life, and of my very soul, could not acquit me of any part of what I owe you, and shall owe you to my grave, how much soever I strive to satisfy you. No Oroondates I am not ignorant of it, nor do I disavow it, the Gods also are my witnesses, that if I were at my own disposing, I would give myself entirely to you; and that if they had left me a thousand lives, I would willingly lose them all to requite part of my obligations; but what can I do more to escape ingratitude, and what can you pretend to, or what can you hope for from me, beyond that confession and that desire? Do you not know the strict rules of my duty? and do you not know that I am still the same Statira, in whom you heretofore have loved some little virtue?  
My Prince who harkened to her attentively, and who while she spoke seemed to devour her with his eyes, interrupting her of a sudden; Well Madam (said he with an extraordinary tone) do you live in this severity of your rules, and I will die in the severity of my oaths, and of the protestations I have made you; I approve your noble resolution, and I approve that entire affection you bear to a husband worthy of you, but you also must approve, that not being able to live without that hope which forbade me to die, I breathe out a soul at your feet, which ever was, and never can be but yours. With these words instantly drawing out his sword, and clapping the pummel of it to the floor, he rushed upon the point with so furious a suddenness, that if Barsina who was close by him had not given the hilt of it a kick, which struck the sword a good way from him, he had run himself through, before we could have been able to hinder it. My Prince fell all along upon the boards, but he was so ashamed, and so afflicted to have missed his design, that his grief was not far from executing presently, what Barsina's speedy assistance had diverted. We ran all speedily to him, but he appeared so confounded for having so ill effected his intention, that he durst scarce lift up his eyes upon us that stood about him: The Queen excessively affrighted, cast herself upon him, and embracing him with mortal trances, endeavoured to drive away his despair by the sweetest kindnesses, and the most effectual words here affection could furnish her withal, What, my dear, my beloved Orontes (said she, holding him still in her arms, quite fainting and dejected) you that were heretofore, and who in spite of the rigour of my destiny, are yet my life, had you a will to give me my death by so cruel a means? had you then so little care of my life, and of my reputation, that you had a mind to sacrifice both unto your sorrows, without considering that for you alone my life is subject to the most bitter affliction that any soul is able to bear? Ah! hard hearted Oroondates! if your resentments require blood, and that you would have me die, as this action did visibly testify, content yourself with making me suffer one death alone, turn the point of that cruel sword against this breast I offer you, pierce this heart which once was yours, and in which you are still so deeply engraven, that duty can scarcely introduce him, it obliges me to receive into it; If one of us must die, 'tis I alone, I alone am guilty, perjured, faithless, and you are still innocent, still firm, still constant; I am she who have unworthily betrayed you, and basely forsaken you, and you are he who hath too generously and too faithfully loved me.  
She said many other words to him with so much vehemence and tenderness, that a heart of Adamant would doubtless have been softened by them; My Prince answered her not but with his eyes, and casting looks at her in which death was naturally painted, he made her understand sufficiently, that he was but little capable to relish her arguments nor to take the resolution she would have given him. The Queen who apprehended the effects of his despair, and who feared he still presisted in the design of dying; resolved not to omit any thing to draw him from it, believing that in such an extremity, gratitude and pity Commanded her to slacken something of that severity to which she had tied herself. For this effect, using a little violence upon her humour, and seeing that he opened not his mouth to reply. What my dear Orontes, (said she) would you then have me to believe that you no longer love me, and that with the power I had over myself, I have also lost all that you had given me over you? come to yourself a little for my sake and consider that you are not so unfortunate, as perchance you have believed, I am still Statira, if you be still Oroondates, and since in spite of all the laws of duty, and of decency you force me to confess it, if you love me still a little, I love you still above myself; do you desire any more? I submit myself to your judgement (my dear Orontes) and if you think I can do any thing more, I am ready to obey you; if you have yet your reason about you, this declaration will satisfy you without question, and if you yet have any friendship to me you will be contented with those proofs I am able to give you of mine.  
Though my Prince knew well that the sweetness of these words, tended only to alter his design of dying, and that through these kindnesses, he perceived the Queen abated nothing of her resolution, yet did he seem a little settled, and taking her hand which he sealed with many lasting kisses, Madam, (said he) I call Heaven to witness, that I have never swerved from the vow I made to obey you all my life, and I pray the Gods to send me (if they can) greater evils then those they have already made me suffer, if to my last moment I persevere not in that resolution. The desire you have to see me yet endure more, shall hinder me from giving that end which I had destined to my miseries; I will live, since you command me, and moreover I will live the way that you command me; if you will but suffer me to love you, and see you, I will satisfy myself as well as I can, with that friendship you promise me, nor will I ever urge any thing from you, either contrary to your humour, or to that duty you oppose me with.  
Upon these conditions (replied the Queen) I'll endeavour to let you see, that I will not be ungrateful toward you, and notwithstanding I know how great a fault I commit, and to how great dangers I certainly expose myself, I'll break through all for him, whose I am more than I can or aught to be, and whose I would have been entirely, if the Gods had been pleased to suffer me.  
I should never have done, Sir, if I would repeat all the Discourse they had together; it lasted as long as did the day, and the conclusion was, that by Barsina's intermission, they might see one another again sometimes, and that my Prince should content himself with words and looks, without ever pretending to any other proofs of the Queen's affection; nay, and she saw so much difficulty and danger even in them, that she could not resolve upon that liberty without mortal apprehensions. They parted when it was even almost night, and the Queen getting up into her Chariot again, left my Prince at Barsina's in an estate that surpasses my expression. The loss of his hopes was the tomb of all his joys, and the happiness of his rival, who had for ever dispossessed him of what he had so lawfully pretended to, was such a matter of affliction to his soul, as left him not any room for a real consolation; yet how great an aversion, or how great an insensibility soever she showed for the thoughts of his felicity, his knowledge of the affection which his Princess had still toward him, did much allay the sharpness of his grief, and flattered him at least with this kind of comfort, that the misfortune which deprived him of the possession of her body, did yet leave him some interest in her mind.  
In this consideration he found wherewithal to lessen part of his despair, and Barsina, who most affectionately concerned in his contentment, set it often before his eyes, and endeavoured by all the reasons she could allege, to make him pass his life a little less unpleasantly; but besides the consolation she gave him by her Discourse, the good offices she did him contributed much more unto it, and indeed she laboured for his quiet with so much affection and so discreet a carriage, that my Prince will never lose the remembrance of it, nor the desire to requite it though with the loss of that life which she alone prolonged. She feigned a sickness, and for some time she kept her bed, to give the Queen pretence to visit her, and those to whom the friendship that great Princess bore her was not unknown, thought it not strange that she went to see her every day: In these favourable occasions, my Master found both an abatement, and a redoubling of his sorrows, for tasting inconceivable delights in those small favours she granted him, he found death in the restraint of others, which were reserved for one more happy; he often complained of it to the Queen, and being as a man he could not be utterly loosened from his senses, he now and then took liberties beyond what were voluntarily permitted him, and by some of his actions testified that he was not absolute Master of his desires. But that discreet Princess, though she could not justly condemn them, reproved them with a pleasing Majesty, and using the Empire she had over him, handsomely, and without tyranny, she reduced him by reasoning, within the limits of his former obedience.  
Besides the visits which Barsina received from the Queen, during her feigned indisposition, after she came abroad again, she had recourse to other inventions for my Prince's satisfaction; she would never suffer him to leave her house, and being perfectly loved and honoured by all those of her servants, who of necessity were to see him, she kept him there without any great danger, & used him with so much sweetness, & so many testimonies of friendship, that she made him recover part of his more lively humour: She often procured him the sight of the Q●●in a fair Garden she had without the Town, & sending us out of the house before day, she would come with the queen to the garden in the afternoon, and bringing her either alone, or attended only by Cleone into private Arbours, where my Master waited for her, gave him the conveniency of entertaining her now and then an hour. Tyreus was gone home again to the Queen, and his fidelity being very well known to her, by his means their interviews were for the most part effected. Three or four months were spent in this manner of life, my Prince never discovering himself all that while, to any body but Barsina, though (as I have already said) he had a great number of friends of both sexes in the Court, whose fidelity he did not at all suspect; but his consideration of the Queen's honour and quiet, made him so cautious, that he would not show himself so much as to the Princess Parisatis. The Gods know with what affection both she, and Queen Sysigambis, as likewise Prince Oxiartes, and Artabasus, with many others would have welcomed him, and with what joy they would have made him partaker in their fortune; but the interest of his love, had so banished all those out of his mind, whom else he would gladly have received into it, that his soul was no longer capable of any thought without the compass of his passion. Their most ordinary meetings were at Barsina's, and one day they were there together, when the King as he returned from Hunting heard at the entrance of the City, that the Queen was at that Princess' house; whereupon without going to the Palace, he alighted at her gate, and went up stairs, without giving any notice of his coming: Scarce was Barsina advertised of it time enough, to run and meet him without the Chamber door, and my Prince surprised with so unexpected a visit, had hardly time to get into the next room, where he sat down in a dark corner, on the farther side of a bed. From thence he heard the King as he came in, say to Barsina in the Queen's presence, Madam, you have robbed me of my Mistress, and these frequent visits will at last make me jealous; she has given herself so wholly to you, that I can scarce enjoy her a moment. The Queen answering for her, Think it not strange (replied she) and believe it is an effect of those rare qualities which you found in her, and that I have too much sympathy with your Majesty to have inclinations different from yours.  
They had many Discourses, after which the King being weary with the toil of hunting, had a desire to sleep; and having a while striven against it, he asked pardon of Barsina for the liberty he took at her house, and being well acquainted with the Chambers, he went into that where my Master was retired, to throw himself upon the bed, which he remembered he had seen in it. Hephestion, Ptolomeus, Seleucus, Antigonus, Leonatus, and many others, stayed with the Ladies, and the King alone went to take his rest, where my Prince had taken sanctuary. O Gods! with how many different thoughts was he assaulted, seeing him come into the chamber; the antypathie he had against the ravisher of his happiness, the desire to free himself from a rival whose life was the destruction of his own, and his belief at first that he was discovered, and that he was the cause of the Kings coming into that chamber, made him put his hand upon the hilt of his sword, with a design to run him through the body; but after that first motion was over, his care of the Queen's reputation, which that action would visibly have ruined, the consideration of Barsina to whom he was so nearly obliged, and the remembrance that a good number of Alexander's friends were in the next chamber, ready to oppose his intentions, and to make him perish himself if he attempted any thing, with held him, and made him resolve not to make any noise, nor to stir out of his corner if he were not forced to it.  
In the mean time the King not discovering him, by reason of the darkness of the place where he was, threw himself upon the bed, and lay so near him, that he wanted but very little of touching him; my Prince stirred not at all, nay and kept in his very breath as much as possibly he could till he was asleep, which was not long, for the King had scarce laid his head upon the pillow, before he fell into a slumber; Alas, what were then the thoughts of this poor Prince, seeing himself so near to him, whom the free possession of what he had deprived him of, permitted to take so sweet and pleasing a rest; and what a constraint did he use upon himself, to keep in those sighs, which this consideration drew from the bottom of his heart?  
Thou sleepest (said he within himself) thou sleepest happy Alexander, and 'tis not so much the possession of thy Empires, as that of my Princess, which gives thee this calm and quiet repose; thou sleepest without being interrupted by any care, and without being troubled by the remembrance of any loss, but I wake whole days and nights, not out of envy I bear thy Victories, but out of the grief which thou hast settled in my heart for ever; thy eyes are shut to give thee peaceful rest, and mine are open only to those tears whose source proceed from thee; thou takest that sleep without disquiet, which thou hast robbed me of for ever, and thou enjoyest that with tranquillity, but also with injustice, which was lawfully due to none but me. Ah! thou who art the stealer away of my repose, and the tormentor of my days, thou who though fast asleep, utterly defenceless, and absolutely exposed unto my mercy, dost yet cruelly and unjustly tear away my life; behold thine own is in my power, and with how much ease I could deprive thee of that, which thou takest from me with so much inhumanity.  
In the midst of these thoughts wherein he floated with mortal agonies, he opened the curtain a little, and seeing Alexander's face turned toward him, he was assaulted with inward motions, which carried him besides himself, and left him almost void of sense upon the chair where he was sitting. He had oftentimes a mind to draw close to his ear, and say; Awake Alexander, awake, is it possible thou shouldest sleep so near thy greatest enemy, does the courage thou hast proved in him, make thee so secure, that thou hast no suspicion of foul play? how generous soever thou knowest him to be, dost thou believe that in this despair whereinto thou hast precipitated him, he is still capable of all the incitements of generosity? up Alexander, rise to dispute upon even terms, for that happiness which is not assured to thee so long as I have any life. Statira cannot be thine while I am living, dispatch me out of the world, and when I am dead thou may'st sleep securely; thou shalt do thyself no injury to measure thy sword with mine, my quality is as eminent as thine own, and 'tis only fortune that advantages thee above me, by the Empires she has given thee. He continued for some minutes in the desire of saying thus unto him, but after he had a little bethought himself, the considerations I have already alleged dissuaded him from it, and assoon as he found that he was fast asleep, he rose up gently from his place, and walked as softly as possibly he could toward a door, which led through a gallery to his own chamber, without passing through Barsina's; but as if his grief had blinded him, and kept him from looking carefully to his feet, he by chance stumbled against a stool, and fell all along upon the floor, with such a noise that the King wakened in a start; he sat up instantly on the bed, and drawing open the curtain, he saw a man of an extraordinary stature, and a majestic fashion, who was close by the door, ready to go out; the King was frighted at it, and asked him aloud who he was, but my Master seeing himself discovered, opened the door without replying, and shutting it after him, got to his own lodging, Alexander rose up a little surprised, and going into Barsina's chamber, told the company into what an apprehension the sight of that man had put him; the Queen and Barsina both changed colour, but Barsina making it up as well as she could, without doubt (said she to the King) 'tis some one of my servants, who came in not knowing your Majesty was in the chamber; and then perceiving the error he had committed, got out amazed, without having the confidence to give your Majesty an answer. The King was satisfied with this excuse, and within a while after going away, and taking the Queen along with him, he gave my Master and Barsina leisure to entertain themselves with that accident the rest of the day.  
The Queen reflecting afterward upon that encounter, used more wariness in her visits than she had done before, and took care with all imaginable circumspection that her stolen meetings might not be discovered.  
'Twas about that time that the whole Court was possessed with the King's sorrow, and that by his command it changed both face, and habit for a while. The death of Hephestion Alexander's favourite, or rather his second self, and husband to the Princess Parisatis, was cause of this desolation; I will neither tell you of the King's mourning, nor of the Pomp of that Funeral, those things are sufficiently known to you already, nor will I entertain you with the lamentations of that fair, noble widow, all I shall say is, that my Prince was very sensible of her misfortune, and that he was exceedingly troubled he could not visit her in her affliction, and give her some consolation, if she had been capable of any in so fresh a loss. The Queen bore a great share in her sister's grief, and complied so far with that of the King her husband, that for some days she kept her chamber, and for many after she went abroad, visited only the Princess her sister, to whom her affection was so real, that she had as great a sense of her sorrow as she herself.  
This disaster deprived my Prince of the sight of her, but there passed few days wherein she comforted him not in that tedious absence, by two or three words under her hand, which Tyreus brought him to Barsina's, and which my Prince read, and kissed with such excess of contentment, as alone was able to discover the greatness of his passion. I remember one day he received a Letter from her, the words whereof were something to this purpose.  
Queen STATIRA to Prince OROONDATES  
IT were not just, while my husband and my poor Sister give themselves over to their grief, that I alone should run to subjects of joy, and I am pardonable, if for a short space, I lose the sight of what I love, to comfort her, who has newly lost for ever, what she loved; compassion and decency enjoin me this punishment; but believe my Orontes, that it is as harsh to me as to yourself, and that it is as difficult for Statira to keep herself from seeing you, as it is unblamable in the wife of Alexander to desire it.  
My Prince answered her to this effect. Prince OROONDATES to Queen STATIRA.  
'TIs just that I should suffer while the whole world is in mourning, and I have too much interest in what concerns you, to suffer the affliction of the Princess your sister, without the mixture of my own misfortunes: shorten them I beseech you as much as you are able, and give reasonable limits to that compassion, and that decency, unless you will give very short ones to my life; not that I ought to love it, since it is troublesome to you, in obliging you to actions which you think are unblamable, but neither can I hate it, since by the violences you use upon your own humour for its conservation, you testify that it is dear to you.  
They wrote many others, which did a little sweeten my Masters wearisome impatience; and the fair Barsina took so much care to make the time of his banishment less tedious, that if he was not really satisfied, he feigned at least before her to be very much pleased with the charms of her conversation.  
The days of great mourning being expired, the Queen had the liberty to see him again, but she had much more conveniency within a while after, when the King having rendered those honours to his dear Hephestion, which only the Gods exact from men, caused the Mains, and Tails of Horses to be cut off, the Battlements of City-walls to be beaten down, and made his Funerals famous by the expense of twelve thousand talents, departed from Susa (as you know) to discharge his grief upon the Cosseans a barbarous people near to Susa, against whom he ran, as at so many wild beasts, calling that expedition the sacrifice of Hephestions Funerals. You know also that Queen Statira stirred not from Susa, but wicked Roxana having had the liberty to do so, retired to Babylon, and delivered her rival, and all her friends, from a sight that was very insupportable to them.  
The absence of those two persons, afforded my Prince great facilities in entertaining the Queen, and there passed but very few days, wherein he had not the happiness to see her, either at Barsina's house, or in her Garden, or in that belonging to the Palace, whether Tyreus brought him by Cleone's directions, and where he spent whole hours with her, in ecstasies and raptures, which cannot be conceived but by those who have loved like him, and which would absolutely have satisfied him, if he had not thought of the advantages which Alexander had above him, and of the command that had been laid upon him, never to pretend to greater. In the mean time that virtuous Princess behaved herself toward him in such a manner, that though she expressed her acknowledgement, and rendered him what she believed she owed to one that had done so much to serve her, yet she never exceeded the bounds of her duty, nor ever abated any thing in his favour, of what she knew only to be due to her husband, she never let slip one word against him, and when my Prince by any of his sayings, or any of his actions, made appear that he had a design against a life, the loss whereof alone was the establishment of his, she would check those motions so gracefully, and accompany her specious reasons with so many tears, and such urging prayers, that settling him more than ever in the admiration of her virtue, she also confirmed him strongly in the resolution of never displeasing her, by any of his actions while he lived. One day when in her presence and Barsina's, he let 'scape some threats against him, and accused himself of the cowardice he showed in suffering him to live, the Queen after she had a little sharply reproved him; Dear Oroondates (continued she) I may, and aught to confess to you without doing you any injury, that I love the King my husband as much as I ought to love him, and that no body can attempt against his life, without striking directly at mine; but though I were void of those inclinations I have and should have towards him, and that I could without grief see the loss of him whom the Gods have given me for my husband; what do you think I owe unto my own consideration, and with what eye do you believe the care of my reputation would suffer me to look upon my husband's murderer? do you judge that I could with decency receive him for my second husband, whose hands were stained with the blood of my first? and though I should shut mine eyes against all these considerations, and should throw myself blindly into yours arms, what opinion would you yourself have of me, after so shameful and so base a lightness? No no, dear Orontes, never exact any thing from me, that may injure the virtue which obliges you to love me; I will keep myself in your esteem, since I was not able to keep myself wholly for you; and I will keep a husband who deserves it, and whom next to the Gods I hold only from yourself. But (replied the Prince) since your reasons are so plausible, what will you have me to do? I would have you live and suffer (answered the Queen) as I live and suffer; and I would have you wait, as I do, the pleasure of the Gods, who perchance will bring some change either to your fortune, or your inclinations. In the mean time content yourself with what I do for you, and though it be very little in comparison of what you have done for me, you ought yet to value it, if you consider what it costs me, and what I hazard to afford it you.  
With these and such like words she for some little time would moderate the violence of his different passions; and when she saw him so far transported by the power of the object that moved them, as to make attempts, and take advantage of opportunities, to the prejudice of her virtue, she would use her authority so handsomely, and in the midst of all those charms that made her lovely, she likewise would appear so terrible, that in a moment she made him repent the thought of a design she disapproved; yet did she not so much trust to the power she had over him, or to that she had over herself, as that she would often cast herself into the occasions of exercising it, but to avoid them as much as she could possibly in those interviews, she was commonly accompanied either by Barsina, or Cleone, or at least was at so little a distance from them, that she seldom gave him the means to persist in a behaviour that displeased her. They lived some months on this manner without any remarkable cross; but in the end, the Queen who felt a remorse, and a repugnancy to her humour, in a kind of life which she believed she could not continue with innocence, and who (after having vainly consulted with Barsina, and with my Prince himself, to what all those practices could tend) saw no help nor remedy if they should be discovered, resolved to cut off the course of them, though with them she should have been fain to cut off that of her life, and began to prepare my Master's mind, with words premeditated to that purpose; But at the first overtures she made to him concerning it, he fell into such a passion and washed her feet with so many tears, that she left all hope of making him resolve easily upon it, but not the design of resolving herself, upon what she believed she ought to do. I think indeed, it was not without strange conflicts of mind, that this remembrance of her duty carried it from her affection, and we found by the changes of her countenance, and by the sadness which for many days preceded her declaration, that she brought not herself to it without exceeding violence: About that time she received Letters from the King, who having destroyed the Cosseans was gone toward Babylon, and entreated her to come thither to him, assoon as she could possibly.  
This desire of his which she received as a most absolute command, perplexed her mind with different thoughts, and gave my Prince matter of contriving new expedients to continue the life he led; Barsina who meant to accompany the Queen whethersoever she went, offered him the same assistance at Babylon, he received from her at Susa, but my Master knowing how great an inconvenience it was to her, would not abuse her goodness toward him; he nevertheless was resolved to make the same voyage, and to seek out some other inventions to continue his life, which thenceforth seemed only to subsist by the sight of his Princess, and by those remainders of affection which she yet testified unto him: But in the interim this virtuous Queen was a little more reserved then ordinary in her carriage to him, and no longer afforded him her sight and conversation, without marks of a very deep sadness, and actions which visibly expressed with how great constraint she contributed what she believed she ought not to his repose.  
My Prince could not perceive it without such grief as cannot be represented, and drawing an evil omen from her silence, which of late time was grown usual to him, he asked her the cause of that alteration, but he asked it with so much fear, and so little assurance, as made her sufficiently know, that he was more afraid than desirous to learn it. The Queen suffered herself to be urged for some days; but when that of her departure toward Babylon was come, after she had armed herself with a strong resolution, she went unto Barsina's: my Prince who expected her there with impatience, having received her with his ordinary joy, threw himself down before her, and endeavoured by all the words his passion could suggest, to drive away that melancholy humour, in which of late she had seemed buried: after she had been long pressed to it; the Queen lifting up her eyes which were fixed upon the ground, and casting them upon my Masters, strove all she could to retain her tears, and having studied a while for terms to express herself, she spoke to him on this manner. I take the Gods to witness, Prince Oroondates, that I have loved you hitherto with the most pure and perfect affection a soul is able to conceive, that I do still love you more than myself, and that I will love you all my life as the services you have done us, the affection you have testified to me, and my own inclination oblige me. If I speak not truth, o Oroondates, I wish the Sun (whom we worship) may never shine upon me more, and that great Orosmades may bury me in destruction with those of my Family, that are gone before me. After this protestation, which I conjure you to believe, I will also protest to you with the same truth, that it is not without extreme violences, and grief of heart which I am not able to express, that I declare my intentions to you, and that I most earnestly beseech you, by all the love which yet you bear me, not to impute to inconstancy of mind, or want of affection, what I do that I may not be the most lost of all women living, and the most unworthy of your good opinion, and of that greatness to which the Gods have raised me, With this caution I will declare unto you, that if the heavens had made me to be born for you, my desires were most readily disposed to it, I would have despised the hope of all the Empires of the world, and all the felicities which the most happy creatures yet ever knew, to have that of being yours; but since my cruel destiny hath opposed it, and that contrary to all appearance, and to my first intentions, it hath given me to another, you ought not to think it strange, if I withdraw that from you, which you can no longer lawfully keep, and which I can no longer afford you, without the loss of my reputation, the loss of a quiet conscience, and the loss of myself; I confess I owe you much, but I have not now the ability to pay you, and be your reproaches whatever they can, it is fit I should represent unto you, that the husband whom the Gods have given me, is not so little considerable, but that he deserves all my affections: what rights soever your past services, and my inclinations have given you over my life, you have now no longer any to dispute them with him, nor I still to grant you, what can be no bodies but his. Give me leave therefore Sir, to conjure you with these tears which it is impossible for me longer to refrain, to forbear the courses, which we cannot continue any more without our ruin, and not to think any more of this unhappy woman, who is no longer worth your cares, nor in a condition to requite them: or if you will yet preserve any remembrance of her, that you would carry it far from hence, and no longer waken by your presence, those flames which duty ought already to have extinguished, and which death shall extinguish for it, if it cannot draw that power from your absence: besides the consideration of what I ought to do, the estate you are in, the pains you take, and the hazards to which you expose yourself, for some shadow of favour, so light and empty that it merits not the least of your endeavours, do really strike me with compassion of you, you are destined to better employments, and worthy of a better fortune, and the Gods would punish it upon me, if I should longer retain in so pitiful a condition, the most accomplished person they ever created. Go then, Sir, carry to some other place those admirable qualities, which had gained you this unfortunate Princess, and which yet will gain you one more lovely, and more happy, and leave her to the conduct of her wretched destiny, who can no longer pretend lawfully to you, and from whom you can no longer pretend any thing. I make you this request, by all that you acknowledge to be most sacred, and conjure you by all the friendship you heretofore have promised me, and by all the Empire you have given me over your will, to leave this miserable creature for ever, or at least never to appear before her, till she be in a condition to receive you.  
I make you judge Sir, what effect these words wrought upon my poor Prince; he had harkened to them with change of his countenance, and alterations able to melt the most frozen hearts with pity, and when he heard the conclusion of them, and saw them end in an eternal banishment, notwithstanding all the succour he required of his courage, he could not get enough from it▪ to make him proof against so violent an assault; he broke not forth into cries, nor into tears, those shows of grief were too weak for the greatness of his; but he had not power enough over his senses, nor over his forces, to keep them from forsaking him, his eyes closed themselves, his head sunk gently upon his shoulder, and by little and little, his whole body fell cold, and immovable upon the bed where he was sitting.  
The Queen who had prepared herself for all the worst events that could happen, could not see him in that condition, without a most sensible affliction, not without making war with her fair hair, and lovely face, which grief had altered almost to an impossibility of being known; she spoke the most compassionate words, that ever sorrow made those persons utter, who have been the most deeply touched with it; and did some actions, which if they had not been excusable by their cause, would have been a little unbeseeming her modesty and quality; but yet she never stirred from her last resolution, and disposed herself rather to die, then retract the sentence she had pronounced.  
Barsina, Cleone, and I, were about my Prince, and laboured to fetch him again by all the remedies that can be made use of in such an occasion, but he was in so deep a swoon, that it was above an hour ere we could observe the least sign of life in him. Though the Queen was once resolved not to stay for his complaints and reproaches, yet could she not leave him in that estate, but assoon as ever she saw him open his eyes, she rose up from beside him, and wiping away her tears, composed her countenance as well as possibly she could, and prepared herself to give him the last farewell. My Prince having recovered his senses, and seeing us all busy about him, turned his sight slowly on all sides, and seeking her out with his eyes, when he was come to himself enough to remember the command she had newly imposed upon him, he said only these words to her with a feeble dying voice. I will obey you Madam, never fear it, I will obey you. The Queen not permitting him to go on; I hope so my dear Oroondates (said she) and with this assurance, I give you the last farewell, and the last kiss. With these words, coming close to him, she kissed him for the last time indeed; and getting loose from him, without staying for any other answer, she went out of the chamber so besides herself, that I believe she hardly knew how she got unto her Chariot.  
My poor Master accompanied her with his eyes as far as he could, without stirring from his place, and cried out after her, with a voice that showed how weak he was; Farewell the most beloved, and the most ingrateful of all women living; farewell for ever inhuman Statira. Farewell, since you fear to be present at my death, and yet feared not to give it me. He uttered many other complaints, and was presently seized with a most violent fever. Barsina would not leave him in that condition, and though she had purposed to have gone along with the Queen, Sysigambis, and Parisatis, who all departed that very day; she made her excuses to them, promising the Queen to wait upon her at Babylon, assoon as my Prince was recovered: thus the Queens went away from Susa, and Barsina returning to her house, began to take care of my Master's health.  
We had already got him to bed, and that good Princess, knowing the violence of his Fever, sent for all the most skilful Physicians, and employed them in his cure, with a diligence that cannot be imagined; she was so handsomely industrious, and so affectionately careful about it, that she visibly expressed the reality of her friendship to him; but the poor Prince was so ill handled by his sickness, that within a few days, the Physicians began to despair of his recovery. Do but judge, Sir, of my affliction, and of Barsina's, to see a person that was so dear to us, and whose excellent qualities we were so well acquainted with, die in her house, and in our arms. Certainly it is very hard to represent it to you; and when we reflected upon all the accidents of so marvellous a life, and that we saw the admirable events of it, end all in so sad, so tragical a conclusion, we appeared to be more touched with his sickness, than he himself. In the mean time he lay in a continual study, and for many days was deprived of all manner of knowledge, his frenzy made him speak many extravagant things, and the Physicians ascribing all to that, made nothing of them, though they were able to have discovered some passages of his life.  
They continued many days in a belief that he would die, and the Gods are my witnesses, that not being able to think of seeing Scythia again without him, nor of living after him, I took a resolution to accompany him in the grave. But when we least expected it, a favourable crisis gave some glimpse of hope, to those that had him in hand; and to make short, that I may not keep you longer in a narration, which already exceeds a reasonable length, his youth, and vigorous constitution saved him, and in the end lessened the danger wherein he had lain for many days. Assoon as the Physicians began to give me assurance of his recovery, and that by the diminution of his fever my confidence of it was increased, I turned my thoughts to the settling of his mind in quiet, but not seeing the least hope of it, while his fortune was such, I took a resolution something strange, but worthy of the affection I bore my Master, and after having a while digested it, I came to his bedside, and knowing that no body overheard me, Sir, (said I) since the Gods have so visibly delivered you from a death which without their particular assistance was infallibly very near you, they have without doubt thought of the establishment of your life, and do not restore it you, beyond the hopes of all those that have looked to you in your sickness, to make you languish it out in misfortunes and disasters. You must live, but you must live happy, and to that end you must banish all scruples that detain you in your present misery. Since Alexander's life is incompatible with yours, he must die, and you must lose all those considerations, that may dissuade you from a thought, in which alone your safety is to be found; if the Queen loves you, her desire to be entirely, and peaceably yours, will make her bear that loss with patience; and if she love you not, the fear of displeasing her, ought not to be more considerable to you, than your own life, yet to keep you clear from a crime, which you might believe you should commit in disobeying her, Araxes will take that charge upon him, and this hand shall free you from that enemy, before your own be able to undertake it: If I be so fortunate as to do you a service of that importance, I shall prefer my condition before that of any man alive, and if I perish in the difficulty of that enterprise, I cannot fall more gloriously, then in sacrificing my life to the repose of him, to whom I have wholly devoted it.  
My Master having turned his head toward me while I spoke, cast his arm about my neck, and embracing me a long time, Dear Araxes (said he) I am so nearly obliged to the fidelity of thy affection, that thy consideration alone, is enough to make me desire to live still, that I may requite part of the good services I receive from thee, thy thoughts are more generous, than they are just, and thou dost as much agree with mine in proposing the death of Alexander, as thou crossest them in offering thyself to be the actor of it. Yes, Alexander must die, and my reason no sooner returned to me again, but I decreed his ruin, he shall die, that Conqueror of the whole earth, but he shall die only by the hand of Oroondates, I will stay no longer then till I have recovered my strength, and I will either oblige Statira's affection by giving her the means to satisfy what she owes me, or punish her ingratitude, by sacrificing him before her eyes, whom she ought never to have loved unto my prejudice; in this despair whereinto she has precipitated me, all considerations are extinguished, and I am now quit with both of them by so many actions in their favour, and to their advantage, I have paid Alexander all I was indebted to him, by saving his life which his best friends suffered him to lose, and since it is destructive of mine, he ought not to think it strange, if I assault it fairly; I will neither use poison, nor have recourse to any shameful ways, to send him out of this world, but I will divide the danger so, that the greater share shall infallibly be mine own. If I perish in the enterprise Statira; you shall for ever be delivered from the importunities of this miserable man, and you shall with tranquillity enjoy that greatness for which you meanly have forsaken me.  
He said many things of this nature, and knowing his humour, I persisted not to contest with him about the Proposition I had made. During the rest of his sickness, he persevered in this resolution, and I know not whether it hastened his cure, but in effect by the cares of Barsina, and of those that had him in hand, he recovered his health sooner then was expected, and left his bed two months after the day he sickened, but he was yet so weak, that of another whole one, he was not able to ride on horseback.  
This Relation is too long, Sir, but to come to a Conclusion of it, I will tell you, that assoon as he had gotten his strength again, and that he found himself able to execute what he had in his mind, he prepared for his departure. But before he went from Susa, the disquietness I felt for his misfortunes persuaded me to consult the pleasure of the Gods for him; and for that purpose visiting the Temple of Orosmades, where famous Oracles are given, after I had made my prayer on his behalf, the God commanded us to seek our repose upon the banks of Euphrates, and without giving me any other answer sent me back, with some little hope, and satisfaction. My Master also was satisfied with it, and knowing that Babylon, where Alexander then made his abode, was situate upon that River, he believed his intention was conformable to the will of the God that sent him, whither he already had designed to go. You may be pleased to dispense with me, if I omit to tell you what passed at the parting of my Prince and the fair Barsina, you may easily judge yourself, that the sense of her last obligations, together with the remembrance of so many former ones, put into his mouth the most acknowledging words, and the most hearty protestations of friendship he could devise, and that he went not from her without expressing his trouble by many tears.  
A whole day was spent in their farewells, and my Prince not having discovered his design unto Barsina, contented himself, with saying he would see her again ere long, and that he would not make his Journey toward Scythia, without taking leave of her once again. That good Princess was a little comforted with that promise, but she could not see him take horse, without being extreme sorry for his departure. Thus did we go from Susa, and take our way towards Babylon; you may well enough imagine the thoughts that entertained my Prince during that Voyage, without my standing to describe them to you; he persisted still in his last resolution, and his impatiency hastened him on such manner, that the speed of his horses scarcely could suffice; sometimes when he was most sharply persecuted with his remembrances, he could not forbear crying out, Thou shalt die Alexander, thou shalt die, and thou no longer shalt possess her, whom thou hind'rest me from possessing; his sadness was sometimes allayed by this thought, and the fierceness that succeeded it, was visibly to be found in his countenance.  
Thus did we pass the time, till we arrived within three days journey of this place; and when my Prince was most animated, and most firmly resolved upon the death of his enemy, he heard that he had ended his life in the arms of his friends, and that by the wickedness of some of his domestics, who were suspected to have poisoned him, Statira was a Widow, he freed of a rival, and the Earth deprived of the greatest man it ever bore: In short, there it was we learned that the great and victorious Alexander was dead at Babylon three days before.  
You will have much ado to believe, Sir, what I now shall tell you; I know you doubt not but that by all manner of reason, my Prince should have rejoiced at this loss, as the best fortune that could befall him; for my part I confess I was infinitely overjoyed at it, and was ready to have fallen down upon my knees, to thank the Gods for the mercy they had granted us; but I stayed myself by considering my Master's countenance, who after having held his eyes long fixed upon the ground, shed tears suddenly, and spoke words so far from what in all probability, one should have looked for, that I should have suspected any other body of hypocrisy and dissimulation; but I was so well acquainted with his generosity, that I questioned not the reality of his grief, but harkened with admiration to the moan he made, for the death of a man whom he was resolved to kill, and which he ought to have desired as his own life. He understood well enough what an advantage that loss was to him, and I believe that at first hearing, he was touched with some sense of joy, but coming to reflect upon the admirable qualities of that deceased Prince, his noble soul was so moved with that remembrance, that it was impossible for him to refuse, what he believed due from all virtuous persons to the memory of the greatest man that ever was. This change of his affairs, made him also change his resolution, and after he had passed the night in the thoughts which that revolution caused, we took horse assoon as it was day, and prosecuted our Voyage. This report was confirmed unto us by all we met, and moreover we heard the dispute that rose among the Princes, about the sharing of his dominions.  
My Master being come within a days Journey of Babylon, dispatched Toxaris thither, with order to inform himself of what passed, and to inquire news of Queen Statira, and bring him back word, to a place which he appointed him within 3 or four hours riding of that City. Toxaris parted from us, but he made us wait all the day following without hearing of him. My Prince being in pain for his long stay, sent Loncates after him with the like Commission. Loncates returned no more than he, and my Prince impatient of their delay, after having expected that whole day also, went that way himself, with an intention to send me likewise, and to stay for my coming again, near the place where we met with you, and where after the news which (in spite of the tears my Prince had shed) had raised his hopes, and had made me believe, that we were for ever gotten under shelter from the persecutions of fortune, we learned from your mouth, the fatal death of that great and virtuous Queen, for whom alone he had preserved the remnant of his life.  
Behold, Sir, (pursued Araxes, shutting up his relation) behold the end of my Prince his adventures; if the course of them have touched you with admiration, the conclusion of them will without doubt touch you with pity, and you will judge infallibly, that never virtue has been so perfectly tried, that perchance never man carried it to so high a point, and that fortune never fixed herself so obstinately to persecute any man; she never gratified him with any of her favours, but instantly she was ready to throw him headlong into a bottomless pit of miseries; and when after an infinite number of storms, she seemed to have brought him in to the Haven, there it was she made him find his shipwreck, and ruined him by the utmost cross that he could and by the only one which he had not yet endured.  
Araxes thus finished his long narration, and Lysimachus whom the recital of so many wonders, had strucken with great admiration, after he had remained for some time deeply buried in a study, lifting up his eyes suddenly to Heaven, O Oroondates (cried he) the bravest of all men living; thou miracle, both of our age, and of all ages past; have I prolonged my miserable life, to suffer with you as I do, in the misfortunes of yours, and must I carry to my grave, the sorrow I feel for the miseries of so divine a person? Was not the consideration of my own, strong enough to bring me thither, and were not my own disasters sensible enough, without the mixture of yours? Certainly, (continued he, turning toward Araxes) if that fortune which followed deceased Alexander with so much constancy and affection, had but declared herself a little in favour of your gallant Prince, he would not only have obscured his glory, and cut off the course of his great victories, but also have blotted out of the memory of men, the lustre of all those that went before him, and have submitted all the habitable world to his Dominion. Alexander had no quality which your Prince possesses not with all manner of advantages, and he appears so free from all his vices, and from all those that can give the least blemish to his admirable virtue, that only his misfortunes make us know him for a man, whom so many miraculous actions might with justice make to pass for a God.  
Lysimachus would have said more in the affection that transported him, if it had not been already night; that consideration made him return into the house, that he might not longer lose his company, whose transcendent virtue had so powerfully gained him, and whose absence he no longer could endure with patience.  
The end of the Sixth book, and of the FIRST PART.    


CASSANDRA TO CALISTA.  
DO you not believe, Calista, that 'tis an inhuman thing to trouble the repose of the dead? And are you not satisfied, that by ceasing to live, I cease to dispute with you for any advantage, unless you violate the privilege of Tombs, and pull me from my grave, where I have rested two thousand years, to draw homages, and acknowledgements from me, which hitherto I never owed to any body? If they justly are condemned, who by words of conjuration, call up spirits from the infernal shades, what do you expect for the violence you use to me? For to say truth, fair Calista, 'tis you alone that bring me back into the world, whence I departed so many ages since; & the Empire you have ver him who makes me live again, recalls me now out of the dark, where my abode has been obscure indeed, but full of great tranquillity. My former life was subject to so many misfortunes, that the remembrance I still retain of them, makes me fear this second, for which you cause me to be born again; but it had likewise so many notable advantages, as I cannot with justice complain of him that revives me, though he renew my griefs to publish my glory to the whole world▪ The troubles of the Age I lived in, the disasters of my family and the brightness of that flaming light which in a few years kindled almost all the Universe, did in part abate the lustre of it; but this neccessity which your commands have imposed upon the Author of my new life, makes me come forth from under an heap of arms, and of dead bodies, from under the ruins of our house, and from under the flames that consumed my Country, to dress myself up again in my former ornaments, and to breathe a more gentle air, and a more quiet life under your protection. I ask you pardon therefore, O Calista, if my first words expressed some resentment against you, you ought to receive them, as coming from a person not yet well awake, and who having much ado to shake off a sleep of twenty Ages, had not yet time enough to know who you were. Now that by the beams of your fair eyes, this first Cloud of my still dazzling sight is dissipated, and that you appear such to me, as I myself appeared heretofore to my illustrious adorers, I come to wait upon you without murmuring, and I should say I establish my retreat at your very feet, if with all France I did not know you are too generous, and too good, to require such submissions from a person of my sex and quality. I was a Woman as you are, I was beloved by the greatest Personages upon Earth as you are, and if I dare say so Calista, I was fair as you are; It is but by my Author's example, I make this comparison, he seems to have drawn my picture by your face, and because he is born in an Age too far distant from mine, to recover my true image, he has painted me such as you are in his heart, and he believed with a great deal of reason, that to be infinitely handsome, I must of necessity resemble you. He could not have formed an Idea more advantageous to me, and to say he has made me like Calista, is enough to make known to all the Earth he has made me like the highest perfection that can be found in it. These praises cannot be suspected of flattery, in the mouth of one who would be your Competitor, if she returned into the world, with any other intention then to serve you; 'tis with that design I have already told you the beginning of my adventures, and 'tis by your express command, I am disposed to give you the continuation of them; if a thousand persons whose satisfaction I regard not, do after you, find either diversion or tediousness in them, let them thank, or accuse no body but yourself. But if your Sovereign will enjoin my Author still to go on with them, give me leave, Calista, to do an office below myself, and to forget both the greatness of my birth, and the severity of my sex to implore your favour to him; if he be little worthy of your affection, he is also but little confident to beg it, and besides, your commands reduce him to a necessity of desiring some relief. It is very hard for him in the violence of the pains he suffers, to describe the passions of others pleasingly, and it is just you should consider both the greatness of his respect, and the dignity of the person that intercedes for him.   

To the Reader.  
MAny wonder at the title of this Work, and search for this CASSANDRA, of whom there is scarce so much as a light mention made in the first parts: but if they have the patience to wait for the Conclusion of these adventures, they shall find her to be a person considerable enough to give them her name. As for other matters, seek neither for Science, nor fine Discourse, perchance thou shalt find neither in this Piece, and I may say unfeignedly it is written with too little pains, or rather with too little care, to hope for any thing studied, or delicate in it. In what I write (after my obedience to an absolute command) my only aim is to divert myself, I find no other advantage in this employment, and I am very far from pretending glory from a thing which I have not owned, and which I will forsake when I can no longer disavow it. I think nevertheless, though other beauties be wanting in it, one shall at least find few things that thwart either probability or decency; nay, to that degree, that I find most difficulty to accommodate those passages to a likelihood, which are really in the History. Methinks it does not ill mingled with Romance; and of those accidents that are feigned, there are not many in which I could be contradicted if I would make them pass for true. I say nothing concerning the faults escaped in Printing, the first part is full of them, and I believe this will be but little better.   

CASSANDRA, The Second Part. BOOK I.  
ARAXES Discourse made such an impression in Lysimachus, that he looked upon Oroondates as a God, and considering by what gallant proofs his virtue had showed itself, he could hardly imagine how the Gods had endowed one man with so many admirable qualities: After that by a thousand expressions, and a thousand endearments full of respect and affection, he had testified how much the Relation of his life had wrought upon him, he retired into his Chamber, and going to bed, employed the best part of the night, (which his griefs would not suffer him to spend in sleep) in the remembrance of those wonderful events, which Araxes had recounted to him.  
Assoon as it was day, he left both his Bed, and Chamber, and going out of the house, took his walk in the neighbouring Wood, which he had dedicated to the entertainment of his sorrowful thoughts. Scarce did he perceive the first beams of the rising Sun, shine through the boughs, but he turned away his eyes, either through shame to enjoy its light, after the losses he had sustained, or through anger to see that witness of his past felicities, and of the change of his present fortune. When he had held them a while fixed upon the ground, on a sudden lifting them up to that glorious Star. Divinity of Persia (cried he) is it possible thou shouldst appear without a Cloud, and that thou shouldst wear no mourning for thy most illustrious Adorers, and for the most worthy persons thou ever shinedst upon? Art thou then alone unsensible, and disinteressed in these strange revolutions, in which the whole world is so much concerned? O what a visible mark of thy Divinity, is this impassable nature of thine, in this encounter! And how powerfully does the inconstancy of our estate, and the immutability of thine, persuade those that are least touched with sense of Religion; that thou art really a God  
He reasoned thus with himself, and walking softly under the Trees▪ he strove by Discourses of the same nature, to engage in his fortune, all the objects that presented themselves unto his sight. Then after those first motions, which made him blindly talk to things insensible, he made a long reflection upon all the past accidents of his life, and running lightly over the first of them, he stuck upon the last with so much grief and resentment, that the remembrance of his misfortunes was like to have made him lose a life which his misfortunes themselves had not taken away. His deep musing, led him before he was aware, near the River side, and when he thought least of any such thing, he saw himself close by a man, who had newly alighted under those Trees, and who having left his horse with a Squire that waited on him, walked up and down with an intention like to his. This encounter made Lysimachus lift up his eyes, and fixing them upon the Stranger's face, he in it observed such admirable features, as made him remember he had seen him some where else. This thought causing him to look earnestly upon him, he quickly knew it was the same Stranger; whom he had met at the Temple of Apollo, with whom he had long discoursed, and with whom the Oracle had been confusedly pronounced to him. This Stranger who had dearly preserved the Idea of Lysimachus, knew him also as easily, and having accosted him very civilly, they embraced each other with much affection, and showed as much joy for that unexpected meeting, as the remembrance of their misfortunes would suffer them. They renewed their kindnesses many times, with as great demonstrations of friendship, as if theirs had been established many years, so strong are the charms of virtue to make itself be loved, and so easily do those persons that bear its marks discern one another, and separate themselves from the common, by that powerful character it hath imprinted on them. Lysimachus after some words of civility, spoke thus unto the Stranger: I know not, Sir, what fortune detains you still in these parts, which I thought you had forsaken, but whatsoever it be, 'tis a great advantage to me, since I thereby reap a happiness, which I hoped not for, and which I receive as a most especial favour from the Heavens.  
The Stranger obliged by these civilities replied, If at our first encounter, the company of a man, whose misfortunes have made him of a very unpleasing humour, had been to be endured, I would not have left you; and whatsoever necessity of affairs had called me other where, I would have deferred the execution of them rather than have parted from so virtuous person.  
This good opinion you express, (answered Lysimachus) is so glorious to me, that if you have it really, I esteem myself exceeding happy, and exceeding well recompensed for the strong passion I have to honour you, both through my knowledge of your worth, and through a most powerful inclination. After these passages, and many others of like nature the Stranger willing to give Lysimachus an account of his abode in that Country, The cause (said he) of my stay upon the banks of this River, is without doubt the same that retains you also, and the command we received together from the Gods, to wait their pleasure upon the banks of Euphrates, keeps me still here in some hope, that their goodness to me is not absolutely extinguished.  
May the same Gods, (replied Lysimachus) whom you serve so religiously, and whose part you took so zealously at our last meeting, make your fortune equal to your virtue, and I protest to you by those Powers themselves, my heart will then be as truly touched with a passion whereof I no longer thought it capable, as it could be by the recovery of those happinesses I have lost. The Stranger highly obliged by the freedom of this Discourse, casting his arm about Lysimachus his neck made answer, You know me so little, that I cannot but blame your goodness, which makes you so easily grant your friendship to one that has not deserved it, and who could not justly hope for it, but by the knowledge (which you cannot yet have) of that which he really bears to you.  
'Tis true, (said Lysimachus) I am yet ignorant of your name and birth, but your virtue discovers itself by such visible marks, and the Gods have accompanied it with so many graces of nature, that I cannot be accused of lightness for having given myself entirely to you, without requiring a more particular knowledge of what you are; not but that the interest I now take in you, makes me long infinitely to learn a name which must needs be very famous, but I will always regulate my desires, according to the will of those that are so considerable to me as yourself, and I will never exact proofs of friendship from my friends, which may either be troublesome, or prejudicial to them.  
The Stranger coming out of a little Study, in which this Discourse had buried him, lifted up his head, and looking upon Lysimachus, Your satisfaction (said he) shall ever be so dear to me, that I can receive no trouble by being made acquainted with your desires, and though indeed since I came into this Country, I never discovered myself to any body, I shall make no difficulty for your sake, to break a resolution I had taken only for such as are less considerable to me then yourself. I was born in one of the Provinces, which heretofore were subject to Darius, of parents very noble; but very unfortunate; force and invasion having made them lose the Crowns their Ancestors had worn, my name hath gone so little out of those Countries where I have passed my days, that I believe it hath not yet reached your ears, and I know I shall learn you nothing of my life, when I shall tell you I am called Arsaces. The Stranger would have gone on, when Lysimachus interrupting him at the name of Arsaces, What? (said he, stepping back a little, and looking intentively upon him) Are you that valiant Arsaces, whose name resounded so loudly through all Europe, who defeated Arimbas with his Forces, and restored peace to Scythia by so many signal victories?  
The Stranger showing some astonishment at this discourse, answered Lysimachus very modestly, I did not believe that actions of so small moment as mine are, had crossed the Countries which separate us from those where they were done; but since notwithstanding the sleightness of them, they have come unto your hearing, I will confess to you, I am that same Arsaces, who had the honour to command the King of Scythia's Army, when Arimbas entered upon his Territories, and when the justice of his cause, gave us the victory over him.  
Lysimachus at this Discourse embracing him with great affection, I easily guessed, (said he) that some illustrious person, was hid under so handsome an outside, and what we have heard of your marvellous actions, has such conformity with those marks of greatness which shine visibly in you, that the sight of you strongly persuades me to believe all that hath been told me concerning them.  
Arsaces' was going to reply to these words, with a like civility, when he was hindered by a noise, which made them turn their heads, and casting their eyes 〈◊〉 that side where they had heard it, they saw a Cavalier of a more than 〈…〉 armed at all points, who came riding toward them full speed. How 〈…〉 hast seemed to be, by the diligence he used, and by the swiftness of his horse, he made a stop when he came near them, and addressing himself to Arsaces' his Squire, asked him the way to Babylon; and the Squire having showed it him, he spurred on at the same rate as before, and was a great way from them in a moment. The Beaver of his Helmet was up, and Lysimachus having had time to observe his face, saw that he was a man of very good presence. But Arsaces had scarce cast his eye upon him, when knowing him by the strong Idea, which was engraven in his heart, he changed colour twice or thrice in an instant, and by a general trembling showed the greatness of his astonishment and surprise; but getting suddenly out of it, by reason of the necessity that forced him to shake it off, Great Gods! (cried he, very fiercely) behold the beginning of the performance of your promises! With these words, calling for his horse and Cask he hardly allowed himself time to take leave of Lysimachus, and beseeching him in a few words to pardon the important necessity which constrained him to leave him for a while, he buckled his Cask, and vaulting upon his horse, gave a loose in the tract of him that was passed by, with so much speed and fury, that though the other was already a great way off, he was not out of hope to overtake him. Lysimachus was so surprised at his precipitate departure, that he had not the leisure to offer him his assistance, and being a foot, and unarmed, he knew he was not in a condition to follow him, wherefore judging that though he should return unto Polemons house to furnish himself, he could not be able to reach them who made away so swiftly, he stood still with his arms a cross, and quickly losing them in them in the dust that rose from their Horse's feet, he was very sensibly troubled at that accident. The sight and knowledge of Arsaces, had produced in him a most powerful effect, and having vowed him a firm and real friendship, he was much grieved at so sudden a separation. This hindered him from walking there any longer, so he returned into the house, meaning to tell his encounter to Oroondates. With this design, and that of seeing him, he went into his Chamber, where he found him in reasonable good health, and Amintas assured him that within a few days he would be able to leave his bed. Lysimachus drawing near unto him; bade him good morrow with his wont affection, and after having enquired how he did, he related to him his encounter with Arsaces, and spoke of him in terms which discovered the ardent friendship, he already had conceived toward him. Oroondates was surprised at that adventure, and thinking upon the obligations his Country had unto that man, he wished himself in a condition to serve him in his affairs.  
He asked Lysimachus many questions concerning him, and seeing with what praises he extolled his good qualities, he said to him with a forced smile, If all that have seen, and conversed with Arsaces in Scythia; spoke not of him as you do, and published not those wonders of him which you have observed, I should be jealous of the friendship you express toward him, fearing it might perchance make me lose a part of that you have promised me; but truly I have heard so much good of him, that I think not that strange, I have heard from you. I know not what occasion can have brought him into these Countries, nor which way he has escaped out of the imprisonment wherein he was detained by the King my Father; but I receive some consolation, in this beginning which the Gods have given to the accomplishment of their promises; By his encounter of that Stranger, after whom he made such haste, he conceives that they are working his repose, and you know the Gods promised it us together, and that they declared their wills and intentions to us by the same Oracle.  
I hope you will quickly be able (replied Lysimachus) to assist in it yourself; and the health they are now restoring you, is a great step to what we wait for from the Heavens. In the mean time I will instruct you in the condition our Enemies are in, and after your knowledge of that, we will consider what course we should take in our revenge. I not only desire that information from you (answered Oroondates) but if you remember the promise you made me; I demand the recital of your adventures, which you are engaged to, both by your word, and by the interest I take in all that concerns you, since besides that which friendship gives me in yours, my own are likewise intermingled with them, and I from you may learn some particulars of my Princess' life, which hitherto have never been well known to me.  
I am willing to obey you, (replied Lysimachus) and though this Discourse be a most sensible renewing of my griefs, I will strive to bear it both to give you satisfaction, and to acquaint you with things, which it is very just you should know. At these words he made a stop, and being sat down upon the bedside, after having thought a while upon what he had to say, he began his Story on this manner:  

The History of LYSIMACHUS.  
ALthough my birth perhaps is not unknown to you, I will tell you, not only that I am born a Prince among the Macedonians, but that I am of the same blood with deceased Alexander, that Philip his Father, and Amintas who was mine, were Cousin Germane, and that my Grandfather wore the Crown, which by right of eldership descended upon Philip's Father. I will not entertain you with the particulars of an infancy, which had nothing considerable but my education with Alexander. The rank I held in Macedonia, as one of the nearest to the Crown, obliged King Philip to cause me to be bred up with his son; and Prince Amintas my Father, contributed all that depended on him, to repair my defects of nature, by the industry of the Masters he provided for me. I was five or six years younger than Alexander, which hindered me from hearing the Lectures of Aristotle the Philosopher, under whom he had already profited very much, before I had reason and solidity enough to draw any benefit from the instructions of that learned man: But in requital the wise calisthenes, took care to read to me, and used his endeavours to form my manners according to virtue and to the true Philosophy, whereby if I was not bettered, I ought only to accuse the perversity of mine own nature. The same care was taken, to make me expert in all exercises of the body, and I may say without vanity; that with facility enough, I learned all things fit and necessary for a person of my quality. I was not above fourteen years old, when Philip took me with him to the siege of Byzantium, where Alexander served his Apprenticeship, under the most prudent, and most politic Commander of all those that were before his time, and I was not above sixteen when I departed with him, to bear him company in his Expeditions. My Father was dead a few months before, and though my kindred used some endeavours to keep me still with them, my love to the King, and the desire of glory, which began already to be kindled in my heart, carried it from all their entreaties, and considerations of my youth, which was the only cause of all their apprehensions. I left Macedonia then with the King, who as young as I was, made some account of me, and had already put me in the rank of Ptolomeus, Hephestion, Craterus, and of those other Princes who were most dear, and most considerable to him. Since it is an abridgement of my life alone which you require, you will dispense with me if I relate not that of Alexander, with which mine has always been interwoven, and besides not thinking it necessary to repeat the less remarkable particularities, I will pass over all events that happened to me before that fatal hour, wherein I began to love. And I may assure you with truth; that at that unhappy moment, I began a new life, and that the importance of those accidents; which have befallen me since, hath blotted out of my remembrance all that my heart was able to feel in a condition of indifferency, and tranquillity. I will not therefore say any thing of Alexander's progress in Greece, of the Siege of Thebes, nor of the defeat of the Triballians, which were the beginnings of our Conquests. Neither will I entertain you with our passage into Asia, nor the famous Battle of Granicus, where the King, with so much danger of his own person, gave so many proofs of an admirable valour. You have sufficiently learned his marvellous successes, after that notable Victory, the taking of all the Towns upon the Sea side, his proceedings upon the Coast of Pamphilia, the Conquest of Phrygia, of the Pysidians, and of Cappadocia in less time, than others would have needed to run through them, and the rest of those passages which we related to you, during your stay at Birsa, until that bloody battle of Issus, where yourself did things that ought never to perish in the memory of man, the greatness of which actions did in some sort make amends for the cowardice of so many thousands, whom so glorious an example could not animate to their own defence. It was that fatal day I was a loser as well as Darius, and being of the victorious party, was perchance the only man who was conquered, and the only man who lamented his misfortune, while the whole Camp resounded with songs of triumph and rejoicing.  
After a thousand spectacles of desolation and cruelty, which usually accompany defeats of that nature; the Sun was beginning to decline, when being engaged with a thousand horse which I commanded, in the pursuit of certain Persians, by whose resistance we were exasperated, I chanced to meet Parmenio, returning into the Camp, with the Queens and Princesses of Persia prisoners. This prize began already to be divulged there, and the confirmation I received of it by this encounter▪ touched me for that time only with compassion, and with some considerations of humane misery upon occasion of so remarkable an example. Parmenio respected me enough, to give me liberty to draw near the Chariots in which they were. I was invited to it by curiosity, and by the desire of doing such services to those illustrious persons in their misfortunes, as their present condition could expect from one of my quality. Those that were about the Chariots made way for me to come up to them▪ and when I was near enough to be taken notice of by the Queens, and Princesses, I saluted them with all the humility, which the greatness of their birth could require from the meanest of their subjects. They returned my salutation, and I considering their faces; observed in the countenance of the Queens, and particularly of Sysigambis; more constancy, than the change of their fortune ought in probability to have allowed them. That great Queen seemed to have received that blow from Heaven without being moved at it▪ but the Princesses in whom age had not yet settled that firmness of mind, expressed their griefs more freely, and by their tears which ran down from their fair eyes, conformed themselves to the state of their present condition. This object touched me with a compassion which it was impossible for me to dissemble any longer, and receiving the impression of that desolation which appeared in them, I had no trouble to compose my countenance to such a sadness as decency required in that occasion. I thought myself engaged to try if I could sweeten their sorrows by some words of consolation, and make them judge by the opinion I should give them of the first Macedonians they met withal, that they were not fallen into the hands of barbarous people, and that their Captivity should not be so difficult to be born, as they perchance had apprehended.  
For this purpose, drawing near to Queen Sysigambis, I spoke to her in the Persian Tongue which I had learned in Macedonia, and which I had perfected since my coming into Persia; Madam, (said I, riding along by her Chariot, and bowing down through respect, to the very saddle bow) if your Majesty will vouchsafe to hearken to those whom their duty, and the misfortunes of War have made Enemies to your family, and who by these cruel reasons have contributed to your unhappiness, I shall conjure you, not to apprehend your Captivity otherwise then by the absence of your friends, and to believe, only that inconveniency shall make you find you are a prisoner; I am sufficiently acquainted with the King's virtue, to give you this assurance on his behalf, and I have conversed enough with the Macedonians, to assure you also that the presence of your Majesties will imprint a great respect in their hearts, and give you the same authority among them, as among the Persians.  
The Queen having informed herself of my quality by some of them that were about her, or having conjectured it by the honours they paid me, turning toward me with much civility replied; If among the Macedonians we find many like yourself, one Captivity will be much more supportable than we hoped for, and if fortune restore us not that liberty she hath deprived us of, we will endeavour to sweeten the loss of it, by the hope of such usage as is wont to be received from virtuous persons. I confess to you that while Sysigambis spoke on this manner, my constancy was less than hers, and that though she brought forth these words without tears, 'twas not without great difficulty that I withheld mine.  
After some discourses of the same nature, which I had with the Queen her daughter in law, leaving Parmenio to entertain them, I went to the Chariot of the Princesses; the lustre of their admirable beauty dazzled me at first, and sorrow appeared in their countenances with so many charms, and so many advantages, that they seemed to have borrowed an extraordinary addition from it. The Princess Statira's right arm lay upon her sister's shoulder, and the Princess Parisatis leaning one of her cheeks against Statira's face, their tears mixed themselves confusedly with such a grace, that in that amiable disorder, wherein love languished with pity, sadness appeared in its chiefest triumph; their necks were almost quite uncovered, rather through the injury which in the violence of their grief, their fair hands had done their apparel, then through any affected desire, to set forth their excellent beauties to our view; their hair by the same violence was half untied, flowing upon their cheeks and shoulders; and the brightness of Parisatis' tresses, mingled itself in the blackness of Statira's, with such a pleasing confusion, that the eye of the mind lost itself in the care of unmixing them. They did not so much as cast an eye upon any object about them, but limiting their looks to one another, seemed wholly taken up in the consideration of their disasters. The little heed they took of me, gave me liberty to observe them carefully, and considering them as then, only with eyes of admiration and respect, though I found something extraordinary within myself, yet did I settle no judgement, nor frame any design, only I inferred by what fell under my, sense, that those two fair afflicted Ladies, were the two most beautiful persons that ever the Gods created. I road a long time by the side of their Chariot, before they deigned to cast their eyes upon me▪ and assoon as ever they turned them toward me, I saluted them with the same submission I had showed unto the Queens; but they returned my salutation, with so languishing a fashion, and put themselves again in their former posture, with so little likelihood of taking farther notice of me, that I had not the courage to speak to them; and interrupt their silent entertainment.  
We marched on thus, till we came to the entry of our Camp, and though the day was so far spent, that there was hardly light enough left to discern any thing, the first object that presented itself unto their sight, redoubled their grief with so great violence, that we believed it would have killed them; it was King Darius his Chariot which he had quitted, retiring himself, with his bow, and part of his arms. This sight persuaded the Princesses he was dead, and then it was they filled the air with Funeral cries, and such sad groans, that the most barbarous of our soldiers, were thereby deeply touched with compassion; they pronounced Darius his name aloud, and forth imprecations against us, which made us judge that this last affliction proceeded sent from some other cause then a Captivity, which they began already to support with more moderation. I addressed myself to one of their women, and ask her the reason of those new lamentations, I learned that they were caused only by the meeting of that Chariot, and by their belief that the Master of it had perished with his Forces. I was desirous to free them from that fear, and being confident Darius was neither slain, nor prisoner, and that he had left his Chariot only to save himself on horseback; I suffered them no longer to continue in that apprehension, wherefore drawing near the Princess Parisatis, and having often beseeched her to hear me, Madam, (said I) He whose loss you bewail, is in safety, and I protest to you with truth, that King Darius is neither dead, nor prisoner.  
The Princesses settled themselves a little at these words, and Parisatis looking upon me, with eyes wherein through grief, one might see some beams of joy break forth, Whosoever you are (said she) that comforts us in our afflictions, with this welcome news, may the Gods be pleased to recompense you for it, but I beseech you flatter not our sorrows by a deceit which would only serve to prolong, and aggravate them. She spoke these words with such a grace and Majesty, that from that fatal moment, I felt such inward motions, as compassion alone could not stir up in my heart, and desiring to draw her out of that doubt wherein she still remained, Parmenio and I confirmed what I had said, with so many protestations, that their fear began to vanish, and their cries to cease.  
In the mean time they alighted from their Chariots, and Parmenio conducting them into certain Tents, where he continued to guard them, I went to wait upon the King, and give him account of so important a prize; I found him in Darius●his ●his Tent, and in the Bath which that King had caused to be prepared to wash himself after the Battle, but Alexander filled his room, and having from me learned the arrival of the prisoners, he commanded Leonatus to go and visit them from him, and encourage them to hope for all manner of civility, and good usage; then giving us leave to withdraw and refresh ourselves after the toils we had undergone, every one retired unto his Tent to take his rest. When I was in bed, the passages of the day came into my memory, and calling to mind the face, and words of Parisatis, I found something about my heart, which I was not wont to feel, and was troubled with disquiets of which I had never been sensible before. Besides the effect which her face had produced in my soul, the sweetness of her words had penetrated into it with so delightful a sound, and her looks also had made so deep an impression there, that I perceived my inclination to lean rather toward her, than the Princess her sister. I spent part of the night in very pleasing Ideas, and my love not being yet strong enough to torment me with any violence, strove to deceive me, by disguising itself under the veil of compassion, till its Forces were increased to such a height, that it might declare itself, with that tyranny; which since it hath practised upon me. Not but that the Princess Parisatis was capable to stir up passions most violent even in their very birth, but I had seen her so little, and till that day, had found so little disposition in my heart, to forgo its liberty, that I think it not strange if at that first moment, her beauty did not settle so absolute an Empire over it, as her admirable qualities have since established there, for the remainder of my life.  
The next day, the King went to visit them himself, and seeing me at his making ready in the morning with many others, Cousin (said he) since you are already known to these Princesses, I mean you shall facilitate my access to them; go I pray you, and dispose them to suffer my visit, and prepare them for the sight of a man, to whom without question they bear little friendship. I received this command very joyfully, and seeing that the King was almost ready to go out of his Tent, I went to theirs, whither I would not enter without being introduced by their command. Assoon as I had obtained permission to see them, I was led into the Chamber where they were together, and having humbly saluted them, I acquainted them with the Kings coming, and the charge he had given me. Sysigambis who was a wife discreet Princess, received my Discourse with much civility, and by her words expressed a great sense of the honour the King intended them. He came in presently after, and brought Hephestion with him, having out of respect left all the rest of his attendants at the door. Hephestion as you know, possessed his heart most absolutely, and certainly notwithstanding what has passed between us, I must give this testimony to truth, that the King amongst all his Followers, could not have chosen a man more worthy of his favour; You have seen him enough to remember that he was perfectly well fashioned, and that in valour, wit, and gracefulness, he yielded to none among all the Macedonians; he had a great dexterity in managing the Kings will, and used his fortune with him so well, that it was never shaken. His stature being taller, and his garb more Majestic, than Alexander's; Sysigambis at first took him to be the King, and casting herself at his feet, paid him what she believed was due from a Captive to her Conqueror, and her Master; but Hephestion stepping back with a great deal of modesty, showed her the King, and by his action made her perceive her mistake. Sysigambis thought she had committed a very great error, and to obtain the King's pardon for it, kneeled down again with her daughters, beseeching him to excuse the ignorance of a woman, who had never had the happiness to see him. Alexander raising her up with much respect, you were not at all deceived Madam, (said he) for he indeed is my second self.  
After that he comforted her with the kindest words civility and generosity could furnish him withal, and by assurances of the same usage she could receive from Darius. Their grief was something abated by that hope, and the King who would not make his first visit too long, confirmed his promises again, and went out of their Tent, leaving them as well satisfied as they could be in their misfortune. He kept his word exactly which he had given them, and from that very day gave order to settle their household again according to the greatness of their quality, to furnish them with those Officers they wanted, and with guards for their persons, restoring them all that splendour which their Captivity seemed to have taken away. In this interim my condition was very much changed, and that second sight of Parisatis, had so weakened my heart, that it was no longer able to defend itself, nor to avoid those mortal wounds, which it hath so dearly conserved, and whereof it neither can nor will be cured but by the end of my life alone. Sorrow appeared so charming in the countenance of that fair prostrate Lady, and her eyes though full of water, threw such fiery, piercing darts at me, that being quite surcharged with love and compassion, I went forth with the King in such a perplexity, that I had much ado to know where I was. When I was gotten into my Tent, her Idea came yet more strongly into my remembrance, and notwithstanding all the attempts I made to blot it out, my passion being whetted by that difficulty, assaulted me with greater violence, and seemed to inflame itself with anger, at the resistance I made against an affection that was so glorious to me. Dost thou defend thyself so obstinately (said Love) against the beauty of Parisatis, and must the most accomplished of all creatures have so much ado to introduce herself into thy heart? Dost thou think thou canst owe thy liberty, for which thou strugglest so undecently, to a more fair or more illustrious person? Or dost thou believe thou shouldst do a mean action, unworthy of thy courage, if thou shouldst deliver up thy arms to the greatest, and most perfect Princess in the world?  
Thus Love argued to complete his Victory, but Reason replied thus in my defence; That which thou allegest, O Love! were powerful enough to procure thy entrance into a soul less capable of thy impressions; but those same advantages which make Parisatis worthy to be adored, do likewise settle a despair in us, which is the cause why we oppose thy birth. Fortune has not enriched me with Crowns, which he ought necessarily to wear, who shall dare to declare his affections to the daughter of the greatest King upon Earth; neither has nature endowed me with qualities to win the love of the most accomplished of all creatures. True it is, (continued I▪ taking part with my Reason) that it would be a strange presumption, to raise my thoughts to her, who justly might disdain even Alexander himself, as victorious as he is; and who with truth, believes she may boast to have no equal in the world, unless her sister may dispute that advantage with her; but though the Gods had raised me to as high a pitch of greatness as that of Darius, it is not probable his daughters should be reserved for his most mortal enemies.  
By these considerations I strove to hinder Love from entering, but my arguments were too weak, and notwithstanding all my endeavours to keep it out, either by the remembrance of Parisatis' birth, or by the thought of that hatred, which it was likely the house of Darius bore to all Alexander's party; I did but vainly oppose its forces, and the power of my destiny. In short, I began to love, but to love with so much violence, that no affection settled with length of time, did ever torment a soul with more vehemence▪ then mine expressed even in its very birth. Alas! when these first thoughts return into my mind, and that I reflect upon the beginnings of my Love, I find how much reason I had indeed to resist it, and how great an obligation I had to my good Genius, which to withdraw me from that passion so fatal to my repose, did charitably represent unto me all those evils, which I since have felt. In the mean time I loved, as I have already told you, but I loved with so much silence and discretion, and with such power over my tongue and actions, that it was hard for the most interessed persons, to find any other alteration in me then that of my countenance. And truly my affection settled itself with so much respect; that for a long time I considered Parisatis as a Divinity, to whom I ought to pay my vows, no otherwise then as adorations and sacrifices; having formed so high an Idea unto myself, that I believed the whole Earth was infinitely below her. I had the happiness to see her oftentimes with the Queens▪ and the Princess her sister, and the acquaintance I had made with them the day they were taken, added to many petty services, which in their misfortune I did them with much diligence and affection, gave me a freer access to them, than all the other Princes of Alexander's Court.  
It is true, that my quality afforded me some advantage above many of them, and though my youth exempted me from many Offices, which their age was more capable of then mine, yet was I considered in the Court as one of the nearest to the Crown; and among those Illustrious Princesses, as he who of all the Princes was most submissive to them, and who most ardently sought the occasions to lessen their misfortune by all manner of service and good offices; the condition they were in presented opportunities every day, either in their own persons, or some belonging to them, and I laid hoid of them with so much joy, that in the end I obliged them all to some particular good will toward me. I think Hephestions love took birth assoon as mine; but though the King's favour gave him great advantages, he abused them not of a long time, and considering how much Parisatis was above him though a Captive, he looked upon her always with the same respect, she could have required from him in the Court of the King her Father. He visited her very often, and the power he had with the King, giving him a thousand means to oblige those illustrious Captives▪ made his Company the more considerable to them.  
We were at the Siege of Marathon, when the King received Darius his first ●●tters by the hands of Mythranes; you know what they contained, and the Answer which Alexander returned: but I will tell you that he was exasperated not only by the terms of that Letter, which truly were too imperions for one making a request, but also by the superscription which Darius wrote to him as to a private person, without giving him the Title of King. Alexander was so incensed at it, that he refused all he desired of him, and so the Princesses lost the hope of liberty for that time. I would not carry them that unwelcome news, but I was there when Mythranes having had permission to wait upon them before his departure, came to tell it them himself. They received it with much trouble, but also with much moderation, and the Queens keeping themselves within the bounds of their ordinary constancy, permitted the young Princesses to deplore their Captivity with some tears. I had much ado to forbear accompanying theirs with mine, and I gave them so many testimonies of the share I took in their sorrow, that they thereby received no slight marks of my affection. Drawing near to the Princess Parisatis, who sat upon a Chair with an handkerchief wiping away the tears which fell from her fair eyes, Madam, (said I) the Gods are my witnesses, that the honour of your sight, is more precious to me, than the Empire of Asia, and that I cannot desire your liberty, without making wishes against mine own happiness, but those same Gods will also testify for me, that I would not only forsake mine own interests, to restore it you, but that I would give my life with joy, if the loss of it could be any way advantageous to you.  
The Princess thinking herself obliged by this Discourse took the handkerchief from her eyes, and turning them toward me with an air, which as sad as it was, expressed her acknowledgement, replied; Lysimachus, these are the effects of your ordinary generosity, and your compassion of our deplorable destiny, puts thoughts into your mind, which are indeed worthy of you; I know not what satisfaction you can draw from the sight of miserable afflicted creatures, but I may truly assure you both for the Queens, and for ourselves, that in our misfortunes your consolation is dear to us, and your person most considerable.  
I had a fair occasion enough to discover myself absolutely, and matter good enough to speak, but fear forbade me, and respect tied up my tongue, only allowing me to make this reply. I reap so great a glory from the honour you do me, in suffering me, and separating me from the number of your enemies, that if this felicity continue, I will never envy the fortune of the most happy persons upon Earth.  
Having said thus, I drew near the Princess Statira, endeavouring by the like discourse to sweeten the sharpness of her grief; true it is, that sorrow appeared more lively in her, and now making reflection upon it, I believe that besides the misfortunes of her Captivity, the thought of your absence, or of your loss, was the greatest part of her affliction; she never gave any respite to the deepness of her melancholy, and how great care soever was taken to divert her, she never was sensible of any of those things, which perchance gave some abatement to the grief of the Queens, and of the Princess her sister. After the taking of Marathon, we went into Phoenicia, and during all the Voyage, I had the happiness to march near their Chariots; it is true, that Hephestion of whose diligence I began to be suspicious, and many others with him, often kept me company, but I had at least my sight free, and the presence of my rival, and of my companions, did not deprive me of a liberty, which I should not have taken in the greatest solitude. The fourth or fifth days march▪ while I was delighted in their conversation, and that by the absence of Hephestion, I possessed my Princess a little more peaceably, Cleander (the most brutish of all men living, and he of whom Alexander since made use for the death of great Parmenio) having that day charge of the prisoners, and of the Baggage, came up to the Queen's Chariots, and with insolent words expressing his anger to see them go so softly, commanded the Charioteers to drive on faster.  
This disrespect touched the Princesses very nearly, and reading their displeasure in their countenances, I could not forbear blaming Cleander's carriage, and showing him that such persons were to be used with greater reverence; but that unmannerly fellow, after having replied that I was too young to give him instructions, redoubled his command, and not thinking himself readily enough obeyed, struck the Queen's Charioteer in their presence, and one of their Eunuches who would have said something in his justification. This action making the Princesses see they were really Captives, afflicted them so sensibly, that they could not dissemble their discontent, and inflamed me with such anger, that I lost all consideration and fear of displeasing the King, and crying out to Cleander to defend himself, I took a Javelin out of a soldiers hand, and spurring up my horse directly to him, assaulted him so suddenly, that all he could do, was to lift up his arm, and receive me with the point of his; it glanced upon my arms without doing me any hurt, and the fury wherewith I precipitated myself against him, hindering me from finding the defects of his Cuirass, made my blow miss of its effect, and my dart fly into five or six pieces. The tears which that affront had drawn from the eyes of my fair Princess, had so animated me, that without being moved by the cries of those who endeavoured to part us, I drew my sword, and coming up to him again more enraged then before, after having received a second stroke with his Javelin, which gave me a light wound in the side, I ran my sword under his right arm, which finding free entrance to the very hilt, appeared almost all of it behind his shoulder; the wound was not mortal, but yet so great, that Cleander fell among his horses feet with very little strength, and knowledge. I made a stop seeing him fall, but I could not forbear to say, Get thee gone into the other world thou insolent fellow, to injure Queens, and Princesses, and to teach those who are like thee, that punishment is inseparable from crimes of this nature.  
By his fall my sword remained still in my hand, and putting it up into the scabbard, I drew near to the Chariots and addressing myself to Sysigambis, Madam, (said I) pardon I beseech you a rashness full of irreverence, in a man who saw himself wounded in the most sensible part of his soul, and believe that if this rude fellows fault had been of another nature, we would not have ended the quarrel in your presence.  
Those good Queens, and those fair Princesses were so troubled at this accident, that they had much ado to settle themselves, and after a good while Sysigambis answered me thus, Sir, your generosity is great, but our injury was not consider able enough, to require such violent remedies, and the offence we received was too light to be repaired with the blood, and perhaps with the life of such a person.  
Though she said thus to me, and that their goodness made them sorry for Cleander's mischance, whom all believed to be most dangerously wounded, yet did I nevertheless perceive by their faces, they were not displeased with that action, and I found cause to hope that proof I had given them of my respect, and of the part I took in their interest, would not be unprofitable to me. In the mean time Cleander was carried away, and the noise of this accident being come to the King's ear, and to all my friends, Ptolomeus, Craterus, Philotas, Antigonus, Seleucus, Meleager, Polypercon, and all those who had showed any affection to me, came and offered me all the assistances I could expect from their friendship. Some of them thought it best for me to absent myself, and avoid the King's anger for a time, while they laboured to make my peace, and that we saw what would become of Cleander's wound; But the rest whose opinion I resolved upon, believed it better for me not to stir from the Camp, and that my action not being ill, I ought not to fear any thing from so just, and generous a Prince as Alexander. It happened according to their hopes, and the King being informed of the truth, though Cleander's friends endeavoured to disguise it, instead of blaming what I had done, condemned Cleander, in such a way, as might have made his friends afraid for him, if he had not been punished enough for his fault already. The King excused it to the Queens himself, and satisfied them absolutely by words which showed how much he disapproved that action. In the mean time we arrived at Sidon, and notwithstanding my slight wound for which I never kept my Chamber, I had the happiness to see the Princesses every day. When they saw me alone, and that they knew Cleander's recovery was not despaired of, the remembrance of what I had done for their sakes coming into their mind▪ made them full of acknowledgement, and moved them to return me such civil, obliging thanks, that thereby I knew well ingratitude finds no place in souls that are truly noble. But this acknowledgement was general amongst them, and Parisatis whom I was desirous to oblige to a particular good will, and to whom I every day gave particular marks of my affection, carried herself to me as the Princess her sister, and not taking notice with how great diligence I tied myself to her service, kept herself still within the limits of civility and esteem. I cannot better represent unto you the condition I was in, then by the description Araxes made to me of yours, when you were in the same terms I became sad, and melancholy like you, I avoided company● and the society of my friends like you, and like you I lost a good part of my health, and better looks. I came to my Princess an hundred times with a firm resolution to discover myself, and to die by her command, and for the punishment of my temerity, rather than perish languishing, or in the violence of a torment, which without being known would infallibly bring me to my grave. But as often as I purposed that design, so often my respect made it vanish, and the presence of Parisatis dissipating all the courage I had left, settled me again in my intention to die in silence, rather than offend her by a presumptuous declaration. On this manner I passed all the time we were at Sidon, and all that we stayed at the siege of Tyre. Judge of my sufferance by the length of my silence, and of the greatness of my respect, by the violence I used upon myself during a whole year: The King▪ and all my friends, wondered at the alteration of my humour and countenance, they often asked me the reason of it, and I laid it upon some bodily indisposition, without discovering the true cause. Ptolomeus the dearest of all my friends, used his utmost endeavours to find it out, but though my most secret thoughts had never been concealed from him, I then disguised the truth to him, as well as to others, and of a long time he could not draw a true confession from my mouth.  
After the siege of Tyre, the Ladies (as you know) were carried to the siege of Gaza; there it was that my wounds grew worse by the continual presence of Parisatis, and my despair alone, made me resolve to bear the worst events I could apprehend from declaring myself. It was not without great contestations, and great difficulties, I obtained that effect from my courage; but considering the miserable condition of my life, I determined to hazard the remainder of it, to establish a better, or lose that which I only lingered out in pains, and torments that were insupportable. With this design, coming one day into her Chamber, and finding her alone employed in the reading of Homer's Iliads which she understood as well as her own language; the fear of disturbing her, made me retire a little, but she perceived me, and laying down her Book upon the Table, called me back, and at the same time wiped her eyes by reason of some tears which ran down along her cheeks: my apprehension of any thing that concerned her, moved me to ask the cause of her trouble; but she instantly composed her countenance, and making a pleasing smile succeed her tears, I cannot conceal my weakness from you, (said she) but must confess, I was not able to read Andromache's lamentations for the loss of her dear husband, without being touched with compassion, nor without accompanying with mïne, those tears which probably she shed upon that occasion.  
This discourse drawing a sigh from the bottom of my heart, obliged me after a great conflict in myself, to speak to her on this manner: I cannot think (Madam) of the different causes, & different effects of pity, without reflecting upon my own misfortunes, which ought to draw from me, for mine own interests, a greater abundance of tears, than you have bestowed upon those of the sad Andromache; nor without blaming the injustice of Nature, which gives you a sense of compassion, for persons you never knew, and yet would without doubt refuse it you, for those that are most affectionate to your service: you bewail the loss of Hector, who died in the quarrel of his own Country, and not of yours; who neither loved you, nor knew you, and to whose death you did not at all contribute; and yet you would without any touch of pity, see him die at your feet; nay, which is more, die for you, who of all men living, were most perfectly yours; you would see him breathe out his life without being moved at it, and without sweetening the cruelty of his destiny by one look, by one sigh, or by one word in his favour.  
Though the Princess was of an apprehension quick enough to understand the sense of these words, yet did she not dive into it at the first, and without making a longer reflection upon them, she replied, I am little obliged to you, Lysimachus, for thinking me so ill natured, I know not from which of my actions you have drawn that opinion, but I do not believe I have showed myself so unsensible in the misfortunes of my friends, and of those whom nature, or any reason engaged me to love, or esteem, and I do less think, I should without a real compassion, and without being nearly grieved, behold the ruin of a person, whose destruction I had caused, and to whom I should be obliged for any particular affection.  
I would not stay the execution of my design any longer, and judging that I ought not to lose so favourable an occasion, I fell upon my knees before her, and not harkening to the commands she laid upon me to rise; The Gods, Madam, (said I) the Gods who are witnesses of the Declaration you make in favour of me, are also witnesses of my thoughts, and know that it is not till the last extremity of my life, I beg of you the effects of that pity for one that dies for you. It is true, Madam, I yield up my soul at your feet, unless you set that compassion a-work which you boasted of; you will never have a more just occasion to make use of it, and you can never use it to a man that will serve you, or adore you with a more profound respect, and a more holy zeal than mine; I have suffered before I come to this last remedy, all that a soul is able to endure without making it known; and I have only declared my passion to insensible witnesses; and if my eyes, and the change of my looks, and humour, have given you any knowledge of it, 'twas without the consent of a soul, which opens not itself unto you now, without a violent constraint: In short, Madam, Lysimachus adores you, if it be a crime, he comes to confess it before you; if this presumption must be repaired by death, Lysimachus comes to suffer it at your feet. And that he may end his life by the most glorious of all destinies, he begs of you some sleight mark of that compassion, which you have for the unfortunate, and to which you have engaged yourself for him.  
I had said more in the rapture that transported me, if looking upon the Princess, I had not seen her countenance change twice or thrice, and of a sudden bedewed with a few tears, which she could not possibly retain. As we are ready to flatter our selus in the belief of what we ardently desire, I took them at first to my advantage, and thought pity had drawn them from her fair eyes indeed; but within a moment after I found disdain was the cause of them, and that her displeasure at hearing a Declaration of Love from one of Alexander's followers, had forced he● to show those marks of her grief, and of her indignation. She darted a scornful look at me, and then of a sudden turning away her eyes; I knew the misfortune of my condition (said she) enough before, without your putting me in mind of it, and was sufficiently confirmed that I was a prisoner, without this new assurance: Yes, Lysimachus, I am so, and moreover I am exposed to all unhappinesses which Captivity carries inseparably along with it. This consideration exempts you from that respect, which in another season would be due to the Princess of Persia, and aught to stifle that resentment in me which I am no longer in a condition to express.  
These words pronounced with an accent divided between grief and anger, struck me so to the quick, and wrought so deeply upon me, that I remained in a confusion which I am not able to represent; I repented me a good while for having displeased my Princess, and in that thought durst not so much as lift up my eyes to her, but floated in a strange irresolution. Yet in the end coming to consider, how unjustly she accused me of want of respect, I purposed to justify myself, and let her know it was not the change of her condition, that had encouraged me to commit that fault; with that intent though she looked no more upon me▪ but leaned her elbows upon the Table, and her head upon her hand, I spoke to her again on this manner: I acknowledge, Madam, I have been infinitely to blame, and that the disproportion there is between you and all men living, ought either to have strangled my passion in its birth, or this confession in my mouth, which hath offended you. I know you are both the most accomplished, and the greatest Princess in the world, nor will I allege for part of my justification, that I am born a Prince, and that all my Ancestors have worn those Crowns, which I want, to dare (with any probability of success) pretend to the daughter of the greatest of all the Kings upon Earth. This consideration cannot excuse me for a fault, which your will, and my knowledge have condemned; but if guilty as I am, I may yet beg any favour from you, I conjure you by all that you account most holy and sacred, to believe that the condition which the chance of war has reduced you to, did not at all authorize my Declaration; and that I could not have considered you with more respect, and submission in the Throne of Darius, no, nor in that of the Gods themselves, than I do in this Captivity, to the misfortunes whereof you would impute my crime; my courage is not capable of so much baseness, and to what estate soever, Fortune should either precipitate, or raise you up, she cannot deprive you of what the Gods, and your birth have given you; nor disengage me from a servitude for which alone I was born, and for which alone I will die; though it is not in my power to repair the offence I have committed against you, I have both power and courage enough to punish it, and with my blood to pay the price of those tears which my temerity hath drawn from your fair eyes.  
I pronounced these words with an accent, which made Parisatis believe I had some design against my life, and seeing I was risen up, and that after a low obeisance, I was going from her, she raised up her head, and called me back again. Although she loved me not, nor had any intention to engage herself to me in any other affection, than what civility, and the acknowledgement of some small services obliged her to; yet did she not hate me enough to see me die, and that for the expiation of a fault, which after having a little digested it, she judged not worthy of so severe a punishment. That was it which persuaded her to call me back, and seeing me return trembling, and with actions of a man quite lost in his passion, after she had a while sought out terms to express herself, she spoke to me on this manner: Lysimachus, I cannot shake off that trouble, which your words have settled in my mind, but I am willing to banish the belief I had, that my Captivity alone had encouraged you, to discover your thoughts to me with too much liberty. I know that you are as generous, as I have found you bold, and I will only accuse my misfortune, and the easiness of my humour, for the displeasure I receive; I alone will suffer the punishment of it, and I will inflict no other upon you, than what you before imposed upon yourself; my tears will be better recompensed by your silence, then by your blood; I esteem you enough never to contribute to your ruin, and we are enough obliged to you, to take care to prevent it; this is all I can do for you, and if you be not contented with a particular esteem which I have had of your person, and which by the repentance of your fault you may yet hope for, I acknowledge myself very unable to give you satisfaction.  
These words pronounced with much Majesty and moderation, gave me indeed some knowledge of the good nature of that Princess, and of her generosity which could not consent to the destruction of a person that loved her, and to whom she thought she had some light obligation; but they gave me no mark at all of that affection which I required, nor any hope to engage her to it; and yet they were so sweet to me, and wrought such an effect upon me, that they banished a good part of my despair, and drove away that desire of dying, which those she spoke before had settled in my mind. I kneeled down again before her, and kissing the hem of her garment, with a profound respect, Madam, (said I) this guilty man deserves not the mercy you show him, but since you consent to the conservation of his life▪ which his rashness gave you just cause to hate, he will regulate it in such manner, that you shall never repent your goodness; and not being able to free it from that violent passion which you have condemned, he by his silence and discretion will repair the greatness of his fault: I will offend you as little as possibly I can, with my discourse, and freeing you from being troubled with my tongue, I will content myself that all my actions and all my looks, tell you what I have in my heart. That particular esteem you make me hope for, is too high, and too glorious a recompense for me, and if I should pretend to more, from a person all divine as you are, I should be the blindest and most presumptuous man upon the Earth.  
The Princess was going to reply, I know not whether sharply or mildly, when two of her maids entered the Chamber, and interrupted our conversation: The Princess Statira came in within a while after, and we spent part of the day in an indifferent entertainment, but if the sorrows of that Princess would have suffered her to be concerned in the affairs of others, she might easily have found something extraordinary in the trouble that appeared in both our faces. Parisatis could not look upon me without blushing, and when I took notice of the confusion I caused, and thought upon the displeasure I had stirred up in her, I fixed my eyes upon the ground, and answered the discourse of the Princess her sister, with so much distraction, that if her mind had not been powerfully prepossessed, she must needs have observed the disturbance that was visible in mine.  
After that day I passed many others, not without violent disquiets, but at least with a little more repose, and with this consolation, that what I suffered was known unto my Princess, and that I was not hated of her; this was to me the most advantageous thing I could believe, and how great testimonies soever I gave her both of the continuation, and sincerity of my passion, by the assiduity of my service, and by a thousand actions full of respect and discretion, she kept herself always, with such a moderation, and with so perfect a severity within the limits of that esteem she had made me hope for, that I feared with a great deal of probability she would never be touched with any other inclinations toward me. I said little to her of my love, and when any word of it escaped me, I repaired it with submissions, which abated part of the displeasure she received thereby: As I strove to make some progress in my design of winning her heart, Hephestion on his side spared no endeavours to introduce himself into it. I am ignorant how he discovered his passion to her, and how Parisatis received the first overture of it; but this I know his fortune was no better than mine, and that she used us both with so much equality, as it was very hard to observe a difference; yet at that time I found that Alexander's assistance upon which my rival grounded himself, gave me rather some advantage; and that my Princess fearing her favourable usage of him, should be attributed to some mean compliance for Alexander, took an occasion contrary to Sysigambis' advice, to despise him, for that which made him considerable to all others; not that she hated or disesteemed him, Hephestion was of too graceful a presence, to cause any aversion, and his valour and good qualities were sufficiently known, to make her esteem him very much. We met often at her Lodgings, and though we had ever been good friends before, the hindrance we were to one another began to alienate our minds, and afterwards considering the diligence, and the actions of each other, with more heedfulness, as with more interest than we had done formerly, that which deceived indifferent persons, could not long abuse us that were concerned; and our sight piercing more clearly into the intentions of a rival, discovered them quickly to us with so perfect a knowledge, that we no longer doubted what we had feared, but gave that jealousy an entrance into our souls, which hath since tormented them with so much violence.  
You know that after the taking of Gaza, and some stay the King was constrained to make there for the cure of two wounds he had received in that Siege, we took our way toward Egypt, and the King, the whole Court, and the Ladies, went by boat upon the Nile to Memphis. During that Voyage, and our abode in that Town, Hephestion and I vied who should get the greatest share in Parisatis' favour; I forgot none of those little cares, that could make the truth of my affection be taken notice of, nor did I let pass any occasion to set before her eyes the greatness and purity of my zeal, with all the respect, and discretion she desired. The King who already was passionately taken with the Princess Statira, gave her many testimonies of his love, and (which was more hurtful, and more insupportable to me) having perceived that of Hephestion to Parisatis, he swelled his courage by the assistances he promised him, and gave him the boldness to serve her openly. These difficulties did not dishearten me, but fortifying myself against the obstacles I foresaw, I resolved not to abandon so glorious a design but with my life. In the mean time the King departed from Memphis, to visit the Temple of Jupiter Hammon, and not being willing to take the Princesses along, in so painful, and so dangerous a Voyage, left them at Memphis under the guard of part of his Forces. My duty, and my honour obliged me to wait upon him, and carried it against my inclination, which made all places hateful to me, where my Princess was not. Hephestion who stirred not from the King's person, went the Voyage also, which was no small consolation to me. Before our departure, having watched my opportunity when my rival was with the King, and that the Princesses were in the Gardens near their Lodging, I found means to address myself to Parisatis who was in an Alley with Apamia, Arsinoe, and some of her maids, having given her my hand to help her in her Walk, the Gentleman Usher that led her withdrew, and yielding me that honour, left me the liberty to entertain her; when we were far enough from the other Ladies not to be overheard, and that I saw them busied in a particular conversation, I took occasion to speak unto my Princess, Madam, (said I) it is not to trouble you with the remembrance of a passion which you disapprove, nor to call into your mind a fault which you have condemned, that I open my mouth yet once again before you; but it is to protest to you at this rigorous departure, that in being separated from you, I am really separated from myself; and that the most sensible grief I feel, is that absence will deprive me of the occasions of doing you some small service; not but that you have imprinted a great deal of respect in the souls of those that stay behind with you, but the duties of a person, tied by a most powerful inclination, are very different from those, which are paid only to your quality, and to your merit; and moreover which way soever they serve you, I shall envy their happiness so much, that the remembrance of their good fortune will most sensibly aggravate the discontents of this tedious and cruel Voyage, to which I see myself condemned. I do not represent my sufferings to you, to oblige you to an affection which with justice I can never hope for, but to draw from your goodness some mark of compassion, for this glorious, unfortunate man, who without murmuring endures the gallantest, and the most cruel of all torments.  
The Princess, seeing I held my peace at these words, replied, I should be very ingrateful, Lysimachus, if I did not acknowledge myself obliged to the good will you express to me with so much discretion and respect, but I should also be a dissemblet if I could hide the trouble you cause in me by your perseverance in a design, which I opposed in its birth; not through any aversion, or undervaluing of your person, but through the knowledge of the difficulties you would meet withal in my humour, and of those which the Heavens do so many ways produce against your intentions. I know your birth is illustrious, and I have eyes as well as others, to discern the advantages of your person: This consideration hath indeed given me all the esteem, you can with reason desire, from a Princess who knows you, and is obliged to you; but I am not thereby exempted, from what I owe to my own quality, and to those persons to whom my birth hath submitted me; it is from them alone I will receive thoughts beyond that esteem I have of you, and if you should see me engaged to it for some other body, accuse only my obedience, and not an inclination which shall never declare itself in favour of another, rather than of Lysimachus. I do not think you have any reason to complain of a confession, I make to you with a great deal of freedom; neither do I believe, that without a design to offend me, you can desire any more.  
She blushed at these words, as ashamed to have favoured me so much; and though being well explained, I found very little change in my condition, I received them as a most advantageous obligation; and not being in a place where I could cast myself at her feet, to give her thanks for it, I bowed down with much respect, and answered; I never hoped (Madam) that my fortune should attain that pitch you have raised it to, and having adored, as soon as loved you, I always believed, that for the accomplishment of my glory and happiness, it was sufficient my vows, and adorations were not unpleasing to you, without pretending to any acknowledgement, which I could not aspire to without much presumption. I see too well, the obstacles that oppose my more perfect felicity, and I will expect from Heaven, and from yourself, both the alteration of our fortunes, and what you shall ordain concerning my life. In the mean time, Madam, be pleased that at this rigorous departure, I may for my consolation, make use of that hope you give me, and that to save me from despair, I may believe, that Hephestion not being more zealous, nor more passionate, shall neither be more happy than Lysimachus. I ended these words with some fear of having displeased her; but that Princess, who had no weakness at all in her mind, was but little moved at them, and having stayed a while before she made answer; Lysimachus (said she) I pardon this liberty for the same cause, that made me pardon the others you have taken, and I not only excuse it; but to let you see I am not cruel, I will also confirm the promise I have made you. It is true I suffer Hephestion, both for his merit, and by the command of the Queens, and because it is from their will only, next to that of Darius, that I will receive the rule of my whole life; but be certain, that if my inclination alone can establish the happiness of both, Hephestion by it, shall never have advantage over you.  
I was going to reply, and it was likely our conversation would have lasted longer, if the King had not come into the Garden, and with him Hephestion, Perdiccas, Seleucus, Antigonus, and many others, who interrupted us. The King drew near to the Princess Statira, and Hephestion coming up to Parisatis, took that hand which he found free, and being an obstacle to me all the rest of the day, had also the displeasure, to see me take revenge on him the same way, and deprive him by my presence, of the means to entertain her in particular.  
We took our leaves that evening, and the next morning by break of day, we got on horseback, and traveled toward the Temple of Jupiter Hammon. I will not trouble you with the particulars of our Voyage, you have without question heard speak of it; and the relation of it is but little important to the knowledge of my life. My adventures were like to those of the rest of the company, but my thoughts were without doubt more noble, and the absence of Parisatis; forced those complaints from me, which the toil and the incommodities of that journey drew from indifferent persons. This Voyage was the sharpest, and the most painful of any that ever was undertaken: The insupportable heat that scorched us in those dry, desert fields we were to pass, the want of all manner of water, and the deepness of the sands which heretofore have buried whole Armies, were like to have been the destruction of our party, and without the particular assistance of Heaven, we could never have escaped. We broke through all these difficulties, and arrived at that famous Temple, whose Oracles are superstitiously adored through the whole world; and there it was, that whether by chance, or by corrupting the Priests, or by the will of the Gods, the King found the cause of that insupportable vanity, which hath since made him commit so many faults, and exact adorations from his friends, which have cost many noble persons their lives. After he had obtained the answer he desired, he returned presently; and passing near the Isle of Pharos, gave order for the building of the stately City of Alexandria, and having drawn the plot of it himself, and set workmen about it, he went back to Memphis, not doubting but that Darius, fortified by his absence, was again recruited, and already in a condition, with his Forces to trouble his new Conquests. He turned aside by the way, to punish the revolt of the Syrians, who had cut the throats of their Garrisons, and burned their Governor Andromachus alive; and having given such orders as were necessary for those unsettled Provinces, we at last drew near that town again, where the King, Hephestion, and myself, had left our hearts with the Captive Princesses. Hephestion and I met every day, but jealousy had extinguished all our ancient friendship, and had made us so cold, that we hardly spoke to one another all the Voyage.  
We found all things at Memphis in the condition we had left them, and observed no change either in our affairs, or in the hearts of our Princesses. Parisatis used me at my arrival in the same fashion as she had done at my departure, and made me know by that perseverance in her ordinary moderation, that her mind was none of those light ones which are capable of all impressions, and that my good or evil fortune, ought neither to make me hope, nor fear a change. We made no stay at all in that City, and the King drawing his Forces out of their Quarters, marched strait toward Darius, with so much diligence, that in eleven days we encamped upon the banks of Euphrates, and having passed over it upon Bridges of Boat, which the King caused to be made, we crossed the Plain that lies between it and the River Tigris, which we waded through, and having reached the bank with an incredible difficulty, we found all the Country burned, and yet smoking, for Mazeus had set it on fire by Darius his command● The King lay there two nights, to rest the Princesses who were wearied with that hasty Voyage, and in spite of the Eclipse of the Moon which put some terror in his men, and was taken by the more fearful for a very ill augury, the third he marched with the same assurance toward the enemy. Here I cannot omit to recall unto your memory, an accident which overwhelmed us all with sadness, and to make you judge of my grief by the affliction of my Princess.  
I was with the King when one of the Queen's Eunuches, came to give him notice; that Darius his wife was dying, and that she was already in a sound in the arms of the Princesses her daughters. Certainly how great soever my surprise was at the hearing of this news▪ the King showed little less, and laying aside all businesses wherein he was employed, he ran unto the Queen's Tents, with a sorrow which appeared most visibly in him. But O Gods! how great was our affliction, when at our coming into the Chamber, we saw her expire, and our fair Princesses faint away, at so sad a spectacle.  
This sudden death of hers surprised us the more, by how much it appeared extraordinary▪ and though a few days before I had heard her complain of some indisposition caused by the troublesomeness of that Journey, yet had we never seen her in a condition that could give us any apprehension of a death which did almost prevent her sickness. All the most mournful expressions that ever grief sent forth, showed themselves visibly in our Princesses, and the greatest sensibility it ever produced, was imprinted really in my heart. The King comforted the Queen Mother, with the sweetest and most obliging words, compassion could furnish him withal. Hephestion held Parisatis' head, who languished with little show of life; I did the same to Statira, who deeply buried in her sorrow, seemed to prepare herself to accompany to her grave, a mother she had most perfectly honoured; and mingled my tears with hers, endeavouring to comfort her as much as my own affliction would permit. I did not hear what Hephestion said to Parisatis, and though I envied him the happiness of having prevented me, grief swallowed up my jealousy for a few moments and made me without trouble behold the services he did her. It is not necessary I should enlarge myself farther upon this matter, I see this discourse draws tears from your eyes, and you have already sufficiently learned all I can tell you of this sad adventure; I will only say, that Alexander, after having wept a long while, and paid unto Sysigambis all she could have expected from Darius himself, rendered also unto the deceased Queen all the honour that could have been required from that dear husband, he caused her to be interred with a pomp worthy of her quality, and of the glory of her Ancestors. Some days were spent in that solemnity, and immediately after the King prepared himself to give battle, having sent back Darius his Ambassadors with the answer you have heard.  
I will not entertain you with the particularities of the success of that bloody battle, wherein you did so many miraculous actions, and wherein your despair made you seek a death among the arms of the Macedonians, which they refused you, and which you had so dearly sold them. You shall only learn that after that cruel day, the incommodity of two wounds I had received, deprived me for some time of the sight of my Princess; and 'twas not till I came to Babylon, (where we were brought in by Mazeus within a while after) that I received an honour I had not deserved; Though the Queens and Princesses were sufficiently to be excused for not visiting those who had been wounded only in fight against their nearest friends, yet had they the goodness to do that honour to Hephestion, Perdiccas, and myself; whether it were that they thought themselves obliged to it, by the services we had done them, or that their complacency made them give Alexander those marks of their esteem, for persons that were either dear, or considerable to him. I received that honour as too high a fortune for me, and not being able to give Parisatis particular thanks for it, in the presence of the Queen, and of a great many others, I by my looks expressed my acknowledgement of that favour, and thanked the Queen▪ with the most respectful words the greatness of that obligation could suggest. The King graced me with a visit while they were there, and I remember it was in my Chamber he spoke of you to the Princess Statira, and that he held that discourse with her which you have heard since from Tyrcus. Hephestion and Perdiccas, who had been wounded by your hand▪ received the same honour, and within a few days after we left our beds, and were in a condition to repay their visits with usury. From Babylon he went to Susa, and there it was the Princesses put a period to their Journeys, and that the King thought fit to exempt them for the future, from the wearisomeness of his Voyages. During our abode there we visited them every day, and the King passionately in love with Statira, solicited her with a great deal of obstinacy, but yet accompanied with very much respect and civility. And Hephestion seeing himself favoured in his passion by the King, rose to such a pride, that he declared it openly, and pretended in the sight of the whole world, to her whom he was not worthy to look upon without adorations. Sysigambis gave way to it through prudence, and reason of State, yet Parisatis could not forbear expressing to Hephestion, how much that presumption had offended her; but as he naturally was very eloquent, and graceful in all his actions, he excused it so many ways, and alleged so many reasons for his justification, that she was constrained at first to dissemble it, and a while after absolutely to pardon him. But the temerity of his proceeding, wrought such a displeasure in me, and such an hatred against him, that from that time I sought an occasion to quarrel with him, without offending my Princess, and without exasperating the King, who took his part most strongly; but for which consideration, I should not have deferred my resentments. His thoughts were little different from mine, and his belief that I was an obstacle to his intentions, and that I was in her favour at least as much as he, kindled him with such a rage against me, that he had much ado to conceal it.  
'Twas about that time that Ptolomeus, my dearest friend, and one of the most valiant, and virtuous Princes in the world, fell in love with Apami●, Artabasus his daughter, and E●menes with Arsinoe her sister. Ptolomeus discovered his passion to me with a great deal of freedom and obliged me in such manner by the openness of his carriage, that I was constrained to lay my heart naked to him, and crust him with a thing I had so carefully hidden from all the rest of mankind; he gave me great consolation, and offered himself to serve me against Hephestion, in all encounters which that competition might produce between us. Within a shorttime after, we departed from Susa, but before we went away, I pressed my Princess with so much love, and discretion, that at last I drew this confession from her mouth. That if those persons to whom her birth had given the power over her will, should enjoin her to love me, she would receive that command in my favour, with less displeasure, and more satisfaction, then for any other man living.  
This assurance produced a joy in me, which it would be very hard for me to express, and gave me all the comfort I could receive, for an absence that was like to be of long continuance. I know not how Hephestion was used by her, but a while after our departure being in the Province of the Vxians, he took the boldness to write to her, and to send his Letter with those the King wrote to Sysigambis, and to the Princess Statira, by the Messengers that came from them to intercede in the behalf of Madates. I knew nothing of it at that time, but shortly after being at Persepolis, two or three days before it was set on fire, we being both in the King's Palace, he passed by me looking upon a Letter, and making a stop as it were to finish the reading of it, he brought it so near my eyes, that he gave me leisure to observe Parisatis' hand, and the characters of her Letter; and not satisfied with having given me that knowledge, he let it fall at my feet, as by chance, and some of those that were about as stepping forward to take it up, Leave this honour to me alone, (said he▪ with an insupportable pride) all that comes from my Princess, is so divine and sacred, that only Hephestion is worthy to touch it. Though that saying offended all those who had offered to do him that service▪ his credit with the King, kept them from replying, but I had not the same consideration, and my jealousy laying before my eyes, the advantage he had above me, and the belief that those words were meant to none but mee●, I was not capable of those arguments that swayed others, but without considering the place where I was, I came a little nearer to him, and taking my time as he rose again, after he had taken up the Letter, and that to spite me the more he had kissed it, & stood folding it up again before me, I said in his ear with a reasonable loud voice, Hephestion is less worthy of that honour, than any body else.  
He changed colour hearing me say so, and turned briskly toward me; but as he was going to reply with as much sharpness, as the place where we were would suffer him to express, all those that had taken notice of our action, stepped between us, and the King having heard of it, came to us, and reproved us very severely. When he had told us of our fault, Hephestion, (continued he) I would have you to consider that Lysimachus is a Prince, but also Lysimachus, I would have you remember that I love Hephestion as myself; I know not what interest obliged you to make him that reply, but I do not mean that you, nor any body in the world, shall cross him in the design of serving Parisatis, since it is I that inspire it into him, and will assist him in it against all the world.  
These words went very near me, but the command he laid upon us to embrace each other in his presence, was but little more pleasing to me; we obeyed him with much coldness, & though afterward he commanded us to love one another, it was not possible for him to gain these proofs of our obedience. In the mean time I was most sensibly afflicted, and the sight of Parisatis' Letter, had wakened my jealousy so violently, that it was impossible for me to taste any repose, my eyes were no longer capable of sleep, and while others unwearied themselves in their beds, from those toils and labours which are inseparable from the profession of arms▪ I spent whole nights in mine, in the considerations of my misfortunes, and of the advantages which contrary to Parisatis' promise, Hephestion had visibly obtained above me. Must then (said I) the most accomplished of all creatures, and she upon whom the heavens have poured down all their graces▪ be blemished with that vice, which of all others I should least have suspected her to be guilty of? What reason, o fair, but changeable Parisatis! What reason moved you to give me those glorious hopes, wherewith I believed my passion too highly recompensed, if you had a design to favour another with them, both to the prejudice of my life, and of your own promise? What offence have I committed against you since then, and what service have you received from Hephestion, that should have obliged you, not only in favour of him to change those promises you had made me, but also to grant him honours, to which I never yet so much as pretended? Ah, Lysimachus, (continued I) it is with justice the Heavens chastise thy presumption, thou hast raised thy thoughts to a Princess too divine for thy unworthiness, and the Gods make use of Hephestion, not to procure him a fortune which he merits no more than thou, but to punish thee for thy foolish rashness, as they sometimes have made use of thee to cross a happiness to which he undeservedly hath pretended.  
In these thoughts I passed the night of the desolation of Persepolis, and thus it was I entertained myself, while Alexander himself with a torch in his hand, set fire upon the fairest Palace, and bravest City in the world.  
The King after he in the ruins of that stately Town, had left marks of his fury, and debauch, took the Field again, to prosecute Darius to the uttermost▪ and not to hold you in the recital of things you know already, within a while after, we heard of the lamentable death of that great King, and were witnesses of the most pitiful object that ever was beheld. You know the sorrow Alexander expressed upon that occasion, with how many tears he bewailed that death, and with what pomp he sent the body to the Q. his Mother, and to the Princesses his daughters, to render him the last duties of burial. I will only tell you that my passion for the Princess Parisatis, and the consideration of that great Kings misfortunes, plunged me in so deep a sorrow, that of a long time I was not to be comforted, and that only love, and the desire of seeing my Princess again furnished me with strength enough to wait upon the King in the Journey he made to Susa, to visit, and comfort them in their extremest affliction; You know how he arrived there, how he was received by the Queens and Princesses, how he testified unto them, the share he bore in their sorrow for that loss, and what usage he found from the Princess Statira, when after the fresh occasions she had to hate him, he would needs renew the discourses of his passion. I will only tell you what concerns myself, and let you know that I was so deeply afflicted, both with my Princess' sorrow, and that which my own jealousy caused in me, that I had no difficulty to accommodate my countenance to the grief which appeared in those fair desolate Ladies. After that the first days of the greatest mourning were expired, and that they were capable of other entertainment, then that of graves, I addressed myself to Princess Parisatis, and fell again into my old path, notwithstanding all the King had said, who as I have told you, had forbidden me to cross Hephestions design; but I not only despised that command, but should have disobeyed the Gods themselves, if they had required any proofs of that nature from my obedience. I found no alteration in my Princess' humour, more than what her last loss had caused, and though she received me not with so lively a countenance as before, it was not the more severe for being more dejected. I did not ill accompany her sadness, and I expressed mine to her so many ways, that two days before our departure, being alone with her, she asked me the reason of my trouble; and seeing that I fixed my sight upon the ground, and answered her only with a sigh, she prayed me a second time to tell it her. With that I lift up mine eyes, and having looked upon her a while without speaking, Madam, (said I, at last) my passion for you, cannot be equalled but by the respect that accompanies it; as also the greatness of my respect to you, cannot be compared but unto that of my passion: It is that respect, Madam, which keeps me in that perfect resignation, wherewith I have laid my life, and all my thoughts at your feet, and 'tis that respect, and that resignation, which make me suffer in silence, and without murmuring, receive all those usages that can open me a passage to my grave, as from my Sovereign, and from her that cannot err in her carriage towards me: For proof I protest unto you, that if you had not imposed your command upon me, you should never have learned that from my mouth, which you discovered in my face, over which I have not had the same power. I will tell you therefore, since you enjoin me to it, that after the pardon you had granted to my fault, and the goodness you expressed in tolerating its continuance, I had banished that despair out of my mind, which began to settle itself there, and esteemed myself most happy in those limits you had given unto my hopes, and in the promise you had made me never to grant my rival any advantage over me; I confess this hope had begot a pride in me, but Hephestions vanity quickly cast it down, and his showing us your Letter, made those fair hopes quickly vanish, which I had unjustly conceived, but yet not without your permission: I confess to you, Madam, this charge of my fortune has touched me so nearly, that I have not courage enough to bear it; and though perchance I have enough to dispute for you, with Hephestion to the last moment of my life, I have not any that is proof against the Declaration you make in favour of him; I do not at all urge the promise you made me, there is no engagement of a Sovereign to his Subjects, and I have no right to exact that from you, which you were pleased to grant me out of mere mercy.  
I ended these words with the same confusion I had showed at the beginning of my discourse, and the Princess after she had harkened patiently to me, replied without being moved; It is true, Lysimachus, I have in favour of you taken a liberty to do what I might well have forborn; but what fault soever I committed, I forgot not those reservations it was necessary for me to add, and I remember I often represented to you, with what dependence I am tied to the will of those persons to whom my birth hath submitted me, and my own intention never to swerve from it while I live. This sufficeth for my justification, and as you have learned that I returned an Answer to Hephestions Letter, you shall learn also when you please, that I did it by the Queen's express command, and that if I can be blamed in that action, 'tis only for the resistance I showed in obeying her, both through the repugnance I found in myself, and perhaps through your consideration. Without her absolute order, I would not so much as have received his letter, but she was solicited by Alexander's entreaties, to which she could refuse nothing in the fresh obligation she had to him, and the deplorable condition of our affairs. Behold what I believe due to your satisfaction; and for mine own I will tell you, that you ought not to think it strange hereafter, if I obey the only person to whom the Gods have left any lawful power over me; and although I esteem you at least as much as Hephestion, and that perchance in my inclination you have some advantage above him, be certain that as long as I live, I will follow only those motions the Queen shall give me.  
It would be hard for me to represent unto you the different effects this discourse produced in me; on the one side, the care my Princess took to justify herself to me, and the preferring of me before Hephestion, by her own confession, did extremely joy me; but the protestation she made, to regulate her will totally by that of Sysigambis, which I knew to be for Hephestion rather than for me, overwhelmed me in a mortal sorrow. These two passions wrought each its effect, but they were so confused at that time, that they hindered one another from breaking forth in my Princess' presence. I made as short a reflection upon them as possibly I could, and assoon as I was come to myself again, lifting up my head, and looking upon my Princess with a languishing countenance) Madam, (said I) I do not deserve the care you vouchsafe to take for my satisfaction, neither was it indeed to complain of you, nor to demand reparation, but only to obey you, that I made this confession of my misfortune. If the will of Sysigambis alone, establish Hephestions happiness, I shall bear it with more patience, then if it came from your own inclination, and the favours I shall receive purely from yourself, will be much more dear, and much more considerable to me, than those to which others shall contribute; but this I know that from what hand soever my unhappiness comes, I shall never be able to end my hopes but with my days, nor suffer the loss of them but with that of my life. I doubt not but the favour of Alexander gives those advantages to Hephestion, which my birth ought to give me above him; nor do I doubt but that consideration makes the Queen declare for him, and by her authority destroy all my hopes, but if my misery be inevitable, the happiness of others is not very certain, and since I have had the courage to serve you, I shall also have so much as never to give over that design, but with the last drop of my blood.  
I brought forth these words with so sad a tone, that she was touched with compassion, and would perchance have given me farther marks of it, if we had not been interrupted by Hephestion, who entering into the Chamber, came and took his place on the other side of the Princess. That troubling of our conversation, redoubled my hatred of him, and during the stay we made yet at Susa, we thwarted one another as much as possibly we could. I could entertain my Princess in particular, but once more before our departure, and then I conjured her, with the most ardent prayers my passion could invent to grant me the favour Hephestion had obtained already, and to be pleased, that since he had gotten that advantage of me in an absence which was but short, I might be permitted during an absence which was to be a very long one to write to her, and by that only comfort sweeten the rigours of so cruel a separation she was not offended at that request, but she stopped my mouth by saying, that it was only by Sysigambis' command, she had received Hephestions Letter, and that if I could obtain the same permission of her she would show no difficulty on her part.  
I saw well enough that answer was a refusal of what I desired, but being within the rules she had established to herself, and wherewith I had promised to be contented, I had nothing to reply against it. I doubted not but that the Queen, and many others had already perceived, or at least suspected my intention, but I would not hazard myself to beg that favour, from her who already declared herself for my rival. I testified my sorrow by the saddest words I could invent, and took my leave of her, without being able to obtain any thing else.  
We departed from Susa, as you have heard, and the King having left the Ladies in that City, in perfect liberty, went to join with his Army again upon the way toward Parthia. You may well exempt me from relating all our Voyages, and all Alexander's victories, you have learned a good part of them already, and that discourse would require many whole days, besides they contain nothing particularly of myself, but the wounds I received in several encounters, and the disquiets my love made me suffer. I will only tell you, that we entered into Hyrcania, and that having subdued that Province in a few days, we marched against the Mardes, whom we conquered with the same facility.  
After them we tamed the Agriaspes, and the Arrachosians, and after the taking of the City of the Mamacenes, we made war against some Provinces which draw their original from the Scythians, and live wholly according to their manners, though they are not under the dominion of the King your Father. After that we passed the Tanais, and entered into the Territories of the Zogdians, where the King prosecuted his Conquests with the same success, and having made himself Master of that Country, he advanced into Bactria, where he defeated the disloial Bessus, and settled that great Province under his obedience. It was in those Countries his manners were corrupted, and that among delights he lost all that he had left of the Grecian Discipline. Then it was he began to spend whole days, and nights in debauches, and dissoluteness, and that he exacted adoratious from his Followers, which alienated some of their hearts, and exasperated him so far against his best friends, that by their deaths he gave most fatal testimonies of the alteration of his nature. He caused the unfortunate Philotas, to end his life in torments, made the great and renowned Parmenio, to whom he owed a good part of his Conquests, to suffer death by the hand of Cleander and with his own killed Clitus, one of his most necessary and most faithful friends. True it is, that Philotas and his Father were suspected of a conspiracy against his person, and that Clitus by his insolent words, drew the King's anger upon him; but in the death of the innocent, and virtuous calisthenes, my old Tutor, whose interests were like to have buried me in his ruins, he showed marks of the greatest cruelty, and of the most unblamable ambition that ever was. The virtue of that great man, which could not be swayed to those base adorations, which he saw part of the Macedonians stoop to, did so animate that Prince jealous of his glory, that he commanded that Learned Philosopher to be put in irons, and accusing him for having meddled in the conspiracy of Hermolaus, he caused his nose, lips, and ears, to be cut off, and shutting him up in a Cage, refused him even death itself, for a conclusion of his miseries. I could not suffer the deplorable condition both of so virtuous a person, and one to whom I was infinitely obliged, without showing some marks of compassion, which were like to have been my destruction. I visited him in prison, and having with tears (which that pitiful object made me shed in abundance) offered him all the services I could do him in his misfortune, and which he was in a condition to hope for; he desired me to help him to poison, but he desired it with such urging prayers, that I could not refuse him so cruel a mercy, and yet the only one he could with reason wish, in the woeful estate to which he was reduced. I sent him that fatal Present secretly, and with it the means of ending by one death alone, the miseries of many others, to which he was inhumanely destined. The King having been advertised of it, was kindled with so great a fury against me, that he commanded my person to be seized on, and in the first motions of his wrath, was ready to make me feel the most harsh, and cruel usage his resentment could suggest; but in the end he remembered I was a Prince, and the consideration of the alliance that tied us together, assuaged part of his anger, and saved my life, against which he had already pronounced the sentence of death. He caused me to be set at liberty, but with the most bloody threats, his displeasure could bring forth, and a protestation, never to have regard any more to my quality, if ever I was so insolent, or so unfortunate as to cross him in his intentions. True it is, that besides that cause of complaint, the manner of my carriage toward Hephestion, had given him many others; he had often commanded me to be his friend, and had found me so little disposed to obey him, that he was thereby infinitely exasperated against me; we never spoke to, nor never saluted one another, and in a quarrel he had with Craterus, I offered myself unto his enemy, and pressed him with so much earnestness to accept my service, that all the world saw easily, it was rather my hatred to Hephestion, than my friendship to Craterus, that made me embrace his interests with so much affection. In the mean time I was tormented by my passion with such violence, that absence in which other souls find remedy and ease, seemed to have produced a contrary effect in mine. In all occasions where Alexander fought, (in which I may say without vanity, I was not the last) the image of Parisatis was always present to my memory, even in the midst of disorder, blood, and confusion; and all the most dismal and most dangerous objects, could never put her out of it for a moment. I discoursed of her only with Ptolomeus, and the near confidence we had in one another, suffered me to declare my most secret thoughts to him alone. We were at Maracauda, when I told him the trouble it was to me, that I could not write to Parisatis, not having been able at my coming away, to obtain that permission, which I had begged of her. Ptolomeus thought a while upon what I said, and being sensible of the sadness which he found in my words and countenance, after he had considered a little, Dear brother, (said he) the Gods do without doubt inspire me a means for your satisfaction, and if you approve of what I shall propose to you, I believe you may get Letters conveyed to Parisatis.  
I embraced him dearly at that Proposition, and beseeching him most earnestly to discover what he knew toward my happiness; The Gods, and my good fortune (continued he) have been pleased, that in spite of the obstacles I have met withal, and of the difficulties I have overcome, I by the greatness of my love, and by my services, have won the favour of Apamia, as you have heard already from me: That Princess is as dear to Parisatis, as her sister Barsina is to Statira, and I believe that of all the Ladies near her person, there is not any hath a more free access to her; she trusts her with her most secret thoughts, and prefers her visibly before all those she loves. I am vain enough to promise myself, that out of her friendship to me, and her esteem of you, she will not avoid the occasion of doing you good offices, and that if you trust a Letter to her, she will not only deliver it to Parisatis, but will also make her well satisfied with her liberty, and pardon yours; she hath a great deal of dexterity, a great deal of freedom, and a great deal of power with Parisatis. Tomorrow I will dispatch Lycastes the most faithful and understanding of all my servants, with Letters to her, if you send any one of yours along with him, to bring you back word what she hath done for you. I assure myself you will receive satisfaction from her; and I will beseech her so ardently to serve you, that my prayers shall not be unprofitable.  
I accepted Ptolomeus his offer with much joy, and though I was in a continual fear of displeasing my Princess, I passed it over at that time, and assuring myself upon Apamia's discretion, that she would not give her my Letter without such precaution as was necessary, I in the end resolved to write to her; and with that intention having left Ptolomeus, that he might have leisure to think of his dispatch, I went away to do the like, and after having long bethought myself of words to sweeten the fault I committed in usurping a favour, which had not been granted me, I at last wrote to her in these terms.  
LYSIMACHUS to the Princess PARISATIS.  
Madam,  
IF the Queen's permission had been necessary for the liberty I take, I should have followed your Orders with a most perfect obedience; but not addressing these lines, without the mediation of one that is dear to you, either her consideration will make you pardon my fault, or her discretion will keep it from your knowledge. If these words have the happinesses to employ your eyes for some few moments, they will recall into your memory the image of the most faithful of all men living, and the remembrance of those glorious hopes, to which you have given me leave to raise my thoughts. Were I but dear enough to the Gods to hope you had still conserved the Idea of him who adores you with all the respect we owe to them, I should suffer the rigours of this cruel absence with a courage, which begins to forsake me with my hope, and should only fight to obtain glory, whereas now I do it only to seek a death, to which my miseries make me run, as to the only remedy not forbidden me. But if my unhappiness be as great as my te●merity, and if the Idea of this unfortunate man, be either troublesome to you, or be slipped out of your remembrance, he will without sorrow lay down a life, which he cannot keep without hope, and will die without any other grief, then that of depriving you thereby, of the most zealous, and most faithful of all those, that ever adored you.  
This was what I wrote unto my Princess at that time, and having given it to Ptolomeus, he showed me a note he had written in my favour to Apamia, which he folded up in his Letter with mine. I think the words of it were these or to this purpose.  
PTOLOMEUS To the Princess APAMIA.  
IF Lysimachus his safety were not much dearer to me then my own, I should not demand proofs of my Princess' friendship, of the nature of those I now desire; I put my life with that of this dear friend into her hands, and am encouraged by her goodness to hope she will have some care of their conservation; she hath all power with the Princess Parisatis, and if I have any with her, I conjure her to get her to receive Lysimachus his Letter, and to do something more (if it be possible) for his satisfaction: I shall take this favour as the greatest I can receive from her, next to that of her friendship.  
When we had sealed our Letters, Ptolomeus sent away Lycastes, and I caused him to be accompanied by my Squire Cleantes, in whom I had most confidence of any man about me, and whose fidelity I had made trial of in many encounters. We gave them charge to make all the haste they could, with order to come back to us into the Country of the Sacans, whether the King was preparing to enter. We went from Maracanda some few days after, and crossed the Xenippa, where we defeated certain Troops that were drawn together to hinder our passage, and from thence we came into the Province of Naura. That Country by the mediation of Prince Oxyartes, put itself into the King's hands, and from thence he marched against the Sacans; but Prince Roxana's Father, who was Governor of that Province, came to meet him, and receiving him as his King, made very magnificent entries for us, through all the Towns of his Government, and without drawing sword submitted to him, all the Country under his obedience. You have heard how courteously the King used him, and moreover how it was there he fell in love with that crafty woman, and accomplished that marriage which was disapproved by all his friends, and which hath caused us so many misfortunes, and so much sorrow.  
The whole Court was taken up with the pomp of that fatal marriage, and Roxana was in the highest pitch her ambition had ever made her aim at, when Ptolomeus his Squire, and mine returned from Susa. Ptolomeus by his, received a Letter from Apamia, but mine came back empty handed. I began to be afflicted at my misfortune, and to express my grief for a thing, which nevertheless I was prepared for before, when Ptolomeus found a little note in his Letter, which we believe contained an answer of the Commission he had given unto Apamia; He read her Letter, the words whereof I do not remember, besides the recital of them is no way important to that of my life; and after that we opened the note in which we found these words.  
The Princess APAMIA, to Prince PTOLOMEUS.  
Judge by the success, with what care I have laboured for your friends interests, Parisatis' mind is not easily to be managed, but I have so persecuted her, that without doubt I have drawn more from her than you expected; do not accuse me if you be not both satisfied, and believe I will lose no occasions of doing your friend all the good offices he can hope for, from a person who hath a most particular esteem of his merit.  
A little below these lines we saw others, which we instantly knew to be my Princess' hand, and casting my eyes upon them with incredible transports, Ptolomeus and I read these words.  Apamia is the most troublesome creature in the world; she is not contented with having made me receive Lysimachus his Letter, but will also make me assure him myself, that I have not forgotten him, and I am willing to give her that testimony of my friendship to her, and Lysimachus that of my esteem of him. 
I read these words over a thousand times, and kissed the Letters as often, with such excess of joy, as I am not able to represent. See what my condition was, and in what manner I acknowledged the merit of that Princess, and the price of her favours, since after a service of many years, I was so overjoyed to receive words which scarce surpassed the limits of ordinary civility; and yet it is most true, that perhaps never Lover welcomed the favours he had most ardently desired, with greater raptures of contentment, than I showed at these sleight marks of my Princess' remembrance. I would not stop at so happy beginnings, but making use of the same conveniency, and of Apamia's goodness, who assisted me with so much freedom, I written to her many times during the rest of our Voyage, and was used by her with that equality, which I have ever found in her moderate humour. Within a few days after, Craterus and I were sent with a flying Camp against Haustenes, and Catenes, the most insolent Barbarians that ever were, and who yet refused the yoke to which all Asia had submitted. We defeated them in a pitched battle, and Catenes being killed by my hand, and Haustenes taken prisoner, the King found nothing more to do in that Country, but prepared himself for his march into the Indies. It was at that time that the misfortune of the Philosopher calisthenes, and mine also happened as I have told you already, and although I stood then upon very ill terms in the King's opinion, yet would I not fail to attend him through honour in that Expedition, as the most dangerous of all those he had ever undertaken. You have heard the success of that famous Voyage, how we entered into the Indies, the Towns we stormed, the batters we gave, and the notable Victory the King obtained of Porus, to whom he generously restored his kingdom. From thence we went into the Country of the Sophites, took the City of the Oxydrakes, by assault, where the King with so great danger of his person, showed so many proofs of an admirable valour; we passed the Gedrosia, and overran all the Indies with the success that accompanied the King in all his Expeditions. Why should I keep you longer in a superfluous Relation? In short, after having done things that surpass belief, and made the bounds of his Empire almost as vast as those of the whole Earth, the King with his Triumphant Army took his way toward Susa, and arrived there two years after his departure from thence. I have told you succinctly, what passed in many years, but I will recount the more important accidents of my life, something more at large, and the recital of them will without doubt be less tedious to you. You heard from Tyreus the King's reception into that Town, after what manner he carried himself to the Princesses, and how by the sight of Statira, he grew more inflamed then ever, in that love, which the rigorous usage of that Princess, a two years' absence, the great employments he had, and the charms, or rather the artifices of wicked Roxana, had almost extinguished; you know how he fell to serve her more ardently than before, and how that courageous Princess continued a long time the prosecution of her former rigour, and generously disdained that authority which the chance of war, and the misfortunes of her family had given him over her. I will not tell you how I was received by the Princess Parisatis, I found her the very same, and that moderation I had always observed in her, from the birth of my affection, had not forsaken her, nor never parted from her so long as the Gods were pleased to continue her among mortals: Certain it is, I never saw so great a firmness and solidity in a mind, nor did I ever see her waver in any resolution her duty made her take.  
Yet I may say without vanity, that at my arrival, she went a little beyond the bounds of that esteem, within which she seemed to have limited my pretensions, and that if she did not express some love to me, she at least showed me marks of a great deal of good will: I received them as the Sovereign felicity, to which I had ever raised my thoughts, and began to hope for the most advantageous change in my fortune, that I had ever proposed unto myself. I returned thanks to the Princess Apamia, answerable to the greatness of my obligations, and found her so disposed to the continuance of her good offices, that I abused her goodness oftentimes, to entertain my Princess at her Lodgings out of Hephestions presence. And truly I was not so unfortunate, but that by the length and diligence of my services, I gained all that could be pretended to, from a person of her humour, and likewise hopes of being preferred before Hephestion, if it depended absolutely upon her own choice; but how great assurances soever I received of her favour, I could never persuade her to make any resistance against the will of Sysigambis, nor ever to follow any other Laws while she lived, than those she should prescribe her. That was my misfortune, and my utter ruin, and my rival fortified by the King's assistance, employed his intercession so powerfully to Sysigambis, that that ambitious Queen, finding greater advantages in matching her daughter to Hephestion, who had an absolute power with Alexander, took his part openly, and declared her intentions publicly. She commanded the Princess her daughter to receive his services, as from one whom she destined for her husband, and whose alliance the change of their condition made them to accept with joy, as that of a Prince, who by the favour of the greatest man upon Earth, was at that time the second person in the world: I heard from Apamia the first news of the misfortune I had ever feared, she was willing to flatter me, by the relation she made of the grief this command had wrought in Parisatis; but I was easily undeceived, and judged with probability, that albeit she inclined to my side, the graceful fashion of my rival, his valour, and the other good qualities he possessed very advantageously, would quickly comfort her, though she perhaps had received that command with some displeasure. I nevertheless beseeched Apamia, to help me to the means of entertaining her with more liberty, than I should have from thenceforward at the Palace, and Parisatis was content to give Apamia that proof of her friendship, and me that recompense of the services I had done her, since my ill fate forbade me to hope for a greater one. I had the happiness to see her at that Princess' Chamber, and having cast myself at her feet, I said all that a most violent passion could put into the mouth of a despairing man; I spared neither words nor tears to move her, but though I stirred up some pity in her, and that I found her touched with so much tenderness and compassion, it was impossible for me to make her change her resolution, or draw her in the least manner from the terms of that obedience, to which she had submitted herself. I do not disavow, Lysimachus, (said she) but that your services full of respect, and discretion, have really wrought in me some good will toward you, and I give you proofs of it, which you cannot but acknowledge, if you have not changed your humour; yet neither can you deny but that through the whole course of your affection, and in all the assurances I have given you of my esteem, I have used all those precautions that might free me from your reproaches: I esteem you very much, and if you force me to say more, I bear a good will toward you, which goes beyond an esteem, and which I never bore to any other body in the world; but I have not so strong an affection to you, as to make me forget what I owe unto myself, and to commit faults that would wound my reputation, and do a mortal injury to that illustrious blood whence I am descended.  
Madam, (said I, interrupting her) I demand no proofs of you, that can offend the severest virtue, I do not require that you should openly oppose the Queens will, nor that in spite of her commands, you should tie yourself to the fortune of a miserable man; But what wrong shall you do yourself, or your birth, or your reputation, though you should take the pains to represent unto her the sincerity of my affection, and though you should let her know, you could receive a command in my favour, with more satisfaction, than one to the advantage of my rival; she will not accuse you of meanness of spirit, nor will she think it strange you should be pleased with the services of Lysimachus, since she suffers, and furthers the suit of Hephestion, who, bate the King's favour, cannot boast of any advantage over me.  
Lysimachus, (replied the Princess) never desire those things of me, which I neither aught, nor will ever be of an humour to grant you; I value Hephestion very much, I am obliged to him for the services he has done me, and I have no aversion to his person, but notwithstanding this declaration, which I make to you with truth, if you can persuade the Queen to ask me my inclinations, and to leave it to my own disposing whether I will make choice of Hephestion or of yourself, I protest to you it shall never be but in your favour. Behold the greatest you can ever hope for from me, and I beseech you to desire no more.  
This was all I could obtain of her, and retiring a little from me, she left me, in a mortal affliction, accompanied with an unprofitable consolation. In former times I should have received such a discourse, with transports of joy, but then my misfortune was too near, and effects were too necessary for me to be satisfied with words alone; it was not enough that she wished, it was requisite to do something in my favour, and I was no longer in a condition to be satisfied with fruitless desires. I passed all the night after, in thoughts full of irresolution, and in considerations of my misfortune, which were like to have sent me to my grave: All my designs ended in the death of Hephestion; but before I came to that extremity, which was indeed a way to my revenge, but not to the free possession of my Princess, I resolved to try the means I had yet left, and use some endeavours to turn Sysigambis to my side; I saw but little possibility in it, but I would not neglect any thing that could serve for my preservation. I could not entertain her in particular of all the day following, but the next after, hearing she was alone in her Closet, I desired admittance, which was very civilly granted me. Assoon as I was alone with her, I fell down upon my knee, and notwithstanding all she did to make me rise, I continued still in that posture, and spoke to her on this manner: It is no longer time, Madam, to ask you pardon of a fault, for which I see myself severely punished, and for which I have already suffered all the pains that could be due to the blackest crimes. I have been infinitely to blame, for having raised my thoughts unto the Princess Parisatis, who cannot be worthily served, but by the greatest King in the world: but 'tis a fault, which certainly she hath forced me to commit, and against which I have made all the resistance, a just knowledge of my own demerit could inspire. I have done amiss, in having without your consent, served her who draws her birth from you, and all whose intentions are governed wholly by yours; but that same knowledge which made me defend myself long against her charms, kept me from declaring to you such ambitious designs, and would still tie up my tongue, if the fortune of my rival did not authorize my presumption. Since you suffer Hephestions pretensions, I may without offending you, make confession of mine, and take the boldness to declare my love, from the allowance you afford to his. Though fortune, or his deserts have given him the favour of a King, the Heavens have made me to be born, with some advantage above him, and I am of a blood to which he thinks it an honour to be allied in a very remote degree. I lay these things before your eyes, only to obtain pardon for a fault, which you have pardoned in him, and not to draw from your Majesty, a consent to my happiness, which I can neither hope for by my birth, nor merit: 'Tis only my passion, the purest, and most perfect that ever was, that intercedes to you now in favour of me, 'tis that which makes me embrace your knees, and beg a life of you, which I will not keep but for the service of your family; be pleased to suffer me to serve Parisatis, with the same hopes that Hephestion doth, and incline only to him who of us two shall make himself most considerable by his services, or who by his adorations shall oblige the Princess to favour him with her choice; it is a mercy full of justice which I beg of you, and which I conjure you to grant me by the memory of Darius, and by all that you acknowledge to be most holy, and most venerable.  
I ended in this manner, kissing the hem of her garment, and embracing her knees, with actions which mollified her without doubt, and made me discover some marks of compassion in her face. But after having patiently heard me, and made yet some attempts to raise me up, she replied in these words; The Gods are my witnesses, Lysimachus, that your person is very considerable to me, and that your Discourse has touched me very sensibly; I know the greatness of your birth, and am acquainted with the merit of your person, both of them give me just inclinations for you, and make me account my daughters happy, to find in their misfortunes, and in the ruin of our Family, that such as yourself, yet turn their eyes upon them. And I beseech you to believe, it is not the favour of Alexander, neither the need we have in our present calamity, of a support near the King, that makes me prefer Hephestion before you; nor yet less any advantage I have observed in his person more than yours, that moves me to approve of his designs▪ but his having made them known to me sooner than you, and the promises whereby I am engaged to the King and to him; you are not ignorant, that among persons of our quality they are inviolable; and you know besides, that they to whom I have given my word, are in a condition to make me keep it, and that I am little capable to dispute it with them. I hope, Lysimachus, you will be satisfied with these reasons, and that you will not attribute a pure effect of my misfortune, to any want of good will, or respect.  
This was the answer I had from Sysigambis, and I by it was so mortally surcharged with grief, that it was impossible for me to dissemble it from the Queen; I rose up from before her, without replying, and went out of the Closet so changed, that I could hardly have been known.  
Hitherto Oroondates had harkened to Lysimachus, without interrupting him, but when he was in this part of his relation, he could not forbear saying to him with a deep sigh, Ah, Lysimachus! What a resemblance our misfortunes have to one another; and how much you will afflict me by the recital of your disasters. I shall be too much concerned in them, to hearken to them with curiosity; but 'tis no matter, let's break through these dangerous passages, and since the remainder of our lives is destined only to miseries, let us not henceforth entertain each other with any thing but matters of affliction.  
Oroondates holding his peace after these words, and disposing himself to lend attention, Lysimachus went on with his Discourse on this manner.   
The end of the first Book.   

CASSANDRA▪ BOOK II.  
WHich way shall I be able (great Prince) to describe the excess of my affliction, after the cruel sentence of Sysigambis? Imagine to yourself, all that love, jealousy, grief, anger, and despair, can produce in a soul mortally agitated with all these passions, and you may go near to conceive the motions that tormented mine. I passed the rest of the day in transports of a man distracted, which caused a fear in Ptolomeus, who forsook me not in my misfortunes, that I was in some danger of losing my senses. But for his hindrance I should not have deferred my resentments longer; but he persuaded me to try yet the King's favour, thereby to free myself from those reproaches I might receive one day, of having offended him injustly. To satisfy him I went to the Palace next morning, and getting the King moved, to grant me leave to speak with him in private, he sent for me alone into his Closet, I drew near to a window upon which he was leaning, and having made my obeisance to him, with a countenance quite changed, he in my eyes found marks of my despair; I think he doubted what was the cause that brought me, but he dissembled it, and having asked me very coldly, I come, Sir, (said ●) to beg of your Majesty, what a Prince who hath the honour to be of your blood, hopes he may obtain, and what a most just King may lawfully grant to one that hath most faithfully served him; I require of you neither Treasures nor Provinces for the price of the blood I have lost in your service, my ambition is more noble, and more legitimate, and if it be unblamable in having made me raise my eyes to the Princess Parisatis, I have prescribed just limits to those desires it hath bred in me; since it is not that Princess I demand for the recompense of my services, but only the power to serve her with an advantage equal to that of my rivals; let your Majesty be pleased but to restrain your authority, and not to declare yourself for Hephestion, against a person who hath the happiness to be near you; leave but Parisatis the liberty of her choice, and those that serve her, the hope of being recompensed according to the merit of their services. justice speaks in favour of my interests, and its consideration alone, may move a King, who hath always followed it exactly, to grant, what he would refuse to my birth, and services.  
The King would not suffer me to say more, but interrupting me tartly, Lysimachus, (said he) my intentions were sufficiently known to you, to keep you from ask me a thing which I neither can, nor will grant you; I am not ignorant of your birth and services, neither are you ignorant of the friendship I bear Hephestion; nor of the promise I have made to assist him in an affection which he discovered to me before you did yours, and in which I strengthened him myself by the hopes I have given him. This knowledge ought not only to have dissuaded you from a most unjust request, but aught also to have kerbed those designs which you have nourished to the prejudice of my intentions, and of the command I gave you to the contrary.  
These words went so near me, that it was impossible for me to suffer the continuation of them without interruption; and though the death of Clitus, had banished liberty of speech from Court, my rage blinded me so far▪ that I could not forbear to make this reply.  
I never failed of my obedience to your Majesty, while you required no other proofs of it, but such as were within my power; and Hephestion never obeyed you more readily than I whensoe'er you commanded us to assault a wall, or charge into a Battalion; but when you forbade me to love Parisatis, I confess I disobeyed you, as I should have done the Gods themselves, if they had imposed the same command upon me; I love her, and serve her, and I must love her and serve her to my grave; my passion for her never withdrew me from any occasion whether your interests called me; I bear the marks of it, all over my body, and such as this happy Favourite cannot show the like. If by the number of my wounds I cannot dispute with him for Alexander's favour, I will dispute with him to the last drop of my blood, for the possession of Parisatis; let your Majesty be but pleased to give us leave, to decide our pretensions with our swords; let Parisatis be his, who is the more valiant, or the more happy, and let death be the portion of him that is the weaker, or the more unfortunate.  
The King could hardly contain himself at the hearing of these words, and his anger breaking out through his eyes, and in the changes of his countenance, would without doubt have terrified a person from whom, his disasters had not taken away that affection which we naturally bear to life. But I beheld him without fear, as likewise without fear I heard him make this answer.  
This is not the first time▪ Lysimachus, that you have given proofs of your irreverence, and contempt of him to whom you are born a subject, I remember it still very well, and I shall be able to bring you again within the limits of your duty, whensoever you shall take the boldness to go beyond them: In the mean time I forbid you not only to cross Hephestion in his love, but so much as ever to look upon Parisatis; and I protest to you by jupiter Hammon, and by the soul of King Philip, that if you disobey what I command, by all the authority I have over you, I will have no respect at all unto your birth, but will submit you to the severity of our Laws▪ as the meanest Macedonian.  
He brought forth these last words with such a thundering voice, that they easily were heard by them in the next Chamber, and not giving me any leisure to reply, he opened the Closet door himself, and went out to the Company, who quickly observed in his face, the ill humour I had put him in▪ I came out after him, and passed through the Chamber so blinded with grief and rage, that I hardly knew my dearest friends as I went by them. Ptolomeus followed me, and Antigonus, Polypercon, Craterus, Eumenes, Meleager, and many others, whom favour did not basely make to forsake their friends, came presently after to my Lodging, and offered me all the assistance I could desire from their friendship. I was so transported, that I had scarce the judgement to thank them for their offers, and Ptolomeus having eased me of that care, they retired within a while, and left me at liberty to digest my anger, and to let my grief break forth with violence. Then it was that I discharged my heart, by words full of passion, and that I poured forth against Alexander's injustice, all that rage, and resentment could put into the mouth of a desperate man; I walked fast up and down, and making a stop now and then with furious exclamations, I struck a fear of my safety into them that were about me.  
What! (said I) will they then thus by authority take Parisatis away from me, and my soul with her? Shall a Tyrant dispose thus of what I alone have lawfully acquired, and shall his Minion triumph over my life for a reward of his flatteries? No, no, Hephestion; No, no, Alexander, you are not yet at the end of your designs, and to give you notice that Lysimachus is alive, is enough to persuade you, that you shall not carry away these illustrious spoils without bloudshed● Yes, Rival, I have an heart still, and I have also an hand to pierce thine a thousand times, and with thy life, tear an image thence, which it is unworthy to conserve.  
In the like spe●ches, and motions full of fury, I spent the rest of the day, all Ptolomeus his Counsels, and those of my other friends, who came to visit me, not being able any way to abate my sorrows, nor moderate the violence of my resolutions: When Ptolomeus saw I was resolved to run to extremities, and that I no longer gave ear to the reasons he alleged, he gave over arguing against my intentions, and only told me, that whatsoever my design was, he would blindly follow my fortune, and never separate himself from my interests. I thanked him for his affection, as much as I could in that condition, and having assured him, that I would not refuse the proofs of it, when they should be necessary for me, I begged of him to visit Apamia, and to attempt yet something in my behalf. When I was rid of him, I bethought myself of the means to see Hephestion, and not finding it very easy, by reason of a great number of persons whom favour kept still close about him. I believed I could not declare my intentions to him otherwise then by a Letter, which I might without difficulty get delivered to him, by some servant of mine who were not known unto his Family. With this design I called for paper, and wrote to him in these terms.  
LYSIMACHUS To HEPHES●ION.  
IT is not by the King's favour, Hephestion, that Parisatis is to be disputed for; that Conquest is too illustrious to be obtained by any other price, then that of our blood; our Swords shall decide our contestations, and shall give the Conqueror that glorious recompense of his valour and death to the conquered for the punishment of his ambition. These shall be the Laws of our Combat, and 'tis to observe them, that I stay for you in Saturn's Field, with my sword alone, other arms would but retard our designs, and would suit ill with the desire of Conquering, or dying presently.  
Having written this Letter I called Timantes, who of all my servants was least known at Court, but not lest capable of such a Commission; I instructed him in what he had to do, and having enjoined him secrecy upon his life, I passed the night in the impatiency you imagine.  
All the Court was full of our Affairs, and very few were ignorant of the cause I had to quarrel with Hephestion, but there were fewer who believed, that after having received so express a command to the contrary from the King, and such fresh threats, I would so quickly run to extremities wherein my destruction appeared inevitable. This was it that facilitated my design, and hindered Hephestions friends and mine from keeping with us, as they would have done, if that opinion had not made them a little confident. Yet did I not doubt but that Hephestion would have a great many with him at his rising, and that Ptolomeus, and some others of my friends would come early to my Lodging, whereupon I got abroad by break of day, and mounting my best horse, I went out of the Town alone, after having given Tymantes such other orders and instructions as were necessary; he discharged that trust very discreetly, and I will tell you the manner as I learned it from himself. Scarce did the day begin to appear, when he was at Hephestions gate, he went into the Court, up stairs, and into the great Chamber without difficulty, the entry thither not being hard for a man of any fashion, but drawing near the door of the antichamber, with many others, who waited for Hephestions rising, he knocked softly, a doorkeeper opened it a little, and having rebuked him for the noise he made, while Hephestion was asleep, I know the orders well enough, (said he) to pay him that respect if I were not forced to break it, by a stronger consideration, tell your Master that I have a very important advertisement to give him, and that for the safety of his life, he ought to admit me to the speech of him without further delay.  
See how far this man hazarded his life to serve me, there is no doubt but if Hephestion had not been truly generous, he and been in manifest peril, and it was that knowledge made me make use of so dangerous a way. The doorkeeper having made some of Hephestions principal servants acquainted with what Timantes had said, they were of opinion together, that the business was of consequence enough to waken him for it, and thereupon going presently to his bedside, they interrupted his sleep to tell him what they had heard from Timantes. Hephestion presently commanded him to be brought into the Chamber, and to his bedside, and seeing Hephestions servants were retired, he delivered my Letter to him, saying, he in that paper should find the advertisement he had to give him.  
I know not what Hephestion thought when he saw himself so deceived, but Timantes told me he read it without being moved, and without showing any other marks in his eyes and countenance, save of anger and fierceness. When he had made an end of reading it, he said so low that he could not be overheard by those that were on the far side of the Chamber, you are a discreet man, and I am not less obliged to you then your Master.  
With these words, he called for his clothes, and commanded his best Horse should be made ready, and brought presently to the Gate; Being extremely respected by his servants, he was obeyed without farther informing themselves of his intentions, and was no sooner dressed, but he went out of his Chamber, and not suffering any of his people to attend him, came down into the Court, and took the Horse he had given order for. The place ● had appointed him was sufficiently known; it was there the King used often to exercise his Troops, being a Field not above ten or twelve furlongs from the City. He galloped his Horse full speed through the streets of Susa, and carried by an impatiency like mine, went out of the Town, and came to me much sooner than I expected. When I saw him appear, all my blood was moved, and all my passions stirred up with so much vehemence, that they deprived me of the judgement, I was wont to make use of in such like encounters: I ran to meet him with my Sword ready drawn, and with a threatening cry, not having modesty enough to forbear saying; Here it is, thou unjust ravisher of my happiness, that we will decide our pretensions, otherwise then by the favour of thy Master, and thou shalt either lose Parisatis, with thy life, or win her, with mine. He stayed not to answer me, neither indeed did I give him the leisure, but rushing upon him with more fury than judgement, I was received so vigorously, that at that first encounter, our swords having met without effect, our horses were like to have touched the ground with their haunches, we raised them up again with the spur, and having taken a little career to make them recover the shock, we turned about and closed up to one another, with the same impetuosity as before, but with a different success. I wounded Hephestion with the point of my Sword in the shoulder, and Hephestion striking at me with his, gave me a very sleight touch on the head, but his Sword coming down upon the poll of my Horse, he received a wound wherewith I was much more incommodated then with my own. That vigorous beast, feeling himself hurt, fell a leaping and bounding, and in spite of all I could do to stop him, ran away with me above an hundred paces; Hephestion followed exceeding fiercely, and holding his Sword almost at my reins, Ah! Lysimachus, (said he) is it thus thou fightest for Parisatis?  
These words kindled such rage in me, as I cannot possibly represent, and having tamed that first fury of my Horse, I turned his head at last against Hephestion, who had overtaken me, and pressing violently upon him, his Sword slipped along my ribs without entering into my body, and I thrusting mine under his arm, ran him through the thigh, and nailed it to the cantle of his Saddle; the difficulty was to get my Sword out again, and judging that I could not have time enough, without giving a great deal to my enemy, I quitted it, and flew to the hilts of his, which he had lifted up, and catched fast hold of it with a design to wrest it out of his hand; Hephestion had not foreseen my intent, and therefore it was not hard for me to effect it, I seized upon the guard so to my advantage, that spurring my Horse, at the same time Hephestion was constrained to let it go; but he neither lost heart, nor judgement, for pulling mine out of his thigh, with an unparallelled courage, he had already got it in his hand, before I could turn about, and came back to me more furious then at the beginning of the fight.  
At that third encounter our designs were both the same, but our precipitation made them vain, and fortunate to one another; instead of tilting the points into each others bodies as we had resolved, we ran both into the saddle bows, but with such a force, that my Sword broke into three pieces, and Hephestion's bending to the very hilts sprung out of his hand, and fell amongst our Horse's feet. With that, seeing ourselves deprived of our Swords, we began another kind of combat, and clasping one another fast about the body, and at the same instant clapping spurs to our Horses, we pulled each other out of our saddles, and fell down together upon the grass, where we began to struggle for the upper hand; we strove a great while for that advantage, and won it, and lost it many times, but after a long contestation, we grew weak and I may say without vanity, that Hephestion's wound, and the abundance of blood that ran from it, made the victory incline already to my side, and gave me probable hopes of obtaining it, when we were surrounded by a great many Horsemen, who had environed, and parted us, before we ever perceived them, so much were we transported with rage, and blinded with the desire of victory. They were our common friends, who having been advertised by our servants, of our departure, had taken horse in all haste, and run after us with all the diligence that was necessary, to hinder the success of our combat. Amongst mine, I saw Ptolomeus, Meleager, Antigonus, Craterus, and many others, and Hephestion among his, saw Perdiccas, Seleucus, Leonatus, Cassander, Nearchus, and divers more, whom either the consideration of his power, or that of his virtue, had engaged to him, but at that time they none of them took sides, but were contented with separting us, not expressing any animosity at all. Hephestions' friends carried him back to Susa, and mine stayed with me, not thinking in that state of my affairs, there was any safety for me at Court. Alexander's oath and threatenings, made them apprehensive with much reason, and they all believed, I could not without manifest danger of my life appear, till the King's anger were over. I was in such a rage at the issue of our Combat, and at the knowledge that my condition was but made worse, and my hopes the more weakened, that I shut my ears along time against all they proposed for my safety. I would have returned boldly into the Town, and have exposed myself to Alexander's fury, since by his injustice he had destined me to a death, which I judged a thousand times more cruel, than any he could have made me suffer. The Gods forbid (said I) that I should fly for Hephestion, and that that happy Favourite should triumph over me in Susa all manner of Ways, while I hide myself shamefully to save my life; neither my birth, nor courage, will permit me to yield to him; and if the wrath of a King be to be avoided, 'tis only by those, who have drawn it upon themselves by evil actions, or who love their lives so dearly, that they are afraid to lose them; for my part I have ever despised mine, and have so many causes to hate it, that the care of its preservation shall never make me do any thing contrary to my inclinations, nor to that generosity you have inspired into me by your examples. It is for cowardly souls to fear like slaves, I am born a Free man, and a Prince, and will never do a baseness, that might make you blush for me, and render me unworthy of the glory of my Ancestors.  
I said these things, and divers others, but on the other side they alleged so many reasons to me, and used the power they had over me so imperiously, that I was constrained to obey, and go whither it pleased them to have me, before the King could be advertised, and cause me to be pursued. They carried me to an house which Abulites had, about an hundred furlongs from Susa, it was in a Wood, far from any Highway, and my friends believed I might lie there to be cured of my wounds, while they used their endeavours to make my peace with the King. They left me there with Ptolomeus, who stayed to keep me company, and a while after they sent me Chirurgeons, and such of my servants, as were most necessary for me; my rage was risen to so high a pitch, that of a long time I was not capable of any discourse, and Ptolomeus had very much ado to persuade me to let my wounds be dressed; they were such light ones, that I hardly kept my bed at all for them, and within a fortnight they were perfectly healed. I heard news every day from Susa, by my friends, who came to visit me, and gave me a faithful account of all that passed at Court. From them I learned the extremity of the King's anger, and in what manner it had broken forth; he was not so well able to dissemble it, but that he loudly redoubled his threats against me, and protested I should never obtain his pardon. He seemed nevertheless to be satisfied for the present with my absence, and not believing I was so near him, he used no great industry to have me taken; but if he had, my friends were always at watch, and ready to remove me from the place where I was, assoon as they should find I was there in any danger; I believe notwithstanding that it was easy for my enemies to suspect the place of my abode, being so near them, and so often visited by my friends, but they were very circumspect in their visits, and I think that either Hephestion himself, out of generosity, hindered the search which else would have been made for me, or that my friends prevented it by their authority in the Court, especially Ptolomeus, and Craterus, whose virtue, and quality, were so considered, that they had no equals in credit except Hephestion. I learned also that mine enemy's wounds were not dangerous, but that that in his thigh was great, and required time for the healing of it, that the King spent all the time at his bedside, which he passed not with Statira, and that they waited for nothing but his cure to accomplish the marriage. This news drove me back again into my despair, and into the most violent resolutions that rage could suggest. Let him not think he has escaped me, (said I to those that spoke to me concerning him) and let him account his pretensions but uncertain, while Lysimachus is alive; I will live to trouble his repose eternally, and into the midst of a thousand guards, will I carry him a death which he believes he has avoided. After that effect of my despair, let Alexander do his worst, and when I am satisfied, let him pour the most dreadful storms of his indignation upon me, let him renew the memory of Philotas and calisthenes, in the person of his near kinsman, and let him make his cruelties be as much talked of as his Conquests, to which I have contributed the best part of my blood; I will expect it all without terror, provided I be revenged, and I will laugh at my own destruction, so my rival may be buried in my ruins.  
These were my ordinary discourses, and 'twas in these, and more violent disquiets I passed all the time my wounds kept me at that house, where I was confined. Assoon as I was in better condition, it was impossible for me to suffer the absence of Parisatis, and in spite of the counsels of all my friends, I would needs return to Susa. They in vain opposed that intention, and all they could obtain from me, was that I would not go into the Town but by night, and that I would retire to Ptolomeus his Lodging. I obeyed them in that, and when it was dark, I took horse with them, and being very well accompanied, I went to the City, and to the house of that dear friend. My retreat was secret enough, and would have been so a great deal more, if I could have contained myself within the limits that were set me, and without the thought of seeing Parisatis. But scarce was I at Susa, when that desire awakened itself strongly in me, and I conjured Ptolomeus to make Apamia endeavour my satisfaction. That faithful friend undertook the employment most affectionately, and had no great difficulty to persuade his Princess to favour my desires with her good offices, yet in the condition my affairs were in, she neither thought it very easy, nor very safe for me. Sysigambis was already resolved upon Hephestion's marriage, and the Princess having heard her last intentions, had disposed herself to be obedient; Apamia's perfect knowledge hereof made her foresee the difficulties; she proposed them to Ptolomeus, but he urged her so earnestly, that to please him she was willing to try all ways imaginable to content me. With this design, after she had bethought herself in vain, of other means, she feigned herself not well; Parisatis who could not be without her, having wanted her company a whole day, sent to know how she did, and hearing she kept her bed, gave her notice she would spend the afternoon with her; Apamia, by the Messenger that came from her, begged that honour with as little company as she could, that she might have the opportunity to entertain her in particular. Ptolomeus assoon as it was break of day, and before there was any company stirring to discover me in the streets, had brought me to Apamia's, and that Princess having shut us up into her Closet, I waited for Parisatis' coming, with such an impatiency, as you may imagine. She failed not to come at the appointed hour, and when she was sat down by Apamia, and had enquired concerning her health, that Princess seeing some of her Maids there, who might perchance have been gained by Hephestion, commanded her own to divert them, and to carry them into a Garden while she discoursed with Parisatis. Those cunning Wenches obeyed her, and assoon as the two Princesses were alone, Ptolomeus and I came into the Chamber. Parisatis no sooner saw me, but she changed colour, and turning towards Apamia, Ah! Cousin, (said she) you have put a trick upon me.  
I gave not Apamia leasrue to reply, but answering for her, and casting myself at Parisatis' feet; Madam, (said I) if this fair Princess has deceived you to favour me, you may pardon her an effect of pity, which generosity forbade her to refuse to the most miserable of all men living; true it is, that she was touched with compassion by the knowledge of my misfortunes, and she believed she owed that consolation to him who hath so perfectly served you, and so religiously adored you. Do not you therefore (most divine Princess) envy the only happiness I have left after so many years' service, and since my hopes are extinguished, be not jealous, if I have the good fortune, yet once again to renew those protestations at your feet, which I have made to live and die for you.  
Parisatis would not suffer me to proceed, but having commanded me to rise, she made answer with her ordinary moderation. It is true, Lysimachus, that your sight did really surprise me, and that I suffer it with some trouble, not that I envy your contentment, or that I am sorry for your happiness, Heaven is my witness that I shall ever wish you a good fortune, and that to procure it you, I shall with much joy contribute all that depends on me; I am too much obliged to you, ever to have other thoughts of you, and I esteem your person too much, to desire any thing to your disadvantage: but, Lysimachus, I am no longer at liberty to follow my own inclinations, nor can I longer suffer the continuance of your designs, after the charge the Queen hath given me to think no more of any body but Hephestion. The Gods know how I received that command, nor is it necessary I should tell you again what I have confessed already to my confusion, now you have exasperated matters, and stirred up the King against you by the violence of your proceeding. I see you with a great deal of fear, knowing that you see not me without a great deal of danger. Behold the reasons, Lysimachus, which oblige me to be troubled at your sight and which force me also to conjure you to break off these courses, and submit yourself as I do to the law that is imposed upon me.  
These words touched me so nearly that I had much ado to forbear interrupting her; I retired a step or two, & crossing my arms upon my breast; What? Madam (said I) have you then taken the last resolution, to sign the decree of poor Lysimachus his death? and shall this unfortunate man who hath so faithfully served you, have no other recompense for all his services, but the glory of having rendered them to you, and the grief of seeing them blotted out of your remembrance? do you then out of some consideration of fortune, or some fantasy of Sysigambis'es', prefer Alexander's favourite before me, he who of all his followers has contributed most to your losses and who hath neither loved you perfectly, nor served you discreetly? and can you have the heart to see him die at your feet, in whom you have nourished such fair hopes, and who hath adored you these five, or six years, withal the submissions we owe unto the Gods themselves? Can you without grief see him breathe out his soul, who never was but yours; and will you give yourself to his rival while he facilitates his happiness by the loss of a life which he had dedicated to you? Have you then resolved it Madam, and does this cruel resolution come from the heart of Parisatis! Parisatis whom I have always considered as the most accomplished Masterpiece of the Gods, and whom I never thought capable of an injustice, and of an in humanity, which must needs blemish the fairest life that ever was? Parisatis●arken'd ●arken'd patiently to this discourse, and with much ado retaining some tears which compassion would have forced from her, she replied. You are unjust Lysimachus; to accuse me of your misfortune, I have contributed nothing towards it but the obedience to which I was obliged, and for which I thought I had prepared you. Not but that Hepestion (since you constrain me to say so) is worthy of as good a fortune, nor that I have any occasion to be unsatisfied with his services; but if the Gods, and the Queen's pleasure had destined me to Lysimachus, I should have received that command without murmuring, which perhaps I received now without much satisfaction. After this last confession, hope for nothing from me, but compassion of your misfortunes; and wishes for your prosperity; I shall be eternally indebted to you, and will consider you while I live-as the man of all others, in whom I have observed the rarest qualities, and to whom I am the most obliged. This is all you can require of me, and if it be true that you have loved mereally; you ought no longer to oppose that which my duty exacteth from me, and to which my will is swayed as it ought to be. These last words absolutely settled despair in my heart, and banished from thence a part of that respect which till then had so imperiously reigned there; my blindness suffered me not to consider any longer that I was in the presence of Parisatis; and the fear which was wont ever to accompany me in her sight, having forsaken me at that time, I could not forbear saying; Madam, your resolutions are commendable, but you will be likewise pleased that I declare mine to you; know that Sysigambis, and the King dispose vainly of you; and they ought never to hope that Hephestion, nor any other man in the world shall possess you, so long as Lysimachus is living; it is through his blood they must make their passage to you, and 'tis in theirs I will find my repose and my revenge. Let Hephestion defend himself if he can, from this hand, which he has felt already, let him shut himself up, let him strengthen himself with a million of guards, it shall be in the very midst of them, that I will stab this enemy of my life, and that I will make him find his funeral, instead of the marriage which he hopes for. This last thought so transported me, that being no longer my own man in the rage that possessed me, I went out of the Princess' chamber, without so much as saluting them, or taking any leave of them. Ptolomeus was gone away before, while we were discoursing, not believing I would appear in broad day light in the streets of Susa, and his departure gave me the more facility in mine. I went down the stairs, and finding a horse below which I caused to be held there, I leapt instantly upon him, and without further reasoning, I took my way towards Hephestions Lodging, being fully resolved either to be slain in the attempt, or to kill him in the midst of all his people. Consider a little into what a blindness my passion had precipitated me, I went about a business whereof the execution was impossible, and wherein my destruction was inevitable; and indeed I expected an infallible death, for if I had had the least care of my life, I should not have gone headlong into so manifest a danger, and out of which I had so little likelihood to escape. I ran full speed through the streets of Susa and being come to the gate of Hephestions Lodging, I entered into the court with the same fury; but scarce had I alighted, and turned toward the stairs when the guards having known me got within the door, and presenting the points of their halberds, forbade me to enter. There it was I perceived the vanity of those designs which passion alone inspires into us; but being resolved for death, I had already drawn my sword, to make my passage through the guards, or find the end of my life in the points of their weapons, when the King who came often to visit Hephestion, entered into the Court▪ attended by many of his followers, and his ordinary guards. He showed a great asonishment at that encounter, and commanding me to be taken alive, I was presently environed on all sides. The Gods know and so do some of those who were present at that action, that I made a resistance which was not ordinary, and that if the Kings often redoubled command had not been more powerful than their resentment, I urged them sufficiently to give me my death. I wounded Leonatus in two places, I ran Egilochees through the right arm, and made some of the guard fall at my feet who never rose again; but while I by this defence endeavoured to exasperate them against me, I felt myself seized upon behind, thrown down, and disarmed. The King commanded I should be tied like some furious beast, and being commonly not Master of his passions, he suffered himself easily, to be so far transported by his anger, as to make it appear by most severe, and fatal resolutions: at that time he could not contain himself so well, but that looking upon me with eyes sparkling with indignation, he said thus to me. You have not only mocked, and slighted my commands Lysimachus, but you have also offended me in the better part of myself. The dignity of all Kings is concerned in my affront, and never did subject abuse it so contumaciously, and so unworthily; but I will revenge their quarrel with mine own, and will find out punishments which shall be able to tame this rage. I did not vouchsafe to answer those high threats, but looking upon him with an eye which testified how little I was afraid of them, I exasperated him more by that disdainful silence, than I should have done by some sharp reply. He turned toward those that were about him, and said. Lysimachus is a Lion, but we will use him like a Lion, and shall perchance be able to quell this fierceness. After these words he commanded I should be carried to the dungeon, and kept like a Tiger, or some other more furious creature; I was shut up in a very close prison, and guarded with such care as was necessary for the custody of a man of my humour, and condition. All my friends fell down at the King's feet, and represented to him whatsoever their friendship could make them say on the behalf of a Prince of his blood, and of a man that had done him faithful service, but he was still inexorable, and not only refused them my life, but knowing how much I despised it, he resolved to make me feel my death by the length of those torments, and by the shame of those punishments to which he destined me. In the mean time I was strictly imprisoned, and judging that by my captivity I had lost the hope of that revenge I had proposed unto myself, I desired nothing more than to end all my pains, and avoid the reproach of seeing Hephestion triumph over me during my life, and of enjoying Parisatis before my death. To that end, seeing myself deprived of all weapons which might serve my despair, and not having so much as my hands free, I resolved to starve myself with hunger, and by a death I could so easily compass avoid the infamy of that, which the King intended me. Thereupon I refused the meat they brought me, and continued near two whole days without receiving any nourishment at all. None of my friends had the liberty to see me, and scarcely was I suffered to have a man to serve me. But Ptolomeus having learned my obstinate resolution from my keepers, was like to have died with grief, and taking recourse to all inventions that could prolong my life, he at the last bethought himself with Apamia, of an expedient to preserve me a while longer, and wrought so well by her means, with the Princess Parisatis, that I received this note from her in my prison, when I had lost all hope of hearing from her any more.  
The Princess PARISATIS to Prince LYSIMACHUS.  
I Should never have believed that Lysimachus could hate a life which hath been, and is yet very dear to me, I conjure him by all the affection he hath born me, to conserve it, and if I have still any power with him, I forbid him to end it, but by the will of the Gods, and of Parisatis.  
O Gods! (cried I, as I made an end of reading these words) inhuman Parisatis, for what torments do you reserve me yet? Are you not satisfied with those I have already suffered, and do now suffer for you, being deprived of all hope of recompense, but you must destiny me to endure pains which yet I have not felt? you desire without question to have me see you in Hephestions arms, nor are you content to have me die, unless you assemble at my death, all that can make it odious to me. Well then, Parisatis, I obey you, and the Gods are my witnesses, I would obey you as blindly, if you should impose upon me yet greater difficulties.  
This was the invention Ptolomeus used to make me eat, and it wrought the effect he had imagined; I took the meat they brought me, and though my life was as hateful to me as before, Parisatis' command, and the knowledge she gave me, that it was not indifferent to her, hindered me from doing any thing to put an end to it. In the mean time my friends stirred not from the King's feet, nor left any thing unattempted to save me; but Ptolomeus was so urgent in the business, that the King fearing lest in the extremity he might cause some revolt, and knowing his credit among the Macedonians, made his person to be seized upon, and put into a place of security. My other friends were extremely grieved at this surcharge of affliction, though they were in no fear of Ptolomeus his life, which they knew was very considerable to the King, but they nevertheless were not at all the colder, and not content with their own endeavous, they made the Queen and Princesses to intercede for me. Parisatis who saw me reduced to that miserable condition only for her sake, employed her sister's credit with the King; but all their intercessions were vain, and he alleging his Oath, and the importance of the example would never suffer himself to be persuaded. He thought fit to observe some form of justice in my death, and to that purpose, sent Perdiccas, and Nearchus, to prison to me, with Judges to examine end arraign me. They came into the place where I was kept, and having made me acquainted with their Commission, and the command they had received from the King, they would have examined me; I did not deign to answer the Judges, and only turning toward Perdiccas, with an assuredness which sufficiently discovered the little fear I had of their proceedings; Tell the King, (said I) that 'tis not needful to examine him, who declares his crime aloud, and that the tortures of miserable Philotas are not necessary to force a confession from my mouth, I would have killed Hephestion; I would kill him yet if I were at liberty, and the hope of my life shall never make me give over the design I have against his, unless he give over his for Parisatis. I think this is all my crime, and 'tis of a nature not to be disavowed, since it draws no infamy along with it; I neither hope, nor ask for pardon, nor shall I complain of a destiny, like that of Parmenio, Clitus, and many others, who like me, have often saved the life of Alexander, with the hazard of their own, and who in a thousand occasions have spent that same blood for his service, the remainder whereof he poured out to satisfy his cruelty. Tell him moreover, Perdiccas, that I am of his Family, you are allied to it yourself, and that consideration ought to oblige you, to help me to a death, either among the arms of soldiers, or the paws of wild beasts, without the infamy of executioners; 'tis your interest as well as mine, and Alexander himself also is concerned in it.  
This was what I said to Perdiccas, and notwithstanding all the questions the Judges asked me, they received no other answer, but an intreatly not to trouble me any more. They returned on this manner, and related to the King what they had done, and what I had said: That liberty of speech, and the contempt I showed of him, did so exasperate him against me, that 'twas impossible for him to dissemble his rage. Lysimachus, (says he) braves us like a Lion; but we have tamed both Lions and Elephants, and will make his grave in the bellies of those beasts he imitates. So without deferring any longer, he (notwithstanding all that could be alleged to dissuade him from so cruel a resolution) condemned me to be devoured by a Lion.  
I know not whether the words I had said unto Perdiccas, touching the king of my death, moved him to appoint me that, to free his blood from the shame of an infamous punishment, or whether he intended by the fury of that cruel beast, to quell the rage I had expressed in my last actions. But whatsoever it were, that was my doom, and Peucestas, Python, and Neaptolemus, had the charge to pronounce my sentence and cause it to be executed. I have this obligation to the memory of Parisatis, that the news touched her very nearly, and her knowing the King could not be mollified, afflicted her so sensibly, that she fell sick with it. 'Twas an effect of her compassion, and of her generosity, for I never was vain enough to believe she loved me, but to say truth, I have heard since, this accident produced the same effects in her, that could be hoped for from that passion, and that she deplored the misfortune of a Prince who perished only for her, with all the tears, and all the words compassion could draw from the eyes and mouth of a generous person. My Judges came unto my prison attended by a great number of guards, and Python having pronounced my sentence, testified a great deal of sorrow to me both for my misfortune, and for his which had constrained him to take that office by the Kings express command; His fellow Commissioners made the same excuses to me, and though I knew them to be friends to Hephestion, I believed they were not much joyed at that employment. I harkened to the sentence of my death, without changing countenance, and said to them with an assured voice; The King obliges me in putting some difference by this kind of death, between me and base Malefactors; Let's go Python, and let us show him we can brave death for his service, and receive it joyfully when it delivers us from his cruelties, and from the tyranny of our fate.  
After these words I went out of my prison, without staying to be bidden, and walked without terror in the midst of the guards through a Gallery, that led to the Court which was appointed for me to suffer in. I looked upon it without any apprehension, but though I had no desire at all to live, yet had I a mind to let Alexander see by the last action of my life, that in putting me to death, he did not deprive himself of the most inconsiderable of all his subjects; and that perchance I had deserved his protection, and his assistance in stead of the punishment to which he condemned me. This little desire of glory, made me turn toward Peucestas, and his fellow-Commissioners, and looking upon them with a countenance, which seemed to demand some courtesy. The King (said I) hath seen ●e kill Lions for the defence of his person, and he knows that so long as I had arms, I never feared any kind of enemy; but being bound as now I am, I shall be but an unpleasing spectacle to you, and you will see me torn in pieces without any resistance; if your Commission do not forbid it you, let me have but my hands free, and let one of your Guards lend me but his Gauntlets, I ask neither Sword nor Javelin of you; without arms I cannot free myself from death; neither is that my intention, but only to give you some divertisement at the end of my life, and some knowledge of the difference there is between Lysimachus and ordinary persons.  
I made no difficulty of speaking some words of vanity at my death, which I should not have uttered in another season. My desire was not granted at the first, as contrary to the charge they had, but Peucestas praying his friends to defer the execution till his return, made haste to the Palace, and falling upon his knee before the King, besought him earnestly to grant me that favour; at first it was refused him, but in the end the King was so much pressed by those that were about him, and by Sysigambis her self who happened to be there, that believing my death was infallible though I should be unbound, he granted me a favour which he thought would be unprofitable to me. Assoon as Peucestas had obtained it, he came back to us, and having told his fellows the permission the King had given him, he caused me to be unbound, and gave me a pair of Gauntlets. I received that Present from him very civilly, and having embraced him, and his fellow Commissioners, who had tears in their eyes, I went cheerfully down the stairs which led into that fatal Court, where I was to find the end of my life. The Gate of it was instantly shut, and my Judges remaining in the Gallery, saw me walk fearless up and down, waiting for the enemy that was appointed me. The door of a little room where he was kept, being drawn up, that fierce creature no sooner saw the light, but he came out of his Den, and turning his head on all sides with horrible warnings, struck a terror into the hearts of my very Judges, and Guards; he stretched his legs twice or thrice, as to shake off the sluggish rest he had lain in, and whipping his Flanks with two or three lashes of his Tail, he began to walk gravely toward the middle of the Court, at first he turned his sparkling fiery eyes toward the Gallery, and discovering a prey that was out of his reach, testified his anger, by roaring again, far more dreadfully than before, which made the spectators believe they themselves were hardly in safety. But assoon as he perceived me, and saw me come strait toward him, he gave over the thought of that prey to run to a nearer, and a more easy one. Then it was that the Beholders bewailed my misfortune, and expressed their trouble by a loud cry; but before that furious beast assaulted me, O Parisatis! (cried I) receive this noble sacifice, and cherish at least the memory of him who prefers death, before life without Parisatis.  
I had not made an end of these words, when the Lion flew at me so fiercely, and so suddenly, that I had much ado to avoid the first encounter; I saved myself nevertheless, and half one of my sleeves was torn off by one of his paws; he would have turned head, but I catched fast hold of the long hair that hung down upon his shoulders, and raising myself with strength and nimbleness enough, I leaped upon his back. That burden to which he was not accustomed, made his reins bend to the very ground, and knowing the disorder I had put him in, I stamped upon his feet with mine, and gripped him so closely with my knees and heels, that I got him absolutely down. He then instantly rolled himself about with me, and we began a dangerous struggling, wherein I still endeavoured to keep my advantage; yet could I not avoid being wounded with his nails in divers places; but seeing his jaws open, and frothy with foam and blood, I chopped my hand suddenly into his throat; my Gauntlet defended me from his teeth, yet not so well, but that he dinted it in many places, and almost broke it in pieces; in the mean time I took him by the tongue, and having pulled it out of his mouth, I joined my left hand to my right, and setting my knees stiffly against the hinder part of the Lion's head, and my feet as stiffly against the ground, I tugged with so much violence, that I tore it out by the very roots: The Lion lost all his strength by the extremity of that pain, and discharging the rest of his rage against the Earth, which he digged up with his teeth, and watered with his blood, he gave me the leisure to beat his skull in pieces with my Gauntlets.  
Oroondates who till then had harkened attentively to Lysimachus, interrupted him in this place, saying; If I desired to hear this action from your own mouth, it was not because I was ignorant of it, the fame thereof is spread as far as the reputation of Alexander, and that proof of an admirable valour, shall never perish in the memory of men.  
'twas not an act of valour, replied Lysimachus, but an effect of my despair, and of the anger of the Gods, who would not give me leave to die in the beginning of my sufferings, and who destined me to more sensible ones, which I felt afterwards, and to these last which I now partake with you. Assoon as this furious beast had vomited his life out with his blood, I dis-engaged myself from his paws, and rose up all smeared with his blood, and with mine own which ran down from divers places of my body. Scarce was I up but I saw myself environed by Peucestas, Python, and Neoptolemus who were come down into the Court, and who with tears in their eyes came to rejoice with me for that victory, I appeared the least joyful of all the company, and looking upon my Judges with a very moderate countenance, Send forth another Lion more furious than this, (said I) or command that a great many be let loose together, if you would have them kill Lysimachus without difficulty. I made not this resistance to save myself, nor do I pretend to be more free by this victory, then when my hands were bound; cause Tigers, Leopards, or Elephants, to come forth against me, and do not defer the execution of Alexander's pleasure, which I retarded only to give you at the end of my life a spectacle worthy of his presence.  
The Gods forbid, (replied Peucestas) that we should proceed farther without new orders from the King, you too well deserve a life which you have defended with so much valour, nor can he refuse it you, without drawing upon himself the hatred both of the Gods and men.  
At these words they made me return the same way they had brought me, and though I solicited them, not to defer the effecting of their Commission any longer, they carried me back into my ordinary prison, and having left me with my usual Keepers, within a while after they sent me Chirurgeons to dress those sleight hurts I had received; Purisatis' command was therein most powerful over me, and the order I had from her, to let my life last still, made me suffer the remedies that were used to heal them. Then it was that my sad thoughts renewed their war against me, and though I was victorious over a Lion, yet was I not so over my misfortunes, much less over those cruel passions which tormented me with so much inhumanity. I was served that day as I had been before, but the next after, the cause of it being unknown to me I began to be better used than I had been formerly, but I was still kept with the same care, and the entrance of my prison was still refused to my friends, and to all those that could bring me any intelligence of what passed. The second day after this change, I received a Letter from the Princess Parisatis by the hands of my Keepers. Although my hope was quite extinguished, my flames were not at all abated, and I read those lovely Characters with such raptures, as I thought I had no longer been capable of. If I remember well, these were the words of her Letter.  
PARISATIS to LYSIMACHUS.  
I Partake as much in your Victory, as I did before in your misfortune; I will assure you I contributed not at all unto it willingly, nor will I ever, but by the necessity which duty imposes upon me; yet what Laws soever it prescribes me, be most certain, that which I am pressed to shall never be obtained, but by the safety and liberty of Lysimachus. In the mean time I conjure you to live, and to believe it is the most acceptable service, I can ever receive from you. I hope for this proof of your affection, and desire it of you with all my heart.  
This second command of Parisatis was necessary, to make me resolve to suffer the tediousness of my restraint; and but for the fear of offending her which never forsook me, I was no longer capable of that resolution. Truly the condition I was in, was the most lamentable one that ever was, and had it not been for some glimpse of hope, which my Princesses care made me to conceive, my grief alone would without doubt have executed, what my hands durst not undertake for fear of disobeying her. I was waited on well enough, but with an eternalsilence, and what news soever I enquired of my Keepers, concerning Parisatis, Statira, Hephestion, and Alexander, I could never hear any thing at all. This persisting to conceal from me, what passed at Court, made me suspect the truth of my misfortunes, and I believed it was not without an express order, they so obstinately refused what I so earnestly demanded. I wondered why the King delayed my death so long, and sometimes I said unto my Keepers, What hinders the King from throwing the last darts of his cruelty at me, and why does he not free himself from fear, by freeing Hephestion from his enemy? If the life of that Favourite be dear to him, why does he not provide for his safety, and why does he not dispatch that man out of the world, who will never suffer him to continue in it, if he be once at liberty? Is it not, (pursued I) because he destinies me to deaths far more sensible than that I have escaped, and that he will not have me die till I have felt my utmost miseries, and with mine own eyes beheld happy Hephestion in the arms of Parisatis? This thought transported me so exceedingly, that I was sometimes whole hours besides myself, nor could I fix my mind upon less fatal remembrances.  
O Parisatis! (cried I then) what favour do you believe you do me, in labouring for my safety, and for my liberty? I have lost one of them for you, and will not have the other without you. Demand rather my death of the King, or rather demand it of yourself who are the only Mistress of it; intercede for me to that cruel Parisatis, who has forbidden me to die, and give not my rival the price of a safety which I abhor without you, and which I cannot receive if I lose you.  
In such like Discourses, and in such like thoughts, I passed full twenty days without hearing any news of Parisatis, Ptolomeus, or any of my friends; But I detain you too long upon a tedious subject, I must shorten the recital of it, since these particulars are not important. I wondered at the length of my imprisonment, or rather at that of my life, and I could not devise what I ought to expect from that mystery, when one day being in my ordinary entertainment, I saw my Chamber door open; I vouchsafed not to lift up my head, to see who came in, when an extraordinary lustre striking my eyes, made me look up, to consider the persons that came to visit me. I am not able to tell you my astonishment, when I knew them to be the Princess Statira, the Princess Parisatis her sister, Apamia, Arsinoe, Cleone, and Ptolomeus, and Eumenes with them, and many other Ladies that attended them. This object interrupted my melancholy thoughts, and made me start up from my seat to meet and receive them according to the greatness of their quality, and of the honour they did me. I cast myself instantly at their feet, but those great Princesses entreated me to rise, and after they were sat down by the care Ptolomeus took to pay those civilities I was obliged to in my Chamber, the Princess Parisatis, when she had bethought herself a while what she had to say, spoke to me in these terms.  
If this visit have surprised you, Lysimachus, the words I have to say, will surprise you more; so that were I not assured by too many trials that Lysimachus hath perfectly loved me, and were not my conscience clear from all the reproaches he can use, I should never have ventured to make a necessary Declaration, and to ask him much greater, and much more difficult proofs of his friendship, than all those he has already showed me. In short, Lysimachus, I come to give you the last marks of my affection, and to receive the last testimonies of yours. But before I declare what I have done for you, and what I desire of you, be pleased that by the remainder of that Empire you have given me over you, I require some assurance, and engage you to grant what I hope for from you, of what nature soever it be.  
The beginning of this Discourse caused a strange perplexity in my mind, and made me guess part of my misfortunes: But while I waited trembling for the continuation of it, I saw the Princess had made stop to hearken to my answer. I cast myself at her feet a second time, and lifting up my hands and eyes, I protest to you, Madam, (said I) by the respect we owe to the Divinities that hear us, and by that I owe unto yourself, which is much more considerable to me, that there is but one only thing wherein I can disobey you, and that if you forbid me not to love you, I will execute all your Commands as religiously as you can desire.  
The Princess seemed satisfied with this Discourse, and having commanded me to use, she continued hers on this manner: After this assurance, Lysimachus, I will make no more difficulty to open my heart to you, to let you know what it would be hard for you to be longer ignorant of, and to make those requests to you, which I disposed myself to, with a great deal of fear, and distrust of my forces. Know then that the cause which brings us hither, is no other than to bring you from hence, and with your liberty to restore you the King's favour, and much greater advantages near his person, than those you have lost. The Queen my Mother hath been carefully industrious in the business, the Queen my sister refused the King her Husband the consent he desired of her, till she● had got a certain grant of your safety; neither did I yield that which was required of me, till the King's word had freed me from those fears I was in for you; but only Hephestion could obtain, what all of us had begged in vain; and in short, 'tis to that enemy you are indebted for your life, and liberty, he employed his power in it, handsomely, and with success, and touched my heart more by the generosity of that action, then by the memory of all his services. But withal, Lysimachus, 'tis for the price of your safety that Alexander has obtained Statira for his wife, and that Hephestion has married Parisatis. Be not astonished I beseech you, (said she, seeing me grow pale, and almost like to faint in Ptolomeus his arms) but call up your great courage in a misfortune for which you were already prepared, or at least ought to have been so, by the reasons I have often alleged to you. True it is Hephestion is my Husband; the Gods, the Queen's command, my duty, and the merit of his services have given me to him: I will not urge for my justification, what I have told you a thousand times; but I will only conjure you, by all the power over you I have yet left, to consent to this alteration of my fortuno without attempting any thing against yourself, to change that violent passion which has brought you to so great extremities, into a more moderate friendship, such an one as I heretofore could have desired from Artaxerxes, and which I will requite by the same inclinations I had heretofore for that dear brother; and lastly (which I most earnestly beg of you) to attempt nothing against him whom the Gods have given me for my Husband. I will not allege what he has done for you, after that you have done against him, and in spite of your threats and daily designs against his life; this service is too inconsiderable to strangle your interests, and generosity alone obliged him to save the life of an enemy, by the loss whereof he might have secured his own. But in short, Lysimachus, he is my husband, and you cannot touch his life, without making your passage to it through mine. You cannot hurt Hephestion, without wounding Parisatis, nor can you behold him as an enemy, and not look with an eye of hatred upon her you have so perfectly loved. I thought fit to represent this unto you, though the promise you have already made me, might have freed me from that care, but 'tis to let you see, I will neither abuse your affection, nor make any requests to you that are not reasonable. Who will furnish me with words, (generous Prince) to express the motions of my soul, at the conclusion of this sad discourse, or rather who will furnish me with an heart, to remember this miserable part of my life, and not expire in your presence? But why should I die at the remembrance of a misfortune, since I supported the misfortune itself without dying, and that I have conserved my life, after events which were yet more fatal?  
It is true, this cruel Declaration, and these rigorous commands killed me not, but the condition they reduced me to, was little different from that of a dead body. I sunk down between Ptolomeus his arms, with very little sense or knowledge, and looking upon Parisatis without speaking or stirring, I by that silence and unmoveableness, expressed my grief more to the life, than I could have done by the saddest words which the greatness of my affliction could put into my mouth. All the company seemed to participate in my sorrow, and Parisatis herself had not constancy enough to dissemble her compassion. Her fair eyes shed some tears in spite of her, and 'twas in spite of me that I remained alive, after that fatal sentence of my death. And truly when I reflect upon that deplorable part of my life, I can accuse nothing for its conservation, but the same anger of the Gods, who saved me from the paw of the Lion, and which prolonged my days still, to reserve me to my utmost misfortunes. When I had continued a long time in trances which deprived me of speech, and seemed to forbid me the use of all my senses, I began to be ashamed of my weakness, and did my best endeavours to show some marks of courage in the most dangerous occasion I had ever met. It was with much difficulty it gave me strength enough to settle myself, and to consider the condition I was in, and all the rest of the company; their faces had borrowed some of the sadness of mine, and those desolate persons seemed rather to have been come thither to pronounce the decree of my death, then to restore me my liberty.  
I turned my eyes slowly upon Parisatis'es', and having looked upon her a while without speaking, at last with a broken sigh I said to her. Are you then Hephestions wife Madam, and was it to give me that pleasing spectacle you forbade me to die? I forbade you to die (answered my Princess) because I should have been very sensible of your death, and because your life shall ever be very dear to me; and I commanded you to live, that in you I might preserve him whom I will love as my brother, since I cannot love him as my husband. I am infinitely obliged to you (replied I with a feeble voice) and I receive no light mark of your affection, in the command you lay upon me, to give that passion to Hephestion which I have had for you. I do not require of you (said Parisatis) that you should love him as ardently as I believe you have loved me, but I with all my heart beseech you not to hate him who from hence forth must be the better part of myself, and not to injure in his person that of Parisatis, to whom you have expressed more affection than she deserved, and more than she was able to requite Nor do I forbid you to love me, on the contrary I beseech you to live that you may love me, and I assure myself my husband will not be jealous of the affection which I yet desire from you; but I entreat you to reduce it within such bounds as may permit me to suffer it, and to cut off all violences, conserving only a pure good will towards me, as I will toward you so long as I live. Do you not promise it me Lysimachus? At these words making a stop, she put forth her hand to me, as to give me a pledge of the friendship she offered me, and to ask assurance of that she required from me. Although I saw my death infallible on all sides, I would yet die handsomely however, and till my last gasp give her cause to commend the sincerity and perfection of my love. With that design, not resisting any longer, I answered: Yes, Madam, I promise you that I will never disobey you while I live. I will lay my neck under Hephestions foot if you desire it, and with respect and submission will kiss the very hand that murders me, if you command me; I will do more yet, and if for the small remnant of my life I cannot change the nature of my affection, I at least protest to you that you shall never be troubled with it, and that neither you nor your husband, shall ever have any cause to complain of my words, or actions. Having said thus I took her hand which she held out to me, and kneeling down upon one knee, I kissed it with a profound submission. That was the only time in my whole life I ever had that favour, and though the Princess blushed to see me give myself a liberty I had never taken before, yet did she not envy me so small a satisfaction in the loss of all my hopes. After this action all the Ladies came kindly to me, and endeavoured by words of consolation to sweeten the excessive grief wherein I was buried, but I was insensible of all those testimonies of their goodwill, and appeared so prepossessed with my misfortune, that they almost lost hope of ever settling me while I lived. It would be hard for me to tell you Ptolomeus his kindnesses, and the proofs I received of his affection; after the time that he had been set at liberty, he might have married Apamia, for he had her consent, as likewise Artabasus and the Kings; and if he had pleased his marriage might have been celebrated with the Kings, Hephestions, and many other Lords who matched themselves with the Persian Ladies, but he was not able to resolve upon actions of rejoicing while I was in danger and captivity, and therefore would needs defer his happiness till the alteration of my fortune. Arsinoe had kept her sister company, and had retarded her wedding with Eumenes out of the same consideration. I gave Ptolomeus thanks for that last testimony of his friendship, as well as I was able in a condition, which made me incapable of all things, Before I went out of Prison, I learned from him more at large, that after my victory over the Lion, the Queen, and the two Princesses her daughters, had been upon their knees to the King to beg my pardon; that Parisatis made Statira employ all the power she had with him, and that she herself had made Hephestion despair of possessing her, otherwise then by my safety and liberty. That Hephestion either set on by that consideration, or by his own generosity, nobly embraced that occasion of serving them, and that wounded as he was, he waited upon them to the King, and fell down with them at his feet, and never stirred from thence till he had obtained that I should be set at liberty, and restored to the same favour I was in before my disgrace. That the King granted them their request, with this reservation that I should continue in prison till his marriage and Hephestions were accomplished, fearing lest I should trouble their weddings by some new folly: That after this assurance of my life, order was given I should be better used then before, but that my keepers were forbidden upon pain of death, to tell me any thing that passed at Court, or to let in any body who could give me the least notice of it; that this was the cause why I was ignorant of those fatal marriages, which were celebrated with much pomp and magnificence, presently after Hephestion was cured. He added for my consolation, that the Princess Parisatis was like to have died with grief upon her wedding day, and that all they who had seen her in that condition were afraid her marriage bed would have been her grave; that she had fainting fits in the Temple, and that by her sadness, she had abated much of the public rejoicing. After all this discourse which I hearkend to without being moved, and as a person who no longer had any interest in the world, the Princesses would needs have me out with them, and accompany them to the King, whom they intended to present me to that very day. I suffered myself to be guided by their will, as a man who had none left of my own, nor any other motion then what was given him. They caused me come up into their Chariot, and carried me with them as a victim to the Altar, or at least as a man deprived of sense, and knowledge; all those we met as we went in, renewed their protestations of friendship to me, and followed in a crowd to Sysigambises chamber, where the King was, atended by the chief of his Court, except Hephestion, who would not redouble my griefs by his presence, without having caused me to be prepared to see him. Assoon as we entered into the chamber, the King came forward to meet the Queen, who held me by the hand, and without giving her time to speak, or me hardly to kneel down, he gave me his hand, and lifting me up said, Let's not talk of what is past Lysimachus, we have both done amiss, and our faults are mutual, but my will is▪ that from this time forward we hold a better correspondence, and drown the remembrance both of my rigour, and of your disobedience, in better usages. With these words he embraced me tenderly, and though my sorrow seemed to have extinguished in me all sense of any thing, the veneration I had still remaining to the person of my King, made me sensible of his favour, and obliged me to answer; Sir, I confess myself as guilty as a man can be, but your Majesty has not been unsensible yourself of that passion which has been the cause of all my faults, nor can I allege any thing but love for the justification of my crimes. Le's speak no more of it (replied the King) Love me as Alexander, and I will always remember you are Lysimachus, saying thus, he embraced me a second time, and having expressed a great deal of kindness to me, he exalted my combat against the Lion with praises which made the whole company know he esteemed that action infinitely, and that it had touched him more than all the prayers which had been made to him in favour of me. After these discourses and some other, to which I was not able to make answer, so exceedingly was I cast down with the violence of my affliction, the King asked me if for his sake, and Parisatises I would not see Hephestion. This question made me tremble, and change colour, and if the King had observed my countenance, he might have found the alteration he had caused in it; yet I forced myself to answer, That I would neither disobey him, nor the Princess Parisatis while I lived Consider a little I beseech you, and with all admire the wonderful change of my humour, see how mild I was grown, and how different from that furious Lysimachus who but a few days before, ran with his sword drawn unto Hephestions house to kill him in the midst of all his followers, and who to satisfy his passion, had blindly precipitated himself into a most evident death, who had despised the King's threats, outbraved the punishmemts prepared for him, and shut his eyes against all manner of considerations to content his rage.  
Certainly when I make reflection upon this sudden Metamorphosis, I cannot sufficiently admire the power of Parisatis, whose will had in a moment carried mine from one extremity to the other, nor forbear concluding by this proof, that never man equalled me in the perfection of Love. It is a small matter to undertake Combats, to run headlong into dangers for a person that one loves, glory alone can inspire us with these designs; but to divest one's self of the most pressing and most violent thoughts a soul is able to conceive or suffer, to cast off the interests of a man's own life, to establish the repose of his enemy, by the loss of his own, and to pass from an excess of rage, to such submissive resignations, is that which we see in very few persons; and if in what you did at Susa for the safety of Alexander, you had not shown an admirable example of a generosity of this nature, I should say, it were that which appertains to no body but Lysimachus alone. In the mean time, Hephestion to whom the King had sent to give notice, came into the Chamber; and though I had done all that possibly I could to dispose myself to that interview, and to recall all the courage I had left, for that action, I could not keep myself from waxing pale, nor from trembling and expressing thereby, and by the trouble of my countenance, into what a perplexity that sight had put me; I was like to have fallen in a swoon, and if I had not been upheld by some of my friends who were near me, I should without doubt have sunk to the ground, and by that action have laid myself prostrate before my Conqueror, and the possessor of Parisatis. Hephestion without farther ceremony, and without staying for the King's command, came toward me with open arms, and though my confusion made me uncivil, and kept me from going to meet him, he was content to come the whole way, and was so modest as to accommodate his countenance, not to the happiness of his condition, but to the misfortune of mine. He embraced me many times, without being repulsed by the coldness of my reception, and with much tenderness made protestations of friendship to me, which I had not constancy enough to answer. The cause of my sadness and confusion was sufficiently known to procure pardon for my incivility from persons who knew that in another season, and in another condition, I should have behaved myself otherwise; and Hephestion easily excusing it himself, did not seem cooled by my silence, but said to me with a very obliging fashion, I would it pleased the Gods, Lysimachus, that I could buy your friendship with any other price except Parisatis; they are my witnesses, that I have nothing so precious, but I would give it joyfully; and that after that of my Princess, and of my King, I should never account any so dear.  
Notwithstanding the trouble, or rather the distraction I was in, I was not utterly insensible of this Discourse, and drawing a sigh from the bottom of my heart, O Hephestion! (said I) how lawfully is Parisatis due to you, and how well hath the King placed his affection; enjoy both peaceably, and forget what rage produced in him who was not capable of it for any thing but Parisatis.  
After these words, we embraced one another again many times, and the King made me promise him, that I would be Hephestions friend all the rest of my life. Certainly he deserved that friendship very well, from any other body except Lysimachus, and his good qualities, wrought as great an esteem in me, as in those to whom he always had been dear. Besides, his manner of carriage obliged me to a good will towards him; but if I was content to love him as Hephestion, who was gallant, noble, generous▪ and one who behaved himself toward me in a very winning fashion; I could not look upon him as Parisatis' husband, without considering him as the ravisher of my happiness, and the destroyer of my repose, and of my life. The King, and the Queens, but above all the Princess Parisatis expressed a great deal of joy at this reconciliation, and within two days after Ptolomeus seeing some change in the condition of my affairs, married his dear Apamia, and Eumenes the Princess Arsinoe her sister. The whole Court interessed itself in this alliance, and upon that occasion renewed the rejoicings of the former Weddings. But though I was Ptolomeus his nearest friend, and that I participated in his particular joy, I had no share at all in the public, nor did I make one in any of those meetings wherewith his marriage was solemnised. The next day after it Roxana came to Susa, and within two more, I sunk under the burden of my afflictions, and not being able to resist the violence of my sorrow any longer, I fell sick. Then it was I praised the Gods, believing I might let them and nature work, without disobeying Parisatis; it sufficed me not to lay violent hands upon myself, and to take the remedies prescribed me, that I might not rebel against her commands; but I was not Master of my grief, and if it effected of itself, what my hands had not the liberty to execute, I was not to be condemned for that. This was the account I gave her, and that which I alleged for my justification, when she complained of the little care I had to please her in the conservation of a life which she had recommended to me.  
The King whose former hatred was changed into a real affection to me, and who looked upon my sorrows with much compassion, expressed a great deal for my sickness; The Queens appeared afflicted at it, and did me the honour to visit me often, but Hephestion was he who behaved himself the handsomeliest in that occasion; he was not satisfied with being every day at my bedside, nor with showing himself next Ptolomeus the most diligent of all my friends; neither did he think it enough that the Princess his wife came many times to see me, but he accused her himself of ill nature, and solicited her to visit me oftener; he brought her divers times himself, and going away without her, gave me as much liberty to entertain her as I could wish: True it is, that by long conversing with that Princess, he had a perfect knowledge of her virtue, and his assurance of it made him the less severe in guarding that which ran no hazard under so safe a custody. So civil, so free, and so obliging a comportment, gained very much upon me, but it impaired my condition; for Parisatis' affection to her husband, was redoubled by the frankness of his proceeding, and by the confidence he had of her; and it wrought a belief even in me, that I could not without baseness undermine the affection she owed unto so generous a husband, and to whom I was nearly obliged. This consideration and that of her virtue kept my mouth almost always shut, and hardly permitted me so much as to complain in her presence, of those torments which brought me to my grave; true it is, that my looks spoke to her with eloquence enough, and that through them she easily might read, all that my mouth could have made her comprehend. Truly I have all the cause in the world to acknowledge her good nature, whereof I could not desire any proofs which I received not from her every day, and though she no way abused the liberty Hephestion gave her, but was rather obliged by his freedom to live with more reservedness, than she needed to have done if her husband had been less generous; yet did she forget nothing she could or ought to do, that she might not be accused of ingratitude. She was by my bedside with Arsinoe, and Aspasia one day, which was the most dangerous of all my sickness, the Physicians being at that time almost in despair of my recovery; the knowledge my weakness gave me, that I was drawing near my end, brought me a real consolation; and the hope I had, that I might perchance be so happy as to finish my days in the sight of my Princess, made me turn my eyes slowly toward her, and looking upon her with that respect which I had ever perfectly conserved, after two or three sighs drawn from a weak and dying breast, I with the little strength I had left, spoke to her on this manner: To day it is, (Madam) I shall arrive at the end of that race which I have gloriously run, and I shall see that happy conclusion of my pains, and of my life, which I ever proposed unto myself; I call the Gods that hear us, to be witnesses of the last protestation I make to you, that through the whole course of that noble passion I have had for the Princess Parisatis, I never aspired to a more advantageous fortune then that of dying for her. Not but that the greatness of my love, and the encouragement of your promises, had raised me to hopes that were too high, and had blotted out of my mind the knowledge of myself, to make me pretend unto a prize which I could not worthily look upon; but if at the last moments of a life which I lose for you, you ought to give any credit to my words, I conjure you to believe, that I have always equally esteemed these two advantages, to possess Parisatis, or to die for Parisatis: the first has been denied me, and the Gods have granted me the last. Hephestion has the happiness to possess her, and Lysimachus the glory to die for her. If I have been jealous of Hephestions fortune, he ought to envy my destiny; and if his passion could not be more happily recompensed, mine could not have a more honourable conclusion. After the Declaration I make to you of this truth, suffer me, I beseech you, Madam, suffer me for pity's sake, to tell you once again at the extremity of my life, that I die yours, and that I yield up to you a soul pure, and clean even to the smallest thought; a soul that was never touched but for you alone, with that passion which drives it from this body, to make it take a more gallant flight; a soul that parts not from its body to forsake your service, but to tie itself inseparably unto you; whithersoever you move your foot, this faithful spirit shall wait upon you, but will not borrow any shape that may affright you, and being neither visible nor palpable, it without being perceived by you, will taste the most solid happinesses, its nature is capable to enjoy. Be not jealous of its good fortune, since it shall not be incommodious to you, and if I yet may be permitted to importune you with my prayers, give me leave to conjure you to afford some moments of your life, to the remembrance of the most faithful of all those that have ever loved you, and who with a most perfect joy bequeathes you a life which he had dedicated to none but you alone.  
My weakness would not suffer me to say more, and scarce had I strength enough to pronounce the last words distinctly. But how great constancy soever Parisatis had shown through the whole course of her life, it was impossible for her to dissemble her compassion, and to retain tears which running along her cheeks, fell down from thence upon mine. That sight gave me all the consolation I could receive, but assoon as ever she had wiped her eyes, turning them towards me with an air that was languishing, and imperious both together.  
No, Lysimachus, (said she) I will never consent unto your death, nor can you without putting mine in danger abandon your life as you do; it is as dear to me, as you can, and aught to wish, neither can you neglect it after this knowledge, without a manifest rebellion.  
I was not able to reply, and when I would have put forth my hand to give her the last assurance of my fidelity, my strength failed me, and I fell into such a weakness, as made me lose both all knowledge, and the use of all my senses. The Physicians desired the Princess to retire, and they laboured about me with so much care, that they brought me to myself again; the rest of the day was spent in applying remedies, and contrary to their opinion, and to that of the whole world; the night following I had a very favourable crisis. In short, the Gods would not suffer me to die, and from that day they that waited upon me, observed a visible amendment. All my friends showed an extraordinary joy, and Parisatis appeared not the least satisfied at it; they all continued the proofs of their good will toward me, and contributed whatsoever depended upon their assistance, toward my recovery. Why should I hold you longer in this tedious Narration? I recovered in the end, and whether I would or no, got up again from that sickness, upon which I had grounded my last hopes. I left my bed, and my chamber, but not that mortal sorrow, which ought to have brought me to my grave, yet had not the strength to send me thither, so soon as I desired. I saw the Court again in greater pomp and splendour then ever it had been, and I observed joy in all faces except my own, and Queen Statira's; the reason of her sadness was unknown to me, yet now I no longer doubt but that it was caused by the discourses of Roxana, and by the knowledge of your innocence.  
All objects of joy to me, were objects of desolation, and though my friends used all their endeavours to comfort and divert me, and that the King was very kind and liberal to me; their cares were all unprofitable, and did nothing but aggravate a sorrow which was no longer in a condition to suffer either remedy or consolation. The King to make me amends for the loss of Parisatis, would have married me to a Princess of the same quality, the daughter of King Occhus, Darius his Predecessor, an exceeding fair and virtuous Lady. But I thanked him for that honour, in terms that made him see I was not capable of a second affection. In the mean time I lived as a man who desired only to die, and I drew matter of sadness from all manner of encounters; if I saw the King sometimes, I could not look upon him as other than the Author of my unhappiness, and the unjust arbitrator of my miserable fortune; if I saw Hephestion, I could not consider him as other than the murderer of my life, and the ravisher of Parisatis; and if I cast my eyes upon Parisatis, I beheld her no longer as the Mistress of my soul, but as the wife of Hephestion. This burden of afflictions made me resolve to leave a place where all objects were fatal to me. To that end, having asked the King's leave for a few days, I went from Susa with a small train, and with Abulites his permission, retired to that house of his where I had been dressed and had lain concealed for some time after my combat with Hephestion; the situation of it was very pleasing, and suitable to my solitary, thinking humour, it stood in an exceeding high Wood, near the River Hydaspes, and was beautified with Fountains, Grots, Allies, Arbours, and all manner of such like ornaments. I spent some time there, in an entertainment conformable to my present condition; sometimes I sought out the gloomiest shades in all the wood, and lying down at the foot of some Oak, I recalled into my memory the past accidents of my life; and making a mixtture of sad and delightful thoughts, I was so ingenious in tormenting myself, that I drowned all the pleasures and contentments I had felt, in the remembrance of my last misfortunes. Other while sitting by the River side, and fixing my eyes upon the waters, which rolled impetuously away, I compared the lasting of the delights I had enjoyed, unto the swiftness of their stream, and Parisatis' coldness to the coldness of that element. That Princess had at least this cause to praise the fidelity of my love, that in all my deepest melancholy, I never accused her in the smallest thought, nor spent one moment in the desire of shaking off the yoke she had imposed upon me for the remainder of my days. I never complained of her, I never made any wishes against the pleasures she enjoyed with Hephestion; nor did I ever repine at the years I had spent in her service with so little fruit: I kept myself always without wavering in my first inclinations, and never repented that I had given my life to her, who had given herself to another. The place of my retreat, was known to very few, and not being willing to be troubled in my solitude by the visits of my friends, I hardly discovered it so much as to Ptolomeus. Yet could I not hinder many others from learning where I was, nor myself from being often visited by those that were most affectionate to me: They attempted in vain to bring me back to Court, and instead of working that desire in me by their discourse, they made me think of seeking a farther retreat that might be unknown to all men living. I was not only visited by my friends, but in my solitariness I received also a Letter from Parisatis, which she wrote to me, as I have learned since, by Hephestions consent. Although I seemed unsensible of any happiness, yet was I sufficiently touched with one of that nature, and the inward motions wherewith I read her Letter, were very far from that indifferency I showed to all things else. The words of it I think were these, or to this purpose.  
PARISATIS to LYSIMACHUS.  
THough I have not at all contributed to Lysimachus his exile, the whole Court asks me what is become of him, and they accuse none but me for his voluntary banishment; I envy not the delights you taste in your solitariness, but I pity your friends, whom this retirement hath deprived of your company, and particularly Parisatis, to whom it shall ever be very dear.  
If this Letter had commanded me expressly to return to Court, there is no question but how great an aversion soever I had to it, the perfect obedience wherewith I had resigned myself wholly to the will of Parisatis, would have made me forsake my desert; but seeing it left me still the liberty of that abode, I stirred not from thence, but spent some months in my melancholy thoughts, and in reading the works of good calisthenes, which he had bequeathed to me alone, as to the dearest of all his scholars, and he who had the most perfectly honoured him during his life. In that Philosophy I sought for some consolation in my misfortunes, and doubtless I found a great deal more in it, then in the conversation of my friends; the solidity of his reasonings affording me wherewithal to ●ull my afflictions asleep for some few moments.  
In the mean time this languishing decayed me insensibly, and had wonderfully altered me, when my fortune received a strange revolution. I heard by Ptolomeus that Hephestion was sick, and that Parisatis tended him in his sickness with a care that visibly testified her affection to him. I desired Ptolomeus to visit her from me, and assure her, that if his sickness lasted, or grew more dangerous, I would forsake my retirement to wait upon him, and repay part of his civilities. I believed nevertheless he would not be much pleased to see one that had so great interest in his death, and so great cause, to desire it, according to all the appearances in the world. This consideration, together with my hatred of the Court, hindered me from leaving my solitude. But within a few days after Ptolomeus came to me again, and assoon as ever he saw me, Cheer up Lysimachus (said he) take courage, and change your manner of life, in changing your condition, Hephestion is dead, and has left Parisatis for Lysimachus. I am not able to tell you the astonishment these words caused in me, nor to express the motions that agitated my soul. I was struck mute, and unmoveable, and Ptolomeus had talked to me a good while before I thought of welcoming or answering him. When I was come a little to myself. Oh Ptolomeus (cried I) what do you tell me, is Hephestion dead? He is, (replied Ptolomeus) and that above two hours before I came from Susa. At this confirmation I remained more surprised then before, and in the greatest confusion of thoughts my mind was ever entangled in: I protest truly to you I was sorry for Hephestion, as well by reason of the fresh obligations I had to him, as of the esteem which the merit of his person had wrought in me as well as others, and because I knew Parisatis would be most sensibly afflicted. Yet will I not dissemble to you, that in this encounter I could not forget my interests, and that I had not generosity enough, to make my sorrow for his loss drown the hopes it revived in me; I loved myself so well as to ●ind comfort for his death, in the advantages it brought me, and I was modest enough to dissemble the satisfaction which in probability it was like to give me. But not being able to conceal any thing from Ptolomeus, I could not long disguise my thoughts to him, nor the divers alterations that news produced in me. His thoughts were conformable to mine, but being really my friend, and tying himself inseparably to my fortune, the remembrance of my interests was stronger than the grief I might else have had for so great a Man, and made him pass over a death which alone seemed to establish his friends life. When we had discoursed long upon that accident, and that he had told me the particulars of his death, which were no other than what are ordinary in natural sickness, he persuaded me to return to Susa, as well to pay my respects to that Jllustrious widow, as to wait upon the King who was no way to be comforted, and who by his words and actions made some believe he would accompany Hephestion in his grave. I resisted not his desire, but referring myself to be guided by him, and by fortune who seemed to have changed her countenance toward me, I returned with him to Susa. You were in the Town at that time, and therefore may dispense with me for relating the things that passed there, as well about the King's mourning as the pomp of Hephestions funerals, both which rose to such an excess, that the whole world talked of them with astonishment; the King's treasures were like to have been exhausted with the expense he made at his obsequies, and the great courage of Alexander which in a thousand dangers had seemed invincible, was like to have sunk under the weight of that affliction, I durst not come into his presence, fearing he would not look well upon him, who according to all appearance was not like to be much troubled for the loss, which he bewailed with so many tears, and so many other signs of a mortal sorrow; neither did I know with what face to see Parisatis, nor which way I could gain belief of the assurances I should give her of the part I bore in her affliction. These considerations made me keep my lodging a few days, but in the end I passed them over, and suffering myself to be led by the strength of my inclination, I resolved to give my first visit to Parisatis; but before I exposed myself to that hazard, I thought best to sound her pleasure by Apamia, and find by her means whether she would be content I should wait upon her. That Princess who had really loved Hephestion, as her duty, and the merit of such a husband obliged her, could not resolve to see me so soon, and got Apamia to desire me that I would defer my intention for a while, and not to think it strange, if she was not able yet to dispose herself to see me. I received this command without murmuring, and changing the order of my visits, I went to the Palace with Ptolomeus. I found the King in bed, and his Chamber full of the Principal men of his Court, who by dejected countenances, and a profound silence, strove to accompany the sorrow of their Prince; Indeed it was immoderate, and it sometimes transported him to cries, and actions unbeseeming his quality, and the greatness of his courage. The reasons I have alleged made me come with fear into his chamber, and hindered me from making my address to him with assurance; but he deceived me in the reception he gave me, and calling me to him assoon as ever he saw me, he put forth his hand, and made me come close to his bed side. I kissed his hand which he offered me, and the King wiping away some tears, wherewith his cheeks were yet wet. At last, Hephestion's dead (said he; and having made a stop at those first words,) You have lost your rival Lysimachus (continued he) but I assure myself you are generous enough not to rejoice at it. I answered him only by some tears, which those sad objects made me shed, and which confirmed him in that opinion. This knowledge, (added he) moves me to love you very well, and causes me not only to forget all you did against the poor man that is now gone, but also obliges me to give you a great share, in the place he possessed in my heart. I replied only with an humble obeisance, and retiring among the rest, I conformed my countenance, and my silence to that of all the company. The King kept his bed yet a few days, whereof I let not one pass without doing my duty to him diligently; In the end he left his chamber having commanded the whole court to put on mourning, and his first going a broad was with no other intention then to visit Parisatis. He commanded me to wait upon him, after having caused the princess to be asked if she would give way to it, she yielded to it out of complacency, not hating me so much as to refuse a favour I so ardently desired. I went along therefore with the King to make that visit, and following him into the Chamber of that fair widow, I found her in an obscure night, and in a condition suitable to the greatness of her affliction and of her virtue. The Queen her mother, the Queen her sister, Barsina, Apamia, and many other Ladies were with her, and by their eyes, and by their discourse solemnised her grief in a very mournful fashion; The King drawing near to her bedside, mingled his tears with hers, and made her sufficiently know he was come rather to keep her company in her sorrow, then to give her any consolation. They continued along time in a mute entertainment, and as soon as their grief would give them leave to speak, they said the saddest words, it ever produced in those that have been the most deeply touched with it. After that doleful conversation, the King called me, and presenting me himself to Parisatis, prayed her to receive me as a man who had not rejoiced at Hephestions death. My looks easily seconded his words, and the sight of my Princess' face having touched me with a most sensible grief, made mine but little different from hers. Parisatis seeing me could not retain some sighs, and having bowed her head to me, made me know that in that estate she was not capable of giving me any other reception, and that though the sight of me did something renew her sorrow, her misfortune did not make her hate a person who had not at all contributed to it. At that first visit I said nothing to her, as well by reason of the Kings being present to whom out of respect, we left her whole conversation, as because I thought her little capable in that condition, of any other entertainment, save that of her loss. I talked a while with the Queen her sister, but it was of matters very far from the thoughts which possessed me, and which as innocent as they were, could not but pass for very criminal in so fresh an affliction. I saw my Princess daily for a good while, but I bore her so much respect, that I left the care unto my looks of declaring my intentions to her, and considered her so far in her sorrow, that I never mingled any thing of love, among the discourses of consolation.  
This constraint nevertheless was very hard to me, and when I was alone with her, I had much ado to conceal my thoughts, but I had at least this satisfaction, that they were not unknown to her, and that my silence was eloquent enough to make itself be understood. You know that within a little after Hephestions Funerals, the King having heard that the Cosseans a barbarous people near Susa, were revolted, departed thence, and marched straight against them with a design to sacrifice them to his friend's ghost. At our going away, I trespassed upon my respect, to let Parisatis see, I was still Lysimachus. With that design, having the liberty to entertain her one day before we departed, after I had prepared her by my looks, for the Discourse I had to make, I spoke to her on this manner: Madam, if I were not upon the point of a departure, which perchance will separate me from you for ever, I would not open my mouth to interrupt your sad remembrances with that of the faithful Lysimachus; you know that since your loss I have forgot my interests to afflict myself with you, and I protest to you I would persevere in the same course if I were still to continue here, and if I were not returning to places where the chance of War, which hath spared me hitherto to serve you, may probably make me fall as well as others. That consideration alone forces me beyond the respect I have inviolably observed toward you, and constrains me to declare to you, that if the Gods have disposed of my destinies, I shall die without sorrow, provided you suffer me to die yours, and that you disown not him at the end of his life, who served you most religiously as long as you were in a condition to permit him, who troubled you not while you were in another estate, and who in spite of his own interests, doth participate very much in your afflictions. If the Gods who have delivered me from many dangers, bring me back to you again, I will without murmuring, follow the Laws you shall impose upon me, and will keep myself severely within that absolute resignation, wherewith I may boast I have submitted to your will: give me leave only at this departure, to flatter myself with an hope that I am not indifferent to you, and to believe for the repose of this soul which never was but yours, that the memory you owe to the ashes of Hephestion, hath not blotted out of your mind the remembrance of Lysimachus.  
The Princess remained a while without answering, as being ashamed to have lent an ear to such words in a time that seemed to condemn them, but at last she spoke to me in these terms. This Discourse, Lysimachus, is so unseasonable in the condition I now am, that I was not able to hear it without being moved; not that I think it strange from you, to whom I have obligations enough, to make me bear with much greater offences; but it is so little conformable to my present estate, and my loss is yet so fresh, that I can neither approve, nor hearken to what you say, without a lightness extremely to be blamed; I am content nevertheless to pardon this fault in him, to whom I am much indebted, and will moreover assure him, that if after the death of my dear Husband, I could be capable of a second affection, it would never be to any body but Lysimachus. I beseech you to press me no farther, nor to desire any thing more from me, in a season that makes discourses of this nature very condemnable.  
I thought not this reply strange, and though Parisatis seemed by her words to forbid herself a second affection, I excused it without losing my hopes, knowing that her grief, and decency itself required such an answer. I therefore urged her no farther, and testifying that I was exceedingly satisfied with her inclinations toward me, I took my leave of her, and departed with the King.  
We marched against the Cosseans, and the King transported by his grief, and exasperated by the rebellion of that people, did not only defeat them in battle, but hunting them out, in the most retired places where they hid themselves to avoid his fury, sacrificed them all to Hephestions Ghost, without exception of age, sex, or condition. He appeared satisfied after this execution, but instead of returning to Susa, he went to Babylon, and sent to the Queens and Princesses to come thither to him. You know what passed in that time at Susa, yourself made a part of the most memorable events, and were against your will, a witness of the departure of those illustrious persons. I stirred not from the King who then made extraordinary much of me, and gave me a great many of those testimonies of affection, which he had formerly given Hephestion.  
In the battle against the Cosseans, where he himself led the right Wing, he favoured me with the command of the left, and having seen me defeat the Enemies I fought against, he did me honours, and gave me praises which I neither deserved nor expected, and not being at all satisfied with expressing his favour to me, by the honours and offices he raised me to, he promised me openly the possession of the Princess Parisatis, & engaged his word that he would get her to consent unto my happiness. That hope revived a joy which had so long been extinguished in my soul, and made me bless those sufferings that were to be so gloriously recompensed. In the mean time we marched towards Babylon but by the way we met the soothsayers of Chaldaea, who came to the King purposely to dissuade him from that Journey; they assured him from their God, that it would be fatal to him, and that he was threatened with an infallible death, if he entered into that City, but he laughed at their predictions, and passed on without giving any farther ear to any of them: He knew he was attended there by the Ambassadors of many Kingdoms, which his reputation forced to submit themselves unto him, and to receive without resistance, that yoke he meant to impose upon the whole Earth.  
This reason made him hasten his Voyage, or rather the power of his destinies forced him to it in spite of presages, and the counsels of his friends. Being near the walls, a flock of Crows after they had fought a great while before him fell some of them dead at his feet; but he mocked at that adventure, and told his soothsayers, it was not able to daunt a gallant courage. He entered into that fatal Town, where he was received with great pomp and magnificence, and finding there the Deputies of Greece, and of many remote Provinces, he gave them audience, and sent them home with rich Presents. Within a while after the Queens and Princesses, with the rest of the Ladies arrived there, where the Court was greater and fairer than ever, and Lysimachus fortified with the hopes the King had given him, and with the good reception he had from his Princess, was more cheerful and more contented then ever he had been in his life: Within a few days after our arrival, the King himself presented me to Parisatis, and holding me by the hand, Sister; (said he) you must receive Lysimachus for my sake; before I gave you the man, who of all the world was dearest to me; and now I offer you him whom I esteem most, who is nearest to me, and who has best deserved you.  
'Twas in Sysigambis' presence he said thus, and the Princess having looked upon her, answered the King only with a low obeisance, and though she was Mistress of her person, and of her actions, she left it to her Mother to make reply, which she did very civilly, and as much to my advantage as I could wish. In short, all things began to contribute to my happiness, Parisatis' humour grew disposed toward it, and made me hope for a Declaration in favour of me, when once the time of her mourning was expired, and that she might receive me with decency. But about that time Queen Statira was not very well, and the Physicians advising her to take some Country air, the King persuaded her to retire for some days to the Castle of Calcis, which was not above two or three hundred Furlongs from Babylon, and the Princess her sister who loved her dearly, and could not brook her absence, would needs keep her company. I had waited upon them, if some employments the King gave me about that time, had not in consideration of my honour kept me with them. Their stay there was to be but for a few days, and yet I was mortally afflicted at that separation, and the great violences my heart suffered upon that occasion, were but the omens of those strange revolutions which happened within a little after. Alas! when I remember the words which that secret and unknown presage made me speak to Parisatis, and the grief which contrary to all show of reason oppressed me at her departure for so short a Journey, I cannot sufficiently admire the foreknowledge the Gods often give us of our misfortunes. These fair Princesses went from Court, but they went from thence for ever; and within a short while after fell that shining star, which did already spread his light over the whole Earth. In brief, the fatal hour of the greatness and beauty of the world was come, and the royal dignity was to suffer an Eclipse in the person of the greatest King that ever was. He felt himself ill first, at the house of Thessalus a Median, and in the midst of the Feast among all his friends, he sent forth a loud cry on a sudden, and sunk down in the arms of those that were about him, as if he had been strucken with a mortal blow. I was one of the first that ran to him; and ask him with others the cause why he cried out, and the nature of his sickness; Let me be carried away, (said he) I am but a dead man.  
Though this accident amazed us all, his command was executed, and he was carried presently from Thessalus his house unto his own Palace; he was instantly visited by his Physicians, but they could find no sign of his disease upon his body, and though at the same time he was seized with a most violent Fever, it was impossible to discover the cause of it; the King said that at the same moment he cried out, he felt between his shoulders something like a sudden stab with a Dagger, and that from that time he was tormented with an excessive pain. The skilfullest Physicians did all that was in the power of Art and Nature for the recovery of their Prince; but he grew visibly worse and worse, and at last began to make them fear their endeavours were all in vain: the most general opinion was that he was poisoned, and that belief made them who had him in hand strive to strengthen him with Antidotes▪ and to drive away the venom by the most Sovereign remedies. Queen Roxana fortified by the absence of her rival, kept still close by his bedside, and Sysigambis stirred but very little from him; some would have had Queen Statira advertised how he was, but the King absolutely forbade it, and knowing she was not well before her departure from Babylon, he was afraid that news would redouble her sickness. The fourth day after he fell ill, the soldiers cried out that their King was dead, and that out of some considerations that misfortune was concealed from them. The contrary was affirmed to them, but they persisted in their belief, and coming to the Gates of the Palace with cries and tears, desired that if their King were alive, they might have leave to see him; The King being told of their impatience, commanded the Gates to be set open, and that they should be suffered to enter one after another; all the Officers had that honour first, and after them the Soldiers. The sight of their Prince drew tears from the most flinty of them, and the Macedonians considering him in that bed as in his grave, bewailed his loss with most pitiful complaints; the King was thereby touched with compassion, and looking upon those who stood nearest to him weeping; comfort yourselves my friends, (said he) the Gods will have a care of you, and will give you after me, a Prince worthy to command such generous Forces.  
The King's patience was to be admired in this action for notwithstanding his being so very ill, he kept himself still in the same posture, and suffered all the soldiers to come one after another to his bedside, and to kiss his hand which he held out of bed. When that ceremony was ended, and that only the Princes, and the most considerable of the Court were left in his Chamber, he laid himself a little better at ease, and turning towards us, We must yield, (said he) to the fate of the Aeacideses, from whom I am descended, who almost all died in the thirtieth year of their age.  
The next day he caused himself to be removed to the Palace which is on the other side of the Lake; but there as well as in the other place, he was tormented with such violent pains, and so weakened, that at last he saw his hour was come, and that it was time to forsake the Earth which in ten years he had reduced almost all under his Dominion. This assurance moved him to assemble us altogether; we were so constantly near him, that it was not hard for him to do, and when he saw us about his bed, he embraced us all with much tenderness, and pulling a ring off from his finger he gave it to Perdiccas, commanding him to take care of his Burial, and to cause his body to be carried to the Temple of Jupiter Hammon; Perdiccas in the name of all the rest, asked him to whom he would leave his Empire; To him that is most worthy of it (replied he) and by that answer he showed the greatness of his courage, which in the last moments of his life, made him prefer virtuous persons, before those whom nearness of blood, and kindred, might have made considerable to another. His brother Aridaeus was living, and amongst us, and Queen Roxana was with child; and yet these considerations hindered him not from adjudging the Universal command to him that best deserved it. Perdiccas asked him last of all, when he desired to have those honours given him, which are due unto the Gods, and to those who like him, had gloriously acquired a place in the Heavens. When you (said he) are all happy, and in peace.  
These were his last words, within a while after his strength failed him, and the use of speech forsook him with his life.  
Behold in short, what the end was of the greatest man the Earth ever bore, and of whom posterity to the last ages of the world, shall never speak but with astonishment. He remained cold, and unmoveable amongst us, and his death dejected us on such manner, that we all seemed to have breathed out our souls with him. Never was so great a consternation seen in so generous persons, and the courage of so many gallant Princes, who in a thousand dangers had made themselves a thousand ways remarkable, seemed to have taken flight with the spirit of Alexander. I will not describe the height of our affliction particularly, it shall suffice me to tell you that it was suitable to our loss, and that the Macedonians bewailed him as their God, and the Persians as their lawful King, and the greatest that ever had reigned over them. And in brief, you need only make a little reflection upon the life of that potent man, to comprehend the effects his death produced in all those that knew him.  
For mine own part, I will assure you with truth, that his loss imprinted such a grief into my heart, that I was hardly to be comforted, and though I had received such usage from him, as was enough to alienate the affections of the most zealous, the last testimonies he gave me of his love, had wiped them all so clean out of my memory, that there remained not the least sign of them; and the remembrance of that great Prince his admirable virtues, settled so deep a sorrow in my breast, as for some time I suspended the thoughts of my love, to give them wholly to the consideration of our general loss.  
The next day we met altogether in the Palace with a general consent, and admitting none into our Assembly but the Princes, and the most considerable Commanders, we began to deliberate what honours should be rendered to the body of our King, and who should be his Successor. Perdiccas' having placed the King's Chair in the midst of the Hall, upon which was his Crown and his Arms; laid the Ring there also which the King had given him at his death, and by the sight of that object drew new cries and tears from the whole company, which of a long time afforded him not that silence he demanded. They all were willing he should speak first, and when he saw the Assembly settled, he began his Discourse with the praises of the deceased King, and with the revenge that was fit to be taken for his death upon those Parricides (if they could be discovered) who by poison had shortened so brave, and so glorious a life. He went on with recommending those honours that were to be rendered to his body, and to his memory, and ended with the care that was to be taken in the election of a Successor worthy to possess the place of our late King. To that end, he mentioned Roxana's being with child, and concluded it fit to wait till she were delivered, that her issue might enjoy the Crown of its Father. Perdiccas' his motion was seconded by some of the company, but a great many others opposed it, and particularly Nearchus, Ptolomeus, and myself, who knowing Roxana's spirit, and her enraged jealousy against Queen Statira, and the Princess her sister, desired to prevent the storm which threatened them in the authority of that ambitious Princess. Ptolomeus represented unto the Assembly that the condition of our affairs would not permit the staying for an uncertain birth, nor the Government of a child who perchance would prove of a different sex from that which ought to have the command over us, and then proposed to elect a Prince by plurality of voices, among those of the blood-Royal, and to yield the Empire to him with an Universal consent. I believe that his friendship to me, persuaded him partly to give that counsel to the Assembly, knowing that by nearness of alliance I was like to have good pretensions to it. Ptolomeus his authority procured him instantly the attention of the whole Company, and presently after Ariston nominated Perdiccas, Alexander's Successor. Some of his adherents approved that Election; but we opposed it stiffly, and Meleager one of the boldest, and valiantest Commanders in all the Army, but of a factious turbulent nature, was not satisfied with contradicting those that voted in favour of Perdiccas; but after having alleged the injury it was to other Princes, who were more considerable, he crowded through the press, and putting himself among the Soldiery, began to stir up a sedition. All things were going into a strange disorder, when I bethought myself of the wrong that was done to Alexander's lawful heir, and though my own interests were sufficient to have stopped my mouth if I had been of an humour to prefer them before justice; I could not suffer them to go on farther; without proposing what my conscience, and the consideration of the deceased King enjoined me; and addressing myself to the whole Assembly, What need is there, (said I) to waver longer in the Election of a Prince, whom the Gods have left us, and who is amongst us? Is not Aridaeus, Alexander's brother, and the son of King Philip? Why will you deprive him of the Crown, which belongs to him by right and by succession? And why will you frustrate him, of what Reason and Nature have given him? These words appeased all the tumult, and the Princes having digested them a little; though their interests made them of a different opinion, believed they could not with justice oppose so lawful an Election. Aridaeus thereupon was called; and Meleager to spite Perdiccas, having guarded him into the Hall with an armed Band; he was saluted King; and named Philip by the Soldiers. Though this Election appeared most just, the Princes were not very well pleased with it, and knowing there were such defects both in the body and mind of that Prince, as rendered him in a manner incapable of so important a charge, they destined it to the son that should be born of Roxana, when he should be of a fit age and condition to execute it, and named Perdiccas and Leonatus his Guardians, submitting themselves unto the new King, until such time as Alexander's son should be able to hold his place. This was that which gave Roxana that authority which hath proved so fatal to us, and the consideration of the King her husband, hindered me from opposing those advantages which were aimed at for her son.  
This order appeased the uproar for a day or two, but presently after it broke forth again more strongly then ever. Many Macedonians lost their lives in it, and Meleager was assassinated in a Temple by the command of Perdiccas, who had usurped the greatest authority. These disorders obliged us to assemble ourselves again, and not being able to agree about the Election of a Prince, we resolved to share the Territories Alexande● had conquered, towards which we had contributed the best part of our bloods. We left King Philip some shadow of Sovereignty amongst us, and with a common consent divided the Provinces that were at our disposing, on this manner. Ptolomeus had Egypt; and part of Africa; Syria, and Phoenicia, fell to Laomedon; Cylicia to Philotas; Lycia; Phrygia, and Pamphilia, to Antigonus; Caria to Cassander; and Lydia to Menander; Eumenes had Cappadocia; and Paphlagonia; Leonatus the lesser Phrygia, with the Coast of the Hellespont, and I for my part had Thracia, Pontus, and Media; the remainder was divided among the rest, about which I will not enlarge myself, and Perdiccas keeping the Superintendence of Babylon, was contented with governing the King, and being General of all his Armies, staying still with Roxana, in expectation of the birth of her child, whose Guardian he was declared, retaining by that means the greatest share in the authority by reason of Philip's weakness, who did nothing without him, and who followed no other counsels but his. This order having been taken in our affairs▪ I left the care of mine to Ptolomeus, and went from Babylon, to pay unto Statira what I owed unto her after the greatness of her loss, and unto the Princess her sister all the testimonies of affection she could expect from me in the change of their affairs. Care had been used to conceal that misfortune from them, and it was done but with too much industry. Here it is, (generous Oroondates) that you have need of all your courage, and that you must resolve to hearken to the fatal, bloody Catastrophe of our lives; I shall tell you nothing which you have not learned from me already; but if this renewing of sorrow, produce in you the same effects it doth in me, you will not be exempt from that perplexity which I now am in, and which hardly leaves me strength to finish this doleful relation.  
Lysimachus made a stop in this place, as to recover new Forces, and wiped away the tears wherewith his cheeks were already wet, while Oroondates by his sighs expressed how sensible he was of that recital, and prepared himself to hear the lamentable conclusion of his Discourse. After some moments spent in silence, Lysimachus prosecuted his Narration thus. I came to the Castle of Calcis, where I believed I should find the Princesses, but my astonishment was not to be equalled, when I saw the house empty, and learned from some servants who were left behind, that they were gone away the day before, having received Letters from the King, which called them back in haste to Babylon. This news surprised me infinitely, and made me apprehend part of those misfortunes which were befallen. I knew the King had been dead five or six days, and that he could not have writ that Letter which had made them depart so suddenly. I would not stay to talk longer where I could hear nothing more, and taking horse presently again, I returned with all speed to Babylon, I ran instantly to Queen Statira's Lodgings, but being told she was not come thither, I went full of astonishment and confusion to Queen Sysigambis', and as I went up stairs the beating of my heart foretold me, the Tragic adventure I should meet there, and when I was brought into the Chamber, I was witness of a sight that made me divine a part of my mifortunes. All Sysigambis' Maids were stretched upon the floor, and filled the room with most woeful cries and groans, and that great Queen having her head covered with a Veil, lay by them herself, and with the force of her courage, restraining her cries, she expressed her sorrow more to the life, by that mortal silence. Hard by them lay a man all bloody, whom in spite of the trouble I was in, I knew quickly to be the faithful Eunuch Tyreus. Notwithstanding the strange surprise this encounter had caused in me, I forbore not to draw near unto the Queen, and kneeling down upon one knee, I conjured her to tell the cause of her new affliction, to him that would die to serve her. She hearing my voice, lifted up her Veil a little, and said, Ah! Lysimachus, the whole race of Darius is extinct, I leave the care to you to revenge with it, the memory of Alexander, and of yourself; I am ashamed to die the last of all my Family; but if I have survived the loss of Darius, I will not outlive that of Alexander, and of my daughters.  
At these words she covered her face again, and put herself in her former posture, in which as I have heard since, she continued till she had ended her days. Judge, I beseech you, whether her discourse and action did not touch me sensibly, I turned toward Tyreus from whom I believed I might get a more particular knowledge of what was happened, and ask it him with impatiency, Sir, (said he) the Gods have left me this remnant of life, to discover the murder of our Princesses, and to publish that horrible parricide, which the darkness has concealed from the whole world, and to which the Sun would have abhorred to lend his light. I desire no more strength of them then what will serve my turn to make this fatal relation, and then I shall without grief forsake a life, which I cannot conserve after the loss of my dearest Mistress.  
This Discourse did so surprise and deject me, that having deprived me of part of my senses, it scarce left me my hearing free, to understand Tyreus his words, who continued on this manner.  
I will not entertain you, Sir, with the divertisements, the Queen and the Princess her sister found at the Castle of Calcis, whither the Queen's indisposition had caused them to retire; this recital would be but little important, and less seasonable at this time, besides I feel my strength decay so fast, that it will not suffer me to enlarge myself upon that subject; it will suffice if I tell you, that by the change of air, the Queen had recovered her health, but by a mortal sadness, which seldom had a minute's respite, she presaged her approaching misfortune, and hardly found any abatement of her secret griefs, in the conversation of the Princess her sister. She languished out her life on that fashion to the end, and to come to it in a few words, know that yesterday an hour or two before Sunset, she was told that one of the King's guard had brought her a Letter from him, she commanded him to be brought in, and ask him news concerning the King, he only presented the Letter to her, and by that action made her apprehend something of her disaster. Having opened it trembling, she read these words.  
King ALEXANDER to the Queen STATIRA.  
I commanded that my sickness should be concealed from you, so long as I hoped for a recovery, but now that I feel the approaches of death, I should be very sorry to depart this world, without seeing you, and giving you the last farewell. I entreat you, therefore to come thither, since my weakness will not suffer me to go to you, and refuse not this last testimony of your affection, to him who loves you more than himself.  
ALEXANDER.  
Although this Letter was not written with the Kings own hand, it was sealed with the Signet, which he was want to use, and the King's sickness kept the Queen from suspecting any thing. She made an end of reading it with a loud cry, and not wavering at all about the resolution she should take, she gave order to have her Chariots presently made ready, and by her speedy obedience expressed the greatness and sincerity of her affection to her husband. The night was already near at hand, and some of her servants persuaded her to defer her Journey till the next day, but she was displeased at that motion, and though darkness began already to overspread the face of the Earth, she got up into her Chariot with the Princess her sister, and set forward on her way, being attended by a very small Train. Her impatiency to see the King, made her cause her horses to be driven at such a rate, that she was near Babylon in less than three hours; but when we were within five or six Furlongs of the town, we were environed by a Troup of armed men, who having surrounded the Chariot, commanded us to retire, or they would kill us; and putting themselves in a readiness, to do as they had threatened, they so terrified those fearful souls, that the fear of death, made them take flight, while they turned out of the way with the Queen, and Princes● toward an house of Roxana's without the City. But I bore my Mistress a stronger affection, than those base servants, and I resolved to follow her to the utmost, and never to forsake her but with my life, which I could not value out of her service. These good Princesses seeing themselves Captives, and alone among those strangers, sent forth most lamentable cries, and fearing (with probability) some violence against their honours, they would have prevented their destinies with their own hands, and had done so, if they had not been hindered by Cleone, who alone had accompanied them, because she alone was in the Chariot with them. We arrived at that house of Roxana's, which I presently knew, and from that knowledge drew most fatal presages; there they made them alight, and the Commanders of that Troup, in spite of their cries and resistance, forced them to go up a pair of stairs, and from thence enter into a room, where I had been many times before; under favour of the darkness; I got in among the rest, and not losing sight of my Princesses, I saw them led into that Chamber, which we found hung with black, and the wicked Roxana in it. The Captain of the Troup having discovered his face, was known likewise to be Perdiccas, and these poor Princess' ignorant as yet, what they were destined to, waited for the end of the Tragedy with some apprehension, but with a great deal of constancy. Roxana coming up to them, Madam, (said she to the Queen) Alexander is dead, if you loved him well, you will not be sorry to follow him; nor is it just that you or yours should one day dispute for the Empire with the heir that shall be born of him; 'tis against my will I consent to your destruction, but I cannot secure myself by other means.  
The Queen was so surprised with Roxana's first words, which informed her of her husband's death, that she had scarcely strength to hearken to the rest, much less to reply; nor indeed had she the leisure given her, for Perdiccas making her & her sister, and Cleone go down a back stair, led them into a little Court appointed for their execution, while Roxana looked out at a window, to be witness of that doleful spectacle. How shall I be able, Sir, to relate what in spite of the darkness, ● saw with mine own eye; yes, 'twas with mine own eyes, I beheld those pitiless Butchers, sacrifice those divine Princesses to the malice of Roxana, and presently throw their bodies into two Wells, and a great number of stones after them. These great Princesses received their death without murmuring, but I sent forth cries, which quickly made me to be known, and caused those executioners to turn their swords against me, and put me into the condition in which you see me.  
Tyreus would have prosecuted his Discourse to tell me which way he got to Sysigambis' Palace, but he was seized with such a weakness, as took away his speech with his strength. Neither indeed was I in a condition to hearken to him any longer, this fatal relation having left me but as much life as was necessary to revenge the Princesses. With that design I recollected all my Forces, and courage, and only crying out, Are you dead then, Parisatis? I went out of Sysigambis' Chamber, without speaking a word more. I ran instantly to Perdiccas his house, fully resolved to sacrifice him first unto my Princess' ghost; but I heard he was gone out of the City at the Gate which led towards Euphrates. I called for my Arms and an Horse, and without more company, I went after him with a resolution never to return to Babylon, but to pierce my heart with my own sword, after having died it in the bloods of Perdiccas and Roxana. Some soldiers I knew, whom I met without the Gate, assured me they had seen that disloial man pass by alone, and that he in their presence had sent away ten or twelve Horsemen that were of his company, to whom he had given some Commission or other. This news made me ride after him with the greater confidence, and within a little while I met him in the place, where you retarded my just revenge, and where by the hindrance you gave to so lawful a design; you urged me to an incivility, which would have merited, no pardon, if the cause of it had been of less importance; but which nevertheless could not keep you from showing marks of your ordinary generosity to him that had so little deserved it, and who by the happiness of your encounter, hath received all the consolation he was capable of in the excess of his misfortunes.  
Lysimachus ended his Narration thus, and Oroondates whom the recital of these last accidents had put into a strange perplexity, at first only lifted up his eyes and hands to Heaven, and by his actions and silence, expressed a sorrow which all the words in the world could not represent. But after he had continued so awhile, Ah! Lysimachus, (cried he) let us die, since our Princesses are dead; we have lived too long, and my soul burns already with impatience to follow that of my lovely Statira.  
He made a little pause at these words, and then going on of a sudden, No, no Lysimachus, (continued he) let us not die till our Princesses be revenged, my wounds cannot detain me longer; and Perdiccas and Roxana, have no Sanctuaries that can secure them from our hands.  
Lysimachus answered these transports only with some sighs which this renewing of his grief forced from the bottom of his heart, and Oroondates having for some time kept him company in that entertainment; and having a little past over that first violence; Dear companion of my fortune, (said he, with a more settled voice) I have found in your life so many marks of your virtue, that I am extremely sorry I never enjoyed the happiness of your friendship till the conclusion of my days; be not displeased at the occasion that gave it me; but if you be troubled at the delay I interposed in your revenge, believe the Gods had ordained it so, that I might not be frustrated of the same satisfaction, and that you in so just an enterprise, might have a companion who hath an equal interest with you in it.  
There is no doubt (replied Lysimachus) but that I feel myself infinitely fortified by your assistance, and that your consideration alone has made me conserve a life, which nothing else was able to make me prolong; but it is also true, that my grief for not having known you, till now that I see you perish by the same destiny, will most sensibly redouble those sorrows which will accompany me to my grave. Oroondates would have made answer, and they were going to prosecute their sad conversation, when their servants came into the Chamber, and forced them to take a repast, which they could willingly have forborn, in the condition they were in, if the preservation of their strength had not been necessary, for effecting the design of their revenge.  
The end of the Second Book.   

CASSANDRA. BOOK III.  
THE two Princes employed the rest of that day in contriving what means they should use for their revenge, and their interests from thenceforth being inseparable, as well by reason of the tie of friendship, as of the union of their fortunes, they opened, their hearts mutually to one another, and resolved to die together, and appease the ghosts of their Princesses by the blood of their Enemies, and by their own.  
For that end, they determined that in the interim while Oroondates was recovering, Cleantes, Lysimachus his Squire, should go secretly to Babylon, where he should inform himself under hand, concerning the estate both of their enemies, and also of their friends, especially of Ptolomeus, who but a few days before, had a body of an Army, and in whose assistance Lysimachus had grounded part of his hopes. Cleantes departed with this charge, and the Princes remained in their ordinary entertainment.  
The next day Oroondates by the Chirurgeons permission, left his bed, and began to walk up and down his Chamber. Lysimachus was gone out betimes in the morning, according to his custom, to convers with his sorrowful thoughts in the Wood, which he had destined to that employment. They led him to the bank of the Euphrates, where lying down, he mingled some of his tears with the waters of the River, and deplored his fate in words very suitable to the condition of his fortune. He was deeply buried in a melancholy study, when he was put beside it by the noise of certain Horses which seemed to come toward him; he sat upright, and turning his head to that side whence he had heard them coming, saw three men on Horseback, whereof one completely armed, and bravely mounted, appeared to be the Master of two Squires, that attended him.  
They had left the great Road, to draw near unto the River, and when they were upon the bank, a little below Lysimachus, the Stranger alighting took one of his squires with him, and leaving the horses with the other, while he watered them, sought a place fit to rest himself after the wearysomnesse of his journey, and leaning upon his squire came to lie down hard by Lysimachus, but where by reason of the bushes he could not discover him.  
Though Lysimachus was little concerned in others fortunes, and little moved at any other considerations save those of his own mishaps, he could not forbear looking upon that stranger, who was of a very fair stature, and whose arms were very rich; his Cuirasse seemed to be of silver damasked with gold, and the cask of the same matter, and of the same work was covered with a plume of black, and white feathers which waved negligently upon his shoulders. Lysimachus lost sight of him as be lay down, but in requital he could hear what he said without being perceived, and lending his ear with some attention, heard that after two, or three violent sighs he spoke thus unto his squire. I absolutely forbid thee ever to take up the defence of that traitor any more, his infidelity can never be justified, and that disloyal Scythian, ought never to hope for any thing but death, for a reward of his perfidiousness: and 'tis only to give it him, that I will seek him so long as I live; I will return into Scythia, whither perhaps he is already retired, to stab him with a thousand blows in the midst of all his friends, and give an exemplary punishment of a treachery without example. The stranger accompanied these words with deep sighs, an his squire seeing he had done speaking. The Gods forbid (said he) that ever I should oppose your anger, or undertake to justify Orontes, who is apparently guilty of a most horrible ingratitude; but how do we know whither he be in a condition to fear your threats, and whither death have not already stolen him from your revenge? Ah! friend (replied the stranger) if Orontes be dead, I will quickly follow him; but if he be yet alive, he shall die for the expiation of his ingratitude; I easily incline to that belief, nor ought I to have hoped for other usage from a Scythian, though he be a Prince, and that his birth ought to have exempted him from part of the inhumanity of his country, after such obligations as he hath to me, and such usage as I have received from him, nothing but his death can satisfy me; I will therefore dispatch him if he be alive, and this same hand which for his sake I had destined to another use, shall free the earth from that monster of infidelity. Lysimachus whom the name of Orontes had made attentive, hearkend to this discourse with more interest, than he had taken in it at first, and finding by the pursuit of it what an ill design the stranger had against Orontes Prince of Scythia, he believed his threats could he addressed to none but his friend, who was Prince of Scythia, and who had passed his time in foreign Countries under the name of Orontes. This belief, kept him from harkening longer to the talk of his enemies, and not being able to suffer him to be threatened, and injured in his presence, in whom of all men living he had found the greatest virtue, and to whom he had vowed the greatest friendship: He arose suddenly from his place; not regarding what noise he made, and advancing toward them he showed himself, and made them see he had heard all their discourse. The stranger surprised at his coming, and displeased to have been overheard, and interrupted, startup, and putting the beaver of his cask half way down, which before was up, he gave not Lysimachus leisure to quarrel with him, but preventing him with an angry voice; Whosoever thou art (said he) thou showest thyself indiscreet to interrupt those that call thee not to their conversation. Lysimachus who saw himself prevented in his intentions, and who came not to make excuses replied, briskly, The conversation I have interrupted, concerned me too much to suffer the continuance of it; and I heard thee injure and threaten a man the sight of whom would make thee tremble, and to whom I am too much a friend to pardon the wrong thou dost him. The Stranger at these words stepping back, and lifting up his eyes to heaven, cried out, O Gods! shall I be so fortunate as to find a man that takes the part of that traitor, and against whom I may discharge part of my just indignation from which you hide him? If thou wilt have but a minute's patience (said Lysimachus) I will give thee that satisfaction, I have arms and horses hard by here, and though perhaps my sword alone were sufficient to defend my friends interests, thy choice of so considerable an enemy, makes me believe thee too courageous, to take the advantage thou hast. The stranger inflamed with anger, and making his fury sparkle through the sight of his helmet, Go thy way (said he) Go fetch a horse, and arms presently, I am content to delay thy death so long, but see thou come back again, unless thou wilt put me to the trouble of seeking thee, and give me cause to publish, that all Orontes his friends are as base as he himself. Lysimachus stayed not to answer, but returning a pace unto the house, he went in at the door which led out of the wood into the garden: He passed through it, and went up into his chamber, where finding one of his servants, he called for his arms, and commanded a horse to be made ready. He was obeyed without reply, and putting on the same black arms he wore when he fought with Perdiccas, he went down to the stable, and vaulting lightly on horseback he had one of his servants follow him, and took his way toward the place where he was expected, giving his people order to tell Oroondates if he asked for him, that he would be back again presently, and that a business of importance obliged him to leave him for some few moments. He galloped away toward the river, and within a very little while came up to the stranger who waited for him with an impatience as great as his. No sooner did he see him, but instantly he got upon his horse, and taking a little career to quicken him, he appeared to have so good a seat, and to be so firm in his saddle, that Lysimachus conceived an exceeding high opinion of him. The stranger having stopped his horse, drew near him with a gentle pace, and without using any other civility; I find thee courageous enough (said he) for the friend of a traitor, but since thou hast undertaken it, resolve to pay for him, and to wash away his infidelity with thy blood. These words raised Lysimachus his choler to the highest degree, yet made he no reply; but having looked on him with eyes that sparkled with fury, he turned about his horse, and taking a dart from the hand of his servant that had followed him, while the stranger did the like, he trotted off a little to make his career; when they had taken a reasonable space for it, they faced about, and setting spures to their horses, ran at one another with an impetuousness which can be compared to nothing but that of thunder; the shock was wonderful furious, and their javelins being broken to shivers even within their very gauntlets, without shaking them, they rushed against each other with their bodies, and shields so forcible that their horses too weak to sustain so potent an encounter, fell backwards, and cast their Masters both upon the sand. They got up again with a great deal of nimbleness, and drawing their swords came close together in a moment, and laid on such weighty blows, that their mutual knowledge of one another's strength made them fight with more circumspectness and neglect nothing against such redoubled enemies. This reflection saved them a great deal of blood, and having fought almost an hour without being able to draw any on either side, the stranger to whom that tediousness seemed insupportable, forgot his fencing, and throwing his shield hehind his back, he took his sword in both hands, and struck such a heavy blow, upon Lysimachus his head, that he was astonished with it, and reeled backward two or three steps. The stranger proud with that good success, presses his enemy, and thinking to beat him down with a second blow, only fetched him again out of his astonishment, and not being any longer defended by his shield received a thrust which passing between the mails of his sleeve, wounded him in the right arm. The heat of the fight kept him from feeling the pain of his hurt at first, but within a while after, loss of blood so weakened his arm, that he had scarcely strength to hold his sword, and without the help of the left hand he was no longer able to make use of it. Lysimachus perceived it by the feebleness of his blows, and by the blood he saw run down upon his arms; and though that stranger's pride, had raised his anger to the extremity, yet could he not forget his natural generosity; and retiring a little; Thou art no longer in a condition (said he) to revenge those wrongs upon me, which thou hast received from the Prince of Scythia; our Combat shall end here if thou wilt, but after this trial I have had of thee, I would not counsel thee to measure thy forces with his, which are above mine without comparison. The stranger whom the sight of his blood had kindled with fury, and who believed himself injured by Lysimachus his words, answered only with a great stroke, which glancing upon the side of his cask gave him a light wound upon the shoulder, and seconding it with many others, made him quickly know, he was not capable of harkening to what he said, nor of thanking him for his offers, and advice: Lysimachus then lost all the consideration he had of him, and striking him a back blow under his chin cut asunder the straps of his head-piece, which fell upon the ground, leaving his head naked, and disarmed.  
Lysimachus had lift up his arm again, when looking upon his enemy's head, he saw a fair, long hair, which forcing certain knots, and fillets wherewith it was ill tied up, instantly covered his shoulders, and part of his body, and considering his face more heedfully, he at last perceived it was a woman, and one of the fairest in the world, against whom he had fought with so much animosity. While he was beginning to repent himself, and let fall the point of his sword, stepping back a little, that Warlike dame, to whose cheeks shame and anger had given a colour which increased her beauty, flew at him more fiercely than before, and thrusting her sword at his very eyes, with a threatening cry, Fly not, (said she) neither be ashamed to have used thy arms against a Woman, who hath often died the fields, in the blood of such as thou art; I am not so weak, that thou shouldst need to despise me; and there is more honour to be won with me, than thou thinkest for. She accompanied these words with a storm of blows, and enraged by the contempt she thought Lysimachus showed of her, ran upon him with so much fury, and so little caution, that he was often afraid she would give herself a death with those arms which he no more would turn against her; he retired still warding her blows, which the wound in her arm already made but faint ones, and when he saw he was out of their reach, and that the fair Amazon was forced to give him some respite, to the end she might take breath; Madam (said he) I will rather turn the point of my sword against my own heart; then make use of it against you, I know too well what is due to your sex, and to your beauty, and I should be glad if I could with a good part of my own blood, repair the loss of that which my sacrilegious hands have drawn from your fair body; if this satisfaction content you not, pierce this breast which I offer to you, I will take off my cuirasse, that you may the more easily, do it, and in the sad estate of my fortune which makes me wish for death, I cannot hope for a more glorious one then that I shall receive from so fair a hand. How excessive soever the anger of this valiant Lady was, she could not but abate part of it, at so great reparations, and so profound submissions: and beholding Lysimachus, with eyes wherein even through the rage that inflamed them, one might observe some gentleness; I cannot (said she) guess at the cause why thou slightest me thus; thou hast not yet had so much advantage over me, as to find reason to contemn me. I will never pretend to any greater (replied Lysimachus) than the occasions of serving you, and you are armed so many several ways to conquer men, that the victory will always be yours infallibly. I desire none (answered the Amazon) but what I can win with the point of my sword, and though I be a woman, my profession is to fight with men; nor have I gained so little reputation in that excercise, that you should need to be ashamed of our Combat: it shall end here since you will have it so, and that it would be ignoble in me to persist in it, but I could wish also you would quit the interests of a traitor, who never deserved the affection of so virtuous a person as yourself. These words were enough to have renewed the quarrel if a man had spoken them; but Lysimachus who had not been able to endure them from one of another sex and who would have taken up the defence of his friend against the most valiant living, thought fit to combat the resentments of a woman with mildness, and was content with answering thus, as he put up his sword. I know not what injury you can have received from him, who is really the most generous and the most respective to Ladies of all the men in the world; I have ever seen him most averse from such crimes as those you tax him with, and in the recital which has been made me of his life, I did not hear that ever he had any business with you; but if he be so unfortunate as to have offended you, I will engage myself that he shall give you all the satisfaction you can desire of him. For that I pass my word to you, and in the mean time, Madam, be pleased to accept the offer I make you of a place hard by, where your wounds may be dressed; I have servants there who are skilful in that art, you may be there more privately, and also more conveniently then at Babylon, and in that place it is you shall receive all manner of duty and submission from Orontes.  
At these words the Lady's countenance was died with a colour, which Lysimachus knew not whether he should attribute to joy, or anger. And after having wavered a long time in the consideration of what answer she should return. I believe, Orontes, so far from hence, (said she) and so different from what you report of him, that I know not what satisfaction you can make him give me; but yet your offers are so civil, that I cannot refuse them; and since you desire to have it so, I will go along with you to get remedy for the wound I have received from you.  
Saying thus, she put forth her hand to him, and calling her Squires, she leaned upon the arm of Hyppolita, the person with whom she had talked; and who also was a woman, and went with Lysimachus too toward the house; it was so near, that they got not on Horseback, and Lysimachus sending his servant who had been spectator of the Combat, before to prepare a Chamber, led her thither softly by the Garden Gate▪ They found Polemon there, who was come out to meet them, and to use the civilities he was obliged to in his house; his wife carried the fair Amazon to her Chamber, and offered her all the service she could expect from those of her own sex. While the women undressed her to put her to bed, Lysimachus withdrawing out of respect, went into Oroondates his Chamber. That was the first day he had left his bed since his wound, and Lysimachus giving him an exact account of all that had happened, surprised him with a marvellous astonishment.  
After having lent him a very quiet attention; I find (said he) two things in this adventure very remarkable, Lysimachus his friendship, and this woman's hatred; I believe I have deserved neither of them, and as I never obliged Lysimachus so much as to afford me a bare good will, so likewise I do not think that ever I by any of my actions gave this woman cause to hate me; these are the effects of chance, which blindly sends us both good and evil fortune; but since after having so generously defended my quarrel, you have also engaged yourself for me, I will free you from that obligation, and if this fair Lady be capable of receiving a reparation for those wrongs she pretends I have done her, I will give it her so fully, that you shall have nothing more to desire for the dis-engaging of your word. I will go into her Chamber with you, assoon as she is in a condition to receive our visit, and I will submit myself to suffer whatsoever her resentment shall enjoin me.  
While they discoursed on this manner; Lysimachus his Chirurgeon waited upon the Amazon Lady, and having searched her wound, he found there was neither nerve nor artery touched, and though her arm was run quite through, he promised her a speedy cure. After he had applied the first remedies, he went to the Princes, and having given them an account how she was, he looked upon Lysimachus his hurt, who already had put off his arms; he found it so slight a one, that he thought he should not need to keep his bed, nor his chamber above two days; when he had dressed it, they sent him back to the Lady to know whether it would not be incommodious for her to be visited. She received the Message very civilly, and having told Amintas she should be extremely well pleased to see his Master, he no sooner heard it; but he went into her Chamber with Oroondates; she gave them a reception full of civility, and commanding Hyppolita, to set Chairs by her bedside, they sat down and presently the Lady having thanked Lysimachus for his care of her, turned her eyes upon Oroondates, who in most civil terms expressed his trouble for her wound, and having answered his first words exceeding courteously, she looked very intentively upon him. His wound had taken off something of that lively colour, which was wont to increase the lustre of his natural handsomeness, and his sorrows had in great measure abated it, yet he had features still left, accompanied with so great Majesty, that she considered him not without admiration.  
While she was in the same astonishment at the graceful presence of those two Princes, that they were in at her excellent beauty, Lysimachus spoke thus unto her▪ I cannot express, Madam, the trouble I receive, in seeing you reduced to this condition, by him, who of all the men in the world, will while he lives be most unwilling to offend you; but these are the fruits of the profession you follow, and as you have extreme great advantages above all the rest of your sex, so are you likewise subject to those accidents, from which they commonly are exempted▪ the most sensible grief for it ought to be mine, whose profane hands have born arms against a person totally divine; and doubtless it will be redoubled, if after the promise I have made you, I should not contribute whatsoever you could desire, for your satisfaction; I have found the Prince whom you complain of, most readily disposed to submit himself to any you can wish, and 'tis for that end I have brought him into your Chamber.  
Into my Chamber, (cried the Lady interrupting him) and where is he? With these words she threw the curtain of her bed quite open, and seeing no body else in the Chamber, she looked upon Lysimachus, with an eye that accused him of deceit and inhumanity, and which obliged him to continue; Yes, Madam, he is in your Chamber, and in your presence; You see before you, (added he, showing her Oroondates) that Prince of Scythia whom you accuse of infidelity; and if your resentment against him be as great as you have testified, I wonder you have been so long before you knew him.  
Lysimachus holding his peace at these words, Oroondates began to speak, and while the Lady looked earnestly upon him, If I be so unfortunate, Madam, (said he) as to have offended you, I will give my life for the expiation of my faults, the Gods are my witnesses, I never had such an intention, and that I am ignorant of the reasons you have to complain of me, but be they what they can, you shall find me most ready to give you satisfaction, and to disengage my friend of the word he has given you for me.  
Oroondates having said thus, remained silent, and the fair Stranger drawing a sigh from the bottom of her heart, considered him awhile without replying, and then of a sudden turning toward Lysimachus, and beholding him with a discontented eye, I always doubted (said she) that you knew not my Traitor, since you were so forward to embrace his interests. With these words she turned her head on the other side, and having continued a long time silent, in the constraint she suffered to force back some sighs that would have burst forth, whether she would or no; she at last, lift up her eyes to Heaven, and joining her hands upon her breast: O Fortune (cried she) I ask thee pardon, I was to blame to conceive any glimpse of hope, and I ought to have known thee better, after so long a time as thou hast persecuted me.  
When she had said so, she settled herself a little, and looking very heedfully upon Oroondates, It is true, Sir, (pursued she) that you never offended me, but it is true also, that you are not Orontes, at least not that Orontes, whom I complain of, and whom I accuse of infidelity. I confess, (replied the Prince) that Orontes is not my true name, but 'tis that under which I have passed part of my years, and which I have ever born in Foreign Countries. Besides I am a Scythian, and a Prince as he whom you accuse, and I know very well that Scythia hath now no other Prince who is called Orontes.  
The Lady having harkened to him patiently; And what is become then (said she) of Orontes, Prince of the Massagetes, and Nephew to the King of Scythia? It is true, (answered Oroondates) the Massageteses had heretofore a Prince of that name, who was very dear to me, both by reason of his merit, and of the near alliance between us, we were of the same age, and were bred up together, but impartial death robbed us of him, just when he was grown marvellously hopeful to all his friends.  
The fair Stranger gave ear to this discourse with trembling, and not b'ing able to suffer the continuance of it without interruption▪ And about what time, Sir, (said she much troubled) died that Prince whom you knew? 'Tis eight, or ten years, (replied Oroondates) since he was drowned in the Araxis, by the breaking of a bridge of Boats, which involved part of our Army in his loss. The Lady's face at these words came to its former colour, and expressing a little more tranquillity, than had appeared in it a few minutes before; Would it had pleased the Gods. (said she, with a great sigh) that the faithless Orontes had died then really, as he did in the opinion of every body, my soul perhaps would yet be in its first repose, and perchance I should not now be the most unfortunate Princess in the world. Without doubt, (continued she turning to Oroondates) you must needs be Prince Oroondates, Son to the King of Scythia, I have heard from Orontes, that he was bred up with you, and your countenance easily persuades me to believe all he told me to your advantage.  
Oroondates casting down his eyes through modesty and respect, I am indeed (said he) that unfortunate Prince of whom you speak, and though hitherto I have confessed it but to very few persons, you shall ever be one of those, for whom I will have particular considerations. I am ashamed to own him for my kinsman, whom you accuse of infidelity, and by whom you have been injured, but how faithless soever he be, it is true, that that Orontes whom you complain of, is son to the Princess Thomiria, the King my Father's sister; I know not whether he be still alive; but notwithstanding his nearness to me, I shall be one of the first to condemn him, and declare myself against him, if he be capable of infidelity toward you.  
The fair Amazon answered these words with a great deal of civility, and ask him pardon for the errors she had committed before his quality was known to her, she learned from him also the name of Lysimachus. That knowledge comforted her in the disadvantage she had in the combat with him, and by most obliging words testifying her esteem of his valour; If you be that Lysimachus (said he) who was always so near to Alexander the Great, is it possible that the face of Thalestris should be unknown to you, and that you should not remember you had seen me upon the Frontiers of Hyrcania, in an Equipage remarkable enough to have preserved some memory of it? Lysimachus showing a great astonishment at these words, What, Madam, (said he) are you then that great Queen of the Amazons, who came to meet Alexander upon the confines of Hyrcania, with so stately a Train, and to whom the King showed respects worthy of the birth, and virtue of so great and so generous a Princess? I am the same Thalestris, (answered the Amazon) who visited the Court of Alexander, for considerations very different from those, to which perhaps some attributed my Journey.  
I was at that time (replied Lysimachus) gone upon an Expedition, where the King had sent me with Craterus, and Ptolomeus, but when I came back to Court, it was yet full of the fame you had left in it, nor did any body talk there of the fair Queen of the Amazons, as other than a wonder that had filled our Army with astonishment. The fair Queen made answer with a great deal of modesty, and their conversation would have lasted longer, if Amintas had not desired the two Princes to let the Queen take her rest the remainder of that day, and not to engage her longer in discourse which might be hurtful to her. The Princes obeyed, and having taken their leave of her, retired into Oroondates his Chamber.  
Though Polemon their Landlord lived plainly, and out of the confusion of the Court, yet was he of one of the Families in Babylon, very rich for a man of his quality, and the house whither he was then retired, one of the fairest, and of the best receipt any where near the City; this made the abode of the Princes the more commodious, and they were lodged there very handsomely, and with room enough. Scarce had they dined when Cleantes Lysimachus his Squire, returned from Babylon, whither his Master had sent him the day before. They presently enquired after the success of his Journey, and Cleantes to give them account in a few words. The face of affairs (said he) is not much altered since your being here; Roxana is still absolute in Babylon, by the submission of Peucestas, who is at the devotion of her and of Perdiccas, who is now almost quite recovered of his wounds. They have usurped so Sovereign an Authority, that nothing is done but by their orders, especially since the greater part of the Princes retired into the Territories that are fallen to their share. Antigonus is already gone towards Lycia, and Pamphilia; Eumenes into Cappadocia; Leonatus to the lesser Phrygia; Cassander is upon his way into Caria; Laomedon into Syria; and Maenander into Lydia; Ptolomeus concerning whom I informed myself most, and from whom I learned what was become of the rest, would not stir without hearing of you; I found him, Sir, (continued he, addressing himself to Lysimachus) encamped with an Army two hundred Furlongs on the other side of Babylon; and if I had not told him where you were, he was coming back with his Forces to make Perdiccas give an account of you, upon the report of your having fought with him. I am not able to tell you how welcome I was to him, nor how much he participates in your sorrows; he would have come hither with me, but that I assured him you would be with him very shortly, and I prayed him to stay with the Army, to preserve a power which would perhaps be necessary for you. He yielded to my entreaty with much ado, and commanded me to bid you be confident he would be ever ready to give you all the proofs you can desire from his friendship.  
Cleantes having to this discourse added many particularities of his short Journey, and answered many questions Lysimachus asked him; the Princes began to deliberate what they should do, and after long consultation of the means they ought to use for their design, they agreed that in the interim while Oroondates were perfectly cured red, Lysimachus should go up to Ptolomeus, and with him arm all his friends, to take a solemn revenge for the death of their Princesses; He had a great many whom he believed he could easily dispose to his intention, and Perdiccas and Roxana stood too strongly upon their guard, to be surprised and punished for their crime any other way▪ then by open force; and to say truth, (added Lysimachus) the death of those two persons would not suffice alone for the reparation of our losses; whole Armies ought to perish for the expiation of their guilt, and it ought to be washed with the blood of their whole faction. We must drown all Babylon with it, and offer a sacrifice to our Princesses, that may be worthy of them; I will join all the virtuous Princes that are among Alexander's successors unto our party, and our confederacy shall be so strong▪ that the Traitors shall infallibly be overwhelmed. Oroondates approved Lysimachus his thoughts, and consented to his departure the next day, though his Chirurgeon entreated him to stay a day or two longer by reason of his wound, which might be something incommodious to him; but Lysimachus was too impatient to hearken to his advice, and Ptolomeus was too near him to defer so small a Journey longer. When they had fully resolved it, they spent the rest of the day in their ordinary conversation, and the next morning no sooner did the Sun appear, but Lysimachus was up, and called for his arms. Oroondates arose assoon as he, and notwithstanding all Amintas his persuasions, would needs go down, and accompany Lysimachus to the Gate. I could do no more (said he) if my life were dear to me, then take such care for its preservation.  
With these words he went forth, and resting himself upon a staff, and upon Araxes his arm, he waited upon Lysimachus down the stairs. The Horses stood ready in the Court, and Lysimachus taking only Cleantes with him, left the rest of his Officers to serve Oroondates, and the Amazon Queen. Lysimachus had taken his leave of her the night before, and had assured her he would return again within a week at the farthest; he gave the same promise to the Prince of Scythia, who burning with impatience to accompany him, and bidding him farewell with tears: Go, Lysimachus, (said he) go dear brother of my misfortunes, labour for our common repose, and leave me not long unprofitable; though I can serve you but as a single man, I will serve you as one that is most highly and passionately concerned.  
I prefer your assistance (answered Lysimachus) before the help of all the world; and I shall march more boldly with you, then if I were environed by all the Troops which heretofore accompanied Darius. After some other discourse full of affection, of protestations of friendship, and of an inseparable union in their interests, Lysimachus got on horseback, and taking his way toward Ptolomeus his Camp, left Oroondates sensibly grieved at his departure, but having an exceeding firm courage, he comforted himself with the hope of his speedy return, and the necessity of that separation.  
He would not go up again into his Chamber, and although Araxes pressed him to it very earnestly, he neglected his entreaties, and feeling he had strength enough to walk, he went into the Garden, and visited the pleasant Allies, which till then he had not seen. Araxes helped him in his walk, and the Prince having with his assistance taken a turn or two in the Garden, went out at the little Gate which led into the Wood Having a while considered the fair spread Trees, the Rocks overgrown with moss, and the many little streams which rolled along upon the gravel with a very pleasing murmur; What a delightful place is this, Araxes, (said he) for one in my condition, I dedicate a good part of my time to be spent in it, and do not wonder if Lysimachus found consolation here.  
Having said thus, he took a beaten path, and following it softly, came to the side of a fountain, which was very beautiful for one that was beholding to none but nature; he sat down on the bank of it, upon Araxes his Mantle, and cast his eyes upon a Brook, which taking its source from thence, emptied itself about two hundred paces off into the Euphrates. While he was in his deepest muse, he thought he heard some persons talking hard by him, and having his imagination still prepossessed with the remembrance of Statira, and the vision he had seen a few days before being still present to his memory, he believed he heard something of the tone of her voice, and of the Princess her sisters; he roused himself in a start, and lending an ear with more attention. Didst thou hear nothing? said he to Araxes, who was by him in a study; No, Sir, answered Araxes. Ah! without doubt (replied the Prince) I deceived myself, and only my wounded fancy brought this sound unto my ears.  
He was confirmed in that conceit, when he could hear no more noise, and letting himself loose to the consideration of his misfortunes, he continued near an hour in an entertainment suitable to his present estate: in the end he grew weary of sitting there, and rising up with Araxes, he went on farther into the Wood, and following the course of the Brook, he came insensibly to the place, where Lysimachus a few days before had found the names of Cassandra, and Eurydice, engraven upon the Rocks and Trees. Oroondates had been told that adventure, by Lysimachus, and knowing the place by the tokens he had given him of it. Here it is (said he) Araxes, that some unfortunate persons like us give themselves ease by communicating their disasters to things inanimate. O Gods! have they not reason to complain to them, since they find you so little sensible?  
Whosoever you be, (continued he▪ casting his eyes upon the names of Cassandra, and Eurydice) afflicted souls, comfort yourselves, by the encounter of such as are in the same condition, and suffer not yourselves to be cast down by misfortunes, which ordinarily persecute the virtuous.  
A sudden fancy that came into his mind, hindered him from going on with that Discourse, and making Araxes cast up his eye, Look here with me I pray thee (said he) and tell me, if these characters, are not very like my Princesses: the bark and stone upon which one cannot engrave with such facility as one may write upon paper, have a little disguised them, yet if thy memory be good, thou canst not deny but that many strokes have a great resemblance.  
Araxes was of his opinion, and this encounter obliged him to read the same Lymathus had done before; he had gone but a very little way in it when he cried out, O Gods! Araxes, What is this I see? Is it possible the destiny of this afflicted Cassandra, should agree so much with that of my Princess, if she were yet alive? Certainly if the Gods had continued her in the world after the loss of Alexander, and that she had preserved me in her remembrance, I should have believed she herself had writ these words. But alas! Araxes, she's dead, and if any spirit, under the name of Cassandra, hath graved them here to recall her into my memory, and to put me in mind of what I owe to her, that care is very needless, since there is no moment, but that remembrance, and I are inseparable:  
Having said thus, he went on, with his reading, and the farther he read, the more he was confirmed in his opinion. After he had spent some time in that employment, his restless thoughts made him desire to go to some other place, so following the current of the ●rook, he came to a pleasing grassy place, where he found two women asleep; their habit was very plain, and little different from that of Polemons wife and daughters. They were laid along upon their side, and embracing one another, their faces with the help of their loose hair, hid each others mutually. Araxes had formerly told his Master the encounter Lysimachus and he had in the Garden, of that unknown Cassandra, and remembering that she was apparelled as those two women, he believed it was she herself, and that Eurydice whose name was interwoven with hers in so many places. That which Oroondates had read concerning he fortunes of those two women, and the resemblance he found in them to those of Statira, and the Princess her sister, would have been enough to have stirred up a desire of knowing them, in a man less afflicted; but his soul was so taken up with grief, that there was no room in it for curiosity; besides he believed them to be of a quality answerable to the habit they wore, and to the condition they were in, not being ignorant that Love and Fortune exercise their tyranny equally upon persons of all estates.  
He passed on without interrupting them in their repose, when Araxes more curious than he, turning back to consider them, saw an open paper fall from one of their hands, which the wind carried presently to his feet; He took it up, though his Master would have dissuaded him from it, and bringing it with him to read it when they were a little farther off, they walked on gently, and taking an Ally they met withal, returned into Polemons Garden. Araxes led his Master to the Fountain, where he had related the beginning of his life unto Lysimachus, and when they were sit down by the side of it, Araxes drawing out the paper he had taken up; See here, Sir, (said he to his Master) that which will learn us something of this unknown Cassandra, who mingles her misfortunes thus with ours.  
At these words he looked upon the Writing, but scarce had he read the first line when giving the paper to his Master, Ah! Sir, (said he) what's this I see? Look I beseech you, yourself, upon Characters, and words that confound me: The Prince taking the paper from Araxes his hand, had no sooner cast his eyes upon it, but he cried out, Ah! Araxes, there is no doubt but this Writing is directly like that of my deceased Queen. Read the first words (replied Araxes) and without question your astonishment will be increased. Oroondates infinitely surprised at this encounter, began with strange inward motions to read these words.  
The unfortunate and happy Cassandra; unfortunate by the change of her fortune, and happy by the fidelity of Orontes; To her too faithful ORONTES.  
O Gods, (cried the Prince) what do I see? Will Fortune mock me, or am I that Orontes to whom are directed the words of this Cassandra, whose writing, and whose thoughts are so conformable to those of my Princess? Ah! no, (pursued he) 'tis without doubt to the revived Orontes, Prince of the Massagetes, and this Cassandra to whom his fidelity is so dear, is infallibly the cause of the complaints of the fair Quen Thalestris: he whose name I have so long usurped, must needs have some mixture in my adventures; but, O Gods! is it possible that two persons should write so like, and have so equal destinies? Read, Sir, (said Araxes) that which is under this Inscription, and perchance you may draw some farther knowledge from thence. The Prince followed his counsel, and beginning to read again, he went on thus.  
I know not in what manner I ought to look upon my fortune; two different remembrances, O faithful Orontes, contest within my soul, for you, and against you. What do I not owe unto Orontes? but also what do I not owe to my condition, and to an illustrious memory? my inclination, and my duty put my mind into an equal balance, and both have very weighty reasons; but all the reasons of my inclination yield unto my duty, and all those of my duty vanish in presence of my inclination. Alas! if we could make an accommodation between them, how happy would be the destiny of Cassandra, and how little would she be troubled for the change of her fortune, if a more considerable loss, had not settled a more lawful sorrow in her heart! she nevertheless loves her faithful Orontes, as much as he can, and aught to desire; but she has some scruples remaining, which she cannot overcome, if she will be worthy of his affection. It is a continuation of the anger of the Gods, who only present happynesses to her, when she is no longer in a condition to receive them. We had, found a haven indeed (my dear Orontes) but it is worse than shipwreck, and if you love me as I believe; and as I know you do, you ought not to desire of me.—  
Oroondates turned over the leaf to make an end of reading the letter, but he saw nothing written on the other side, and judgd that the party had either wanted time, or will to finish it. Alas! with how many different thoughts was he assailed at the reading of these words: he perused them again many times, and being in a confusion full of perplexity, he could not express it better than by his silence.  
He looked upon Araxes, holding his arms across upon his breast, and having continued a long time without speaking, (Araxes said he at last) where am I? Sir (answered Araxes) I am as much surprised as you. But (replied Oroondates) is not this Statira's hand, and are not these the very words I ought to have expected from her, if she had survived her Illustious husband? dost thou not find in this discourse, that same severe virtue, which made part of my misfortunes and which would have prepared new difficulties for me, if the Gods should have spared her still unto the world. Ah! without question it is her spirit that hath inspired these words into Cassandra, and that hath guided her hand; to frame Characters so like to hers. Araxes answered not his Master's doubts, but musing upon this adventure strove to draw from it some cause of consolation for him. What do we know Sir (said he) but that the Gods may miraculously have preserved that virtuous Queen, and whither this unperfect letter, may not by some chance or other have fallen into the hands of these women we found asleep? Ah Araxes (replied Oroondates) let us not flatter ourselves foolishly, the Queen's death is too certain to be still doubted of, and it is now unknown to no body; yet I should believe she had written these words after Alexander's death, if two difficulties did not stagger me; the first is that till her own death she knew not of the King her Husbands, and the other this name of Cassandra, which brings all out of square, and puts me into astrange confusion. Whatsoever it be (said Araxes) I will return if you think fit, to the place where we light upon this letter, and if I find those women there still, I may perchance draw something from them to clear our doubts and give you comfort. Run Araxes, (cried the Prince) run, I pray thee and though I be no longer in an estate to conceive any hope, offer at least, our assistance unto that person, who in so many things is conformable to my Princesses. Araxes rising from his Master, went out of the garden, and the Prince sat still by the fountain, so taken up with the consideration of this last adventure, that he never in his life, had been in so profound a muse. After having bethought himself every way, he could imagine nothing else but that Cassandra's letter was without doubt intended to Orontes Prince of the Massagetes, and that it was neither impossible, nor un heard of that the writings, and fortunes of two several person should resemble one another. He had continued above an hour in this confusion of thoughts, when Araxes came back to him again, and assured him he could not find these women in the place where they had left them, and that he had sought them in vain all over the wood, and along the banks of the river Oroondates was exceedingly troubled at it, and resolved to seek them himself, when he had gotten a little more strength. After some discourse whereof this encounter furnished them with matter enough, he rose up, and going out of the garden returned into his Chamber. Assoon as he was there, he sent to know of Hippolita, if he might seasonably visit the Queen her Mistress, and having had an answer, he went into her chamber to wait upon her. He said nothing to her of the suspicions he had concerning Orontes, for fear of afflicting her, and of stirring up a hatred against him which already was very violent. He dined with her she having desired him, and after dinner she beseeched him to give her a little better knowledge of his adventures then fortune yet had favoured her with all; hereupon the Prince made her an abridgement of his life, and though out of modesty he blemished the lustre of his most gallant actions, he filled her with an admiration, and an esteem which made her consider him as something more than mortal. This recital was not so short but that the remainder of the day was spent in it, and the cloth was laid for supper, and lights brought in before he had made an end. The Queen ravished with the wonders she had heard, made a short meal, and being willing to requite Oroondates his freedom, who had made her a frank confession of the most secret passages of his life, offered herself to give him the relation of hers, with the same trust and assurance. Oroondates testified that he would receive that favour with a great deal of respect, and having settled his attention, he heard the fair Queen begin her History in these terms.  

The History of THALESTRIS Queen of the AMAZONS.  
WIth how great virtue soever a soul is fortified, human nature hath weaknesses which it cannot disavow; and how great resistance so ever it make, through principles of virtue, against irregular motions, if it be not supported by an especial providence from heaven, it is very hard for it not to yield sometimes, and give most visible marks of frailty; the passions have gotten such an Empire over it that it cannot without great difficulty shake them off, and if we sometimes win the victory. I hold it a much more advantageous one, than those we obtain against foreign enemies, I would it pleased the Gods, this were not so great a truth, and that it gave me not matter for a discourse which cannot choose but be unpleasing. It is not to be wondered at if my adventures are mingled with those of a Scythian, nor is it strange if I recount them to a Scythian Prince, since I also am a Scythian myself, and that the first original of the Amazons came from that very Scythia you ought to command. Perhaps it is not unknown to you, but to refresh your memory I will tell it you again in a few words.  
A long time after the siege of Troy, two Princes of the Royal blood of Scythia, Plinos, and Scolophites, being driven out of their country by civil wars, wandered up and down with their troops many years, to seek a settled abode for themselves, their families, and those that accompanied them; After divers tedious voyages, they came into that part of Capadocia, which is called Themiscira, and there upon the the banks of the Thermodoon having defeated those that opposed their passage, they resolved to put an end to all their journeys, and to make their habitation in those pleasant fields, the most fertile, and the most delightful of all Asia. They put that design in execution, and having made themselves Masters of the Country in a little while, they extended, their limits very far, and by many battles assured themselves of an exceeding spacious territory; Their dominion maintained itself many years, but in the end their enemies having drawn them into ambushes, cut them all in pieces. The widows of these valiant men, succeeded them in courage, and being armed with an admirable resolution, themselves defended the countries of their husband's conquest, against their murderers, with so rare a valour, that they sent them back with loss, and confusion, and made proud by that good success, they killed, or drove away all the men that were left among them, and established that Monarchy of women which hath lasted ever since, and which as I believe, hath spread its reputation over all the world. I will not entertain you with their laws, but will only tell you, that having decreed not to suffer any men amongst them, they concluded a treaty with their neighbours, and by visits which they made upon their frontiers, at certain seasons appointed for that purpose, and which I know not in what terms I can explain to you, they provided for the conservation of their kind. These words made the Queen blush, but settling herself a little, she went on. The Children that were born by these meetings, if they were males were either killed, or carried out of their dominions, and the daughters were carefully bred up; their whole exercise, from their most tender infancy, was only that of arms, and to give them the greater facility in shooting with their bows, they cut off their right breast from whence in process of time, they took the name of Amazons. Having established this order amongst themselves, which ever since hath been inviolably kept, they chose two Queens, to whom they submitted themselves, and while one of them enlarged the bounds of their Monarchy by the Sword, the other stayed at home to govern the Country. The most famous among the first were Lampedo, and Martesia, who not content with the Territories they peaceably possessed, raised two mighty Armies, came a great way into Europe, subdued a good part of it, usurped divers of the Cities, and Provinces of Asia, and conquered a large extent of ground, which their posterity since hath not been able to conserve. Ortrera, and Antiopa, succeeded them, those two Queens against whom Hercules made War, and whose two sisters he carried away. Menalippa, and Hippolita, who afterwards was wife to King Theseus.  
After these reigned that valiant Penthasilaea, who was slain at the siege of Troy, by the hand of Achilles, and who as she died made her Conqueror so much in love with her. I will not tell you the names of those that followed her, nor will I say any thing of all that passed among them till the Reign of Queen Minotea my Mother, who is descended in a right line from those gallant Queens I have spoken of. She had but newly began her Reign, when she brought me into the world; she presently grew extraordinary tender of me, insomuch that she would not suffer my right breast to be cut off, as had been done to all that were before me; whether it were that she feared the danger that might come of it, or that she desired to preserve my body from that deformity. I was brought up with wonderful care, and the affection of the Queen my Mother, making her find more beauty and gracefulness in me, than I really had, caused her to improve both with such industry, as could not proceed, but from such a passion as hers: she desired to have my manners formed to some sweetness and civility, and among the Martial spirits that were infused into me, she likewise made some morality to be mixed, and to the exercises of the body, added also some exercises of the mind, able to purge it from those bloody humours, that were predominant amongst our women.  
I grew expert and vigorous enough in those of the body, and by the toil of hunting whensoever I had any spare time, and by the care of my Mistresses, I became so strong, and so skilful, that when I was but 16 years old, there were but few women among our Amazons, whom I could not dismount, and whom I was not able to instruct either how to draw a Bow, or how to fight on Foot, or how to ride an Horse vigorously. These were our ordinary pass-times, and upon the banks of the rapide Thermodoon, we drew up Battalions every day, and kept up that Warlike humour, which had maintained them for many Ages. The Queen my Mother bred me to that aversion against men, which is general amongst us, and exhorted me daily, rather to suffer death, then to slacken any thing of our ancient customs, or submit myself to that sex, which hath usurped so tyrannical an Empire over ours. I would it had pleased the Gods (great Queen) that I had followed thy counsels, I should not then have drawn Heavens anger upon me for my disobedience, nor should I have precipitated myself into misfortunes, which I can attribute to nothing but that alone. I will not entertain you with the particulars of my childhood, which are too trivial for your hearing; but I will pass them over, and content myself with telling you, that I had completed my fifteenth year, when the Queen my Mother at her return from an Expedition, in which by reason of my youth, I had not waited on her, presented the valiant Orithia to me, a person of a stature extraordinary amongst us, of a most Martial Garb, and of a most excellent Beauty. She was yet all armed, when the Queen my Mother brought her into my Chamber, and I thought her so handsome, that I found no difficulty in obeying the command she gave me to love and esteem her particularly.  
This generous Lady, (said the Queen to me) though she was not born among us, yet having the same inclinations, hath cast herself voluntarily into our party, and in all the encounters we have had with the Cilicians, she hath showed proofs of such an admirable valour, that I took her a long time for Bellona, whom I thought the defence of her sex, had armed in our favour. In our last action she dis-engaged me from a throng of Enemies, where else I had infallibly perished, and succoured me in so great extremity, that I cannot deny but that I am indebted to her for my life; she in my sight, killed the most valiant of all our enemies with her own hand, and overthrew all that made any opposition against her; In short, she hath begot in me so much admiration, and so much love, that next to my only daughter, she shall ever be to me the dearest person in the world.  
She ended these words embracing her, and by her example, obliged me to welcome her with an extraordinary kindness. Orithia received it with great submission, and made protestations of fidelity to me, in so respectful, and so civil terms, that from that very moment, I esteemed her extreme worthy of the judgement the Queen had made of her. I am most readily disposed (said I to her) to second the Queen's affections with mine, and to requite the virtue of this fair Stranger by all the proofs she can desire from my friendship. Orithia kneeled down upon one knee, at these words, and kissing my hand which I put forth to raise her up: Madam, (said she) I make a vow, never to be but yours, and from this instant I dedicate myself unto you with a passion, which shall never end but with my life.  
She pronounced these words so gracefully, that I was touched by them with an affection, and casting my arm once more about her neck, I promised her an eternal friendship. She went out of my Chamber to put off her arms, and returned thither within a while after in her Woman's apparel, in which I thought her so lovely and so well shaped, that I gave her the advantage above all those of our Country. I renewed my endearments at that second sight, and begged of her not to leave us, in terms which she accounted very obliging. O Gods! when I remember the protestations she made to me of an eternal fidelity, and the oaths wherewith she accompanied those protestations, I cannot sufficiently admire the patience of the Gods, that suffer such perjured souls, without darting their loudest thunderbolts against them? After I had given her all the proofs she could desire of the friendship she sued for fr●m me, I prayed her to tell me who she was, and what fortune, had brought her into our Countries. This new Amazon having bethought herself a while what to say, spoke to me at last on this manner.  
Although you see me now in the exercise of arms, I have not been bred up in it, and that little valour the Queen your Mother exalted with more affection than justice, is rather an effect of my misfortunes, then of my nature: I am the daughter of the deceased Prince of the Massageteses, and Niece to the King of Scythia, to whom our Province is Tributary: Death having deprived me of my Father in my very infancy, I was bred up in the Court of Scythia, with the Princess Berenice, and my Brother Orontes, with Prince Oroondates his Cousin; I spent some years in that Court with pleasure enough, but the War between the Scythians and Persians, breaking out afresh, Prince Orontes my Brother, marched along with the Prince of Scythia, and scarce had he begun to show some proofs of his valour in so early a youth, when by the fall of a Bridge he was drowned in the Araxis, and all the fair hopes he had given, were buried with him in the waves of that River. I will not trouble you with the Discourse of my sorrow for that dear Brother, 'tis enough if I tell you, that his death making me Heiress of the Province of the Massageteses, moved divers Princes to cast their eyes upon me. I had a natural aversion to men; but it was visibly augmented by the offer the King made me of one of his Favourites, whose birth was obscure, and his person unhandsome. I received the first overture of it as a mortal injury, but the King who desired with my fortune to recompense the services that man had done him, was not at all repulsed by my denial, but using his Authority on the behalf of that unworthy Favourite, commanded me absolutely, to resolve to marry him. This forcing of me▪ redoubled my hatred, and I should infallibly have rather chosen my grave, than his alliance, whom I beheld as no other than a deadly enemy, and a monster appointed to devour me. I need not tell you how many tears I shed, how often I cast myself at the King's feet, and how many imprecations I uttered against his tyranny; the recital of these would be as useless, as they themselves were unprofitable. In short, I saw myself reduced to the cruel necessity of marrying a man; against whom I had a mortal aversion; but having begged assistance from the Gods, and called for help from my own courage, I resolved by flight to avoid the misery that threatened me; and knowing myself to be of a reasonable strong constitution, I discovered my secret to no body, but one of my women, in whom I had a perfect confidence, and by whose means I procured a suit of man's Apparel, so getting away with her, the night before that day which was appointed for my fatal Wedding, I left Issedon without any other design, then that of flying to the world's end, but I would avoid the misfortune intended me. I went out of the Kingdom with a great deal of trouble, and incommodity, but by little and little, I became enured to the toilsomeness of travel; and finding myself strong enough to bear arms, the general indignation I had against men, made me resolve to do my uttermost against them, and to conquer the weakness of my nature, to follow the incitements of my hatred. My knowledge that you were their implacable enemies made me take my Journey this way, and to abridge an unnecessary relation, after the wearisomeness of a long Voyage, I arrived at the Army of the Queen your Mother. The Maid that came away with me from Issedon, forsook me not, and except her company, I was left quite alone, without support, or acquaintance, if the Queen had not charitably received me, and if the Gods had not increased my Forces, to make me do that great Princess some considerable service.  
In these terms Orithia recounted her adventures succinctly to me, and the knowledge of her quality obliging me to look upon her with more respect than before, I began to use her, as if she had been my sister. I confirmed the assurances the Queen had given her of our protection, and offered her our assistance for the recovery of her inheritance, and to take satisfaction for the violence that had been used to her. She thanked me for my offers with very civil, and passionate expressions, and protested to me that her highest ambition, was to spend the remainder of her life with me. I prefer that advantage (said she) before the Province of the Massagetes, nay before all Scythia; and if my Princess disdain not my services, and affections, I will never part from her, but to be carried to my grave.  
I answered these words no otherwise then with a thousand kisses, which I gave her with a great deal of innocence, and affection, and having testified that her company should always be most dear to me, I observed more joy in her countenance, than the condition of her fortune seemed in reason to permit: From that day I lived exceeding freely, and familiarly with her; she was lodged in Chambers near to mine, and the Queen presently settled her a Family, and furnished her with all servants necessary. I saw her every day, and though at first she expressed herself with some difficulty in our Language, she had quickly learned it, and spoke divers others so fluently, and gracefully, that her conversation was wondrously delightful: We were always together at one exercise or other, and seeing her far more expert, than it was probable she should be, for the little time she had practised them, I received instructions from her, and admiring what nature had wrought in her in so short a space, I formed myself by her example, in a profession I had ever used. I was also desirous to learn some of those Tongues she knew, she taught me the Greek, the Persian, and some others, which she spoke very pleasingly, and did it with so much mildness, took so much care to frame my mind and manners, and in all her actions testified so firm a friendship to me, and so profound a respect, that she won my heart infinitely, and tied me to her with such an affection, as yet I had not born to any body but the Queen my Mother; Within doors, abroad a hunting, and in all our ordinary pass-times, we were inseparable, and if sometimes I had been but a while without seeing her, I ran to her with open arms, and gave her kisses which she received with inconceivable joy, and delight. If it had not been avoided by herself, we had lain together, I often proposed it to her, but her not accepting, hindered me from pressing it farther. I declared to her the aversion I had against divers of our customs, and my resolution rather to let the. Crown fall to another Family, then to give it an Inheritrix▪ by those shameful ways our former Queens had taken. Orithia approved that modest intention, and confirmed me in it by reasons▪ which made me yet more in love with her virtue.  
In the mean time, when we were hunting together, if she saw me obstinate in the pursuit of any dangerous beast, she would withhold me gently, and when the beast being pressed home, turned to a bay against us, she would cast herself before me, and exposing herself to the danger for my security, made me visibly find my life was without comparison dearer to her then her own. All these actions, together with the grace wherewith she accompanied them, and her charming conversation, absolutely Mastered all my affections, and made me even foolishly fond of her. She lived on this manner a whole year amongst us, giving me no proofs of her love, but such as were very innocent.  
In this interim our neighbours made many incursions into our Territories, and we entered often into theirs, and in all those occasions Orithia showed so many proofs of an admirable valour, and of a prudence infinitely beyond her age, that the Queen my Mother gave her most important commands in her Armies, & undertook no Expedition of any moment, without her advice. I about that time began to go into the wars, and desiring to pass my Apprenticeship with Orithia, I never stirred from her side, she was often troubled at it, and her care of my safety hindered her from running on into dangers, as she did when she had no other life to look to but her own; she perpetually blamed the ardour that carried me into the thickest of our enemies, and though her commands often called her otherwhere, she would not move a foot from me; and when she saw the point of any Sword or Javelin turned against me, she opposed the passage of it, and neglected all the blows that were made at her, to break those that might have wounded me. Alas! dear and faithless Orithia; how welcome to me were those first testimonies of thy affection, and how sweet is the remembrance of them still unto my memory! Certain it is, thou forgottest nothing that could be done to make thyself be loved, and that thou livedst only for Thalestris, neither was she ungrateful to those proofs of thy affection, but gave herself so absolutely to thee, that Orithia as she was Orithia, could not desire any thing she possessed not entirely. We had besieged Phryne, a City in Cilicia, upon our Enemy's Frontiers, and our Rams had made a reasonable breach; Orithia at the head of six thousand Amazons, prepared to assault it: I would needs fight by her side, and notwithstanding all her prayers to dissuade me from it, I was so obstinate in my resolution, that she was constrained to suffer my company. She marched through the midst of our Enemy's Darts and Swords, with such a fierceness as froze the hearts of the Trojans, when Minerva shook their Walls, and with her dreadful Gorgon, carried terror, and death into their City.  
She went undauntedly up those ruins defended by valiant men, and despising a cloud of arrows, and stones that came pouring upon her; she covered me with her shield, and encouraging our women by her glorious example, in spite of the resistance of our Enemies, got to the top of the breach. We fought already at handy blows, and I may say without vanity, that I had already slain some, and given proofs of valour considerable enough in one of my age, when I was stunned either with the stroke of a club, or with some stone, and fell down at Orithia's feet without sense or motion, and certainly it was my great good fortune, to fall so near her, since that without her assistance my death had been inevitable. Never was Tigress when robbed of her young, so furiously sensible of her loss, as Orithia was observed to be by them that were near her, from whom I heard it since; she flew with a great cry, upon some of the Enemies, who went to make an end of me, and sheltering me with her body, and her Target, gave death to all that came near her, and having made a Rampart of dead bodies, which left her free room enough, she took me up in her arms, and turning towards Menalippa one of our women who commanded with her; Menalippa (said she) the victory is ours, take care to prosecute it, I can neither fight, nor live, unless the Princess be in safety.  
At these words continuing to make way with her Sword, she came down with her burden, through the passage she had opened herself before, and carried me out of the Fight with such impatiency, and sense of sorrow, as she afterwards expressed to me, and as only she was able to represent. Assoon as she had taken off my Cask, the fresh air▪ I took, restored me to myself, and Orithia seeing me open my eyes, was like then to have died with joy, as before she was with grief. I observed the mixture of joy and fear in her countenance; and desiring to assure her, 'tis nothing (said I) my dear Orithia, I was only felled, and I need nothing but a little rest. Her face grew settled at the hearing of these words; but not being too confident of them, she looked upon my head, where she found no wound at all, by reason of the goodness of my Head-piece which had defended me; and that sight completing her joy, she took me in her arms, and carried me on into my Tent, where she laid me upon my bed; but all the way her face was firmly cemented to mine, and I received kisses from her, which might have made me know the difference there was between her affection and that of our other women. The Queen who with a good part of the Army, had continued in arms within the Camp to give Orders, and who had in vain endeavoured to keep me with her, no sooner heard the news, but she came running frighted to me; but finding me reasonable well, and knowing she was obliged only to Orithia for my safety, she made such dear expressions to her, as it is impossible for me to repeat; but that valiant Amazon, no sooner had seen me in a place of security, and learned from our Chirurgeons that there was no danger of me, but forcing her affection, she left me, and went back to the assault, from which no other consideration but mine could have been able to draw her.  
Her presence there was very necessary, and the Enemies who by her absence, had recovered heart, lost it again at her return, and made but a vain resistance against her valour, and the new Orders she gave. But as her return was fatal to them▪ so likewise was it very profitable to them, and her mercy saved divers of them from the fury of our Women, who would have put all to the Sword without exception. Orithia opposed their intention successfully, and the credit she had already gained among them, made them slacken something of their ordinary cruelty. When she had set the Town in some Order, and had left Menalippa to command there, she came back to us, and found me almost recovered of my blow; yet was it incommodious to me for a few days, and during the stay we made at that City, which the Queen entered the next morning, I kept my bed continually.  
I will not entertain you with the relation of that War; as long as it lasted, I received proofs of this nature, from Orithia's affection; but it being ended by an advantageous peace, we entered again into our own Territories, and took our way towards the Capital City, which as the Province, bears the name of Themiscira.  
It was about that time Alexander Invaded Asia, and as an impetuous Torrent, overran all those Provinces, the greater part whereof submitted to him without drawing Sword. Our Neighbours of Cappadocia, and Cilicia, yielded without resistance, and voluntarily underwent that yoke which he imposed upon all the Earth. Alexander used them favourably, and continud to them their former Governors, and their ancient Privileges.  
The Queen my Mother knowing herself too weak to resist so Potent an Enemy, meant to try gentle ways, and sent Menalippa, and Clytaemnestra to him, to represent, that his generosity obliged him to leave us in our former Liberties, and not to employ those victorious arms which had conquered all Asia, against feeble Women. Alexander received our Ambassadors with much civility, and having told them that he had no intention to trouble our quietness, nor our Laws, he turned his Forces another way, and entered not into our Country. The, Queen was extremely glad she had diverted that Storm, and she had taken that course by Orithia's advice, who had acquired such a reputation amongst our Women, that every body considered her as an extraordinary person, and by the sweetness of her manners, and conversation, she had so gained the hearts of the whole Court, that she was both the delight and admiration of it.  
She had been near upon two years amongst us, when from her natural liveliness, she fell into a deep melancholy. She did all she possibly could, to disguise it, but it was quickly to be perceived in her countenance, which was so visibly altered, that 'twas no longer in her power to dissemble it; the affection I bore her made me one of the first that took notice of it, and having often vainly attempted to learn the cause, I did all that possibly I could to divert her from that sadness. I made meetings of our gallantest Ladies, whose company might have been capable to charm part of her discontents, I made hunting Matches, and Journeys of pleasure upon the Iris, (which is one of the most delightful Rivers in the world, and which washes the Foundations of our Walls) races, and combats on Horseback for exercise, and for diversion; but her melancholy was not at all abated by them, and I clearly found, that only her affection to me, made her comply with us in those our pass-times.  
We were together one day in the Gardens of the Palace, accompanied with some of our Maids, who out of respect, kept at a distance from us; our conversation was for a while about indifferent matters, and our Discourse being at last fallen upon her melancholy: Orithia, (said I) it is impossible I should longer dissemble the cause I have to take a thing ill from you; if you loved me so well as I d●e you, I know you would not conceal from me the cause of your discontents, and if I dare say more, amongst us you would not be sensible of any. This sadness in our company, visibly demonstrates, an abatement in your affection, nor have you so much cause to love your own friends, but that among persons who love you so dearly, you might find wherewithal to comfort yourself in their absence. If it be the loss of your Estate that afflicts you, you know you are Mistress of ours, and that I shall never be more joyed, then when I shall be able to share mine with you.  
Orithia after a deep sigh, fixed her eyes upon my face, and striving to retain some tears, which would have burst forth with violence, she replied: You are too generous, my fair, and my too dear Princess, to make so ill a judgement of my thoughts, and to suspect me of a baseness unworthy of your affection. I take the Gods once more to witness, that it is without comparison more dear to me, and more considerable than all the Empires of the Earth, and that for it I would forsake my nearest kindred, my Country, and that life itself, which I have given entirely to you. After this protestation, exempt me from taking new Oaths to assure you, that it is neither the absence of my friends, nor the loss of my fortune, that troubles the sweetness of the retreat, which I have found under your protection; my sadness hath more lawful, and more glorious causes, and to make a naked confession to you of it, know it proceeds only from my love to you. I love you, my fair Princess, with an excess worthy of you, and my affection is accompanied with those transports and disquiets, which usually steal away all joy, and disturb repose. I die when I am from you, and I consume when I am with you: I think you love me too much, and yet I think you love me not enough; and my soul in these continual troubles, hath lost all its tranquillity.  
Orithia had said more, but that I interrupted her with my kind endearments, and though I found something that was very odd in her Discourse, yet was it so obliging to me, that I could not forbear casting my arm about her neck, and embracing her strictly a good while.  
She repaid my kisses with more fear and reservedness, than she was wont to do; and getting loose first from my embraces; Dear Orithia, (said I) if what you tell me were a truth, I should be as melancholy as you, since I may protest truly to you, that my affection yields not at all to yours, and that the Queen my Mother is not more dear to me, than yourself, and yet it produceth quite contrary effects in me, and I find so great a contentment in loving you, and being loved by you, that if your sadness did not afflict me, our affection would cause nothing in me but joy.  
Alas! (replied Orithia) how different are our fortunes! Know, Madam, that 'tis not my present suffering that occasions all my sorrow, but my foresight of the future that plunges me into this deadly melancholy. You love me now, and more than I deserve; nay even as much as I could wish; but alas! this affection, which gives me an imperfect happiness, frees me not from my fears, and will without doubt forsake me, when I shall stand in greatest need of it; you will cease to love me when my affection shall be truly known to you, and I shall cease to live, when you shall cease to love me.  
She made an end of these words with much a do, and fixing her eyes upon the ground with some kind of fear, and confusion, remained a long time in that posture, without looking upon me. But being desirous to draw her out of a distrust which grieved me. My dear Orithia (said I) I cannot guess at the cause of your suspicions, nor do I know what proofs you have of my inconstancy, that you should apprehend such strange effects of it. I love you really as myself, and if it be in my friendship, that you establish your happiness, live in assurance that you shallbe ever happy; since I protest to you by the Majesty of the Gods that hear us, the affection which Thalestris bears you, shall never end but with her life.  
Orithia's Countenance cleared up a little at this discourse, yet not so much, but that I found she was not quite cured of her apprehensions, I was preparing myself to drive them away by new assurances, when the Queen my mother came into the garden, and broke off our conversation. We had afterwards divers times, the same talk or little different, and by a thousand testimonies of my friendship, I endeavoured to take away those just disquiets that tormented her. The promises I made to love her eternally, wrought some effect indeed, and often raised her out of that deep sadness in which she had seemed buried, but there still remained some trouble in her mind, whereof I could not deny the cause; she received my kindnesses with more fear and respect then formerly, and no longer gave herself those liberties she was wont to take▪ Sometimes when I embraced her, and with kisses conjured her to be merry for my sake. Ah! Madam (would she say) I am unworthy of your cares, and of your favours; let this culpable Orithia die, who betrays you, and abuses your goodness, and your innocence; I rob you of favours I have not deserved, and I ought to give account for them, as for a theft, which I unworthily am guilty of, to the fairest, and best Princess in the world. I understood nothing of all these words, and I feared often, when I heard her speak them, that her melancholy began to distract her. This belief caused in me a very sensible affliction, and made me take recourse to all the inventions, that might divert, or prevent the misfortune I apprehended. The Queen, to whom she was very dear, as she ought to be, in consideration of her good qualities, and of the services she had done her was extremely concerned in her trouble, and every day offered her what soever she was able to contribute, to her contentment. The chief of our Ladies, whose hearts she had wonderfully gained, strove in emulation of each other to cheer her up; but all their cares were to no purpose, and all of them having in vain attempted it, at last the fatal hour came wherein I was to be undeceived.  
Near to the gardens of our Palace, there is an exceeding high wood, one of the fairest in all Capadocia, which seprading itself to the very bank of the river Iris is one of the most pleasant places to walk in, that Asia affords; there are a great number of fair, spacious alleys, and in little by-turning where one may insensibly loose ones self, are private arbours, with seats of green turf, and little banks of the same, where one may lie down shelterd from the heat of the sun, and not be interrupted in their retired thoughts.  
I was one day in this wood with my maids, and having walked a while upon the bank of the river, I went aside with Hippolita, the dearest of them all, and the very same you see now here with me. I entered by chance into one of those paths, that led to the secret arbour and having followed it a while, when I was near one of them I heard a voice interrupted with sighs, and sobs, and drawing a little nearer, I discerned it to be Orithia's, who thinking herself not overheard by any body, in such a private place, complained in a very pitiful manner. I was glad of that encounter, and believing I should thereby learn the true cause of her affliction, I forbade Hippolita to come any further, not being willing she should hear the secrets of that dear friend, though I had never concealed my own from her. When I was alone, I went forward gently, and without making any noise till I came close to the arbour, and peeping through the boughs that grew about it, I saw my dear Orithia laid a long upon one of those green banks, holding a handkerchief to her eyes, wherewith she wiped away the tears that fell in great abundance.  
This object touched me deeply with compassion, but much more, when after having continued a wile silent, she began to speak again in these terms. Why dost thou defer any longer, miserable wretch? and what dost thou hope for, yet from heaven, but that death, for which thy mind, ought already to be prepared? lose that life really, which thou yet hast only lost in the opinion of the world, and be no longer obstinate to strive against thy destiny; thou mayest yet die with the friendship of her thou lovest, and if thou defer thy death till after the knowledge of thy deceits, thou wilt certainly die with her anger, and her hatred; and instead of the tears, which she now would give unto thy grave, thou wilt carry nothing with thee thither but her imprecations. While Orithia spoke these words, her back was toward the entrance of the arbour, and not being able to mark her actions well enough, in the place where I was, I stole insensibly to the door, where in the posture she then lay, she could not discover me. There I observed her more heedfully, and after many sighs I heard her go on thus. Was it necessary, O Gods! was it necessary, you should raise so many impossibilities against my happiness, and that you should oppose the Laws, and powers of a whole Monarchy against the preservation of my life? for in short, what can I expect; what vain hope soever I flatter my self withal, that which I love is too pure, and too perfect, to make use to my advantage of the immodest customs of her country: and besides I love her too well, to seek my fortune by those ways, and she I love, loves herself too well, to overturn for my sake, the constitutions of a Monarchy, which has subsisted so many years, and to forsake a sceptre, for an unknown, and a deciptfull Orithia; Die then, miserable wretch, die, and make Thalestris see that thou embracest death, rather than the occasions of offending her any more; thy blood shall wash away part of the crimes thou hast committed against her, and she without doubt will pardon them, when she remembers thou died'st to give her reparation. I understood almost nothing by these words, though they put me into strange suspicions; and yet I was so troubled at them, that contrary to my resolution, I could not forbear making a little noise. I know not whither it were that, which with drew Orithia from that dialogue with her thoughts, but she turned about, and casting her eyes toward the door, discovered me. I am not able to represent her confusion to you; being got up, she began to look upon me, and observing in my countenance, as much amazement as appeared in hers, she believed I had heard all that she had said before I came, and that she had infallibly discovered herself. This belief made her grow pale▪ and tremble from head to foot, which actions of a person quite beside herself, she neither durst look me in the face, nor stir from the place where she stood, and keeping her eyes fast upon the ground, remained a long time in a posture that testified her surprise, and her irresolution. At last she broke her silence, and unmovableness, and casting herself of a sudden at my feet, redoubled my astonishment by that action; I was already set down upon one of the seats, and beholding her in that condition; I had neither strength to raise her up, nor courage to ask the cause of what I saw; but she drew me out of that perplexity, when without lifting up her eyes to me. Madam (said she) it has pleased the Gods that my deceit, should be at last discovered, and my happiness, though but an imperfect one, has in the end begot an envy in them. This miserable man, whom they saved from the waters was to perish by a more noble destiny, and that death was too common for a person whom they reserved to such extraordinary fortunes. I am an Impostor, I am a Deceiver, I have abused your goodness, with an impudence that deserves no mercy; and I submit myself to the rigour of those Laws, which your sex hath established against ours; you may take revenge upon the brother, for the sister's Treacheries, and punish the true Orontes, for the crimes of the false Orithia. I am that Prince, equally happy and unfortunate, saved from shipwreck, to end his life more gloriously at your feet, and too proud of his fate, since he revived from an ordinary death, only that ●e may die for love, and that of the fairest, and most lovely Princess in the world. I implore not your goodness here, to obtain a pardon which I have not deserved; the Gods are my witnesses, that I no longer love a life which begins to displease you; and I protest also before them, that I will not abate any thing of my affection to you, though you pronounce the sentence of death against me. This lovely Impostor said many other words, but I gave no ear to them, and was so seized with that unlooked for declaration, that I had scarce any sense or knowledge remaining.  
Instantly all my thoughts ran toward revenge, and my resentment, laid the theat that had been put upon me, before my eyes in so lively colours, that I could not but break forth with violence: All the favours he had stolen from me, all the familiarities I had innocently granted him, came thronging into my memory, and making a mixture of shame and anger, kindled in my face a colour like fire, and in my mind a deadly wrath; yes, wrath, shame, and despite, joined all together to transport me to the ruin of that deceiver; and made me believe I ought to expose him to the rigour of our Laws, and with his blood, wash off the injury he had done unto mine innocence.  
In these first motions, after having looked upon him with a threatening eye, Traitor, (said I) thou shalt die, and since thy Treachery is without example, thy death shall serve for an example, to all those of thy sex, who shall attempt to put that Tyrannical yoke again upon ours, which we so nobly have shaken off. Hope for no mercy from her, thou hast so unworthily offended, and since thou hast basely abused that innocent affection, I bore to thee, die for the reparation of a crime, which all thy blood cannot wash away.  
The feigned Orithia, while I spoke these words; continued still upon her knees, and assoon as I had ended them: Yes, Madam, (replied she, with an assured voice) I will die, and I value that death above the Empire of the Amazons. 'Tis no small recompense to Orontes, for the services he hath done you, to have the honour to die for you; and I protest to you by those fair eyes, which will light me to my grave, I die satisfied, since for the reparation of the offence I have committed, I give you a life, that never was but yours. Only, Madam, if the remembrance of that affection, which you justly accuse me for having unworthily abused, be not criminal in your mind, I conjure you by the blood I am going to shed, to receive it for the expiation of my guilt, and not to preserve any hatred after my death, to him who hath indeed offended the Princess Thalestris, but also who to satisfy her, dies for the Princess Thalestris.  
While he spoke on this manner, I made some reflection, upon the services he had done me, and upon the proofs which with so much hazard he had given me of a most pure, and perfect affection: This consideration mollified me a little, and the constancy of his last words, added to the grace wherewith he accompanied them, made me slacken something of the strictness of my first motions which had destined him to death, and made me believe I could not without ingratitude, and inhumanity, sacrifice a life which he had so voluntarily given me, and which he often had set at naught for the preservation of mine.  
In these last thoughts I cast mine eyes again upon him, and forcing back some sighs, which hindered the course of my words, I will not take thy life, (said I) I give it to those services I have received from thee, and I leave it to the remorse of thy own conscience, which shall revenge me for the offence thou hast committed. Live to repent thy crime, but live so far from hence, that I may never see thee upon our Territories again.  
Having said thus, I rose from the place where I was sat, and went out of the Arbour so troubled, that I knew not what to do with myself: I took no heed what became of Orontes, and going back to the place where ● had left Hippolita, it was not long before I found her again: She presently observed an alteration in my countenance, and having asked me the cause; Ah! Hippolita, (said I) what strange news have I to tell thee; but stay till we be in my Chamber; I am now so beside myself, that I am not able to tell it thee.  
This Wench was very discreet, and I had so perfect a confidence in her, that I was wont to discover my most secret thoughts to her, and indeed that which was befallen me, was important enough, to be concealed from every body else, and the life of Orontes, was in too manifest a danger, if he had been known by our other Women. After that the rest of my Maids were come to us again, I went back toward my Chamber, whither I was no sooner come, but having commanded Hippolita to bid every body withdraw, I related my adventure to her. She was wonderfully surprised at it, and bore the same part in that misfortune she was wont to bear in all things that concerned me; yet she having naturally a great deal of goodness, and the feigned Orithia having taken much care to gain her friendship, she deplored his disaster with words that begot some pity in myself, and took the liberty to accuse me of some inhumanity.  
At first I was angry with her, and with specious reasons justified my usage of him; but in the end coming to remember all the actions of that counterfeit Amazon, and representing to myself her graceful fashion, and her excellent qualities, I was carried away to some compliance with Hippolyta's Discourse, but I could not persuade myself to repent what I had done, yet did I at least incline to some compassion of that Prince his misfortunes, and to a great deal of sorrow for my own, which had constrained me to banish a person for ever, whose merit and former services, had wrought in me a strong inclination.  
We spent the rest of the day in that entertainment, and the night following, I was tossed with great disquiets, this accident furnished matter enough to cause them, and the day began to appear, before I had ever closed my eyes. When it was dinner time, the Queen asked for Orithia, but she came not, and her servants of whom they enquired after her, affirmed that since the day before she had not returned unto her Lodging. That answer put the Queen into some trouble, and having caused her to be sought all the rest of the day in vain, she was extremely grieved, either for her departure, or for the accident that might have befallen he.  
Can it be possible, (said she) that our dear Orithia should have left us, without bidding us farewell? But ought we not rather to fear some misfortune separates her from us, and deprives us of the most amiable person in the world?  
These words which the Queen spoke in my presence, began to touch my heart, and the Gods who destined me to many disasters, already gave me an unprofitable repentance. At night being retired into my Chamber, and ready to go to bed, Hippolita delivered me a Letter, which she had received from one of Orithia's Women, whom of all about her she trusted most; I judged instantly that it came from her, and would not have taken it, but that I waa persecuted by Hippolita, who was absolutely resolved I should see the last marks of the affection of a person that had so perfectly loved me; I was forced to yield to her, and assoon as I was in bed, I took it, and breaking it open, I read these words.  
The Guilty ORITHIA, to the Divine THALESTRIS.  
Madam,  
I Depart, as you have commanded me, and with your sight, I forsake this Country, from whence you have banished me for ever: 'Tis not to avoid death, that I go away, for I should have run boldly to demand it of the Queen, for the punishment of my crime, if I could have died in that manner, without interessing you in my death; the cause of it would without question have broken forth, and you would have received displeasures by it, which would have afflicted me more sensibly than death itself. I go therefore to seek it far from hence, and to free the Earth from that ambitious Orithia, who by the greatness of her crime, hath merited your indignation; nor could she however, have resisted that remorse to which you gave her over, and which would justly have punished her, for having troubled the tranquillity of your soul. I beg of the Gods to restore it you for ever, and to conserve it as entire to you, as I have, and will unto my grave, that passion which leads me thither, by its violence, by your will, and by the knowledge of my fault. In the mean time, most divine Princess, if the prayers of one so guilty may be received by you, suffer me yet once again to implore your pardon for the offence I have committed, and at the extremity of my life, to conjure you, not to hate the memory of a person who hath offended you, only in loving you, and who hath loved you, only with the most pure, and perfect affection, a heart is able to conceive. Grant me this favour with generosity, as I give you my life with joy, and if the fault of the guilty Orithia, come sometimes into your mind, remember that if she was too blame, 'twas rather through love, than malice, and that though she was imprudent, though she was presumptuous, yet was she ever faithful, and died as she had lived yours.  
I know not how to express to you, Sir, with what motions my soul was touched, at the reading of this Letter, but certainly tenderness and pity, never produced more sudden, nor more powerful effects in an heart prepossessed with anger, and resentment, than they did at that time in mine. I let the Letter fall upon my bed, and looking upon Hippolita, without one word, I set forth my sorrow by my silence and by some tears, which I could not possibly retain. Then it was that Orithia represented herself unto my eyes, in her most lovely shape, and if to banish those thoughts that argued for her; I fancied her to myself as that presumptuous Orontes, who had maliciously deceived me, and abused my favours, and my easiness; she would return within a moment into my memory, as that charming Orithia, who had exposed herself unto such manifest hazards, to see me, and to serve me, who in a storm of blows had saved me from a death, which without her help had been inevitable; who by her valour had restored me the Queen my Mother, who by a thousand actions of that nature, had heretofore won my heart with a most absolute Empire, and for a conclusion died for me, and died with a resignation and a fidelity which the rigour of my usage had not been able to shake.  
O Gods! how sensible was this remembrance to me, and how nearly did that consideration touch me. I took up the Letter again, and reading every word of it over and over divers times, I suffered myself to be insensibly carried away into a compassion very little different from that which is called Love. All that Prince his good qualities, and all the proofs he had given me of his affection, appeared unto me then with so much advantage, that it was impossible for me to defend myself both against the grief for his misfortune, and against the birth of that passion, for which ● since have so much suffered.  
In short, Sir, if I loved him as Orithia before, I began now to love him as Orontes, and could neither find strength enough in the consideration of that virtue I had proposed unto myself, nor in that of our Laws to resist the violence of my destiny. I spent the night in cruel agitations, and if I went to shut my eyes, in hope that sleep would give some respite to my disquiets, Otontes came presently into my imagination, with that gracefulness which accompanied all his actions.  
It is not just (me thought he said) Thalestris, that you should enjoy a repose, which you have robbed me of for ever; awake to think upon this unfortunate man, whom you have ruined; remember that I have forsaken my Country, my kindred, and my life itself to love you, that I have witnessed my love, by proofs, which perhaps have no example, and that for all my reward you have banished me from your sight for ever; If you will be quit with me, and capable of that sleep you seek for, restore me the years, which with so much peril of my life, I have spent in your service; put yourself again in the condition you were upon the breach of Phryne, and into so many other dangers, from which my valour alone hath delivered you; and in short, if you can possible, make all that is past, never to have been, and you shall be free from that remorse to which I leave the care of revenging me, and with which I may more justly threaten you, than you can me.  
This Discourse seemed to argue incessantly in mine ears; and my grief making my fancy work exceeding strongly, I passed from this thought to a more dismal one, and imagined Orontes either dead, or dying for me.  
Behold, Thalestris, (said he in my mind) behold the brave effect of thy cruelty, I could not live, after the sentence of death thou didst pronounce against me, and my own hand hath freed me from those miseries to which thou inhumanely hadst condemned me. See the happy conclusion of a Love full of respect, and fidelity; and see the worthy recompense of the services I have so zealously, and so discreetly rendered thee.  
In these thoughts and entertainments, I passed the whole night, and the next morning I was so ill that I could not rise all that day. I made no difficulty to trust Hippolita with my disquiets, and with the birth of my affection. That discreet Wench endeavoured to comfort me, and to banish from my mind those thoughts which fruitlessly afflicted me; She represented how unprofitable those reflections were, and though she took Orontes his part▪ her belief that the mischief was then past remedy, made her use all attempts to put him out of my remembrance. The Queen my Mother came to see me in bed, and being herself deeply afflicted for the departure, or loss of Orithia, she thought it not strange that I was so sensibly grieved.  
I spent many days in striving with myself to banish that sad remembrance out of my mind, and to that end diverted myself with company, hunting, exercises, and all the pass times, which formerly had been able to charm part of my discontents, but I no longer found the same virtue in them, and wheresoever I was or whatsoever I did the image of Orontes was still before me, and by his reproaches troubled the repose I vainly sought for.  
Sometimes when I was alone, or accompanied only by Hippolita, after having long struggled with my disquiets, Ah! Orontes, (would I cry) notwithstanding all the cause thou hast to accuse me of ingratitude, if my thoughts were known to thee, thou wouldst without doubt be satisfied, and thou never desiredst more affection from me, than I now have granted thee. But, alas! how fruitless is both my affection, and my repentance, thou wilt never return into this Country where thy services have been so ill requited, and perchance thou art no longer in a condition to be satisfied with either of them.  
I never ended these kind of speeches without some tears, and that long War I made against my sorrows▪ and against my remorse, wrought a very great alteration in my humour, and in my countenance. I will not detain you longer, Sir, in the tedious recital of my disquiets; I had spent many months in this course of life, when my grief received a fatal surcharge, and I had not yet dried up my tears for the loss of Orithia, when the death of the Queen my Mother, gave me a sad occasion to pour them forth afresh. That good Princess who so dearly loved me, was taken away in the flower of her age, and a sudden, violent Fever, robbed me of her in the space of eight days.  
I will not trouble you with the particularities of her sickness, which had nothing remarkable, but will only tell you, that a few hours before her end, having sent for me to her bedside, and alleged some reasons to comfort me for her loss, she gave me instructions to rule by, and conjured me with the most ardent entreaties her affection could furnish her withal in that last period of her life, never to permit that our Laws should be violated, and to perish for the conservation of that liberty, which our predecessors had obtained by their sword, and which till then we had so courageously defended. I answered her only with my tears and sighs, and within a few moments after I had received her last embraces, I saw her shut her eyes for ever. This remembrance interrupted the fair Amazon's discourse, and causing her to shed tears, obliged Oroondates, to speak some words of consolation to her, but within a while after being a little settled, she went on with her story on this manner.  
I make you judge, Sir, of the greatness of my affliction, and will not spend time in painting it forth unto you, since the greatness of my love to so good a Mother, may give you some knowledge of it. I did all that the weakness of Women makes them use to do in such like encounters; I wept, I tore my hair, and was for many days incapable of comfort; but in the end, my grief wore away, with time, reason, and the persuasions of my friends, who desired me to leave off my lamentations, to take some care of governing my subjects.  
I was solemnly Crowned, and received power over the Sceptre, in a season when my youth, and passions made me incapable of any over myself. I began my Reign with tranquillity enough, and I was willing according to Orithia's counsels, to sweeten the harshness of our Laws a little, and take away from them that touch of savageness which they had. I forbade our Women to kill any of their male children, and commanded them only to make them be carried away among the Cappadocians, or others of our Neighbours, and to change them for daughters, if they found any opportunity. I ordained, that those men who by Tempests or any other accidents were cast upon our Territories, should not be ill used, and that they should only be made to go forth of them again, without receiving any other injury.  
I altered many other things in the severity of our Customs, and put a milder face upon my Government, than it was wont to have under the Reign of former Queens. I caused our Towns and Seaports to be fortified, our arms to be well kept, and our exercises to be continued with great assiduity. Our Women became more active and more courageous, then ever they had been, and finding in me (as they said) a strength and vigour above my sex, they grew Warlike by my example, and devested themselves of all their weaknesses, to acquire a true valour and fortitude. The time I had to spare from these employments, was spent in reading, or in other exercises of the mind and a good part of it was given to the remembrance of my dear Orithia; I represented her to myself sometimes as Orithia, sometimes as Orontes, but always as a person infinite lovely, and infinitely beloved of me.  
My dear Orithia, (said I sometimes) Why didst thou appear unto mine eyes, but as a flash of Lightning, and why did the Gods present thee unto the unfortunate Thalestris, only to take thee from her sight for ever? But (said I again) cruel and imprudent Thalestris, why didst thou banish her thyself, whom now thou vainly bewailest? Or rather, why dost thou vainly bewail the want of that which thou hast lost only by thine own will?  
I discoursed often with Hippolita upon that subject, and bringing into our talk all the actions of that feigned Amazon, which were the most capable to have made us discover her, we admired at our blindness, which had lasted for so long a time. It is true, that Orontes had lived with so great a modesty and so great wariness amongst us, that it was not easy to know him for a man, and besides that deceit, was nothing so difficult amongst us as amongst other Women, and though I have wondered to see such like disguises in History, as that of Achilles among the daughters of Lycomedes, there was no such cause of wonder amongst us, in whom that Martial presence, and humour, (which might have discovered the truth of his sex, amongst other women) was as ordinarily found, as amongst men. This was it that favoured the deceit of Orontes, who in that fierceness which accompanied him in fight, in his words, and in his actions, had nothing that was not common in our Women. The real affection I then bore him, was so settled in my heart, that if I had not yet retained some care of a reputation, which contrary to our Laws and Customs, I was resolved to keep inviolable, I should have sent Hippolita to seek him, with charge to bring him back to me, if she were so happy as to find him in Scythia. Besides this consideration, I was withheld by the difficulties, or rather by the impossibilities I met with in the state of my affairs, since I could not think of taking Orontes for my husband, without forsaking both the Empire, and Country of the Amazons, who for my particular interest would never have consented to the loss of their Liberties, and of their Customs. These reasons made me take patience in my misfortune, and turn all my thoughts to my ordinary employments, and to the care of my Government.  
I passed a whole year without other troubles then those of my mind, and with much more tranquillity in my Dominions then in my heart. I at my coming to the Crown had confirmed the Truce, which the Queen my Mother had made with the Cilicians our Neighbours, and our usual Enemies. Neobarzanes had been their Governor under Darius, and having of late followed Alexander's party, he by him was confirmed in the absolute Authority of that Kingdom, and in as Sovereign a power, as if he had been lawful King of it. That ambitious man desiring to enlarge his Confines, and to extirpate us Women, who had always held him play, and often put him to the worst, took the Field, and invaded our Territories with an Army of thirty thousand men: They at first made some progress upon our Frontiers, and defeated some of our Forces▪ whom the Truce had made secure and negligent; but within a while after being sat down to besiege one of our Cities, they gave me the leisure to raise an Army as strong as theirs. I marched strait toward them in good order, and with great diligence, and they no sooner had the news, but they raised their siege, and advanced to meet us with Colours flying. The Armies met in a plain, which is between the Iris, and the Thermodoon, and having heard that Neobarzanes had given the command of his left Wing to his Brother Tisaphernes, a man who by his valour had acquird a mighty reputation in War, and kept the right Wing for himself. I followed his example, and giving my left to Menalippa, I took the right myself, that I might encounter Tisaphernes, whom I believed much more dangerous than his brother. I was not deceived in my expectation, for at the shock of the two Armies, Tisaphernes and I charged one another; and having broken our Javelins without effect, we began a combat with our swords, the sight whereof would have been pleasing enough, if we had been permitted to continue in it, but the throng having parted us, we ran both to our Commands. I will not weary you with the Relation of that Battle, it was sufficiently bloody, and the Victory was disputed by the death of a great number; but in the end it proved ours, and the Enemies lost the Field, with fifteen thousand of their men, but not without having slain seven or eight thousand of our Women, and wounded many of the rest. The night hindered a more general defeat, and the next morning by break of day, the Cilicians finding their loss, disencamped, and drew off from us; the incommodity of our hurt Women, and the suddenness of their departure, kept us from hot pursuing them; we nevertheless marched after them, and falling often upon the Rear of such as were cast behind, we accompanied them to their Frontiers with a great deal of execution. While we were in doubt whether we should enter into their Territories after them, intelligence came to us that they had received a supply of ten thousand men. This news hindered us from passing farther, and made us stand upon our guard; and Neobarzanes and Tisaphernes, were so puffed up with it, that within three days after they presented us battle again. Some of our Women to whom riper years had given more experience, and more fear of danger, were of opinion we ought to refuse it; the more courageous desired it, and I held part with them, and had a mind to decide the business by a general defeat. The ground enforced me to divide our Army into three Bodies, and I gave the third to Clytaemnestra. Assoon as the appointed day appeared, the Armies were in Battalia, and marched toward one another with a great deal deal of eagerness. The day was very fair, and the Sun shining upon our arms, made the two Armies a gallant sight; but it was quickly changed, and all the beauty they had in their drawing near, was instantly lost in horror, and in the blood that was spilt.  
My Narration would be too long, if I should descend to the particulars of that battle, but I believe that never any was more bravely fought, and that animosity never produced more strange effects. All the Squadrons were mingled pell mel, and we killed one another without order, and without pity, when Tisaphernee knowing me again, made way with his Sword to come to charge me, and assoon as he was within hearing, I pray thee (cried he) let us finish the Combat we began at the former battle, and let us withdraw out of this crowd, that we may end it without hindrance, and without advantage.  
I answered him only with my head, and making him a sign to follow me, I put on my Horse to the place where I saw the freest room. He came courageously after me, and when we were gotten out of that thick multitude, seeing me turn about, he struck me such a blow upon the head, that he beat down my crest, with the plumes that covered it; and perceiving me a little dazzled, he went to redouble it, but I rushed directly upon him, and luckily finding the defect of his Curass, I ran my sword up to the hilts in his right side. Tisaphernes fell dead with the wound, but he was hardly down, and my sword free in my hand, when I was charged behind with a stroke which was like to have laid me among the Horse's feet. I clapped spurs to mine, and facing about toward him that had struck me, I saw Neobarzanes himself, who to succour, or revenge his brother, fell upon me with a great many of his men; I sought him out in the midst of them, and aiming my sword at his very eyes, I gave him such a terrible shock, that I set him beside his saddle, and made him tumble under the feet of his Followers. They got round about him presently, and some of them helping him again on horseback, the rest came pouring upon me with exceeding fury; I had then been in a great deal of danger, if Menalippa had not rescued me with some of her Troops, and the Enemies drawing up theirs within a very short space, the most dangerous, and bloody service proved to be there. We fought so obstinately, that both Armies were almost defeated, but though the Victory according to probability was more likely to have been theirs, we obtained it at the last, with the death of above ten thousand of our Women. That great loss did so exasperate me against Neobarzanes and his soldiers, that I was blindly obstinate in the pursuit of them: true it is, that I disdained all the rest to fix upon the person of the Chief, and by killing or taking him prisoner, to decide our eternal quarrel. This desire made me fall in eagerly among the runaway, and not considering that I was followed by but few of my Amazons, I engaged myself in a Wood, where Neobarzanes had rallied part of the Cavalry he had left. I found my error when I was in the midst of them, but 'twas too late to help it, and the Enemy having discovered the smallness of the number that pursued them, made an halt, and environed us on all sides. I may say without vanity, that we in that occasion did all that valiant and desperate persons could do in such a like encounter. I made part of them that opposed me, fall at my feet, and getting to Neobarzanes in spite of them, I dismounted him a second time, but he was instantly taken up by his men, and our resistance serving only to exasperate them against us, they charged us so furiously on every side, that all our Women were slain upon the place, and my horse being killed with a thousand wounds, left me upon the ground at the mercy of my Enemies. I expected nothing from them but death, and I should certainly have received it, if Neobarzanes had not commanded them to take me alive. They presently went about to do it, and it was impossible for me to hinder them, so that after having vainly defended my liberty, I was taken, disarmed of my sword, and tied upon an horse, which was presently sent away, for fear I should be rescued by the Troops I had left behind; they carried me away with so much speed, that within an hour I was brought to Phryne that same City, which before we had taken by the valour of Orithia, and which the Cilicians had afterward recovered from us. There it was that Neobarzanes gathered up his runaway, and shut himself in with them, though the place was not yet very well fortified; but he knew our broken Forces were not in a condition to besiege it, nor to attempt any thing upon his Territories without fresh Supplies. This consideration made him resolve, there to expect the event of that War, that he might give Orders upon the Frontiers, till more strength came to him from Tharsus. Judge, Sir, of my grief and shame to see myself in the power of my most cruel Enemies and of the imprecations I uttered against fortune that had suffered me to fall into their hands, and not to perish in the Fight with the valiantest of my Women. I began to deplore my Captivity; with the saddest words my sorrow could bring forth, when I was led before Neobarzanes; some light hurts I had which they vouchsafed not to get dressed, nor I to desire that favour, or to hope for any from them after the loss they had sustained. Assoon as Neobarzanes saw me, he could scarce forbear revile, and the remembrance of a brother whom he had dearly loved, and whom I had killed before his face, was so powerfully renewed in him, that he was ready to have put me instantly to death; but having cast his eyes upon my face, he found something there that mollified part of his anger, and restrained the impetuousness of that fury, which carried him headlong to my destruction. Yet could he not so well contain himself, but that looking upon me with eyes sparkling with wrath, The Gods, bloody woman! (said he) have at last delivered thee into his hands, whom they have destined for the revenger of thy cruelties, and if the death of my dear brother, and of so many thousand of my soldiers, which cries for vengeance against thee, cannot be satisfied with that of one woman, I shall at least have this satisfaction to punish the head for the crimes of the whole body, and to appease my brother's ghost by the blood of her that deprived me of him.  
I heard these words without being terrified, and having looked a good while upon him with a disdain, that might have incensed him more; I replied at last without being moved, I expected neither favour, nor good usage of thee, (Neobarzanes) and I should think it a shame to receive that from thee which thou never show'dst to any body, do not believe thou canst affright me with thy threats, Fortune the Goddess thou adorest, and who puffs up such empty souls, never had any Empire over mine, and can neither deject it, nor subdue it to thee; thou alone art guilty of those cruelties with which thou reproachest me. I have defended my Territories, which contrary to the Law of Nations, and thy promise given, thou unjustly didst invade, and if thy brother, and thy soldiers have fallen in thy quarrel, they died like valiant men, and have received that punishment for thy crime, from which thou feedest thyself by flight. These words were enough to redouble his fury, and carry him to extremities against a person who braved him, and injured him, though a prisoner. But that little beauty wherewith some had flattered me, upon which he cast his eyes with most base, and guilty designs, suspended his anger, and hindered it from breaking forth with violence, but not him from answering with a sharp and dangerous smile. We will see whether thy constancy will hold out to the end, and if thou wilt be as courageous in the certainty of thy death, as thou art in the expectation of a pardon, which thou vainly hopest for by reason of thy sex. Though he spoke these words with a choleric voice, he cast looks at me which were sufficient to make me doubt his violence, and commanding me to be taken away, he had also the care to give order that Chirurgeons should be sent to dress my wounds. I was carried back into the Chamber, which was given me for my prison, and though my Captivity caused as much grief in me, as a courageous heart was capable to feel, some remainder of that desire which we have naturally for life, made me give way to the care that was taken of my wounds. Assoon as I was in bed, they were searched and dressed, but they were such slight ones, that the Chirurgeons did not doubt but they would be healed in a few days. I was not a little confirmed in my belief, that Neobarzanes his anger was assuaged, when I saw women sent to wait upon me, from whose sight I received much consolation. That was the thing I had most desired in my misfortune, and I feared nothing so much, as to see myself among men, whose conversation I was not used to, and from whom I apprehended violence. The second day of my Captivity, I learned from the Women that served me, that they did not believe that Neobarzanes would put me to death, and the third they told me he had sent to inquire after my health. As I had not been terrified by his threats, so neither was I touched with that alteration, and I resolved for the worst events a Captive could expect, except the loss of my honour, for the defence whereof I determined to suffer death, if any body should go about to assault it.  
The fair Queen was in this part of her Story, when she was interrupted by Amintas, who came to see her wound; Thalestris put forth her arm, and after he had dressed it, and assured her of a speedy cure, she set herself in her former posture, and went on thus with her Discourse.   
The end of the Third Book.   

The Continuation of the second Part of CASSANDRA. The fourth Book.  
THe usage I had received from Neobarzanes, at the beginning of my captivity, began quickly to alter for the better; and the women, that were appointed to wait upon me, began to serve me with very great diligence and respect. Neobarzanes sent often to see how I did, and when my wounds permitted me to leave my bed, he came himself into my Chamber; I was surprised at that unexpected visit; and if I would have followed my first motions, I had given him a reception, which without question would have kept him from coming any more: but considering the power he had over me, and how much his former behaviour might be excused by the death of his Brother, and the loss of his Army, I believed it fit for me to receiv him as a man that repented his having used me ill, though his pretences for it were specious enough, and as a man whom I ought not to exasperate, if I had desired to secure what it was in his power to take from me by violence: These Reasons obliged me to use him reasonable civilly, which without doubt confirmed his evil intentions, and that passion which had mollified him, and which brought him then into my Chamber. When he had enquired after my health, and was set down by me: Madam (said he) I doubt not but you are much offended with me for my first usage of you, and that you still keep some resentment of your ill welcome, and of the threats which my grief made me utter against so fair a Queen, and one worthy of a better fortune, and of a better reception; but your goodness will pardon those transports in a person, who by your hands hath lost a Brother (who was extremely dear to him, and whom his virtue made very considerable to the whole world,) and (by the hands of your Soldiers) an Army of forty thousand men, the Relics whereof can hardly be perceived within this City; you will without question have some regard to so lawful an anger, and will judge of the cause that suppresse's it, by my forgetting so great, and so late offences. 'Tis true, the blood of my Brother, and of all my Soldiers, demands some satisfaction from me; but a force more powerful than nature, or reason of State, forbids me to give them any to your disadvantage, and disarms my rage, after having disarmed my heart of all that could defend it against you. I think this knowledge is sufficient to make you understand my inclinations, and I cannot declare them better than by representing to you that they divest me of those of nature, and of my most tender affections; nor can I more truly testify that I love you, then in losing for your sake the remembrance of what I loved most dearly. Think not this Declaration strange, I know it is a Discourse to which you have not been accustomed, but we daily see greater changes; and if you had suffered the access of men, you would doubtless have engaged them in that passion which hath made me absolutely yours; you hate them only, because you know them not, and 'twas an irregular caprichio of your Predecessors, that deprive's you of the society the gods have established, and by which, and for which, the world subsists. You may if you pleas make some reflection upon what I have said, and if among men whom you have always shunned, you can find any one worthy of your affections, be pleased to cast your eyes upon me, who have given you mine first, with an exceeding great respect, and a most absolute Empire. I am not able, Sir, to express how much I was incensed at this Discourse, and how much I resented that Captivity which constrained me to suffer it; if I had been at liberty, I would have punished that insolent fellow with mine own hands, and would have made him feel that force to the purpose, of which he had twice had experience to his shame; but I had too many reasons to moderate my fury, so that I suffered it not to rise to that extremity; and I at that time had prudence enough to dissemble part of it, but not power enough over my face to keep it from being inflamed with a colour like fire, nor over my tongue to hinder it from replying sharply: Remember Neobarzanes that I am a Queen, though I be your Prisoner, and that if the chance of war hath given you some power over my body, my mind is still in its former liberty, and does no way partake in the changes of my fortune. This first knowledge you give me of men, confirms me in my intention of hating them, if you persevere in yours; and this freedom you take to a Queen, whom her disaster hath brought into your hands, is a strong obstacle against that esteem of them, you desire to work in me; therefore give over an unprofitable care, and a more unprofitable affection, and believ I shall value you as much, if you use your fortune generously; as I shall despise you, if it encourage you to unjust liberties, and such as you cannot give yourself without unworthiness. Though Neobarzanes was stung with this answer, yet did he not show himself much moved at it, and after having continued a while silent, he only replied, I doubted you would not receiv this first overture of my love without some displeasure, but I also hoped that time might sweeten the sharpness of your first motions, and make you find that I may, without offending you, or abusing the power I have over you, make you an offer of my affections. Time (said I) shall never make me loos my first resolutions, nor can it do any thing to your advantage, but by such usage as is due to Prisoners of war of my quality. If you are my Prisoner of war (answered Neobarzanes) I am your prisoner of love, and if you use me with any favour, I shall no longer consider you as a Captive, but as the sovereign Mrs of my heart: Use me (replied I tartly) as Thalestris, who within these few days hath conquered you in two set battles, and who by the defeating of your Forces, hath showed herself capable of another entertainment then that of your loves. Neobarzanes was touched with these words, and answered me with a smile mingled with some sharpness: You are capable both of war and of love, and will make both, if you follow the course of your Predecessors, how great aversion soever they have expressed in their government against men, they have not conserved themselves without them, nor were you born yourself without their assistance. This reproach made me blush for shame, and confirmed me in the dislike of that ill custom which necessity had introduced amongst our women; whereupon I showed Neobarzanes that I resented it, by these words: If my Predecessors have done amiss, I will not imitate them, and though I were so base as to follow their evil customs, or so imprudent as to abolish their good ones, and submit myself to a man by lawful ways, I should never make choice of Neobarzanes. Time (replied he, resing up) will inspire you with other thoughts, and mitigate that cruel humour, which ill becomes so fair a person, I give you leisure therefore to consider, and to reflect upon the condition you are in, and upon what you do despise. He stayed not for my answer, but making a low congee went out of my Chamber, having first recommended me to the care of the women that waited on me. I remained in an anger, which it would be very difficult for me to describe, and of all that day, I could not digest the words he had said, nor his reproaches of our customs; This remembrance wrought so strong an aversion in me, that I thought it impossible for me to endure his company a second time, and I settled myself in the resolution of dying in his hands, rather than to oblige him by the least favour, or by the least word, from whence he could draw any advantage. The women that served me already bore me a real affection, and were not so tied to Neobarzanes his interests, but that they used all their endeavours to give me some consolation. I continued five or six days without his coming to see me, and I employed them in bewailing my misfortune, as much as my courage would suffer me. Have I then (said I, when I was pressed with the violence of my grief) banished my lovely, and my faithful Orontes, to receiv Neobarzanes? and have I so ill used, and so ill requited virtue, handsomeness, and services, to recompense vice, ugliness, and scurvy usage? Ah! if our laws were to be violated, sure it should be in favour of Orontes, and not of Neobarzanes; This heart which defended itself, and that too inhumanely against the charms of that lovely imposture, is proof against the persecutions of a Barbarian, nor need it fear a second assault, having escaped the first: let that cruel man arm himself with what soever rage can produce, he shall find this soul in an unshaken seat, and since my cruel destiny forbids me to give myself to my dear Orithia, both Neobarzanes, and all men living shall assault it but in vain. Discourses, and thoughts of this nature were my ordinary entertainments, and though I bore my Captivity with moderation enough, that remembrance often drew both sighs and tears from me. I sometimes questioned my women, and endeavoured to learn of them, if our Amazons did not attempt something for my deliverance, or if Neobarzanes did not think upon some treaty for my liberty; but whether it were that they knew it not, or were enjoined silence, I could never get any information from them.  
Some few days after, Neobarzanes came to me again, and assoon as he had saluted me: Well Madam (said he) have you thought upon our last Discourse▪ and have you slackened any thing of that severity which makes you disdain my affections? Neobarzanes (answered I) in what conditions soever you see me, know that nothing is able to shake my resolutions, and that you ought to hope for but little satisfaction, by your pernicious designs; not, but I am inclined to peace with you, if you will make lawful propositions, nor would I to recover my liberty, refuse a reasonable treaty, which may resettle our Territories in that quietness you have disturbed; but if you have any other thoughts, banish them for ever, and hope for nothing from a courage which misfortune cannot deject. I hope (replied Neobarzanes) that you will hearken to reason, and to the advantage of the offers I make you; but hope for no liberty Thalestris, by any other treaty, then by that which I propose; and consider that I neither abuse my fortune nor the power I have over you, by making propositions which would be advantageous to you, though in perfect liberty: Your are not ignorant, Madam, that in my affection to you, I may seek for help by all manner of ways, and that the death of my Brother, and of so many thousand of my men, doth sufficiently dispense with me, if I have not those considerations which are due to a person of your qualitive, and free's me from the reproaches I might fear, for having used violence to a Captive, who is stained with blood that was so dear to me. But Madam, to testify that my love to you is full of a real esteem, I will only sue for yours by lawful means, and I will forget you are my Prisoner to make you my wife; by this alliance we will unite our Provinces, we will give your women lawful husbands, and abolish customs that are enemies to Nature, and detested both by the gods and men, to live in a more reasonable society, and in everlasting tranquillity. I knew very well, that unworthy man made not that proposition out of any esteem he had of me, nor out of any sens of virtue, but that finding advantages to himself, by the alliance he offered me, which he could neither hope for by my death, nor by using violence, he was fallen upon that thought, not being in a condition, after so great losses, to profit any other way by having taken me, nor to conquer a Country, which I had not left destitute of persons able to defend it against him. And indeed, I received that motion with the scorn it deserved, and looking disdainfully upon him: Think not Neobarzanes (said I) that my imprisonment hath so far abased my heart, as to find any advantage in the offers you make me. I am a Queen by birth and virtue, both of them are wanting in thee, and thou art indebted to fortune, and to the goodness of Darius for that greatness, which thy base submission to Alexander hath since conserved; 'Tis not for thee our laws shall be abolished; and if the gods (continued I with a sigh) had so decreed it, that alteration was reserved for another, not Neobarzanes. He was so nettled with this answer, that he sat a long time without reply, witnessing his irresolution by the divers changes of his countenance; but in the end, after having darted an angry look at me: Well, well, Thalestris (said he) since you disdain my offer, dispose yourself to satisfy me by other ways, this shall never be proposed to you again; and you may be assured, I will no longer neglect the power I have over you. He pronounced these words with a thundering voice, and went out of my Chamber, without giving me the leisure to reply.  
I was so enraged at this Discourse, that of a long time I was not capable of any reason; but I presently recovered my ordinary resolution, and that inviolable design of dying for the defence of what he threatened; the women that waited on me, gave me counsel to mollify him, and dissemble part of my thoughts, which I discovered with too much sharpness; they represented to me, that by that fierceness, I should without doubt stir him up to the violence I ought to apprehend, and that by managing him with more dexterity, I might perchance banish those pernicious designs: I esteemed their advice very prudent, and sometimes was minded to follow it; but assoon as that barbarous fellow presented himself before me, as he did every day, I had much ado to restrain the motions of my anger, and of my just displeasure. Yet did I dissemble them now and then, and suffered his persecutions a whole month without driving him to extremity; sometimes he flattered me; from flatteries he often fell to threats, but his threats and flatteries were equally unprofitable. When he was fully assured of that, and had lost all hope of satisfying his desires by gentle means, he resolved upon the violence which he had till then deferred; and coming into my Chamber with that intention, he made signs to my women to withdraw, and when he was alone with me, having eyed me awhile with a wand'ring look; It is no longer time Thalestris (said he) to dissemble my last intention, I am weary of suffering a pain, which I can remedy myself, and of suing vainly to her whom I can compel to satisfy me: I have made you offers, which you imprudently have disdained, and I will offer you nothing now, but the choice of death, or of my love. Though these words surprised me extremely, yet was I not at all in doubt what answer I should return, but looking upon him with more scorn than ever: Thy threats (said I) cannot terrify me, I prefer death before thy affection, and all manner of tortures before that satisfaction thou demandest. Since thou desirest death (replied he) thou shalt have it, and saying so, he rose up, and drawing a dagger which he wore concealed, he lift up his arm to strike it into my breast. Notwithstanding, I was very indifferent in matter of life, yet was it not so odious to me, as to give that Monster the contentment of taking it away, and remembering that I had tried his strength before, I flew upon him, and with my left hand stopping his arm, which was up to stab me, I with my other, which was free, caught hold about his middle, and after some struggling laid him in the floor: I quickly wrung the dagger out of his hand, and was presently in a condition, to tear away his infamous life without any difficulty; but that base wretch who loved it more than I did, was afraid of losing it, and begged it of me with word's, which sufficiently testified the meanness of his spirit; although he was unworthy of that mercy, I thought him also unworthy to receiv death from my hands, and instantly making myself Mistress of my just resentment: Rise coward (said I) thou deservest neither death nor pardon from Thalestris, and therefore she will give thee neither, but leave's thee a life, which she cannot, without dishonour, take from such an one as thou art; thou knewest before my strength was above thine, and thou shalt know now that my goodness is equal to thy baseness. Neobarzanes made me no answer at all, but casting down his eyes full of shame, and confusion, he went out of my Chamber, and left me Mistress of the dagger I had wrested from him: If I had been in another estate, this adventure would have afforded matter of laughter, & there was cause enough to deride a man, who so weakly attempted such high Enterprises; but the condition I was then reduced to, made me insensible of any diversion, and would not suffer me to draw any joy from the disgrace of that detestable villain, nor from the advantage I had over him. The women who attended on me, who came running at the nois, and who were witnesses of part of the business, believed that Neobarzanes would have some sens of the mercy I had showed him, and that without doubt he would be touched with a favour he had so little deserved; but I knew his baseness too well, to expect any good from him, and it was rather for my own satisfaction, then for that hope, I had let him live. I remained three or four days without seeing him, or hearing from him; and I began to believ there might be some amendment in him; when I was surprised with the accident I am going to relate, and reduced to very great extremities. I was in my bed, where I tasted that little repose my disquiets would suffer me, when two hours before day, I was wakened by a dreadful nois in the street, I asked my women what the matter was, but they were as ignorant of it as I, and my windows were so grated, that there was no possibility of looking out to see: while I was in some trouble by reason of that nois, which still redoubled with horrible cries; I heard a loud knocking at my door, the first blow was followed with many others, which made me find they had an intent to break it open. I was unwilling to be caught in bed, and casting a loose coat hastily about me, I leapt into the floor, and presently laid hold of Neobarzanes his dagger, being resolved to defend my life, or mine honour to my last breath: Scarce was I gotten into this posture, when my Chamber door was beaten open, and by the help of certain watch candles, which I always kept burning by night for fear of some such surprise; I saw Neobarzanes come in with his sword drawn, accompanied with a great many of his Followers in the same equipage. I straightway doubted of his cruel intention, and in a moment confirmed myself in the resolution I had taken. Assoon as he perceived me, Thalestris (cried he with a terrible voice) I must die, since my hopes are dead, and since I loose thee and myself, I will keep thee from laughing and triumphing at my ruin: He had hardly ended these words, when he flew directly at me, and without giving me leisure to reproach his ingratitude, after the mercy I had showed him, he made a thrust at me, which had run me quite through, if I had not bowed my body to avoid it, I escaped that danger by stooping suddenly, and striking up the point of his sword with the dagger I held in my hand, I made it slip over my shoulder, and running under it, I seized upon the guard with my left hand, and with my right, I stabbed the dagger into his breast unto the very hilt: That perfidious wretch fell dead at my feet, and his sword remaining in my hand, I set myself to dispute my life against those that were come along with him; they all turned their points upon me, and made me see they meant to revenge the death of their Prince by mine; the two first that advanced, I quickly laid at the feet of their Companions, and made them judge that though I was but a woman, and in my smock, they should not effect their purpose without difficulty; I retired to the wall, that I might not be assaulted behind; and those cowardly villains making a half circle about me, began to press me so furiously, that I utterly despaired of safety, I defended myself nevertheless, like a wild bore against so many hounds, and sometimes rushing forward at those that were most eager upon me, I made them fly back to the other side of the Chamber, and gave them both terror and death itself, in the midst of thirty swords that environed me; but in the end, my resistance would have been unprofitable, and feeling myself wounded in dive●s places, I also found my strength began to fail me, and that I prolonged my destiny but in vain, when we heard a great nois upon the stairs, and saw a great many come in armed, who charging those base fellows that were about me, presently gave some of them what they deserved; the Leader of them did the greatest execution, and striking no blows that were not mortal, quickly covered the floor with blood, and with dead bodies: When they had made themselves a passage to come to me, Courage (cried one of my Defenders) Courage, Madam, you are delivered, and your enemies are destroyed; being very well acquainted with that voice, I presently knew to be my faithful Hippolyta's, and I soon observed, they were my Amazons from whom I received that assistance. When I saw myself so well succoured, I felt my forces redouble, and desiring to have a share in my revenge I joined myself to my valiant deliverers, and with them finished what they had so courageously begun, all our Enemies lost their lives, and our amazons (among whom I had already discovered Menalippa, and many others) were so exasperated against them, that they gave no quarter; My Chamber was then a spectacle full of horror; and the blood which flowed on all sides, in which one might see a great number of bodies swim, which had newly expired, or were yet expiring, was able to strike fear, and terror into the most resolved minds.  
After this execution, my gallant rescuers took off all their mask's, and embraced my knees one after another, with words and actions which visibly expressed the ardent affection they had ever born me; but I was so weakened by the loss of blood, which ran down still from my wounds, and by the weariness of so long and so unequal a fight, that I had hardly strength to embrace them, or since to know them, yet did I hear Menalippa among the rest, who speaking for them all, said; Madam, you are free, and as much Mistress in this City, as in Themiscira▪ 'tis in your own power by the assistance of the gods, and the valour of your Amazons who have taken it, and all your Enemies are either dead, or dying. I judged by this Discourse that the Town had been taken by surprise, and that that was the cause of the nois we had heard in the streets, and of Neobarzanes his rage, not doubting but that my women would revenge my injuries with a great deal of blood, and that they would extirpate a people innocent of the wrongs I had received; I desired to stop those proceedings, and getting a little loos from their embrace; My dear friends (said I) I hold my life from the gods, and from you, let us not stir them up against us, after the mercy we have received, and let us not dishonour our victory by an excess of cruelty; there is blood enough shed already; if any of our enemies be yet alive, let them have quarter given them, and let those be spared who cease to make resistance. Clytaemnestra went presently away to execute that Order, and my faithful Hippolita, upon whom I leaned, feeling me ready to sink in her arms, took me up, with some other of her companions, to carry me to bed. There was no likelihood of putting me again into my own, nor of staying in a Chamber full of blood, and dead bodies; but another was found by the assistance of the women that served me, who at the beginning of our fight had hid themselves in a Closet, whence they were fetched out in a terrible fear, but I reassumed them, and promised them all manner of good usage; they brought me into the best Chamber there was, where being got to bed, my wounds searched, were not found dangerous, and my Chyrurgians, who had done their part in my deliverance, having applied their first remedies to them, left me to my rest, while Menalippa by my command, went to quiet the disorders in the Town, and to do what was requisite in such encounters. I rested that small remainder of the night, and the day following without being interrupted, no body coming into my Chamber but only Hippolita, and some women, who were necessary to wait upon me, and with whom I had no discourse, by reason of the charge my Chyrurgians had given me to the contrary; but night being come, I called Hippolita to my bedside, and having embraced her many times with expressions of my former kindness, I asked her divers questions, and desired her to relate the taking of the Town, but she would not obey me, praying me to take my rest; you are not yet well enough Madam (said she) to hold discourse, have patience but to night, and to morrow I will give you an exact account of all you can demand. I was willing to be advised by her, and making my curtains be drawn, I spent the night as I had done the day, but with great show of amendment, and more quietness of mind, than I had felt of many months. The next morning Hippolita came to my bedside, and having bidden me good morrow, I commanded her to tell me, what she had deferred the day before. I am readily disposed to satisfy you Madam (said she) and if what I have to say, could have been heard by you without alteration, I would not have delayed to give you contentment; but I beseech you be pleased to let me send these maids out of the Chamber, that I may entertain you with the more liberty. I gave her leave to do as she desired, and Hippolita, bidding them withdraw, remained alone with me, and being by my command set down close by my bed, she spoke to me on this manner.  
When your Majesty engaged yourself in the pursuit of Neobarzanes, I was not one of the last that followed you, and I should certainly have had the same fate with my companions, if the gods, who reserved me to serve you more profitably than I could have done in that encounter, had not suffered my horse to fall dead between my legs, of certain wounds he had received in the fight; by this accident I was deprived of the means of waiting upon you, and reduced to a necessity of turning back afoot into the body we had left standing upon the place of battle; I there found the dismal relics of a bloody day, and a thousand images of terror and desolation; of thirty thousand women we had brought ●rom Themiscira, we had not ten thousand remaining, the greater part whereof were wounded, and unfit for service. The enemies had lost twenty thousand men in that last battle, and those two defeats had left them only those few soldiers, who took refuge in this City, I found the Camp in an alarm, for your Majesty's absence, but it increased, when the night was come, and that they heard no news of you; a great many went scattering from their Troops in search of you, and I assure you I was none of the backwardest, but all the night having been vainly spent about it, the whole Camp was filled with cries, and an universal consternation; All the next day was bestowed in the same employment, and the remnant of the Army, divided itself into above fifty several companies to seek you. To what purpose should I detain you in this Discourse, or with the general, and my particular complaints? the third day, it was thought fit to send a trumpet hither, to learn whether you were dead, or a Prisoner; and in case you were alive, to make propositions for your liberty, which they promised to get you to ratify. I would needs go along with the trumpet; and the Law of Nations, which our enemies had not yet forgotten, gave us access to this Town, and to Neobarzanes. When they had blinded us, we were brought before him, and as soon as we opened our mouths to inquire after you, your Queen is living (said he) but her condition is little better than if she were dead; Hope not for her liberty any manner of way, and get you gone presently out of my Territories, unless you will have me violate a law that give's you some assurance amongst us. We desired permission to see our Queen, but it was refused us, and we returned from this Town without carrying any thing, but the confirmation of your life, and of your Captivity. I am not able to tell you, Madam, which was the greater in my mind, and in the minds of all your subjects, the joy to know you were alive, or the sorrow to hear you were in the power of a pitiless enemy. Yet did we prefer the latter before the former, and though the report of Neobarzanes' harsh nature, and his late losses made us in fear for you, we believed nevertheless, that if he had any knowledge, or any sens of honour, he would have such considerations both of the royal dignity, and of your beauty, as would be able to take away part of his savageness. Yet this belief made us not so confident, but that we still had terrible apprehensions, and all the Camp was in such grief and desolation, as it would be impossible for me to represent. The remainders of our Army were not in a condition to attempt your deliverance, nor to assault a Town, in which all the forces the enemy had left were shut up together. Five or six days having been wasted in fruitless deliberations, another trumpet was sent, in hope that Neobarzanes' anger might be appeased, and that he might hearken to propositions then, which in his heat he had rejected; but that Monster would not so much as see her, and forbade her, upon pain of death, to come any more within his quarters. This second refusal made us despair of so speedy a deliverance, and after new consultations, Menalippa, who commanded our forces, gave us order to disencamp and retire near some of our Towns, there to expect new supplies from Themiscira, with which it was resolved, we should attempt your deliverance, and the recovery of this City by open force. Clytaemnestra went away to hasten up the supplies which were reserved for an extremity, and we remained near Callira, whither we sent our wounded women, and gave order to recruit our troops, with all imaginable diligence. My sorrow for your being taken was so great, that I took no care, to have a slight hurt or two dressed, which I had received in the battle, but the entreaties of my friends having prevailed over my will, I was constrained to suffer the remedies that were given me, and to consent to the preservation of a life, which I could not value without you; and which I would not have kept, if the hope of your liberty had forsaken me. I will not entertain you with our employments at that Town, and will only tell you that after three weeks stay there, we heard that Clytaemnestra, whose diligence was to be admired, was already upon her march, and drawing near us with her supplies. This news raised our spirits, and we resolved to advance boldly to this City, and perish under the walls of it, or purchase the liberty of our Queen with the price of our blood. The day that our sources were augmented by that addition, being entered alone into a wood, upon the edge whereof we were encamped, to entertain my humour, which your misfortune had made pensive, and melancholy, when I had walked there awhile, I heard one that followed me call Hippolita, Hippolita! That voice made me stop, and turning toward that side where I had heard it, I saw a woman come a great pace after me, as she drew nearer, me thought I knew her face, and when she was within such a distance, that I could discern her plainly, and recall her features into my memory, I knew her (shall I tell you Madam?) I knew her to be the feigned, and the generous Orithia.  
I could not hear this discourse, and the name of Orithia without an inward trembling, nor without interrupting Hippolita▪ by crying out, O gods Hippolita, What do you tell me? I tell you a truth Madam, (answered Hippolita) Ah! Hippolita, (said I) do not abuse me, and believ that I am not able to pardon such a deceit. I deceiv you not Madam, (replied Hippolita) and if you will have but a minute's patience, this astonishment will cease, to give place to a more reasonable one. Ah! Hippolita (said I) suffer me to doubt of the truth of your report; What, is Orithia come back amongst us, when we least expected her, and when she was most necessary to me? You shall hear the truth (answered Hippolita) if you will give me leave to continue my relation: Make an end (replied I) but make an end presently, for I am no longer in a condition to lend thee quiet attention, & thou hast so surprised me, that I have scarce any sens, or underastnding left.  
I am not able Madam (pursued Hippolita) to tell you how much I was astonished at so unexpected an encounter, I was struck dumb with wonder at that sight, & though I knew Orithia to be a man, I suffered her to embrace and kiss me as she had formerly done, without defending myself against her expressions of kindness; and I confess moreover though your Majesty may blame me for it, that I could not forbear to repay her a part of them, nor to use her as that Orithia, who had been so dear to you, and to whom you had so great obligations. I was at last something ashamed at my easiness, and withdrawing myself from her embraces, Ah! Orithia (cried I) is it yourself? yes (answered Orontes) 'tis I myself, and I know you to be too dear unto my Princess, to believ, that you are now ignorant who I am. 'Tis true Orontes (said I) I know you, the Queen hath concealed nothing from me, and I am indeed the only body that can boast of that advantage. The Gods be praised, (added Orontes) 'tis with that belief I have sought you out, and that I have addressed myself to you, before I showed myself to your companions, and 'tis upon the confidence I have in your goodness, that I cast myself now into your arms, that I may find some opportunity by your means, of doing my Princess service, or of dying for her, as I have always lived for her: the Gods have preserved my life for that purpose, and have not suffered me to lose it, knowing it might yet be useful to her, to whom I have given it entirely. But, O dear Hippolita, what may I hope for from you? will you consider me as an enemy after the deceit I have used, and after the owning of a sex, against which you have so great an aversion? or will you still preserv some remainder of that goodness to me, whereof I have received so many testimonies? I was much troubled what answer I should make, both by reason I was ashamed to be so easily reconciled to a man, and to promise him my assistance, after the marks you had shown him of your anger, and by reason of my uncertainty whether you would approve of what I did; but when I remembered your last thoughts of him, your sorrow for his loss, and the affection you really bore him, and when to that remembrance, I added the consideration of those services we might receiv from him in the design of procuring your liberty, at a time when that valour, he had so often tried to your advantage, was so necessary for us; I believed I should not disserv you, in keeping him amongst us, by the hope of those good offices I might do him. This thought, was the cause that after I had been long silent, I at last replied; I will never be against you Orontes, and though my knowledge of your sex might excuse me, if I should not do what you may desire from me; yet that of your virtue which makes you dear to the whole world, and that of your ardent affection to the Queen, whereof you ought to give her proofs in a season when she hath so much need of them, oblige me particularly to serve you; I would it pleased the Gods, we were in such a condition that I might do it, but I hope we shall quickly be so by your assistance, and my hopes are strongly raised by your return. You may continue amongst us, with the same assurance as you did before your departure, you are known to no creature here but me, and if you show yourself to my companions, you will certainly be received by them as Orithia, whose memory is very dear to them, and at whose loss they were so sensibly afflicted. Orontes having returned me such thanks, as he thought due to the offers I made him, was willing to follow my counsel, and after many other discourses, the length whereof hinders me from repeating them, we went together into the Camp: As soon as he appeared there, the first that knew his face, cried out that Orithia was come again, and that report flying from one to another, was in a little time spread through the whole army. We went to Menalippa's tent, and she received her with demonstrations of friendship, and respect, which had never been rendered to any but to her, and instantly after, all the principal women of the army, running by troops to see her, received her as a Goddess sent from heaven for our assistance, and for the safety of our Queen, there was hardly one but would needs kiss her hand, and all cried out that their Queen was now as good as at liberty, since the Gods had restored Orithia to them; she spent all that day in receiving welcomes and civilities, and after Clytaemnestra's arrival with her supplies, Menalippa would have put the command of the army into her hands, but Orithia refused it very modestly, and being urged to it by the general entreaties, she was contented to share it with her. Presently they fell to consider what should be attempted for your deliverance; Men●lippa, Clytaemnestra, and myself with all the rest, were of opinion to besiege this Town, having already sufficient forces to undertake it, and knowing that the supplies Neobarzanes expected were not yet arrived, we believed this Town, being ill fortified and ill provided, might be taken by force, before their coming, which according to the distance of places, could not be very sudden. But when Orithia had harkened to our propositions; I do not doubt (said she) my valiant Companions, but that you will successfully perform what you shall undertake, and I believ this City may be as soon taken as viewed, by persons of so great courage; but friends, you do not remember, that the Queen is in our enemy's hands, and that when he see's himself brought to extremity, he will expose her first to the fury of your arrows, either to save himself, and stop the course of your arms by that consideration, or to revenge his losses upon a person whom we so dearly value. I beseech you, let us think upon her conservation, and since we have taken up arms for her alone, let us save her from a destruction, which the rage of that cruel man would make inevitable. We may more easily carry the Town by a surprise in the night, then by a form siege, and we may march in the dark so secretly, and so warily, that we may be upon the walls, before the enemies so much as suspect it. It is hard for them to have any spies amongst us, they have no women adventurous enough to take that employment, and 'twill be very difficult for men to conceal themselves amongst our forces, if all the Officers take care to look exactly amongst those under their command; by that order we shall be secure, I pray you let it be observed, and let the care of this enterprise be left to me, who with the assistance of the Gods, and of your valour, promise you an infallible success in it. All we that were of the Counsel, approved Orithia's design, and admired her prudence, we instantly resolved to follow it, and the Officers having received such Orders carefully overlooked all the women they commanded, whose faces were never so little unknown to them. After this precaution, among fifteen, or sixteen thousand, whereof our army was composed, beside those we had left wounded at Callira, Orithia chose out eight thousand for the effecting of her enterprise, leaving the rest to Clytaemnestra with order not to set forward, till three days after our departure. From the place where we were, we had four days march unto this Town, and Orithia having informed herself by those who best knew the country, in what places we might lie concealed while we were upon the way, caused our little army to take victual for six days, leaving the rest to the forces that followed us, and which were to arrive two days after us. She made provision of ladders, brush-faggots, and all necessaries for her design, and having carefully taken order for every thing, and visited all herself in person, as soon as night was come, we began to march, being guided by women of the country, who were perfectly acquainted with all the by-passages, and at break of day we made a halt in a wood far from the high ways, and on the edges of it we set forth Corpse de guard, to keep our selus from being discovered; we rested there all that day, and the night following continued our march, advancing with the same order, and the same diligence; we made a stop again as soon as day appeared, and so marching only by night, and seizing indifferently upon all persons we met, we arrived near this Town, two hours within the fifth night; it was neither very clear, nor very cloudy, but dark enough to favour our approach, and light enough to give us the means to know, and discern objects, as much as was necessary. When we were within a few furlongs of the Town, we met some scouts which the enemy had abroad, but they were so surprised by ours, who had prepared themselves for that encounter, that it was impossible for them to get away, and carry news unto the Town, of our arrival. After they were all killed, or taken, and that Orithia by those that escaped the fury of our women, had learned how the Town-guards were ordered, and how little care Neobarzanes' love had left him for the conservation of the place, she divided the army into four bodies, giving the first to Menalippa, the second to Arethusa, and the third to Amalthea, keeping the fourth herself, with a design to storm the Town in four several places; Menalippa had order to give the alarm on her side, which was that we came in, to draw the enemies thither▪ while Orithia took a compass to fall on at her post, and while Amal●hea, and Arethusa drew off to the right, and left hand, to make their assaults where they were appointed. You know that the situation of this Town, which she had formerly taken herself, was not unknown to her, and that she was acquainted with all the avenues, and the weakest places; for my part I desired to fight near her, and leaving commands to them of riper years, I kept inseparably with her. All things were executed as she had given directions, Menalippa came up boldly to the Town, and being presently discovered by the sentinels, gave a very hot alarm; faggots were instantly thrown into the moat, and some ladders clapped to the walls, which (as it was believed it would) made the greatest part of the soldiers that were within run withal speed unto that place: when Menalippa had engaged them in fight, she followed the order that had been given her, and knowing that place whither most of the enemy's forces were drawn, would be too difficult to be entered, before the rest were assaulted, she managed the business discreetly, and contented herself with holding them in play, and drawing them thither more and more, without running on headlong to no purpose. In the mean time we arrived at our post, and Orithia causing the moat to be filled up in little time, and finding the curtain almost quite unmanned, she set a ladder herself, and scaled the walls with her sword in her hand, as proud Capaneus, that despiser of the Gods, and of their thunder, did at the siege of Thebes; or as ambitious Briareus climbed mountains heaped upon one another to defeat the Gods. We followed her with a resolution little different from her, and endeavoured to imitate a valour, whereof in spite of darkness, she gave us a thousand proofs. The place where we fell on, was not so unfurnished of soldiers to defend it, but that we found a stout resistance; yet Orithia's courage overcame all difficulties, and after a combat obstinately disputed, many ladders beaten down under her, and a shower of stones and arrows, sustained upon her cask, and upon her shield, she got to the top of the wall, and laying hold of one of the battlements threw herself lightly up; then instantly by a cry of victory, inviting us to follow her, she struck a terror into the hearts of our enemies, and presently after sent death amongst them, both by the blows of her sword, and by the falls she gave them, from the top of the walls into the street; as soon as they saw her, accompanied with a small number of us, they lost courage, and leaping down themselves, or flying away in disorder, left the wall without defence, and gave the rest of our women leisure to get up without any opposition; within a short space all our Brigade was in the Town, and Orithia marching at the head of us all bloody, led us to those places, where there was yet any resistance, and charging the enemies in the rear, carried utter destruction, and despair amongst them. Why should I keep you in a needless relation? the victory was ours on all sides, and Menalippa having opened herself a way by our assistance, Amalthea, and Arethusa found little opposition, and were quickly gotten into the Town. Then it was, the streets began to be overflowed with blood, and that our women glutted themselves with the revenge they so eagerly had thirsted after. All the men were put to the sword, nor was it in Orithia's power to save them from the fury of our Viragoes, that was all her business, when she found they no longer resisted, and though your interest had stirred up a most violent anger in her, she could not behold those spectacles of cruelty, without being touched with much compassion. She enquired every where for you, and promised pardon aloud, to whosoever could bring her where you were; no body harkened to her amidst those cries, that horror, and their first apprehensions; but coming to save the life of one who seemed to be an Officer, Madam. (said he) in requital of your goodness, I will do you a considerable service; come presently along with me, if you will prevent the death of your Queen, whom desperate Neobarzanes, is going to kill with his own hands, if you run not instantly to rescue her. Orithia enraged as a Lioness, at this news, followed the man, and promising him excessive rewards, if she could save you by his means, was speedily guided to this house, and got into your chamber time enough, to do you a service of the same nature with those you had already received from her.  
Scarce did I give Hippolita leisure to make an end of this discourse, but cried out, O Gods! Hippolita, what dost thou tell me? was it Orontes then, to whom I am yet once more indebted for my life, was it Orontes himself, whom I saw do so many wonders for my safety, at the head of our women, and was it Orontes, who projected, managed, and executed this enterprise? 'Twas even Orontes himself (answered Hippolita) nor had he vanished from your sight without making himself known, but for fear of displeasing you, after the rigorous commands you had laid upon him; believing, unfortunate man, that he had not done enough for the expiation of his crime; he came only to save you, not to present himself to you, and though your kind remors, and last inclinations were not unknown to him, he durst not hazard himself in that presence, from whence you had banished him for ever. How, Hippolita (replied I extremely moved) are not my last inclinations unknown to him, and from whom did he learn them? From me Madam (answered she coldly) to whom you imparted them. What, (said I, raising my voice with an angry tone) have you then told Orontes, my sorrow for his absence, and the affection which I really have born him since his departure? It is true Madam (answered Hippolita) that I told him all, to comfort him in his affliction, and to animate him in an enterprise upon which your safety depended; the fidelity of his love, touched me with a since of pity, and I believed I ought no longer to conceal his happiness from him who gave us his life so liberally. I am not able Sr, to represent the trouble, these words produced in me, nor how much I was ashamed to see my passion discovered. It was impossible for me to dissemble it, and looking upon Hippolita with an angry eye, Ah! thou indiscreet, and disloyal wench (cried I) is this the care thou hast of my reputation, and hast thou made this use of a secret wherewith I so freely trusted thee? hast thou thus fixed an eternal reproach upon my days, and wilt thou make me blush for ever, for a fault which I discovered to none but thee alone? Ah! never hope for pardon from me, nor let him for whom thou hast dishonoured me, ever expect any, for the confusion he makes me suffer by his imprudence; this last service might have obtained it, both for his disobedience, and for his former faults; but my reputation, whereof thou hast been so lavishly prodigal, forbids ever to see him any more, who not content to have displeased me by his love, to have deceived me by his disguise, and to have disobeyed me by his return, hath known to my shame that he had made me sigh, that he had made me in love, and that he had made me foolish; Ah! no Hippolita, let him never come before me again; if he be innocent of thy fault, he is guilty of mine, and I am resolved yet once more to banish him, who to aggravate all his crimes, hath learned from thy mouth, that I loved him; I had rather put myself again into the condition from which he hath delivered me, then be obliged to see him, because I am engaged to him for my life; go thy ways therefore indiscreet Hippolita, go and repair thy fault, by forbidding him to see me, and resolve either to free me from his sight, or to absent thyself from mine for ever. I ended these words, with so loud a voice, that they were easily to be heard into the next chambers; and Hippolita, who knew my weakness, and my first motions very well, seemed but little moved with them, and when she had heard me patiently, of a sudden putting her handkerchief to her eyes, Ah! Madam, (said she) how lawful is your anger; and 'tis with a great deal of justice, the Gods have taken away this unfortunate man from your resentment; 'tis well for him the destinies have called him hence, since, after so many services you prepared him so unworthy a compence; be no longer offended Madam, be no longer in choler against that unhappy man; he is rather in a condition to draw tears from you, than imprecations, and the death he hath newly suffered for you, secure's him from all your anger, and satisfie's you for all the offences you have received from him. I was so troubled at this discourse, that I could not permit the continuation of it, and turning suddenly toward Hippolita, How, (said I) Hippolita, is Orontes dead? He is, Madam, (answered Hippolita sadly) and with my own eyes I saw him breathe out his life, of those wounds he received, for your deliverance; his blood hath washed away our common faults, and his last words, were the first he spoke to me, to assure you that he died yours, and that he died with glory, and satisfaction, since he was so happy as to die for you. These words went so near me, that I lost both since and knowledge, and my strength forsaking me, I remained cold, and in a swoon in Hippolyta's arms, she would not call in help, but running to water that stood in my chamber, threw so much of it in my face, that she fetched my spirits again; no sooner did I open my eyes, and my mouth, but I employed them in tears, and cries, and not believing myself longer in an estate to dissemble my grief, or rather my despair, I did all the actions, and spoke all the words that could be expected from those who are most deeply touched with it. Dear Orontes (cried I) art thou dead then, and doth this wretched woman, who is indebted to thee for two lives, survive thy death? Hast thou yielded up that faithful soul, which my ingratitude was not able to repuls from an affection I had so little deserved, and didst thou return from these places whither my cruelty had confined thee, to accompany the life thou regavest me, with the loss of thine own? Ah! cruel, if there were a necessity of thy dying, why diedst thou not far from hence, and of some death unknown to me; and why camest thou, to open those wounds again, by this last effect of thy love, which time had already half closed up; I had suffered enough for thee before, and yet wouldst thou aggravate my sorrows by the last my heart was capable to feel? Yes, dear Orontes, this shall be the last of all my afflictions, and if by my ingratitude I have made myself unworthy of thy love, I will testify to thee by my death, that I am not insensible of that affection, wherewith thou may'st lawfully upbraid me. I accompanied these words with so many sighs, that one must have been extreme hardhearted, not to be moved with some compassion; but Hippolita used reproaches to me, in stead of consolations, and abusing the affection I bore her, you are to blame, Madam, (said she) to afflict yourself for a thing you had before decreed, and whereof the Gods have saved you the labour; 'tis much better that Orontes died of his wounds, then if you had killed him yourself, after this last service he hath done you; a second banishment would certainly have been his death; you are at least exempt from those complaints, which you must justly have expected from him, and you ought not to bewail the loss of that, which perchance you would refuse yet, if the Gods would restore it you. I took these words very ill from Hippolita, and looking sidewaies upon her, Cruel girl (said I) renew not my sorrows by thy reproaches; and since thou givest me my death by a recital, which thou mightst have disguised from me, prepare thyself to see me part from thee for ever; thou couldst have concealed, not only Orithia's death, but even her return also, if thou hadst been so minded; but since thou were't willing her death should be known to me, thou ought'st likewise to be willing I should accompany her to her grave; never speak word to me therefore of consolation, but represent my ingratitude to me, if thou canst, in a blacker, and more hideous form, to make my death the more sorrowful, and the more painful. Since Orontes is dead, I make this last true confession, that I loved him, and yet love his memory, more than myself, and though thy indiscretion made me something displeased with him, his last services, and my own inclination were able to have reconciled me, and I should without doubt have pardoned all, to my dear deliverer, to my dear Orithia, or rather to that dearer half of my own heart. Pardon her then Madam (said a voice which I heard at my bed's head) pardon this happy Orithia, who despise's all other wounds, since she can die of nothing but of love. These words, and the tone of the voice that spoke them, made me cast my eyes toward the place whence they came, and turning about I saw Orithia upon her knees, close by the other side of my bed. At this second surprise I was almost like to have fainted, as I had done at the former, and I was instantly assaulted with such different motions, that I remained in a manner void of understanding. I was as sensible of joy for Orontes his life, as it was fit in reason I should be, but I was so vexed to have been so maliciously deceived by Hippolita, and so out of countenance, for having so openly declared a passion so full of violence, to Orontes, that my shame and anger wanted not much of equalling my satisfaction; I was two or three several times ready to break forth into indignation, both against Orontes, and against Hippolita, to punish their last deceits, by an eternal banishment, and my own imprudence by the most sensible displeasure I could possibly receiv. My mouth was open, to pronounce that last sentence to Orontes, but my inclination, strengthened by the last service he had rendered me, was too powerful to suffer it, and being likewise too weak to overcome my shame, and to declare myself more openly, I continued in these terms, and those two passions being equally suspended, kept me irresolute, silent and unmoveable. In the interim Orontes being still upon his knees, and not daring to lift up his eyes toward my face, made an end of overcoming me by his words. I come not, Madam, (said he) to draw any advantage from a confession you have made in favour of me: besides, that that happiness was above my hopes, I have made myself unworthy of it by my deceits, and by my disobedience; but my deceits have not wanted punishment, though they might justly have been exempted, because they wanted not excuse; nor is my disobedience without some pretence, since that I might not fail in performing the command wherewith you forbade me ever to see you again upon your territories, I have stayed till you were upon your enemies, before I presented myself unto you; not that I am innocent, Madam, I confess I am truly guilty, since I have offended you so many ways, and my services are too highly rewarded by those tears, which the opinion of my death hath drawn from your fair eyes, all my blood is not of sufficient value to repay them, and a thousand lives, if the Gods had given me so many, could not acquit me of any part of so high an obligation; I come to submit the remainder of that one I have, to the remainder of your displeasure. I come to lay at your feet that life which shall never be but yours, and I will leave it there for your satisfaction, rather than languish it out in absence from you: Envy me not the felicity the gods have granted me, and be not angry, that from the mouth of Hippolita, and from your own, I have learned that you have had some since of my misfortunes; 'tis a happiness, which only your goodness, and the purity of my affection could procure me, but 'tis also a happiness, whereof I will never make myself unworthy by my actions, and which I will receive as a mercy which I had neither deserved nor pretended to. He said a great deal more, and I gave him leisure enough, being in a confusion, which made me unable to reply, and which scarce would suffer me to look upon him; I floated a long time very much unresolved, and was in a conflict between love and shame, which did not trouble me a little, and which put Orontes into no small perplexity: but alas! I had so great an inclination to him, he had so many ways obliged me, and accompanied his words with such a grace, that at last I delivered up my arms, and putting forth my hand to him, with a blush which bashfulness cast upon my face, you have got the victory Orontes (said I) but abuse not your conquest, and spare my mouth a more ample confession. Gratitude, pity, and even my inclination, forced these words from me; but I was so out of countenance when I had spoken them, that not having the confidence to look upon him, I turned my head on the other side, while Orontes, ravished with his fortune, imprinted a thousand kisses upon my hand which I had given him, and by words full of rapture, expressed the violence of his passion; but I could not settle myself, nor digest the fault which I committed, and notwithstanding the joy which his recovery, and his constancy caused in me, when I remembered that it was a man, to whom I granted that advantage; I who above all other women had particular reasons to hate them, who ought to have fled from them by the example of all my predecessors, and who could not suffer them without the violation of our laws, and the loss of my Dominions, or without quitting the resolution I had taken to exempt myself from the immodesty of our customs, I was in such a perplexity, and confusion as you can hardly imagine. In the end I made an attempt to overcome my shame, and to get out of that deep abashment; and while Orontes upon his knees continued to make protestations of an eternal fidelity, with more transport, than coherence in his discourse, I turned towards him, and pulling back my hand, which I had let him hold till then, I spoke to him on this manner. I know not Orontes, which way I should carry myself to you; nor in what terms I can declare the condition of my soul. After what you have heard from my own mouth, I can no longer say you are indifferent to me; but if this accident, and Hippolyta's indiscretion, had not laid open my thoughts, you should never have known them; and if my sens of the obligations I have to you, had not been as powerful in my heart, as my inclination, I should never have consented to see you, after your knowledge of my weakness; it is now but too much discovered to you, and I would it pleased the Gods, that with the power I had over myself before, I had lost a life which I can no longer preserv in its first estate, and in its first innocence; not that this affection, wherewith I recompense the effects of yours, and which I can no more dissemble, hath any thing in it impure, or unbeseeming an ordinary virtue; but yet it is very faulty, since it overthrow's our laws, crosse's the last commands of the Queen my Mother; and in short, reduce's me to such terms, that I neither know what I ought to do, nor what will become of me. The Gods who have suffered the birth of it, shall, if they pleas, take that care of its progress, which I give over to them, and will acknowledge, since they are all just and clear-sighted, that I cannot keep to the strictness of our laws, without offending more natural, and more ancient ones, which they have established amongst us; nor be an exact Amazon, without being an unsensible and an ungrateful woman. I desire you also Orontes, to consider it, and to be so careful not to make an ill use of the fault you cause me to commit, that I never may have any occasion to repent it. I ended these words with so much confusion, that I scarce knew what I did, and Orontes received them with so great show of joy, that of a long time he was not able to answer me otherwise, then in that confused language wherewith he had already entertained me, and which gave me a fuller assurance of his passion, than the most eloquent expressions could have done; but when he had a little recovered that first inward trouble, he spoke to me on this manner. The gods are my witnesses, Madam, that I arrive this day at that supreme degree of happiness, which I never proposed unto myself as other, than a prize above any reasonable hope, and that I would not change a part of my fortune for all the advantages of theirs; and I conjure them also to throw me down headlong from this glory, to which your goodness raise's me, if since I had the honour to serve you, I ever cherished, or considered my life, for any other reason, then because 'twas yours, and if ever either fears, or difficulties have alienated my thoughts from you for a moment. Both in my first felicities, and in my last misfortunes, I always looked upon you as my only Divinity, and as my Divinity justly provoked to wrath, and I consider you now as her who equally shows both the power and the goodness, of that Divine nature. Continue therefore to be all good, as you shall ever be all powerful, and if you think you are guilty of any fault in having abased yourself to a person so little worthy of your affection, think also that if any excess be pardonable, 'tis that of goodnesses; from that alone will I receive all your favours, and not from an acknowledgement to which you are not obliged toward him, whose services were all requited, by the glory of having done you them. I consider with you the greatness of what you have done for me, and the obstacles the heavens oppose against my highest happiness; but since they have hitherto favoured me with such extraordinary mercies, they will likewise assist me to the end, and I from them hope for a conclusion of my love, as fortunate as the beginnings of it have been wonderful; be but you pleased, Madam, not to oppose what they shall do for me, (provided neither your virtue nor your dignity be engaged) and suffer me to live with you as Orithia, till they shall produce occasions whereby I may hope for a final change of my condition; I will live near you with all the respect Orontes owes unto Thalestris, from which Orithia, by your consent, has sometimes been excused, and briefly I will remember I am Orontes, that I may no longer pretend to those favours, which you heretofore granted to Orithia. Orontes made an end of these words without stirring from the posture in which he had still continued, and I found in them so much love, so much respect, and (if I dare say so) so much justice, that I could refuse him nothing he demanded. I should be too tedious in my story, if I should repeat all our discourses upon that subject, the whole morning was spent in them, and at last I consented he should stay with me under the habit of Orithia, since his age might yet suffer him for some time, upon condition he should content himself with seeing me, and talking with me, without hoping for greater favours. After this permission, he appeared so well satisfied, that he could hardly contain his joy, and having endeavoured to express it a thousand ways, he begged my pardon for the deceit of Hippolita; I was no longer able to refuse it him, but granted it, after a gentle reproof. When we had conversed a great while, I desired that Orontes, in stead of the feigned adventures he formerly had told me, would then relate the truth of those that had befallen him, as well before our acquaintance, as since our separation. As soon as I expressed that curiosity, he was ready to obey me, and sitting down by my bedside, began thus:  
I shall not need to tell you again Madam, that my name is Orontes, nor that I am Prince of the Massagets, and Nephew to the King of Scythia, upon whom that Province depends; You know these truths already; and concerning my birth, I have nothing more to inform you. Neither will I enlarge myself in the particulars of my infancy, which are not at all considerable, and whereof the recital would be troublesome and impertinent; I will only say that I was bred up in the Court of the King my Uncle, with his Son Orandates, a young Prince whom the heavens have endowed with all the advantageous qualities they can bestow, and who (if the effect answer to those hopes he hath already given, and to the beginnings of his life) must needs be now one of the most accomplished men upon the earth. I was constantly with him all the time I lived among the Scythians, and having been an inseparable companion in all his exercises, I was so likewise of his first actions, and was so happy as to receiv all the proofs of his friendship I could desire; to say the truth I bore him such an affection as would not suffer me to part from him, and having no father whose authority could recall me from the Court of the King my Uncle, I there spent my younger years with a great deal of pleasure and satisfaction, and was not yet sixteen, when the King having raised a mighty Army to go against Darius, who had passed the Araxis with two hundred thousand men, took his Son along with him in that expedition: I was too firmly tied to him, and already too emulous of glory, to stay behind at Issedon while he went to the wars, wherefore I departed with the whole Court, and the King putting me (as young as I was) as the head of the Forces of my Country, gave me leave to begin my apprenticeship under him. I will not relate the particulars of that war, there were two battles given, whereof the advantage was uncertain, and the lost exceeding great on both sides; There passed many encounters, and many skirmishes, and in those occasions Orondates and I made our first essays, for his part he did things whose memory still lasts, and will for ever among the Scythians; and I may say without vanity, that in my beginnings I had success enough, and gained some reputation. In the end Darius weakened by the decay of his forces, which were wasted by fight and by sickness, repassed the Araxis over many bridges of boats which he caused to be provided; and King Matheus gave order we should pass it after him, and make the seat of the war in his territories. I was one of the forwardest to obey him, and marching at the head of my troops, I engaged myself with them in that passage, where I suffered (as it hath since proved) a happy shipwreck, and died in the opinion of all those that knew me. Scarce had I crossed part of the river, when the boats whereof our bridge was composed, being broke loose from one another, the planks sunk under us, and the foremost of my men fell with me into the stream, which as I believ devoured a great many of them. The weight of my arms, though they were not very heavy, carried me to the bottom, and within a while after the force of the water brought me up again; I had learned to swim from my very childhood, and endeavoured to make use of that skill to save myself. It fortuned that I was armed that day rather for show, and easiness, than service; and scorning arms of better proof, I had only a little Morion set with sto●es, and a thin back and breast enriched on the same fashion; that lightness of my arms was a great help to my safety, and though they were heavy enough to trouble and hinder me very much in my swimming, yet did they not drown me, as without question those would have done which I wore commonly upon service. I no sooner saw myself above water, but I instantly employed the strength of my arms, and of my breath, to reach the nearest bank; but the river was so broad, and so rapid, that after having vainly attempted it, I lost the hope of getting thither, and feeling my strength and my breath fail me, so that I was not able to struggle against the violence of the waves, I suffered myself to be carried away by the current without resistance, and swum with more eas, but with less hope of safety; after I had striven a while longer for my life, my arms were so tired, that they refused me their assistance, and the heaviness of my wet clothes and of my armour, being no longer supportable, sunk me often to the bottom, and made me swallow a great deal of water. I had nevertheless this happiness that my senses forsook me not in that extremity; and being at that time exempt from all those passions that can make one hate, or despise his life, I had no other thought but how I might save mine. I was already in despair of it, and was hardly able to stir any longer, when I was justled by something that beat me under water, and presently after coming up again, and casting my arms on every side, I met with a piece of wood, which I catched at with all the strength I had left, and joining my right hand to my left, rather through instinct, than reason, I laid hold of the edge of a board, and by that help got my head and shoulders out of the water. Though that I had drunk in, had taken away part of my understanding, yet had I so much still as to observe I held by one of the boats of the bridge, which being untied from the rest, was carried down the stream; I hung fast upon the edge of it along while, not having strength enough to get into it, but when I had rested a while in that posture, and recovered breath, I made a shift to raise myself a little, and recalling all the vigour I had left, I escaped out of the water, and got into the boat; as soon as I was there, not being able so much as to stand upon my legs, I lay all along, and giving myself over to the conduct of the gods, and to the current of the river, I began to take breath after my long struggling, and to cast up part of the water I had swallowed; within a little after it grew night, and that hindered me from seeing the banks, or the way I went. The river being very impetuous carried me away exceeding swiftly, and having neither oar to row unto the side, nor strength to make use of it, though I should have had one, I was necessitated to let it follow the course of the stream, at the pleasure of my destiny, till the return of day, and of my strength; I was so extremely weakened that a good part of the night was spent before I was able to stand upon my feet; but besides my weariness, I suffered very mu●h in many other respects, the wetness and coldness of my clothes, which I was fain to endure all the night, together with excessive pains in my head and my stomach, caused by the water which was got into my belly, and which I could not well get up again, brought me to fainting, wherein I was like to have died for want of help. In the mean time the boat went down very fast, and the night was not quite spent, before I was above six hundred furlongs from the place where I fell in. At last the day appeared, and with it my hopes returned, and some part of my strength, I sat up, and looking about toward the banks on both sides, could see no body; I was carried away in the same manner above an hour longer, and in the end I perceived the smoke of a few chimneys, and casting my eyes toward the shore on the side of Persia, I saw certain men walking; the sun was already risen, and the day being fair, and clear, they easily discovered my boat; I got up with much ado, and judging I was too far off to be heard, besides, that the nois of the waves would not suffer my voice to reach to the bank, I lift up my hands as high as I could, and then bringing them down again with a beseeching action, I continued a long time begging help from them by signs. In the end they understood them, and two men getting into a little boat, which was tied to their bank, began to come strait toward me; as they drew nearer I redoubled my signs, and though I was carried down very swiftly, they rowed so hard that they quickly overtook me; They laid hold of my boat, and taking me into theirs, turned back to the shore from whence they came: we there found a venerable old man, who judging by my habit that I was of quality, received me with a great deal of respect, and affection; I with a few words in their language which I spoke reasonably well, gave him thanks for the obligation I had to them, and promised them all the requital they could expect from a grateful person; but the old man who was unwilling to oblige me to the halves, seeing me benumbed with cold, and that I was hardly able to stand, caused the two men who had brought me to land, to take me under the arms, and lead me to his house, which was not above a hundred paces from the place where we were. I was presently gotten to bed, and the good old man having observed the richness of my arms, caused them to be carefully locked up in my chamber, for fear the stones that were set in them, should tempt some of his servants; when I was in bed he felt my pulls, and found me in a violent fever, and though I was of a reasonable strong constitution, I had laboured so extremely to save myself, and had suffered so much by being cold, and wet all night, that I think it not strange if my health was thereby impaired. My charitable friend sent to the next Town, for Physicians to undertake my cure, and assured me that he would be as careful of me himself, as if I were his own son. The effects were answerable to his promises, and during all my sickness, which was long and dangerous, I was waited upon as if I had been in my own house, and amongst my most affectionate kindred; The good old man visited me as often as I could admit him without inconveniency; and he gave me his assistance so civilly, and so courteously, that I shall never forget such powerful obligations. He was a man of no inconsiderable quality, who having spent his youth in the war with much esteem and reputation, was in his age retired to that house, the situation, and building whereof was very pleasant, and wherein he lived so quietly, that he scarcely heard so much as the noise of arms; his discretion was such that he never asked me my name nor my country, and I made no great haste to tell him them, fearing he would fall off from his affection, and good usage, when he should once know me to be an enemy to his nation. This doubt kept me from sending my own party word what was become of me, not having any body whom I durst trust with such a message, and I resolved to stay there till I were recovered, without saying any thing, since the gods had made me fall into the hands of so charitable persons. I will not hold you, Madam, in the tedious relation of my sickness, nor how I passed my time while it forced me to keep my bed; all my thoughts which since have nobly changed their nature, were then bend upon nothing but the recovery of my health; I will only tell you, that I kept my bed above six weeks, and that of a month after I was not able to get on horseback, nor to endure the hardship of a journey. As soon as I began to walk about my chamber, my Landlord, whose name was Araspes, often afforded me his company, and being of a gentle conversation, he made me pass many days delightfully enough. Although he enquired but little after the armies, yet being but a small day's journey from them, and having two sons there, he often heard news from thence; I had been almost two months in his house, when he told me the Scythian army was repassing the Araxis, to return home, and that the Persians were retiring also. This news troubled me very much, seeing myself left behind alone in a strange country, and that within our enemy's dominions; but I was comforted by my knowledge of Araspes his virtue, whom I believed so generous, that he would not alter his former usage, though he should come to know me. When I was able to leave my chamber, he carried me up and down his house, the lodgings whereof were very fair, and the symmetry skilfully composed. One day, which I ought to call the first of my life, though it was the first of my pains, and of those happy sufferings for which I now see myself so gloriously rewarded, the good old Araspes led me into a gallery beautified with divers pictures, after having viewed many rare ones that hung on the one side, we turned to the other, where were the pictures of certain women drawn by the life, which presently attracted my sight, and admiration; I asked Araspes the names of those fair Ladies; you may see them all at the bottom of their pictures, (said he) and to inform you how they came into my hands, know that I have a son in Darius his army, who hath done nothing but travel from his childhood; there are few Provinces in the world, which his curiosity hath not made him visit, and because that among some of those qualities the gods have given him, he is reasonable good at painting, he takes care to draw the pictures of the fairest, and most considerable Ladies of those places where he made any stay; and of those whose pictures he could not take himself, he found means to get them of the most excellent painters in their several countries, and at his return he dressed up this gallery with them as you see. This discourse invited me to look more intentively upon the faces of those eminent persons, and casting my eyes upon the meanest, I saw a Lady full of Majesty, and in whom notwithstanding the number of her years, one might observe remainders of an excellent beauty, and underneath Sysigambis Queen of Persia. From that venerable person I turned unto the next, in whose face I found a great deal of handsomeness, and an● extraordinary sweetness, by the reading of her name, I found it was Statira Queen of Persia, wife to Darius. A little below these two Queens, I looked upon two faces, whose beauties were as different as brown and fair can be, yet in that difference agreed to appear equally the Masterpieces of the gods, who never form any thing fuller of perfection, and if the Painter flattered them not, 'twas necessary to confess that Nature had set forth all her skill in the making of those two admirable structures; I was not so far dazzled with the sight of them, but that I read their names, and saw they were Statira and Parisatis Princesses of Persia. After these I saw Barsina the Daughter of Artabasus, Roxana the Daughter of Cohortanus, and Aspasia the Daughter of King Occhus, and of a great many other Persian Ladies. Araspes and his son had placed those of their own country first, and next to them I saw a Lady whose stately presence, and sparkling eyes witnessed the ambition of her mind, and the vivacity of her wit, it was Olymphas. Queen of Macedonia, and by her Cleopatra her rival and Mistress to King Philip the father of Alexander. When I had considered the countenances of these Ladies, I beheld two whom I instantly knew, and whom the Painter had very justly ranked among the fairest of all the world; they were Berenice Princess of Scythia, and Stratonice Princess of the Issedons, I was much pleased with the sight of a person to whom I had the honour to be very near, and looking heedfully upon her, I judged by the resemblance of that picture to the true Berenice, that the Painter was excellent in his art, and that without question he had made the rest very like who were unknown to me. After these I saw Ada Queen of Caria, and Cleopha Princess of the Massegnes, and truly I observed in those two Princesses all the features of an exact beauty; but I fixed my eye more earnestly upon the face of a woman armed at all points, and who discovering only a part of it through the beaver of her Cask which was set up, showed me all the lineaments of a pleasing fierceness, and of a look able to imprint both fear and respect; The extraordinary fashion of her habit, caused an impatience in me to know her name, which I saw to be Minothea, Queen of the Amazons, after I had read that, I kept my eyes a while upon her; but O gods! scarce had I taken them off, when I cast them upon the picture of my divine Thalestris; your age seemed not to be above thirteen, or fourteen, and yet you were armed as the Queen your Mother, except your head, which was quite uncovered, and whose fair hair hung down in long tresses upon your shoulders, and so to the bottom of your coat of arms. One of your hands was laid upon a table, where your helmet stood, and in the other you held a dart, the point whereof rested upon one of your feet, I will not tell you what my thoughts were of you at that time, being you are not ignorant what they have been since, nor will I describe the beauty I found in a picture, whereof by the favour of the gods, and by your goodness, I may contemplate, and admire the Original; but I will unfaignedly assure you, that from that very moment I began to be yours, and to frame designs to serve you, all the other beauties, though they had drawn my admiration, had not yet won my affection; and I looked upon them with an indifference, which I could no longer keep, when I beheld you: 'Tis true my passion settled not itself in my heart with violence at the first, nor do I believ a picture able to beget love so powerfully, but in effect I in my opinion preferred you far before all the rest, and I thought I should be most happy, if I could find the occasions to see you, and serve you. I had often heard talk of your customs, and judging that a man could not introduce himself amongst you without much danger, and difficulty, I desired to know of Araspes which way his son had gotten your pictures, since men were so strictly forbidden to enter into your territories For all that, answered Araspes, this venturous boy lived many months among them, where his youth, and a woman's habit, wherewith he was disguised, made him pass for one of their sex, and gave him all the facility he could desire to satisfy his foolish curiosity. Araspes had no sooner said thus to me, but I presently form a confused, unsettled design of what I after executed, and when I had discoursed a while longer with him, of what he had learned from his son concerning your customs, and the severity of your laws, I retired into my chamber. After that time I saw that lovely picture every day, and when I was from it, the remembrance of that object troubled my mind, and caused some disquietness in me. I resisted a long while, and endeavoured by divers arguments to oppose the birth of my affection; but either the force of my destiny, or the fancy of my youth carried it against the consideration of all difficulties; and knowing that our army was returned into Scythia, and that there was no hope of overtaking it; I having no passion, nor powerful reason to recall me into my own country, resolved to play a trick of youth, and take a turn into your dominions, to see whether the Painter had not flattered you, and whether the beauties of your mind, were correspondent to those of your body. Since Araspes his son (said I to myself) hath dared it, and executed it, what should hinder me from undertaking it; shall I have less courage, and less cunning than he, and shall not I do that for so lovely a Princess, which he did to satisfy an unprofitable curiosity? What reason oblige's me to return into Scythia, and what reason forbids me to form myself in foreign countries, to many things which are befitting persons of my quality? am I of an age to make a retreat, and to do nothing but after a mature deliberation? No, no, Orontes, 'tis a shame to fear, thou must be bold, and hazard something, thou art of an age wherein follies are pardonable, and if thou foreseest any difficulty in thy enterprise, thou shalt also gain glory by overcoming it; if thou must needs love, 'tis best to love something great, and extraordinary, the gods favour adventurous designs, and they have given thee spirit enough to drive all obstacles before thee. In this resolution I waited for my perfect health, and for the recovery of my strength, and when I felt myself in such a condition, that I might undertake the voyage within a while, I was willing to repay the kindness I had received from Araspes, by a trust to which he had sufficiently obliged me; his discretion had been very remarkable, in hiding the desire it was probable he might have to know me, and I thought that without being ingrateful I could no longer conceal myself from him, nor distrust a man to whom I was indebted for my life. To that end being one day alone with him in my chamber, after some other discourse. Father (said I) I were the most unworthy of all men living, if I ever should lose the remembrance of your favours, and I were most ingrateful, and uncivil if any fear, or any consideration should withhold me from paying what I owe you, I confess I am obliged to you for my life, but I must let you know that your generosity is yet more commendable than you imagine; and that in thinking to save a man, you have saved an enemy to your country, and one of those who came to bring the war into your territories. Yes, Araspes, I am a Scythian, and not to frustrate you of those advantages you may hope for by this encounter, I will tell you that I am born a Prince; after the obligations I have to you, I will not make you lose the rights you have upon your Prisoner: I am so, Araspes and I protest to you by all the gods, that I will not depart from you without your permission, and that if you restore me my liberty, I will pay you my ransom with all the acknowledgement you can hope for from a Prince, whom you have delivered from death. Araspes was astonished at this discourse, as he showed by some alteration that appeared in his countenance, but his virtue was not shaken by it, and having looked upon me with more respect than he had formerly; Sir, (said he) though I had known all this, before those small services I have done you, it should not have diminished any thing of that affection wherewith I did them, but would only have obliged me to render more exactly, what is due to a person of your quality. I will never consider you as a Prisoner, nor as an enemy, neither will I pretend to any other advantage by this encounter then the glory of having served a virtuous Prince, and one who vouchsafe's to acknowledge it. After these words he spoke many others so full of generosity, that I was troubled at my being so little able to requite him. We had a long contestation, and seeing I could not overcome his civility, I took my arms out of a trunk whereof he had delivered me the key, as soon as he saw me something better; the stones wherewith they were enriched, were worth above thirty talents, and having then nothing to offer him in requital of his kindnesses, I, with very affectionate entreaties, prayed him to accept them, but he obstinately refused, and dissuaded me with powerful reasons, that I was compelled to moderate my present, and to keep back part of what I offered him; I will never stir from hence, while I live (said I) unless you take something of that I present you; That son, whose curiosity is so praiseworthy, shall for my sake one day wear this curass which I give him, and since you will limit the liberality of a Prince, far from his own country, and who perchance may suffer some want in a journey he means to undertake, be pleased to send one of your servants to the Town to sell some of the stones of my Ca●k, and to buy me a horse, and arms of lower price; 'tis the only means I have to furnish myself for a youthful voyage which I will make you acquainted with before my departure. Notwithstanding all the reasons Araspes could allege, to put off the present I urged upon him, yet was he constrained to accept it, with protestations to keep it for ever to him and his, as a mark of my excessive acknowledgement, and of the good fortune he had to serve me. I told him my name, my quality, and the accident that had brought me into his hands, and then the desire I had, to take a different way from that of our army, and to go by his son's example, to visit the Amazons, whose Princess had touched me with an earnest longing to know her more particularly; he argued against that design with very specious reasons, and represented those dangers which ought to have dissuaded me, but when he found I was wilfully bend upon it, and that he strove in vain to divert me, he would not suffer me to undertake that voyage alone, but told me his youngest son should accompany me, since he was then at home, and that his age was capable of a disguise like mine. I received this offer very joifully, and being extremely satisfied with the behaviour, and virtue of that young man, I embraced him as the future companion of my adventures, and gave way that his father should command him to go and take order for our equipage, he carried my cask to the next Town, and returned the day after with handsome arms, two good horses, and eight talents in gold. I gave four of them to the servants that had waited on me during my sickness, and left the other four to Lascaris, (that was the name of the youth who was to go along with me) to defray our expenses. I had also some rings of good value, which I reserved for my utmost necessities. After having taken this order for my departure, I took leave of good Araspes, to whom I made a thousand protestations of an everlasting friendship, and of a perfect requital of his favours, in the person of his son, and of all that had any relation to him, if it were in my power to oblige them. He shed tears at our going away, and accompanied us with wishes, and prayers for our prosperity. We went on this manner from his house, and took our way through Hyrcania, and Bactriana. Not to trouble you with the particulars of my voyage, which are of no consequence, I crossed over unknown countries without any considerable adventure, and during all my journey, I entertained myself with the pleasing remembrance your picture had left me. I sometimes thought with myself, that perchance the Painter had flattered you, that perhaps I might find you very different from your picture, this thought did not a little perplex me, but when I remembered that of Berenice, and Stratonice whom he had so naturally represented, I imagined that he had done as well in yours. But howsoëver (said I) though this Princess should not prove so fair as her picture, and that she be not beautiful enough to confirm me in the affection her picture hath begun in me, my voyage will not be altogether unprofitable, and I shall instruct myself in foreign parts, concerning many things I should not have learned in Scythia. Our apparel was suitable to the habit of the countries where we passed; Lascaris was perfect in the languages, and I had knowledge enough in them, to pass freely through all Darius his Dominions. We came into Cappadocia, and having traveled through part of it, we got at last unto your frontiers. Before we entered into your territories, we bought our selus woman's clothes, and having put them on, went strait to the chief city of Themiscira, where we arrived, within a short time, and took a lodging, not long before the Queen your Mother began her march against the Cilicians. We had very little trouble to dissemble our sex, neither of us being then eighteen years old, and being both cunning enough in concealing our selus, and in avoiding those mistake's that might have discovered us. The first time I saw you was at the Temple, but I found your beauty such, that my eyes were dazzled with it, and my heart not only confirmed in its inclinations towards you, but mortally wounded, or rather utterly lost in that passion which till then had spared it; The changes of my countenance were almost like to have given some knowledge of my inward pain to those that stood near me, and when passing by me as you went out of the Temple you afforded me a nearer view of those admirable features which the painter had but imperfectly represented, I was not far from casting myself at your feet, and discovering the nature of my love, by some strange effect of it; yet I contented myself with kissing your robe as I saw others do, as you passed by, and retired to my lodging as much confounded at that sight, as I was satisfied with my voyage. I saw you again many other times, yet without giving you any occasion to take notice of me, not being willing to make myself known to you, but by some considerable service. I will not tell you at large what my thoughts were then, the events have since given you sufficient knowledge of them, and that recital would engage me in a tedious length. In the mean time the Queen your Mother went forth with her army against the Cilicians, and though I could not absent myself from your sight without an extreme trouble, yet would I needs be one in that expedition, believing that in the war I might find some occasion to make myself remarkable, and to endear my acquaintance to you; I put myself in among the forces, without any command, and the gods favoured my good intentions so far, that in the first encounters, I did the Queen services of some importance, which obliged her to take me near her person, to keep me there with a great deal of goodness, and to present me to you, at our return. Behold, Madam, all that happened to me before the glorious hour, wherein you received me into your service, which I will call the first of my life, since I never lived indeed, till I had the honour to be yours.  
It was in these terms that Orontes told me the beginnings of his life, and I lent him a marvellous attention to the end of his discourse; but after I had talked a while with him, and Hippolita, concerning the things he had related, eaten a light meal, and suffered my wounds to be dressed, I desired to know what had befallen him, since the time of his banishment from me, hoping for no less satisfaction thereby, than I had received by his first adventures, and having sent all suspected persons out of my chamber, I prayed him to give me that relation, and Orontes without staying for a more express command began again in these terms.  
My fault was so great, Madam, that as well as you, I judged my punishment to be just, and when you pronounced my fatal sentence, I had neither cause, nor desire to murmur against it; you saw with what tranquillity of mind I received it, and the heavens that beheld my stay in the arbour after you were gone, were witnesses that your severe decree, made me neither accuse you of inhumanity, nor complain of my destiny; yet having a heart which was not impossible, & which being capable of all the torments of sorrow, could not be more deeply, nor more justly afflicted with them, then in this encounter, it sunk under so violent an assault, and gave no longer ear to constancy, nor to Philosophy; my first motion tended toward death, and I judged that even out of self-love I ought to die, thereby to deliver myself from a thousand miseries more cruel than death itself, and that in reason I ought to give you satisfaction for the fault I had committed; all my thoughts agreed in this resolution, and I believed my love could not have a nobler conclusion, then in giving you the remainder of a life, which I desired not to preserv after I had made it unworthy to pleas you, and to be owned by you. It is most just (cried I of a sudden) it is most just, Thalestris, that you should be satisfied, and though you have not commanded me to die, that sparing of my life is an effect of your goodness, which I ought not to abuse; you bade me live that I might be sensible of remors for my offence, but you forbade me not to die, that I might free myself from so great a torment, and you will pardon me this small disobedience, which punishe's, and satisfie's me both together. I am unworthy to live for you, and 'tis impossible I should live without you, consent therefore to the loss of a life, which cannot be odious to you, without being insupportable to me, and condemn me not to a great many lingering deaths; since one alone, and a short one, is able to deliver me from them all. I spoke many other words full of a just and a quiet despair, and rising up from the earth where I had continued unmoveable after your going away, I already had put my hand upon the hilt of my sword to execute my last resolution, when the Gods sent the officious Lascaris, to prevent it; 'twas that young man, Araspes his son, whom I still kept with me, and who under the name of Lascaria had all that while lived among the women the Queen your Mother gave me; and to whom alone I had trusted the secret of my love, and indeed his discretion was exceeding great, and though his years were hardly more than mine, yet was he little inferior in prudence, to those of ripest age. As soon as he came into the arbour he observed an alteration in my countenance, and considering my eyes which had a wild, fatal look, and the suddenness wherewith I started up, and had begun to draw my sword; he suspected my intention, and catching fast hold of my arm, Ah! Sir, (said he) what will you do? I'll die Lascaris (answered I) since Thalestris will not have me live. Die Sir! (replied Lascaris) the gods forbid I should ever consent to that, while I have any life, and what so weighty cause have you to desire death, and to give it yourself with your own hands? The anger of Thalestris (said I) and the impossibility of living after having offended her. Ah! Sir (replied Lascaris pulling my hand with all his force from the hilt of my sword and constraining me to sit down upon the seats of green turf which were in the arbour) come to yourself again, and consider how much this despair is un●itting your courage, and how much it thwart's the authority of the gods. He continued making me a long discourse to the same purpose, to which I answered only by a few sighs, and seeing me insensible of his arguments, and but little diverted from my resolution: At least Sir, (said he) grant this favour to your faithful Lascaris, to let him know the cause of your despair, and if it be a lawful one he will dispose himself to die with you. Though I was but little capable of any discourse, I forced my grief, to comply with with the desires of that youth, whose affection had strongly obliged me, and having told him my adventure in a few words, he became as sad, and as unmoveable as myself. Yet did he allege all he could devise for my consolation, and endeavoured by cunning expositions, to sweeten the sharpness of your decree; but finding I was not moved with all he said, and that it would be very hard for him to dissuade me from a resolution, which he saw still written in my face, he cast himself suddenly at my feet, and pressing my hands between his, Sir, (said he) if the affection of one who forsake's all his friends to tie himself inseparably to your service, hath deserved any thing of you, and if the conjuration I use in the name of Thalestris be considerable to you, grant me the favour which I beg, since it is not contrary to your intention, and that you cannot refuse it, unless you will have me die here in your presence. I only beseech you to delay your resolution for two days, that those hopes I yet have for you, may be made clear by knowing the will of the gods; you may leave this Court, since you cannot appear in it by reason of Thalestris' anger, but as we go away we will pass by a Temple of Bellona's, famous in this province, to whose Oracles, if the access were permitted unto men, they would come from the furthest parts of the earth; there you may instruct yourself concerning the pleasure of the gods, and after their answer follow your own inclinations, which I will never resist while I live. I was so extremely obliged to this young man's fidelity, that I could not deny his request, and having promised him that delay with an oath, I settled his mind from that fear he was in for me. I was not willing to make a longer stay in that country, & having sworn to him once more that I would not attempt any thing against my life, and that I would stay for him at a place in the wood which I appointed, he went back to the Palace, to fetch a couple of good horses, and other things which he thought necessary for our departure. I should never have done, Madam, if I would describe all the thoughts wherewith my soul was combated, that recital would be of a tedious length, therefore I will only tell you, that never heart was in a more deplorable condition, and that the desire of death never was so peaceably confirmed. Lascaris returned within a little while, bringing two good horses, arms, money, and jewels, which by the Queen's liberality and yours, we had in great abundance, and which he took without my directions. I got on horseback, and traveled toward a little Town, two or three hours riding from Themiscira. But seeing with Lascaris one of my women, in whom I had found a great deal of affection toward me, and whom he had brought to help him to lead the horses, and carry the arms, I took her along with me to the place where we lay that night, that from thence I might write the letter you received from the hands of Hippolita, and so having made her get up behind Lascaris, I went out of the wood with a sorrow which I find myself unable to represent. We arrived at that little Town where I passed in melancholy fits, or rather in mortal agonies, and rising by break of day, I gave that woman my letter close sealed up, with express order not to deliver it to any body but Hippolita, and took horse to go unto the Temple Lascaris had told me of. We got thither before it was noon, and after I had prayed and begged of the goddess to whom it was dedicated, to let me know her pleasure, she returned this Oracle.  

The Oracle.  
Live, go, and come to th' edge of Themiscire,  
Ere the Sun's course a second time exspire,  
Thou on her Empire's borders shalt recover,  
The lovely object which made thee a Lover.   
I am not able to tell you, Madam, in what manner I received this Oracle, and which was stronger in me the grief to see myself reduced to a necessity of living, of disobeying the gods; or the joy which their promises revived in me by such pleasing hopes. I remained a long time without motion, wavering in the diversity of those thoughts, and then of a sudden lifting up my hands and eyes to heaven, Great gods (cried I) exact not an obedience from me which I no longer am in a condition to yield you, or if you will have me live, restore me new forces, or more evident hopes then those you have confusedly given me, all things conspire to have me die, and she who dispose's of my fate with you, hath pronounced a sentence which you have not revoked. These words, spoken with a loud voice, struck wonder in all those that heard them, and the Priestess who took me for a woman could not imagine the cause of my despair. Lascaris in the mean time came to me, and not being able to dissemble the joy, which this Oracle, so conformable to his desires, had wrought in him, well Madam (said he, using that term because of them that were present) will you doubt still of the goodness of the gods, and will you without their consent sacrifice a life, the disposing whereof they have reserved unto themselves? Ah! Lascaris (answered I with a deep sigh) my fortune is but little altered, and this command of the gods, is only an effect of their goodness, which would banish a just despair by unjust hopes; they cannot force my soul to continue in a prison, the abode whereof is no longer supportable; and they will pardon me a disobedience which I am forced to by a power not inferior to theirs. What, Madam (replied Lascaris) will you add impiety, and blasphemy to that attempt against your life which hath already heinously offended them, and do you disdain both their express commands, and the promises they make you in words that are so little obscure? did they ever speak less confusedly, or less doubtfully, and can you yet be uncertain of a resolution, you should have taken in a moment? To these persuasions Lascaris added many others, and desiring the Priestess to assist him, in requiring that obedience I owed unto the gods, and in confirming the hopes they gave me, they used so many arguments that at last they made me conceiv some glimpse of them, and defer my design of dying, till I should see myself frustrate of my expectation. Behold, Madam, which way I came to be content to live, and to pass the time of that banishment which you, and the gods had enjoined me, in other countries; being this part of my recital was most important to my love, I have enlarged myself most upon it, and I will tell you more succinctly what has happened to me since. I went out of the Temple, and got on horseback, yet doubtful in what kingdom I should pass my exile. I was resolved not to return into Scythia, and consulted a great while with Lascaris, whither I should go. In the end I determined to travel indifferently, and without design, into all those countries where I could have free passage, and putting on man's apparel again as soon as we were upon your frontiers, I entered into Ci●icia, which after the time of your truce lived very quietly under Neobarzanes. I visited Tharsus unknown, and all the fairest cities of that kingdom, from thence I went into Paphlagonia, which I passed through without any remarkable adventure, and having also traveled about Lycia, Caria, and Pamphilia, I had a mind to see Greece, and came into Europe six months after my departure from Themiscira. I relate these things briefly, not being willing to keep you long in the recital of events that have nothing memorable; but this I may assure you, that what voyages soever I made, I was inseparable from you, and you were always so present to my remembrance, that all the objects I met withal, were never able to put you a moment out of my mind; My thoughts maintained a pitiless war against me, and recalling into my memory those happinesses I had enjoied in your company by my deceit, the consideration of their loss touched me so nearly, that I have wondered a thousand times, how I had strength enough to outlast eighteen or twenty months' exile. O my divine Princess (cried I sometimes) with how sweet a consolation should I be blessed, if I could hope that the miserable Orithia had yet any place in your memory, and that without hating her you could remember the favours she hath stolen from you! How happy would my destiny be, if you did but say yet once again to yourself, My dear Orithia, I envy thee not thy delightful thefts, and I pardon thy love, and thy deceit in consideration of thy services! O! how welcome to me would this knowledge of your relenting bee! and how swiftly would it make the ages of banishment run out! but, O just Thalestris, is it possible you should indeed hate that Orithia, whom you have so dearly loved, and all whose crime is that she loved you? Was that an offence worthy of the punishment you have inflicted on me? and if such a divinity as yourself can suffer the affection of a man, could you desire a more pure, or a more discreet one? Ah! Thalestris, you will one day return unto yourself, and by the promises of the gods I hope, will understand the nature of my fault, and that you will judge it punished severely enough, by the pains I suffer for its expiation. These were my ordinary thoughts, and when I talk with Lascaris, we never discoursed of any thing but you. In these contemplations I visited part of Greece, I viewed the stately Town of Athens, where I conversed with the great Photion, and the eloquent Demosthenes; I saw the famous Sparta, and from thence passed into Achaia. There it was I learned that Agis, King of the Lacedæmonians, had shaken off the yoke which Alexander had imposed upon them, and that taking advantage by his absence, he had made an incursion into the territories of the Etolians, and Achaians; That Antipater Governor in Macedonia for Alexander, was marching strait towards him with his forces, and was at that time encamped near the City of Megalopolis. I believed that war would afford me some matter of divertisement, and that I might spend part of the summer there with more pleasure and more glory, then in my indifferent voyages; I bethought myself a good while before I made choice of my side, but in the end I remembered the obligations you had to Alexander, and the consideration he had shown of your Dominions, when he subdued those of your neighbours; and participating in that engagement, I fixed upon the design of acquitting you, and of serving him at least in my own person, who had dealt so civilly with you. Iwavered no longer therefore in my election, but going to Antipater's Army, though at first I was unknown to him, I made myself remarkable in some encounters, with success enough to be taken notice of, and to make him desire to know me. Having learned of me something of my quality, and seen me effect some enterprises which were reasonably hazardous, he was pleased to esteem me more than I deserved, and gave me employments in his army above my age, and above my capacity. I nevertheless was so careful to discharge them tolerably, that he thought not he had any reason to repent himself, and when he heard that Agis intended to give him battle, he trusted me with the command of part of his Cavalry. My desire to cut this relation short keep's me from telling how the two Armies drew near to one another, and how they were ordered, and disposed; but 'tis hard for me to pass over the valiant actions that were done by the King of the Lacedæmonians, since one may truly say, that never man fought with more valour and generosity. I shall say no more than truth, when I tell you he broke like thunder into our Battalions, and that he carried victory along with him whither soever he went, he was of an extraordinary stature, gallantly armed, and bravely mounted. Cassander Antipater's son, who led the left wing of his father's army, would have opposed his fury, but he rushed so imperiously upon him, that he made him tumble among the horses feet, and charging into the very place where Antipater was in person, in spite of the defence of all those about him, he wounded him so in two places with his sword, that he fell to the ground, but being taken up again by those that were near him, I came to that place within a minute after, and seeing that valiant King bloody all over, force his way into our squadrons, I flew upon him, after I had defied him with a loud cry. Although I injure modesty in speaking to my own advantage, after the praises I have given to the valour of that Prince, I will nevertheless tell you that our encounter chanced to be very equal, and we shocked each other so forcibly, that we came both to the ground and our horses with us; we disengaged our selus presently from our stirrups, and began a combat on foot, which caused some of those that were fight to hold their hands and look upon us, we quickly wounded one another, but the number of marvellous actions he had done that day, having wearied his body, though his courage was indefatigable, and the blood he had lost be●ore having weakened him, more than the wounds I had the fortune to give him, he was almost unable to fight longer, and I hoped for the victory with likelihood, when a great many of our men coming to that place would also have fallen upon him; but I opposed their fury, and did so much by my entreaties, or by my threatenings, that I kept them from it, and gave the Lacedæmonians leisure to fetch off their King, and deliver him out of that throng, from which he was no longer able to free himself. By his retreat the victory declared itself absolutely for the Macedonians, and Antipater prosecuted it so hotly, that almost all the Lacedæmonians were defeated; but their valiant King, being unwilling to survive that loss, alighted out of a litter in which they had put him, and though so weak that he was hardly able to stand, he caused himself to be carried back into the fight, where after he had done things that surpass belief, and raised a breastwork of dead bodies round about him, he sunk at last, as his predecessor Leonidas at the straight of Thermophiles, and falling tired with conquering upon the heaps of those he had slain, received a death, which ought to make him live for ever in the memory of men. I have enlarged myself, contrary to my design, upon this passage, because I was most sensibly grieved at it, and that the memorable end of so great a Prince deserved a particular mention of him. By that only victory Antipater settled Alexander's affairs again in that country, and believing I had contributed something towards it, he did me honours, and showed me kindnesses which were considerable enough. I continued with him till having no more enemies to fight withal, he began his march back into Macedonia. Then I took my leave of him, and of his son, though they both were very earnest to keep me with them, and offered me very advantageous conditions. A year was already expired since my departure from Themiscira, and I had a desire to return into Asia, but I traveled a different way from that I came, and was willing to spend the time that still remained, in seeing those provinces which were yet unknown to me. I went into Parthia, and the countries of the Mardes, and of the Bactrians, whither the disloial Bessus was already retired after the murder of his King; from thence I entered into Hyrcania, and in the end I came upon your frontiers. There I put on woman's apparel again, and there the first news I heard was that of your captivity. I need not tell you, Madam, the greatness of my sorrow, my passion is sufficiently known to you, to give you some guess of it, and you may well imagine that had it not been for the promise of the gods, and my belief that in this encounter I might find some occasion to serve you, I should have sunk under that affliction. I summoned all my courage together to employ it for your service, and begging of the gods to grant me extraordivarie forces, I went with some confidence toward the place where your army was encamped. Before I would discover myself to the other women, I desired to learn of Hippolita whom I had ever known to be most discreet, in what estate my affairs were in this country, and whether I might yet pass for Orit●ia. I was so happy that I found a favourable occasion, as you have heard, and received comforts from her which raised my hopes again. I learned of her (and be this spoken Madam, without stirring up your anger) that you had bestowed some tears on my departure, and that my memory was not indifferent to you, all my afflictions were counterpoised, by the joy this knowledge caused in me, and it so redoubled my courage, that I accounted all things too weak to retard the design I had to deliver you. You have heard from Hippolita, all that passed from the time of my arrival to that of your deliverance, and I will add to what she hath told you, that as we marched toward this Town, I prayed Menalippa, and the chief of those women that had access to you, not to speak one word of my being returned, but to stay till I discovered myself, before you heard that news from any body else. This was it that favoured the dissimulation which we used so happily for me, and retiring after the fight, while the women did their duties to you, I found means when you were in bed, to speak with Hippolita, and to plot that with her, which she so cunningly hath effected to my advantage.  
Orontes ended his story thus, and by that conclusion of it made me blush again, and fetched back part of my shame, and part of my anger, but being no longer in terms to dissemble my affection, I gave him all the modest proofs of it he could desire. From that day he carried himself towards me, very differently from his former manner, and cutting off all those liberties I had granted him as Orithia, never gave me any cause to blame him for want of respect, or of discretion. I am too tedious in my relation, but I will shorten the rest of it, and tell you that being carefully dressed, and looked to, my wounds were quickly cured, and not being strong enough to keep the field in Cilicia, against those supplies which in probability would arrive within a while, I contented myself with putting a garrison in that Town, and as soon as I was able to endure a chariot, I returned into my own territories, and took my way toward Themiscira: But before I was gotten to my chief city, he that succeeded Neobarzanes, sent to desire peace with me, and the misfortune I had suffered by war, together with the counsels of Orontes, whose thoughts were very avers from it, persuaded me to grant it him upon reasonable conditions, and to establish an alliance with him which since hath not been violated. I shall not stand to recount the welcomes I received from my subjects, after a sharp and dangerous captivity, nor the honours they rendered to my valiant deliverer, whom they beheld as the protecting Goddess of Themiscira; she took again her former lodgings in the Palace, and her former servants, and had a great deal more authority amongst all our women then in times past, but she abused it not, and managed their respect to her so discreetly, that she inflamed them all with a violent affection; for mine own part I must confess to my confusion, that I found so many amiable qualities in her, and had so many causes to be pleased with her love to me, that I preserved not the least remainder of my former inclinations, but gave myself to her as much as my virtue, and the informations I had received from herself could permit me; we had no more but one thought, and if I may say so without blushing, we had no more but one soul, and one will; I made no longer any difficulty to open my heart to him, and to confess that I loved him more than myself, but what advantage soëver he drew from that confession, he never emboldened himself to take those liberties that were forbidden him; My women often admired, that they no longer saw that familiarity between us they had formerly observed, and though our conversation was more frequent than ever, they found, but knew not the cause, that we had banished those kisses, and embraces, which in former times were wont to make a good part of our entertainment. All the sweetnesses that a modest affection can produce, were tasted by us with a perfect tranquillity, we were inseparable except at those hours when decency forced us to be asunder; we communicated our most private thoughts to one another, and Orontes as he was discreet, and respectful, could desire no greater proofs of my affection; But being we could have but one aim, and that only marriage could give it a lawful conclusion, we had no small difficulties to overcome. I loved Orontes enough (since in spite of his ingratitude I must avow it) to forsake my kingdom, and retire into Scythia with him, being our laws were enemies to our intentions, and would not suffer me to take him for my husband, and keep my Empire; but he was troubled I should abandon it for him, and before we came to that extremity, would endeavour to preserv it, and to abolish those customs, whereof he had already made me see the errors; we strove therefore both of us to make our most considerable women abhor the infamy of them: whensoëver occasion was offered, we represented to them, how ignominious it was to go and seek out men, for such shameful ends, and by such reproachful ways; and when they alleged necessity which had left them no other means to have posterity, we told them it was better to be the last Amazons, then to make the race of them eternal by such strange means, and that it was much more seemly to live like all the rest of the world, then to maintain our selus by customs so contrary to honour, and virtue. Our authority amongst them, stood us in good stead, at our first discourses upon that subject, for they would never have suffered them from persons that had been less considerable; but by little and little they grew accustomed to them, and gave us some beam of hope, that in time some of them might hearken to our propositions. In these employments we passed a whole year, and Orontes who already was in his three and twentieth, and who used much industry to keep the hair from growing upon his face, which quickly would have discovered his sex, by reason of troublesome obstacle, which was like shortly to cross his contentments, began to think of expedients either to make progress in the minds of our women, or to convey us into his province of the Massagetes, which my blind affection had already made me resolve upon, when our designs were thwarted by a strange revolution.  
Our neighbours of Cappadocia, who had always lived peaceably with us, having received some slight discontents, by those women of ours who were nearest to their frontiers, and having refused that satisfaction I offered them, declared war against us, and began to raise forces to invade our Province. Seeing I could not divert that storm but by resistance, I also caused levies to be made, and in a short time set on foot an army able to oppose their intention, and to carry the war, wherewith they threatened us, home into their own country. But when our army was ready to march I found myself not well, and though my sickness was but sleight, Orontes, who believed the toils of that voyage might make it worse, persuaded me by all means to give myself rest at home, and to leave the conduct of the army to him; he had much ado to obtain my consent, as well by reason I was desirous to go in person against them who made themselves my enemies without occasion, as because I was troubled to let that part from me, and be in danger, which at that time was dearer to me then all the world. But he alleged so many considerations, and pressed me with so much earnestness, that I was compelled to yield to his entreaties upon condition, that as soon as my health would suffer me, I might follow him with new supplies.  
I will not spend time in the particulars of our farewells, he spoke the most touching words that a real passion could bring forth, and I testified my sorrow to him by my tears, and by all the modest kindnesses he could desire. Alas! I knew not that our separation was to be for so long a time, and that ignorance abated part of my affliction; he went away, and all my joy and consolation, or rather indeed the better half of my soul departed with him. I remained at Themiscira with all the grief which his absence, and the presages of my misfortune could possibly cause, but yet with hope to go after him as soon as I had recovered my health. I believ that desire hastened it, and scarce had he been gone a month when I felt myself perfectly well again; I had also forces in a readiness to go and strengthen his army, and was already preparing myself with a great deal of joy for that design, when I heard news which retarded the effecting of my resolution. Alexander, after he had subdued the Ma●des, was come into Hyrcania, and his drawing so near my borders, caused in me some suspicion, and disturbed the tranquillity of my mind. Though Neobarzanes, as I have already told you, reigned effectively over the Cilicians, yet he commanded only under the authority of Alexander, who, at the beginning of his passage into Asia, had brought that country under his subjection; and I at that time had notice given me, that he showed himself so concerned in Neobarzanes his defeat, that he promised to take a remarkable revenge for it; and to that purpose was crossing through Hyrcania, like a torrent to overflow our Province, which till then was alone exempt from the yoke he had imposed upon all the rest. This news gave me a hot alarm, and being conscious how unable I was to resist a Monarch that was Master of the best part of the world, and especially when I had sent most of my forces against the Cappadocians, I was in a strange perplexity; for in effect it had been a manifest folly to oppose that Conqueror with a handful of women, which were not able for one day to stop that army, victorious over all Asia, and some part of Europe. These considerations made me ask the counsel of our most prudent women, and after having thought of all manner of expedients, to divert that storm from falling upon our heads, they told me with one accord, they knew no other way to free us, but my going in person to meet that potent King, to offer him my Dominion, and to justify the defeat of Neobarzanes; his generosity, and his respect to Ladies, were known all over the earth, and they believed that an assured means, to keep my country in its first tranquillity: I did what I could to avoid that journey, which hindered me from the sight of my dear Orontes, but there was a necessity of yielding to the importunities of all my counsellors, and to the strength of all their reasons; besides, I was touched with some desire to see that mighty Prince, whose fame was so advantageously spread through the whole world. When I was resolved upon that voyage, I caused my equipage to be prepared, and having sent to desire a passport from those that commanded in Hyrcania, I set forward from Themiscira with three hundred women, gallantly mounted, and richly armed; In this condition I went out of my own country, under favour of the safe conduct which had been granted me, and having crossed part of Hyrcania, without any encounter worth the relating, I came to Alexander's army. Having sent ten of my women before to meet him, and advertise him of my coming, and to demand audience, they brought me a favourable answer, and assured me that the King would receiv me very civilly, and with a great deal of respect: I was not deceived in my expectation, for that great Prince came to meet me, and alighting as soon as he saw me appear, he by that reception made me hope my voyage would be as successful as I could wish. I and all my women were in the habit of our sex, and I had no other arms but a silver cuirass enriched with stones of value, and a little cask of the same, shaded with a great plume of several coloured feathers, and environed with a circle of gold made in fashion of a crown, my gown was of a light cloth of silver, tucked up above the knee with diamond buckles, and my leg being half naked, was also half covered with a buskin suitable to my curass; In a skarf of rare embroidery I wore a sword which the unfaithful Orontes had given me, and I held two javelins in my right hand. All my train was in an attire little different from mine, and the King seemed to be very much pleased with so unusual a ●ight; in stead of giving me that victorious hand which I demanded, he kissed mine very courteously, and assured me, that what design soëver brought me to him, I should find he would be ready to serve me; when I had looked a while upon him with admiration, I made him acquainted with the cause of my coming, and not being ignorant of the Greek tongue, which I had learned of Orontes, I declared my innocence touching Neobarzanes his misfortunes, and protested that I came for no other end but to lay my Crown at his feet, and offer him that little Empire, against which he had not vouchsafed to employ his victorious arms. The King having heard me with patience, answered extreme modestly, and civilly, assuring me he had no intention to trouble my Dominions, nor to take the part of those against me, whose crimes had been their own destruction; he likewise offered me his assistance, and protection against all manner of enemies, and by a great many noble promises freed me of all my apprehensions. After this first conversation, he fell to compliment, and leading me himself into costly tents which he had given order should be made ready for me, he enlarged himself upon the praises of our beauty, and of that martial virtue which raised us above all other women, and expressed that he thought himself much indebted to me for the pains I had taken, and for the honour I did him; My narration is too long already to entertain you with all the particulars of our discourse; but after that day the King carried me to view his forces in battalia, and caused them to be exercised before me, endeavouring to give me all sorts of divertisement. By his entreaties I stayed twelv or fourteen days in his army, believing myself obliged to comply so far with a person of so extraordinary merit. During that abode, I received all kind of honours, and civil usage, and was witness of some of that Prince his actions, in which truly I observed something more than humane, and I must tell you (though perchance not without a blushing) that some of my women were so impudent as to tell me, I ought to give them a Princess of the race of that great Conqueror; but I reproved that motion so sharply, that they had not the boldness to speak of it any more. When I had stayed the time the King desired me, and received all manner of satisfaction, & marks of respect, I took my leave, & began my journey homeward, carrying with me an esteem suitable to the fame of him, which before was spread amongst us. I returned through Hyrcania with the same facility as I came, and entering into my territories, I continued on my way with a reasonable quiet mind to the city of Themiscira, where I arrived two months after my departure. The first news I met withal, was a victory Orontes had obtained over our enemies, of whom he had slain eight or ten thousand upon the place, not having lost above six, or seven hundred of his women. I was exceedingly joied at this good success, for many considerations, and by her that brought me the news I received a letter from him, the words whereof were these, or not much unlike.  
Orithia to Queen Thalestris.  
THe justice of your arms, Fair Princess, hath defeated part of your enemies, and 'tis your destiny, both near and far off, to conquer all that dare make trial of them. Orithia dies with a desire to see you, but to satisfy it, she will make haste to overcome those enemies you have left, and will not purchase the happiness of your sight, with the least danger that might threaten you, or by the painfulness of a journey which might prejudice a health not well confirmed; have a care of it, dear Princess, I beseech you, since it can receive no alteration, but will be fatal to the repose, and to the life of  
Your faithful Orithia.  
These last marks of his affection, whether true or feigned, touched me very tenderly, and obliged me to answer him in these terms.  
Queen Thalestris to Orithia.  
I Knew very well my dear Orithia was invincible, and that she would triumph over my enemies, as she had triumphed over myself; if she had as little left to subdue on that side, as on this, she would have nothing more to fight withal; but because that conquest is not so entire, as this she hath gained upon my heart, her return will not he speedy enough to give me patience to stay for her; nor to retard the desire I have to see her upon the field of her victory, These are the impatiences, which my lovely, and dearly loved Orithia causeth in her unchangeable  
Thalestris.  
I sent back this answer by her that brought me Orithia's letter, which was come to Themiscira a fortnight before me, and burning really with a desire to see her, and partake in her victories, I prepared myself very cheerfully for that second voyage. But O Gods! when I was busiest in setting things in order, and in drawing forces together to depart, I received a second letter, by one of Orithia's women, in whom she had greatest confidence; I opened it with some apprehension, the cause whereof was unknown to me, and casting my eyes upon it I read these words.  
The abused Orontes to the faithless Thalestris.  
IF I have been so simple as to hope for fidelity in a woman, a weakness is to be accused of it, which appearances that were specious enough seemed to authorise, and I believed I might conserv your affection, only because I had well bought it, and well deserved it. Though I have been so unfortunate as to spend some years in your service, I shall be wise enough to retire, now that you have made yourself unworthy of my affection, and of my esteem. I beg not of the Gods to punish your fault, you have done it sufficiently already by the undervaluing you have showed of yourself, by the contempt you have deserved from the whole world, and by the shame you have for ever fixed upon your memory; Live in the infamy you have sought with so much pains, and since your ambition is so nobly limited, lose the remembrance of mine, which so blindly had bounded in you alone; I leave your armies, your country and yourself for ever, and I carry away nothing with me in this voluntary banishment, but my repentance for having returned after my first: If the Gods send me my death I shall prefer it before the affliction of seeing you again, and if they continue my life, I will pass it wholly without so much us a thought of you.  
When I read this letter, by good chance I had no body by me but Hippolita, who seeing me grow pale, and stagger at the end of it, put forth her arms to hold me up, and kept me from falling on the floor. Which way shall I be able Sir, to describe the the greatness of my affliction, in so unexpected a disaster, and how shall I make you to conceiv, what I find myself unable to express? I cannot better compare my sorrow then to that of the Princess Statira, when by the crafty deceits of Roxana, she received that fatal letter which hath caused all your misfortunes, and I believ that as there was a great deal of resemblance between these two adventures, so also they produced the same effects. I had fainting fits like Statira, I tore my hair, and wept like her; and like her I said all that rage and grief can inspire into distracted persons; I passed all that day in restless start, or rather in convulsions, and if Hippolita had not carefully observed my actions, I should have used my own hands against my life. The next day, after I had long tormented myself, I called for her that had brought me that cruel letter, and having commanded her to tell me in what place, and in what condition she had left Orithia, she told me that within a while after the battle she had won, she was taken with an excessive sadness which kept her for some days in bed, and that as soon as she was a little better, she took horse, with no body but Lascaria, and having commanded this woman to follow her till she was two or three hundred paces from the camp, she gave her certain rings for a reward of the service she had done her, strictly charging her to deliver that letter into my own hands, which she would not trust into any bodies but hers, and bidding her tell Menalippa she might take the command of the army, which she forsook for ever; and that when she had given these orders, she took a way quite different from that which led back to the Camp, where since that time she had never appeared. This account perfected the settling of despair in my heart, and put me into the most lamentable estate, that a soul was able to conceiv. I began to reflect with repentance, upon the proofs of affection I had given to that ungrateful man, for whom I would have abolished our laws, and forsaken a kingdom, to run after meaner pretensions, and those uncertain ones too; I examined all the actions of my life, which could possibly have given him any suspicion, or discontent, and finding them but too full of innocence, and affection to him, I plunged myself into an abyss of sorrow, and vexation. I had some conceit that my journey to Alexander might have displeased him, but my stay there had been so short, and all my actions had passed so openly, and been eyed by so many witnesses, that I did not believ, he could from thence draw matter for all those high abuses, and that unworthy usage, To that inconstancy wherewith he cast me off after having received so many testimonies of my affection, he added wrongs, and upbraid of shame and infamy, the terms whereof I could not digest. Hippolita who had often read over his sharp, injurious letter, could find no words to excuse him, no, nor free herself from those reproaches I used to her for having favoured his base pernicious designs. I will not repeat Sir, what my grief and my resentment made me say, that recital would be of a troublesome length▪ and I will satisfy myself with telling you, that after having sufficiently wept, and deplored my misfortune, I at last made hatred succeed my love, and took a firm resolution to go and seek him to the world's end, that I might punish his perfidiousness, and revenge the unpardonable injuries he had done me. I than contradicted all that the consideration of that disloial wretch had made me speak unto our women, to the advantage of men; and I then animated them to the aversion which they naturally had to that sex, by such words as made them judge I had some new occasion to hate them. My sorrow did not so little torture me, but that it cast me into a sickness which forced me to keep my bed, or my chamber, above two months; during all that time I heard not one word of that Traitor, and as soon as I was recovered, after I had concluded a peace with the Cappadocians by the mediation of some of our neighbours who interposed, I put the government of my state into Menalippa's hands, and went from Themiscira, without other company but Hippolita, and this other woman whom you see with me; we clothed our selus in men's apparel as now we are, and to begin my search, I took the right way toward Scythia, believing the disloial Orontes was retired thither, and that I there might glut the rage wherewith I was so justly exasperated against him; I will not trouble you with the particulars of my voyages, nor of my encounters, I will not repeat the names of those places where I passed, nor of the provinces I traveled through to go into your country, you shall only know that after a long painful journey I arrived in the Province of the Massage●es, but that people had heard no news of their Prince, from the time he fell into the Araxis, and were then governed by an old Prince, to whom the succession by nearness of blood did rightly belong; not being satisfied with that I passed the mount Imaüs, and entered into Europe, and into the Province of the Issedons, to visit the Court of the King your father, where I believed I might hear news of him. I stayed there in a vain expectation three whole months, and it was at that time when you were in prison, and that a valiant Commander named Arsaves, was gone with the army of the King your father, to the frontiers of Scythia against Arimbas, who had invaded them; I was so deeply buried in my passion, that it hindered me from informing myself of your adventures, and I only heard what the meanest of the people could not be ignorant of. I sometimes saw the Princess Berenice your sister, whom I thought fair beyond imagination, but the resolution I had taken to keep myself always unknown, was the cause I neither waited upon her, nor discovered myself to any body; the instructions I had received from Orontes, gave me knowledge enough in the language of his country, to make myself be understood of all the world. When I had stayed at Issedon as long as I have told you, I departed full of grief, and went towards Arsaces his army, where I thought desire of glory might perchance have stopped him before his coming to Court. I got thither within a few days, and was one of the first at that bloody battle, which was fought upon the confines of your Kingdom, where I saw that valiant General do actions of so rare a courage, that I shall ever preserv the memory of them, as of a prodigy. I continued in that army without making myself known for other than a young volunteer, till it began to march back towards Issedon, and then seeing myself as unsuccessful in my last hopes as I had been in my first, I returned into Asia, which I visited almost all, in a years time I spent in travelling up and down there; in the end after long wander to no purpose, I came into this country with some hope that among so many Princes, whereof Alexander's Court was composed, I might learn some news of my faithless Orontes, against whom I have preserved my indignation so strongly, that time shall never be able to wear it out of my mind. Behold (continued Thalestris ending her narration) the abstract of a life full of misfortunes, pardon me if in some places I have too much enlarged myself, and if I have passed over others too succinctly, since only the motions of my passion made that difference. See now if my anger be not just, and if I have not a lawful cause to hate that Prince, who by his infidelity, hath rendered himself unworthy of the honour he hath to be allied to you.  
The Queen ended her story on this manner, and Oroondates having harkened to it attentively, Madam (said he) I cannot choose but be Orontes his enemy, after the knowledge you have given me of an infidelity without example; yet when I remember the proofs which without Intermission he showed you of so real a passion, after which we see him fall into a baseness without any probable ground, and when I call to mind what subtlety and calumny have heretofore done against mine innocence, I am forced to suspend my judgement, and believ that either you have been deceived by others then Orontes, or that Orontes hath been deceived himself, by very strong appearances; for indeed so sudden, and so unexpected a change is contrary to common sense, and passe's my imagination, and I am fully persuaded, that there is more innocence in Orontes his intentions, than there hath been in the effects, either of his grief, or of his inconstancy. The Queen would have replied, but Oroödates seeing it was extremely late, and that so long a discourse might impair her health, took leave of her till the next day, and having bidden her good night, retired into his Chamber.   

CASSANDRA. The fifth Book.  
ORoöndates passed that night as he had done many others, and the day following was spent in those sad employments which his deadly griefs had already made habitual to him, yet did he afford part of it to the entertainment of the fair Amazon, and discoursed a great while with her, touching the causes of Orontes his infidelity, which he could neither comprehend, nor excuse; the friendship he had born that Prince made him seek out reasons to justify him, but the Queen's spirit grew so incensed against him, that he was fain to give over his defence, and condemn him with her. The conversation of that Princess diverted his sorrows for some few moments, yet no sooner was he out of her presence, but he plunged himself so deeply in his afflictions, that without a most particular assistance of the gods, or rather without an apparent miracle, his life could not have subsisted in such violent assaults. Ah! my dear Princess, (said he sometimes) how great is my patience, and how great proofs do I now give you of the truth of my affection, certainly the most happy persons never found more difficulty in resolving to die, than I do, in enduring to live; receiv this last testimony of my love, as the greatest I ever showed you, and by this severe constraint, judge how dear the desire of satisfying you is to me, even after your death itself. In such like discourses, and in such like thoughts, he lingered out five or six days, at the end of which his wound was almost perfectly healed, but his strength was not so soon returned, and his sadness had brought him so low, that a longer time was requisite for the recovery of it. He walked every day in the wood, where he sought out those places that were most gloomy, and most conformable to the estate of his mind; all objects of pleasure to him were fatal, and those that represented any thing of woe, gave him the most real satisfaction. Thalestris' wound was quickly in a good condition, and permitted her to leave her bed within a few days. The eight after Lysimachus his departure, which was the same he had made them hope for his return, was almost quite expired, and the Prince of Scythia began to be troubled to see him fail of his promise, when his Squire Cleantes arrived; Oroöndates presently running to him enquired news of his Master. He is in Ptolomeus his army Sir, (answered Cleantes) and you will see the cause of his stay, in this letter he hath written to you; saying so he presented him a paper, and Oroöndates having opened it, read these words.  
Lysimachus to Prince Oroondates.  
Our common affairs hinder me from seeing you again so soon as I intended, but the cause of it will procure your pardon for a delay which trouble's me very much. Those Princes my friends, whose assistance was needful for our revenge, were all dispersed, and some of them were already upon their way to those Provinces which are fallen to their lot, Ptolomeus and I labour to get them together again, and that care will neither be unprofitable, nor unnecessary. Perdiccas and Roxana, whom our proceedings, and the remors of their crime have made suspicious, draw forces towards them again, and by our example keep their friends about them. The report of your virtue has gained you a great many here, who will be as much concerned in your interests, as in their own, and particularly Ptolomeus, who hath prayed me to beg him apart in that friendship, which you have done me the honour to promise me; I beseech you stay for news of us in the place where you are, without any other disquiet than what you receive by our losses, and moderate your grief, that you may recover your strength; the gods promise us as great a satisfaction, as we can in reason desire, and I promise myself the continuance of that goodness, you have showed unto your faithful  
Lysimachus.  
After that Oroöndates had read this letter in the presence of Thalestris, he asked Cleantes more particular news of his Master, and Cleantes when he had civilly presented his Master's humblest service to the Queen, as he had been expressly commanded, answered that he had left him with Ptolomeus, from whom he had received a welcome suitable to their ancient friendship; he said moreover that Ptolomeus his army was out above three or four hours riding from them, and that it consisted of ten thousand foot, and four thousand horse, that Eumenes was marching toward Cappadocia with ten thousand men, but that they had sent to call him back, as likewise Antigonus, and Polyperon, and many others, who were beginning to take their way toward their several Provinces; he told him also that Lysimachus conjured him, for many reasons, not to stir from Polemon's house, since it was however necessary the army should draw that way, and that he would wait upon him there, before he had gotten up his strength again: Though Oroöndates was exceeding sorry for Lysimachus his delay, he was comforted by the hope of his revenge, which he already saw in a very good forwardness; he asked Cleantes many questions, to which he answered very pertinently, and the fair Amazon being already well instructed in their affairs, was desirous to interess herself in them as in her own, and protested to Oroöndates, that she would run his fortune, and that she would second him to the death in so lawful an intention. Oroöndates, who could not slight her assistance after the knowledge he had of her valour, returned her thanks with great civility, and extolled her generosity in terms that satisfiëd her very much. The next day he sent back Cleantes to his Master with this letter.  
Oroöndates to Prince Lysimachus.  
MY trouble for your absence, is moderated by the cause that retards you; it is too just a one to be complained of, and your intentions too generous to be disapproved; if your goodness hath gained me considerable friends, it will likewise keep me in their good opinion by the same ways, and will procure me a place in the esteem of great Ptolomeus, the advantage whereof will be totally mine; Besides those Gallant warriors you have armed to maintain our quarrel, we have here Bellona, who engage's herself in our misfortunes, and whose assistance will be both glorious, and beneficial to us; shorten our discontents the most you possibly can, and be pleased to undertake nothing, without giving a share in your glory, to him that bear's a part in your misery.  
Cleantes being gone, Oroöndates continued with the Queen, intending to stay in that house, there to expect news from Lysimachus, as also the recovery of his health, and the pleasure of the gods, who had confined him to the banks of Euphrates. The servants Lysimachus had left were so careful of him, that within a few days his wound was quite closed up, and within a few more perfectly hardened; his strength began to come to him again, and though he recovered not that fleshiness, and that lively colour he formerly had, he got up a good part of his wont vigour, and within a short time found himself in a condition to bear arms again, and to execute whatsoëver his resentment could require from him. Thalestris, whose wound had been much lighter, was cured as soon as he, and she might have hoped to be suddenly strong enough to begin the search of her faithless Orontes again, if the design of assisting Oroöndates, and those of his party, had not tied her to their interests with so much affection, that she seemed to have forgotten her own. The Prince of Scythia acknowledging himself infinitely obliged unto her goodness, repaied her all manner of civilities, and took as much care to divert her, as the extremity of his sadness would permit him. He walked often with her by the river side, and in the wood, where his encounter of the names of Cassandra, and Eurydice, whose misfortunes, and whose characters, were so like to those of his Princess, moved him again to a curiosity of learning news of those strangers, and remembering that Araxes had seen Polemon, discoursing in his garden with unknown Cassandra, he believed he might from him receiv the information he desired; to that end having sent for him, he prayed him courteously, to tell him what he knew concerning them, Polemon without staying for a second entreaty, Sir! (said he) both the quality, and the adventures of those fair strangers are unknown to me, & I can only tell you, that perchance the earth never bore more fair, nor more lovely persons, they were in this house for some few days, but now they are gone away, and as I was ignorant from what part of the earth they came hither, so am I likewise to what place they are retired, this is all I am able ●o let you know, and I most humbly beseech you Sir, not to desire any more of me. Oroöndates judging by this answer, that either Polemon knew no more than he had told him, or that he had some reason to conceal it, was not willing to press him any further.  
Polemon's servants went every day to Babylon to fetch provisions, and Oroöndates would needs send Araxes with them privately, to inform himself concerning Barsina, and many other persons, who formerly had born him friendship, but above all he gave him order to inquire after Toxaris, and Loncates, of whom he had heard nothing, and whose loss he bewailed as that of two most faithful servants. Araxes, acquitted himself very discreetly, of those commissions he had received from his Master, and a● his return, told him that Barsina was not at Babylon, no more was Apamia, nor Arsinoe, who were gone from thence with their husbands; that King Occhus his daughters, and all those persons that had any affinity to the Blood Royal of Persia, had forsaken the Town to avoid the cruelty of Roxana, Pendiccas, and Cassander, who menaced them with a general ruin, that Perdiccas made the forces of his Allies to advance on all ●ides, to defend him against those that were discontented, by whom he was already threatened; that there was not so much as any mention of Arideus, and that he had preserved nothing at all of that shadow of Royalty which had been given him; that a most exact guard was kept at the gates, that they got in arms, and victual from all parts, and that in short they prepared themselves all manner of ways for a war; that he had sought diligently after Toxaris, and Loncates, but could hear no news of them in the world. Araxes having given his Master this perfect account, furnished him with matter to entertain himself for the rest of that day, and to drown part of his sorrows in the thoughts of war. The next day he sent one of Lysimachus his servants to him, to give him notice of his being recovered, and to pray him earnestly not to leave him longer in a shameful idleness.  
After the Messenger was gotten on horseback to go toward Ptolomeus his Camp, Oroöndates went abroad and took his ordinary walk along the river, he had long entertained his melancholy thoughts upon the banks of it, when having his face turned toward Babylon, he saw a Cavalier armed at all points, coming along the great road; the little desire he had to meet with any body, made him step aside among certain sallows that grew by the edge of the river, yet he went not so far out of the way, but he could observe, that the man whose beaver of his helmet was down, was of a very fair stature, and that he carried a woman behind him, whose face was covered with a vail, and her habit like that of the two women, whom he had found asleep not long before, and out of whose hands fell the letter of the unknown Cassandra. The arms of this Cavalier were smeared in some places with blood, and his horse had some light hurts: The woman embraced him very closely, and he turned towards her sometimes, and returned her kindnesses with great demonstrations of affection. Oroöndates did not much consider it, but he was extremely surprised when in the discourse of those two persons, he thought he heard the voice of his deceased Queen, he lent an ear to that sound in a great amaze, but the hors-man was quickly a good way off, and the poor Prince attributed that opinion to the preoccupation of his mind, which had formerly produced the like effect. This belief having redoubled his discontents, O grief! (cried he) is it not sufficient that thou troublest my reason, but thou must also corrupt my senses; and must thou needs imprint thyself afresh in my soul, by all the objects that come before my eyes, and all the noises that enter into my ears? art thou not absolute enough in my heart already, without seeking new sorts of tyranny, and dost thou not torment it with inhumanity enough, unless thou aggravatest my misfortunes by new kinds of cruelty? This reflection having much augmented his sorrows, plunged him into so perfect a melancholy, that he continued on his walk along the river, not thinking what he did, till he came within sight of the walls of Babylon; at last he perceived he was gotten above fifteen or sixteen furlongs from Polemon's house, and was already turning about to return thither, when his ears were strucken with a doleful sound, and harkening to it with some attention, he discerned the voice of one that lamented. His grief had not extinguished that generosity of mind, whereof he had ever made so high, and so regular a profession, and his fortune at that time, by a most fantastical caprichio gave him a very strange occasion to exercise it; he saw a horse hard by him, which having broken the reins of his bridle, fed at liberty upon the grass that grew on the bank of the river, and casting his eye a little further off, toward the place where he had heard that mournful voice, he perceived a trace of blood upon the earth, and having followed it a while, he at the foot of a tree beheld a man completely armed, and the grass about him died with the same blood, wherewith the field was sprinkled; his charitable humour made him draw near that wounded stranger, and ask him presently both how he felt himself, and who had put him into that condition, without staying for an answer he pulled of his cask, and taking his curass off likewise, he began to search for his wounds. This man by that assistance breathing a freer aër then before, began to look upon Oroöndates, with a feeble voice prayed him to try if he could staunch his blood. The Prince of Scythia was already endeavouring to do it, and having torn part of the linen he wore, made rulers of it, wherewith he began to bind up his wounds with much dexterity and pity; he had one upon the thigh, and two in his body, from which he had lost so great a quantity of blood, that he was hardly able to move; when by the help of Oroöndates the course of it was a little stopped, the stranger finding eas, and looking upon him from whom he had received that relief; Whosoëver thou art (said he) that so charitably assist's me, know that thou hast done this office to neither an ungrateful person, nor one unable to requite it; I have some credit in this country, which thou mayest make use of, if the gods grant me my life, and if thou canst make me be carried to the city. These words obliging Oroöndates, to eye this man a little more intentively than he had yet done, he observed a great deal of Majesty in his countenance, and features which were not utterly unknown to him; he began to promise him all manner of assistance, when the stranger to stir him up to it the more; To the end (said he) thou mayest not believ thou hast employed thy charity upon an ordinary person, and one from whom thou couldst expect nothing but common hopes, know that I am called Perdiccas. Never did thunderbolt, falling at the foot of some young shepherd, strike him with so strange a surprise as that did the Prince of Scythia, when he heard pronounced that hated, that detested name of Perdiccas. At so great an astonishment, all his blood retired to his heart, his face grew pale, the linen he yet held, fell out of his hands, and sinking down, he was near losing his senses, and his understanding; all the words in the world, and all the most natural, and most powerful expressions, are too weak in this place, and can but unperfectly represent Oroöndates his thoughts, and the estate he was in at this adventure. That Perdiccas, that Monster, whom he could not consider as other than a murderer, yet stained with the richest blood that was so dear to him; and he whose death he had not only sworn, but whose death alone was the only aim of his life, and the only cause why he had preserved it; that horrible parricide, against whom thousands of men were at that time taking up arms for his quarrel, by a miraculous decree of the gods, is delivered into his hands, yet delivered in such a condition, that he cannot give him the death which ought to limit both his life and his misfortunes, but without honour, and without resistance. 'Tis true, the nature of the offence he hath received, may well excuse his revenge, which way soëver he execute it, and that now he no longer has to do with that glorious enemy, for whom so many illustrious actions, and more lawful jnjuries, had heretofore given him, more generous resentments, and more particular considerations; but with this Tiger, who violating all divine, and humane laws, had newly stabbed his dagger into the bosom of his lovely Statira, of the Queen of his soul, nay of his own Queen too; that abominable murderer of the widow of his King, and the greatest of all the Kings that ever were, and with him in short into whose breast he ought to send a thousand deaths, if he were capable of suffering so many, without any respect to his weakness, and without regarding a generosity which was no longer seasonable, nor decent in those terms, to which so just a despair had reduced him. Indeed any other soul but his would have run headlong to that revenge without pondering the fitness of it, and any other Lover but he would have embraced that occasion to satisfy so lawful an anger, without having any consideration of honour, for him that had extinguished them all, in the horror of so dreadful a crime; but Oroöndates his mind was of another temper, and though he was a man, though he was a Lover, though he was desperate, he was not capable of killing a wounded person, nor of taking away a life which he was not able to defend against him; yet would he not pardon him neither, but how firmly soëver he was resolved upon Perdiccas his death, he could not resolve to take so shameful a time to give it him, and in those deadly trances wherewith he was cruelly combated, the motions of his eyes, and the alterations of his countenance discovered his perplexity. Perdiccas was not so far spent, but that he perceived his change, and would have forced himself to ask the cause of it, when Oroöndates broke his mortal silence, and stepping back some few paces from him, crossing his arms upon his breast, and lifting up his eyes to heaven. O gods! (cried he) what strange inhumanity, or rather what strange injustice do you use against me? you have a thousand times disarmed this hand, which I had armed against the first ravisher of my happiness, and now you take from me the liberty of punishing the infamous butcher of my life, and of the most perfect creature you ever sent into this world! you will have me see this cruel man, but see him in a condition which forbids me to give him that death I was preparing for him, and which could not but be too gentle for the expiation of his crimes: How, (said he again) am I then forbidden to give him his death? what, shall not Statira then be revenged? shall that pure blood which cry's against this barbarous villain, and that dearly beloved spirit which wanders incessantly about me, have no satisfaction? and shall this monster, by the justice of heaven, fall into my hands, only to receiv assistance? Ah! no my virtue, no my generosity, I no longer know you; you were noble toward Alexander, but toward this Tiger, you would be base, you would be condemnable; he must die, and I must die with him, but this sword that ought to cut the thread of our two lives, must begin with the more guilty, and end with the more innocent. At these words he put his hand upon the hilt of his sword, and advanced a step or two towards his enemy, but seeing him stretched out, at the foot of a tree, and almost fainting, he stopped, full of grief and confusion; Ah! miserable man, (pursued he) what will't thou do? and by what an action wilt thou dishonour all those of thy life? thine enemy lies all along, sorely wounded, and perhaps ready to expire, his baseness cannot excuse nor authorise thine, and if Perdiccas be still Perdiccas; remember that Oroöndates is still Oroöndates; if the Traitor escape these wounds, he shall not escape thy lawful fury; and if he die of them, thou oughtest to expect that from them, which thou canst not give him without cowardice; thou shalt take away his life with more glory, when thou shalt take it in the midst of his guards; and when he shall be able to dispute it with thee; let him live then, the infamous wretch, let him live, since the gods and my cruel destiny do so ordain it; I do not pardon him a crime, which is not of a nature to hope for any, but I defer his punishment, to the end I may give it him without shame, and that I may die without repentance. When Oroöndates spoke these last words, he was so near unto Perdiccas, that he could easily hear them, and he was not so far gone, but that he understood part of them, and had observed part of his actions. He was ignorant of their cause, and desiring to know what it might be, he strove to raise his voice, and looking upon Oroöndates; I know not (said he) what injury I have done thee, that thou shouldest so soon change thy former goodness into bloody reproaches, and designs against my life; I never saw thee that I remember, and this first sight had wrought in me a desire to requite thy good offices, which should not oblige thee to hate me. Ah! Monster (cried the Prince, turning away his eyes through horror) butcherer of the fairest Princesses in the world, dost thou believ there is yet a man that can know Statira's Murderer, and not be his enemy, must thou escape me, thou barbarous fellow, me, I say, who am more concerned in her loss then all the earth together? Oroöndates would have continued his reproaches against Perdiccas when he interrupted him, and stretching out his hand, Friend (said he) let us make peace I pray thee, the assistance thou hast given me, makes me desire it with thee, and I declare unto thee truly, that if thy hatred be grounded only upon Statira's death, thou oughtest to cease to be my enemy. Statira is not dead, and would it pleased the gods that ungrateful— Oroöndates suffered not Perdiccas to proceed further, and if his first words had surprised him, this second astonishment, which his lust caused in him, was infinitely above the former. How! Perdiccas (cried he, retiring two or three steps) is not Queen Statira dead? Ah! try not to prolong thy days by that deceit, the estate thou art in secure's thee from my just indignation, and thou needest not invent lies to save thyself. Perdiccas' making an utmost attempt against his weakness; I do not lie, (said he) and I protest to thee by all the gods, not only that Statira is living, but that she is living only by my means; ask the inconstant Cassandra news of the ungrateful Statira; thou shalt know that I saved her, to the prejudice of my own fortune, and of my establishment, and thou shalt know also that for a recompense of that good service, she has cast herself into the arms of a Lover, whom she adore's, whom she kissed, whom she embraced before my face, and who has left me in the case you see. Perdiccas would have said more, if his weakness would have suffered him, and if the vehemence of his speaking had not moved him so that he fell into a swoon. It is impossible to represent the strange inward motions that assaulted Oroöndates in a moment; though he had but an uncertain belief of Perdiccas his words, that joy as imperfect as it was, had like to have been his sudden destruction. He remained a great while without being able to express his several thoughts, and that strong surprise had so amazed him, that he was hardly capable of any understanding. He had much ado to dispose his mind unto that hope, and his soul was so prepossessed with his former opinion, that it was very difficult to bring it to a belief of that miracle; the excess of his happiness stupefied him, and he form so high an Idea to himself that his imagination was not able to reach it; he had some trouble to believ even that he was alive himself, or at least to believ he was not asleep. When he had a little recovered himself, Ah! (cried he of a sudden) the gods have not revived my Princess, Perdiccas is a liar, and what base fellow is but too capable of all manner of vices; he made a stop, after that first exclamation, and having floated a long time in an uncertainty full of confusion. 'Tis no matter (pursued he) our condition cannot be worse than it is; let us drive on our destiny to the uttermost, and let us learn from the same mouth, either the end of this lie, or the perfect truth. With these words he drew near to Perdiccas again, to clear his doubt, but he saw he was in a swoon. Although he did not yield an absolute belief unto his words, yet was he not so far from it, but that he suffered his mind to incline towards it a little, and begun to look upon that man, with thoughts different from those he had of him some few minutes before; insomuch that being excited either by his natural generosity, or by a desire to learn the rest of his fortune, he ran to the river, and taking up water in Perdiccas his cask, he cast some of it many times upon his face, to bring himself again; but seeing that he laboured with small success, and that his weakness was such as required better remedies, he resolved to assist him to the uttermost, and to return to Polemon's house, to fetch those that might carry him softly away; but scarce had he gone an hundred paces with that design, when he saw a great many men on horseback coming from the Town, who riding very fast, went strait to the place where he had left Perdiccas. Oroöndates got behind certain trees, being desirous to know what they would do, and from thence saw that some of them having alighted, laid the wounded man upon a Bier which they had brought, and took their way toward Babylon again. Oroöndates seeing himself eased of that trouble, saw himself also deprived of the hope of learning more certain news of his Princess, and after their departure he remained leaning against an oak, in the posture of a man whom powerful causes of admiration had utterly stupefied.  
All the different thoughts, that different passions could store up in mind, assaulted him then in a throng, and so confounded him, that left him not the liberty of any choice, nor of any distinction. At first his imagination following his desire, he believed as he wished, that Statira was alive, and in that first belief, joy so strongly possessed his soul, that there was hardly any footsteps of his grief remaining in those delightful motions: but as his happiness had seemed probable, by the conformity it held with his desires, so by its excess it appeared incredible, and made him find impossibilities in that, to which he had lent faith so easily. Statira had been stabbed, cast into a well, and covered with stones in the presence of Tyreus, who had reported it, and her death was so generally confirmed, that there could no longer be the least doubt of it, nor the least glimpse of hope. This reflection precipitated him in a moment, from that height of bliss, to which his first opinion had raised him, into that gulf of misery wherein he was already buried, and put him again into his fatal thoughts with more sensibility than ever. Ah! (said he) Perdiccas is a Traitor, and a parricide, and I should be the simplest of all men living, if I gave credit to the word of a man branded with so many crimes: that mean spirited fellow was afraid of death, and by that cunning believed he might prolong his life, let us not therefore flatter our selus any more with vain, and ridiculous hopes, which would but render our death more sorrowful and more sensible. Statira is dead as certainly as the King her father, and Fortune hath only sent me this encounter to make herself sport with the destiny of a miserable man. After this thought succeeded many others, which fortified the first, and gave light again to those hopes he had conceived, he remembered that Perdiccas had mentioned Cassandra in his discourse, and that name recalled many things into his memory, which might serve for the clearing of what he desired. Those words upon the trees, and rocks, with the names of Cassandra and Eurydice, which he had so often read, the characters whereof were so like those of Statira, and the sense so conformable to her fortune, and her humour; That letter which was fallen into his hands, out of Cassandra's, the writing whereof differed not at all from that of his Princess, and which in those terms it was couched, could not be addressed to any other than himself under the name of Orontes which he had ever born, and by which she for the most part was wont to call him; Those visions which Lysimachus and he had seen at Polemon's house, both upon one day, and which in stead of being those beloved spirits, might be the real bodies of their Princesses, the opinion he had, that he heard their voices in the wood, some few minutes before he found those women asleep; and the same conceit he had that very day, of the woman whom the horseman carried behind him, who according to the computation of time, and the marks he bore upon his arms, and upon his horse, was like to be the very same who had wounded Perdiccas, and who answerably to his report, had likewise in his presence expressed those kindnesses to that woman which he complained of. In short all that could confirm what Perdiccas had said, came into his mind, and made it so likely, that he hardly found any thing at all to doubt of. Well, (cried he of a sudden) let us hope, Statira is without question alive, and if I am not the blindest man in the world, I cannot but know my happiness. O gods! if you should have wrought this miracle in favour of me, what should I offer upon your altars, and what should I do to acknowledge a mercy of that nature? After these words, and some others full of transport, he repeated all those passages in his mind, from whence he could draw any assurance of his good fortune, and examining his last encounter particularly, he found it so agreeable to Perdiccas his words, that he no longer doubted but that woman which rid behind the Cavalier, whose apparel was so like Cassandra's, and whose voice was so like Statira's, was really Statira herself; Being fortified by these last considerations, in that opinion, he gave himself over to his joy, with such excess as might have caused his death, if in the same encounter he had not met with strong occasions to repress it: True it is, that after having heedfully considered all things, he believed he had found Statira again, in the person of Cassandra, and of the woman who had passed by him that very day; but he could not give way to that thought, without making room for another, which was able to counterpois a good part of his happiness, nor believ Statira to be living, without believing her to be in the power of that Lover with whom Perdiccas reproached her, and whom he had seen her embrace in his own presence; This opinion settling itself with the other, produced little different effects, and as joy had banished all fatal thoughts out of his mind, the jealousy that accompanied it, banished the greatest part of that joy out of the same mind; Statira is alive, (said he with a discontented look) but she is not alive for me, that ungrateful Princess is in the arms of a new Lover, and she who after so many years' service, hardly granted me the slightest favours, huggs and embrace's a new-com servant without modesty, or discretion: Suffer not thyself therefore to be carried away with the excessive joy, thou feltest for the recovery of that inconstant woman, the gods restore her not to Oroöndates, though they restore her to the world, and 'tis but for the interests of a rival, that thou hast made thy vows; and that thou rejoicest without sense or reason. His jealousy increasing by the strength of appearances, grew then so insolent, as to dispute for superiority with his joy; and indeed it had not so little power, but that it held his mind for some time wavering in suspense; but in the end the excellency of his nature, and of his affection, which was absolutely pure, and disinteressed, gave joy the upper hand, and made him more satisfied with the life of his Princess, then afflicted with her inconstancy; he thereupon repented his former thoughts, and striving to suppress them; O! my affection (said he again) pardon me this weakness, I am not yet loosened enough from humanity, to forget all my interests, and 'twas base in me to consider myself in the safety of my Princess; let her live, for me, if it be possible; and if that hope be forbidden me, let her live however, and let only Oroöndates die, since he is incapable of living without her. How! Let only Oroöndates die? (added he within a minute after) Ah! that design is unjust, Oroöndates will not die alone, that happy rival who triumphs over so many sufferings, & over so many years' service, shall infallibly accompany him to his grave; I'll follow him into what part of the world soëver he shall go, and carry death into that same breast where he has lodged the image of my Princess. As he brought forth these words, his face was inflamed with an excessive colour; & anger and hatred came to mingle themselves among the other passions which had found place in his soul. He then turned over a thousand different thoughts, and that change of his fortune, putting him into a condition of taking new resolutions, and of crossing the order Lysimachus and he had agreed upon, plunged him into a deep study which kept him above an hour upon the bank of the river where he was set down. At last he arose from thence, as much confounded and unresolved as before, and walked again toward Polemon's house, but leaving it upon the left hand, he followed the course of the river, till before he was aware, he got above a dozen furlongs from it, when he began to come to himself again, he found he was close by the side of a wood, the shade whereof suiting well with his pensive humour, begot in him a desire to visit it; he sought out the thickest, and most retired places, to which he communicated his new causes of joy, and his new causes of sorrow; and after having wavered a while in the diversity of his thoughts, he resolved in the end, to give Lysimachus notice of that adventure, and to follow the tract of his rival to spend the last drop of his blood, in disputing with him for a conquest he had so easily, and so unjustly obtained; with this design he had already turned about to find his way home again, when from one of the remotest places of the wood, he heard the voice of certain persons who spoke with a great deal of vehemence, and these last advantages having taught him to neglect nothing for the knowledge of his fortune, he lent some attention to them, to see if from thence he could draw yet something more toward the clearing of his doubts: for that purpose he directed his steps that way where he still heard that nois, and had not gone far, when through the boughs he perceived a man armed completely, except his cask which lay upon the grass, fitting by a Lady, to whom he talked with very much action; as soon as he was near enough to hear what they said, he thought he knew their voices, and that conceit made him creep a little nearer, under favour of some trees which hid him. From that place he overheard their discourse; and endeavoured to get a sight of their faces, but scarce had he cast his eye upon them, when he was strongly confirmed in his suspicions, and forced to contradict all probability to give credit to his eyes and ears; yet though these voices, and faces were perfectly known to him, he accounted that adventure so exceeding strange, and so surprising, that he could hardly believ it; in this confusion he heard the conversation of those two persons, and quickly lost his doubts by a most assured confirmation, the attention he lent permitted him to understand their words distinctly, and to observe all their actions, so that he heard that fair Lady, after she had roughly pulled away her hand from the man who held it between his, speak to him on this manner; Think not unworthy man, thy threats can terrify me, no more than thy flatteries have won me, I cannot love thee, nor will I be afraid of thee, and as thy wickedness give's me an aversion against thee, so the hope I have in the justice of the gods, free's me from the fear thou wouldst strike into me. I speak no longer to thee, as to a man that had yet some sens of virtue, but as to a faithless subject, who violates all manner of Laws in the person of his Princess, and who cannot be touched with any other consideration, than the apprehension of those punishments that hang over his head. 'Tis by them therefore that I will repress thy insolence, and 'tis by the terror of heaven's thunder, that I will divert thee from thy abominable intentions. Consider yet once again (if thou hast still any remembrance left of what I was, and of what thou wert thyself, and if the change of my fortune, have not razed out of my forehead the character, which my birth had there imprinted) consider that I am the daughter of thy King, and that thou art my father's subject, that from an unreasonable ambition, thou passest to a most horrible attempt, and that in short thou oughtest to remember I am still Berenice, and that thou art still Arsacomes. This Princess, whom after these words Oroöndates could not but know, would have said more, if Arsacomes had not insolently interrupted her. I am now no more in a condition (said he) to be satisfied with these kind of words, and if I commit any faults, the violent passion I have for you may excuse them all, you know that I have suffered with patience enough, and that in spite of the indignity of your usages I have served you with respects which are neither due to the daughter of ones King, no nor to the gods themselves; nay with respects which you ungratefully have abused. Those gods wherewith you threaten me, are the irreprochful witnesses of it, and they likewise know that I fly not to this extremity against you, till after I had rendered you all that I owed both to your birth, and to my love, and after having combated your mind by duties and submissions able to have mollified a Tygress, you have repaied them with scorn, with injuries, and with indignities, and have ever used me not only as the vilest of all men living, but as some aspic, or some savage beast. Think it not strange therefore, if I try the last means I have left, and if having no more hope to make you relent by ways of gentleness, I make use of the power the gods have given me, to obtain those favours, which you may make legitimate when you pleas. Arsacomes ended these words in taking Berenice's hand, but she rose up furiously, and looking upon him with eyes sparkling with anger, To thee, traitor (said she) favours to thee? Ah! know I can die to keep thee from them, and that I am not so forsaken by the gods, but that I hope for their assistance against thee. The gods (replied Arsacomes, holding her by the gown, and rising after her,) are not concerned in your fantastical humours, and since you urge my patience to extremities, know that they shall not deliver you to day from the design I have for my satisfaction; your obstinacy from henceforth is unprofitable, and you must either consent to my utmost felicities, or dispose yourself to see me take them by force, saying thus, he took her in his arms, and having kissed her whether she would or no, he prepared himself to give her more sensible displeasures, when Oroöndates, who had not been able to contain himself so long without a violent constraint, stepped forth from the place where he was concealed, and showing himself to that guilty man, with a face kindled by a just indignation, Arsacomes (cried he) thou traitor Arsacomes, hold thy hand; These words were to him like a thunderclap, the forerunner of the bolt that threatened him, and getting loose from Berenice's nails, who had already marked his face in divers places, he turned briskly about to Oroöndates, and drawing his sword, put himself in a readiness to punish the obstacle of his intentions. At first he knew him not, but Oroöndates coming up to him with a fiery eye, before he assaulted him, struck terror into him with these reproaches. Look here disloial man (said he) look upon this face, and acknowledge the justice of the gods, who reserv unto thy Prince, the rescue of thy Princess, and the punishment of thy offences unto him whom thou hast mortally offended. He had not the leisure to enlarge himself in a longer discourse, and though Arsacomes had no part of him unarmed except his head, and that he had no other arms but his sword alone, he stood not considering whether he should undertake that unequal combat, but setting himself in his guard he made at him with more judgement, than it was probable his boiling anger should have left him. Arsacomes knowing him, was surprised with an astonishment which cannot easily be represented, and seized with a mortal apprehension which made him tremble from head to foot. He repented himself instantly of what he had attempted, but being truly valiant, & judging that his remors was unprofitable, he banished it together with his fear, and placing his safety only in his valour, he resolved to prosecute his crime to the uttermost. Berenice was so surprised with so strange an adventure, and so unexpected a relief, that she had scarcely understanding enough left to make prayers for her brother. Oroöndates stirred up by so lawful a resentment, desired to make a speedy end of the combat, and taking the advantage of Arsacomes his astonishment, who if he had not been in such an amaze, was one that would have troubled the valiantest man in the world, he very actively avoided the first blows he made impetuously at him, and watching an opportunity to get under his sword, he engaged the point of it, and bearing it up with the midst of his own he slipped along the blade, and thrust it up to the hilts, where the defect of his curass afforded way. Arsacomes fell with the wound, and weltering in his blood, his life streamed out with it at a double passage. Oroöndates whose wrath was appeased by the fall of his enemy, had some kind of sorrow for his destiny, and though his crime made him unworthy of any pity, he could not see him struggle with death, and not be touched with some sens of compassion; He had not time to show any marks of it, and the Princess his sister, who ran to him after his victory, withdrew him from all other thoughts save those of testifying his joy to see her, by all the endearments of a most affectionate brother; they had not the leisure before, to make known the astonishment their encounter had mutually caused in them, but as soon as they were at liberty to express themselves, they suffered their love to break forth into all manner of proofs, and having ever been most sincere, it discovered itself by excessive evidences; and the joy of Berenice, who in the person of her brother had found a deliverer, and by his assistance had newly escaped so great a danger, could not manifest itself but by actions full of ecstasy and wonder. After many several long embraces, O! dear Brother, O dear Sister, (cried they both together) is it you? and not being able to bring forth any other words, they begun their kindnesses afresh, with such raptures of affection and tenderness as are not easy to be represented. Oroöndates held Berenice in his arms, giving her a thousand kisses, notwithstanding all his discontents, and the alteration of his humour; and Berenice who had nothing more to wish for after meeting with him, hung about his neck, to which she seemed to be fastened with indissoluble chains. In the end they gave some respite to their embraces, and their first amazement beginning to vanish by degrees, O dearest Brother (cried the Princess) by what strange mercy of the gods have I so favourably met with you, and how is it possible I should have found you in this country in so strange an equipage? But you, Sister, (said Oroöndates) you whom I left in Scythia, and to whom such voyages are not usual as they are to me, by what strange adventure came you into these parts, and which way fell you into this danger, from which the gods have miraculously freed you? The adventures indeed (replied the Princess) are not a little extraordinary whereby I am fallen into these misfortunes, but the recital of them deserves a fitter season, for though Arsacomes be dead, he has left those very near this place, who, in the estate you are in, may make you run some hazard, put on his arms therefore since you have the leisure, as well to deceiv their knowledge, as to be able to defend yourself if they assault you. Oroöndates approved his sister's counsel, and coming to Arsacomes he began to take off his curass, and the rest of his arms; but not without showing marks of trouble, and repugnancy in that action, nor without accompanying them with words that testified his compassion of him. Unfortunate Arsacomes, (said he) have the gods made use of my hands to punish thy faults; and have they destinied me to deprive thee of a life, for which I would willingly have hazarded mine own, if I had found thee in another condition? but 'tis no matter, with what crime soëver thou hast armed me justly against thee, I wish thy spirit an eternal repose, and I will have my sister pardon thee an offence, for which thou by thy death hast made her sufficient satisfaction; the Princess whose anger was but too much extinguished in the blood of her enemy, conformed her thoughts unto her brothers, and keeping no hatred at all against dead Arsacomes, she desired his ghost might enjoy a perfect tranquillity. Oroöndates had already put on his curass, and having by Berenice's assistance fitted himself with the rest of his arms, he took up the cask which he saw upon the ground, and having covered his head with it, he appeared little different from Arsacomes. Scarce had he made an end of arming himself, when the Princess seeing a man come toward them, armed likewise at all points, and mounted upon a gallant horse, Ah! brother (cried she) see yonder the perfidious Astyages, who, by his pernicious counsels, hath alone brought me into the danger, from which you have delivered me. Fear him not sister (said the Prince) and believ that the gods send him only to receiv the recompense of his good advice; and to furnish us with a horse, which was necessary for us: After these words he went to meet Astyages, and as soon as that wicked fellow saw him, Well Sir, (cried he) have you any need of our assistance? Oroöndates answered nothing, but the beaver of his cask being down, he let him come up to him in a place, where he could not discover Arsacomes his body. The Prince was a little taller of stature than Arsacomes, but Astyages who was far enough from suspecting the truth of that adventure, took not notice of it, till he had seized upon his rain; that action caused him to consider him, and observing some difference, he began to pull away his bridle, when Oroöndates holding it with an extraordinary force, Traitor (said he) thou must die, and give an account of thy crimes, to him whom the gods have sent to punish thee. Astyages finding he was mistaken, would have repaired his fault, and putting his hand upon the hilt of his sword, he at the same time clapped spurs to his horse to trample Oroöndates under his feet, but the Prince stopped the horse with his left hand, and seeing that Astyages had bowed down his head almost to the saddle bow, he clinched his fist, which had a good gauntlet on it, and discharged so weighty a blow with it upon his cask, that Astyages thought himself overwhelmed under the ruins of some tower; the cask indeed saved his life, but it kept him not from being so stunned, that after a while, he opened his arms, and fell without sens under his horses feet. Oroöndates judged that he was but in a swoon, but he disdained a more perfect victory, and being unwilling to dispatch an enemy, who was no longer able to make resistance, he contented himself with taking his horse, which he led toward the Princess, who came toward him to partake in his second victory. Brother (cried she) you are still invincible, and running to him with open arms, she began her endearments anew, which the Prince returned with alike affection. Berenice then thought herself at the end of all misfortunes, but that day, which was to be a day of wonders to Oroöndates, was not yet passed, and it pleased the gods that while the Princess was most busily employed in her kindnesses to her brother, a Cavalier attended by his Squire, came passing hard by her, he made a stop to behold her face and action, which after he had done a while, he lift up his hands to heaven of a sudden, and after a loud cry, he ran to his Squire, who held two javelins, and having taken them out of his hand, he cast one of them at Oroöndates his feet, crying to horse, to horse, I defy thee to a mortal combat; Oroöndates seeing himself defied by a man whom he knew not, and whom he had not injured, was inflamed with anger, and taking up the dart he had thrown him, he leapt upon his horse, which he held by the bridle, while his enemy having turned his back, went to take his carrier, that he might run at him the more impetuously; and while the Princess Berenice afflicted at this last encounter, had cast herself upon the ground, where she made war against her beautiful face, and her fair hair. They were not now in that part of the wood, where Arsacomes was killed, and where the thickness of the trees might have hindered the liberty of their course, but near the river, and the great high way, and in a place spacious enough, for the combat of a greater number. These two warriors having taken sufficient room for their carrier, turned about their horses, and setting themselves firm upon their stirrups, they came at one another with a fury like that of an impetuous wind, and a swiftness that might be compared to that of an Eagle stooping to her prey; the earth trembled under them, and the banks of the river echoed at their meeting; they were both such Masters of their trade, that they equally frustrated each other's designs, and receiving the blows upon their shields, which were aimed at the sight of their helmets, they splintred their darts in a great many pieces, without any effect, and ended their carrier, no more shaken by that powerful encounter, than two rocks by the dashing of the stormy billows. At the end of their course they drew their swords, and wheeled about with a fierceness able to strike fear into the most resolved persons. Oroöndates lifting up his terrible brow, covered with the cask of the unfortunate Arsacomes, and measuring his enemy with his eye, thought he beheld the same Cavalier who had passed by him some hours before, and whom he suspected to have carried away Statira, and to have left Perdiccas in the case he had found him. In that belief he held up his hand, by that sign making show that he desired to speak to him e'er he proceeded further: though the stranger had much ado to grant him that delay, he made a stop for a few moments, and Oroöndates without putting up his beaver; if requests are decent amongst enemies (said he) tell me I pray thee, if thou didst not fight with Perdiccas to day. I have no design at all to pleas thee (replied the stranger) but if thou art Perdiccas his friend thou mayest revenge his quarrel against me, who both fought with him, and beat him. I defy thee then thyself, (cried Oroöndates furiously) unto that mortal combat, to which thou first didst challenge me, and which shall neither have end, nor respite, but by death; He accompanied these words with a dreadful blow, which coming with that force which nothing yet had been able to resist, and falling upon the stranger's head, made him sink almost to the bow of his saddle, and was like to have made him fall among his horses feet. Never Lioness touched with the hunter's spear, turned with such a fury against him that wounded her, as did the stranger after so dangerous a salute; he had been so little accustomed to receiv such like favours, that his anger as violent as it was, began thereby twice as much inflamed, and grasping the handle of his sword, and at the same time grating his teeth, he lift it up as high as ever he was able, and brought it down so heavily upon his enemy, that his arm, which with his shield he had opposed against that tempest, yielded under so weighty a burden, and his shield was thereby struck so forcibly against his forehead, that it made him reel in his saddle, and bend backward to the very crupper of his horse; After this mighty blow, the stranger desiring to take the advantage of his enemy's disorder, closed up suddenly to his right side, that he might run the point of his sword between the joints of his arms, and overthrow him upon the sand by a shock which he could not avoid. But Oroöndates, who was none of those that could so easily be vanquished, was already in a posture to hinder his intent, and making his sword glitter in his eyes, caused his thrust to glance along his shield, and pass away without effect; but they rushed against each other so violently with their shoulders, that the petrels broke; the horses sunk in the hams, ready to set their haunches to the ground, and the Masters by the furie of that encounter, were almost disabled to continue their combat; yet did they come up again to one another more terribly than ever; and by those first strokes, knowing their valour mutually, they employed all their vigour and dexterity to seek out their best advantages. O my pen! in this place thou must confess thy disability, and that thou feelest thyself too weak to represent this dreadful combat, the description whereof passe's both my language, and my imagination; but to give some slight knowledge thereof it will suffice thee to say, that the most violent of all passions, animated the most valiant of all men, and that with it Fortune conspired, to make what ever was greatest, and most to be redoubled in the whole world, dispute a matchless victory on that small piece of earth. The studs of their arms were beaten out in many places, pieces of mail lay scattered in the dust, and the blood ran down from divers parts of their bodies, and yet their choler was not at all abated, nor did their forces seem at all diminished; on the contrary their wrath was the more inflamed by the fight of their blood, and their animosity was redoubled by resistance. 'Twas in that season of the year when the days were at the longest, and yet the sun began to decline, before one could observe any advantage or decreas of strength on either side. The desolate Berenice spectatress of that combat, poured forth a deluge of tears at the foot of a tree where she waited trembling for the success of it, and begged of the gods, with most fervent prayers, accompanied with two torrents gushing from her eyes, that either they would grant her brother the victory, or send some charitable persons to separate them. The stranger's Squire earnestly made the like requests, and remembering former successes, admired that one man could so long contest the victory against his Master; he was too well acquainted with his humour to dare to help him in an equal fight, and was not ignorant that he must never hope for pardon after such an action. But in the end the bodies of these two gallant men being neither of brass, nor marble, they began to grow weaker, and their loss of blood, and want of breath, made them find less force in their blows, and less nimbleness in their motions; their horses wearied with so long toil, and wounded with some strokes otherwise intended began to fail first; they no longer understood the spur, and answered but little to their Master's designs, when being joined very close, and being hardly any longer able to lift up their swords, they let them fall both at the same time, and catching hold of one another's bodies, they began a wrestling on horseback, in which they spent almost all the rest of their forces, but yet had not the success they hoped for; their strength was then so equal, that they could not shake one another out of their seat, and though each clapped spurs, to drag his enemy along with him, their tired horses proved weaker than themselves, and with the remnants of their vigour, they so firmly crushed their flanks, that so long as they kept their hold, it was impossible for them to move forward; the girths began to crack, when these two invincible warriors, enraged at the length of that combat, at once remembered the daggers that hung behind their backs; they put their hands thither hastily, and having drawn them to end their quarrel, while with the left arm, each held fast about his enemies middle, with the right they struck a great many blows at one another, and fight then with a blind, heedless fury, most of them light upon their armour, but some having found the defects of it, with new streams of blood, drew also the remainder of their forces; then being no longer able to keep it, they let go their hold, and their horses being no longer stopped by that potent obstacle which had made them till then unmoveable, parted and carried away their riders above an hundred paces from one another. That of Oroöndates stayed first, and his Master turning him about with much ado towards his enemy, saw him totter in his saddle, and presently after fall upon the sand; proud of this victory he would have cried, I have conquered, but he had not so much strength as to speak those words, nor to keep his seat, so that tumbling from his horse with very weakness, he had no other comfort in his fall, save that of seeing his enemy down, a moment before him. The disconsolate, or rather the despairing Berenice, ran to him quite besides herself, and pulling off his cask in all haste, she saw him faint and pale, losing his senses with his blood, which flowed out at many wide passages. O gods! how great was her affliction then; and what lamentations she made over the body of that dear brother: it seemed as if inconstant Fortune had only given her him some minutes before, to make her the more sensible of his loss after so unexpected a recovery, and if the conversation of her honour, which she had saved by that encounter, had not been a thousand times more considerable to her, then that of her life, she would have detested it a thousand times, since the gods seemed to have sent it her for no other end, but to overwhelm her in the most kill sorrow her heart was capable to receiv; in the person of Oroöndates she not only lost a brother, but a brother who was really the gallantest of all men living, a brother that had ever most dearly loved her, a brother to whom she had such fresh obligations, and a brother in whom she had found her only refuge, in a country where she was abandoned to all manner of disasters; and destitute of any sanctuary, or any acquaintance; she cast herself upon him without moderation or regard, and stained herself with his blood as she washed him with her tears; her beautiful face wherein Nature had carefully set forth her chiefest rarities, and which in spite of her long afflictions, shined like a fair star, but some few minutes before, was then the true image of desolation and despair, or rather the very picture of her dying brother, her hands which would have respected it in her ordinary lustre, knew it not in that condition, and were so sacrilegeous as to carry themselves insolently against it, and leave marks in it of the power grief had over them; As soon as her voice had forced the passage which her sighs had long made good against it, Fortune (cried she) injurious Fortune, by what crimes have I so heinously incensed thee, and what advantage canst thou draw from thy merciless persecutions? didst thou seem to be reconciled with me so lately, for no other end but to make me the more sensible of thy cruelties? and didst thou restore me this dear brother only to take him from me again with so much inhumanity? Dear brother, (continued she, closely embracing him and joining her face to his) the greatest, and most lovely Prince in the whole world, must so brave a life have so short a thread, and so deplorable an end; and have the gods brought us together after so long a separation, for nothing else but that I might close thine eyes, and pay thee thy funeral rites? will you forsake me then in an unknown country, where I had no other refuge but in you? and since you have lived for my honour, will you not live still for my happiness? As she spoke these words, after she had unbuckled his curass, she laid her hand upon his heart, and finding there yet some remainder of warmth, Ah! dear brother (cried she) there is still some life in you, and perhaps the gods will yet preserv you; assist me then you gods, you that are all good, and all powerful, and let not the perfectest of your creatures perish for want of succour. With that she rose up from her brother, and running through the wood, she called for aid, even to things that were the most insensible; while she was in this sorrowful employment, the stranger's Squire made most bitter lamentations over his Master, and judging that alone he could not give him that assistance which was necessary, left him to beg some help at the nearest houses. He was already gone, and the night that came on apace, redoubled Berenice's confusion and despair, and plunged her soul into inconceivable frights and terrors, when her good fortune brought them to her, from whom she quickly received assistance. It was Araxes, Polemon, and some of Lysimachus his servants, whom the Princess' cries had drawn unto that place: Araxes was in pain by reason of his Master's long stay abroad, and had been some hours in search of him with much disquiet. No sooner did Berenice see him appear, but she ran affrighted to him, and stretching forth her hands in a beseeching posture, Whoëver you are (cried she) if there be any pity in you, secure a dying Prince, and your assistance will be bestowed on one that well deserves it: Scarce had she spoke these words, when Araxes thought he knew that voice, and though the little probability there was in that encounter, made him very uncertain in his belief, yet did it cause him to look heedfully in her face, where, notwithstanding, that darkness began to steal away the light, he observed so much resemblance to that of Berenice, that his suspicions redoubled, and were strong enough to make him cry, O gods! Madam, what do I see? can it be you my honoured Princess? These words, and her having met with Oroöndates, made his faithful Araxes known to Berenice, who received no small consolation by his sight; she was not able to dissemble it, but forgetting her greatness, and her ordinary gravity, in a time when so many accidents had perplexed her, she embraced him, and gave him a reception, he could not have hoped for from her in another season. Araxes (said she) 'tis even I Araxes, and the gods have put me again into the arms of my dear brother, only to make me a witness of his death. Behold him here (continued she drawing near him) behold your poor Prince, yielding up his life with his blood, through a great number of wounds. If Araxes was surprised with the unexpected encounter of Berenice, he was more sensibly strucken with her words, and not losing time to answer her, he ran to him, so lost and blinded with sudden grief, that he almost trod upon him, in his haste to find him: When by the light of the moon which began to shoot forth reasonable clear beams, he saw his dear Master in so woeful an estate, he was seized with such a violent sorrow, that he was like to have kept him company, he was going to fall into bewailing complaints, when he remembered that his help was more necessary for him then those unprofitable testimonies of his affection, and summoning all his courage, to make himself capable of doing something in an affliction that put him besides himself, he stood up, and while Berenice, and Polemon having quite disarmed him, applied handkerchiefs to his wounds, to stop the blood he had yet left in his body, he busied himself with the rest, in cutting branches, and making a kind of hand-barrow to carry him away, Lysimachus his two servants less possessed with grief, wrought so fast, that they quickly made one fit to serve their turn, and having spread their cloaks, laid the Prince upon it, and began to bear him gently towards Polemon's house. Although Araxes was generous and charitable, his being so powerfully prepossessed, hindered him from taking any care of the stranger, who by the absence of his Squire was left alone, and stretched out upon the place, without since, or appearance of life, and thinking only upon his Master's safety, in all his actions he did not ill second the mourning of the afflicted Berenice. They had not gone above half way, when either through that stirring of him, or some other cause, Oroöndates came out of his swoon, and by some little moving, accompanied with a weak sigh, he raised their almost quite dejected hopes, and restored some serenity to Berenice's countenance, she stepped close to him in a suspense between joy and grief, and having called him twice or thrice, she saw him turn his head toward her, and give her that token he had some understanding left. Ah! my dear brother (said she) you shall not die, your virtue is too dear unto the gods, to lose hopes of something to your advantage. In the mean time Polemon was gone before, to get ready all things necessary, and before they arrived at his house, they met the Amazon Queen, attended by Hippolita and Amintas, who came toward them in a fright at the news she had heard of that accident; having vowed a real friendship to Prince Oroöndates, her grief was not slight for his disaster, and drawing near him, she gave all the proofs of it he could desire from the Princess his Sister; they went into the house together, and having put him presently to bed, Amintas looked upon his wounds; he had two in his body, two in his thighs, and one in his left arm: All that were present expected the Chyrurgion's opinion, with apprehensions which were easy to be observed in their countenances; but O gods! how great was their joy, when having searched them, he gave assurance that none were mortal, that only loss of blood and weariness had caused his sounding, and that if he would but be more tractable than he was of his former wound, he promised them an infallible cure within a short time. This judgement brought joy again amongst persons so affectionate to him, and they altogether showed marks of it proportionable to the friendship, which nearness of blood, obligations, and the consideration of merit, had established in their hearts; colour returned into their faces, and Queen Thalestris, who in her first trouble had not considered the Princess Berenice attentively, cast her eyes upon her with more curiosity, and hearing her call Oroöndates by the name of Brother, she called to mind some lineaments of that beauty she had seen in Scythia, but desiring a more perfect assurance of it, she drew it from the mouth of Araxes. As soon as he had fully informed her, she used compliments to the Princess, full of respect, and civility, and Berenice who at the same time learned Thalestris' quality from Araxes, repaied them with all manner of submission; the disquiet they yet were in for Oroöndates, would not suffer them to hold any long discourse, and they concluded with protestations of a perfect friendship, and mutual promises to tell their adventures, and let each other know the cause of their arrival in that country, as soon as they should have a more convenient time. In the interim Oroöndates was so far come to himself, that he spoke, and knew every body, and seeing Berenice at his bed side, I am wounded sister (said he) but my rival is slain, and the ingrateful Cassandra shall have but little satisfaction by her infidelity. These words, the cause whereof was unknown to all that were present, made them believ he was lightheaded; but after them he spoke others of so good sens, that they partly lost that opinion. Madam (said he to Queen Thalestris) see there the Princess my sister. I know it Sir, (answered Thalestris) and since that knowledge, have vowed my affections to her, with a great deal of respect, and desire to merit hers by my services. That offer (replied the Princess) is too advantageous to me, to receiv it as other than a mere favour, and since with so much goodness, you grant me what I could not justly hope for, I will not abuse it further, then to beg the continuance of it. Their civilities had not ended so soon, if they had not been in another place; but Amintas, who already had dressed the Prince, imposed them silence, and having more expressly enjoined it to his patient, he persuaded them to retire. The two Princesses, whose friendship was quickly grown, went into Thalestris' chamber, where having given each other new confirmations of it, resolved not to part beds while they continued together. After supper, they mutually expressed their desires to know one another more particularly, and Berenice having told Thalestris, she desired to make her the relation of her life in the presence of the Prince her brother. Thalestris offered to begin with hers, and for that purpose going to bed together within a while after, they spent a good part of the night in the recital she before had made to Oroöndates. Berenice infinitely taken with the wonders of her life, with her detested Orontes his infidelity, and having promised to requite that favour, as soon as her brother should be able to hear her, those two great Ladies fell asleep when it was almost day, and rose not till it was very late. In the mean time Oroöndates (whose thoughts returned to him with his forces) was in a condition different from that wherein he had passed many days, he rested all night reasonable quietly, and the next morning he reflected upon his fortune, and after long contestation judged it to be rather better than it was before. Statira is inconstant (said he to himself) but yet at least she is alive, and unless in my affection I considered only mine own interests, I cannot equally consider her death and her infidelity; I had rather she should cease to love me, then cease to live; and 'tis enough that my jealousy arms my hands against my rivals, without arming my wishes against my Princess; let us satisfy our selus with having displeased her in the death of her favourite, and if my love demanded reparation from her inconstancy, let us believ that that we have received is no light one, since with our own eyes we have seen him fall dead, whom she loved more than her life, being for him, she in so short a time had lost the memory of our services and of her illustrious husband. But miserable man, (said he again) what dost thou rejoice at? canst thou be pleased to have offended thy Princess, and canst thou have sent him out of the world, whom she loved, without becoming her mortal enemy? and canst thou become her enemy, without becoming a more cruel enemy to thyself? But, (added he for his justification) 'twas that rival himself that defied me, and assaulted me upon that quarrel; I can suspect no other cause of it, and he without question knew me for Statira's servant, and for him that had heretofore obliged her to some good will; perchance also he is not dead, but may have received from his friends, alike assistance to that which has brought me back from the grave; if it be so, O Rival! in spite of all my repentance, and in spite of all Statira's interests, prepare thyself for a second combat, and dispose thyself to lose thy pretensions with thy life, or to tear away these remainders of mine; there is no part of the world able to conceal thee from the pursuit of a desperate lover, and thou art too brave a man, to hide thyself from him against whom thou so valiantly hast defended thy advantages. This thought having drawn on another, he opened the curtain of his bed, and calling for Araxes, commanded him to send to the place where they had fought, and if his enemy were found there capable of any assistance, he charged him to give it him as to his own person, and to use his utmost endeavours to recover him into a condition of terminating their quarrel; He took care also for Arsacomes his burial, and having given these orders in a few words, and obeyed the command he received from Amintas, to keep silence all that day, The two Princesses left it him wholly free, and being got up late, they contented themselves, at the Chirurgeons desire, with going but once into his chamber, to give him the good day, and to inquire how he did. He had already told them his encounter with Perdiccas, and had as much astonished them with those last effects of his generosity, as he joied them with the news of Statira's safety, whose loss they had deplored as well as he. In the mean time Araxes being returned from the place whither his Master had sent him, brought backward that he had vainly sought the bodies of the stranger, and of Arsacomes, and that some one having taken them away, had hindered him from rendering them the last offices of burial. Oroöndates expressed some trouble at it, and the next day the Princesses obtained permission of Amintas to stay with him, and keep him company upon condition they should not make him speak too much. As soon as Oroöndates saw them by his bedside, addressing himself to the Princess Berenice, Sister (said he) we have not yet had time to entertain one another, since our meeting; I burn with an impatiency to learn your adventures, and the cause of your coming into this country, I beseech you to satisfy it in the presence of this fair Queen, who need not be suspected to us. Brother (replied the Princess) provided your health may receiv no prejudice by your attention, nor by the nois of my speaking, I am ready to content you, and to tell you wonders that are unknown to you, and wherewith as you may remember, I never had the liberty to entertain you during your imprisonment. The Princess then turning towards Amintas to ask his approbation, and he having assured her that Oroöndates might hearken to her for some time without danger, she began the relation of her adventures thus.  

The History of Berenice.  
HOw shall I be able, dear Brother, to avow my faults and weaknesses to you, and what account shall I give you of a life, which you must needs think criminal, if you judge of my actions with severity, and if you have not some regard to a dear memory, to reasons that are specious enough, and to the frailty of our nature: Indeed this consideration abashe's me, and makes me fear as many changes of my countenance in this relation, as you will find changes in my fortune; but Brother, to reassure me, I will remember not only that you have loved, since decency prescribe's us different rules; but that this fair Queen who here's me, hath not been exempt from this passion, and that by the height of yours, and the qualities of your person, you obliged a great Princess, whose virtue was without blemish, and whose example may authorise part of my faults, to slacken something of her severity for your sake, and to conceiv inclinations full of a real affection. After this preparation to my discourse, I will make you a naked confession of the accidents of my life, whereof you have till now been ignorant, and with part whereof I had entertained you in Scythia, but for the strictness of those spies which were set over you in prison, and the order that was taken about your departure. I will therefore begin my recital from the time of the first voyage you made into Persia, and will neither tell this fair Queen my birth, which she cannot be ignorant of, after the knowledge of yours, nor the particulars of my infancy which have nothing considerable, and whereof the remembrance is but too deeply drowned in that of my more important adventures.  
You know I was but in the thirteenth year of my age, when you marched against Darius, with the King our father, and all the forces of Scythia, and I hardly began to enter upon the fourteenth, when the King returned to Issedon with his army, and yet even when I was so young, I did not escape the assaults of Fortune, nor of those sorrows wherewith I have since been overwhelmed. The first I received of weight enough to make itself be felt, was that of your going away, and though I saw marks of your remembrance, in a letter which was given me from you, that testimony of your affection served only to make me more sensible of your departure, and I, with my particular affliction, accompanied that general excessive sadness, which seized upon the whole court for that occasion; The King expressed an extraordinary grief, and condemned the lightness of your youth, by words which sufficiently made known how really he loved you at that time. That kind of mourning, took off much from the divertisements of that winter, and moderated those rejoices which were prepared for the King's return, and for the success of his arms; and than it was that the sorrow which by your absence had begun to possess my heart, sought occasions to settle itself there for the remainder of my life. But because I cannot enter upon my story without the mixture of another, which makes a good part of it, I must follow the thread thereof according to the order of time, and before I tell you my misfortunes, I must discover the cause of them unto you. You know that the King was ever of a very amorous complexion, and that after the death of the Queen our mother, he had already expressed love to many Ladies of the Court, but all those first affections had been without fixing any where, and without continuance, and it was believed that all that should succeed them would have alike success, when for our unhappiness, and by the cruelty of the destinies, he fell desperately in love with Stratonice, Sister to the unfortunate Arsacomes, and daughter to the Prince of the Issedons. She was bred up with me, as many other Princesses of Scythia although I was younger than she by five or six years, and I may truly say that her beauty, the excellen●●e of her wit, and a great many good qualities she possessed, had produced in me a real friendship towards her. I will not describe a beauty to you Brother, which heretofore you were very well acquainted with, and I will only call to the remembrance of this fair Queen, who perchance may have seen her during the stay she made at Issedon, that all the features of Stratonice's face are very handsome, that her skin is white and delicate, her eyes and hair black, her stature tall, and that in all her actions, and the motions of her countenance, she hath a great vivacity, and something very attractive. True it is that she never made use of her wit to add new graces to it, and that having one of the most crafty, subtle ones, that can be known, she often employed it with success to seek her own advantage.  
It was upon the day when the feast of the goddess Tellus was celebrated, that she received the first testimonies of the King's affection; or at least of his particular esteem, and of his preferring her before all the Ladies of the Court. There was a sacrifice made unto that goddess in a large open field, in the midst whereof an altar was raised, upon which the King for an offering, was to cause a basin of the finest flowers, and fairest fruits the country could produce, to be presented by some Lady, who for her beauty, virtue, or quality, by his choice, deserved to be so preferred above all the rest. This honour was so considerable, that it was envied by the fairest; and those that disinherited the obtaining of it, found commonly some pretences, not to be present at that ceremony. Stratonice who certainly had a great deal of reason to pretend to it, was one of the first there, and of the nearest to me; If she had any hope of it she was not deceived, for the King never wavered in his choice, but looking upon the rest with a kind of disdain, addressed himself presently to her, and giving her the basin with his own hands, Fair Stratonice (said he) receiv this authentic testimony of the advantage you have over all beauties, and present unto the goddess, this offering of a King, who acknowledge's you worthy of more noble, and more solid offerings yourself. Stratonice whose ambition had not yet deprived her of the knowledge of herself, could not hear these words of the Kings without blushing, and very modestly receiving what he held forth to her, she answered only with a profound obeisance, and acquitted herself exceeding gracefully of what she had to do for the accomplishment of the ceremony. After that first knowledge of the King's particular esteem of her, she received many others of an affection taking birth, and within a while after of a settled passion. Being she at that time had no other designs, than what she might with reason conceiv, she made no great foundation upon it, and knowing how truly I loved her, she declared unto me all the King's proceedings, and desired me to set down the order she should follow, if that fancy should run on. I approved her discretion, and thanked her for the respect she showed me, but not believing that the course of the King's affection to her would be of any importance, I referred the conduct of it to her own prudence, as being younger than she, and more ignorant in matters of love. In the mean time the King persisted so in that passion, that by little and little the world began to lose opinion of his inconstancy, and Stratonice to change part of her modesty into an ambition, which made her raise her thoughts to unjust hopes; she than left off speaking to me any more touching the King's prosecutions, and concealed that from me, which had formerly made part of our entertainments. I carried myself with so much innocence towards her, that I dived not into her intentions, and I never thought her desires aimed at that dignity, which since she hath attained. The King who loved her most ardently, served her with great discretion, and I did not believ she grounded any thing upon his love, till I received an assurance which would no longer suffer me to doubt of it; One day when she was in my chamber, I put her upon that discourse, and ask her some questions about the King's affection, she spoke of it as of a thing she had no thought of, and whereof she could hardly endure the remembrance, and disapproved the King's courtships in such terms, as made me believ she gave no consent to them at all: I praised her discreet inclinations, and modest carriage, but within a while after, as she went out of my chamber, a paper dropped from her clothes, and one of my waiting women having taken it up unseen to her, brought it to me. I was familiar enough with Stratonice, to take the liberty to see her secrets, and upon that confidence having unfolded the paper I found three letters, by the first of which I knew the King's writing, and presently after read these words.  
The King of Scythia to the Princess Stratonice.  
WIll you be ever insensible of my affection, fair and lovely Stratonice, and will you still oppose me with that tyrannical duty, whereby you defend yourself against it with so much inhumanity; give over these unjust inclinations Stratonice, and divest yourself of that old error, which persuades you that it is a greater crime to love, then to murder a King.  
The reading of this letter discovered unto me part of Stratonice's dissimulation; but I was better confirmed in it by the sight of the other two, which like that was o● the Kings own hand; the first of them was much after this manner.  
The King of Scythia to the Princess Stratonice.  
I Can hold out no longer, Stratonice, and you have at last reduced him to beg mercy of you, who never needed it from any body; you have done enough for your justification, and that severity for which you pretend to be praised, becomes unblamable by its object. You can no more with glory give death to him who never defended himself against you, nor can you give him life so long as you shall refuse him your affection.  
In these two first letters I saw nothing that could make me condemn Stratonice for her dissimulation, but in the third I found some words that displeased me, they were these, or to this purpose.  
The King of Scythia to the Princess Stratonice.  
WHy do you tell me, that I am not indifferent to you, since by your actions you testify the contrary? and why do you suffer me to conceiv hopes, if your intentions be otherwise disposed? I have given myself wholly to you, and I have yet obtained nothing from you, it is time, fair Stratonice, that you should do something in my favour, and that of an unfortunate man as he is, you should make him the happiest of all the Princes upon earth, whom of your King, you have made your slave. Matheus.  
The reading of these letters caused in me an extreme spite at the cunning of Stratonice, from whom till then I had never concealed my most secret thoughts; and I began to believe, that she had unfitting designs, since she had not discovered them unto me; not that I doubted her virtue, I had too much knowledge of it to contradict my former opinion, and certainly she never gave any occasion to have it suspected; and I ought to confess, since it is a truth, that in all the course of the King's affection to her, she ever behaved herself exceeding modestly, and never exceeded the strictest rules of chastity. I was displeased at her dissimulation, and I expressed my resentments to her, though with much gentleness; At our next meeting, I drew her to a window, where our discourse could not be overheard, and giving her the letters, Here cozen (said I) I restore you, what chance and your negligence have caused to fall into my hands, and I am very sorry they have discovered to me, what you with so much prudence have disguised. Stratonice was so confounded at these words, and at the sight of her letters, that as cunning as she was, she could not dissemble her astonishment; her face changed colour twice or thrice, but when she had a little recovered herself, It is true Madam, (answered she) of late I have not told you any thing concerning the King's obstinacy to torment me; but 'twas because I feared I could not make my complaints to you, without falling into anger against a person to whom you are so near, and to whom both you and I owe all manner of respect. I was but little satisfied with that answer, and replied smiling; you are not so tormented by him, but that you give him hopes. It is not, Cousin, that I would go about to disapprove your actions, you are discreet enough, both to measure yourself, and to know the King's intentions; but I am so much your friend, as to take the liberty to tell you, they cannot be advantageous to you; although you are worthy of an extreme good fortune; no body believe's he hath a design to marry you, and all other thoughts he can have, must needs be ruinous to you. Stratonice could not forbear showing some confusion at this discourse, but having a great deal of wit, she was not long ere she reassured herself, and answered, I will endeavour Madam, to draw benefit from your good advice, and what design soëver the King can have upon me, I will ever have that, of neither doing or suffering any thing that can make me unworthy of your affection, or of your good opinion. She brought forth these words with an alteration which made me know she was not pleased with what I had said, and presently after, our conversation being interrupted, we no more sought occasions to begin it again, and I contented myself with having made Stratonice see her artifices were not unknown to me, without pressing her any further. She in appearance bore my reproof modestly enough, and carried herself toward me, as she was wont; but within a few days after, the King meeting me in a gallery near my lodgings, took me by the hand, and drawing me aside from my maids that followed me, Berenice (said he) you are two young to instruct those that have more age, and knowledge than yourself, and I do not like that you should counsel my Mistress to my prejudice. These words so surprised me, that I remained a long time silent; and full of confusion, and fear of having displeased the King, by the liberty I had taken, but settling myself as soon as I could, Sir, (said I) I never had any intention to give counsels to your majesty's prejudice, and I shall never instruct any body, but to pay those services and respects that are due to you. Berenice (replied the King) you understand me well enough, without explaining myself any further; In short, Stratonice has no need of your lessons, and you ought either to give her advice quite contrary to that she has received from you, or else to give her none at all. The King afforded me not the leisure to make answer, but having led me back to my company left me at liberty to digest his discourse. I was not so much amazed at the sharpness of his words, as at the intelligence they discovered between the King and Stratonice. I could never have believed she had so much intimacy with him, as to tell him what I had said to her, but this assurance would not let me doubt any longer of the progress the King had made in her mind, by his courtship, and by the hopes he had given her. I observed the Kings command exactly, and from that time forward, I never took the liberty to censure Stratonice's deportments, she behaved herself toward me with very much respect, but with more coldness then formerly, and I always showed her an equal countenance, and an extraordinary civility. The King, who no longer concealed his affection from any body, made many entertainments for her, and raised all manner of gallantries, to a greater height in the Court then ever; he commonly wore her colours, and apparelled himself with more spruceness, and bravery, than he had done in his youth, and by a thousand actions made all the world know he had bounded all his thoughts in her alone. He neither gave, nor granted any thing but by her intercession; the most important Offices of the Kingdom were bestowed upon her kindred, and her brother Arsacomes was presently raised to the highest dignities he could wish. Yet found he difficulties in his intentions, which he had not apprehended, and Stratonice, who as ambitious as she was, was nevertheless very chaste, never gave him any advantage over her, which could wound her reputation, and contented herself with having great compliances for him, and receiving the honour he did her, with all manner of submission, and modest respect, without letting herself loose to unblamable liberties, and such as might have stopped her passage to that greatness, which she hath since attained. I believ indeed that in this discreet, and virtuous way of proceeding, she followed the incitements of her own nature; but it is also true, that she was confirmed in it by the counsels of her mother, who was one of the most politic women in the world, and who often represented to her, that by that manner of carriage, she might change the nature of the King's passion, and engage him in an affection full of esteem, and respect, which might raise her to the highest dignities. Stratonice harkened to these instructions, and practised them with so much prudence, that the King, whose thoughts at that time perchance were different from those he hath had since, began to fear the success of his love, and to despair of possessing her by any other then lawful means, which yet he was not resolved to make use of; for notwithstanding the excess of his affection to that Princess, he was too great a Politician, to prefer the motions of his love, before the consideration of his State, and to run on to a marriage, that would be condemned by his neighbours, and murmured at by his people.  
Behold in what condition were the affairs between the King and Stratonice, and I thought fit to tell it you in a few words, before I engaged myself in a recital, which hath a great dependence upon that I have made you. Now I must acquaint you, that while the Sister stood upon these terms, the Brother I know not by what blindness, found something lovely in me, and whether it were by the rigour of my destiny, or the cruelty of his, engaged himself presumptuously in that affection, for which I have suffered so much, and for which he himself hath suffered a death, which by his last actions he deserved. Arsacomes was then about two or three and twenty years old, and I may tell you Madam, that he was of a fair stature, a handsome person, expert in all manner of exercises, and had the reputation of a valiant man. He by birth held the rank of a Prince amongst the Scythians, but by the King's favour he was raised above all dignities, and considered, by the absence of the Prince my brother, as the second person of the Kingdom. The King, who, besides that he loved his sister, had observed a great many recommendable qualities in him, had placed him in the highest degree of Fortune, that any Favourite had yet been seen to rise to, and every day redoubled his favours toward him, with so many demonstrations of friendship, that his happiness quickly drew the envy of the Courtiers. It is true that Arsacomes carried it with pride enough, and being of a very haughty nature, he found matter enough in his fortune to become insolent, and insupportable by his vanity. He was liberal, but he gave with ostentation, and when he had done any one a courtesy to the King, he would set so high a value upon it, as took away part of the obligation. I repent me that I said he found something lovely in me, since now I think better on it, I believ it was only his pride that made him raise his eyes to the daughter of his King, and that seeing nothing in Scythia, which according to the vanity of his conceit, was not below him, he believed that without abasing himself, he could not address his thoughts to one of meaner quality. It was a long time ere I discovered them, but the reflection I have made since, put's me in mind of many actions I saw him do in the beginning of his love, which were sufficient to have made me observe it, if I had been so much concerned at that time; in the Temples, in all assemblies, and in the visits he made me, his eyes were always fixed upon my face; he sighed, he changed colour, and by all his actions gave me cause to suspect him of having particular thoughts of me, he sought out and affected occasions of being near me, and when he met with any of doing me service, he embraced them with cares, which his high, ambitious humour would not have permitted him to take for any other Princess, except her to whom he had given his affections; I valued myself enough to receiv all his services, as the duties to which my birth obliged him, and seeing in him every day new marks of complacency, and civility towards me, I witnessed my sens of them by all manner of good usages, and accompanying the King's esteem of him with the proofs of mine, I by the innocent testimonies of my acknowledgement, fortified him in her thoughts, and in those hopes, he had unjustly conceived. Certain it is I continued a long time without suspecting him to have any design I could condemn, and that I should have considered his actions a great while longer in the same manner, if in the end he had not lost his respect, to acquaint me with what I should, and would have been ignorant of. His quality, the King's favour, and his many good parts, gave him a very familiar access amongst us, and a free entrance into our chambers, and into our conversations. Having one day attended the King into my lodgings, with many others, while the company stayed in my chamber, where I entertained the King, he passed on into my closet where were some of my maids, and having talked with them a while, he saw a standish and paper upon the table, and finding that opportunity to his imagination, he resolved to make use of it, for a thought that came into his mind upon the sudden, and sitting down by the table, he began to write. My maids, who respected him for many considerations, not daring to interrupt him; He had been so employed a good while, when the King went out of my chamber, leaving him behind. After the King was gone, I went into my closet, where I found Arsacomes leaning still upon the table with a pen in his hand. As soon as he saw me come in he start up, and hastily hiding the paper he had written, he seemed to be in a great confusion for having been surprised in that action, and stepping back a little, he beseeched me to pardon his imprudence, in having taken a liberty in my closet, which he did not think should have been known to me. I easily excused it, but knowing he had a very good wit, I out of curiosity desired to see what he had written, and making use of his accusation of himself; If you will have that pardon you demand (said I) you must buy it with an obedience I desire from you, and must show me what you have written upon my table, and upon my paper. The subtle Arsacomes counterfeiting modesty, Ah! Madam (answered he) do not desire to see these marks of my folly, and be pleased to require some proof of my respects, that may be more advantageous to me. This unwillingness increasing my curiosity, made me obstinate in my first intention. No, no, Arsacomes (said I) you shall not escape me so easily, I believ you have written nothing in my closet against the State, nor against decency, and if my curiosity be not prejudicial to you, I entreat you to satisfy it. Madam (replied Arsacomes) I have made so solemn a vow never to disobey you while I live, that I know nothing that can remit me from it, and of what importance soëver my secret is, it is impossible for me to conceal it from you, since you have expressly forbidden me. But Madam (continued he, drawing forth the paper he had put up) before you cast your fair eyes upon this writing, I must tell you the subject of it, and confess that I have set down in this paper, the true declaration of my passion for a Princess whose divine qualities, aught to place her above the rank of mortals, and my respect to whom, hath hitherto kept my tongue tied up with an extreme tyranny; I have suffered for her without accusing her; I have suffered in her presence without declaring my torments otherwise then by my looks, and other mute expressions of my passion; I have a thousand times called for help from my courage to unloos my tongue, which in this only adventure is deprived of his ordinary function; but that sovereign Mistress of my life, hath as often imposed me silence, by that profound respect I bear her, and hath reduced me to the necessity of tracing out those words with my hand, which fear will not suffer my mouth to bring forth. She shall read them herself, that absolute Queen of all my thoughts, and with those same eyes, which burn the whole earth as well as me, she upon this paper, shall see my real adorations of her. I was surprised at this discourse of Arsacomes, and not having learned before that he was in love, I wondered to hear him speak with so much vehemence, of a passion which was unknown to the whole world, and being desirous to gain a fuller knowledge of it, I replied to his last words. Your discretion is not common Arsacomes, in having so well concealed from all the world, so violent a passion as you describe yours to be; but since you have confessed so much of it to me, give me leave to ask more, and tell me for the interest I take in your satisfaction, what assurance you have, that she from whom you have always hid your thoughts, will see them upon that paper? she will see them (answered Arsacomes) because she has desired to see them, and that in presenting them to her myself, I shall only obey the absolute command she has imposed upon me. If it be so (added I innocently) you are not ill in her favour, and you ought to hope, that she will not disapprove your designs, since she makes use of the power she hath over you, to oblige you to declare them to her. Alas! (replied Arsacomes with a sigh) that is a thing to which I cannot lawfully raise my hopes, and that which I love is so high, that Arsacomes is unworthy to look upon it, yet it is certain, that I take not this liberty without an express order from my Princess; but I am ignorant what the success will be, and I may learn it, Madam, from yourself, after you have read this paper, your thoughts will be the thoughts of this divine person, and your fair mouth will without doubt pronounce the sentence I shall receiv from her. If in the condition I now am, one should hold such a discourse to me, I am not so dull of capacity, as that I should need more ample expositions of it; but at that time I was so young, and to say the truth so simple, and so innocent, that I understood not Arsacomes his subtlety, and without sounding any deeper into his intentions, or reasoning any longer with him, I took the paper he presented to me, and in it read these words;  
YOu have desired, O divine Princess, to know my most secret thoughts, accuse therefore only your own commands of my temereity, and remember I obey you, in declaring that I die for you. That same respect which hath made me dumb whole years together, had yet concealed from your fair eyes this presumptuous paper, where you now read this criminal discovery of my passion, if your own mouth had not expressly forbidden me. Give me leave therefore, since you have so commanded me, to make confession of a fault, whereof I neither can nor will repent myself. It is true most divine Princess, that Arsacomes adore's you, and that to those many powerful reasons which tie him to your service, he hath added an inclination yet more powerful; condemn it not as a crime, since it is of the same nature with that we have of the gods themselves, and that in considering you as the most lovely Princess in the world, he consider's you also as her, whom of all the Princesses in the world he is least worthy to serv.  
Think, if after the discourse which had passed before, I could still doubt whether these words were addressed to me, and yet I was so simple, or rather I found so little likelihood of Arsacomes his presumption, that I gave no way at all to that belief, and with the same innocence I had showed before, I prayed him, if he might, to tell me the name of that Princess for whom he had a passion so full of respect. I dare not (said Arsacomes) though my Princess hath already commanded me, pronounce her name before you, but since I cannot resist her will, and that you have neither learned it by the reading of these words, nor by our conversation, you will be pleased that my pen, having already done the office of my tongue, prosecute its crime to the utmost, and write it upon the letter, which I will leave in your hands, upon condition you will not read it till after I am gone from you. I promised what he desired, and then taking the pen again, he put a superscription upon his letter, and having given it me with a low reverence, went out of my chamber. As soon as he was gone I cast my eyes upon it. but, O Gods! how great was my astonishment when I read  
To the Princess Berenice.  
I Am not able Brother, to make you comprehend the trouble that seized me at this encounter, and the displeasure I received at Arsacomes his presumption, I fell into a sudden, and so violent anger, that I had not words to express it, and after having torn the letter all in pieces, I sat down in a chair so strucken, and confounded, that I had hardly confidence to look upon my maids. Cillenia, whom I loved best of them all, stepped to me, and ask me the cause of that sudden change; Let me alone Cillenia, (said I) let me pass over my ill humour, and believ that if I thought thee an accomplice of Arsacomes his temereity, I would banish thee out of my sight for ever▪ Cillenia astonished at that threat, made great protestations of her innocence, and persuaded me so far, that I discovered my trouble to her, but in such terms as made her judge that Arsacomes was extremely in my ill opinion; after I had said all against him that my resentment could suggest; What, (continued I) shall I then endure that a subject of my fathers should speak to me of love, and that he should fool me, like an ordinary, simple girl? and shall his presumption remain unpunished, because the King love's him, or rather because he is Stratonice's brother? Ah! no Berenice, suffer not this injury without resentment, at least endeavour to take satisfaction, and ask justice from the King thy father, against the insolence of his subject; I was even upon the point of going instantly to complain of him to the King, but when I remembered the considerations he had for him, and the power Stratonice had over him, I forbore that design, judging I should not obtain all the reparation I might lawfully desire, and I resolved, without begging assistance, to keep off that audacious man by all manner of scorn, and ill usage. Till than I had beheld him without aversion, and had as others observed some good qualities in him, but by this action he changed the nature of all my thoughts, and all that was most advantageous in him, took then another form in my opinion; his courage begun in it to pass for rashness, his dexterous wit for cunning, and treachery, his liberality for vanity, and ostentation, and the confidence he had in his conversation, and in all his actions, for an insupportable pride. This sudden Metamorphosis made him instantly odious to me, and desiring to free myself of him for ever, I commanded Cillenia to forbid him my chamber, and to give him express order never to appear before me. She performed that charge the next day, but I learned from her that Arsacomes seemed but little moved at that show of my displeasure, and having patiently harkened to all she said to him from me, Cillenia (said he) the offence the Princess hath received from me, is not so great as she hath fancied it, and if she will hate all those that love her, she must dispose herself to hate all the world; If I never commit other crimes I shall never have any repentance, and so long as she has no other reason to accuse me, I shall not believ myself guilty to her; tell her therefore, that if I had injured her in the smallest thought, I would wash my fault off with my blood; but that in a condition full of innocence, she cannot without injustice inflict pains upon me a thousand times sharper than death itself; nor can Arsacomes hinder himself from loving her, so long as the gods shall give him life, and knowledge. This was that he said to Cillenia, and she having told it me, I found so much irreverence, and want of respect in his words, that the hatred I had already conceived against him was thereby fully redoubled. He received proofs of it at the first visit he would have made me, and my maids having had such order from me, refused him entrance into my Chamber, telling him I was not well, he was used on the same fashion, as often as he came, and any other body would without doubt have been repulsed by so many marks of my disdain; but though he was so proud as to support them impatiently, he was likewise so vain as to hope he should overcome me at last, and to be whetted by the difficulties of a Conquest, which by that resistance would yield him more glory, and more satisfaction. Seeing therefore, that his admittance into my Chamber was forbidden, whensever he came alone, he disposed the King to visit me often, and coming with him, forced me to suffer his presence against my resolution; but by that manner of proceeding, wherein he showed so little obedience, and so little compliance with my desires, he incensed my anger and my spite so violently, that I was hardly able to dissemble it. I often received such like importunities, but I always avoided him so warily, that I never afforded him the means of entertaining me in particular. One day being come into my Chamber in his ordinary company, he drew near to a window, where the King was talking to me, and within a while after, the King stepping a little aside to speak to some of the Princes that were come with him, left me alone with Arsacomes, whom he commanded to make me the relation of something that had passed at Court a few days before. I detested that spiteful occasion: but seeing myself reduced to the necessity of either hearing him or speaking to him, I took that time to declare my resentments, and as soon as ever he opened his mouth, whether it were to obey the King, or to give me new causes of dipleasure, Arsacomes (said I) consider who I am, and remember who you are yourself, and since you have preferred my hatred before the esteem I had of you, dispose yourself to suffer it eternally, and all the disdains that are due to a disobedience, and to an insolence like yours. As confident as Arsacomes was, he was so dashed with these words, that he was not able to dissemble it, he changed colour twice or thrice, but when he prepared to answer, I left him, and having found some pretext to join with the company again, I no more gave him the conveniency to speak to me. After that day, knowing how much his carriage had displeased me, he behaved himself with more moderation and more fear of offending me, and seeing how carefully I kept him from all occasions of entertaining me, he contented himself with showing me his perseverance, or rather his obstinacy by his looks, and all his actions: While he stood upon these terms with me, the King was upon those with Stratonice, which I have already told you, and that crafty, ambitious woman having already raised her hopes to the Crown, had extinguished all those the King had conceived by other ways. He laboured every day to overcome her, yet she yielded but very little, and following her mother's counsels, she opened her way toward the Throne by her gentle cunning resistance. The King having spent some time in this employment, turned his thoughts upon the war with Darius, and having made great preparations, and set that potent Army on foot, against which you fought in person upon the Frontiers of Persia, he caused it to march towards his enemy's Country, whose ruin he aimed at in that expedition. I will not enlarge myself upon the order the King took for his departure, upon the numbering of his Forces, nor upon many other particularities which are not necessary to my Relation, and which are above my element and my knowledge. I will only tell you, that the King took his leave of Stratonice with all manner of expressions of trouble, and that before he went away he made protestations to her of an eternal affection. He used me with kindnesses suitable to the love he had ever shown me; but though I was deeply afflicted at his departure, I found some consolation in that of Arsacomes, who made the voyage with him. They went from Issedon, and marched toward the Araxis with Forces that had drained a good part of the kingdom, and which in probability were like to defeat his Enemies, you know better than I, brother, the progress they made, and the circumstances of their first actions, when they entered upon Darius his territories.  
This part of the Princess' Discourse, bringing into Oro●ndates his mind, the remembrance of Artaxerxes his death, drew sighs from the bottom of his breast, and tears from his eyes in great abundance, and the Princess not knowing the cause of them, asked him if he felt not some new indisposition; but the Prince having wiped his eyes, and settled himself a little, prayed her to continue her recital, which she did in these terms.  
After the King's departure we remained at Issedon very melancholy, and passed all the time of his absence very sadly; most of the principal men of Scythia being with him, amongst whom all the Ladies of the Court had some body to griev for. Stratonice visited me often, and paid me great civilities, but we lived no more together with our former freedom, and the interests of that ambitious Lady, had taken away part of the friendship she had born me. She received many Letters from the King, and Arsacome● was so impudent as to write some to me; but they that delivered them from him were so ill received, that they had no more the boldness to come to me with such like messages. As I have excused myself from the discourse of the war, so I hope you will excuse me from the recital of what passed amongst us during the King's absence, which is indeed of no great consequence; and will be pleased I may pass it over, to tell you, that having long wished for him, we saw him return to Issedon, four Months after his departure; the condition he came home in, put all Scythia in doubt what they should think touching the success of that war; of that great and flourishing Army, we had seen march away a short time before, with such gallant hopes, he brought back nothing but pitiful relics, laden with wounds, and which hardly made up the tenth part of what he carried with him; but these few shattered Forces boasted that they had cut all Darius his Army in pieces and slain his own son, and all his chief Commanders upon the field which they had won. However it were, the King was received as if he had returned with his whole Army, victorious over all Persia, and those that had accompanied him in the danger and hardship of his voyage, had their part also in his reception. He showed as much kindness to me as I ex●pected; but without doubt I had received more from him, if Stratonice had not possessed his thoughts, and if he had not believed he owed part of that time to her, which in another season he would have given to me alone. I will not lengthen my discourse, with relating his new expressions of affection to her, they went beyond the expectation of the whole Court, and they, for many days, were the whole entertainment of it; but I was the less troubled, because by the visits he made her, he freed me from those of Arsacomes, who never came into my Chamber but with him. He, as they said, had made himself remarkable in that war by many valiant actions, and that reputation he had gained, had raised his pride to a greater height; I had but too much knowledge of it by the continuation of his importunities, and in all manner of encounters he lost no occasion of letting me see, he persisted in the design of vexing me all his life. I took not more care to avoid his company, than he did to seek for mine, and the assurance he had that it displeased me, was never strong enough to divert him from it. I was one day in the Temple of Mars, in the place appointed for me, when the King passing by me, followed by Arsacomes, Theodates Cidaris, and many others; after he had spoke some few words to me, went on to Stratonice who was with her mother on the other side of the Temple, and all those that accompanied him going thither also, only Arsacomes stayed behind with me. This action kindled me with spite and anger, which might have been observed in my countenance, if any body had taken the care to look upon me; I turned not my eyes towards him, but keeping them fixed upon a prayer book I held in my hand, I used him with such a scorn as I was not wont to show to any body else; yet was he not repulsed with it, but bowing down his head that he might be heard by none but me, he said softly, I dare not, Madam, ask justice for your usage of me, in any other place then before the gods; since only they are not below you, and that only they know with how much injustice you have condemned my zeal to serve you. He had said more without question, if I would have suffered him to proceed, but though the consideration of the place where we were, and of the assembly, kept me from breaking forth as I should have done, if he had spoke to me otherwhere, yet did it not hinder me from replying with a look of resentment and indignation. Arsacomes, if you continue to offend me, I will require justice myself of the King my father, for the insolency of his subject, and since my own consideration is not strong enough, to bring you into the respect you owe me, I will know from him whether he approves this carriage which so much displease's me Arsacomes appeared a little strucken with these words, but within a while after, he answered; The King is so just, Madam, that I cannot fear his condemnation, nor believ that my zeal to serve you, will pass in his opinion for an offence. These words redoubled my anger, and made me reply: I account every thing an offence that comes from you, since you have forced me to it, and I cannot receiv a more sensible one, then that you do me in interrupting my devotions, to entertain me with your follies. Arsacomes who had not utterly lost all respect, would not importune me further, and bowing down to the very ground, he went to wait upon the King, who was discoursing with Stratonice.  
In many other encounters we had conversations of this nature, and as he persisted in the design of displeasing me, I persevered in the resolution I had taken to despise him all my life. In the end, his obstinacy tired but my patience, and seeing with how much presumption he continued to give me marks of his love by all his discourses, and by all his actions, I determined to do what I had long de●err'd, for fear of enraging him; and knowing no other remedy to cut off the course of the vexations I received, I made my complaints to the King of his insolent persecution, in terms that made him see I was deeply incensed. He had already some suspicion of it, upon light appearances, whereon he had grounded no assurance; but at that time he seemed surprised with the news, and made show to disapprove Arsacomes his boldness. I do not intend (said he) that Arsacomes shall thus abuse my goodness to him; and if I have considered him hitherto as one of the first men of my kingdom, and as one for whom I have a particular friendship, I will not have my favours hinder him from knowing himself, nor am I so blinded with my esteem of him, but that I can abase him as much below what he is, as he would raise himself above what he ought to be▪ I will make him know that I am not ignorant of his fault; and if I had not particular considerations of him, I would let him see, by an exemplary punishment, how much his presumption hath offended me. The King spoke to this effect, at that time, and by many of his actions, made me find that Arsacomes his boldness had displeased him; but the power his sister and he had usurped over him, was the cause he slackened much of his first motions, and because either less sensible of my interests, or more fearful to declare his mind, in effect, he said nothing to him concerning it, whether it were that he doubted he should fall into passion against a man whom he considered▪ and was not willing to lose; or that he was afraid to offend his sister, to whom his passion was then risen to the extremity; and without inflicting other punishment upon him, he only complained to Stratonice, and prayed her to represent his fault to him, and to bring him gently to a knowledge of himself. That crafty woman, put on wonder at the King's discourse, and in show for a while disapproved her brother's boldness; she protested to the King, that she never knew any thing of it, and when she saw he was appeased by her compliance; It is true Sir (continued she) that Arsacomes hath done amiss, nor will I allege unto your Majesty for his justification, that if the Princess might be served by any one below a King, Arsacomes might with justice dispute that advantage against all those who do not wear a crown; since he is born a Prince, and that by your goodness, and by his birth, he hardly see's any but your Majesty above him, within the limits of your Empire. This consideration, Sir, cannot exempt him from blame, since it is true that he is born your subject; but Sir, the offence he hath committed is not a wilful one; and the Princess' beauty hath not left him reason enough to consider the inequality there is between them. In short Sir, if your Majesty will give me leave to speak freely to you, Arsacomes his faults have taken precedent from yours, and 'tis perchance by yours, he believed he might authorise his, since the disproportion is no greater between Arsacomes and the Princess your daughter, then between your Majesty and Arsacomes his sister; and that Arsacomes doth not exalt himself more in serving the daughter of his King, than his King abase's himself in honouring the sister of Arsacomes with his affection. I know that this comparison makes nothing for him, and that Arsacomes his sister receives as great a favour by your majesty's abasement, as his King's daughter receives injury by Arsacomes his elevation. Since Sovereigns cannot look upon their Subjects without honouring them, nor Subjects lift up their eyes unto their Sovereigns without offending them. But what shall become then of this guilty man, and what punishment shall we appoint, (since your Majesty leave's me the disposing of it) for this brother, who hath ever been the better part of me, and whom your Majesty hath honoured with a particular esteem? If we banish him, I must accompany him in his exile, since our friendship hath made us inseparable, and if he continue still at Court, I do not believ he will recover his wound. Only your Majesty can teach him by your example, to become master of his passions, and show him by ceasing to abase your thoughts unto your Subject, that he ought and may cease to raise his unto his Princess. Stratonice had not said thus to the King, but that she was certain he would not take her at her word, and that his passion was no longer in terms of being disengaged, nor of so much as suffering any opposition to his desires. To these words full of cunning and flattery, she added so many others, and used her power over the King so dexterously, that if she could not make him approve Arsacomes his passion, she at least disposed him to tolerate it, or rather to connive at it, and feign that he perceived it not, expecting till time, and reason should give him more fitting thoughts.  
This patience of the King's, caused the continuation of my misfortunes, and Arsacomes believing he had broke through one of the most dangerous passages that could be met withal in his design, nourished his hopes more than ever, and redoubled his prosecutions with an insupportable insolence; having no body left to whom I might utter my complaints after the King's slighting of them, I made my addresses to Stratonice herself, and desired her by all the remainders of our friendship, to deliver me from her brother's importunities, and to put a thought out of his mind whereby he would reap but little satisfaction; but she craftily used the same discourse to me, she had done to the King my Father, and gave me a perfect knowledge, that all assistance being denied me, I was destined to those miseries I since have felt.  
My affairs and those of the Court were in this condition, when the valiant Arsaces first appeared there; Arsaces' the deliverer and the support of Scythia, Arsaces who to the advantage of our Country, hath acquired an immortal reputation amongst men, and Arsaces' briefly, who appeased not more troubles in Scythia, than he hath raised within my soul. O my remembrance! thou cruel enemy to my repose; must thou, here in the arms of my brother, where I thought I had found a sanctuary, come to afflict me again, and must thou represent the course of my misfortunes to me with such a sens of them as hardly leaves me strength to relate them! yet will I howëver do my endeavours to proceed, since what I have hitherto told you is but a little prelude to my adventures, or a preparation to the recital of those that are greater, and of more importance.    

CASSANDRA. The sixth Book.  
THE fair Princess of Scythia was preparing herself to go on with her Narration, when she saw her Brother's face grow pale, and in it found some marks of an extraordinary indisposition: She in a great trouble asked him how he did, and the Prince confessed that he felt himself extremely weak. Amintas was presently called, and coming to the bedside, made him take some strengthening cordial, and prayed the Princess his sister, to defer the remainder of her discourse till the next day. Berenice who preferred her brother's health before her own, obeyed him willingly, and going out of the Chamber with the fair Amazon, that he might be in quiet, she went with her to seek some divertisement for the rest of the day. When the enemy was come, they went again to visit the Prince, and finding him reasonable well, kept him company till by Amintas his persuasion they retired: but because in that season, which was the hottest of all the year, the nights were very pleasing, in stead of going into their Chamber, they went down into the garden to take the cool air by the brightness of the Moon, which shone clear enough to give light unto their walk. Their conversation was very sweet, and all their words were confirmations of friendship. It was already strongly settled between them; the mutual knowledge they had of their excellent qualities, had without difficulty introduced it into their hearts, and even beauty itself, which work's so imperiously upon the minds of men, had produced effects little different in theirs; nor were they indeed of those common beauties, which draw only a bare approbation, or at most a light goodwill; but of those sparkling regular ones, in which the severest Judges can find nothing, but causes of dazzling and admiration; both of them were exactly perfect, but that of Berenicie's was the more delicate, her skin whiter, her features milder, and more suitable to her sex; she had something in her eyes so bright and piercing, that a heart must of necessity either be stupid or strongly prepossessed, if it could bear her looks without alteration. As she was neither fair nor brown, so were her eyes neither grey nor black, but their colour holding something of both, accompanied that of her hair, which likewise being neither fair nor black, had borrowed a shadow of each, that made a clear aubourn colour, incomparably more beautiful then either, her face was little, but it had naturally all the fullness that was necessary to form a complete oval, and though she was slender, her neck and her hands were plump, and marvellously well proportioned; her looks and all her motions were accompanied with a natural sweetness, which showed itself plainly in the smallest of her actions, and though her countenance were truly full of Majesty, yet was it one of those which strike less fear than love, which seldom arm themselves with lightnings and thunders, able to cloud their ordinary serenity, and which ill accommodate themselves to the motions of the soul, when they are set a work by anger. That of Thalestris was composed of another fashion, if there were not so much sweetness in her presence, it was more stately and imperious, but through her natural fierceness, one might see something break forth so pleasing, or rather so attractive, that 'twas impossible to defend one's self from it; her lineaments though a little bigger than Berenice's, were yet completely finished, and her complexion though not altogether so delicate, was nevertheless, very clear, smooth, and lively; her eyes were of a bluish grey, wide opened, and in all their motions had nothing that was not very taking, and full of vivacity; her hair was of a pale flaxen, and though her stature was a little extraordinary for her sex, yet was it shaped with most exact proportion. These two fair Ladies on whom heaven had not bestowed so many advantages, without an equal number of misfortunes able to counterbalance them, being united with a tender and inviolable affection, found a real consolation in communicating their thoughts to one another. Thalestris had no longer any that were unknown to Berenice, but the fair Amazon, to whom this new friend was already extremely considerable, would not put her to the trouble of presenting her story, wherein the Prince her brother was to partake, and which had been deferred but for a little time; she contented herself therefore with discoursing with her of those passages she had already related, and in that conversation they had already visited most of the allies in the garden, when coming near unto the fountain, they through the boughs which hindered part of their sight, perceived a woman sitting upon the grass, and leaning against a tree, which with three others made a square, covering the fountain with their branches, which sheltered that place from the Sunbeams, even when they were most hot and scorching. The two Princesses by the fashion of her apparel, and by many other signs, knew it to be Polemon's daughter, but being their own affairs, furnished them enough with matter of entertainment, so that they needed not to seek it in the encounter of that woman, they were going to walk on, not intending to amuse, themselves with her, when they heard her sigh twice or thrice, and bring forth sorrowful words, with a voice so sad and so pleasing together, that it touched them with some compassion. Thalestris stopped first, and pulling back Berenice by the arm: Ah! Madam, (said she softly) how like is this adventure to that which made me first discover my lovely faithless Orithia, and how powerfully it bring's into my mind, that fatal day which was the last of my repose! If this object renews your griefs (answered Berenice) we may withdraw from it, since however this woman is not necessary to our conversation, and that her discontents can have no very important cause. Thalestris consented to this motion of Berenice's, when they heard her begin her complaints again and so mournfully, and in words so different from what they expected from her, that it moved them to some curiosity, and imposing silence to each other at the same time, they set themselves attentively to hear her; she was so taken up with her sorrowful thoughts that she perceived them not, and believing she discovered them only to the heavens, and to witnesses without ears or understanding, she freely disburdened her heart of a part of its affliction. How long, (said she) how long, O arbitrators of our destinies! will you protract this miserable life, which you have ever set for a mark to all misfortunes? have I not suffered enough to satisfy all the hatred you can bear me, and though you were insensible of pity, have you not wearied your selus with tormenting me? I am no longer she ay was heretofore, I have now the least remainder of that beauty you once gave me to my unhappiness, and this languishing body now linger's out its miserable days, only as a punishment which I have not deserved, and which you most cruelly prolong. These first words of this afflicted woman, obliged the two Princesses, to lend her more attention than before, whereby they distinctly heard her complaint which she prosecuted on this manner. O dear! and lawful memory of him who was ever the better part of me: O dear! and less innocent memory of him who vainly strive's to take from our first possessor what was so lawfully his; either join your forces to make me die, or else forsake me for ever; if one of you be criminal, the other is inhuman, and if in receiving you both, I testify both my weakness and my constancy, know that neither my weakness nor my constancy can last any longer, and that they have fought too long within me, to be still in a condition to maintain themselves. This desolate creature made a stop at these words for some moments, and as her grief transported her, and drew her reason by little and little out of its ordinary seat, she turned towards insensible objects, and addressing herself to those which then presented themselves unto her sight, clear waters (continued she) which I trouble daily with my tears, you who as a looking-glass have so often represented to my eyes the image of two bodies who were animated with but one soul, and who now reflect unto my sight but one only figure, and that a figure hardly to be known: Places who heretofore were so delightful to me; places who still in spite of me are dear to my remembrance; either make your selus again as pleasant to me as you have been formerly, or vanish from my sight for ever. She accompanied these lamentations with so great a number of sighs, that the two Princesses moved with a real compassion, were not able to suffer the continuance of them, and Berenice who was of the softer humour, and more inclined to pity, ran to her first, to give her consolation, and to offer her assistance. She was so deeply buried in her sorrows, that the two Princesses had already spoken to her before she perceived their coming. She started in a fright, as soon as she discovered them, but presently knowing them to be her Father's illustrious guests, she settled her fear; and being risen from the place where she was set, she made a very low obeisance, and out of respect would have gone away, to leave the place free to them. But Berenice stopping her by the arm, Stay Mistress (said she) and believ we have not so little sens of the kind entertainment we receiv here, as that we can know your misfortunes without trouble for them; your moans have nearly touched us, and if your miseries can be any way eased by our assistance, you shall find us most readily disposed to afford it you. Polemons sad daughter putting a handkerchief to her face to wipe away the tears wherewith it was all bedewed, received Berenice's words with an humble submission, and after that Thalestris had spoken to her to the same purpose: Most honoured Ladies (said she) it is the only comfort I have left in my miseries, that they have begot pity in all that ever heard them; and if I ought to hope for it from any body, 'tis especially from those who have generous souls like your selus; My misfortunes are greater than my quality, and they are so well known in this Country, that you alone can think the words strange, which their remembrance made me to bring forth. This answer, gave the Princesses a curiosity, which made them desirous to learn her history; and Berenice who was most forward in it, having embraced her, Dear friend (said she) we participate too much in your fortune to be ignorant of it longer, and if you have not some private reason to conceal it, you will oblige us infinitely by telling it. Madam (replied she) I should make a conscience of entertaining such persons as you are, with so trivial and so tedious a recital, and besides it is not so short a one, as that you can hear it in this place without inconveniency. We will go into our Chamber if you pleas (answered Berenice) as well that we may see your face by a clearer light, which hitherto I have not very well observed, as to receiv the favour we desire. Ending these words with a most obliging look, she with Thalestris walked toward the house, and Polemon's daughter not willing to disobey their commands, waited on them into their Chamber. As soon as they were there, they cast their eyes upon her face, and drawing her near unto the lights, beheld her very intentively. She was pale and lean, and had a languishing eye, but in that alteration of her face, one might easily observe remainders of an excellent beauty, which grief had decayed, and which joy might yet recover; the two Princesses by this sight were more deeply touched with compassion and goodwill to this afflicted person, and having expressed much kindness to her, they forced her to sit down by them, and pressed her so civilly that to satisfy them she related the history of her life in these terms.  

The History of Alcione.  
ALthough our quality be not of the highest in this Province, yet neither is it of the lowest, and though in our habit, and in the simplicity of our life, we differ little now from mere country people; I may nevertheless tell you, Ladies, that we are of Noble blood, that Polemon my Father, hath in his time born arms with honour, and that heretofore he had a very plentiful estate: But the disasters of our House, having only left him sufficient to keep his Family from necessity, and the greatness of his discontents having made him distaste, or rather abhor his former condition, he forsook it with so absolute a resignation, that he hath scarcely preserved so much as the remembrance of it, and my own misfortunes (which truly have caused the chiefest part of his) have so loosened my mind from all that lustre whence we are fallen, that I have found no difficulty in disposing it to this solitude he hath chosen, and wherein I with him have bounded my last contentments. Before our miseries, we lived at Babylon in some rank, and with happiness enough, etc. Mazens the Governor of the Province did not disdain to employ my Father often in businesses of importance; the heavens had given him a reasonable numerous Issue, but of five brothers I once had, four lost their lives in Darius his Armies for the service of their Prince; and the fifth of a weaker constitution, and of a more peaceful humour, keep's company with us in our innocent retreat. I spent my childhood very quietly in pastimes, that are not of consequence worth relating, but I was hardly fourteen years old when with the rest of our Family I bewailed the loss of my eldest brothers, who with many thousand Persians were slain in the battle of Granicus, that was the beginning of Polemon's afflictions; and within a while after I saw the birth of my particular ones, which make up a good part of the discourse you desire to hear from me. If after the sight of your admirable beauties, I dare to speak of moderate ones, and if it were handsome in me, to say that of myself, which flatterers heretofore have published, I I might tell you Ladies, that Alcione in those days passed for fair in their discourse, but whether this beauty were only in their words, or that there were any really in me, if I may say so without blasphemy, I am but little beholding to the gods for it, since they gave me that small portion I received of them, only for my ruin, and that by the confession of my persecuters it has been the sole cause of all my misfortunes. I in an early youth found many men that expressed affection to me, and divers amongst them, whose alliance was advantageous to Polemon, had already sued in vain for his, when the gods gave me him, to whom both for my happiness and my unhappiness, I was destined by their supreme decree.  
Bagistanes that treacherous Governor of the Citadel of Babylon, who since basely quitted the party of his Prince, and without resistance delivered up into Alexander's hands, that Fortress of high importance, and the treasure which had imprudently been trusted to his keeping, briefly, that Bagistanes of whom you have heard speak, if Alexander's actions are not unknown to you, had a nephew endowed by the heavens with qualities, that obliged me to an affection, which duty afterward established in my heart. Theander (so was he called) began to love me when I was scarcely out of my infancy, and witnessed his affection to me by so many proofs, that without blindness I could not be ignorant of it, nor without ingratitude, refuse him the advantage over all those who had the like intentions; yet I depended so wholly upon my Father, and had left him so absolute a power over my will, that I did nothing but by his, nor gave Theander any hopes but by his injunction; he found no cause of complaint in my proceedings, and having none but very lawful designs, he made no difficulty of discovering them to Polemon, and of ask his daughter with submissions full of the testimonies of his love. Polemon received him with all manner of civility, and seeing manifest advantages in that match, could not dissemble his satisfaction, Theander was of a handsome person, a man of courage, and well bred, and though we were noble, his Family was of a rank something above ours; and to say truth, might have pretended to higher fortunes; besides, as I have told you, he was nephew to Bagistanes, who next to Mazens was the most considerable man in all this Country, indeed he was a good while backward in granting his nephew the consent he demanded for our marriage, and Theander who honoured him exceedingly, and who besides the consideration of blood, was tied to him likewise by that of fortune, waited for his approbation with such respects as were due to none but his Father, or his King; in the end Bagistanes was mollified by his nephew's patience, and by other motives, and after delays which it would be tedious to recount, he gave him that permission he had long expected. In all the time of his wooing there passed nothing considerable, and I will only tell you Theander having no more difficulties to overcome, after the consent of those that had the disposing of us, married me publicly in Babylon, before I was full fifteen years of age. As soon as he had me in his possession, he took me home with him to his house, where he began to live with me in a most kind and loving manner; besides his affection to me, he had naturally a great deal of goodness, nay, even to an excess which his friends have often blamed: I was not ingrateful to his love, and receiving manifest proofs of it every day, I became so wholly his, that I may safely swear before all the gods, whom I have so often invoked in my adversities, that never woman loved her husband with a more ardent, nor a more entire affection: I gave him a thousand innocent testimonies of it, which inflamed him still more and more, and in the first year after our marriage, we tasted all the delights that a perfect union can produce in two souls knit together in a lawful love; whithersoëver Theander went, Alcione would always accompany him, and if the necessity of his affairs, or the service of his friends parted us for some few moments, that separation was born with much disquiet, or rather with most sensible discontents. In this mutual felicity a whole year ran out, but when he had given that time to his affection, Theander was likewise desirous, to give some to his duty, and remembering that he was a subject to Darius, whose Territories Alexander after his victory at the Granicus, overran with a prodigious success, he for some time buried the consideration of his love, in those of his honour, and of the service of his King and Country, and taking an employment suitable to his quality among those Forces that were raised by Mazens, he left me a prey to grief, and to those miseries which his absence prepapared me. I made use of my prayers, my tears, and of all the credit our affection gave me with him, to keep him with me; but he defended himself against all my importunities, with such just and powerful reasons, that without offending him, I could no longer persist to require proofs of his love to the prejudice of his honour. He marched from Babylon with those Forces, but before his departure recommended me to the care of his Brother Astyages, who under some pretence exempted himself from that voyage, and to his Uncle Bagistanes whom he considered as a Father, and to whom he submitted himself with a dependency which many persons have condemned. True it is, that the respect Theander bore him was to be excused by many reasons that were not to be slighted; Bagistanes who was extremely rich, had no children that were legitimate, and being then of an age which forbade him to hope for any, only Theander as his nearest kinsman, could lawfully pretend to be his heir; and though he was generous enough to be little tied by such a motive, yet was a plentiful fortune necessary to maintain the expenses into which he was carried by his liberal nature; and his Uncle's wealth was not so inconsiderable, but that it might oblige to an observance, and the dignity of Bagistanes were sufficient to authorise. After Theander's departure, his good Uncle and his good Brother strove who should be forwardest in showing me their mindfulness of the charge he had left them, and by all manner of kindness and good usage, they endeavoured to drive away some of my melancholy hours; they made meetings, and invented sports to divert me, but I was long insensible of all the diverti●ements they gave me, and during my husband's absence, I spent part of my time at my Fathers, and in this house whither we came often to take the aër; when I was at Babylon, I saw Bagistanes every day, and though he lodged in the Citadel, there passed but very few that he came not to see me, and when he failed, Astyages to satisfy him, and as he told me, to perform his Brother's desires, carried me to his lodgings, where I was welcomed with infinite demonstrations of kindness.  
Berenice interrupting Alcione in this part of her story, you have spoken twice (said she) of one Astyages, that name is but too well known to me, and but that he whole mean is the wickedest of all men living, I should ask if he were not your Brother-in-law. Ah! Madam, (answered Alcione) you give the best character of him, that I can receiv to know him by; he was the most pervers, and the falsest man that ever lived, and you will see by the continuation of my discourse, that I owe the greatest part of my misery's to his wickedness; but to give you other marks of him, I will tell you, that he was reasonable tall of Stature, that his hair was something reddish, and if he be yet alive, his age may be about two or three and thirty. Ah! Dear Alcione (said Berenice) 'tis the very same and that perfidious man has but too great a share in my adventures, as you may learn in time; but if I be not deceived, you and I are both revenged, I will tell you news of him, when you have ended your Relation, and you shall hear, that he hath carried his crimes a great way further than Babylon. I ever believed (replied Alcione) that wicked fellow was incorrigible, but I did not think fortune ha● made use of him to persecute so illustrious and so accomplished a person. I will tell you then, that this falls man, and his Uncle as perfidious as himself, when I was first married, and after when Theander was newly gone, gave me all the testimonies of friendship I could desire from those that were so near allied to me: I ascribed their good usages only to lawful causes, and received them with an innocence, which without doubt fortified their detestable intentions. Bagistanes made show of so great an affection to his nephew, that I should never have suspected him of falsehood, and Astyages disguised his ill nature so cunningly to me, that I could not attribute the services he did me, to any thing but the friendship he bore his brother; I continued in this error, as long as they continued to have any sens of honour, and I left it when they left the terms of decency, and the considerations of alliance and of their reputation; why should I detain you longer in the most tedious part of my recital, since I have things of more importance to relate? in short, when I least expected it, Bagistanes declared to me his pernicious design, and violating all manner of rights in the person of his nearest kindred, he spoke to me of love in terms which I will not repeat, because I am not able to do it without blushing, or rather without dying for grief at the remembrance of his impudence. I will therefore pass over what he said, as well out of that consideration, as to avoid prolixity in my narration, and will content myself with telling you, that after I had expressed my astonishment by a long silence, I broke forth against him in such manner, that his surprise was little different from mine, I laid before his eyes by a vehement, or rather by a fiery discourse, both the injury he did unto his nephew, and the shame he would bring upon himself, and having put him into a great confusion, I left him, and retired into my Closet, so troubled that I hardly knew where I was. There I reflected upon all the actions of that faithless kinsman, and recalling them to mind to examine them a little more strictly than I had done before, I found so many signs of his wicked intentions, that I wondered a thousand times at my innocence, which had forced him to declare that to me by word of mouth, which by a thousand proofs I ought to have discovered. There it was that I vented my anger, and deplored my misfortune by my tears, there I called upon absent Theander to assist me against the persecutions of his disloyal Uncle, and there briefly I took a firm resolution to die, rather than give ear to that perfidious man, or to endure so much as the sight of him. It was nevertheless very difficult for me to keep it in private, and my fear of discovering my misfortune, and of divulging the shame of our house to the whole world, was the cause I would not escape him in general meetings; but when he sought opportunities of entertaining me in particular, I shunned them so warily, that as cunning as he had been in the whole course of his life, and especially in such like matters, I put his craft to a stand, so that he could never overcome my circumspection, nor the care I took to avoid his subtleties; when he met me in company, he would often offer me his hand, to draw me aside as he had done formerly; but I still found pretences to avoid him, and got free without making them that were present acquainted with my misfortune; he often wrote to me, and caused his letters to be delivered, by such as were ignorant of our ill correspondence, and if, lest I should give them knowledge of it, I was forced to receiv some of them, 'twas only to ●●ar them in pieces without reading them; and to cast those guilty lines into the fire, which with their author were worthy of a greater punishment. I supported this persecution with sufficient strength of mind, expecting Theander's return, which I daily begged of the god's with most fervent prayers, but my constancy was like to have forsaken me, by a bloody surcharge I received in my affliction. Astyages being one day in my chamber, and seeing himself alone with me, took me by the hand, and holding it between his, when he had looked upon me awhile without speaking, sister (said he) will you not confess one thing to me, which I desire to know of you? And after I had assured him, I would conceal nothing from him; You are a dissembler (replied he) and how great a freedom soëver you fain toward me, you never told me that Bagistanes courts you, and that he hath long persecuted you with his love; Blush not (continued he, seeing my colour rise) nor go not about to disguise that from me, which I have learned from his own mouth. Though the confusion I was in had till then kept me silent, I could hold no longer at that discourse, and looking upon him with a spiteful eye; How, (said I) Astyages have you heard it from Bagistanes his mouth, and are Theander's Brother? Astyages without being moved at that demand; fall not into passion, Sister (replied he) but be pleased, that as your nearest kinsman, I give you my advice in this encounter. I am Theander's Brother, and being so, I shall only seek his advantage and your own; You know how much Bagistanes is able to do for him, or rather you know how little he is able to do without Bagistanes, all his support, all his supplies, and all his pretensions are in him, and 'tis only by the credit of our Uncle, that our house can maintain itself in its dignity, and raise itself to the chiefest of this Province. After this knowledge, you ought not to estrange his affections from us, to make them pass unto some other Family, who will profit by our losses, and enrich themselves, with that which we ought lawfully to hope for; you may use him better than you have done, without violating the faith you owe your husband, and though his deportments may have caused some aversion in you, our pretensions are not of so small reckoning but that Theander himself, if he be wise, would counsel you to dissemble it, for the confervation of them. Besides, Bagistanes is so old, that you need not at all fear your reputation, and your compliance with him cannot be of any long continuance. This pernicious Counsellor was going to seek out reasons to persuade me to his base designs, when my patience forsook me, and my resentment made me break forth with violence. O gods! (cried I) is it possible it should be from my husband's Brother, that I hear this strange proposition? Go base, heartless man, get thee gone, submit thyself to infamous things out of servile considerations, and believ that if thy family be capable of such basenesses, Alcione ought not to have been matched into it; these riches which thou unworthily preferrest before the reputation of thy friends, nay, and before thine own too, these advantages, and these dignities thou wouldst purchas with the price of honour, shall never be for thee nor thine, if they must be procured by that vile, shameful compliance thou proposest to me; and if Theander were so base as to have thoughts like thine, know that perhaps I should be courageous enough to punish that in his person, which my contempt of thee, makes me to neglect in thine. I spoke many other words to him full of scorn and anger, but that disloyal fellow who had already prepared himself for my reproaches, and whose impudence could not be paralleled, was but little moved with all I said, and would have continued his arguments, if I had not left him, and gone away so transported with passion, that it was very hard for me to dissemble it.  
For all I was so much incensed at Astyages his last proposition, he was not at all dismayed, but as often as he found opportunity to hold the like discourse to me, he bore my reproaches patiently, and showed me his obstinacle in his pernicious designs. Then it was that I saw myself reduced to great extremities: In my husband's house there were none but such as were suspected, or odious to me, and I had no body to whom I could impart my trouble, or complain of my misfortune. The women that served me were corrupted by Bagistanes, and that wicked man who had been diligent in such practices, had always kept some in pay for the like employments. Upon all occasions they were speaking good of him, and represented to me the interest we had in the conservation of his friendship; and in short, I was persecuted in such manner, that my husband's house was as an hell to me, and a place of torment. I was often upon the point of leaving it, and of retiring to my Fathers, until Theander's return, but I feared to make a nois, and to publish a thing which might bring a stain upon the Family I was matched into, and to cause such sensible afflictions to Theander: My mother, to whom I opened my heart, and to whom I discovered my misfortune, gave me this counsel, and persuaded me to wait patiently for the return of my husband, who by his presence would blow over that storm; and settle my mind again in its first tranquillity. I obeyed her directions, wherein I found a great deal of reason, and the gods, who were pleased with my patience, though they sent not an end unto my discontents, at least sent me some consolation in them, and in the beginning of the winter, they brought me home my dear Theander, for whom I had so long and so often sighed. You cannot doubt, great Princesses, of the greatness of my joy, so that I shall not need to describe in what manner I received the greatest happiness I then could wish for, nor the welcome I gave to an husband whom I loved really more than myself, and in whose return, besides the interest's of my affection, I found also that of my quiet, and my refuge against the persecution of my enemies. All that a lawful innocent love like ours can produce, appeared in us without dissimulation; and if I expressed a satisfaction to Theander for his return, Theander made his known to me by a thousand proofs of a real passion. Whole days stole away in these first raptures, and I may say that my sorrows were then lulled asleep, and that I thought myself in the haven, towards which I steered by my continual prayers. Astyages ceased to importune me as he was wont, and the perfidious Bagistanes came not amongst us, but to express kindness to his nephew. Not that he lost any occasion to make me know his pervers obstinacy, nor that he forbore to speak with his eyes, since I had forbidden him to do it with his tongue, but either I took not the pains to observe it, or else I did but laugh at it, seeing myself fortified by the presence of my Defender. I knew not well what Astyages his thoughts were at that time, and whether he was not afraid I should discover to his Brother the ill offices he would have done him; but he showed me so few signs of such a fear, that I was confident the excess of Theander's goodness encouraged him to despise his resentments, and armed him against what in reason he ought to apprehend from a Brother so unworthily offended. Neither was I willing to entertain Theander with my discontents, and notwithstanding the threats I had used to his perfidious kinsman, I concealed their infidelity from him, as well that I might not disturb the tranquillity of his mind, by a recital that would be unpleasing to him, as not to set dissension in his Family, and make myself odious to those among whom I was to pass the remainder of my days. These considerations made me silent in my misfortune, but within awhile after it was redoubled by very remarkable accidents.  
Cleonimus, one of Theander's nearest kinsmen, and the most faithful of his friends, arrived about that time at Babylon, where he had been but little since his childhood, having spent many years in the Armies and in the Courts of Kings, and in foreign Countries; and in his several voyages, he had gained qualities which we had not yet seen amongst our Barbarians. I know not whether in the continuation of those things I am to tell you, I may speak to his advantage; but if you will give me leave to declare the truth without passion, I will say that Cleonimus was no common person, and that it was not without a great deal of justice, I gave him the first place in my esteem, above all those I had formerly known; besides, the gracefulness of his person, and of his presence which were very advantageous, he had both a most generous heart and a most excellent wit, and as he had made himself remarkable in war by a thousand valiant actions, he had also made such benefit at Athens, in the conversation of Philosophers, as gave him the priority of all those of his profession, by most particular endowments. He was but three and twenty years of age when he returned to Babylon, and Theander presented him to me as one of his nearest kinsmen, and was dearer to him then any man in the world. O gods! with what words, did he at that first fight express the contentment he found in our alliance, and how handsomely did he begin to introduce that esteem into my mind, which hath since been so fatal to our repose. I received him as a man nearly allied to me, and as a man of an extraordinary merit. I had heard Theander speak of him a thousand times, and many others to whom his virtue was not unknown, but I thought that fame of him infinitely below what his sight persuaded me he deserved. After that first visit, he made me divers others, and the nearness of blood that was between him, and Theander, or rather their friendship rendered them inseparable, giving him a free access to our house, I saw him every day, and within a short time was familiarly acquainted with him. Theander and he lived as brothers, and Theander would needs have me live with him as his sister. I confess I found no difficulty in disposing my mind to it, and that as well to obey my husband as to follow the incitements of my own inclination, I gave him really all the friendship a brother could require from me; Yes, I loved him as if he had been my brother; but if my affection ever exceeded those limits, by any guilty or unlawful desires, you gods to whom all hearts are known, strike this unfortunate woman with your thunder, who calls you to be witnesses of her most secret thoughts. I will not tell you that in all manner of exercises either of the mind or body, and in a thousand matches of activity, he still bore away the prize from all those that would dispute it with him, neither will I say that by his lovely qualities he gained that affection from me, which he gained from all those that conversed with him; but I will tell you freely once again that I loved him, as our near alliance, his virtue, and my husband's command enjoined me. In the mean time, if Theander's return was favourable to me in some things, it was quickly hurtful to me in many others, and Bagistanes who during his absence never met me but in public, by his means recovered his first conveniencies, and saw me every day, either at our house or in the Citadel, whither his innocent nephew carried me himself, notwithstanding all the repugnancy I showed against those visits; and that which was most insupportable to me, was that this good nephew having brought me to that wicked Uncle, went often a hunting or otherwhere, and left me with him for the rest of the day; true it is, that I forbade the women that waited on me, to leave me at any time alone with him, and that by that order I saved myself a great while; but one day, which I will count for one of the most disastrous of my life, I could not avoid my misfortune, and I saw myself reduced to the greatest perplexity, I till then had fallen into. Theander having according to his custom brought me into Bagistanes his Chamber; that wicked man who knew my husband had that day made an appointment to hunt, found means to send away the woman that came along with me, and who held intelligence with him, and within awhile after Theander having left us, I remained alone with him, and saw myself subject to the mishap I had so long avoided, and which I had so much apprehended. I should have much ado to describe the confusion I was in at this accident, a chillness ran through all my veins, and I began to tremble from head to foot changing colour, and being in a manner beside myself. That lustful old man, easily found the alteration that was in me; but he desired to settle me, and though his eyes sparkled with a light that was extraordinary, and that his face became one spread with a lively colour, which years had almost driven away from thence, he was willing to moderate himself for a few minutes, to quiet my mind from the fear he had observed in me; for that purpose, he at first talked to me of nothing but indifferent matters, and having insensibly brought me upon the discourse of his riches, he entertained me awhile with it, and then taking me by the hand, and rising from the chair where he was sitting, Dear niece (said he) I will let you see treasures which yet I have not shown to any body, and by that sight you will know into how wealthy a Family you have matched yourself. With these words he unlocked the door of a closet, whither I was constrained to follow him, and having showed me a great many rare and curious pieces wherewith it was beautified, he opened his trunks and made me see jewels of an inestimable value▪ and heaps of gold able to satisfy the avarice of the most insatiable person. When he saw that I appeared astonished at those immense treasures, he looked upon me with an inflamed eye, and pressing my hands between his, O Alcione! (cried he) all that thou seest is thine; and if thou persist not in thy obstinate resolution to hate me, thou mayest dispose of all my riches, and of my life. Fly me not (continued he seeing I would have got away, and that I did all I could to pull my hands from between his) but with some sens of pity behold him that love's thee better than himself, see how disadvantageous thy ingratitude is to thee, and consider the prize thy inhumanity makes thee to loos, neither am I so odious, nor the prize I propose to thy affection so vile, that thou needest disdain us, and thou mayest by one effect of love, or if thou wilt but of compassion restore quietness to my mind, and become the happiest woman in the world. The detestable old fellow, brought forth these words stammering, and looking upon me with lustful eyes, wherein his horrible desires were lively represented; and while he was speaking them and many others without order or coherence, he held my hands so fast that 'twas impossible for me to escape from him; then was I seized with mortal apprehensions, and my fear kept me from falling into such a rage against him, as I should have done if I had been in another condition, yet had I courage enough to call my reason to my assistance, and to represent considerations to him, which were capable to have dissuaded the wicked wretch from his evil designs. O Bagistanes (said I counterfeiting a fearlesness) what do you do? have you forgotten the gods? have you forgotten your blood? and have you forgotten your own honour? do you not remember that you are Theander's Uncle, or rather his Father, and that Alcione is the wife of your nephew, and of him you have ever accounted as your son? do you not fear remors of conscience? do you not fear infamy? and do you not fear heaven's thunder, which hangs over guilty heads? Open your eyes Bagistanes, and consider your crime with horror, such abominable thoughts are unworthy of a noble mind, nor can you continue in them without fixing an eternal shame upon your memory. I had said more, if the pernicious old man would have suffered me to go on, but he stopped his ear at all my words, and believing he should touch me more easily in a beseeching posture, he fell down upon his knees, and embraced mine with all his strength, Oh Alcione! (replied he) cease to set these remonstrances before his eyes, who is no longer in a condition to profit by by them, but give me life, unless thou wilt have me die here presently at thy feet. Die then (said I with eyes sparkling as much with anger, as his with another passion) die detestable old man, and never hope for any mercy from thy mortal and irreconcilable enemy; At these words I dis-engaged myself from his arms with so much force, that he not only let go his hold, but being roughly thrust, in a posture wherein he had but little strength, he fell all along upon the floor. I stayed not to see what became of him, but finding myself free, I ran out at the Closet door, which I clapped against him, and crossing through his Chamber, I got hastily to the stair-head. As I was running down with a speed which sufficiently expressed my fear, I met Cleonimus, who being also Bagistanes his nephew, was coming then to visit him; The knowledge I had of his virtue, and of the friendship he bore us, made me prais the gods for that encounter, and not being in a condition to consider strictly all I did, I cast myself upon him, and closely embracing him, Dear cousin, (said I) dear Cleonimus save me. My action and my words amazed him so, that all he could do was to put forth his arms to me, and ask me in a great trouble what accident was happened, and what service I desired from him. Carry me from hence, (answered I) and when you have brought me home, I will tell you my misfortune. Cleonimus without questioning me further, assured me that he would die for Theander's interests and mine, without considering those of Bagistane's, and going down the stairs with me, he by the credit he had with the Soldiers of the Citadel, caused the gates to be opened, and delivered me out of that hateful place where I had suffered so violent a persecution. When I saw myself at liberty, I recovered my fear a little, and being got into the street, my countenance became less affrighted than it had been a few minutes before. After I was come home, I repented I had discovered so much to Cleonimus, and I was very sorry I had obliged myself to declare to him the shame of his nearest friends, and my particular disaster; yet my knowledge of his discretion, and the need I had of his counsel and likewise of his assistance, in the extremity my affairs were come to, made me break through the difficulties I found in my mind, and forced me to confess my misfortune, and to tell him with my last adventure, all the execrable prosecutions of Bagistanes, and of the unworthy Astyages. During that Discourse, Cleonimus shrunk up his shoulders, and lift up his eyes to heaven with demonstrations of astonishment, which made him hardly able to speak a word when I had told him this last accident; Ah! the monster (cried he) ah! the abominable man; if the gods be just, can he survive such a perfidiousness as this? Having said thus, he continued a while silent, and then dear cousin (pursued he) I was too blame to fall into so great a wonder at the hearing of actions which are ordinary with Bagistanes, and I ought to have remembered, that wheresoëver the interest of his pleasures or of his fortune came in question, he never considered nearness of blood, nor his honour, no nor the gods themselves. This last treachery of his to Theander, is not the first he hath committed of this nature, and proximity never made him forbear the like designs, upon any of his kinswomen that had any thing of hansomness in them; if he persist in his horrible intentions I offer you my life for the defence of your honour, and of Theander's interests. Bagistanes if he were bold enough, would be wicked enough to attempt any kind of villainy; but he will remember that he is not exempt from the severity of the Law, that he hath not an absolute power in Babylon, and that Theander is too considerable to fear any violence from him. After this Discourse, he told me a thousand of his Uncle's wickednesses, and when I asked him how I should carry myself to my husband in the business, he advised me to conceal it yet awhile, seeing it could bring nothing but discontent to him, and disorder into his Family, and that I might discover it at any time, if I should be further pressed. He gave me this counsel with so much freedom and affection, that I resolved to follow it punctually, and having known him in all his actions to be endued with a miraculous wisdom, I was willing to be absolutely guided in this misfortune according to his orders and instructions. By his advice therefore I dissembled it, and gave no notice at all unto Theander of any thing that happened; true it is, that he never had the power to carry me any more to Bagistanes, and though to oblige me to that visit, he told me he had hurt his forehead with falling down a pair of stairs, I still put it off by feigning myself not well whensoëver he spoke to me of it; Bagistanes abashed and exasperated at what had passed, came not to our house, and I had some days of respite, which were very pleasing to me being freed from his persecutions. But base Astyages a few days after this accident, meeting me alone in the Garden, and coming up to me in the corner of an ally which I made haste to, that I might shun him; Madam, (said he, with a disdainful and a discontented look) cruelty is very well becoming in handsome Ladies like yourself, and if you persevere in your generosity, you will without doubt advance our house exceedingly. I presently understood the meaning of his words, and looking sideways upon him, I had rather (said I) your house were swallowed up in an eternal destruction, than ever I should have so much as a thought, to endeavour its greatness by those ways you propose to me. You do very well Alcione (replied Astyages) but since you despise other considerations, you ought at least in charity to visit those whom you have wounded in the body as well as in the mind. This discourse vexed me to the very heart, and made me answer sharply, Astyages, I will let Theander know the good offices you do him, and if you continue still in your infamous prosecutions, you shall see that I am not insensible of the wrongs you do me. I believ you are not insensible (said Astyages, going away) and your last friendships begin to give some notice of it. He left me as he brought forth these words, which I did not greatly heed at that time, though I have found since but too much to my cost, with what intention he spoke them.  
In the mean time Bagistanes either out of shame, or resentment had given over his visits, and I praised the gods for that last adventure, which for one displeasure gave me many advantages. Theander often prayed me to go to see him, but finding me very unwilling, he had so much goodness, that he never went about to force me; but though that wicked man saw me not, he had those near me, that told him sufficiently what I did. Astyages tied to him by the sordid consideration of riches, and by the promises he made him to leave him all he had, basely forsook the interests of his Brother, and the honour of his Family, to serve him in his detestable intentions, and besides the torments I received from him, the mai●s that served me were my most dangerous enemies, and as I have learned since that infamous fellow had them at his devotion, and kept one of them in pay, to spy out all my actions. That disloial wench observed with Astyages, the friendship I had with Cleonimus, and believed that he being truly generous, and truly a friend to Theander, was more capable to cross them then any body else. I do not deny but that I lived with Cleonimus as if I had been his own Sister; my husband had commanded me to do so, and I had no repugnance to obey him; There was a great deal of familiarity between us, but all our actions were in sight of the whole world, and we never retired together, but when we had a mind to talk of Bagistanes his persecutions. I know not whether our deportments wrought a jealousy in our enemies, nor whether they believed themselves, what they desired to persuade others; but in effect though they knew I was virtuous enough, not to love another man to the prejudice of what I owed my husband, and that in their own hearts accounted my actions to be innocent, they meant to draw matter from thence, to drive away a man whom they suspected to cross their designs, or else to ruin me, when once their hopes of gaining me were ruined. For this purpose they carefully watched my actions, and caused others to watch them, and interpreting all I did, as might serve best to their intentions, they laid snares for me, which without a particular goodness of the gods, it was impossible for me to escape. Besides the considerations I have told you, they were set on likewise by that of their own justification, and fearing I should at last discover their detestable proceeding to Theander, they resolved to prevent me, and to prepossess his mind in such manner, that I might find no more belief in him, when I should come to make my complaint. Astyages having plotted with Bagistanes, how he should manage this design, began to set it on work to Theander, and though he had particular obligations to Cleonimus, and that having been bred up together with a great deal of friendship, they had ever lived in as good intelligence as the virtues of the one, and the vices of the other could permit, he endeavoured to render him odious to his brother, by all manner of calumnies. Theander who had a very good impression of his friend, made a jest of Astyages his first attempts, and attributing those ill offices to some particular aversion, made all the designs he used unprofitable. Astyages was not repulsed by these first difficulties; but carefully laying hold of all occasions to make him observe our familiarity, he did not despair of working some effect in his mind at last. One day as we rose from dinner, during which time I had long entertained Cleonimus who sat by me, and had often whispered him in the ear, I drew near to a window, where Astyages seeing me alone, came to me, though of a long while I had given over speaking to him, but in Theander's presence, and when I knew not how to avoid him; at that time his Brother was discoursing with Cleonimus, at another window which looked toward the Garden, whereupon coming close to me, Madam, (said he) I will talk no more to you of Bagistanes, but if you pleas I will speak of Cleonimus, with whom your fortune will be much better. I gave not myself time to examine his Discourse; but without harkening to his last words, I answered briefly; If you speak to me of Cleonimus, you will speak to me of a man who by his virtue deserves both the general and my particular esteem. I knew very well (replied Astyages impudently) that that virtue which despise's fortune, was not proof against his merit; but we will break the course of this affection, and will teach the innocent Theander to discern his real friends. This discourse nettled me so, that without doubt I should have fallen openly upon him, but that having nothing more to say, he went out of the room, where I remained so troubled, that if Theander's face had been toward me he might easily have read in mine, what a confusion Astyages had left me in. I leaned upon my elbow in the window, where reflecting upon those malicious words I had newly heard, I was seized with the most violent grief I yet had felt. I recollected myself, and examined all my actions with Cleonimus, and found them so full of innocence, that I judged Astyages his suspicions very ill grounded, and his jealousy very unjust; yet presently I had a thought to absent him from me for ever, and to deprive my enemies either of the occasion of their censures, or the pretext they had taken to torment me; but it was followed by another quite contrary, and the rigour of my destiny made me look upon Cleonimus at that time more advantageously than ever I had done before, and observe his good qualities and his friendship, with an eye which would not permit me to consent to what I was resolving against him. I know not Ladies, whether I am faulty in this confession, and in avowing ingenuously, that at that time I had an affection for him that could not suffer his baninishment, which the care of my reputation, and that of my repose was preparing for him; but I will tell you also to justify myself, that perchance it would not have been strong enough to hinder it, if I had not judged that Astyages made use of that subtlety to deprive me of a man, who he knew would oppose his intentions, and whose assistance was necessary for me, to defend myself against his persecutions. This consideration as truly as the other, made me resolve both to see Cleonimus, and to live with him as I had done formerly, knowing well that Theander, whose approbation I valued more than any body's dislike, was not offended with it, and that if I abated any thing of my usal freedom with him, Astyages might have occasion to suspect me of cunning, after what he had said to me. I went out of the dining room where I left Theander with Cleonimus, and walked into the Garden alone to entertain the pensiveness which Astyages his words had caused in me, but scarce had I taken a turn or two, when they came out to me, and within awhile after, Theander being called away by some business or other, left me there with Cleonimus. He, at his first coming, observed some trouble in my face, whereof he asked me the cause, and notwithstanding he was concerned in it, I was so innocent as to tell him Astyages his discourse, and how he had reproached me upon his occasion. Cleonimus harkened to me without being moved, and when I had made an end, he lift up his eyes to heaven and crossing his arms upon his breast, he walked above twenty paces with me before he spoke a word, then of a sudden making a stop, and looking upon me with an action more passionate than ordinary; Cousin (said he) your enemies have reason to drive me from you, and the knowledge they have that I will oppose their pernicious designs to the last moment of my life, does in a sort authorise their proceeding. Besides I confess to you, that if they accuse me for loving you, they accuse me very justly, since it is not truer that I am Cleonimus, than it is that I love Alcione more than all the things in the world; Do not wonder at this declaration, cousin, 'tis true, I love you more than myself, but I protest to you by all the gods, that this affection is most innocent, and that it shall never give me desires for Theander's wife, which I might not communicate to Theander himself: but as innocent as it is, it nevertheless is faulty, since it is made use of to disturb your quietness, and my presence is hurtful to you, since it is suspected to them that are near you, and that it gives them jealousies which are to your disadvantage. The gods forbid that from henceforward they should find that occasion to afflict you, and that I should prefer my happiness in seeing you before your tranquillity; I will absent myself therefore, since I must, and how great grief soëver I suffer at this separation, it will certainly be less then that I should receiv by the discontents my presence may cause to you▪ Cleonimus ended these words with so sad a look, that I was sensibly touched with it; I have confessed to you, that my good will to him was as strong as it could lawfully be, and I will avow that it was increased by this discourse, and that the goodness wherewith he forgot himself for my interests, caused in me a tenderness of him, which I never had till then. To say truth, I was willing to let him see, both how I received his offer, and to what degree his person and his company were dear to me, for that end giving him my hand, Cousin (said I) I neither doubt of the greatness, nor of the nature of your affection to me, I know it is such as a virtuous man may conceiv to one of his nearest kindred, and to the wife of his best friend, and upon this assurance I will make alike confession of mine to you, and will protest truly (though perhaps I am to blame in this declaration) that after Theander, there is nothing dearer to me then yourself. I will not therefore deprive myself of you, for the suspicions of Astyages and Bagistanes, and so long as Theander is pleased I should see you, I will never consent to this absence you propose to me. If he become of their humour, you will not then take it ill, if I refrain your company, and force my own inclinations to perform my duty to my husband. Till this misfortune happen to us, we will live as we have done, and provided Theander be satisfied, I shall but little regard the satisfaction of others. By this answer, I drove away part of the sadness that appeared in Cleonimus his countenance, and with it the design he had to forsake me, when I had most need of his assistance.  
We continued hereupon to live as we had begun, and on purpose to spite Astyages, I used Cleonimus more kindly than ever; That disloial Brother was stark mad at it, and presently after he had a companion that bore it as impatiently as he. Bagistanes for all his anger had not ceased to love me, and being not able to resolve to see me no more, he had forced his shame and choler, to give me visits, which I was fain to receiv whether I would or no, but yet I received them all in the presence of Theander, and often of Cleonimus, and others whom I would ever have to be witnesses of our conversation. If I had much ado to suffer him, he had no less to suffer Cleonimus, whose presence was become insupportable to him, having changed all the affection which alliance formerly had caused in him, into a most violent hatred; yet being the greatest dissembler of all men living, he disguised his ill will under a loving countenance, and knowing his courage durst not declare his animosity. Astyages for the same consideration carried himself towards him in the same manner, but he did otherwise towards me, and passed by no occasion of showing me how black his suspicions were, and how wicked his intentions; his rage grew to such an extremity, that he caused a note to be put one day in my dressing cloth, which I found as I was getting me ready, and wherein I read these words.  
Astyages to Alcione.  
YOu have received too great an honour by our alliance to consider that of our house so little. Take heed to it Alcione, and know there vows neither sword nor poison, to repair the disgrace of a Family like ours.  
I read these words with an astonishment which I am not able to represent. Till than I had been patient and had held my peace, but at that time I resolved to be so no longer, and to speak; and I was going instantly to carry the note to Theander, and make him the relation of all that had passed, if Cleonimus had not come into my Chamber, he wondered as much as I at the threats he used to me, but he desired me to defer the complaints I meant to make to my husband for a few days, and counselled me to go with him to visit my Father at this house we now are in, where I might at more liberty entertain him with my misfortunes, and free myself from the sight of my enemies. I approved the advice he gave me, and within an hour after, having proposed it to Theander, I easily disposed him to it. Theander and I came hither to visit my Father and my Mother, who had been some days here to divert themselves, and we spent many delightfully in their company. Bagistanes and Astyages remained at Babylon, where their rage made them take recours to ways of revenge, worthy of their courage and of their virtue. Cleoni●us came to see us almost every day, and for the most part galloped over alone, the way being but short from hence to Babylon. One day going from us when the Sun was ready to set, without any other weapon but his sword, as he went out of the wood which is near this house, he was assaulted by three men on horseback, who threw three darts at him, from a good distance, and their haste, or the will of the gods having made them miss, they drew their swords, and ran up to him with full speed; though that number of enemies might with reason have caused some apprehension in Cleonimus, their cowardice made him despise them, and being resolved to sell his life as dearly as he could, after having avoided the shock of the two first by a little carrier he took, he closed so luckily with the third, that having made his sword slip over his shoulder, he ran his own up to the hilts in his right side. Scarce was that enemy down, when the two others came back at Cleonimus, but their companion's horse was in their way, which hindered them from coming strait upon him, and while one of them turned a little aside, to set upon Cleonimus behind, he was so fortunate, that with a back blow he cut off his hand, which fell presently to the ground with his sword. The third having seen this second stroke, turned about, and seeking his safety in the swiftness of his horse, bega● to fly with all possible speed; but Cleonimus pursued him, and being mounted upon one much fleeter, overtook him in a very little time; He could have thrust his sword into his reins if he would, but he contented himself with seizing upon the guard of his as he passed by, and having easily wrested it out of his hand; he threw it on the ground, and opposing his passage laid hold of his bridle; wherewith having quickly stopped him, Friend (said he) what have I done to thee, that should make thee desire to kill me? This man in a terrible fear, held up his hand, and beseeching him to spare his life, I have no intention to take it (answered Cleonimus) but I will know of thee by what offence I have made thee my enemy, thee whom I never disobliged, nor ever knew in my life. The fellow being a little assured by these words, Ah! Sir (said he) I have no cause to hate you, and doubtless I have deserved that death, which I and my companions would have given you out of a vile consideration; Astyages hired us for that purpose, and Bagistanes promised us ten talents, to kill you. Though Cleonimus was astonished at that treachery, yet had he no difficulty to believ it, and knowing the baseness of his enemies, he easily gave credit to that confirmation of it; he cared not to draw any greater proofs, and giving the man his liberty, he exhorted him to avoid such like occasions of infamy; the other touched with a true repentance which he witnessed by his tears, protested that only the extreme poverty to which of late years he had been reduced, was the motive that had incited him to a wickedness which he had ever detested. You might have freed yourself from that (replied Cleonimus) by honester means; but to the end it no more may serve you for a pretext to evil actions, you shall not lose the recompense you hoped for, and you may come to morrow to my lodging, and fetch your share of the ten talents Bagistane's promised you. This man ravished with Cleonimus his generosity, would have cast himself at his feet, but he would not suffer him, and sending him away, I desire no other requital (said he) but that you would be an honest man, and that by speaking of this business, you would not dishonour two men who are ne'er allied to me, and one of which is brother to Theander: I have told you this passage a little more at large, to make you know of what temper Cleonimus his mind was, since he himself paid his murderers the hire which they were to have had only for his death; and that after causes of complaint of this nature, against Bagistanes, and Astyages, he had yet care of their reputation, & forbade that fellow to defame them. True it is that in this last effect of goodness there was some little mixture of interest, and that he was glad to smother that attempt, fearing the cause would break forth with the report of it, & that I might be too much spoken of in that discourse. Being come to Babylon, he retired to his lodging, where he made no mention at all of what had befallen him, and passed the night, as I have heard since in his wont tranquillity; but the next morning, as soon as he was ready he went to Theander's house, and going up into Astyages his chamber, who was not yet stirring, he came to his bed side, and drawing open the curtain, he showed himself to him. Astyages dissembling his hatred, bade him good morrow, as he was wont to do, but Cleonimus seeing there was no body with him, after he had looked a while upon him without speaking, Astyages (said he) your design has not taken effect, and the ministers of your intention, by the justice of the gods have received another payment then that you made them hope for; I come hither neither to take revenge for an intended murder, nor to reproach you with it, but to make you know that without difficulty, and without dishonour I could punish your baseness, and to put you in mind, that in the quality you profess, you had handsomer ways to free yourself of an enemy; I should not want them to free myself of you, if you were not as unworthy of my resentment, as you are to be Theander's brother; but since his consideration makes me suppress it, it shall also make me suppress the report of this action, not to save a reputation which you have abandoned; but to keep a noble blood, in which both friendship, and alliance makes me concerned, from a stain which could not be gotten out of it. Cleonimus having ended these words, deigned not to stay for Astyages his answer, but going forth of the chamber, left him in a marvellous confusion. We had already learned by certain country people, that Cleonimus had fought a combat as he was going back to Babylon the day before; and as soon as Theander heard it, he took horse and went presently to him; having asked him the particulars of that encounter, Cleonimus confessed he had been assaulted by three men, against whom the Gods had so well assisted him, that he had gotten the better of them, but could not come to the knowledge of his enemies. Theander without sounding any deeper into that adventure, rejoiced at his good success, and within a while after, going to his house, he found Astyages there, so confounded with Cleonimus his words, that he hardly knew in what place he was. That treacherous fellow, believing his wickedness could not be long concealed, resolved to prevent those that might inform his brother of it, and having already prepared himself for the discourse, he was to make to that purpose, desired a time to speak with him in private. Theander retiring with him into his closet, gave him the liberty he demanded; and then that perfidious wretch, after long preambles to testify his trouble, that he was to acquaint him with so ill a business, told him openly, what he before had confusedly strove to make him believ, and protested to him that I loved Cleonimus with passion, and with scandal to all their race; that Bagistanes and he had perceived it with a great deal of grief, and that they had endeavoured to divert me from it by entreaty, and even by some threatenings, which the interest of their blood might authorise; but that I had been insensible of their remonstrances, and that abusing with Cleonimus the facility of so good an husband, we by a thousand scandalous actions, had made known our passion, even to those that were least quicksighted. Astyages said so many other things to Theander, that he was weary of suffering him longer, and looking with disdain upon him, You are too zealous, Astyages (answered he) and I have already told you, how well known Alcione and Cleonimus are to me; I should be very much satisfied with them both, if their friendship were yet a little greater than it is, and since that only I am concerned in it, I will desire them to augment it for my sake; These words spoken with a disdainful tone, troubled, and exasperated Astyages, and obliged him to reply with an angry accent. If you are so little sensible of the dishonour of your house, they that may be blemished with it are not so tame as you are, and your nearest friends shall never be reproached for having tolerated a mischief of the nature of this they have discovered; since it is an extreme one, it ought not to be thought strange, if they apply extreme remedies to it, and if the honour of their family arm them against the destroyers of it. Theander was so deeply touched with this discourse, that against any body but a brother, he would violently have expressed his resentment, and in his last words observing the hatred, and the evil designs he had against Cleonimus, he presently believed that it was he, who had laid that ambush for him, which he had escaped by his valour; and in that opinion looking sidewaies upon him, Wicked man (said he) thou hast discovered thyself too much, and I no longer doubt, but that thou thyself didst set on those villains to assassinate Cleonimus. Astyages grew pale at that accusation, and by a manifest trouble made Theander see his reproaches were true. That belief having inflamed him with anger, Ah! thou unworthy Fellow, (continued he) that art the shame and dishonour of our blood thyself; what examples hast thou amongst our kindred of such a baseness? ah! I need no longer doubt it, and the knowledge I have ever had of thy wicked inclinations, doth but too much fortify me in that conceit. Theander accompanied these words with a torrent of others, which so dashed Astyages that he was a long time ere he could get out of his confusion, but at last striving to recover himself, and labouring to show a confidence; If you were not my brother (said he) I would make you know how sensible I am of calumnies of this nature; and if Cleonimus persist's in this opinion, he shall see I am not ignorant of the means to disabuse him. Theander laughing at that bravado, despised him more than he did before, and after having used a thousand reproaches to him, with express threats, which Astyages answered only with a confusion that absolutely confirmed his brother in his former belief, not being able to stay longer with him, he went away directly to Cleonimus. As soon as he saw him, he ran to him with open arms, saying, Dear Cleonimus, if my brother be wicked, if my brother be base, we are neither guilty of his crimes, nor of his baseness; and you ought not extend your resentment unto me, who will no more consider him as my brother, but as a traitor, and as a murderer. Cleonimus was much surprised at this discourse, and believing that Theander by other means had learned the whole truth of the business, did no longer disavow that which by an admirable discretion he had resolved to conceal, both from him, and from all men living. Theander being assured of his brother's crime, first by Cleonimus his silence, and then by his confession, desired to know the particulars of it, and Cleonimus having told him all, made him change colour a thousand times, and a thousand times detest his destiny, which had made him be born of so wicked a race. After this discourse, he ingenuously made him acquainted with all that Astyages had said to him, and informed him of his jealousy in terms, and with an action whereby he found that though he had the greatest interest in the business, he was not moved with it at all. Cleonimus nevertheless shrunk up his shoulders at the hearing of it, and looking upon him with a countenance extraordinarily troubled; I knew (said he) Fortune would be jealous of the happiness I enjoy in your friendship, and that I must be fain to follow the usual course of my destiny, which never granted me a lasting felicity; After the suspicions of Astyages, and Bagistanes I cannot be innocent, since I have given them occasion to conceiv them; but that they may take no more, neither from my presence, nor from my imprudent carriage, I will absent myself both from Alcione, and from you, and will moderate the grief of that separation, by the remembrance of a repose which I will never trouble. Theander would not suffer Cleonimus to go on, but embracing him with much affection, I had rather (said he) that Astyages, and Bagistanes were in their graves, then that you should continue an hour in that thought, let them avoid your sight themselves, if it be suspected to them, and let them not envy a happiness they are incapable to give me; Alcione, I will follow you if you go away, and though you will shun our company, we will tie our selus inseparably to yours. Theander spoke these words with so passionate an aër, that Cleonimus was moved with them, and considering Theander's good nature, and the hearty affection he bore him, he could scarcely withhold tears, which the force of his friendship was like to have drawn from his eyes, and embracing him with an excess of love, O Gods! (cried he) should I not be a thousand times more faithless than our slanderers, if I could ever have a thought to betray such a friend as Theander? I will never fear it added Theander, and if this calumny I have told you of, makes you abate any thing of your familiarity toward Alcione, I shall believ you have ill interpreted my intentions, and that you are become my enemy. I will rather become my own (replied Cleonimus) and being your will shall ever be mine, I will live both at your house, and every where else as you shall enjoin me, but to give you further proofs of my innocence, Alcione shall tell you the true cause of the hatred of Astyages and Bagistanes; 'twas by my entreaty she has deferred to acquaint you with it all this while, and by my consent you should never have heard any thing that could trouble your contentment, if my enemies had not brought things to an extremity; now it were no longer wisdom to conceal the truth of it from you; but you shall learn it from the mouth of Alcione who is the most concerned in it, and in whom it will be more handsome to tell it you, then in a man who may be grown suspected, by reason of a treachery, the memory whereof is yet so fresh. Theander protested to him a thousand times that he would never suspect him, and pressed him a long time to draw that confession from him, which he referred to me; but he defended himself so well against his importunities that he gave them over, and desiring to come back to me that day to give me account of all these adventures, and to satisfy his own curiosity, he left Cleonimus, after having made him promise that he would come and see us the next day at the furthest. Before he returned hither he saw Astyages again, and when he had laid his crime before his eyes, with words full of reproaches, and invectives, he protested to him that if any evil happened to Cleonimus, no body should be questioned for it but he and Bagistanes, since their ill intentions had discovered themselves, both by witnesses, and proofs that were irreprochable. I believ this threat secured Cleonimus his life, which would have been in great danger, if his enemies had not feared to be accused of it after such manifest appearances. In the mean time having got loose from a good number of his friends, who were come to see him, and from whom he carefully hid the Autors of his adventure, he went abroad to make some visit, but as he passed through the street, he chanced to see the man to whom he had given his life the day before, and to whom he had promised the reward, which he was to have received from Bagistanes for his death; although Cleonimus had given him order to come and fetch the money at his lodging, he had not the impudence to go and demand a recompense which he so ill deserved, and contented himself with the mercy he had received, without daring to present himself before him; but Cleonimus having spied him, remembered his promise, and being a most religious observer of all those he made, he called him, and carrying him to his chamber his own self, gave him the sum he had promised him. The fellow confounded with so extraordinary a liberality, cast himself at his feet, and speaking to him, as to a man whose virtue was little less than divine, he beseeched him to dispose of his life, and to command him something whereby he might have occasion to hazard it. Cleonimus acknowledging his good will; since you are so thankful (said he) you must needs do me a service, which I can receiv from no body but you, and that is to give a letter into Bagistanes his own hand, which I will write to him, and which cannot well be delivered but by yours. Fear him not, I shall be able to defend you against him, and against all those whom my consideration shall make your enemies. The man having offered himself with a great deal of joy, to perform what he desired, Cleonimus called for paper, and wrote to Bagistanes in these terms.  
Cleonimus to Bagistanes.  
THis minister of your generosity, comes to demand the recompense you promised him, it was not his fault if he hath not served you to your mind, and if your design hath not taken effect, 'tis because Fortune doth not always second great and noble enterprises. This last, wherein you employed this bearer, is of a nature that may leave you a gallant reputation; he for his payment desired a letter of recommendation to you, and he believed he could not address himself better, then to him who hath the happiness to be your Nephew, and to whom you have showed so fresh, and so obliging proofs of your friendship; if nearness of blood tied me to you before, the remembrance of that favour give's you the disposing of a life whereof you have a great deal of care, and which cannot be lost with more glory, nor with more advantage, then when it may facilitate your possessing of that cruel Lady whom you so virtuously honour with your affection.  
Cleonimus having written this letter, gave it to the man who carried it to Bagistanes. This was all the revenge he would take of him, being of an age which forbade him any other, and I believ it was not so light a one as he imagined, and Bagistanes already vexed that his design had succeeded so ill, was like to have burst with spite at such just, and such jeering reproaches; but being very subtle, he made no show of it, and within a few days after, he that had been the bearer of them vanished, and never could be heard on since, whereupon we belived that Bagistanes and Astyages had caused him to be made away, that the world might no longer bear so undeniable a witness of their villainy. In this interim Theauder was come home to us, and had told me the particularities of Astyages his treachery, and of Cleonimus his generosity; and after he had related the discourse he had with his brother, whose rage he described to me in the terms wherewith I have represented it to you, he made me acquainted with what had passed between him and Cleonimus upon that subject, and prayed me to make the recital which he had referred to me. I was before sufficiently disposed to give him that satisfaction of my own accord, as soon as I knew Cleonimus disapproved it not, I stayed not for a second entreaty, but told him at large of all the persecutions I had suffered from Bagistanes, and his perfidious brother, even to the smallest particulars, in the same manner as I have related them to you. I know not what judgement you will make of Theander's proceeding in this encounter, but for mine own part I was very ill satisfied with it; He indeed detested the treachery of Astyages, and called him a hundred times base fellow, and unworthy to be born of noblebloud; but he seemed not at all touched with any resentment against Bagistanes, and instead of falling into anger against him, he did nothing but laugh at his weakness, and when he saw I was but little pleased with his coldness in that business, What, Madam (said he smiling, to vex me the more) are you cruel then to those that love you? I had suffered too much by Bagistanes his importunities to be able to turn them into jesting; but Theander made himself sport with them, and after he had laughed at them a while, Alcione (continued he) you have told me nothing of Bagistanes, which I have not seen him practise toward all his nearest kinswomen, and I believ that no degree of proximity ever freed any of them from him who were handsome enough to move his love, but I never saw any body jealous of him; and he is now of an age to cause more pity of his weakness, or more mirth at his follies, then fear of any danger by him. For my part Alcione I protest to you this jealousy shall never break my sleep, and that it shall ever be the smallest of my afflictions. If you had sooner communicated your troubles to me, I should without doubt have diminished them, and perchance I should have made you find divertisement, in that which hath been matter of vexation to you. I could not approve of this humour of Theanders', and yet I was very much eased by having disburdened myself of part of my cares, and within a while after Cleonimus being come, joined in our conversation, and seconded Theander's opinion in such manner, that I began to believ my misfortunes were less than I had fancied them. After we had for some time discoursed merrily upon that subject, Theander falling again to be serious, prayed me, or rather commanded me before Cleominus, to love him still as my brother, and as his second self, and protested to me that the most sensible discontent he could receiv, would be to see me diminish any thing of that affection he required from me, upon any consideration whatsoëver. Afterwards they resolved, that for the short time Bagistanes according to the course of nature had to live, I should not use him ill, and that I should receiv his follies as matters of pastime. In these entertainments, and other pleasing divertisements, we spent yet some few days here with my father and mother, after which we returned to Babylon. Astyages had left his lodging at our house, and was gone to lie in the Citadel with his uncle; Theander, to whom his crimes, and the attempts he had made upon me for Bagistanes his satisfaction, had rendered him odious, was not able to endure him longer within his doors, and Astyages himself was better pleased to be with a man of his own humour, then among persons that detested him.  
It was about that time that our country was almost every where full of soldiers, and that Darius after the loss of the battle of Issus, recruting his forces in these parts to prepare himself for a third, retired himself into our city; The Court there was very great, and fair, though the Queens and Princesses who were wont to make up the rest, part of it were absent at that time, by a cruel servitude.  
Since it is only my particular history you desire, I will not recount that of the State, nor the things that passed then at Babylon, in which I have no interest at all. Yet can I not forbear to tell you, Madam, that among those who were most considered near Darius, I often saw the Prince Oroöndates your brother, his admirable actions, and the King's favour had made him so remarkable, that it was hard for the meanest persons to be ignorant who he was. And indeed my brother and I had preserved the Idea of him so well, that though four or five years, which are run out since, have made some alteration in his face, yet was it not enough to make us mistake him, and if we till now have dissembled that knowledge of him, 'twas because we found his intention was not to discover himself. I saw him exercise the troops he had sent for out of Scythia, after the manner of their country, in a Plain near the city, and in all his actions he had so marvellous a grace, that it was hard to loos the remembrance of it. I will tell you likewise that Theander and Cleonimus had the honour to be known to him, and that the report of their virtue which was very great in this country, made them often receiv those favours from him, which he was wont to show to all virtuous persons. As concerning myself, I remember that at the King's first coming thither, my persecuter gave me some respite, and the multitude of his affairs, or his diligence in waiting at the Court, freed me for some time from his visits, which Theander made me suffer whether I would or no, and wherewith he still would mock me, which sometimes made me angry, and in the end made me resolve, to afflict myself less than I was wont, and to take (if I could possibly without contributing to it) my part in his divertisement; but the first month being passed, the wicked old man fell again to his old courses with more eagerness than before, and telling Theander what he was able to do for the advancement of his fortune, he made so good use of that advantage, that I was more troubled with him then ever; though I took his persecutions no more to heart, as I had done formerly, yet could I never constrain myself to give him a good look, as Theander would have had me to make sport with him, and not understanding any jesting in matters of that nature, I made him know by all my actions, that I could never be capable of any thought to his advantage. This assurance wherein he had a thousand occasions to confirm himself, exasperated him in extremity, and believing that Cleonimus was the chiefest obstacle to his intentions, he resolved to set his last engines a work, either to ruin him, or to drive him away from me; He wavered a long time, thinking what counsel he should take, and if he spared Cleonimus his life, against which he might have made a second attempt, 'twas not so much any sens of virtue, or consideration of alliance that restrained him, as his fear of the Laws, from which he was not exempt, not doubting but that after what he had already done, he should be called to account if any mischief should befall Cleominus. This apprehension stopped his violent resolutions, and made him betake himself to other inventions to banish him from me. He at first sought out means to set dissension between my husband and him, without engaging me in the business, but having vainly endeavoured to make them fall out, his rage grew to such an extremity, that he no longer considered me, but determined blindly to try all ways to advance his revenge, and his other pernicious designs. He had already made so good use of his power with Theander, that he had persuaded him to be reconciled to Astyages, and though that disloial man lodged still with his uncle, yet came he often to visit his brother, but he never spoke word of Bagistanes, and carried himself toward me with a very great coldness, he still avoided meeting with Cleonimus, and Cleonimus shunned him, and Bagistanes so carefully, that he never met either of them at our house. These two wicked wretches united together, laboured jointly to destroy me, and when they thought they had recovered all the credit they were wont to have with my husband, they forgot nothing that could ruin us, and strove to make Theander observe our familiarities, with such an industry as might without much difficulty have perplexed any other husband; but his friendship to Cleominus, and his goodness to me were so great, that for a long time, he either laughed at what they said, or else received it as from suspected persons. These traitors seeing themselves deceived in their expectation, resolved to prosecute their crime yet further, to leave nothing unattempted to take revenge of a man, that hindered their designs, though with the loss of my honour, and that of our house. For this purpose having well contrived their treachery, and given instructions to the person they were to employ, and whom they had bribed a long time before, they made use of the plot I now will tell you, to deceiv Theander.  
As he came back one night from the Palace, where he had spent part of the day, and from whence he returned not till after the King was in bed, he had an encounter hard by our door, which hath since cost me so many tears, and which without doubt will make me pour them forth all the rest of my miserable life. When he was close by his own house, he by the light of a torch which one of his servants carried before him, saw one of my maids come out, who was the very same my enemies by their presents had corrupted. The wench came forth without a light, and seemed to go in great deal of fear, when the footman holding his to her face, helped his master to discover her. Theander wondering to see a maid come out of his house at midnight, and without a candle, called her by her name, but she being thus known, first by crying out made show to be much surprised, and then having made as if she would have run away, O Gods! (said she) I am undone, and at the same time, she tore a paper which she had in her hand, and thrust the pieces of it hastily into her mouth. This action which was but too heedfully observed by the abused Theander, caused a chillness to run through all his body, and gave him apprehensions which he had never felt before. He came close to the wench in an extreme trouble, and stopping her by the arm, whither goest thou (said he) and whither wert thou carrying that paper which I saw thee tear just now? The maid feigning a deadly fear, sunk down at his feet, and embracing his knees, Ah! Sir (said she) I beseech you pardon me; and repeating those words twice or thrice, she appeared to be strucken with so great an astonishment, that Theander's was redoubled by it. Speak (said he) and if thou wilt have me pardon thee, confess thy fault to me presently. That subtle wench wiping her eyes, and seeming to tremble, Ah! Sir, (replied she) my obedience is very guilty, but yet both my Lady, and I are more innocent in effect then in appearance, and if I tore this letter, it was my fear that made me imprudently commit that fault. But from whom, and to whom wert thou carrying it? demanded Theander hastily. My Lady (answered she) sent it to Cleonimus. Theander quite confounded, or rather quite besides himself, eyeing the wench from head to foot, Did Alcione (said he) send thee to Cleonimus at this time of the night, and in the dark as I meet thee? Ah! Sir, (replied that wicked wench) I wish to the gods that I were dead, since my imprudence is so hurtful to my Mistress, and perchance cause's suspicions in you against her, which you ought not to conceiv. Theander who began already to swallow the poison that was prepared for him, would not talk longer with her in the street, but commanded her to be gone to her chamber, and to be silent as she loved her life; He neither threatened her, nor asked her any thing more, fearing to make his servants acquainted with the cause of his trouble, and to learn news himself, which his growing jealousy made him already to apprehend, and coming up into my chamber, where I was already in bed, he bade me good night, but 'twas in a way very different from his ordinary manner, and with a countenance so changed, that presently I believed he was not well. Having asked him hastily how he did, he told me he found himself a little indisposed, and being undressed, he came to bed in so deep a sadness, that if the cause of it had been known, it would have moved pity even in those that had been most insensible; the disquiet I was in for fear of his health, having kept me awake a good part of the night, made me know likewise how he rested, and made me hear the sighs he drew from the bottom of his heart in so great abundance, that I believed his body had less part in that indisposition than his mind. I asked him often how he did, but he hardly answered me, letting me know I should oblige him if I left him at quiet. As soon as it was day he arose, and going out of my chamber, he came not home again till evening, I found him as sad as the night before, and pressing him to tell me the cause, Madam (said he) I pray you pardon my ill humour, it will pass over if it pleas the gods, & I myself am ignorant of the cause, in the mean time I need only a little rest, and I beseech you to grant it me. Having said so, he expressed a desire to lie in his own Chamber for some few nights, and when I had given order to have it made ready, he bade me good night, and left me in a greater confusion than I am able to represent. He was so little accustomed to speak to me, in a style like that of his last words, and to conceal the cause of his afflictions from me, that by this unexpected change, I was like to have guessed part of my misfortunes. True it is that I had ever seen him so far from the thoughts that then tormented him, that I had much ado to suspect him of them; and I knew myself so innocent, that I did not believ he in my most faulty actions could find any reasonable pretence for his ill humour. In this confusion of thoughts I passed the night, and as soon as I was up, I went into his chamber, where I found him walking with his arms across upon his breast, and lifting up his eyes to heaven, with all the actions of a person mortally afflicted, I could not forbear running to him with open arms. Dear Theander (said I) have I not interrupted you? yes, (answered he coldly) and you would oblige me if you will leave me alone, since solitude is the greatest eas I can give my trouble. These words, and the accent wherewith he spoke them, froze me with a deadly apprehension, Ah! Theander (cried I) I fear you have left loving me. He answered me at first only by a deep sigh, and after he had looked a while upon me without speaking, Madam (replied he) I pray you leave me. And turning his back he went to lean upon a window that was toward the garden. I would not trouble him further, but retired into my chamber, strucken with a mortal grief. There it was that reflecting upon Theanders' words and actions, I found occasion enough to esteem myself unhappy, and could make no other conjecture, but that either I by my deportments, had drawn my husband's hatred upon me, or that some new affection made him weary of my company. I resolved nevertheless upon the worst events that could happen, and to bear his ill humour, or his inconstancy, without murmuring. Cleonimus was as much puzzled in it as I, and not being able to draw any knowledge from him of his discontent, he only comforted me, and confirmed me in the resolution I had taken. Many days passed on this manner, in which I received not any mark of Theander's former affection, nor any other ill usage from him, than what I found in his silence, and in his coldness; both of them increased every day, and Theander being become insensible of the discourse of Cleonimus, and of his other friends, plunged himself more and more into that pensive sadness which quickly changed his countenance, and became powerful enough to have sent him to his grave, without the assistance it received. I talked often with Cleonimus touching my misfortune, and our friendship which our enemies maliciously caused the unhappy Theander to observe, redoubled his jealousy very vehemently, and made it in the end so strong that it was no longer in a condition to be shut in.  
I was one day in my bed, where my watchings and my sorrows had made me drowsy, when I know not with what intention he came into my chamber, where I had not seen him of many days, the desire I had to observe his actions made me keep still in the posture I was in, and feign myself asleep. He walked a great while up and down without speaking, or without coming near the bed, but in the end he came on the further side of it, and having half opened the curtain, he believed I was asleep, and sat down, beginning to look upon me, with motions which only he was able to represent. He continued long in that posture, keeping his eyes fixed upon my face, and mine were not so close shut, but that through the fingers of one of my hands which lay upon my che●k I could easily observe him; his looks grew inflamed, and mild again by fits, but in their different motions, they naturally expressed the different agitations of his soul. And he contented himself with making them speak for him, but at last his passion was too strong for his resolution, so that by the violence of it forgetting his determination to hold his peace: Ah! Alcione (said he softly) is it possible thou shouldest be falls to me? I was so nearly touched with these words, which he spoke loud enough to be heard by me, that losing the remembrance of my feigned sleep, which might have given me a fuller knowledge of my misfortune, I sat up of a sudden, as he rose from the bed side, and stopping him by the arm, with a kind of a distracted action. I? Theander (said I) am I falls to you? Theander seeing himself held so, strove to turn away his face from me, and putting his hand up to his eyes, to restrain some tears which would have broken forth with violence. Alcione (replied he) I do what I can to justify you in my thoughts; but Alcione it is impossible. And without speaking or harkening to me any more, he pulled his arm away from me, and going out of my chamber, left me in the condition you may imagine. It would be both superfluous and tedious Ladies, to repeat my lamentations after this assurance of my misfortune, I said all that a violent grief can make one say, and in the pangs it put me in, I spared neither my hair nor my face. What, (said I, half out of my wits) shall thy husband accuse thee of infidelity, and wilt thou survive that accusation? shall that husband who is so dear to thee, and in whom thou hast bounded all thy thoughts, with so entire a resignation, believ thou hast betrayed him, and reproach therewith it himself, and thou not endeavour even with the peril of thy life, to justify thyself? Ah! no, Alcione, either die, or blot so sinister an opinion out of his mind, and suffer not that ingrateful man, whom thou hast too dearly loved, to confirm himself in it by thy silence, and by thy patience. In this thought, I leaped out of the bed, and without consulting any further, I ran into Theander's chamber, whither they told me he went in when he came out of mine; As soon as I saw him I could not forbear crying out Theander, My dear Theander, is it possible you should believ me falls? Theander answered me without being moved. I know not what you are, but I would give all my blood that you were innocent. Ah! if I am not so (replied I) kill me; but if I be not faulty, restore me that affection which I have lost, and without which I cannot live. The abused Theander, half distracted with ill impressions, was not at all touched with what I said, but getting loose from my hands, Madam (said he) you take me without doubt for Cleonimus. These words were like a thunderclap to me, and he had no sooner spoken them, but (whether it were to get out of my sight, or that he repented he had said so much) he went out of the chamber, and left me there alone. I was instantly overwhelmed with an infinite number of sorrowful thoughts, and I deplored my disaster by a deluge of tears, and by words full of distraction; I called the gods who knew my innocence, to my justification, and reflecting upon whatsoëver I had done with Cleonimus that was most criminal, I could not forbear accusing Theander of injustice and inhumanity. Then it was that with a great deal of grief I saw myself reduced to a necessity of banishing the innocent, and generous Cleonimus, and I confess to you Ladies, that I could not dispose my mind to it without much violence. I loved him since I must own it, and since I have loudly declared it, I loved him more than all the persons of the world except my husband, but the continuation of my discourse will justify my affection, and make you see, that it yielded (as it was fit it should) to another that was more legitimate; Alas! scarce had I taken this resolution, when I saw him come into my chamber; That sight caused a beating at my heart, and fetched tears from my eyes, knowing his friendship to me was such, that he could not without trouble, hear the news I had to tell him. The condition he found me in grieved him very much, and though of late days he began to be accustomed to it, he asked me, what I ailed, and being set down by me, he from my silence drew an omen that was ill enough. I kept it still a great while, and felt so much constraint in the action I was to do, that I knew not how I should be able to discharge it. In the end I took courage, and forcing my sorrow. Cleonimus (said I) hitherto my miseries have but little touched me, but now they have changed their nature; and I may say they are come to the last extremities, since they reduce me to the most cruel of all necessities; It is time (dear Cleonimus) to put you in mind of our bargain, I observed it regularly while our friendship gave suspicion only to Astyages and Bagistanes; I have seen you with as much joy, and satisfaction, as it was lawful for me to have; but now,— guess the rest (continued I) O! Cleonimus, and spare me the pains of telling you what you may easily conjecture. Cleonimus who changed colour at these words, not suffering me to proceed, I understand you cousin (said he) Theander himself is become jealous. He is so but too much (replied I) and 'tis from his own mouth I have received that declaration. 'Tis sufficient dear cousin (added Cleonimus lifting up his eyes to heaven) 'tis sufficient, and I know well enough what I am obliged to, it is a misfortune, which I already have both apprehended and begun to prepare myself for of late. I will free my dear Theander of the occasion of his discontents, and by my absence will restore him a repose, which shall ever be dearer to me then my own. To say the truth I began already to think myself faulty toward him, and I innocently gave him offence, which caused in me a real remors; although my affection to you, never bred any desires in me to his prejudice, I feel nevertheless that it is too strong for one that neither is, nor can be your husband, and by a long conversation perchance it might become so powerful, as to give him true causes to condemn it. I never declared so much to you before; and though this confession be innocent enough, I would not make it to you if I were not upon the point of repairing that fault, by an exile sufficiently rigorous to a person that has thoughts like mine. I leave you my dear cousin, and if I cannot say I leave you without grief, I will at least protest truly to you, that in my sorrow the consideration of the grief I restore you, will bring me an exceeding great consolation. I ask no longer time of you, for my departure from Babylon, then till to morrow, in the morning I will go out of these walls, and will bid them farewel, perhaps eternally. In the mean time, O my too dear cousin, if without offending Theander, I may beg some part in your memory, remember that though Cleonimus loved you with a most pure affection, he loved you yet more than himself, and that neither length of time, nor distance of place, which shall separate us, can never be able to cure him of his thoughts for you. Although Cleonimus brought forth these words with a great deal of constancy, I confess all mine vanished, and I was seized with so violent a grief, that it made me forget part of my duty, and shed tears, which I vainly endeavoured to restrain. After I had wiped them away, Cleonimur (said I) I will for ever remember you, and you also may remember that Alcione loved you as much, and perhaps more than she could without offending her husband, and that if the gods had not engaged her to a husband worthy of her affection, she would prefer Cleonimus, before all the Monarches of the earth, and would bond all her felicities only in him. The trouble I was in made me speak these words, wherein there was something more than was fitting, and which without doubt I should have had much ado to get out, in another season, but I was more carried away when I gave him the last farewell, and did actions which could not be excused but by a like encounter nor repaired but by those which followed them, and which will without doubt make you pardon part of my faults. Cleonimus parted from me on this manner, and in that parting, he appeared more lovely to me then he had done in all the other actions of his life; and indeed to speak truly of it, this last had something in it extreme obliging, and that perfect resignation wherewith he forsook his country, and used perhaps some violence to his own inclination to contribute to my repose, and to that of my dear husband, expressed a most real generosity, and a most powerful consideration of me. He was no sooner gone but I went into my chamber, where joining that grief to my former afflictions, I passed the rest of the day in so woeful a condition, that the obdurate Theander himself, could not have seen it without being touched with compassion. I spent all that night in the saddest thoughts, which a misfortune like mine could possibly produce, and I do not deny, but that the departure of the innocent Cleonimus made some part of my sorrows, and that his last words, and his last actions came into my remembrance with strength enough to work most sensibly upon me, but his consideration vanished before that of my reputation, and of my husband's contentment; and I was so nearly touched with these two last, that I took a firm resolution to die, or to recover the affection I had lost, either by my misfortune, or by my imprudence. In this design as soon as it was day, and that I was dressed, I went into unfortunate Theander's chamber; where as I have told you, he had lain for some nights before, but the entrance whereof was not forbidden me, for all he was so much incensed. As soon as I came in, I went close to his bed, and having found him asleep, I kneeled down by the side of it, where I considered him with inward motions, full of grief, and affection, I had not patience to stay till he was awake, nor had I boldness enough to waken him, knowing well that in the terms I then stood with him, my former liberties were not permitted me; I continued on this manner till he awaked, but he no sooner opened his eyes when seeing me by him, he sighed vehemently twice or thrice, and turned his head the other way; O gods! (said he) will you never let me rest? I was prepared for such a welcome, and not being at all terrified by it from my design, No, cruel man, (aaswered I) I will never let you rest, till you restore me him, you have unjustly taken from me. Turn not away Theander, but if you have yet the least remembrance of that affection you once bore me, tell me by what fault I have deserved your hatred. He with whom you reproached me, and who without doubt hath disturbed the tranquillity of your mind, shall give you no more disquiets, nor no more suspicions, and she who in your opinion is most criminal, will either cease to be so if you pleas, or cease to live, if you continue your late usage to her. While I spoke these words, I did all I could to make him turn toward me, but that poor abused man, whose reason was half lost by the violence of his jealousy, was not at all moved with them, and pulling one of his hands away from me, which I had taken; Fear not, (said he) fear not any worse usage from my resentment then what you have already received; my grief may well send me to my grave, but it shall never make me injure her I have too dearly and too perfectly loved; whatsoever is fatal in my resolutions shall be turned against myself, and you may live with security, but live without my friendship, which you have so ungratefully disdained. These words utterly banished from my soul, that small desire of life which yet remained in me, and believing I should pass the rest of it, only in torments that would make it a thousand times worse than death, I resolved to end it in the sight of that ingrateful man, both to satisfy his resentment and to blot out of his mind, by the last of my actions, those jealousies he so unjustly had conceived. In this design, without consulting further, I arose from the place where I was, and seeing a knife upon the table I went thither, and taking it in my hand, while Theander having his face turned on the other side, gave me sufficient conveniency, I drew near the bed again, and throwing open the Curtain with an action that testified my despair, Ingrateful man (said I) hardhearted, and perhaps disloial Theander, turn thy eyes upon her, whom thou accusest of falsehood, and thou shalt see the satisfaction she will give thee for that infidelity wherewith thou reproachest her, if I have betrayed thee it, is just I should perish; between my innocence, and my crime I know no mean, nor will I make use of that goodness which makes thee spare her whom thou hast too dearly but not too perfectly loved. Thou darest not give me that death thou desirest I should have, but I can tell how to find it since thou wishest it; yet know Theander, that thou art the most cruel and most ingrateful of all men living, that by thy ingratitude, and thy inhumanity thou hast made thyself unworthy of the most pure and most real affection that ever was, and that by thy unjust suspicions thou losest both the best friend and the most loyal wife in the whole world; I die to gain thy belief of this protestation, or rather I die to please thee, since death is the only expiation thou canst demand for the crimes thou suspectest me of.  
Although Theander was most obdurate, he could not hear these last words without being moved, the fear they put him in made him turn toward me, and sit up in his bed; but though he saw me lift up my arm, and that with a great cry he leapt into the floor to save me, he got not to me so soon, but that I had already stabbed the knife into my breast with all my strength. I fell down presently all bloody, & the sorrowful Theander who had not been able to prevent my fall, cast himself down by me, and joining his face to mine, he by his cries and actions of despair, made me know, as weak and fainting as I was, that my loss gave, him thoughts very different from his last expressions. After having spoken some words full of rage, he drew the knife out of my wound and raising his voice that I might hear him. Dearest Alcione (cried he) thou hast been but too faithful, to thy barbarous ingrateful husband, I esteem thee as innocent, as thy murderer is guilty, and my last affliction is that I can give thee nothing for thy life, but that of thy executioner. As he made an end of these words he lift up his arm, and though his cries had already called some of his servants into the Chamber, that encounter amazed them so, that they had neither wit enough, to divert his resolution, nor readiness enough to hinder him from striking the fatal knife, yet died and warm with my blood up to the very haft in his own body.  
Here Alcione's Narration was interrupted by a flood of tears, which ran from her eyes at that sad remembrance, and which caused such a tenderness in the two Princesses, that their compassion forced them to keep her company in that mornfull exercise. After they had a little settled themselves, and that Thalestris by some words of consolation had endeavoured to abate Alcione's sorrows, she at her entreaty wiped her eyes, and went on thus with her discourse.  
My poor Theander fell down by me, and his last care was to testify to me by his embraces, that he believed me innocent, and worthy of his affection. Although I was exceedingly weakened, I had not lost my understanding, but having enough to discern that action, I felt redoublings of my grief more cruel than that death, which I thought myself very near. I used all the strength I had to sit up, and looking upon my poor husband whose blood mingled itself with mine, and who by his last endearments strove to express his lost thoughts to me, I opened my mouth though I was half dead, and forced these words out with a great deal of pain. Theander (said I) dear, cruel Theander, was not my death painful enough, without your making it a thousand times more sensible, by being guilty of yours. My pale weak husband, looking upon me with dying eyes, and endeavouring to press me between his arms with the little strength he had remaining. Dear Alcione (said he) it was not just that the innocent should di●, and that the guilty should continue in the world. Ah! (replied I with a tone like his) I am no longer innocent, since I am guilty of your death. We should have endeavoured to say more, if Theander's servants and my women, who were all come about us, and in whom this accident had imprinted the true image of death, had not taken us up, and laid us both upon Theander's bed: We were all bathed in blood, and while some of them were busy in staunching it, the rest ran to fetch Chyrurgians. They came within awhile after, and my Father and Mother came almost as soon as they. At this woeful spectacle they sent forth cries, which redoubled the desolation of the house, they wept over me in a terrible fright, and brought forth words full of distraction and despair. After I had let the first brunt of their sorrow pass over, putting them back with a feeble hand, Leave me (said I softly) 'tis I that have killed Theander. Theander turning at these words, Griev on, Polemon (cried he) 'tis I that am the murderer of Alcione. At this the general bewailing redoubled, and presently after the Chyrurgians, having enjoined us silence, desired to see our wounds. Think only upon Theander's (said I) if you would have me recover, save Alcione (cried Theander) and let me die. They may save both perchance (said Polemon) but for god's sake, and for the affection you bear to one another, suffer them to endeavour it. We consented to my Father's entreaties, and the Chyrurgians having searched our wounds could not make any certain judgement of the success of them; but as I have heard since they had much more hope of me, then of my husband who having struck the knife almost upon his naked flesh, and with a greater force than I, had made a deeper wound, and in a more dangerous place. When they had dressed us both, they would have parted us, but Theander never would consent to it, and I opposed it with an obstinacy as great as his. I know that I must die (said Theander to them) and though you flatter me, I feel well enough in what condition I am; suffer me therefore to pass the small remnant of my life with Alcione, and envy not my last moments this last consolation. After he had obtained this of them, he turned toward me, and though he was forbidden to speak, he asked me pardon, for his late usage of me, in terms able to have cleft the most savage hearts with pity. Ah! Theander (said I interrupting him) you have too fatally repaired it; but 'tis the loss of that blood which was so dear to me, and perchance of that life which was ever mine, that I cannot pardon you. I would it pleased to the gods (added Theander) that I had thousand others to loos, and that by losing them altogether I could secure thine; 'tis I that tear it from thee, I who lived only by it, and who with the price of my own, aught to have defended thee, against my unjust suspicions. Theander (answered I) I know not what was the cause of them, but I beseech you let me know it, that I may endeavour to justify myself, if you would have me to die satisfied. You are but too much justified (replied Theander) both by the first, and by this last proof of your virtue, and your blood does but too much speak your innocence, to him that most wrongfully suspected it; yet to justify myself of part of my cruelties, and to obey your will▪ I will tell what you desire to know of me. At these words though he spoke with pain, and though he was put in mind that he did himself hurt by talking long, he told me his encounter that fatal night, when he saw one of my maids carrying a letter from me to Cleonimus, and then added other marks that Astyages had given him of our intelligence, which after that last adventure had made some impression in his mind. Although I was exceedingly moved at this discourse, I harkened to it to the end, and when he had left speaking, You had reason to hate me (said I) after so great appearances of my infidelity, but to let you see we have been betrayed, command the wench to be called hither. I had scarcely said so when she came in of herself. As wicked as she was, her wickedness went not so far as to desire our death, and though she had served Astyages in his perfidious intentions, she had not thought her treacheries would have produced such bloody, and such fatal effects. Whatever it were, she was then touched with so great a repentance, that in stead of flying, as she easily might have done, she fell down upon her knees at the bed's feet, melting into tears, tearing her hair, and doing all the actions of a desperate person. Make me be put to death, Madam, (cried she) and I shall be too gently punished, if I suffer but one death in the sharpest torments that ever were invented; I have basely betrayed you, Madam, the promises and threats of Astyages and Bagistanes, seduced me to the prejudice of my duty. Astyages instructed me in this last adventure, which hath caused all your misfortunes. I did nothing in all that action, but what he directed me word for word, and while I spoke unto his brother, he stood concealed within the Porch, to keep him from hurting me, as I ought to have feared he would in his anger. The wench said many other things, to which I lent no attention, and while she called to be put death, and that by all her actions she expressed a hearty repentance, I turned toward Theander who lifting up his eyes to heaven testified his astonishment by his silence: Well now, Theander (said I) have you any thing more to desire for my justication? I would have desired (answered he) that instead of turning the knife against yourself, you should have stabbed it into the heart of this credulous ingrateful man, 'tis the only fault you have committed, and the only one which I ought never to pardon you. He made a stopped at these words, and of a sudden lifting up his hands, O gods! (pursued he) since you suffer me to die, without punishing Astyages for his perfidiousness, Will not you take that care for me, and will you not revenge upon him and Bagistanes, this blood which they have so treacherously and so inhumanely shed? Then after he had held his peace awhile; And Cleonimus (said he) the innocent Cleonimas, what is become of him? He is gone (answered I) after he once knew that you suspected him, and to free you for ever from that occasion, I have given him an eternal farewell. What (replied Theander) shall I die then without seeing Cleonimus, and shall I die justly hated of Cleonimus? This thought touched him so deeply that it fetched tears from his eyes in great abundance, and he would yet have continued to discourse longer, but my Father and Mother, and many of his nearest friends and mine, who were already come into our Chamber, did so entreat him and me also, that to satisfy them we gave our selus to rest, and to that silence they desired of us, for the remainder of the day. My Mother kept still close by us, to make us observe it, and the mutual assurance we had of each others affection and innocence, having banished part of our despair, persuaded us the more easily to that compliance. Astyages was gone from Babylon a day or two before, and Bagistanes though he heard of our misfortune, durst not present himself before us. The maid that had been the cause of all our sorrows was turned away, and though many judged it fit she should be punished, I prayed them to pardon her, and to content themselves with putting her from us, without other punishment than the remors of a guilty conscience. Our silence and repose that day was interrupted only by the disquiets we had reciprocally for one another, and by our often inquiries how each other did. They watched by us all night with a great deal of care, but before it was day, Theander had lost the better part of his strength. When it was time to dress our wounds, he would needs have the Chirurgeons begin with me, and after they had looked upon mine, they liked it so well, that they could not forbear saying to him, Cheer up, Sir, Alcione shall not die. She will not die (said I interrupting them) if you assure her of Theander's life, but if that be in danger, you can be but uncertain of mine. You shall not die, my dear Alcione (said Theander with a joy which appeared in his face as pale and dying as it was) no, you shall not die, and the gods were too just, to make you suffer the punishment of my crime. In the mean time they visited his wound, but at the sight of it, the bystanders observed such an alteration in the Chirurgeons countenances, that they drew a very ill presage from thence. Polemon my Mother, and others of our kindred who stirred not from us, could not dissemble their trouble, though not to cause a fear in us, they did all they could possibly to keep it from breaking forth, and Theander who perceived something of it, and who felt how he was himself, appeared the least moved, and prepared himself courageously for death. His wound was newly dressed, when (having his understanding yet very perfectly) he saw among those that were in the Chamber, a man that belonged to Cleonimus; he presently called him, and embracing him kindly for his master's sake, What (said he) shall I not see Cleonimus then before I die? The man not being able to withhold tears at that doleful sight; Sir, (said he) Cleonimus is gone out of this Country, but at his departure, he left me a Letter for you, which may perchance tell you news of him. Theander putting forth his hand received the Letter, and because he was in no condition to read it, Polemon, who was by his bedside, eased him of that pains, and having opened it at his entreaty, read words much to this purpose.  
Cleonimus to Theander.  
I Would it had pleased the gods, O my dear Theander, that I had followed the first thoughts I had to absent myself from you, while I was yet innocent in your opinion: I should then have only felt my own misfortune in my departure, and I should have gone from you with this consolation, that I had still left that repose in your mind, and in your Family, which I now unhappily have disturbed. I know not which way I may persuade you of my innocence, and if by your own inclinations, you make not some judgement of mine, I shall vainly seek to justify myself by oaths and protestations. It is true nevertheless, that I have loved my dear Cousin, as much as myself, and perchance I should say something more, if I said I loved her as much as you; but, O Theander! I never made that affection a secret to you, and to what degree soëver it reached, I never disguised its nature, nor its greatness from you, and both yourself, and honour (which I considered alone as much as I did you) were too dear to me to suffer my soul to give way to any thoughts that could offend either. Yet I neither complain of your suspicions, nor of my banishment, and I confess, that though my intentions were innocent, my actions were imprudent. I will endure the punishment of them without murmuring, O my dear Theander, provided you cease to hate me, and that you do me the favour to believ, I neither in the course of your friendship to me, have betrayed you, nor in the loss of it have diminished any thing of my desire to be always faithfully yours.  
If Theander's danger had not put all other thoughts out of my mind, I should have been very sensible at the reading of this Letter; but Theander was so deeply touched with it, that after having sighed and sobbed many times, he took the Letter, and kissing it with an ardour that cannot be expressed; O! Cleonimus (said he) if I were not dying for the expiation of my crime, what pardon could I ever hope for? I am unworthy of thy friendship, and I have made myself unworthy of thy remembrance; but since the gods permit me not otherwise to repair the offence I have done thee, receiv this blood, and receiv this life which I bequeath to thy just resentment. He brought forth these words with such a tenderness as made the whole company weep, and awhile after straining himself to turn toward me, Dear Alcione (said he) I feel my last hour drawing on, and for all the resolution I hitherto have shown; I must confess that the knowledge of thy real affection, makes me lament our separation, the same knowledge likewise makes me hope that thou wilt remember my last requests that after my death thou wilt preserv a care to oblige me; The first thing I desire of thee, is, That thou wouldst live for my sake, and that thou wouldst never attempt any thing against a life, which by thine own confession is wholly mine, and whereof I resign the disposing only to the gods; The last is, That if the gods restore thee Cleonimus, thou wouldst give him all the affection thou bearest Theander, and receiv him by the same ways that brought me to a place he is more worthy to possess then I. Theander would have gone on, and I was preparing myself to answer him in terms which would have let him know how little disposition I had to obey him, when he fell into a fainting, which made those that were present believ that his soul was going to forsake his body. I keep you too long, Ladies, in this tedious doleful Narration, I must therefore shorten it, and to bring it to an end in a few words, will only tell you that these were the last words my poor Theander spoke with any sens, and that coming out of his swoon, he lost his understanding, and that (since it so pleased the gods) the end of that day was the end of my dear husband's life. Alas! my dear Theander, (continued the desolate Alcione bursting forth into tears) my most loved and my most lovely husband, thou breathedst out thy soul in mine arms, and she that killed thee, remained alive after thee, neither was that fatal deplorable spectacle, nor the remembrance of what I had contributed to thy death, nor the loss of my blood, nor that of my hopes, able to draw my soul along with thine, thou remainedst cold and pale by my side, and that mortal ice which froze thy whole body stiff, could not drive out of mine that little warmth which was left in it. 'Twas in vain I called thee to comfort me, and that fixing my mouth upon thy dead lips, I endeavoured to keep thy spirits in them, or to breathe out mine own through thine; thou wert deaf to my cries and insensible of my kisses; and the gods as well as thou, were pleased I should still continue in the world, to make thee a living tomb in this heart of mine, where thou hast chosen an eternal abode. In this place it is, O great and illustrious Princesses! that I must beg of you if you pleas, to give a free course unto my tears, and that you would permit me to solemnize a remembrance, which years cannot hinder from being always present to my mind. 'Tis only by them, and by the marks which grief hath left in my face, that I will endeavour to make you comprehend what an one it was, at that time when it was so much fresher, nor will I repent what it made me say, since that recital would be tedious to you, and put me to a pain, wherein your goodness without doubt would make you suffer with me. I did all the actions of a despairing person, and when coming to myself again, out of a swoon of many hours, I miss the body of my dear Theander, I gave myself over to a passion, that came little short of rage, which made my friend's believ a good while that I had lost my reason. I tried a thousand times to tear off what they had put upon my wound, but my Father and Mother held my hands, and dissembling their own grief to hinder the effects of mine, they protested to me that my despair would send them to their graves, and when I told them I was my husband's murtheress, they assured me I should also be theirs if I persisted in my obstinate sorrow, and that by it I should not only cause my own death, but also that of my nearest friends; Although I was but little in capacity to relish their persuasions, these last wrought something upon me, and 'tis not to excuse my faint-heartedness, that I say their consideration alone, kept me from doing all that I could, and all that I ought, to die; in short, whether it were by that reason, or by my cowardice I lived, and gave way that my cure should be endeavoured. They paid Theander funeral Rites, in the performance whereof a good part of the Court assisted, and Prince Oröondates honoured them with his presence. That poor man who truly had very lovely qualities in him, was generally lamented of all those that knew him, and the news of this woeful adventure being quickly spread abroad, moved pity in all virtuous persons; The rumour of the share Bagistanes had in it was a little smothered in Babylon by his authority, but Astyages whose wickedness was loudly published, became so defamed, that he had not the confidence to come back again thither, and hath never appeared there since, at least that we could hear. In the mean time, since I must avow it to my confusion, I was cured by the troublesome care of Polemon, and as soon as I was fit to go abroad, I left that unfortunate house, where I no more could see what I had loved so well, and without grief, forsaking all the pretensions I might have had upon my husband's estate, I retired to my Fathers. It was about the time that the King departed from Babylon to march against Alexander, with whom a few days after he fought that bloody battle of Arbella, where he lost the remnant of his Forces, and his Empire with them; within a very short time we had the Conqueror at our gates, and Mazeus having submitted the Country to his obedience, cowardly Bagistanes, who might either have made a long resistance in the Citadel, or have buried himself in the honourable ruins of it, followed a shameful example, and contrary to the counsel of Polemon and of many other loyal persons, in whose hearts fidelity was not quite extinguished, he set open the gates, delivered up the Citadel with fifty thousand talents, and underwent the yoke of the Macedonians. As soon as Alexander was in the Town, Bagistanes who bore a mortal hatred to my Father by reason of the hindrances he thought he had received from him, in the foolish passion he had for me, accused him to Alexander of having gone about to stir up the people, and to make a faction against him, and by his practices he wrought so far with the King, that Polemon was declared criminal, his estate given to Bagistanes and his other accusers, and he was commanded to be gone from Babylon He bore this blow of Fortune with a great deal of moderation, but presently after he received another assault from her, which utterly dejected him, and that was the certain news that the two brothers I had in Darius his Army were killed in the late battle, with so many thousand gallant men, who would not survive the ruin of their King. My poor Father was like to have died with this last affliction, and absolutely lost all thought of taking any more pleasure in the life of persons of his quality, whereupon he resolved to abandon it for ever; and gathering together the doleful Relics of his Family, he forsook Babylon, and retired to this house which had been left him, because it belonged to my Mother, whose goods were not confiscate, our enemies not having been able to find any pretence to accuse her; Bagistanes also obtained Theander's fortune for himself, or for Astyages if he should return, but within a while after being deprived of his command by Alexander, who put Agathas in his place, and receiving an order from the King to make his appearance before him, he died of grief and age, and left a report amongst all that knew him, which will make his memory be detested for ever. For our own parts, we were no sooner in this retirement, but we put off our habit with our ambition, and framing our selus to a manner of life very different from our former, we began to taste some sweetness and delight, whereof our minds were not capable before the ruin of our family. My Mother hath yet as much as is necessary for us to live quietly, and conformably to the condition in which we have ranked our selus, and we daily find reason to confess, that we enjoy a consolation in this solitariness, which we could never have hoped for in another estate. Not that my sorrows are lulled asleep in the space of four years, which are run out since we retired hither, the image of my dear Theander is ever present to my memory, and whether I walk upon the banks of the river, or visit the remotest places of our wood, or bound my steps within the allies of our Garden, that lovely Idea comes incessantly into my memory, and affords me an entertainment, from which I neither can nor ever will separate myself. Yet will I confess, Ladies, and doubtless with some kind of shame, that with these lawful thoughts, the remembrance of Cleonimus mixeth itself for some moments, and that some spirit envious of this shadow of repose, bring's all that was most lovely in him, and the last words of Theander now and then into my memory. I also call to mind his innocent friendship, what he did, and what he suffered for my sake, and that exact obedience which made him absent himself from me for ever; all these reflections trouble me sometimes very much, but I banish them by the fatal remembrance of those sad effects of our friendship, and by a belief that I ought no longer to suffer him in my memory, who for all his innocence, was yet the subject of that treachery, whereby those wicked wretches deprived me of my husband, and moreover having passed so many years, without seeing him again, or hearing any news of him, I am uncertain whether I can have an affection for him of any other nature then that I owe unto Theander, or any other thoughts then those we have for persons that are no longer in the world Behold, great Princesses the present estate of my soul, and that of my fortune, which how deplorable soëver it be, is yet glorious, since it hath wrought compassion in you, and given me an occasion to obey the command you were pleased to lay upon me to recount it.  
The fair and sorrowful Alcione, ended her Story on this manner, and the two Princesses, who had lent her a marvellous attention, began to comfort her with expressions of a real esteem, and of a real affection: she found some consolation in their kindnesses and in their discourse; and Berenice having told her that the next day she would give her some news of Astyages, and let her know his last wickednesses in the relation of her life, at which she meant to have her present, Alcione seeing it was very late, bade them both good-night, and retiring into her Chamber, left them in theirs, where they went to bed together, as they had done before.   
The end of the sixth Book, and of the second Part of Cassandra.    


The AUTHOR To CASSANDRA.  
I Speak to you, my dear Cassandra, after the example which one of the sublimest wits of our latter ages hath given me of a like conversation; and by the right I challenge in this second life you owe to me, I take the liberty to entertain you familiarly. You are now less bashful than you were, when Calista's commands made you hazard your first coming abroad, and the civility you have found amongst the French, makes you hope for the same reception in this third you received from them in your two former visits. It is true, (if I may say so without interessing your modesty) they have found something lovely in you, and they have favourably judged, that considering you were bred up in your earlier years, a great way from the●r Court, you have learned to speak their language passably, and to recount your adventures tolerably well. Yes, my dear Cassandra, there are many amongst them that expect you, and Calista herself whose will is to us a Law, hath a desire to see you again, and calls upon me f●r your return by all the power she hath over me. Let us obey her, my fair Princess, and present yourself before her, since she has absolutely commanded it; she will receiv you with that generous goodness, which together with her other divine qualities winne's her the adoration of the whole world, and gain me as many Rivals, as there are persons, whose thoughts are capable of a noble elevation. She will behold you with those eyes, which inflame all, except yourself, and you shall have this advantage above us, to look upon them, if not without dazzling, and envy, at least without fear of being wounded incurably as we are. Appear before her then with confidence but that you may do so, forget none of your ornaments, and since the ambition of pleasing Calista may excuse all, seek that in Art, which Nature may have refused you. Strive to sweeten to her whatsoever may be more fierce, and rough in this third visit, let her see you are not the less sociable for being the more warlike, and tell her you will not tie yourself so rigorously to the blows which are given, and to the blood which is shed for your interests, but that you will endeavour to entertain her with some more passionate, and more delightful adventures. Take care also if you pleas▪ to excuse me to her, and if she think it strange, that having kept myself hitherto enough within probability, I take a little liberty in the description of some particular actions, and that in stead of following the manner of writing used by Plutarch, Quintus Curtius, Justin, and other Autors, from whom I have drawn the foundations of your History, I make my Heroës march unto the fight, in a way something nearer to that of Homer, Virgil, Tasso, and other Writers of that nature, who have beautified the truth with some ornaments rather more pleasing, then confined to a strict and regular likelihood; say for my defence, ●●at having for your quarrel assembled so many great men famous in Antiquity, and renowned amongst all the Autors that have written the history of their age, I, in favour of them, have exempted myself from that severity, and believed that in taking a diversion by that kind of recital, I might represent some particulars of that valiant Dame, who hath made them known to the whole earth. Moreover, our Narration is much more fixed upon the especial actions of our Heroës, then upon those of wh●le Nations, and we much rather seek the reputation of Oröondates and Arsaces, then that of the Medes, Persians and Macedonians in general, but yet without making them remarkable by impossible actions, or extravagant inventions. You will find many other occasions to speak in my justification, but I leave the care of it to you my dear Cassandra, and I leave you yourself in Calista's arms, since other employments oblige me to part from you. I cannot give you a more glorious nor a more safe retreat, while I go to see that upon the ground, which for you I have represented upon paper; but in this sanctuary to which I recommend you, fair Princess, repay me part of what I have done for you, and since that in going from you, I absent myself also from Calista, endeavour to preserv me in her memory, as I have restored you into that of men, amongst whom two thousand years had already made you to be forgotten. In requital, I promise you my dear Cassandra, that neither the difference of exercises, nor toil, nor danger, shall hinder me from thinking of you, and that if it pleas the heavens I escape both, I will not come back to Calista again, without bringing her some marks of my remembrance of you▪ ay by the presence of objects shall form the Idea which is necessary to me for the conclusion of your History, and will draw the siege of Babylon by the siege of Graveline; This slip of my pen is perchance against modesty, but it is to be pardoned in my Nation, and in the desire I have by declaring my trade, to find excuse for many faults, which perhaps would not be pardonable in a Doctor, nor in a man of another profession.   

THE THIRD PART OF CASSANDRA. The first Book.  
THe Princess Berenice, and the fair Queen of the Amazons, having given a part of the night to the relation of the sorrowful Alcione, passed the last hours thereof, and the first of the day following, in a reasonable quiet sleep. Berenice whose thoughts though more tender, and whole cares though less violent, than those of Thalestris, had yet a fresher cause, awakened first, and opening the curtain of her bed, she saw Alcione in the chamber, who with Hippolita, waited till the Princesses were awake, that she might give them the good morrow; The countenance, and humour of that woman, having begot a great deal of good will in her, moved her also to some desire of interessing her in her fortune, and of putting her into the place of those persons, whom she had lost, and to whom alone she had formerly trusted her most secret, and most important thoughts; As soon as she saw her, she called her to her bedside, and began to testify her affection to her, by words full of sweetness, and by kindnesses which carried a charm along with them, against which it was impossible for even the most savage hearts to defend themselves. Thalestris wakened while they were talking, and Berenice finding she could be content to sleep a little longer, would not disturb her, but getting herself ready by the help of Alcione, and Hippolita, she went out of the chamber with them. Her first care was to call for Araxes, to inquire after the health of the Prince her Brother, and having heard by him, that he had passed the night indifferent well, and that he was not yet awake, she would not interrupt his rest, but going down the stairs with those two women, she let them lead her into the wood, and from thence to the river side to take her morning walk. There she asked Hippolita divers questions, concerning her Mistress' adventures, and learned whatsoëver the Queen had forgotten in her relation. There likewise she confirmed the first assurances of her friendship to Alcione, and gained her absolutely, both by the advantage of her offers, and by the inevitable allurements which were naturally in the least of her actions. They were in this entertainment, when they saw a litter come out of the wood, conveied by certain men on horseback, which keeping the great highway toward the City, were of necessity to pass close by them. Berenice's present, condition making her apprehend all manner of encounters, she was already turning her back, when the other two, who had more curiosity reassured her, and alleging that those persons went in an equipage, which showed no evil intention, they persuaded her to stay till they were gone by, having only put down avail, which without hindering her from the sight of any object, served to de●end her face a little from the eyes of those passengers; she nevertheless retired under certain trees, fifteen or twenty paces from the road, but by reason the litter went very softly, and that it was open on their side, that distance hindered her not from observing the person that was in it. 'Twas a man of so good presence, that the like was hardly to be found, and though his sickness, or his wounds had diminished part of his fresher looks, and caused some alteration in his face, Berenice had the image of it too present in her memory to be mistaken. She was so extremely surprised at that sight, that her colour going and coming twice or thrice in a moment, she sunk down upon Alcione, and remained almost without knowledge in her arms. She, and Hippolita seeing her faint, turned up the vail which covered her face, and there reading the marks of a powerful change, they asked her the cause of it. Berenice was so troubled, that she was some time in recovering herself, and when she was a little settled, before she answered them, she cast her eye upon the way the litter had taken, and seeing it was not yet far off, and that it went slowly enough to give her hopes of overtaking it, she turned toward them; I must (said she) I must necessarily see the man again, who is in yonder litter, if you pleas to come along with me Alcione, you Hippolita may return unto your Mistress; I pray you tell the Prince my brother that this encounter draw's me from him for a few moments, and that I desire him not to be troubled at my departure, for I will quickly return to him with so good news, as shall make him excuse it. With these words, she walked after the horses, leaning upon Alcione, who esteemed herself most happy to serve, and accompany her. Hippolita would have gone with them, but Berenice refused it in such manner, that she believing herself suspected to her in that design, pressed it no further, but to obey her, returned unto 〈◊〉 house. Oroöndates and Thalestris were awake when she came in, but she went to wait upon her Mistress, before she performed her commission to the Prince. The Queen was in a great wonder at the recital of Berenice's departure, who being already very dear to her, she was exceedingly concerned in what might befall her by that encounter. She was no sooner ready but she carried the news of it herself to Prince Oroöndates, and making Hippolita tell the particulars of that adventure again in his presence, put him into a strange astonishment, and into as strange a perplexity; This precipitate departure of a sister whom he loved most tenderly, at a time when he was unable to follow her, and to give her any assistance, afflicted him very sensibly, but he drew some consolation from her words to Hippolita, and hoped for something at her return which might make him bear her absence the more patiently; when he had mused a while upon the novelty of that encounter, and having vainly studied to find out the truth of it, he by the alterations of his countenance, and by a silence full of confusion had expressed the diversity of his thoughts; at last by lifting up his eyes toward the Queen, I give over the care (said he) to the immortal gods, of whatsoëver from henceforth shall concern me; and in the condition to which my own affairs are reduced, I should be too blame, if I remitted the conduct of Berenice's to any other providence but theirs; They wrought a miracle in her favour, when they sent me to rescue her, and neither their power nor their goodness, I trust, will be shortened to her. I'll go hasten after her (replied the Amazon Queen) and will never give over that pursuit, till I have used my endeavours to give her that assistance, which your present estate forbids her to hope for from you. At these words she called for two horses and arms, and though Oroöndates out of civility would have spared her the trouble, it was not possible for him to dissuade her from that resolution, so putting on her arms in his presence, as soon as her horses were ready, she took leave of him, and bade Hippolita guide her after Berenice.  
Oroöndates being left alone in his chamber, made a long reflection upon the past events of his life, and upon the estate of his present condition, and making a stop upon his later days, he had scarce thought upon his Princesses being alive, but he called to mind her infidelity. That hard curb, which the rigour of his destinies had given unto his joy, kept it in with an excessive cruelty, and that unworthy remembrance brought a confusion into his soul, which hardly left him his reason free. Ah! (cried he in the violence of that thought) Ah! unworthy daughter of Darius, unworthy sister of Artaxerxes, unworthy wife of Alexander, and (if I dare say so myself) unworthy Mistress of Oroöndates; would you then give so shameful a conclusion, to so many noble actions? and did you defend yourself so virtuously against persecutions so just as mine were, only to yield so lightly in favour of a new comer? But without question, I deceiv myself (said he again) and this affection is not new as I believed; I begin to find, it took birth before I came from Susa; 'twas that infallibly which caused your sudden change, which made you in a moment repent the modest favours you allowed me, and which in short drew from your mouth that cruel farewell which you gave me with so much inhumanity; and though the services I had done you deserved as much as I received from you, this rival could not suffer that innocent, and moderate felicity, but you must banish me to satisfy him, and 'twas that new passion which hardened your heart, so that you could see me swooning, and dying at your feet, without showing any mark of compassion. O my memory, how didst thou forsake me all this while, and how came it thou wert so long before thou foundest, that a former affection, cemented with so many services, and so many obligations, could not be destroyed but by a second? If it be so, Statira; as without doubt it is, you are both more faulty, and less to be valued than I believed, and during the life of so brave a husband, you ought not to have been capable of another love, since you had so many reasons to defend yourself against mine. He discoursed thus to himself in the violence of his resentment, and a while after falling into another thought. But (said he) must I so soon accuse her of infidelity, she who perchance is no longer in the world? I have but a light assurance of her life, and I ought at least to be certain she is alive, before I can be certain she is inconstant; 'tis to this miserable extremity I am reduced, and one of these two necessities is imposed upon me, either that Statira is not, or that Statira love's me not.  
He would perchance have spent the rest of the day in these sad considerations, if he had not been withdrawn from them by Araxes, who came into his chamber, leading a woman by the hand; Oroöndates presently began to know her, but as soon as she came near his bed, and that he fixed his eyes upon her face, he no longer doubted but that it was Cleone, the dear, and faithful confident of his Princess, and she who had inseparably accompanied her in her first, and in her last adventures. The unexpected arrival of her whom he believed dead, and on whose memory, the remembrance of her former good offices had made him bestow some tears, surprised him so, that he became mute, and unmoveable at the sight of her; but when he began to recollect himself, and that he prepared to show some testimony of his joy, for her safety; the fear of receiving from her mouth the confirmation of one of his misfortunes, suspended all his thoughts, and he was more strucken, and confounded then before. Cleone more confident than he, forcing the severity of her sex, and of her humour, to receiv welcomes full of transport and affection, which a long, and particular acquaintance might excuse, broke silence first, and while he embraced her with tears of kindness, Sir (said she) have I deserved you should still remember you have known me? The Prince giving some respite to his endearments, Sweet Cleone (answered he at last) I will never lose a remembrance which was ever dear to me, and the grief▪ I have been in for my Princess, did not so totally possess my soul, but that my sorrow for you found also a place in it; but O! Cleone since you are risen again, is not my Princess also alive, and do not you come to bring me news of her safety? The Queen is living (replied Cleone) unless she be dead within this three days. O gods! (cried the Prince, without permitting her to go on) gods, all good, and all powerful, I give you the thanks I owe you for the life of my Princess, and since by this assurance, you have taken away the fear of my first misfortune, I will prepare myself for the second without murmuring against you. His natural generosity, or the goodness of his disposition, made him instantly bring forth these words, according to the real incitements of his heart, and certainly his joy in this encounter, equalled the grief he had felt at the sad news of his Princess' death; but that living and lawful grief was no sooner driven out of his mind, but his jealousy, before constrained, and locked up in a kind of servitude, broke loose into its place, and extending itself with tyranny into all those parts it quitted, began to reign there alone with such an Empire, that it produced as violent effects, as could have been apprehended from both passions united; his mournful, tender thoughts, gave way to furious, desperate ones; and briefly, that cruel and imperious passion, which had established itself but with uncertainty, finding itself now lawfully grounded, seized upon all his soul, with a most absolute authority. Let us not bewail Statira, (cried he) Statira is alive, Statira is satisfied; but let us with tears of blood, bewail, and deplore the misfortune of despairing Oroöndates, whom the gods, after a thousand sorrows worse than the most cruel deaths, have saved from a thousand kinds of ordinary death, only to make him fall by an end suitable to the miseries of his life. After these first transports, having held his peace for a few moments, he turned towards Cleone, and seeing her silent by his bed side; Well, Cleone, (said he) the Queen is living, but O Cleone, the Queen love's me not. Yet not to love me, Cleone, is but a small matter, and her fault would be but light, if her forgetfulness, and her ingratitude, were the only things wherewith I could reproach her; but to love another man to the prejudice of what she owed to me, to the prejudice of her faith, and even to the prejudice of her honour, to forsake him, who hath forsaken all, who hath dared all, who hath done all for her; to give herself to a man that had rendered her some slighter services, and to hang about his neck in my presence, both against the laws of decency, and against the laws of modesty, is an infidelity, is a meanness, is a lightness, unworthy of a Princess of Persia, and is a crime which deserves all the thunders of heaven, and the detestations of the whole earth. Oroöndates brought forth these words so impetuously, that Cleone was quite abashed at them, and had neither the time, nor the confidence to open her mouth for the defence of her Mistress. The Prince deleing her without reply, I knew very well (continued he) that you had nothing to allege for the justification of that ungrateful woman, your silence utterly condemns her; but however you cannot disavow that which I know by the testimony of my own eyes; I saw her in the arms of that happy rival, a man neither greater, nor valianter than I, and one indebted only to fortune for all the advantages he has over me; I with the same sword, which hath often shed blood for the service of that inconstant Princess, drew some of his, and if the Gods have made him perish to expiate the injury he hath done me, I do no longer pretend to open my way to her by that advantage; 'tis for my revenge alone that he is fallen, and not for the establishment of my fortune; let her cherish his memory still, since his leave are not worthy of me, and if she can love her life after the loss of his, let her expect also the end of mine, that she may be perfectly satisfied. The Prince his weakness not suffering him to go on with his reproaches in that vehemence, he was constrained to give some truce to them, in which interim Cleone had the leisure to settle herself, and desiring if it were possible, to draw him out of those violent motions, which might utterly ruin his health, Sir (said she at last) I should be confounded at your reproaches against the Queen my Mistress, if with her, I were not accustomed to hear them from you; I will not justify what may be unblamable in this change you upbraid her with, nor will I deny but that your own eyes saw those favours, and those kindnesses which give you so much cause of complaint against her, but that in the condition wherein she granted them, they did offend either decency, or modesty, is a thing I cannot yield to. Of all the women that ever bore a love to virtue, perhaps never any yet raised it to so high a degree. If humane weakness, the treachery of your enemies, powerful obligations, your absence, and the uncertainty of your being alive, made the Queen take resolutions to the prejudice of what she owed to you, yet hath she never forgot what she owed unto her honour, and if she afforded advantages to another which she refused to you, 'twas because when he sued for them, she was in a condition to grant him them without offending a husband, and without wounding her reputation. Give some credit Sir, unto my words, of all the women that were near the Queen, I am she without doubt, in whom she ever had most confidence, and she who can give the most exact account of her most particular thoughts; but I can protest to you by all that I acknowledge to be most sacred, that so long as she was free, and undeceived, she always had the most advantageous opinion of you, that you could lawfully wish; and when she yielded to this last action you complain of, or (as you say) to forsake you for another, she did it with so much violence, and such strong reasons, that you cannot justly accuse her for it. Cleone would have proceeded, when the Prince who harkened to her impatiently, and who saw nothing in all she said, which in stead of altering, did not confirm him in his conceit, he could not forbear interrupting her. Cease Cleone (replied he) cease to allege excuses for crimes that are not capable of any; my miseries are not so light as to be sweetened by so weak a consolation, nor the loss I have suffered so small, as that it can be satisfied with reasons of so little weight; say, with more truth that I was a burden to the Princess, that my constancy wearied her, and passed in her esteem for persecution, or rather that she found a person more lovely, and more worthy of her affections. This is all that can be reasonably said in favour of her; and all this I will confess with you; and provided I may but reproach her once more, for the last time, and yield up a soul at her feet, which her infidelity cannot make her lose, I will no longer murmur against her. You are so prepossessed (answered Cleone) and (if respect will give me leave to say so) so uncapable of reasoning, that I will lose no more time to convince your opinion; but to justify my Mistress to you, and to make you confess yourself that you cannot have these thoughts of her without ingratitude, I will content myself with relating her last actions plainly to you, and making you a true recital of all that hath happened to her since your separation; and indeed it was for that design I came to seek you, and to have begged your succours, if I had found you in better health. Oroöndates changed colour at these last words, and his soul in spite of the despair wherewith it was taken up, let itself be carried away to some motion of joy, when he heard say that his Princess had need of his service, and suffered it too be demanded of him. Ah! Cleone (cried he) I have neither resentment, nor wound that can detain me, if Statira's service come in question. Let her be a thousand times more ingrateful, and a thousand times more faithless if it be possible, nothing can dispense me from my oaths, nor force my inclination; I will serve her, even in the arms of my rivals, to the last drop of my blood, and I for her will employ a life to its last moment, which shall never be but hers. Speak, I pray you, how great somever my impatience is, believ I will give a quiet attention, and that for all her inconstancy, you cannot talk of my Princess, without touching my heart at every word of your discourse. Cleone having brought him to this pass, drew the chair a little nearer, in which she was set down by his entreaty, and seeing no body in the chamber to hear her but Araxes, who was not suspected to them, she began her narration thus.  

The History of Cassandra.  
WHen by the cruel laws of her duty, the Queen saw herself constrained to banish you from her for ever, and to give a sharp conclusion to interviews that were incompatible with the severe rules of her virtue; she submitted herself to that rigorous necessity, with deadly grief and inconceivable repugnancy. With how great resolution and constancy soëver she had armed and fortified herself for so difficult an action, she showed many signs of it before you, which it was impossible for her to retain; and notwithstanding the insensibility you would tax her with, if you did consider both her face & actions, you could not but observe violent changes, and powerful alterations from her ordinary modesty; but if in your presence she could not possibly dissemble part of her sorrows, when she was gone from you, she let them break forth, in such tender, doleful expressions, that the condition we had left you in, was not much more worthy of pity, then that we saw her reduced to by that bitter separation. Her face was altered from that very moment, and if it lost not its loveliness, it at least from that first day, lost all the cheerfulness it had recovered, and within a few more, all the plumpness it had regained since the change of her condition. In her journey to Babylon, she appeared always so languishing and so dejected, that the Queen her mother, the Princess her sister, and all those that were most dear to her, laboured but in vain to divert her, and when she was come thither, and that the presence, and affection of the King her husband, obliged her to a forced compliance, that violence she used to hide her grief, made it the more sensible, and visibly impaired her health. And indeed it was to the want of it she attributed all the marks of her sadness, and the body was accused of a sickness, in which it had no share but by its communication with the soul. The King, whose love to her was ever exceeding great, employed whatsoëver was most magnificent, and most diverting of all that he had drawn from so many conquests, to charm part of her discontents, and the whole Court, whose hearts that great Princess had infinitely won by her goodness, and by the sweetness of her conversation, sought means by shows of pomp, and rejoicing to bury that sadness in which it was totally concerned, and which deprived it of much of its beauty; but all these attempts were unprofitable, to pull up the roots of it, out of a soul, in which it was too imperiously settled, and these pomps, and divertisements, gave her only new occasions to deplore her condition, which made her alone incapable of those delights, in which the meanest persons enjoied a part. Yet did she receiv the king's kindnesses, with a great deal of respect, and truly with a great deal of affection, and if his presence could not wipe all the marks of grief out of her face, she at least endeavoured to disguise them from him, by words full of sweetness, and acknowledgement, and disposed her mind to render him what duty obliged her to without repugnance; but when she was alone, or without any other company but mine, she freely discharged her heart of some of those discontents that overwhelmed it, and when I endeavoured by words of comfort to give some intermission to her sorrows, Let me alone Cleone, (would she say) let me alone in quiet, since I have nothing else but tears to give poor Oroöndates; all else is forbidden me, nay, & this cruel duty may also be offended with these innocent marks of my affection; let us no longer weep therefore for Oroöndates, since his remembrance is criminal, but let us weep for my own miseries, and for the rigour of my destiny, which rend's that violently from my heart, which my inclinations would eternally preserv there. After she had continued a while in these thoughts, and that by my silence, or by actions as sorrowful as hers, she saw me keep her company in her grief; Ah! Cleone, (would she go on) perchance at this instant poor Oroöndates is no longer in the world, and though I have not deserved he should have an affection for me violent enough to bring him to his grave, the assurances he hath given me of it in smaller occasions, may make me without vanity believ, he loved me well enough to die for me. No, no, Oroöndates is certainly dead, unless spite and resentment have saved him, and if he live still by their assistance, 'tis only to hate me, and to detest my cruelty. She could not end these words, without a flood of tears, which for some while disabled her to say more, but when by time, and my assistance, she was a little settled, she would seek out reasons to justify herself to you, and to wash herself from your reproaches. What could I have done; Oroöndates (would she say) and by what means could I have preserved myself for you, and preserv myself in your esteem? Alexander, to whom the whole world raise's Altars, is he a man, is he a husband so little considerable, that his wife, (nay and a wife whom after the fall of her house, he from misery, and captivity exalted to the Throne, and to the highest place upon earth) should not entirely give him her affections? Ah! Oroöndates, complain of me no longer, and if death be to be sought, after our mutual losses, let us die both together, rather than make my soul incline to an unworthy, to an unjust repentance, that's a satisfaction I never refused you, and if all those you might have hoped for, were as easy to me, and as lawfully permitted, you should be satisfied, my dear Oroondates, and I should be no longer miserable.  
She was wont to speak many other words, which by reason of their length, and of the effect they work upon your mind, I will not repeat, and lived on this manner, while the King received the Ambassadors at Babylon from all parts of the world, and while the Court was in such a splendour as till that time had never been known to man. Yet the Queen not being able to endure that abode, and believing she might find some abatement of her afflictions in solitariness, caused her Physicians to tell the King that change of aër was necessary for the recovery of her health, and having with much ado obtained permission to retire to the Castle of Calcis for some days, she went from Babylon, accompanied only by the Princess her sister, who never would forsake her, myself, some of her maids, and her most necessary servants. The Queen having thus got herself free from that great world, found indeed some sweetness in that retirement, and if the charming conversation of the Princess Parisatis was not able to blot out of her mind these discontents which overwhelmed her, at least it partly lessened them, and made her avow, that though she was incapable of pleasures, at least her sorrows did not torment her with so much violence. You nevertheless were still in her remembrance, and I confess that seeing her one day in the same trances, and in the same grief for your absence, I had seen her in at Babylon, the pity (if I dare say so) which I had of her, and of yourself, obliged me to propose your return to her, in case she would consent, and to revoke a sentence whereby she had condemned herself to so many torments, but that great Princess stopping my mouth as soon as ever I mentioned it; It is just (said she) that I should suffer, since I have committed faults which deserv the punishment the gods have sent me; but it is unjust that Oroöndates should return, and I know very well both how to suffer; and how to die, if it be necessary, rather than revoke a sentence, which my duty alone hath pronounced. This indeed was the Queen's own resolution, but she was also confirmed in it by the Princess her sister, to whom she had totally opened her heart with all manner of freedom, and who having in all her actions but particularly in the applications made to her by Prince Lysimachus, and Hephestion, appeared as a prodigy of sublime virtue, gave no counsels to the Queen that were not most conformable to what she had practised all her life. We spent our time thus in solitude, and in ignorance of all that passed other where, when the whole earth almost changed form by the Death of Alexander the Great, to whom the Queen his wife, had at her departure innocently given her last farewells, receiving from him his last embraces. I believ it was by the express order that was taken in it, that we alone were ignorant of a loss wherein the whole world was interested, when one of the King's guard came to the Castle where we were with a letter from his Master.  
Cleone would have prosecuted her narration, and have told the Prince what he already had learned from Lysimachus, but Oroöndates, who harkened to her with impatience, and who was willing to spare her the pains of relating what he knew before, interrupted her in this place; I am not ignorant (said he) which way you were deceived, nor how you were brought before the wicked Rox●na, and died in the opinion of every body; but I know not how you were saved, nor how the Queen hath lived since, and that's it (if you pleas) which I desire to learn, without troubling you in the recital of things I have heard already. These words shortened Cleone's relation, and Oroöndates telling her what he knew, when she had confirmed it, she proceeded thus.  
I will add to what is come to your ear from the mouth of Tireus, that after Perdiccas had put the Queen, the Princess her sister, and me into the chariot, and was come into it himself, with his brother Alcetas and another of his company, he made it take the way toward Roxana's house, and seeing those poor Princesses express their grief, and their apprehension by tears, and cries full of despair, he whispered the Queen in the ear, so low that he could not be overheard but by his brother, and the Princess Parisatis. Be not afraid Madam, (said he) they would destroy you, but I will save you, with the peril of my fortune, and of my life. The Princesses were so troubled, that they scarcely understood those words, which were sufficient either to reassure them, or fright them more, and in the mean time, they drove so fast, that within a short space, we arrived at Roxana's house; I will not tell you again the Queen's encounter with her, nor the words of that cruel woman, which in spite of Perdiccas his promise, were enough to have struck a mortal terror in persons, whose love of life had not been quite extinguished, but the Queen in whom the fatal news of the King's death, had absolutely taken away all desire of it, harkened to her threats unmoved, and not hoping for any safety, she followed Perdiccas, and Alcetas, who led us out of the great chamber, down a back stair, while cruel Roxana placed herself at the window to feed her eyes, with a sight she had so inhumanely prepared. 'Twas with much ado that Perdiccas kept her from going down into the Court her self, and her interest in the death of Darius his daughters was so great, that she could not believ it certain, unless she were present. We were half way down the stairs that led into that fatal Court, when coming to a chamber door, Perdiccas made us go in, and leaving us there in the custody of his brother, he took certain women out from thence with him, which he before had put under the guard of three or four of his men in whom he had a great deal of confidence. They were slaves (as we have heard since) which he had clothed in habits little different from those the Princesses were wont to wear, and having plotted with his brother, and those whom he trusted most, how he might abuse the eyes of Roxana's sight, whom he was necessitated to obey, for very important reasons, he had caused them to be brought into that chamber secretly, by men of whose fidelity he was most assured. With these miserable wretches it was, that those cruel murderers went down the rest of the stairs into the Court, stopping their mouths with handkerchiefs, for fear their cries should discover the deceit, and 'twas by the blood of those unfortunate creatures that they contented Roxana's in humane ambition; and deluded her sight; true it is that the darkness, and distance contributed very much, though Roxana stirred not from the window till the end of the execution, and that there were lighted torches in the Court; but it is certain, that in open day, and in another place, it had been very difficult to carry the enterprise on that manner.  
In the mean time we continued in the custody of Alcetas, and of some of his men, and for fear the nois we might have made, should discover the Princesses to their enemies, they led us out of that first chamber into another further from the stairs. We were in so great a trouble, that neither fear nor hope had leisure to take place in our souls, and we remained for some time so stupefied, that neither the apprehension of death, nor the desire of safety could work any thing upon us; but in this confusion the Queen's grief was more powerful than all her other thoughts, and remembering the news cruel Roxana had told her of the death of the King her husband, she was so nearly touched with it, that she hardly had strength to stand upon her legs; and indeed she cast herself presently upon the side of a bed that was in the room, and the Princess Parisatis, and I being set down by her, she began to solemnize her loss, with a river of tears, which could not draw its source from any thing but a most sensible, and a most real sorrow. No, Sir I know you will not be offended, when I tell you the Queen was in as great an affliction for the death of that Illustrious husband, as could be expected from so virtuous a Princess, and that she was as deeply strucken with it, as if that affection had been settled in her heart from her earliest years, and had neither been crossed by the remembrance of her losses, nor by her thoughts of you. Neither the fear of death, which she did not believ she had utterly avoided, and the object whereof was still before her eyes; nor the ruin of her affairs, which this change brought into a manifest declining, found any place at all in her imagination, when she settled in it the remembrance of that great man whom the gods had given her for her husband; and in all her actions she made it appear that her interest had no share at all, in what proceeded from a pure, and hearty affection. The Princess Parisatis, whose greatest trouble, at that time, was caused by her compassion of the Queen her sister's grief, showed more assurance than she, and did all to comfort her that could be looked for from so great a friendship as hers. We were thus mournfully employed, when Alcetas drew near the bed, and addressing himself to the Queen, Madam (said he) fear not, the greatest danger is past, and if you will but keep silence a while in this chamber, my brother, and I will save you, or perish with you. Roxana has been as happily deceived as we could wish, and we only stay for my brother's return, to carry you away from hence, and put you into a place of safety; if you be discovered, we have those here at our devotion, with whom we can defend you by open force; but if we can save you without nois, both your condition, and ours will be much the better. While Alcetas spoke on this manner, the Queen turned her head toward him, and in stead of answering to his offers, Is it true Alcetas (said she) that the King is dead? He is Madam (replied Alcetas) and Roxana to secure the kingdom to the child she is now big withal, would have extinguished all the race of Darius after him, and all those persons that might bring any obstacle to her power. If the King be dead (added the Queen) why do you oppose Roxana's will? and why do you prolong a life wherein I shall find no sweetness after the loss of such a husband? let them perish, let them perish, these miserable relics of Darius his family, and if Roxana be so thirsty of the blood of those who heretofore were her sovereigns and her Mistresses, sacrifice to her rage, this unfortunate woman who will live no longer; and save only my sister; she never was Alexander's wife, and though she was Darius his daughter, she is not in a condition to contest for those Dominions that once were his, against so many successors of your King. The Princess Parisatis interrupting the Queen at this discourse, Ask nothing for me, Madam, (said she) since life ought not to be dearer to me then to you, my losses are of the nature of yours, and though they be neither so fresh nor so considerable, by the difference of the persons we enjoyed, know that affection may equal them in our minds, and that the part I bear in your affliction, absolutely takes away all the advantage, it could have over mine. The Queen not being in an estate to dispute it with her, only pressed her between her arms, and bathed her face with tears which ran from her eyes in great abundance; yet did she draw strength from her courage to inquire of Alcetas concerning the King's death, and he having given her an exact account of it, that sorrowful Queen at the end of his discourse, fell into faintings, wherein for want of help, she was like to have died between our arms. After she was come to herself again, she began to bring forth the most woeful lamentations, that the greatness of her affection and the merit of the person she bewailed could put into her mouth. Alcetas prayed her in vain to be silent for her safety's sake, she was not capable of that consideration, and I think verily her cries would have discovered us at last if Perdiccas had not come into the Chamber. He instantly prayed the Queen to rise from the bed where she was set, to go along with him to a place of security, whither he would carry her, but she made little reckoning of what he said, and if the Princess her sister, and I had not raised her up almost by force, she would have continued there to expect her destiny. We went out of the Chamber without any lights, and passed through a Gallery, at the end whereof there was a little pair of stairs, which we went down, and so out of that detestable house; we found a Chariot at the door, into which Perdiccas making us get up, took his place there with us, and his brother and one of his friends with him, and then the Charioteer who had his directions what to do, drove presently to his house where we now are, and where the Queen as well as you, hath passed a part of her exile.  
Here Oroöndates interrupting Cleone's Narration, O gods! (said he) is it possible my Princess should have so ingratefully concealed herself from me, if she knew the place where I was, the condition I was in for her sake? Is it possible she should have been able to lodge with me under the same roof, without giving me at least the news of her being alive, since that of her being dead, had brought me so near unto my grave? O what an excess of cruelty! O what a prodigy of ingratitude! He ended these words with a deep sigh, and Cleone going on with her Relation; Stay but for the end of my discourse (continued she) and then if you find reason for it, you shall be permitted to condemn her. 'Twas not under the same roof we lodged, but at the end of this Garden, there is a little house containing only a couple of Chambers, and a closet or two, where we made our abode. Perdiccas, who by one of his followers that was Polemon's kinsman, had made an agreement for our retreat hither, thought it ●ittest for us to lie in that place, as being further out of the way, less in sight, and less subject to those encounters which may happen in a house where a whole Family is lodged. He proposed it to the Princess and me as we were coming, seeing the Queen was incapable of all conversation, and desiring for the interest of his own affairs, and as he told us, for that of their safety, that it should be unknown to the whole world, he prayed us to conceal our selves very carefully, since our ruin was inevitable if we were discovered, and that Roxana was so absolute over the Macedonians, that it would be impossible for us to escape, if the place of our retreat were known. He told the Princesses likewise that he could not undertake their protection openly against Roxana, being joined in interest with her, and having been declared governor of the child that should be born of her; but that if they would assist on their part, and keep themselves hid as he desired, he promised to divert all the dangers that threatened them; He than endeavoured to set a high value upon that obligation, and represented to them, that by what he did in their favour, he manifestly hazarded his fortune and his life. The Queen was so cast down, that she answered nothing to his discourse, nor so much as harkened to it; but the Princess her sister, and I in whom despair was less active than in her, endeavoured to supply that defect, and to receiv Perdiccas his advice, for the preservation of our lives. We were very respectfully received by Polemon and his wife, into the quarter prepared for us, and those good people studied to serve their Princesses with great zeal and affection. As soon as they were going to bed Perdiccas bade them good night, and retired to the Town to take order for those important affairs that lay upon him, having told them he would come again the next day so secretly, that his visits should never be known to any body, and that by all manner of services he would strive to merit pardon for the fear he had put them in. The Queen passed the rest of that night in continual sighs, and Parisatis and I not being able to hinder the course of them, and scarce could she by her weariness with extreme tormenting herself get a little sleep, or rather a little slumber toward the next morning; she kept her bed that day, and all her employment was to deplore her loss by most doleful words, and by a sea of tears, whose flowing it was impossible for us to stop hardly for a moment; Alexander's name was perpetually in her mouth, and his Idea always present to her remembrance; she by the greatness of her virtue had so clean wiped out all the causes she had formerly had to hate him, to imprint in the place of them, all that he had done in her favour, and all that was great and lovely in him, that she had nothing remaining of him, but a most dear memory full of love and veneration. I should not have done of a long time, if I would repeat all the complaints she made for the greatness of her loss, and I believ your jealousy would make that discourse unpleasing to you, since you are already sufficiently disposed to be ill satisfied with her; I will pass them over therefore, and content myself with telling you, that when by the height of her courage, which had already resisted so many losses without being dejected, and by the persuasions of the Princess her sister, she was become capable of little reason, we began to make some propositions to her, touching her safety, and the establishment of her affairs. Amongst Alexander's Successors there was a good number, in whom she had found much affection to her service, and from whom she might have hoped for great assistance; of them Prince Lysimachus, who for his quality, for his virtue, and for his credit, held one of the first places, was not only at the devotion of the Princess Parisatis, but by a thousand actions which had resounded loudly at the Court, had given sufficient testimony, that he desired no more advantageous fortune, than the occasions of sacrificing himself for her. Prince Oxiartes, and old Artabasus had yet some authority among the Persians, and I counselled the Queen to employ them all, and make use of them in the necessity of her affairs, to maintain herself against the power of her enemies, but after we had reasoned a good while, we considered that we should find few Princes among Alexander's Successors that would dare to take up arms against Roxana, knowing she was with child of him, who was to command them one day, and by that reason, so absolute among the Macedonians, that they no longer followed any bodies will but hers; As for Lysimachus, the Princess Parisatis who till then had defended herself against his love with an admirable virtue, would not employ him, whether it were that she was of too high a spirit to give matter of obligation to a man that was so much in love with her, and who according to the common report had obliged her to be something sensible of it, or whether it were that with likelihood she feared to loos him, in hazarding him alone against so many other Princes. For Oxiartes and Artabazus there was no doubt of their good wills, but they were alone, and retired into the Provinces which the late King had assigned them. These considerations made them resolve, to wait the pleasure of the gods, without stirring any thing in a condition wherein they were so little able, and to make use yet of Perdiccas, who alone knew where they were, and who could hurt them more than all the rest. With this design we put off a habit which might be hurtful to the intention we had taken to lie concealed, and having received other clothes from Polemon's wife and daughter, we had a mind also to accustom them to call the Princesses by other names then their own, which all the world knew belonged particularly to the royal house of Persia.  
Sure you have heard that the deceased King Darius came not to the Crown by Succession; and that though he was Son to Arsanes the chief among the Persians, the Kingdom had not appertained to him, but that the royal line was quite extinct in the person of King Occhus. His first name was Codoman, and he was so called, when by a single combat, which he fought at the head of two Armies, he decided the fortune of two Empires, and added Armenia to that of the Persians who had trusted their fortune to his valour alone. The remembrance of this action, and of many others he had done in their favour, obliged them with a common consent to choos him for their Sovereign, especially considering his birth was indeed the highest of all the Kingdom, and that he was an ally, and a near kinsman of the deceased King Occhus and of his Predecessors. Codoman having thus attained the Empire, thought fit according to the example of former Kings, to take one of those names which used to be peculiar to the royal family, as Cyrus, Artaxerxes and Darius, so retaining the last for himself, he gave that of Artaxerxes to his Son, and those of Statira and Parisatis to the Queen his wife, and the two Princesses his daughters. These names also are held in such reverence among the Persians, that they have never given them but to their Queens, and to their Princesses, who hardly ever bore any others. The former names of the Queen, and of the Princess her sister, who were born awhile before their Father came unto the Empire, were Cassandra and Eurydice; 'twas under those they passed the first years of their age, and seeing themselves reduced to the necessity of forsaking those for some time, which the change of their quality had made them take; they believed that in that second revolution, they could not do better, then to return to those they had born during their former fortune, when they were in so tender an infancy, that few were likely to have preserved the memory of it; they having also lost the hope of commanding the Persians any more, and with it the desire of keeping those names which appertained only to their Sovereigns. It was therefore by those of Cassandra and Eurydice that Parisatis commanded Polemon to call them, and I accustomed myself so well to it, that whenever I spoke to them since, I always called them so. Polemon and his Family, who served them with an exceeding great zeal, and who knew what they owed unto their Princesses, could not get the habit of it, but the Queen commanded them so expressly, that they were constrained to obey her, and to use themselves to forget respect, that they might not say any thing that could discover them to their domestics. Part of that second day was passed, when in stead of Perdiccas whom we expected, we saw his brother Alcetas enter in a great trouble, and bearing marks in his face of a very sensible grief, the Princess' having asked him the cause, he told them that Perdiccas, as he was coming to visit them alone, to the end his visits might be the less taken notice of, had met Lysimachus who had defied him, and fought with him upon their quarrel, and that after a long combat which had been parted by stranger Passengers, Perdiccas had received two very deep wounds, but that the Chirurgeons gave assurance they were not dangerous, not capable to keep him long in bed, and that his brother seeing himself by that accident deprived of the means to wait upon them, had commanded him to supply his place, and in his default, to do them all the services they could hope for from himself. The Princesses who had ever believed that Lysimachus would not leave their wrongs unpunished, and that he both loved Parisatis enough, and was generous enough not to forsake their interests, for any consideration of his own, by this news received a strong confirmation of it; but though this action was very obliging to them, and that they valued the person of Lysimachus much more than that of Perdiccas, yet did they testify to Alcetas that they participated in his trouble, and were extremely sorry for his hrother's misfortune, they prayed him to assure him of it, and within awhile after Alcetas being gone, they began to discourse upon that adventure, and to deliberate between them whether they should discover themselves to Lysimachus, and let him know the condition they were in; but while they were in this conversation, Alcione Polemon's daughter came into the Chamber, and put a new disquiet into the Queen's mind, by the news she brought. The Princesses made some reckoning of that woman by reason of her beauty and of many marks of discretion, and virtue they found in her, and at that time having received her with a great deal of goodness, We have in the house (said she) a new guest very much wounded; I am not certain that I know him, but if the change which some years, and the loss of blood have caused in his face, did not race out some of the old Ideas, I should believ it to be that great Prince of Scythia; whom I have seen heretofore at Babylon near the late King Darius, whom the whole Court adored for his virtue, and who gained the reputation of the bravest and valiantest man in the world. Scarce had Alcione spoke these words when the Queen touched at the heart with them, fell into a cold sweat all over, and began to tremble from head to foot, like a person quite beside herself. The Princess her sister and I observed it, and knowing the cause well enough, did what we could to hinder Alcione from perceiving it, and having sent her upon some errand to get her out of the Chamber, we remained alone with her at more liberty. Then by her wand'ring looks expressing the agitation of her soul, Sister (said she) consider but my fortune a little, and if this news be true, see by what a redoubling of disasters she overwhelms me. She accompanied these few words, with two or three sighs, and while Parisatis full of thoughts like her, mused upon that adventure without answering, I could not dissemble my opinion, and not seeing those misfortunes in that encounter which she complained of, Madam, (said I) I know not what occasion you have to afflict yourself at this news, and in the condition of your affairs, I do not believ you ought with trouble to receiv the return of him, from whom of all men living you may hope for most assistance. Hold thy tongue (said the Queen) hold thy tongue Cleone, and better understand a mind, which cannot suffer any memory but that of Alexander, scarce have I begun to weep for that deceased, illustrious husband, but Oroöndates comes back to me, Oroöndates that dear scourge of my days, from whom I cannot receiv that succour thou proposest to me as from other men; dost thou believ I can with an indifferent eye see that man whom I have loved so well, and that man who in spite of all my considerations, and of all my losses, I can not yet keep myself from loving? and dost thou think I ought, or can see him otherwise, I who am widow to Alexander the Great, I who began but too days since to shed my tears for the loss of an husband, the greatest of all men living, and I who ought to admit no other remembrance but his, unless I will make myself worthy of my miseries, and become the scorn of the whole earth? besides these considerations of honour, dost thou believ that these tender thoughts of love, which I really have for the memory of my dear husband, will be dispersed by the return of Oroöndates? and dost thou judge also that the powerful character of my first affection can be blotted out by the remembance of what I owe to the ashes of Alexander? The Queen pronounced these last words with tears and sighs, which put her sister and me into a perplexity little different from hers, and afterwards she brought forth others which were so moving, that persons the least capable of pity, would have been deeply touched with them. I protest to you Sir, with a great deal of truth, that I was as joyful for your return as it was possible for me to be for any thing, & that I employed all the credit I had with the Queen to banish those scruples out of her mind, which opposed your re-establishment, I represented to her that those reasons which during the life of her husband she with justice might have alleged to defend herself against your love, ceased with their cause, and that the gods in taking Alexander from her, had also taken away all the obstacle they had placed between you and your felicity; that it was true the loss she had suffered was very fresh, but that also in the misfortune of her affairs, and even in the peril of her life, she might lawfully make use of a man, to whom she had so many former obligations, and to whom she had been given by the King her Father, without being accused of a lightness with which perchance one might have reproached her, if after the death of the King her husband, she had continued in her former fortune, or but so much as in any safety; and in short, I urged all that I thought reasonable in your defence, and the Princess her sister, who all her life time, had approved a strict severity, finding a great deal of reason in what I said, contented herself with hearing it without arguing for it or against it; and having always perfectly esteemed your person, though her thoughts were the same with the Queens, she would do nothing that might prejudice you. The Queen was not at all shaken by my words, but after she had given me liberty enough to speak my mind, Know Cleone (said she) that besides the interests of mine honour, and of my dignity, Love is as powerful in my soul for Alexander, as it was heretofore for Oroöndates, these two afflictions combat in my heart with an equal advantage, but duty which takes part with the later, and the more legitimate, makes the victory turn to that side. Alexander is dead, 'tis true, but my affection is not dead with him, and having been really such as it ought to be, I have no difficulty to accommodate my duty with it. But, Madam, (said I) what shall become then of this poor Prince, whom you precipitate more than ever into that sea of misfortunes, out of which after so many crosses, the goodness of the gods seemed to have delivered him? In this (replied the Queen) the gods labour for his repose and mine, he shall live in the same error with the rest of men, and the belief of my death will make him retire into his Country, where he will live with more tranquillity than he has done formerly. Ah! Madam, (cried I) how full of inhumanity and ingratitude is this discourse! you know Oroöndates, and the love he bears you too well, to believ he can live after the news of your death; What, will you have the heart to hear he is so near you, without letting him at least know that you are alive, to prevent by that knowledge the violent resolutious, which that error wherein you would have him live would doubtless make him take? If you could answer for Oroöndates (said the Queen hastily) that he should love me no more, or that he should no more require an affection from me, which I no more can allow to man, I would see him, and draw a great deal of consolation from that sight; but Cleone, do you think you could obtain this of him for our common repose? In this proposition (replied I) thereiss so little likelihood, and so little justice, that I will never make it to him while I live. Talk to me no more on't then, (answered the Queen) since there is less of both, in that you desire of me. The Queen spoke these last words in such an imperious way that I durst argue no longer, and I believed it not best to set myself so soon to overcome her will, in which perchance time would more easily make an alteration; wherefore I only said, Do not torment yourself so much, Madam, with the persecutions you apprehend from that poor Prince, perhaps Alcione may be deceived; and if it should be really he, what do we know but that his wound may be mortal, and that he may quickly be in a condition to leave you in that repose you so much desire. The Queen was not well pleased with that reply, as I found by her looks, and falling of a sudden into a fatal thought, If Oroöndates die (added she) I will infallibly die with him, and though my sister disapprove these violent passions, I will nevertheless confess before her, that I should find less difficulty in dying for him, then in consenting to see him again. We were in this discourse when Alcione came back from the errand she had been sent on, and having enquired of her concerning their new guest, she told us that according to the Chirurgeons report his wound was not mortal, that she had seen his face a second time, and that though he endeavoured very carefully to keep himself from being known, she was more than ever confirmed in her opinion that it was Prince Oroöndates. The Queen trembled at this confirmation, but she dissembled her sense of it before Alcione, and calling me to her bed side, she talked with me a great while of you, in terms full of the marks of a violent passion, but of a passion that was subject unto her duty, and that feared, and trembled at the memory of Alexander; she passed all the night in cruel agitations, and these new disquiets mingled themselves so strongly with the former, that they banished out of her mind all the hope of quiet which yet was left there; If the remembrance of Alexander came into her thoughts, with its most powerful advantages, you presently appeared before her in the most lovely charming form you ever had, and if that figure wrought any effect upon her heart, the memory of Alexander again banished it as a criminal seducer, or as an enemy whose very approaches were dangerous to her reputation; if in the most violent of her thoughts she cried out, O Alexander! O Oroöndates! would she add instantly after it; yet she brought forth that last name, but as it were by stealth, and that constraint she used upon herself in favour of it, made it more dear to her, then if she had pronounced it in a perfect liberty. The whole night was spent on this manner: neither her weariness, nor her former watchings being able to bring sleep upon her eyelids, and the Sun no sooner appeared in her Chamber-window, but her cruel disquiets making her hate her bed, she called to me to bring her clothes; I gave her those that were destined to her since the change of her name, which were Polemon's daughters, and which as plain as they were, took off nothing from the Majesty of her ordinary lustre. She was hardly ready, when being desirous to clear her doubts with more assurance, she sent for old Polemon, in whom she had already found a great deal of understanding, discretion, and zeal to serve her; and as soon as he was at her Chamber door she rested herself upon his hand, and went down alone with him into the garden, where she sought out the most private walks to entertain him with more liberty, and less danger of being discovered; but scarce had she begun to propose her doubts to him, when she saw herself close by two men, who as we have learned since, were Lysimachus and Araxes, she was surprised at that sight, and being unwilling to be known, she turned away of a sudden, and leaving Polemon, went out of the garden at a little door, which led her into the Wood Within awhile after, Polemon being come into our lodging, told the Queen, that he was no more able than his daughter to inform her touching what she desired to know of him, but that his thoughts agreed with Alciones, and that he believed as she did, that the wounded stranger was the Prince of Scythia; that he had not been able to learn any thing of it from them that served him, whether it were that they were ignorant, or that they had order to conceal it; that all he could guests at by their discourse, was that possessed with some violent grief he had given himself that wound, and that those that looked to him had all the difficulty in the world to persuade him to live, and suffer his cure to be endeavoured. No sooner had Polemon given the Queen this information, but she guessed at the truth of that adventure, and judged by her former knowledge of your love, that the news of her death had cast your soul into that despair; this belief redoubled (if it were possible) her affection to you, and made her think of finding out some means to see you without being seen of you. What (said she to herself) shall I have thrown my dear Oroöndates into this danger, and shall I have received this last, this potent mark of his love to me, and shall I know him so near me, without seeing him? Ah! no my duty, you shall not be so severe; I will not forget you, though I see my dear Orontes, and I will be so circumspect in this action, that you shall be sure to receiv no offence by it. But miserable Statira, what would become of thee, if Alexander's ghost should present itself to thee in this visit and reproach thee with thy lightness in a threatening voice? My body (would it say to thee) hath not yet received the rites of burial, and dost thou run ingrateful woman, to new affection? Dost thou seek occasions to forget me, thou whom I have so dearly loved; while the whole earth, whereof I have been the terror, is in a general desolation? Ah! dear and glorious spirit, give some truce unto thy just resentment, and consider that I am not guilty of infidelity, for being a little sensible; I reverence thee much as I ought, and as thou canst wish; but I am so much indebted to poor Oroöndates, that if thou wert alive, thou wouldst not forbid me thyself to see him for some few moments, in a condition to which I alone have reduced him. After having long contested on this manner, she resolved in the end to see you, if she could do it without danger of being discovered; and for that design, having conferred about it towards the evening with Alcione, and told her that very important reasons obliged her, to certify herself with her own eyes, whether or no it were the Prince of Scythia, she was long contriving ways with her, and having found them all too dangerous, she harkened a little to the last Alcione proposed. Madam, (said she) at the end of a gallery to which I can lead you by a back stair, there is a little door which opens into the space on the far side of his bed, close to the head of it, 'tis seldom made fast but toward the gallery, and if to morrow morning before those that wait upon him come into his Chamber, your Majesty will have me bring you in at that door, it will not be hard for me to do so, and if any body should come in while you are there, you may easily get out the same way and not be perceived by any body; it will only be needful to learn if he be asleep, and for that purpose I will go in first, and looking in at the curtain will bring your Majesty word. The Queen found a great deal of hazard in this proposition, and was long before she could approve of it, but at last, the ardent desire she had to see you, made her pass over all manner of difficulties, and resolve blindly to follow Alcione; she would not venture upon it without communicating it to the Princess her sister; and that scrupulous Lady, not being able to yield to it, argued long against that design, with many specious reasons; but in the end knowing how much she displeased the Queen in opposing her intention, she agreed to her desire, and would needs accompany her to the door herself.  
The day hardly began to appear, when the too Princesses were ready, and Alcione being their guide, led them through the garden while every body was yet asleep. The Queen went trembling up the stairs, and if by the accidents of her life she had not been accustomed to great and dangerous things, she would never have had courage enough to execute that enteprise; when she was in the Gallery, Alcione opened your Chamber door very softly, and went gently to your bed's head; though the place was something dark, it received light enough by the opening of that door, to let Alcione see your face was turned towards her, and that you were asleep; when she was certain of it she came back to the Queen who stayed for her with fears and impatiencies which are not imaginable; she went in nevertheless, but with inward shiverings, and apprehensions which put her almost besides herself; when she was by your bedside, and that by the opening of the curtain she discovered the face which she had so extremely loved, and which neither loss of blood, nor the darkness of the place could hinder her from knowing, her affection transported her in such manner, that she was like to have gone beyond the bounds of modesty, to follow the violent motions which that sight awakened; yet was she Mistress of herself in that occasion, as she had been in all the actions of her life, and that constraint made her fall into a wondrous great perplexity; she looked upon you, as much as the light would give her leave, with thoughts inflamed by her former passion, and with raptures of love, which she hath since confessed to me as crimes; she was often even upon the point to waken you, and to discover herself to you, by all the modest proofs you could desire of her affection; but she was as often dissuaded from it by those severe scrupulous considerations I have already told you. Must it needs be so (said she very softly) must it needs be so, my dearly loved Orontes, that you should be longer ignorant of the estate of your present condition, and that for weak considerations, I should use a violence upon myself which kills me? must I conceal my face from him, to whom my heart was never concealed, and must I refuse him my very sight, to whom I have totally given my soul? Ah! no, vain shadow of an unjust reputation, oppose thyself no more against such just, and such powerful motions, thou tyrannizest over me too inhumanely, my dear Orontes must see me, and must receiv at least this satisfaction, for so many services as he hath done me: In this thought she put forth her arm to waken you, but at that very instant the remembrance of Alexander came into her mind, which not only diverted her from that design, but also made her blush at that intention, and at the estate in which she saw herself. What, (said she again) is it then the wife of Alexander the Great, and of Alexander dead but three days ago that runs impudently to seek a man that has loved her in his very bed? This reflection confounding her, and stirring her up against herself, made her rise up from the chair where she sat, to go out of the Chamber, which she began to look upon as a place of shame and reproach to her, Let us fly (said she in anger) let us fly from a place fatal to our reputation, and make amends for the fault we have committed, by a firm resolution never to do the like again while we live. But at the moment of that separation, she could not forbear casting back her eyes upon you, and that object insensibly dissipating her severer thoughts, pulled her back with more weakness, and more tenderness than before. Oh! Orontes (added she with a deep sigh) how hard it is to keep one's resolutions against you, or rather how difficult it is to see you, and remember you without loving you? In this confusion of mind she floated so long that the Sun beginning to appear, brought light into the whole Chamber, but she forgot herself so sweetly near you, that she took not notice of the stay she made, and her several disquiets had so distracted her, that I believ she would have stayed there longer, if she had not heard you sigh twice or thrice, and seen you awhile after stretch forth your arms, and open your eyes. Nothing but your wakening was able to make her go out of the Chamber, but besides that, she at the same time heard the other door open, and being unwilling to be surprised, she ran hastily away, and shutting the door after her, went back to Alcione, who waited for her in the Gallery, from whence the Princess Parisatis was gone away before, having perceived a man at the other end of it.  
This discourse of Cleones, recalling into the Prince's mind the remembrance of his Vision, O, Statira (cried he) I saw you for all the suddenness of you departure, I saw you vanish like lightning, but my thoughts never reached the truth of this adventure, I took you yourself to be but the Ghost of my Queen, that came to demand the revenge I owed her against her barbarous murderers; and Prince Lysimachus, who had a glimpse of Princess Parisatis in the Gallery had the same conceit; I was far enough from imagining, that at that same instant while I bewailed your loss with tears of blood, and while I preserved the remnant of my miserable life to revenge your death, you could be so near me, as not to vouchsafe to draw me out of that error which had brought me so near unto my grave; the gods would have me ignorant of it then, but 'tis their pleasure I should learn it now, that I might receiv confirmations of your hardheartedness toward me.  
If you have found her so in other encounters (replied Cleone) I do not think you have any cause in this action to complain of her, nor ought you to take it as a light mark of affection in a person of her quality and humour; and to say truth, she esteemed it one of the boldest and most dangerous she had ever ventured upon in all her life, and if you had desired part of her blood from her, she would more easily have granted it then such a visit; She came away so troubled, that I feared some strange accident had happened to her; and she told me all with such tender moving expressions, that she drew tears of compassion from me. I have seen him Cleone (said she) I have seen poor Oroöndates, but 'twas only to redouble my grief the more heavily; as pale as he is, he is yet as lovely as ever he was, and I would it pleased the gods, that either he had ceased to be so, or that I could cease to be sensible, or cease to live, since it is not their will that I should live for him. After many discourses of that nature, she went forth into the Wood, where she sought out the most gloomy secret places to trust her sorrows to them, and that they might bear a share in them, she took a bodkin which I gave her, and under the name of Cassandra engraved part of her discontents upon the Rocks, and upon the barks of the trees. After that day she passed some others in these sad employments, without being able to resolve to discover herself to you, nor to attempt the hazard of a second visit, and I know not whether she could have persisted in that mind, but she received a surcharge in her affliction which cast her utterly down, and which joined to her other sorrows put her into a fever which made her keep her bed, almost all the time that you did so; it was the news of the death of Queen Sysigambis, whom their loss together with her grief for that of Alexander, had brought unto her grave, which she voluntarily preferred before the life she could lead after the death of those that were so dear to her: The two Princesses, were so infinitely sorrowful for the loss of that great Queen, that they were hardly to be comforted, and if Princess Parisatis had not striven against her grief, to take care of her sister in her sickness, she would quickly have been in a condition little different from hers. During all the time the Queen kept her bed, all her thoughts were divided between you and her deceased husband, she never said any thing that could show any trouble for the loss of Darius his Empires, nor of those which she had since possessed with Alexander in more glory than any Princess of the world; she never thought of the fall of her house, nor of the prosperity of her enemies, and the little power she had to revenge herself on them; she never envied Roxana's fortune, nor ever made any complaint against her, but she appeared afflicted only for having lost Alexander; and for having lost the hope of possessing Oroöndates without blame. She asked me how you did a hundred times a day, and I informed myself of Alcione and Polemon, that I might tell her. We quickly heard that Lysimachus was with you, and the Princess Eurydice learned that news with inward alterations able to show that he was not indifferent to her; but such was her humour; that after that which had passed between them, and which was commonly known, she would have been more unwilling to discover herself to him then to all the men in the world. That high severity, caused a great deal of constraint in her, and 'twas not without much ado that she concealed herself from him to obey that regular virtue, yet did she take such care to hinder all communication between your lodging and ours, that your people never suspected any thing of our abode, and Alcetas who visited us often, but always by night, never had the least suspicion of Lysimachus his being in the house; true it is that Polemon, and his family showed a most discreet fidelity, and the Princess represented the importance of the secret to them with such a charge, that they kept it inviolably on both sides; nor was the danger small; for if those of Perdiccas his party had known where Lysimachus was, they would have taken arms to revenge themselves upon him, and if Lysimachus had not been ignorant of Alcetas his coming hither; he would have discharged part of the hatred upon him, which he bore unto his brother; but the order the Princess took in it, and Polemon by her command, prevented all the mischiefs that might have happened by those encounters, if the business had not been managed with a marvellous care. The Queen assisted her sickness as much as possibly she could, that it might have strength enough to make an end of her, yet did she recover whether she would or no, and left her bed the same day that you did; her fever having neither been long nor violent, she lost not much of her strength, and within a few days after her being up again, she had no need to keep her Chamber; But as that was the time of her recovery, and of yours, so was it likewise of Perdiccas and that same evening he came to visit her, accompanied only by his Brother; the Princesses received him very civilly, and after some ordinary discourse, Perdiccas represented to the Queen that this place of retreat was too near to Babylon, and that she had made a longer stay here then was fitting for her safety, but that the Queen's sickness, and his wounds had been the cause of it, and that it was necessary to think of retiring to some other house, that was both stronger and further from Roxana. The Queen trembled at this proposition, and though she had not resolved to let you see her, yet could she not without grief, think of going away from you, but because she saw a great deal of reason in it, and that she had but little power to contradict Perdiccas, she opposed it not, and only told him, that her life was too full of miseries to take so great a care of it, and that whither soëver she retired, she still should carry her unfortunate destiny along with her. Perdiccas went away presently after; and the Queen more disquieted than she was wont to be, passed the rest of the night without speaking hardly so much as a word to us; I heard her sigh in her bed with a more than usual vehemence, and the next morning as soon as I was up, she called me to her, and taking one of my hands, which she pressed between hers; Cleone (said ●hee) thou seest me now both in the greatest troubles of mind, and in the greatest weaknesses, that ever I was in since I was born. In short, Cleone, my constancy is at an end, and do I what I can to draw it out a few days longer, it is impossible for me to conceal myself from poor Oroöndates; besides the incitements of mine own inclination, which are powerful enough to make me break through very great difficulties, when I remember what that poor Prince hath done, and suffered for me, and the condition to which he is yet reduced by his love to me, I feel a remors which tele me I am to blame, which robs me of my rest, and which deprive's me of the means of resisting my inclination; yet will I not let it carry me beyond what I ought to do, and I shall be enough Mistress of it, to persevere in the design I have taken to shut up all my love within Alexander's tomb; but O! Cleone, I can no longer conceal from him that I am alive; the news of my death has already drawn much of his blood, and if he continue in that belief, he will at last breathe out a soul, from which mine cannot be separated by any reason, nor by any violence; I would have him know I am still in the world, but in telling him that news, I would dispose him never to hope any thing more from me; this knowledge shall make me loos nothing of the Empire I always have had over him, and I am certain he is obedient and submissive enough, to regulate his will by mine; he love's me too well, and my reputation is too dear to him, to desire any thing of me that may blast it; and if I can do nothing in favour of him but actions of lightness, and inconstancy, he is too generous himself to persuade me to them. Before we go away from this place, whence Perdiccas thinks it necessary we should remove, I will leave him some assurance of my life, and of my remembrance of him, but I will not have him conceiv unjust hope by that mark of my affection, and I will use such caution in it, as shall declare my want of power, without giving him occasion to complain of me. When she had ended this discourse which I harkened to without interrupting it, the Queen called for her clothes, and withdrawing into a little closet, she began to write part of her mind to you; within awhile after she came forth, and commanding me to follow her, though she was yet but weak, she went down the stairs, and leaning upon my hand, she took her walk into the wood, where she sought those places that were most remote from the abode of men; when she had walked awhile she sat down upon a green bank by the side of a little brook, and having commanded me to sit down by her, she drew forth the paper wherein she had begun to write, but before she read it, Cleone (said she) I have left my Letter unperfect, because I had not the courage to finish it, and I had begun it in a style which is little suitable to the resolution I have taken; although I make some mention of it, me thinks it is in terms, which seems to slacken much of its strictness. I write to Oroöndates under the name of Cassandra which you have given me again, but I will give charge to Alcione, who shall deliver it to him after our departure, to clear all those doubts this alteration of my name may work in him. Having said thus, she gave me the paper, whereby her command I began to read these words:  
THe unfortunate and happy Cassandra; unfortunate by the change of her fortune, and happy by the fidelity of her dear Orontes, to her too faithful Orontes.  
Ah Cleone! (cried Oroöndates interrupting her) 'tis enough, I know every word of that Letter, which fell miraculously into my hands, and which I have dearly preserved by reason of the resemblance the style, and characters bore to those of my Princess; my belief of her death, opposed that I might else have had that it came from her; and yet it left doubts in my mind, accompanied with some beams of hope, which I could never clear till now. With that he told her how that Letter fell into Araxes his hands, how he had read the words which Cassandra had engraven upon the Trees and Rocks, and the effects that encounter had produced in his mind, and having related all that adventure to her at large, Cleone continued thus.  
It is true, Sir, that letter might very well come to your hand, on the manner you speak of, for the Queen after having heard me read it, and discoursed with me a while upon that subject, was so drowsy with her former watchings, that she stretched herself at length upon the grass where she insensibly fell asleep, and within a while after I kept her company, holding the letter still open in my hand, but when I wakened again I miss it, and having vainly sought it with the Queen, who wakened also presently after, we returned the same way we came, and retired into our little hermitage. The Queen was very glad she had put neither the name of Statira, nor that of Oroöndates in the letter, knowing that nothing could be drawn from the reading of it, that could discover her. She resolved to write another before she went to bed, but she had scarce supped when she saw Perdiccas, and his brother come into the chamber. After he had saluted her in his usual manner, Madam (said he) you are in very great danger if you stay here any longer, let us away I beseech you, and go without deferring, to a more assured retreat, you have a chariot here at the door, which will carry you thither in a little time, and there perchance you shall be in such a condition, that you shall but little need to fear your enemies. These words surprised the Queen extremely, and though she had prepared herself to go from you, she did not think it should have been so suddenly, and with so little leisure to effect her intentions of writing to you; she had some thought to give Alcione order to tell you by word of mouth, what she could not write; but she knew her not enough to trust her with a business of that importance, nor had she so much time as to instruct her in it, and Perdiccas pressed her so earnestly, that seeing herself at his mercy, standing in fear of him, and not yet knowing his designs, she could not in that haste take any other resolution, then that of following him blindly, remitting the conduct of her destiny and yours unto the gods. We went on this manner from Polemon's house, which the Queen could not leave, without testifying by some sighs, how sorry she was to go from the place where you were; and the Princess her sister, as great constancy as she feigned at that departure, was not without trouble for having so carefully concealed herself from Lysimachus. The chariot we got into, traveled with such speed that within a short time it carried us to a Castle some two or three hundred furlongs from hence, upon the bank of the Euphrates, which washes the walls of it on one side, and on all the rest it is encompassed with a deep mote, and so well fortified both by art and nature, that it would be very difficult to force it. It formerly belonged to Bagistanes, who had been Governor of the Citadel of Babylon, and since was fallen into the hands of Peucestas, who was wholly at Perdiccas his devotion. Thither we were carried, and there we found a great many soldiers for the guard of the Castle, and of us; Perdiccas likewise had taken care to send Grecian slaves thither to serve the Princesses; but after having considered all things & in what manner they were kept, they found that they were prisoners, and that Perdiccas in stead of their Protector, was become their Master. They were waited on with much respect, and because Perdiccas, by reason of the multitude of his affairs, could not make his ordinary abode there, he left the care and custody of them to his brother, and contented himself with visiting them often, but exceeding secretly; he for some days carried himself to them, with all the respect, and all the modesty they could desire, but afterward he began to take a greater liberty, and by some looks, and speeches made the Queen perceiv, he had some intention toward her, which he had not yet declared, she was extremely troubled at that knowledge, but her want of power made her dissemble it, while the Princess her sister who had the same cause of complaint against Alcetas, behaved herself on thesame manner. By little and little the two Brothers confirmed these suspicions by all their actions, and they began to be no longer in doubt, when Perdiccas took off his mask, and impudently declared unto the Queen, the design he had upon her; they were alone one day in her chamber, and Perdiccas, after having entertained her a while with indifferent talk, changed his style of a sudden, and spoke thus unto her. I do not hope, Madam, you should without some surprise, nor perhaps without some anger, receiv the declaration I am forced to make to you; neither will I wonder, if the daughter of Darius, and the widow of Alexander the Great, think all men below them unworthy to serve her. It is true Madam, you have held, and may yet hold the first place among all the Princesses of the earth, and that you cannot consider any man with particular inclinations, without falling from your former dignity; but the world hath no more Alexanders, and unless the gods would raise him again whom they have taken from you, you must never hope to find an husband of equal merit. As long as he lived, my respect to him made me smother the thoughts I have ever had, and the concurrence of a rival to whom I owed all my fortune, made me lay aside those pretensions, which with justice I ought not to have quitted but for him. Now that the destinies have deprived us of him, and that since his loss I may say without vanity or falsehood, that I know no man greater than myself, I may Madam, I may with less presumption own the passion I have for you. I know Madam, that this confession offends you, and I doubted not but you would think it strange from a man whose Queen you once were, and still are so, but if among all men living you can make a choice without abasing yourself, do me but the favour to name me one, with whom I may not justly dispute for priority. 'Tis true, I am not a King by birth, yet am I of Royal blood; and besides your Majesty is not ignorant that I have empires at my disposing, that common Kings are but petty slaves in respect of Alexander's successors, and that amongst them all he picked out none but me to possess part of that place he had enjoied; that election was so glorious, and so authentic that it ought to be envied by all the monarches of the earth, and 'tis from it alone, I have taken courage enough to open my mouth before you, and to raise my ambition to a glory which cannot worthily be pretended to by any body; if you judge my temereity criminal, accuse not that vanity of it, which I might draw from some advantages I have, but a violent passion which a most profound, and a most due respect hath made me cover with a silence of many years. I do not represent to your Majesty the state of your affairs, nor the need, or rather the necessity you have of a powerful support against a world of interessed enemies, who find their quiet, and can find their safety in nothing but your ruin; this consideration is too weak to use any violence upon your inclinations, but I will add that to it if you pleas, which you may have for a zeal full of respect, and submission, which will make me sacrifice my fortune, and my life itself for your interests, and for your contentment.  
The Queen stood in need of all her patience, and of all her ordinary moderation, to hear this long discourse without falling into anger, but having ever been of the greatest temper of all the persons in the world, and being prudent enough to consider the misfortune of her condition, and the power Perdiccas had over her, she restrained part of that indignation, which in another season would perchance have broken out in another fashion, and looking upon Perdiccas with disdain, she without being much moved replied; Have you so soon forgotten, (O Perdiccas) what you ●a wed unto your King, and have you by this change of your fortune, which you allege to me, lost the knowledge of yourself? can that particular esteem which he showed of you at his death, and wherewith you seem to authorise your fault, justify the offence you do him? and in short do you no longer remember you are Perdiccas, and that you speak to the widow of Alexander? I know (answered Perdiccas) both wha● I owe unto the memory of my King, and what I owe unto the presence of my Queen, but by giving her a second Empire over me, of a more noble nature than the first, I commit no offence perchance, whereof I may not, hope for pardon. I content myself with the first (replied the Queen sharply) nay and if you will Perdiccas I'll quit that too, upon condition you will but leave me in quiet, and that you no more will force me to hearken to words which are an equal injury to us both. I will obey you (added Perdiccas) as much as possibly I can, but you may be pleased, Madam, to let me conjure you to have consideration of the small service I have done you, and to remember that but for Perdiccas whom she disdains, the widow of Alexander had not now been in the world. That reproach incensed the Queen yet more, and not being able utterly to dissemble it, what, Perdiccas (said she) would you then have me think myself highly obliged to you, for not having cut my throat as you had promised Roxana? had I any way offended you, or had you any right over me, that should make me receiv my life from you as a favour? Did you defend me against any other enemies but yourself, and is there any man in the world that may not challenge the same obligation? Do you believ, that to have pulled the widow of your King, from whom you never received any thing but favours, by violence from amongst her servants, to have carried her by force unto her enemies, to have brought the knife to her very throat, and not to have made an end of her, are such services that you should upbraid her with them, and demand recompenses for them? do you know any body among all the most cruel enemies of our house, from whom I have not received at least as good offices as these? If all men (added Perdiccas) had been as deeply interessed in your death, if they had hazarded what I have done in saving you, and if a good part of the world had been proposed to them for a reward, perchance few would have been found that would have preferred your safety before all these considerations. Yet is it dearer to me then all the Empires of the earth, and 'tis not to reproach you that I put you in mind of it, but to give you some knowledge of the advantage your interests have in me above mine own, and to gain some credit with you, for him who will not be useless to you in this alteration of your fortune. He would have said much more to the Queen upon this subject, but she commanded him to hold his peace, and that with so imperious, and so majestic a look, that at that time he had not the confidence to prosecute his discourse, but going from her with a low obeisance he returned the same day to Babylon. He was no sooner gone, but the Queen sent for the Princess her sister and me into her chamber, and told us all these passages, but with so great indignation, that in my life I never saw her so extremely moved. We are slaves (pursued she) I see it plainly, and this number of persons here about us, is only to keep us fast, and not to defend us; If I were free I would not stay a minute in a place where this insolent fellow has any power, and if he persist to offend me thus, I will leap over these walls rather than endure his persecutions. O Alexander (continued she, letting fall some tears) if after the loss of thee, I were capable of a second affection, thy memory would be less injured, in having him thy successor in my heart, to whom I had given it before thee, then in seeing this place which was thine, unworthily possessed by this ungrateful man. The Princess at the Queen's discourse, only shrunk up her shoulders, and by that action made her comprehend, that she thought her fortune was very little different; The Queen who had begun to take notice of Alcetas his carriage, guessed at her sister's destiny, and entreating her to let her know the truth of it, she at last confessed that that presumptuous man had entertained her with discourse almost like that of his brothers, and that to authorise his pretensions he often alleged that Hephestion's birth was not higher than his, nor his person more considerable, and that the Queen and she after their losses, and the utter ruin of their house, could not find any surer support than those two Brothers, who had all the Macedonians, and the greatest part of the Princes at their disposing. After this mutual knowledge of their displeasures, these two great Princesses began to deplore their misery, and showed a greater sens of this last assault of fortune, than they had done in their apprehensions of death; than it was that they both together condemned their scrupulous severity, and that they repented they had so obstinately concealed themselves from you, and from Lysimachus; They would willingly have repaired that fault if it had been possible, but they were utterly deprived of means, I could not be permitted to come out of the Castle, and for a business of that nature, there was no body else there whom they durst trust. They studied in vain to find out ways, either to get at liberty, or to give you notice of their captivity, and in the end they saw themselves reduced to the necessity of hoping for no assistance but from heaven, which till then seemed to have forgotten them; Alas, Sir, with what discourses did the Queen then entertain me concerning you; and with how many tears did she deplore your miseries, and how many charges did she lay upon me, to justify her memory to you after her death; for she was resolved to suffer a thousand deaths if it were possible, rather than abate the least title of what she owed to Alexander, and to yourself, in favour of Perdiccas. If it pleas the gods (said she to me) that thou ever see him again, tell him O Cleone, that of all the women in the world I have been the least ingrateful, and the least insensible; that I loved him to my grave, with the most pure, and most real affection that ever was, and that I die his as much as I can possibly, after the gift I have made unto my husband; but represent to him, that I could not carry myself otherwise, without being unworthy of that perfect affection which was all my glory, and which after so many misfortunes, wherewith my life has been crossed, would make me die satisfied, if I believed I had deserved it; put him in mind of that action, which against his own interests he did through virtue, and generosity for the safety of Alexander, and make him comprehend (if thou canst possibly) that the same reason, aught to make me conquer my inclinations, that I might not do any thing unworthy of Oroöndates his fidelity. This was her talk to me oftentimes, and in the interim Perdiccas and his Brother not being repulsed with the first answers they had received, continued to persecute them with a great importunity, but they found so little satisfaction by it, and so many proofs of their displeasure, that they would no more have troubled their quiet, with such like prosecutions, if they had preserved any respect at all to them. One day Perdiccas having indiscreetly pressed the Queen, she was kindled with such an extraordinary anger, that looking upon him with eyes full of indignation, Perdiccas (said she) either cease to torment me, or put me again into Roxana's hands, that condition will be much more tolerable than your persecutions, and I shall endure her cruelties with more patience, than the indignities to which you have destinied me. As confident as Perdiccas was, he was struck mute with that reply, but his brother was not at all more gently used by the Princess Parisatis, for he having once again represented to her, the advantages he pretended above the deceased Hephestion, that brave spirited Princess, whose affections had been exceeding strong unto her husband, seeing his memory injured, had not power enough over herself to forbear answering sharply, Hephestion (said she) was more considerable than you in all things, besides that, his birth was better than yours, he by his virtue was worthy of his King's favour, and of mine, but you will never deserv either while you live. The two Brothers supported these scorns with patience enough, and the Queen having one day demanded liberty of Perdiccas, that she might retire to those of her nearest kindred that were left, Perdiccas refused her openly, and feigning to be officious, Madam (said he) I have more care of your preservation than you yourself, and I too well know the danger you would run, if I should forsake you, I ought to give account of you to my passion, and to the memory of my King, and I consider both too much to expose you to such manifest perils. The Queen knowing certainly by this reply, that all hope of liberty was taken from her, had recours unto her constancy, and to her ordinary resignation, and with the Princess her sister, sought for comfort in them alone: Besides the interest I had in their discontents, I was not quite exempt in what concerned myself, and as unhandsome as I am, I had found a persecuter of Nicanor, a near kinsman to Perdiccas, and he of all his friends in whom he had the greatest confidence; this man, whether it were that out of complacency he would imitate Perdiccas, or that he thought to oblige me, by showing an esteem of me, or that he found something in me which he out of a blindness thought lovely, expressed a very particular affection to me, but it was with much respect and discretion. We lived on this manner till that very day, when according to what I have heard from Araxes, you fought the combat in which you got those wounds which keep you now in bed. That same day the Queen being in her chamber, accompanied only by the Princess her sister and me, Perdiccas came in completely armed except his head-piece, and after having saluted them with a countenance more troubled then ordinary, Madam (said he to the Queen) you have hitherto showed so much aversion to this place, and so much desire of a more perfect liberty, that I no longer can resist your will, and if you be yet of the same mind, I will deliver you from this place you hate so much, and will carry you where you have been sovereign, and where you shall b●e freed from my importunities. The Queen, who whithersoëver they carried her, could not believ her condition worse than it was, received that proposition joifully, and looking upon him with more cheerfulness then usually, Yes Perdiccas (said she) you will do us an extreme good office if you take us from hence, and if you set us at liberty, we will cease to complain of a captivity insupportable to all free persons. As soon as ever you are ready (added Perdiccas) you shall be permitted to depart, and we will only convey you to the places where you may be in safety, and where you will have no more need of us. The Queen was instantly ready, and instantly resolved upon that departure, and going out of the chamber with Perdiccas, while the Princess and I did the same with Alcetas, and Nicanor, she went down stairs, and so out of that detested house. At the door we found a chariot with good horses, and a dozen or fifteen horsemen well armed to convoy it. Perdiccas' having desired the Queen to get up into the chariot, she placed herself in the hinder end, and was no sooner set, but Perdiccas stepping in after her, the boot was presently put up, and the Charioteer, who had order what he should do, lashed on his horses, and drove away full speed. Alcetas, Nicanor, and all the rest remained with us, except only one servant mounted npon a gallant horse of Perdiccas his, who carrying his cask galloped after the chariot. I am not able to tell you how great our astonishment was at so unexpected an adventure, we turned our eyes, and stretched forth our arms toward the chariot; whence we still heard the Queen's cries, and saw her thrust herself out at the sides, striving all she could to cast herself down headlong, but Perdiccas was strong enough to hold her with eas, and the horses ran so fast, that within a short time we lost sight of the chariot. The afflicted Parisatis seeing herself kept back by Alcetas, who would not suffer her to follow the chariot on foot, turned courageously toward him, and looking upon him with eyes sparkling with anger, Traitor (said she) Is this then the liberty thou givest us, and does thy brother (more base and disloial than thyself) use the wife of Alexander, and the daughters of Darius thus? Ah! Monster, if thy rage and his be not glutted, prosecute thy crime to the utmost, and with that sword which thou wearest unworthily by thy side, pierce this heart which shall never be capable of any thing for thee but hatred and detestation. The despairing Princess would fain have said more, but the impetuousness of her anger, which was not to be restrained, hindered her from expressing herself distinctly, and weakness succeeding that first vehemence, her forces forsook her, and she sunk down upon the grass, where I would have held her in mine arms, but my grief and my amazement being no less than hers, I was not able to do her that service, and she was fain to receiv it from Alcetas whether she would or no. Her grief for the Queen, being carried away, and her apprehension to see herself at the mercy of those whom she held for her most cruel enemies, made her fall into a swound, in which she lay half an hour before she came to herself again. I then used force upon mine own affliction, to give her assistance, and with often throwing water in her face, we made her spirits return at last. As soon as she opened her eyes, and saw herself encompassed by Alcetas and all those armed men, she fell into her former anger, and the violence of her sorrow transporting her beyond the limits of her ordinary moderation, she poured forth a thousand imprecations against them. Wicked fellow (said she to Alcetas) never hope that either the gods or men will leave thy villainy unpunished, we are not so utterly abandoned by them, but that the thunders of the gods, and the arms of men may do something in favour of us; thou shalt know that neither all the race of Darius, nor all the memory of Alexander is quite extinct among the Persians, nor amongst the Macedonians, & that we are not so absolutely forsaken, but that we may yet arm both for the ruin of thee, and thine. She said many other things to which Alcetas made no reply, and when he had let her vent part of her fire, he drew near to her, and striving to put a gentleness in his countenance, and to fain compassion of her afflictions, Madam (said he) be not afraid for the Queen, nor for your s●lf, she is with him who of all men living has the greatest passion to serve her; and you have them with you who of all the men in the world, have the most zeal and respect for the Princess Parisatis, 'tis the indiscretion of the Charioteer, or the madness of the horses which ran away with him whether he would or no, that deprive you of the Queen's company for a few moments, but I protest to you by all the gods, and by whatsoëver I acknowledge to be most sacred, that within a very little time you shall be with her again, and I only stay for a Chariot to carry you thither presently; this delay shall not be above half an hour, and I wish that all those thunders wherewith you threaten me, may fall upon my head, if I do not punctually execute what I promise you. Though by this adventure the Princess had lost all the confidence she might have had in those persons, and that by Perdiccas his deceit she had all manner of occasion to mistrust his Brother, yet did she seem to clear up a little at that promise of Alcetas, and she suffered me to endeavour as much as possibly I could to give her some consolation. We had not been thus employed longer than the time Alcetas had demanded for the arrival of a chariot, when we saw one appear indeed, the Princess' mind getting a little assurance at that sight, and at the protestations full of oaths which Alcetas made to pacify her, she rose up from the place where she was sitting, and at our solicitation went to the chariot, but for fear of being deceived like the Queen, she would needs have me get in first, and as soon as she had taken her place, only Alcetas and Nicanor came up to us, and the rest followed the chariot, which Alcetas caused to drive after the other, and about an hundred paces wide of the great road to Babylon. We waited trembling for our destiny, and Alcetas and Nicanor endeavoured to reassure us with the mildest words their passion (whether true or feigned) could suggest; but our affliction was so heavy, that we gave little attention to their discourse. We had traveled about an hour at a good rate, when we saw coming the way we went, a man on horseback completely armed, who carried a woman behind him, we did not much consider the fashion of his arms, but when he was near enough to be discerned, we knew the woman to be the Queen, we were yet in doubt of the truth of it, when we were confirmed by a cry she sent forth at the sight of us. Ah! See yonder's my sister, cried she to him that road before her; this encounter troubled Alcetas, and he was ready to have leapt out of the chariot, but he was afraid to lose the Princess, whom he had much ado to hold, wherefore he contented himself with crying out to his people to stop that horseman. Those words affrighted not the stranger, who getting the Queen to alight instantly drew his sword, and flew upon our guard with a fury which made them quickly find that number was not able to terrify him. Nicanor seeing the beginning of that fight, leapt out of the chariot, and I who had already seen the Queen my Mistress alight, having no longer any body that held me, threw myself presently after him, and ran to the Queen, who being stepped a little aside, beheld that unequal combat with mortal apprehensions. Alcetas who saw her in that condition, and who was loath to let go his hold of the Princess, or to fail in Perdiccas his design, cried out to two of his horsemen to take the Queen, and to bring her into the chariot, they obeyed him instantly, and seizing upon her, while her valiant champion was busied against their companions, in spite of all the resistance they could make, put her into the chariot, Alcetas commanded them to come in with her, and the Charioteer presently after drove away so swiftly, that he was gone in a moment. Ah! Sir, how infinite was my grief when I saw my dear Mistress carried away, and that I could not possibly wait upon her, I never stayed to see the issue of the fight, the beginning whereof was very glorious for the stranger, and running after the chariot, like one in despair, I quickly was gotten a good way from that place, but my pursuit was as vain as my cries, and I grew so tired with running, and tormenting myself, that after having lost sight of the chariot I fell down, quite out of breath, and so extremely weak, that I was not able to get up again. It would be to no purpose, Sir, to repeat the lamentations I made after such a loss, my sorrow was so great that it would be very hard for me to express it, but I continued there more dead than alive, till the Sun was almost ready to set, before I so much as thought of rising from the place where I lay, and I know not what would have become of me, if a good honest countryman and his wife, who passed by that way, and saw me in that condition, had not taken me up, after they had wiped away my tears, and endeavoured to give me some comfort, they prayed me to go with them to their house for that night; My fear of being left without help in the dark, which came on apace, made me accept their offer, but I was so weary and so weak, that without their assistance it was impossible for me to go. Their little house was not far from thence, and as soon as we were come thither, I entreated them to put me to bed, which they did with a great deal of charity; but the labour, heat and sorrow I had endured, cast me into fever, and I was so ill all night, that without the help of those good people, I verily believ I should have died. All the day following, which was yesterday, I continued in the same estate, and though I remembered you, and would have striven to come, and bring you this unwelcome news, I found myself not able to leave my bed. The next night my fever abated, and this morning finding it was almost quite gone, and that my strength was a little recovered, I arose, and having made the goodwoman acquainted with my intention to go to Polemon's house, she told me it was not above twenty or thirty furlongs from hers, and that she and her husband would guide me thither, as soon as he returned from the Town, whither he was gone to get some provisions; I stayed for his coming back, and presently after his wife making my desire known to him, he offered himself with her to accompany me; so by their assistance I came hither, where I presently met Araxes, who was not a little surprised at that encounter, and from whom I learned your last combat, and the condition of your health; Behold (continued Cleone) the life the Queen hath led since your separation, and the estate I left her in, I have made you the true recital of it, upon your complaints against her, and though indeed by your misfortune and hers, you have not received the recompense which was due unto your services, yet do I not believ she is so faulty toward you, as that you should fly to reproaches which have something of cruelty in them; and I am most assured that you have too much generosity, to refuse her your assistance, in the distasters she is fallen into, and perchance partly through her love to you.    

THE THIRD PART OF CASSANDRA. The second Book.  
CLeone ended her relation on this manner, and the Prince who had harkened to her with great attention, finding the conclusion of it less conformable to his belief then to his desire, could not forbear by shaking his head to show how little credit he gave to part of her discourse, and having looked awhile upon her without speaking, Cleone (said he) you do ill to flatter my misfortunes, or to deceiv me cunningly yourself; I believ you have told me the truth in your Mistress' disasters, but in mine you have totally concealed it from me; in this Cleone you are to blame, and if you know me as well, as perhaps you may, you cannot doubt but that I will serve the Queen, as inconstant as she is, unto the last minute of my life, but O Cleone, you know I am a thousand times more unfortunate, than you have expressed in your discourse, and if I had no other causes of complaint, than those you have mentioned, I should have no new occasion at all. I had already given over murmuring at the advantages Alexander had above me; but those of a stranger, those of a new comer, are insupportable; you have not spoken so much as a word of that in your recital, though you avowed it to me sufficiently in our first conversation, and that's the thing Cleone wherein I accuse you of little freedom, and of holding a blamable intelligence with that faithless Princess, which hath so unworthily forsaken me. Cleone was extremely surprised at this discourse, and after she had continued a while without replying; Sir (said she lifting up her hands to heaven) if I know any thing more of the Queen's fortune, and yours, than what I have told you, I beseech the gods to add all sorts of miseries to those I already suffer. Ah! Cleone (replied the Prince with an action which testified his incredulity) it is not possible you should be ignorant of the Queen's loves, and of that new champion who freed her out of Perdiccas his hands, never seem astonished at this discourse, I was so as much as you feign to be, at that cruel proof I received of it, and I should have accused my own eyes of falsehood, which saw her in his arms giving him kisses, and showing him kindnesses unworthy of her quality, and former virtue, if that truth had not been confirmed to me by the mouth of Perdiccas. With that he succinctly related the encounters he had with the Cavalier who carried the Queen behind him, and with Perdiccas wounded, who with the news of his Princesses being alive, gave him also the news of her infidelity, and seeing that Cleone continued silent at the hearing of them, and only called the heavens to witness her innocence, protesting she was ignorant of all he told her, and that she had avowed all those things which had confirmed his suspicions, out of a belief that his complaints were only against Alexander; No, no, Cleone, (pursued he) it is not possible that so strong an affection, and which by the proofs I have received of it, goes far beyond that which she formerly bore to me, should have escaped your knowledge. The birth and progress of it has not been so sudden, and but for it, the Queen would not so cruelly have banished me at Susa, and since the death of her husband, she would not have concealed herself from me as she did, upon vain weak considerations; you have alleged nothing that can justify her for it, and if she had not been prepossessed with that new passion, she would not have avoided my sight in a condition to which, my love to her had reduced me, and at a time when she stood in need of the assistance of all her friends. No, no, Cleone, her infidelity is but too much confirmed, by all manner of circumstances, and unless I would flatter myself, against all kind of reason, and against common sens, I can no longer doubt of it. But 'tis no matter, Cleone, this knowledge shall nos disarm my hand against the Queen's enemies, I for her service will give even the last drop of this blood, which I never was thrifty of for her, nor hers, and if when it is no longer necessary to her, there be any yet remaining in my veins, I will finish the shedding of it with mine own hand before her, and if my rival be living, I by my death will facilitate his possession of a happiness, whereof he can be but little assured while I am alive.  
The Prince spoke these words with so much vehemence, that Cleone, a●d Araxes feared with reason, those impetuous motions would impair his health, and he was ready to go on, when they came to tell him that Prince Lysimachus with some others, were newly alighted in the court, and coming up the stairs; this news caused a joy in the Prince which dissipated part of the boilings of his choler, and brought back some calmness, and serenity into his mind, and countenance. Lysimachus entered into the chamber, and with him Ptolomeus and Eumenes, two Great men, whom the reputation of Oroöndates and made lovers, or rather Idolaters of his virtue, and who came with Lysimachus to see him, to mingle their interests with his, and to offer him their new Estates, their friends, and their very lives; their age was little different from that of Lysimachus, and for graceful fashion, and greatness of courage, they yielded little to him, or any other person in the world. Ptolomeus was something brown, but his face was exceeding well shaped, his eyes sparkling, and his stature marvellously exact, and in all his actions he showed marks of an extraordinary greatness, and such as were worthy of that renown he acquired afterwards, by many gallant victories, of one of the most valiant Princes that ever lived. Eumenes was of a fairer complexion, and had more sweetness in his eyes, but one might observe a vivacity in them, which testified that of his mind, and to say truth he was esteemed above all Alexander's successors for the prudence wherewith his valour was accompanied, and 'twas with a great deal of justice, that he had the reputation amongst them, of one of the best commanders in the world. Oroöndates seeing Lysimachus come in, stretched out his arms to him, and Lysimachus receiving his welcomes with much affection, and with a respect which he had never had to any body but Alexander. Sir, (said he) shall I never see you but full of wounds, and have the gods given me the honour of your acquaintance, only to overwhelm me with new sorrows for your sake? This goodness of yours toward me (replied Oroöndates holding him still embraced) makes mine more sensible to me, by your participating in them, but 'tis with some kind of justice, since your fortune shall ever make the best part of mine. After these first endearments, Lysimachus presented his two friends to him, and he had no sooner named them, but Oroön●dates having those famous names in veneration, and remembering some good offices he had received from them, would have raised himself upon his bed to receiv them, but they opposed a formality that might be hurtful to him, and looking upon him with an admiration, accompanied already with a great deal of love, they in the most obliging terms they could make use of in such a like encounter, declared the intention which had brought them thither, and beseeched him to accept the passion they had to serve him, and to give them some part in his friendship after that of Lysimachus. Oroöndates highly obliged by this civility, being one who in that had never yielded to any body, bowed himself very low, and receiving their offers with great submission, and acknowledgement, he made his to them so gracefully, that by that action alone, he perfectly gained them, and confirmed the opinion Lysimachus had already given them of him. The passion I had for Prince Lysimachus (said he with an aër full of sweetness and majesty) could not be augmented but by a favour of the nature of this which I receiv, and I should be much less obliged to him for the gift of all Asia, then for that of two so considerable friends. Your virtue (replied Ptolomeus) will gain you through all the world as many friends, and admirers, as there are virtuous persons, but if such as we are be for their own persons inconsiderable to the greatest, and most generous of all men, yet perchance they may not be so, for the zeal full of respect, and freedom which they will bear eternally to you. I should be much too blame (answered the Prince) if henceforth I should esteem myself miserable, since fortune repair's the harms she does me by so great and important a happiness; but as I have little deserved it, so will I likewise acknowledge it as a mere favour, which I hold from your goodness, and whereof I will endeavour to make myself worthy by the desire I have to be inviolably yours. These compliments lasted yet awhile, and those two gallant men beholding Oroöndates with a marvellous heedfulness, remembered the great things they had seen him do at the battles of Issus, and Arbela, his admirable interview with Alexander, and many other passages of his life, which they had heard related as prodigies, and Oroöndates at the same time called to mind the obligations he had to them, and particularly to Eumenes, who at the last battle had caused him to be taken from among the dead bodies, to be carried to Arbela with a great deal of care, and given so good order for his cure, that he owed his safety only to his assistance. The memory of that good office in a mind like that of Oroöndates, wrought a most powerful effect, and that grateful Prince having made a reflection upon it, turned toward Eumenes with an humble countenance, full of that sweetness which was natural to him, and putting forth his hand to him after he had kissed it, you could do no less (said he) generous Eumenes, then visit one of your creatures, and take some care of a life which you have acquired to yourself, ever since the time that you preserved it. Eumenes received this compliment exceeding modestly, and taking the hand with much respect which he presented to him, That small service (replied he) was not worthy of your remembrance, but such as it was, I am prouder to have done it you, then if I had conquered the best part of Asia. Oroöndates having again returned Eumenes his civility, and given those two new friends new occasions to admire him, turned towards Lysimachus, and with a look more cheerful than ordinary. Which way (said he) O my dear companion, shall I be able to acquit myself of this last obligation? certainly (pursued he a while after) the gods have taken care of it, and in making me receiv this last favour, they have furnished me with the means to requite it, with the only recompense whereby it can be equalised; 'tis with one word alone I pretend to pay you, and without taking any thing from the value of the engagement you have laid upon me, I believ I may give a full satisfaction, by telling you, if you have not heard it already, that Parisatis is alive. The effect of this news appeared instantly in Lysimachus his countenance, and he had no sooner heard those words, but suffering himself to be transported with the first motions of his joy, he was like to have lost his senses, and his understanding; but within a while after reflecting upon the impossibility of it, he fell back into his former condition, and crossing his arms upon his breast, with a sorrowful gesture, Ah! Sir (said he to the Prince) what contentment can you find, in abusing my grief on this manner, it is the same with your own, and I do not think you are so fortunate yourself as to make sport with those that are miserable. I knew (replied Oroöndates) that the happiness I bring you was too great to be believed, but if I am not worthy of faith, learn more certain news of it from Cleone. These words made Lysimachus, and his friends turn their eyes upon Cleone, whom they had not yet taken notice of, and Lysimachus no sooner knew her, but he was half persuaded of his good fortune; he ran to her with open arms, and conjuring her presently to tell him true if his Princess was alive, he received a confirmation from her, which was like instantly to overcome his Spirits, and to say truth, he stood in need of all his Forces to resist that pleasing surprise, and he remained above half an hour so stupefied, that he was neither capable of reasoning, nor of harkening to the discourses of his friends,; when he was a little settled, his joy broke forth in actions, which nothing but his youth and passion could excuse. Ptolemeus and Eumenes were so concerned in it, that their expressions came not far short of his, and running to Cleone, they begged of her all together, to make them the relation of that admirable adventure, and to let them know by what prodigious assistance of the Heavens, the Princes who had been seen stabbed, and cast into two Wells could possibly avoid death, and deceiv the belief of so many persons, who had been sensibly interessed in their loss. Cleone who was willing oblige them all, and engage them further in the Party of the Princesses, began the recital again, which she had made to Oroondates, and while he was at dinnner, she told him all she had before recounted: it is true that her narration was much shorter than the former, because she cut off all the discourse of the loves of the Queen and Oroöndates, which made the best part of it, and contented herself with relating these adventures that were common to both the Princesses, without particularising their most secret thoughts. Lysimachus his joy was a little moderated when by the end of that story, he knew his Princess was still in the power of her enemies, and that she had not absolutely escaped a death, which they yet might give her, but he drew matter of consolation from that which would have caused discontent in many others, and he hoped with probability, that the love of the two brothers would secure the lives of the two Princesses; that belief made his jealousy supportable, and permitted his joy to dissipate part of those sorrows which had caused a great alteration in his face. Brave Prince of Scythia (cried he) let us revive our hopes, since it so please's the gods; our Princesses are prisoners, but yet at least they are alive, and we are potent enough to pull them out of the hands of our enemies, and make them perish in so just a quarrel; those arms we meant to turn against them for their revenge, shall now be employed for their deliverance, and you shall see so many gallant men embrace our interests, that you will not disdain our party. It cannot choos but be most powerful (replied Oroöndates) being composed of such persons as you and your friends, and if you have the goodness to receiv me into it, I hope I shall become valiant by your examples, and by the remembrance of the justice of your quarrel. In the care you have taken to conceal yourself from men (added Ptolomeus) your virtue has deceived you, and if you desired your valour should be unknown to them, you ought to have forborn those proofs you have given of it, which have acquired such a fame through the whole earth, that no body can be longer ignorant of it. You must not enter into a party (pursued Eumenes) whereof you ought to be the head, all our companions will voluntarily submit themselves to you, both as to him that is most concerned, and as to him that is most worthy to command them, I know they will make good what I say, and that they will march under you with the same confidence as they have heretofore marched under Alexander. Oroöndates was almost confounded at so obliging a discourse, and seeing so many great Princes, and at that time so many great and potent Kings, yield an honour voluntarily to him, which without dispute they might have carried from all the other Monarches of the earth, he seemed in a manner strucken at so extraordinary a civility, but desiring to show them he was not of an humour to abuse their offers, nor to be puffed up with them; I know too well (said he) what the whole world owes to its conquerors, and to its Masters, not to render them with it, what all men render them with justice, and the condition of a poor Prince without forces, without support, and without means to serve in your party otherwise then in his own person, cannot be more advantageous than to follow the bravest and the most valiant Princes upon earth. He accompanied these words with many others, to which the Princes replied with the same humility, and after an entertainment full of most obliging contestations, Lysimachus desired to hear the circumstances of Oroöndates his last adventures, whereof he had heard nothing but a little confusedly, and the Prince to satisfy him related his encounter with Perdiccas, that of the Princess his sister, and his combats against Arsacomes, and against the stranger who had put him into that condition. The three Princes having hearkend to that recital with admiration, Lysimachus told him how he had learned the state of his health, and something of his combats by one of his servants who came to him to the Camp, and how Ptolomeus, and Eumenes, seeing him ready to go to visit him, would needs bear him company, to offer him their services, and to satisfy the desire they had to know a man of so infinite merit. After this conversation they fell upon the discourse of their affairs, and Lysimachus giving Oroöndates an account of what he had done since his departure from him, made him acquainted that Ptolomeus, Eumenes, and he had sent to make levies in the territories that were fallen to their shares; that they had advertised all their friends who were gone away to retire to theirs; that at the first sending they all had voluntarily joined themselves with them in a league offensive, and defensive, and that within a fortnight all their forces were to meet at a little Town but half a day's journey from Babylon; that Perdiccas and Roxana made no less preparations on their side; that all their allies met daily at Babylon; and that the body of their army was form on the other side of the Euphrates, whereof they had the passage free, by a great many bridges there were within the city. Oroöndates trembled with a generous impatiency at this discourse, and expressed to Lysimachus his fear of being kept by his wounds from making one in the first occasions, to which he wished for some delay, lest there should be any thing done without him. But Lysimachus satisfied him with an assurance, that before his recovery all the forces could not be come up, and in a condition to attempt any thing, and that on the other side Perdiccas his wounds were a great obstacle to their enemy's designs, and that if they did not ruin their affairs, they would at least retard them, and give a great deal of facility, and furtherance to theirs. They would have conversed longer if Amintas had not put his Master in mind, that Oroöndates had disordered himself very much that day for a man so wounded as he was, and that so long talking was very prejudicial to his health, Lysimachus being in fear for a friend of that importance, carried the rest out of his chamber, though Oroöndates did his endeavours to retain them, and going down into the garden, they began to walk there with an intention not to see Oroöndates again till the next day.  
In the mean time the impatient Thalestris, who guided by Hippolita was gone in quest of Berenice, had vainly employed part of the day in seeking her, she overran all the plain near to Babylon, and there was not a place either upon the bank of the river, or in the neighbouring woods, whither her affection had not made her direct her steps; she met no body of whom she did not inform herself, and she had been at the very gates of Babylon to inquire for her, but seeing her search was unprofitable on that side, she had turned back the same way, towards Polemons house, and leaving it upon the left hand, she kept still along by the river side. The separation from such a friend was so sensible to her, that she could find no consolation. O gods (said she) did you give the acquaintance of so lovely a Princess, to take her from me so suddenly? and must you needs deprive me of a happiness, which sweetened part of my sorrows, and which I had hardly begun to taste? were you not satisfied with the pains I have taken in prosecution of my faithless Orontes, without exposing my body to new toils, and my mind to new discontents? In uttering these, and such like words, she came into the walk which beginning at the temple of Apollo, reached unto the river side, and turning her head upon the left hand, she saw the gate of the Temple at the end of the alley; She had often heard speak of those Oracles, and lately of that which Lysimachus had received there; that remembrance gave her a desire to consult the god, as well concerning the present design which had brought her abroad, as the success of her own fortune, and she believed she ought not to neglect that encounter, since it was not without some care of her interests, that contrary to her intention the gods had guided her steps unto that place. In this thought she turned her, and went to alight at the gate of the Temple; being it was not any curiosity that led her thither, she spent no time in viewing the beauties of it, but making her prayer unto the god, both for the recovery of Berenice, and for her own interests, she expected his answer awhile, which at last was delivered to her by the mouth of the Priest in these terms.  

The Oracle.  
Heaven to thy rest no more avers will be,  
To it refer the sister's Destiny,  
Since thine, back to the brother summon's thou,  
Where thou thy heart, and fortune changed shalt see.   
This answer pleasingly surprised the fair Amazon, and finding in it more cause of consolation than she had looked for, she humbly returned her thanks unto the god for the hopes he gave her, and rising from the place where she had prostrated herself, she went out of the Temple much more satisfied than she was before. Hippolita observed some alteration in her face, and having asked her the cause of it, the Queen repeated the words of the Oracle to her, and getting on horseback took her way towards Polemon's house. She by the command of the god saw her search at an end, and since heaven reserved the care of Berenice expressly to itself, she could not without incensing it, persevere in her intended prosecution; wherefore in obedience to it, she gave over that thought, and was confirmed in the design of returning to Oroöndates, since that besides the desire she had to serve him in his affairs, 'twas there she was to expect the change of her fortune. She made a long reflection upon that promise of the gods, and having mused on it a great while; what change (said she) can I hope for in my condition? Is it the forgetting, the repentance, or the death of my faithless Orontes? Ah! for forgetting him, I should look for that but in vain, and I ought never to think that my soul can lose the remembrance either of its first passion, or of the offence I have received; both of them are engraven in everlasting characters, and except I cease to live, I can neither cease to hate, nor to remember Orontes. Shall it be from the repentance of that disloial man, that I shall draw my satisfaction? Ah! I ought much less to hope for that, and the offences I have received from him are not of a nature to be repaired; Though he should begin again to love me with as much violence, as he expressed in his first passion, I should lose nothing of that hatred I bear him, and my soul is so hardened against that ingrateful man, that it could never be touched by all the marks he could show of his repentance. 'Tis then in his death alone that I ought to ground my hopes, and 'tis that infallibly which the gods do promise me; it is the greatest of all the favours I can receiv from them, and when I am once revenged of that perfidious man, I will return into my territories, where I will pass the rest of my days in tranquillity; he shall die (continued she) he shall die, the traitor, who has used me so ungratefully, and so unworthily; if my injuries are deadly, the reparation of them shall be deadly also, and 'tis in blood I will drown my shame, and the remembrance of my faults. The Queen at first found some sweetness in this cruel thought, but within awhile after she began to tremble, and some remainder of affection having softened her for a few moments, her heart seemed to incline to some compassion, but she quickly opposed that criminal pity, and struggling against those tender motions; what, (said she again) dost thou waver still, O weak Thalestris, and does the image of the falls Orithia return into thy mind, only to banish thence so lawful resentments? Art thou then still capable of those base suggestions which have made the greatest part of thy misfortunes, and dost thou become pitiful to that cruel Orontes, who without any pity abandoned thee to thy despair? Ah! mean spirited woman, stifle those unworthy thoughts, and recall the remembrance of thy wrongs, to banish that of thy weaknesses. He must die, that monster of perfidiousness, and thou must pierce his dis●oial heart with this same hand he hath so often kissed; and with this same mouth which hath so often protested that thou lovedst him, must thou pour forth the last reproaches against his infidelity. In these violent thoughts, the fair Amazon went on her way, till she came near a little valley within a few furlongs of Polemon's house; from that place she heard certain cries, which caused her first to stop her horse, and then hearing them continue with a very pitiful sound, her generosity obliged her presently to succour those miserable wretches, who seemed to stand in need of her assistance; and for that purpose marking carefully from whence the nois came, she galloped thither as fast as she could, followed by Hippolita, and had not gone far in the valley before she met with a very doleful spectacle. She saw five or six horsemen completely armed standing about two miserable creatures, who were tied fast to two Trees, and whom two or three men on foot tortured in many several fashions; they squeezed their fingers between cleft sticks, wrung their foreheads with twisted cords, and made them suffer all the torments, which are commonly used to force confession from the mouths of guilty persons. Thalestris could not well discern all their actions, but when she was near enough she heard him that commandest the rest, who drawing near those unfortunate wretches: Since you are so obstinate (said he) and so resolved to die, you shall die; hang them therefore (continued he) let them remain upon those branches to feed the crows; The ministers of that rigid Offices, were already beginning to put ropes about the necks of those unhappy creatures, when the Queen abhorring that cruelty, took a dart out of Hippolyta's hand, and rushing in amongst them, presented the point of it to their faces, threatening them with death if they effected that cruel commission. Fear made them hold their hands, but the horsemen incensed by that boldness clapped theirs upon their swords, and he who appeared to be the chief of them addressing himself to Thalestris: Whosoëver thou art (said he) unless thou bring'st an express order from the Queen, thou art very insolent to oppose her pleasure. If it be a Queen (replied the Amazon) who hath commanded this execution, she hath the ways of justice open to punish malefactors, and this extraordinary manner of proceeding against these poor wretches is an infallible mark of their innocence, and shall be the cause of their safety. The horseman exasperated by that answer, and by the hindrance Thalestris brought to his intentions, looking upon her with eyes sparkling with anger, If thou persistest longer (said he) to retard our design, thou thyself shalt keep company with them whom thou wouldst save. As he ended these words, he drew his sword, but the Amazon whose patience was at the utmost, stayed not till he began, but falling suddenly upon him, she struck the point of her javeline in at his throat, and it came forth instantly behind him, so that he tumbled dead among his horses feet; she lost not time in pulling out her javeline, but drawing her sword flew among the companions of him she had killed, and seeing the nearest of them had his arm up to strike at her, she prevented him with a back blow which cut it off above the elbow, and made it fall with his sword upon the ground. Hippolita seconded her Mistress vigorously, and of three enemies which yet remained on horseback, she charged one with a great deal of courage, the other two made furiously at the Queen, but her choler being stirred up to the extremity, she quickly showed them proofs of her admirable valour, and having received some blows upon her arms, she aimed her sword at the more eager of them so unfortunately for him, that having light upon the space between his head-piece and his Cuirass, it took his head from his shoulders, and made it roll upon the grass; the last dismayed with that strange blow, turned about his horse to save himself by flight, and the Queen who thought she had shed blood enough, troubled not herself to follow him, but turning toward Hippolita, she saw her victorious over her man, who wounded in many places, lay biting the earth with his companions. After this execution the valiant Queen having no more enemies to fight withal, commanded Hippolita to untie the two men and set them at liberty. Hippolita alighted to obey her, and she had no sooner cut the bonds wherewith they were fastened to the Trees, but they fell upon their knees before their valiant deliverer, and embraced her legs with actions full of respect, and acknowledgement. Whosoëver you are (cried they) whose valour so well represents the image of our Master to us, hope that heaven will recompense you for so good a deed, and believ that your arms were never employed for more innocent persons. The Queen finding something that pleased her in the behaviour of those two men, had a mind to know their names, and the cause of the persecutions they had undergon, and she no sooner had expressed that desire, after she had bidden them rise, but they readily obeyed her, and one of them speaking for both, Sir, (said he) we are of a Country far remote from this, and we have nothing more considerable in us, than the honour of having passed the best part of our lives in the service of the bravest, and most generous Prince in the world. Scythia is our Country, our names are Toxaris and Loncates, and since so high an obligation forbids us to conceal any thing from our valiant Defender; we will confess that the Prince whom we have served is the great Oroöndates Prince of Scythia. The man would have gone on, but Thalestris remembering she had heard the Prince and Araxes speak of those two faithful servants, cast her eyes upon Hippolita, and praising her destiny, which in the persons of men had made her do service to a Prince for whom she had a very great esteem, she appeared extremely satisfied with this encounter, and stretching out her hands to them, you are not unknown to me, (said she) but now I have done you this good office, I will also restore you to your Master, who affords me a place in the number of his friends, and in whom your fidelity has caused an exceeding trouble for your loss. Toxaris and Loncates, who had not hoped in so short a time for their lives, their liberties, and their Master, who was dearer to them then both, were transported with joy at this promise, and having cast themselves once again at Thalestris' feet, testified by their actions of what nature the affection was which they bore unto their Master. The Queen having confirmed her promise, commanded them to follow her, and the two Sythian's being mounted upon two of their slain enemies horses, took her way again to Polemon's house where she arrived within a little after.  
Lysimachus, Ptolomeus, Eumenes and Araxes, were in the Court when she came in, and as soon as Lysimachus saw her appear he ran to meet her, and helping her from her horse, kissed her hand with much humility, and received her affable salutation with great respect. After the first words of civility, Lysimachus presented his companions to her, of whom he had spoken to them in terms which had strucken them into an admiration of her valour, and the names of those great personages were already so well known through the whole world, that the Queen by hearing Lysimachus pronounce them, presently knew what she ought to pay them. Araxes no sooner saw Loncates and Toxaris appear, but he ran to them full of joy for their return, and embraced them with an extreme affection. The fair Amazon having stayed awhile with the Princes in a respectful and obliging conversation, was desirous to see Oroöndates; both to give him an account of her little voyage, and to present him his two servants, but Lysimachus by the counsel of Amintas prayed her to defer her visit till the next morning, because the Prince had that day committed such excesses as were able to impair the health of one less weakened than he was. The Queen had much ado to consent to that delay, but in the end did it as well by reason of their entreaty, as in consideration of the Prince, who was infinitely dear to her; and to pass the rest of the day less tediously, Lysimachus desired Hippolita to favour both his friends and himself with the recital of her Mistress' adventures, and the Queen having given her leave, she recounted them almost in the same manner as they had been told to Oroöndates; but as that discourse wrought great admiration in the Princes, so did it waken sad remembrances in Thalestris, and put her some time into a melancholy, which made them almost repent their curiosity.  
In the interim Oroöndates joining his sister's departure to his other afflictions, and seeing the day pass without hearing any news of her, fell into very sensible disquiets; he often enquired after her of Araxes who alone came into his Chamber, and seeing he could learn nothing when night came on, he was excessively afflicted at that accident. The next day as soon as the Physician gave way he should be seen, Thalestris went into his Chamber, followed by the Princes, and by the faithful servants which she brought back unto their Master. Oroöndates no sooner saw her enter, but he raised himself upon his pillow as much as he was able, and welcomed her with great respect and submission, he received the Princes with the same civility, but when after them he saw the two servants he had lost, upon their knees by his bedside, he was surprised with astonishment, and seized at the sight of them with much joy and tenderness. He cast his arm which lay out of bed about their necks, and ask the Queen who presented them to him, which way she had happened to find them, she told him the truth of it in a few words. At the knowledge of that obligation the Prince broke forth into the most acknowledging expressions he could invent to give her thanks for so great a favour, and she received them so modestly that she engaged him almost as much by the civility of her discourse, as she had done by the effects of her valour. He afterwards would have enquired concerning Berenice, but she prevented him, by relating the success of her short journey, and repeating the words of the Oracle that had been given her, Oroöndates thereby received a double consolation, one by the promise the gods made him to take care of his sister, which ought to put an end to all the trouble he was in for her; the other by the hopes they gave Thalestris whose interests were extremely dear to him; When he had talked with her awhile about the words of the Oracle, and had endeavoured to find the gentlest since of them, and a less cruel exposition then that she made, he entreated the company to pardon the desire he had, to learn in their presence, the cause that had so long retarded the return of his servants, which was like to have some important reason; and ask Toxaris what it was, he stepped back in the presence of so many persons whom he knew not, and made some difficulty of speaking in so much company touching his Master's secret affairs, but he knowing the cause of his silence, and being willing to take away his jealousy, speak (said he) Toxaris, and disguise nothing before these illustrious friends, who are not at all suspected to me, and from whom I never will conceal any thing. Toxaris having received this command came forward again, and thus began his Narration.  

The History of Roxana.  
We were within a day's journey of this place, when your Highness after having heard of Alexander's death, commanded me to go to Babylon to inquire news of Queen Statira, and of other persons in whom you had an interest. I road thither with speed enough, and arrived at the City when it began to grow dark, I found all full of mourning, disorder, and confusion, and in that general hurly-burly I had much ado to get a lodging I will not detain you with the condition in which the King's death had put all things at Babylon, you are better informed of that than I, and these great Princes whom I see with you, whose interests were the most considerable, and whose sidings made part of those disorders, may have acquainted you with the circumstances of them. I will only tell you, that at the first news I asked concerning the Queen, I heard she was at the Castle of Calcis, whither by reason of some indisposition, she had retired with the Princess her sister a little before her husband's death. Not being able to learn any thing more particularly, I went out of my lodging, and in the darkness, and general trouble I resolved to make use of all my industry, to instruct myself in all those things which you desired to know, and which might be advantageous to your intentions. By the abode of four or five month's you had formerly made at Babylon with King Darius I was perfect in all the streets of the City, and knew particularly all the lodgings of the Palace beyond the Lake, where Darius commonly kept his Court, where King Alexander died, and where Queen Roxana lay at that time. I walked a great while up and down the streets where I saw a thousand images of desolation, sorrow, and universal affrightment; the windows of all the inhabitants were full of lighted Torches, which burned in a mournful fashion; there were heard in many houses as loud cries as if in his death they had found their general loss; all the passages were chained, and there were fires, and Corpse de garde in every Market place, and all the cross streets were full of armed men, who ranked themselves according to the different parties, and whereof the greatest number desired nothing but sedition and disorder. One might see the Princes who stood for great Offices, and for the Sovereign Authority pass up & down, severally guarded, either according to their credit or according to their quality, & in short, all things represented a new ●ace of affairs. I considered them no further than I thought they might be useful to your interests, and after having wandered about a long hour to no purpose, I came to the Palace where Roxana was lodged, and whereof all the corners are as well known to me as if I had dwelled there all my life. I found so great a number of Guards about the Gate, that I presently despaired of getting in, and indeed I was thinking to go my way, when I saw Perdiccas come followed with so great a train, that the street was even quite filled with it. As soon as he was named, the Guards made a lane to give him passage; and though there was order given to suffer but few to enter with him, the crowd was too strong for the resistance of those that kept the Gate; and I thrust myself so close among the rest, that I was of the number of those that got in. Perdiccas' having asked where the Queen was, heard that she expected him in the Garden, whether she was gone down by reason of the excessive heat which had been that day, and where, upon the Bank of the River which washes the side of it, she was taking the cool aër with some of her women. Perdiccas' having crossed through two Courts, came to the Garden Gate, where we likewise found a very strong Guard, and where, with as much ado as before, I at last got in with him. The Torches were all left without in the Court, and the Moon which gave light enough for the Queen to walk by, served also for the discourse between her and Perdiccas. I will not describe the fashion of her habit, it was so dark I could not well discern it, all that I was able to observe was that she had already put on her night dressing, and that the rest of her apparel was black, suitable to the condition she then was in. Perdiccas went up to her alone, and all those that came in with him staying at the end of an Ally, Roxana's women did the same, and left her at liberty to talk with him. We could not hear any thing they said, but within awhile after seeing them take their walk in an Ally, upon the edge of the stream, close by which I knew there was another that was covered, wherein I might follow them step by step, and hear all their conversation, I resolved to hazard something, that I might find an occasion to do you some service. That which made me have such a desire to hearken to them, that to satisfy it I put myself in danger, was the knowledge I had of the mortal hatred Roxana bore to Queen Statira; and my belief that in that revolution of affairs, and in those interviews with Perdiccas by night, she might perchance contrive something against her. That suspicion, which within awhile after I should have thought had been inspired into me by the gods, if they had suffered me to make use of it to prevent those mischiefs, incited me to play the spy, and for that purpose slipping along a pail without being taken notice of, or having my intention so much as dreamt of, I stole into that covered Ally, on the outside whereof Roxana and Perdiccas were walking. My design succeeded as I could have wished, and thinking no body overheard them, they spoke not so low, but that having nothing between them and me except a few boughs, I could easily understand all they said, I walked just as they walked, and turned at the end of the Ally as they did, but with as little nois and as much circumspection as was possible. I knew by the first words I heard that my suspicion was not causeless, for after a little silence Perdiccas spoke on this manner. How great a design soever I have to pleas & serve you, Madam, I cannot but feel a repugnancy against the proposition you make to me, and I cannot without horror remember that to obey you I must imbrue my hands in the blood of two women, of two great and virtuous Princesses, whereof one was the wife of my King, and the other is the widow of my friend; their sex, their quality, and the memory of their brave illustrious husbands, divert both my arm and heart from that attempt, and I could willingly wish some other more gentle and more fitting expedient might be found to satisfy you, and to establish that security you demand. It is not (and I call the gods to witness) that I would refuse the most dangerous occasions to obey you; nor, but that the honour your Majesty does me to link my interest with yours, is more considerable to me then all the fortune I can pretend to by other means; but yet I cannot overcome those difficulties in my soul, which some remainders of virtue produce there against this enterprise, and in this execution even my hand itself refuses to serve in the design I have to obey you. Perdiccas without doubt would have said more, if the Queen had not interrupted him thus. One may be scrupulous as you are Perdiccas, when the question is concerning less than the Empire of the World; and I protest to you, I feel little less repugnance than you do against this cruelty to which we are compelled by the necessity of our affairs; but do you think there can be any security for the son and for the widow of Alexander, or for the Macedonian Princes, so long as Darius his daughters are alive? do you believ that this calm which Alexander settled with so much blood, and with so much difficulty can last after his death, and that the Persians who submitted but by force to the Macedonian yoke, will not take arms now for their lawful Princes, and use their endeavours to restore the blood of their first Masters to the Throne? If the cruelty of this enterprise strike horror in you, remember Perdiccas, that it is not without example in all Monarchies, and that both amongst us, and amongst our Neighbours, we have no Age that cannot furnish us with a good number of precedents. Did not Artaxerxes whom the whole world held for a very good Prince, and his Successor Occhus, both Predecessors to Darius, secure their Estates by the blood of their children, and of their brothers? and if you would have fresher ones even in your own Country, did not Queen Olimpias who is yet alive, the Mother of our deceased King, after King Philip was dead, cause her rival Cleopatra to be put to death, having first made a daughter she had by him, to be killed in her presence, because she might possibly have one day raised some trouble in her dominions? And did not Alexander himself our dear husband, and most honoured King, whose memory is most sacred to us, and all whose actions ought to be the rules of our life, begin his so glorious Reign by the death of those that were nearest to him? and when he came out of Macedonia, did he leave one of them alive who could disturb the calm he left there? Consider now Perdiccas whether these persons whom I have alleged had so important reasons as ours are, and whether they upon light surmises & occasions of small weight, did not execute that, which we do out of pure necessity, and for the conservation of our lives, and of the Empire of the world. Those persons (replied Perdiccas) have by those actions left blemishes upon their lives, which all the most gallant ones they ever performed, will never be able to wipe out, and all the blackest deeds they ever did, can no way parallel the infidelity you enjoin me to, me I say, who am not only a kinsman, and a subject of Alexander's, but who amongst all about him, received the last glorious marks of his affection, and of being preferred before so many other Princes worthy of the kingdoms he hath left. In this action (added Roxana) you will be so far from offending Alexander's memory, that you will give him proofs of your fidelity, since it is only to secure the Empire to his son, that you take them out of the world who might dispute it with him; And if to this consideration, it be permitted to add that of your own interests Perdiccas, remember what you do for yourself, since the least recompense proposed to you, is the sovereign authority, which you will have over this son whose Guardian you shall be, and which you shall share with his Mother whom you will have established in it. Perdiccas' demurred awhile before he answered to this last discourse of Roxana's, and they walked almost a whole turn in the Ally without speaking, but in the end Perdiccas breaking silence, I wish to the gods, Madam, (said he) that you could content, and secure yourself by milder ways; these methinks are such strange ones, that I cannot dispose myself to follow them, but I desire this night's respite to finish the overcoming of those difficulties, I find in myself; to morrow as soon as you are stirring, I will let your Majesty know my last resolution, and I will rather die then give you occasion to repent the trust you repose in me, and the favours you do me. Well, Perdiccas (replied Roxana) I grant you the time you demand, and I hope that by your last resolution, we shall both have cause to be satisfied. After these words, Perdiccas bade the Queen good-night, and retiring to his followers went out of the Garden. I might have gone away with him, but I was so surprised, and astonished at the things I had heard, that I thought not of my departure, and seeing that the Queen without stirring out of that Ally, called Hesione whom she loved best of all her women, and commanded the rest to stay where they were, I had a mind to hear that second conversation, whereby I believed I might fully instruct myself touching that detestable design which was in agitation against those poor Princesses. Roxana sat down upon a green sodded bank, and as soon as Hesione came near her; I have much ado (said she) to persuade Perdiccas to what I desire for our common security, and he sticks at considerations, which the ambition of reigning aught to have extinguished in his mind. I do not think it strange, (replied Hesione) and that which your Majesty requires, hath something so cruel in it, that I cannot remember it without horror, nor without wondering, as at a prodigy, how the thirst of reigning, can have choked in you that pity which is natural to women, and have carried you to such bloody resolutions against Princesses who have a near relation to you, whom heretofore you accounted dear, and who have no way offended you; Pardon me, Madam, if I speak with too much liberty, I am so affrighted at this horrible change of your humour, that I have not understanding enough left to approve these inhuman reasons of state, which demand such violent executions. Roxana harkened to these words of Hesione, without interrupting her, and having remained awhile without answering otherwise then by two or three sighs, Ah! Hesione (said she at last) how just would thy wonder be, if thou wert not well instructed in my most secret thoughts, and with how much reason mightst thou appear affrighted at this change of my humour, if I had not trusted thee with the cause of it a thousand times; thou knowest O dissembling Hesione, that my inclinations to cruelty are not strong enough to move me to such bloody tragedies, merely out of maxim of state, and out of a desire to reign; that only servs for a pretext to more powerful incitements, and to cover a passion more violent than ambition; nor do I love the crown enough to violate both divine and humane Laws for it alone. Alas! Hesione, thou art not ignorant of this truth, thou knowest that love hath blotted out of my soul, all that was good and reasonable in it heretofore, and that my jealousy arms my hand more potently against my rival, than ambition doth against my competitor for the Empire; the remembrance of ungrateful Oroöndates kindles my indignation against her that took him from me, and his image never comes into my memory without enflaming my anger against that proud beauty which triumphed over me in the soul of that inhuman Prince; While the hope of her lawful possessing him was forbidden her by the life of the King her husband, I bore my misfortune patiently; but now that by the death of Alexander the way to it lies open for her, and that I see them upon the very brink of that felicity, which I have vainly opposed, I had rather she should perish, and that the whole world should perish with her, then that I should become subject to those sensible afflictions; I know by the report of Arbates, who is returned out of Scythia whither I had sent him, that Oroöndates is still alive, and he hath quitted his own Country to return again into ours; he sees her perchance every day, that victorious enemy of Roxana's, and contrives with her the last effects of that ingratitude which he always was guilty of to me; Here it is O Hesione! that I confess my weakness, and that I am constrained to avow, that neither time, resentment, nor duty, have been able to prevail against my former passion, and that notwithstanding I am Alexander's widow, notwithstanding that Oroöndates is ingrateful, I love him still more than myself, and that sleeping or waking that insensible man, too lovely, and too much beloved, comes incessantly before me, and that inveterate passion, hath taken too deep a root in my soul, to be ever pulled up but by the end of my life. After this confession, Hesione, dost thou think I will suffer my everlasting rival, to enjoy a happiness, which she cannot build but upon the ruins of my repose, and that I will permit that insolent woman, who during the life of my husband, deprived me with tyranny of the better part of his affections, should make herself sport with my miserable destiny? Ah! no Hesione, hope not for such mean spirited effects of my patience, and believ that to free myself of that bitter enemy of my life, I will trample underfoot all the considerations of blood, of duty, and even of the fear we have of the gods: After her destruction, let the ingrateful man persevere in his hardheartedness toward me▪ and let him be unsensible both of the proofs of my love, and of the advantages I can offer him in the condition of my fortune; I shall however have this satisfaction, that if I can not make his disdains to cease, I shall at least have taken away the cause of them, and that Statira shall not brag, she triumphed over Roxana unpunished. Roxana brought forth these words with a vehemence, which sufficiently showed the violence of that passion that animated her, and Hesione who had given ear to her without interruption, said thus at the end of her discourse; But Madam, what is your last intention? and if you will permit my zeal to beg of you the continuation of that trust wherewith your Majesty hath ever honoured me, what do you pretend to by the death of those Princesses? I thought (replied Roxana) that I had explained myself enough, and that I had left thee no occasion to be ignorant of my intentions, but since thou demandest a more ample declaration, know, that I will first dispatch that rival out of the world, which hath gotten those advantages over me both in the heart of Oroöndates, and in that of Alexander, whereby I have been dishonoured; and when Oroöndates with her, hath lost his utmost hopes, I do not think he will be so blind as not to know his fortune, nor so disdainful as to contemn those greatnesses to which I can raise him; In the condition I now am, I am not so ill savored, but that with a good part of the world whereof I can offer him the disposing, I may pretend to some part in his affection, and perhaps there is not a Prince in all world, that would not buy his condition even with the hazard of his life; to this consideration, I by the by, join those of the state, and in contenting my passion I secure my own authority, and that of the son which may be born of me; that reason was not strong enough alone to persuade me to an action against which conscientious people would have some repugnance, but if I be so unfortunate as to see myself deceived in my first hopes, and to strive in vain to change Oroöndates his inclinations, I shall at least have this pleasure to have wreaked my hatred, and satisfied my jealousy, in destroying her, who hath destroyed my repose, and in depriving that ingrateful man of the object of his hopes, and of the occasion of his scorn; and since there is a necessity of shedding blood to secure the Throne to my son, and to myself, I shall have this consolation, to have sacrificed no body to those maxims but those persons whom by more powerful reasons I was compelled to hate.  
I believ Roxana would have said more; and I had continued to hearken to her with the same attention, if I had not been unfortunately surprised in that employment, I had thrust my head almost quite among the boughs which grew along the side of the Ally, and was so attentive to her discourse, (though there was great occasion to fear, and to mistrust in an enemy's place as that where I then was) that some of Roxana's maids were come into the same Ally, and were gotten close to me before I perceived them; As soon as I turned my head, I saw myself encompassed with them, and the more fearful of them crying out of a sudden, the Guard that were in the Garden, and who by Roxana's express command stood but at a little distance from her, came running presently, and entering at both ends of the walk, deprived me of all possibility of escaping; I would have attempted it, which made me the more suspected, and the more guilty, but I was instantly laid hold on, searched and examined; they found no other arms about me but my sword, and to their examination, I answered that I was a volunteer in Perdiccas his Troops, that I came into the Garden with him, and that having wandered through curiosity into that Ally, I had not seen when he went away. They to whom I gave this account not being satisfied with my answers, and suspecting me of some wicked design began to threaten me with death if I told not the truth, and presenting the points of their javelins at me, they indeed struck me with some apprehension. I was in fear of my safety among those men to whom I was unknown, and who with probability might accuse me of some evil intention, and 'twas easily to be observed in my face, and in my words; when Roxana who had heard the nois, and who began to learn the cause of it, commanded me to be brought before her. They quickly fetched in a great many Torches out of the next Court, and they that held them putting them near unto my face, gave the Queen and those that were with her, means to consider me intentively. She asked me the same questions, and I answered in the same manner as I had done the rest, but the estate of her affairs, and that of her conscience making her fear all things, she sent to Perdiccas to see if he would own me, and seeing me falter in my answers, she began to have a very ill opinion of me, and was ready to give some fatal order against me, when one of those who stood near her, having known me by the light of the Torches, made himself way, and coming to me, O Toxaris (said he) is it you? I instantly lift up my head, overjoied to meet one of my acquaintance in that necessity, and fixing my eyes upon his face, I knew the man who had spoken to me, to be Arbates, that faithless servant of yours (that had been) who corrupted by Roxana's presents, stole the Bracelet from you at Damascus, which you had received from Statira; who a great while after carried it to her with the Letter you write unto Roxana; and who in short, had managed all that treachery, which caused such bloody effects, and from which almost all your losses have proceeded. Although his infidelity made me to abhor him, I confess I was glad to see him at that time, hoping that by reason of our old acquaintance, he would be a means to procure my safety and my liberty, as soon as I had perfectly called him to mind, and gotten a little confidence by that encounter; Yes, Arbates (said I) I am Toxaris. Then I presently saw that falls man draw near unto Roxana, and having desired audience for two or three words, he spoke to her awhile so softly that no body could overhear him, and when they had done talking, Roxana turning towards one of the Captains of her Guard, Carry this fellow (said she) to a place of security, and use him according to the directions of Arbates who shall let you know my pleasure. At that command they took me from before her, who went out of the Garden at the same time, and Arbates guiding him that led me out of the Palace, I was brought to a house which was appointed for my prison, where they set guards upon me, whose lives were to answer it, if I escape.  
I continued that night, and the next day in great apprehensions and disquiets, among which the fear of death was not my chiefest trouble; Not but that in effect I was afraid of it, and had a since of the punishment which uses to be inflicted upon Spies, especially those who harken after the secrets of Sovereigns, and principally of such as are in the condition Roxana was, since I might have been suspected to have had some design against her person, and to have been dealt withal by some of the contrary party, and by those who had an interest in her death; but to that apprehension, I joined my sorrow what I could not make use of the mercy the gods had showed me, and that I could not prevent the murder of those great Princesses, by the notice I should have given them of that conspiracy if I had been at liberty; I was also very much afflicted that I could not return to your Highness to give you an account of the Commission you had employed me in, not doubting but you were impatient of my delay. That day I was visited by Arbates, who highly endeared the good office he had done me, and protested to me with oaths, that, but for his intercession with the Queen, my ruin had been inevitable; he afterward promised me the continuation of his endeavours on my behalf, and made me hope for all manner of good usage. To say truth that I received was not ill for a prisoner, and the next day I saw a companion brought into me when I least expected him; It was Loncates whom your Highness had sent after me to Babylon by reason of my stay, and who having unluckily met Arbates, was known by him, and by his direction seized upon by Roxana's guard who brought him presently to the same place where I was. In that Arbates was imprudent, for if he had kept us in several prisons, he might much more easily, have drawn from us what Roxana had a mind to know, then by putting us both into the same chamber, where we had leisure enough to instruct one another, and to conform our answers, that we might not be entrapped if they examined us apart. When I had given Loncates an account of the cause of my imprisonment, and of the words I had heard from Roxana and Perdiccas touching the design they had against the Queen Statira, and the Princess her sister; Loncates with a sorrowful look told me he began to hear a whispering in the Town, that those poor Princesses were dead already, and that he having been at the Palace of Queen Sysigambis had heard cries, and seen faces that had confirmed him in that opinion. That news surprised me with a mortal affliction, and considering how it suited with the words I had overheard, I no longer doubted of the lamentable destiny of those poor Ladies. We spent all the rest of the day and the next in bewailing a loss, wherein we knew you would have the greatest share, and we had not yet dried up our tears, when Arbates followed with a Guard came into our Chamber, and told us he had order to bring us before the Queen, and that we ought to hope for a good success from the sight of her. We were so dejected with grief, that we received that message with an indifferent countenance, and without informing our selus of Roxana's intentions we followed Arbates to the Palace. It was already a good while within night, and Roxana was in her bed, the Guard brought us to the Chamber door, but only Arbates, and some of her women went in with us, and bringing us on the far side of the bed, showed us Roxana in a condition able to have caused love in persons that had not been prepossessed with powerful reasons to hate her; the season being very hot, she was almost half naked in her bed, and her arms and neck quite uncovered set forth such beauties as in the opinion of other Judges would have found few equals in the world; her head dressing though negligent was not unbecoming, and her whiteness in a place where all things were black, had a very extraordinary lustre; Only Hesione stayed at her beds feet, and her other maids being retired into the next room with Arbates, Roxana after having looked awhile upon us spoke on this manner. If I d●d not believ you to be civil men, and that you have gained virtue and discretion by being near the Prince whom you have the honour to serve, I should not use you in a fashion quite extraordinary for persons of my quality, since however you cannot disavow but that you are faulty, and that one of you has been taken in an action, which in all customs, and all Nations makes him worthy of death; but the breeding you have had with a Prince who is an Enemy to all evil thoughts does partly justify your intentions, and although they should be criminal, his consideration is sufficient to make me forgive the most unpardonable offences, and to move me to forget all the designs you could have had even against my life itself; I will therefore pardon you, whatsoëver you can have attempted against me, but I will have your Master thank me for it, and after this small proof of the continuation of my good will to him, he shall receiv others that are greater, and of more importance; I see myself now in a condition, wherein I can make the greatness of my fortune, supply the defect of those qualities of my person which he hath disdained, and wherein nevertheless after his disdains Alexander found something he thought considerable. I am ashamed to make you this confession, but my weakness has showed itself but too much already, and my opinion of you is good enough to believ, that you will not abuse the confidence I have in you; 'tis by it, and by advantages which are not despicable that I would oblige you to tell me news of your Master, and to let me know the place of his abode; desiring no other requital of you, but that alone, both for the pardon I grant you, and for the presents I intent you. The subtle Queen spoke to us in words to this effect; but we heard nothing from her, which we had not expected, and being we had prepared our selus for the answer we should make, I found no great difficulty to reply. Madam, although the fault I have committed be full of innocence and stupidity, my Companion and I receiv the pardon your Majesty grants us as a mere mercy, and as an effect only of your goodness, and I would it pleased the gods, that in acknowledgement, you required such proofs of our obedience as were in our power, and that we could tell where to give our Prince an account of the honour you do him to keep him still in your remembrance; but the place of his abode is unknown to us; since the time he left Scythia, after the defeat of Zopirio, we have wandered in vain from Province to Province to inquire for him; 'twas only that design which brought us into this Country, where he has formerly had occasions of stay, & will make us prosecute our search unto the world's end. Roxana was not satisfied with this answer, and having expressed as much by shaking her head; If I did not know (said she) that you are not ignorant of the affection I have born to Oroöndates, I should believ you apprehended some danger to him in this encounter, but since (by my misfortune) it is but too well known, you cannot fear that the sight I desire of your Master can be disadvantageous to him. You know already that I have loved him but too much for my quiet, and you must still know whether I will or no, that I love him yet more than myself; you constrain me to a confession that makes me blush, but it also secures you from all the mistrusts you might have for your Master, and you are but two well assured, that 'tis only to share my fortune with him, that I so much desire to see him again; do not therefore any longer conceal what I so fain would know of you, since I am better instructed in your affairs then you imagine. It is true, Oroöndates went out of Scythia after the defeat of Zopirio, but I know whom he took along with him, and that only Araxes, and you two attended him in that journey. We were a little surprised to hear that the Queen was so well informed, but we lost not our confidences and persisted so firmly in our resolution, that she could draw nothing else from us though she joined threats to the promises she had made us; when she saw we could be shaken by neither, she commanded us to be carried back again, and only said to us before Arbates, you are unworthy of the usage you receiv from me, and by your indiscreet obstinacy, you do your Master a very ill office. But know you ought not longer to abuse my goodness, nor the consideration I have of you for his sake; I give you yet a few days to bethink your selus, go, and remember that you are criminals, and prisoners to them that have you wholly in their power. With these words she commanded us to be carried away, and Arbates guarded as before, conveied us back unto our prison; when we were there he reproved us very sharply, and told us that our death was unavoidable if we persevered in our stubborness; promising us on the other side, mountains of gold if we would obey the Queen, and alleging what she had done for him, in reward of his infidelity, but that example caused a horror in us, in stead of an encouragement to what he desired, and our aversion to that Traitor was too great to hearken to his counsels, or to imitate his actions.  
The multiplicity of Roxana's affairs forced her to allow us a few day's respite, during which we were reasonably well used, and received no other persecutions save those of Arbates, who setting himself continually to torment us, hardly afforded us any time of intermission; but within awhile after, he came to fetch us again, at the same hour, and with the same Guard as the time before, and brought us to Roxana in the same Chamber where we had seen her; she being resolved to try all the ways she could, to sift that out of us which she desired, received us with a great deal of gentleness, and as soon as we were come near her; Well Toxaris, well Loncates (said she, for she had learned our names from Arbates) will you not at last be sensible of the request I have made to you? and if the consideration of interest cannot move you, will you not out of generosity oblige a Queen who has trusted you with her most secret affections, and who demands nothing of you, that is not advantageous to your Master? for briefly that fidelity he stood so much upon to the deceased Queen Statira is no longer now in season; and since the cruelty of her destinies has taken her from us, he ought also to take her out of his remembrance; he has too good a judgement to fix himself obstinately upon the love of that which hath now no being, and to disdain a fortune in mine, which perchance no other Prince in the world would contemn. Consider friends, what I represent unto you, and be no longer wilful in concealing the retreat of him whom I love more dearly than myself; you are cruel in this action, and I am confident he will not justify you in it himself; for this small service I require of you, you may certainly hope for excessive recompenses, and you shall find me so sensible of this obligation, that your fortune shall be envied by persons of the highest quality. To these words, flattering Roxana added many others which were all without any effect, and Loncates answering, protested with many oaths that we knew not where you were; I accompanied his protestations with mine, and we might safely swear it without offending the gods, or wounding our consciences, being well assured that you stayed not for us still in the same place where we had left you, and not being able to guests what way you had taken afterward. Roxana was no more satisfied than the former time, but because she, by common fame, knew the nature of Scythians, among whom death is so little considered, that the fear of it shake's them not from the slightest of their resolutions, she would not so soon fly to extremities, but contenting herself with telling us, that by her good usage she would force us to oblige her, she commanded Arbates to carry us back again, and to give us, except liberty, whatsoëver we in reason could desire. We for some days after that had a better table, and were less strictly looked to then before, but all the courses that were taken could never get any thing out of us. The reasons that made us so firm in our resolution were sufficiently powerful; We knew the hatred which with so much justice your Highness bore unto that woman, from whom you had received such ill offices through the whole course of your affection, and whose treachery alone, by depriving you of Statira, had deprived you of your rest for ever, and to complete the occasions of detesting her, we knew by her own confession (though she was very careful to conceal it from all the world) that she was the murtheress of that fair Queen, by that knowledge we were assured, that you would prefer the most cruel deaths, before the vexation of falling into the hands of that bitter enemy, and moreover by those bloody testimonies of her cruelty, we judged her to be of a spirit dangerous enough to run to extremity, to break forth into a violent rage against you, when she should once be certain that she could not move you by her artifices; these considerations confirmed us in the design of suffering any thing rather than submit you to such sensible afflictions, expose you to such manifest dangers.  
Arbates visited us every day, and that traitor to seduce us flattered us a thousand ways, and feigned to have a wonderful confidence in us, he discovered those affairs to us which seemed to be of greatest importance; and gave us account of part of those matters which passed at court, and in Roxana's cabinet. One day being in our chamber, he by chance let fall a paper; Loncates took it up as soon as he was gone, and though it was close folded up, and fast sealed, we considered him so little, that we made no difficulty to break it open; it had no superscription, but the words were to this effect.  
IF to adore you, if to die for you, be crimes worthy of those thunders wherewith you have so often threatened me, dart them (my Sovereign) at this guilty man, who cannot cease to adore you, and who cannot repent his design of dying for you; but if that silence your Majesty has enjoined me, be not religiously enough observed, expect the punishment of it from that same death, from which I expect both my remedy, and my recompense; 'tis in it alone I have bounded my most glorious ambition, and I have no thoughts that are unworthy of it, since I have none but such as tend wholly to you. In commanding me to hold my peace, you make use, Madam, of the double Empire you have over me, and I should obey you with a perfect resignation, if you had left me any power either to command or to obey myself; not that I groan under the yoke you have imposed upon me, I received it without murmuring, and I have born it without complaining of its weight; but why is it insupportable to you, since it is I that undergo all the pain of it, and that having defended yourself against compassion, it hath made you suffer nothing that can render it burdensome to you? It hath made you suffer, my complaint, indeed, alas, if a discreet complaint like mine be so criminal, where will you find innocence? and if you will pardon it in none but Alexander's, or in persons worthy of you, where will your clemency find matter to exercise itself?  
The reading of this letter wrought some curiosity in us: and Loncates and I endeavoured in vain to guests at the author of it; we conjectured easily that it was addressed to Roxana, and that Arbates who served her only in affairs of that nature, had there some new practice in hand, but we could not imagine which of the Princes was bold enough to speak to her of love before the obsequies of Alexander. We were thus busied, when Arbates who had perceived what he had lost, came back into our chamber in a great deal of trouble. He seemed to be much strucken when he found that letter in our hands, and he was in doubt which way he should receiv that trick of familiarity, but Loncates stepped to him, and restoring it with a smiling countenance, be not offended at our curiosity Arbates (said he) our design was only to instruct our selus in your loves, to jest with you a little, and not at all to do you any disservice; but if that desire hath made us commit an incivility, you have at least this satisfaction, that though we have read it, we are not a jot wiser than before. Arbates his face began to clear up a little at these words, and taking the letter again from Loncates, after he had bethought himself a while, I should have been very sorry (said he) if this letter had fallen into the hands of other persons less discreet than you are, but the knowledge I have both of your fidelity, and constancy in keeping a secret, would even oblige me to declare this to you, if you would promise me not to abuse the confidence I have in you. The desire we had to learn that business, invited us to make him all the protestations he could wish for, and when he believed he had secured himself enough, we sat down, and he spoke to us on this manner.  
I hazard not so small a matter in discovering, what you desire to learn of me, that you should think it a light obligation, and in revealing this secret I offend a man of great authority, and one that would never pardon me if I should disserv him; but besides the assurance I have in your promises which I believ inviolable, I see this man carry's matters into such terms that they cannot much longer be concealed, and that the Mistress whom I serve condemns his follies, and would be much displeased that I had meddled in them. You have heard speak of Cassander the son of Antipater whom Alexander when he came into Asia, left Viceroy in Macedonia, and in all those territories he had conquered in Europe, where he acquired so great credit and authority, that among the Greeks, and Macedonians, Alexander himself never was more absolute than he. We know very well (said we) the reputation of Cassander and of Antipater, and we are not ignorant, that among the Princes of Alexander's Court, there were very few that held so lofty a rank as they. 'Tis that Cassander (replied Arbates) who writes this letter you have read unto the Queen, he is most desperately in love with her, and he has given her testimonies of it which have mortally offended her, and redoubled the aversion she has naturally against him; 'twas almost by force that he obliged me to take charge of delivering this letter, and I foresaw so little satisfaction to myself in this commission, that I have not been very hot in performing it; but because Hesione has made me acquainted with some particulars of that love, and of the first knowledge he gave of it, I will show you an example of freedom in relating them to you.  
It was a little before the voyage into the Indies that Cassander came to be near Alexander, having been bred up in Greece with his father Antipater, who as I have told you had an absolute authority there. The consideration of the father who by many victories obtained to the advantage of the Macedonians, had made himself necessary, and almost terrible to the King, placed the son in one of the foremost ranks about him, and he at the very first was used in the same fashion as the nearest, and most considerable Princes. I know not whether it was then that he fell in love with the Queen, but the first knowledge she had of it was but at Pasargada, where a sickness she had detained her for some time, while Alexander arrived at Susa, where he married Queen Statira in the absence of his former wife. The King taking his way toward Susa, where all things were quiet, and peaceable, left Cassander, and Seleucus to guard the Queen with some part of his forces, and those two Princes never went from her till she was returned to Susa. I had been her servant from the taking of Tyre, and your departure from Sidon, which was five or six months before the battle of Arbella, and that great Princess was pleased so much to value some small service I did her, that from an ordinary condition, she had raised me to a considerable rank amongst those about her. During the Queen's indisposition, Cassander stirred not from her, but when his presence was incommodious; and in all his actions he showed a disquietness which could not proceed only from his zeal, and fidelity to his King. When he was near her, his eyes were perpetually fixed upon her face, but 'twas with troubles and distractions of mind, which took away part of his understanding, and if he was obliged to speak to her, he did it with so much confusion, and disorder, that it was easy to judge he was prepossessed with some very strong passion. One day when the Queen asked him if he had heard any news out of Greece, since the return from the Indies, in stead of answering to that question, It is a decree of the destinies (said he) who dispense not all things with justice. The Queen by that reply easily knew the preoccupation of his mind, she had begun to observe it in many such like encounters, and at that time not being able to forbear laughing; Behold (said she) a very satisfactory answer, and very much to the purpose. Cassander coming to himself perceived the fault he had committed; he excused it as well as he could, but though he had a very good wit, he did but entangle himself the more, and by that last trouble showed greater marks of the confusion of his mind then before. At such hours as the Queen took her rest, or was not in a condition to be seen, he stirred not from her chamber door, and as soon as any of her maids, or necessary officers of her chamber came forth, he ran to inquire how the Queen did, with such a care, as visibly testified the particular interest he had in her health. The Queen who was told of it, and who knew not the true cause, was very well pleased with him for his diligence; she writ the King word of it herself, and many times expressed her acknowledgement to Cassander in very obliging words. As soon as she was able to leave her bed, and that within a while after she began to go out of her chamber, he would never suffer any body but himself to wait upon her as Gentleman usher, and in doing that office he had the advantage to hold her by the hand, and the liberty to entertain her almost all the day. One time being in chamber with her, and some of her maids▪ the Queen went to the looking-glass to mend her head dressing, and in the interim the blinded Cassander seeing her back turned toward him, and not considering that by the reflection of the glass she saw all that was done in the chamber, could not forbear stretching out his hands by his side, bowing down his head with a beseeching action, and doing postures, which had something in them very ridiculous, if considered by persons without passion: the Queen who easily discerned all he did, turned toward him quite surprised, and that so suddenly that she found him still in the same condition. What's the matter Cassander (said she) are you foolish, and do you take notice what you do? Cassander was abashed at this encounter, for which he was not prepared, but seeing himself forced to reply; I am not very wise Madam (answered he) but your Majesty see's but the lightest marks of my folly. These words caused some suspicion in the Queen, which kept her from pressing him further, and reflecting upon many other actions of that nature which she had observed, began to doubt something of the truth, but that same day she discovered more evident proofs of it. She received unwelcome news from Susa, by one of her servants she had sent thither, who brought her word that the King more than ever, in love with the Princess Statira, was determined to marry her, and that the business was gone so far, that there was very little means of hindering it. This touched the Queen with so sensible a grief, that 'twas impossible for her to dissemble it, she wept all the rest of the day, and complained of the King's inconstancy, in terms which sufficiently testified how much she was afflicted. Cassander hearing of it, went to wait upon her, and seeing some tears fall from her eyes, he could not so far command his passion, but that it forced him to say aloud, Those precious tears Madam, cannot be recompensed but by all the blood of those that are the cause of them; but if your Majesty be offended, why do you not make use of the power you have over Cassander? The Queen, who knew not at first how she should interpret those words, turning toward him; And what would you do for me (said she) in a misfortune to which the gods alone can give remedy or consolation? I would do all (replied Cassander briskly) that can be expected from a man to whom Empire, to whom life, to whom even honour itself is not considerable, in respect of your commands, and of the occasions to serve you; I would neither regard blood, nor sex, nor dignity, and to obey you I would violate the faith that is due to men, the most sacred rights, and all the laws of Nature. Cassander pronounced these words (which were violent enough of themselves) with such a violence, as did sufficiently discover the passion that animated him, and the Queen from thence drawing a confirmation of her suspicions, would not give him any occasion to clear them more fully, but contented herself with replying. You would be able to do nothing for me, Cassander since that in this misfortune I am injured only by my Master, and my King, against whom I ought not so much as to complain. Cassander was ready to make answer, and perhaps such an one as would no longer have suffered her to doubt of his passion, if the Queen, who had a mind to break off that entertainment, had not removed out of her place, and began another discourse. In the mean time seeing herself strong enough to undergo the voyage, and being desirous to take her way toward Susa the next day, she commanded that order should be given about her equipage, and prepared herself for a departure which she believed she had deferred but too long already. That evening she went down into the garden, where she walked in a covered alley with Seleucus, and Cassander, but Cassander having found means to free himself of Seleucus, by some occasion which he put him in mind of on the sudden, remained alone with the Queen, and seeing that Hesione, and her other maids were far enough off not to overhear what he said, he thought he could not find a more favourable opportunity to discover his passion to the Queen, than now she was in an ill humour against the King, judging with reason that nothing is so powerful to alienate the affection of a wife from her husband, and make her capable of another, as her knowledge that she is undervalved by him. 'Twas this opinion that made him the bolder, and drawing an occasion of discourse from the Queen's trouble, after he had continued a while in some disorder; Madam (said he at last with an unassured voice) the King must needs be very much blinded, since he for another beauty forsake's the most charming, and the most accomplished one the gods ever creäted. Ah! if they had but granted such a fortune as his to other men— He made a stop at these words, and the Queen whom they had displeased, being willing to cut them off; The King (said she) Cassander knows me for such as I am, nor is it necessary you should take further knowledge of it. I would it had pleased the gods (cried the passionate Cassander) lifting up his eyes to heaven, I would it had pleased the gods that I had never had that fatal knowledge which hath drawn me from that of myself, which has deprived me of my reason, and destroyed my repose for the whole remainder of my life. The Queen needed no more to make her comprehend, that he had utterly lost the respect he owed her, nor indeed did she suffer him any longer, but thrusting him back with the hand he held her by, after she had looked upon him with eyes kindled with a just indignation, Get you gone insolent man (said she) go die for the expiation of your fault, and believ that only my contempt of you, save's you from those punishments you deserv, and spare's the King's ears from hearing of the impudence of his subject. At thest words without staying for a reply, she left him quite confounded, and besides himself, and calling Hesione, and the rest of her maids, she went to the other side of the alley so nettled at the offence she had received, that of all the rest of the day, it was impossible for her to settle herself again.  
The next morning she departed from Pasargada, but Cassander came not near her chariot that day, nor did he so much as appear before her during all the rest of the journey, but when she was come to Susa, and that he no longer was in office about her, he passed by no occasion of seeing her, yet had he never the boldness to speak to her, nor come near her, and he only fed his sight, without contenting himself any other way. At the Temple he always took a place from whence he might behold her at liberty, and be seen by her, and as often as she lift up her eyes, she perpetually met Cassander's fixed upon hers, and saw him do an hundred actions that were sufficient to make his passion observed by any body that had been concerned in it. The Queen who had other occasions enough to be in ill humour, and who since the King's last marriage was fallen into a deep discontent, was exasperated at this perseverance of Cassander's, and was often ready to let her indignation break forth, but she was withheld by many considerations, and satisfied herself with only complaining to Hesione, and giving her express charge to rid her of him. Tell that insolent fellow (said she) that I forbid him my sight for ever, that I will ruin him, if he eat it not as carefully to obey me, as he hath sought it to displeas me, and that in short I will make the King acquainted with his folly, at the first sign he give's me of its continuation. Hesione told Cassander what the Queen had commanded her, and he was thereby reduced to great extremities. He was afraid of Alexander, who in some encounters had already showed an aversion to him; he feared Roxana upon whom his life depended with a much more absolute power, but he had much ado to dispose his mind to that tyrannical obedience she required of him. The Queen (said he to Hesione) is not satisfied with having forbidden me to speak to her, but she also forbids me the sight of her, Ah! Hesione, this is a strange kind of usage, and though I am not ignorant what I owe to Alexander's wife, I am ignorant what I shall be able to do upon myself to show my obedience; her anger is much more terrible to me, then that of Alexander, and I love my life too little to be touched with any other fear, save that of displeasing her. From that time forward nevertheless, he was more wary than he had been formerly, and as much as possibly he could avoided the occasions of offending her. But not long after she went from Susa to Babylon, and Cassander to whom the cause of her departure was not unknown, meeting Hesione a little before her going away, Tell the Queen (said he) that I am still the same; that her rigorous usage cannot make me change; and if in the discontent that carry's her from hence, she hath need of a bold and trusty person, either to revenge, or free herself, she may remember the power she hath over me, and the offers I made her at Pasargada. This message was told the Queen, but it served for nothing at that time, and hath served for nothing since but to strengthen her in the suspicions she hath against him. The Queen being come to Babylon, led a very melancholy life, and the remembrance of those advantages which Queen Statira had over her, in the mind of the King her busband, fretted her with so insensible a vexation, that she could not possibly dissemble it; I know not whether that resentment awakened the memory of Prince Oroöndates in her, or whether she had preserved it all the time of his absence, but however it were, when I least thought of it, she sent for me into her closet, and did me the honour to say, Arbates, I cannot conceal from you the thoughts I still have for the ingrateful Prince of Scythia, and though I have so many just causes of complaint against him, and that I am not ignorant what I owe unto the King my husband, yet can I not oppose that dear remembrance, and the image of that insensible man comes still into my mind with as much power as ever; not but that I am resolved to keep myself within the strictest rules of my duty, nor but that I would pay unto the King, (as changeable and inconstant as he is) whatsoëver he could have expected from me in his most ardent affections; I have not any intention to draw that ingrateful man hither to me, nor to endeavour yet to win him, but I must learn what is become of him, and I cannot be satisfied, till I know whether he be yet alive, what his fortune is, and in what climate he makes his abode. 'Tis the cruelty of my fate, which even in my highest prosperity opposed that rigorous remembrance, to moderate all my felicities, and the gods have been pleased to counterbalance the greatness heretofore they bestowed upon me, by a misfortune which hath hindered me from tasting the sweetness of it. To these words, and some others, the Queen added a command she laid upon me to go into Scythia, to inquire after the Prince, demanding no other fruit from my voyage, but that I should bring her back word in what place, and in what condition he was. I went from Babylon with this intention, but I will not trouble you with the particulars of my journey, all I shall need to tell you is that I arrived in Scythia, without any considerable encounter, and that having spent some time secretly in the Court, which I found desolate for the Prince's absence, and for that of the Princess his sister who had been stolen away, not long before, and whose loss the King had not been able to bear without an extreme displeasure, nor without having armed all the men for her recovery, which were capable to serve him in that occasion, all the news I could learn of the Prince was, that a while after the defeat of Zopirio, he had secretly left the army he commanded, and had passed over at Byzantium, without any other company save Araxes, you two, and a man that had been brought to him during the siege of Orchilachia. Not being able to get a more ample information, I returned the same way, and arrived not at this Town till two days after the King's death. Although I found the Queen as deeply buried in grief, as it was fit she should be for the greatness of her loss, yet would she hear the success of my voyage, and her sorrows were augmented by the account I gave her of it. From the time of her departure from Susa, she had received no new importunities from Cassander, but after the King's death, he did her exceeding good offices, and being one of the most powerful among the Princes, as well for the consideration of his father Antipater, as for his own, he declared himself loudly for her in all the assemblies that were held for the election of a successor, made parties in favour of her, and embraced her interest with much affection, and with much success. The Queen whose ambition never was the least of her passions, and who naturally love's to reign, took his services kindly, yet I do not believ she has any design to requite them with a particular affection, but that she received them▪ without any intention of engaging herself to him by these obligations. The multitude of Cassander's businesses have hindered him, as yet, from beginning to pretend to her again, though by reason of the King's death, and of the alteration of affairs, he hath some cause to hope for more success than before; but of some late days, the Queen, and many other persons with her have had suspicions, which I may not yet discover, and which do not only redouble the aversion she had to him, but make her abhor, and detest his very name; his quality, and the condition he is in, oppose a clearer sifting of the matter, but though it be dissembled, and not spoken of, there are some presumptions against him, which begin to convince him of the blackest perfidiousness that ever was. He had done me the honour sometimes to speak to me when he came to the Queen's lodgings, yet not with so much familiarity as that I should expect the employment he has given me. But this morning as I was standing at the Palace gate, one of his servants came to seek me from him, and brought me to his chamber▪ I will not repeat all the kind words he used to me, nor the hopes he gave me of a greater fortune, in earnest whereof he forced me to take a diamond of good value, but in the end all his endearments, and all his liberalities ended in praying me to take the charge of delivering the letter you have seen. I refused it as much as possibly I could, and represented to him the danger I was in of being turned away by the Queen, and perchance more severely punished for that action; but notwithstanding all I could allege to put off that employment, I could not get away without promising that I would use my endeavours to serve him. Behold all I know touching his loves, wherein I have no design to entangle myself for him; the difficulty he found in winning Hesione, made him address himself to me, knowing that the Queen has some confidence in me, but I love myself too well to seek my ruin in this business, and I shall find some way or other to eas myself of it.  
The treacherous Arbates, made us this relation of Cassander's loves, and after having ended his discourse with new, unprofitable conjurations to obey the Queen, he took his leave, and left us in quiet for the rest of that day. He solicited us often from her after that with a great deal of mildness, but we having still resisted with the same constancy, she grew so incensed that she commanded they should put put us in irons and offer us the rack, to force that from our mouths by violence of punishments, which she had not been able to screw from us by other means; Her cruel ministers obeyed her, and although the disloial Arbates showed a feigned compassion of us, we were tormented with great severity, but we had the same firmness of resolution in tortures, and those that persecuted us, were almost in despair of success by their persecutions. After that cruel day we had seven or eight of intermission, but that time being expired, they began to torment us again; they used us as spies, and as persons that had some design against the Queen's life, but me especially who had been surprised in the manner as I have told you. It is certain also that in that accident there was occasion enough to suspect me, but I believed that that which would be more hurtful to me, was the having heard by the Queen's discourse, the cruel intention she had since executed against the Princesses, and I thought with reason that being desirous to conceal to all the world the share she had in their death, which she caused to be reported in a way very different from the truth, she would infallibly dispatch me out of the world, if she suspected me to be a witness of her designs. I believ indeed it was that which made her resolve upon it, for yesterday the Captain that had us in his custody, being come into our chamber, took off our irons, and telling us that he would set us at liberty, he made us get up behind certain armed men, and brought us out of the Town; I know not for what reason the Queen caused us not to be put to death in Babylon, as she might easily have done, but whatsoëver it was, they carried us a great while along the River side, before we could guests at any thing of our destiny; but at last we came into a valley, not far from hence, where those cruel men having tied us to two Trees, after having in vain tormented us, to force a confession of what we had so carefully concealed, they were going to execute their last resolution, when the gods sent us this valiant Queen, who by the effects of her admirable courage, saved our lives and restored us our liberty, and our Prince who is dearer to us then both life and liberty.  
Toxaris ended his narration thus, and the Princes, and the Amazon Queen who had harkened to him with wonder, remained sad and pensive at the end of his recital. Prince Oroöndates found much matter of thought in it, and after having been a good while silent, I know not (said he at last) by what crimes I can have moved the gods to stir up this woman to torment me, her cruelty ought to be satisfied with the ills she has already made me suffer, and when I thought I had been secure from all her practices, she revives again to persecute me more than ever. It is probable (said Lysimachus) she will not stop at these beginnings, and since she knows you are out of Scythia, and that by great likelihood she may conjecture you are in this Country, she will leave nothing unattempted to find the certainty, and to have you in her power. I should think it convenient, if you were of the same opinion, that to keep yourself from being known to her, and to many other persons who might hurt you, your true name should not be declared but among those whom you shall judge worthy of your friendship, and that among others you should be made to pass for Arsacomes, or for some other stranger Prince whose name may abuse those that are less interessed. All the company approved Lysimachus his motion, and Oroöndates himself having consented to it at the entreaty of the Princes, I do not think (added Lysimachus) that in the condition Roxana now is, it is hard for her to discover you, and to do you a mischief if you continue longer here, where I do not believ you are in safety, being in a place without defence, and so near to Babylon; and if your health would permit, I should think it good to remove you into one of those Towns which are at our devotion, or into the body of our Army. It would be very dangerous (said Ptolomeus) to carry the Prince far in his present estate; I know a more easy expedient for his safety, and one that is almost necessary for us; we must draw our forces hither, and encamp our Army about this house, by that means we shall guard him till he be cured, and bring our men from a place where they have hardly any thing left to subsist on. You know that where they are, victual or forrrage begin to fail them, and that on this side all things are in a better condition; some of the neighbouring Towns are at our disposing, and the open Country will make no resistance against us; the situation of the place is fair and advantageous for us; the nearness of the river is commodious for our Camp, and since we yet are Masters of the field, we ought to make use of our time to take all these advantages. Our Army is not so far from hence, nor the days so short, but that sending order thither to day, our cavalry and part of our infantry may be here to morrow. Eumenes and Lysimachus presently confirmed Ptolomeus his advice, and only Oroöndates opposed the care they took of him, but when he saw that it was advantageous for them however, and that that order was almost necessary, he consented to their opinion, and approved the choice they had made of that place for the encamping of their Army. It was thereupon resolved that Eumenes should instantly go away to the Camp to fetch the forces, and such provisions as could be gotten, and that Ptolomeus, whose credit was great, and whose virtue was much considered in that Country should take horse attended by Araxes, Cleantes, and some of his own followers to spend the rest of that day, and part of the next visiting some neighbouring places from whence they hoped for subsistence. This resolution was no sooner settled, but it was put in execution, and the two Princes taking a short leave of those they left, at the same time went two different ways, and only Lysimachus, the fair Amazon, and some servants remained still with Oroöndates. Then it was that he begun his endearments again to Lysimachus with more liberty than before, & then these two generous friends gave one another a mutual account of their particular adventures, and of their most secret thoughts. They both asked Toxaris and Loncates many questions, but they could tell them nothing of their Princess, and protested to them, that till their coming thither they never heard of their being alive, that in Babylon every body believed them dead, and that their loss had so stirred up the people, that nothing but their fear of the forces of Roxana, Perdiccas, and their associates kept them in obedience; that Roxana declared herself innocent of their death, and disavowed all that Tyreus had reported before he died. Lysimachus having asked Loncates concerning the order that was observed in the Towns he told him their guards were very strict, and that the wounds Perdiccas had lately received, hindered not Cassander, Seleucus, Alcetas and the rest from keeping all things in a good condition, nor from drawing forces together on all sides; this was all the two Princes could learn from those two men, whose imprisonment had deprived them of a more particular knowledge of things. Part of the day was spent in this conversation, and the remainder of it was given to the wounded Prince his repose, but scarce was he awake the next morning, when he saw Lysimachus come into his Chamber with a certain herb in his hand, and with an extraordinary joy in his countenance. Oroöndates after he had received, and returned the good morrow, asked him the cause of it, and Lysimachus sitting down by his bedside, I believ (said he) that I bring you a speedy cure, and if I am not the most deceived in the world, I shall see you in perfect health within this week, and to make you give credit to my words, Know that in our voyage to the Indies, Ptolomeus our dear friend having been dangerously wounded in a fight we had against the Barbarians, Alexander who loved, and considered him very much, was so extremely grieved at it, that he could receiv no consolation; he caused him to be put in his own bed, and lying there with him, saw his wound dressed with strange disquiets. The Chirurgeons were in despair of his life, when the gods to whom it was dear, s●nt the King a miraculous dream in favour of that Prince, for he was no sooner asleep, but dreamt that he saw a Dragon holding an herb in his mouth, which was to serve for Ptolomeus his cure. When the King awaked he told his dream to those that were present, and described the form of that herb, whereof he had preserved the remembrance, and some of the inhabitants of that place having assured him, that there grew such a one in that Country, he caused it to be sought for every where, and those that were sent about it, employed their time so successfully, that they brought him that wonderful herb he had seen in his dream; it was presently applied to Ptolomeus his wound, and by an unheard of prodigy the pain was instantly assuaged, and the wound quite healed up within three days. The mervellous effect of this herb, made us all observe it carefully that we might be able to know it again, to make use of it in the like occasions, but I never found any of it in this Country till this morning, when as I was walking the wood, I thought I saw something very like it growing by the side of the brook, I gathered it with an excess of contentment, and I am the most deceived of all men living if it be not the very same which produces those miraculous effects. Amintas came into the Chamber as they were talking, and Lysimachus having showed it him, he cried out joyfully, confirmed his Master in that opinion; He straightway took the herb, and having prepared it, he applied it to Oroöndates his wounds. That new remedy quickly drew sleep upon his eyelids, and Lysimachus retiring went to tell the Queen of his happy encounter, and of the hope he had conceived, Thalestris was extremely joied at it, and coming into the Prince's Chamber some hours after, he told them at his awaking that he felt himself strangely eased, and that he hoped his remedy would be as successful as he had promised. Ptolomeus came in within a little after, and having presently heard that welcome news, he by his testimony redoubled the Prince's hopes. Oroöndates his fear of being kept in bed by his wounds while others were fight, made him sensible of this good fortune, and 'twas that rather than any love of his life that made him with joy expect his cure, without which he could not second hit generous friends in his own quarrel.  
The Sun was beginning to decline, when Lysimachus looking out at Thalestrises Chamber window, observed a dust which rose from under the feet of the cavalry which Eumenes brought, within awhile after they discerned the Troops, and saw Eumenes himself arrive accompanied with some Commanders of the Army. Thalestris, Lysimachus and Ptolomeus went out of the house to meet him, and having received him according to the friendship that was among them, they went forward towards certain Chariots that came after him, wherein were the two Princesses Apamia and Arsinoé the daughters of Artabasus, and Wives of Ptolomeus and Eumenes, with many other Ladies whose husbands were in the Army. Thalestris who was instructed in the quality of those Princesses welcomed them with much kindness and civility, and Cleone who was come out with her, no sooner saw them, but she ran to them with open arms, and receiving them with an excess of joy, by her encounter gave them a mervellous consolation. They had heard by Eumenes that the two Princesses were alive, to whom they had a very near relation, and to whom they had ever been most dear, and their gladness at that news was easily to be observed in their faces. While the Princes gave order for the encamping of the Army which began to arrive, the Princesses under the conduct of Thalestris went into the house, and so up into Oroöndates his Chamber; The Prince who was advertised of their coming, and who considered them extremely both for the sake of Barsina their sister, and for that of their illustrious husbands, gave them a reception full of respect, and by all manner of ways testified how great a sens he had of the honour they did him. After the first compliments, their discourse was of Barsina, whose goodness the Prince commended in terms which made her sisters see he was not ingrateful for the good offices he had received from her; They told the Prince who asked where she was, that she had been detained at Susa by some small indisposition, and by the nois of those cruel revolutions that had happened at Babylon; that she had lately sent them word she would erelong set forward on her journey toward them, where by reason of the authority of their husbands she believed her retreat would be more assured. They were in this conversation with Oroöndates, when the other Princes after having disposed the Camp, and taken such order in all things as was necessary, came into the Chamber, and mingled altogether in a very pleasing entertainment. It was resolved by Oroöndates his advice, that as soon as he was recovered, and the other Ladies arrived who were to come with their husbands to the general rendezvous, the men should leave Polemon's house to the Ladies, and retire to lie in far commodious Tents, which the Princes had caused to be brought along with the Army, since the house could not be big enough for so great a company, and that the Princes had a great deal of convenient room in their Tents. When they had spent part of the night in these discourses, the company withdrew to their several Chambers, where they were accommodated as well as possibly they might, and where they all rested with much tranquillity.    

THE THIRD PART OF CASSANDRA. The third Book.  
POlemon's house was seated at the foot of a little hill, about five or six hundred paces from the Euphrates; on that side toward the River it was sheltered with a high Wood, which reached from the Garden walls almost to the Bank of it; on that toward the hill there were many Vine-yards, and on the other two an open plain of a vast and spacious breadth; on the side towards Babylon it spread itself to the very Gates, and on the other as far as the Temple of Apollo. It was in that, the Princes caused their Army to encamp, covering themselves on the side toward their Enemies with the Wood, and with the Hill. By break of day all their Tents were set up, and part of the field was possessed with Soldiers who made an end of hutting themselves reasonable commodiously; yet were they shut up within certain limits, and the greatest part of it was reserved for the forces that were still to come up, whose number also was like to be much greater than that which was already quartered.  
Oroöndates having rested very well all night, at his wakening found himself visibly amended; and as a prodigy admired the wonderful effect of Ptolomeu's his herb; the Princes no sooner heard it, but they went into his Chamber to congratulate the beginning of his recovery. After some discourses they had upon that subject, they fell to deliberate of their affairs, and causing those to withdraw who were not of the Council, Ptolomeus asked the Prince of Scythia's advice touching the beginning of that War. Oroöndates received that respect very civilly, and for a long time desired to be excused if he told not his opinion before so many experienced Commanders; but being willing to gain time for his cure, and to retard the progress of those things which might be done without him, when he was forced by the entreaty of the rest to speak his mind, he declared that he thought it not fit to make any attempt before their Allies were come up, thinking them yet too weak to undertake any thing against so many Princes as were of their enemy's party; but to this proposition Ptolomeus answered, that it was true they were weak, but they were sure their Enemies were not stronger in the field than they, and that the supplies they expected could not arrive before theirs. Oroöndates seeing himself stopped by that reply. However (said he) you ought to make known the reasons you have to begin this war against men who heretofore were your friends, as well to keep the reputation you have gotten, as to interess all the world in the justice of your quarrel; it I be not mistaken 'tis the ordinary course; and many persons who would cast themselves into your enemy's party if you made an unjust war, will without doubt embrace yours when they shall know the equity of your cause. Since it is only for the liberty of the Princesses you take up arms, you should first send to demand them of your enemies, and if they refuse to deliver them, you may then denounce war against them; thus you will shun the reproach they might cast upon you, of having surprised them under the shadow of your ancient friendship, and by this declaration you shall make, they can learn nothing of your designs which is not known to them already, and for which they are not already prepared. After this caution which free's us from blame both before the gods and men, we shall march to the battle with more confidence and more approbation; and if the gods bless our enterprise with a happy success, Lysimachus and I by your assistance shall recover our Princesses, and so many gallant men who so charitably engage themselves in our fortune, shall by their Armies enlarge their Dominions, and obtain the Territories of those we conquer. The gods know with how much trouble I shall remain almost useless amongst you, being unable to augment your numbers with more than a single man, who perhaps will be one of the most inconsiderable of your party, but you will be pleased to pardon my want of power, in regard of the distance of my Country, and of my inability to do any thing there, by reason of the severe humour of the King my Father. Lysimachus interrupted the Prince at these words, We hope for more advantage (said he) from your single person then from a potent Army, nor shall we ever doubt of the victory so long as we shall fight near you. These words were accompanied with many others which the Princes uttered in prais of Oroöndates, and they presently approved the counsel he had given, of sending to demand the Princesses. To that end having thought upon it awhile, they made choice of Cleantes and Lycastes the Squires of Lysimachus and Ptolomeus, whom they judged proper for that Commission, as being known for two men of courage, wisdom, and conduct; they were instantly called, and when they were fully instructed what they should do, they took horse together, and went to Babylon. Within a little after Apamia, Arsionoe, Cleone, and the other Ladies came into the Chamber, and finding Oroöndates so well that he might endure company without inconveniency, they sat down by his bed, and began a pleasing conversation. Thalestris who knew that Cappadocia whereof her Kingdom made a part, was now the lot of Eumenes, and who had need of his support and friendship for the conservation of her Estate, laid hold of that opportunity to make herself sure of both, and sitting down by him, after that by a look full of sweetness she had prepared him for the alliance she desired with him, Sir, (said she) we have hitherto preserved our little Dominion either by arms or gentler means, and all those that have been Masters of Cappadocia, have by one of those ways suffered us to live within our limits; I know that the Province where my Predecessors and I have reigned, makes a part of what is now at your disposing, but Darius and Alexander who had the same right, have let us enjoy them peaceably, although our forces were too weak to defend them against such potent Monarches, and you are worthily their Successor, not to have the same civility towards women who will esteem you as they ought to do, and whose neighbourhood shall never give you any just cause of complaint against them. Eumenes who was exceeding generous and civil received the Queen's discourse very respectfully, and answered her, with that grace which accompanied all his words and actions. I would it pleased the gods, Madam, that I could as easily imitate Alexander the Great in the rest of his actions, as while I live I will surpass him in the consideration he had of you; the honour of your neighbourhood makes me prefer my part before any of all the rest of Alexander's Successors, and if I could merit that of your alliance, I would employ the credit of this company to help me to obtain it. The Queen replied to this compliment with a great deal of submission, and having treated an alliance with him upon the sudden, she offered to encreas the Army of the Princes with some Troops she would cause to be raised in her Territories, to which Eumenes should give passage, and let them march with those he expected out of Cappadocia; for that purpose she prayed him to lend her a servant of his to accompany one of her women whom she meant to send into Themiscira, with order and Commissions to Menalippa to leavy ten thousand Amazons, and march the same way with his forces. The Princess who could not undervalue such a supply gave very great thanks to Thalestris, and that fair Queen not being willing to defer the effect of that resolution, went presently into her Chamber to write her Letters, and get her dispatch in such a readiness, that her messenger might depart the next day after, part of that having been spent in these employments, the nightbegan already to draw near when Cleantes and Licastes returned from Babylon; As soon as Lysimachus saw them come in, How now friends, (said he) what do you bring us? War Sir, (answered Lycastes) and 'tis for war you must prepare your selus. We receiv war then (replied Ptolomeus) and 'tis war for which we are already prepared. At these words the Princes rose up, and having encompassed the two Squires, they desired to know the circumstances of their negotiation, and to give them an account of it, Cleantes began on this manner.  
By your command, my Lord, we went to Babylon, where we arrived without any encounter; we found an out-guard on this side the gate, the soldiers whereof having presently stopped us, we desired him that commanded them, to cause us to be brought unto Roxana and Perdiccas, to whom we were deputed by the confederate Princes. The Captain who knew the Law of Nations, having given us a guard unto the gate, we there met Pencestas to whom we declared the same, you could not come more fitly (said he) to do your Embassy, the Queen is now at Perdiccas his Lodging, where the Counsel is held to day by reason that his wounds will not suffer him to go the Palace. At these words he made us pass between two long files of Soldiers which stood on both sides of the street, and led us himself to Perdiccas his Lodging, where we found a guard little different from that which was wont to be about Alexander. We went up the stairs, & entered into Perdiccas his Chamber, where the Council was already assembed, Pencestas being gone in before, and having given notice of our business, all the Princes rose up, and coming close about us to hear what we would say, put us into the midst of a half circle which they made about Perdiccas his bed, at the head whereof Roxana was sitting. The company consisted of Seleucus, Cassander Leonatus, Alcetas, Pencestas, Neoptolemus, and some others whom I could not well discern. After having showed our Letters sealed with your seals, and declared the power we had to speak to them from you, Lycastes addressing himself unto Roxana began thus. The Princes Lysimachus, Ptolomeus, Eumenes, and their Associates, armed for the same quarrel (we made no mention of the Prince of Scythia because you had forbidden us) protest that their keeping those forces on foot which they commanded during the life of the late King, and their calling the assistance of their friends, has neither been out of any particular enmity, nor out of any design to invade the Territories of those who were heretofore their Companions, but to render what they owe unto the memory of Alexander, and to settle Queen Statira his wife in her due Authority, restoring her to liberty, and the Princess Parisatis her Sister, whom you have cruelly and unworthily used, and whom you keep Captives contrary to all justice; it is to demand them at your hands that they have sent us to you, and to promise you, that as soon as you shall free and satisfy them, they will draw their forces out of these parts and retire into those Provinces which belong unto themselves. After that Lycastes had spoken on this manner, we were carried into another room to give them time to deliberate what answer they should make. We stayed there above an hour and then we were called in again to the same place, where Roxana speaking by the consent of all the Princes. We have heard (said she) the proposition of your Masters, which we account as strange, as we well know that it proceeds not from the motive you have alleged; the Princesses whom you demand neither are nor ever were in our power, and we cannot take their raising of Arms for other than a manifest rebellion, against those to whom they yet owe obedience, and for a remainder Meleager's sedition; yet are we ready to pardon them this fault if they presently depart out of our Territories, without putting us to the trouble of driving them out by open force. These words of Roxana's were followed by murmur of the whole assembly, which expressed how much they approved that answer, Lycastes having asked Roxana if she had nothing more to say to him, and receiving only a command to retire; Since you will give no other satisfaction (said he) to the Princes that have sent us, I denounce war against you on their behalf. He no sooner had uttered these words, but all that were present, cast forth a loud cry, and by clapping their hands testified that the word WAR was not capable to terrify them who had been bred up in it, and Perdiccas putting one arm out of bed, and striking his thigh with an angry action, We accept the war with joy (replied he) from them whom we desire not for friends, and we will make it with them on such a fashion, that without doubt they shall be weary of it first. At these words calling for a javeline, he broke it in our presence, and cast the pieces of it at our feet; and Seleucus and Neoptolemus drawing near unto Lycastes, Tell Ptolomeus (said Seleucus) that we shall now have a fair Field to decide our ancient quarrel. And tell Eumenes (added Neptolemus) that we will quickly make appear the difference there is between a man of counsel like him, and a man of action like me. I well perceived that all the company to whom Eumenes his valour was sufficiently known, did but smile at Neoptolemus his Rodomontado, and we were ready to have made him a reply, but presently after Roxana commanded us to retire, and Alcetas following me to the stair head whispered me in the ear and said so low that no body could overhear him; Cleantes, I did not threaten in public, but you may tell Lysimachus in particular, that at our first encounter, we'll change a blow or two for Parisatis. He stayed not for an answer, and our guard leading us instantly from the house, accompanied us out of the Town, where we were not suffered to make any stay, yet as we passed by we saw all manner of preparations for the war.  
Cleantes gave this account of the business they had been employed in, and Oroöndates looking upon the faces of his three friends at the end of this discourse, saw them all kindled with a just indignation; Ptolomeus who knew Seleucus his virtue, and esteemed him extremely though he had been his enemy, received his challenge very modestly, but Eumenes whose hatred to Neoptolemus was of another nature, could not dissemble his choler nor keep himself within the terms of his ordinary moderation. we'll see (said he) whether that valiant man of action can make this Counsellor fly in the open field as he braves a●d injures him within doors. And Lysimachus whose jealousy was revived by Alcetas his message and who died with grief to know his Mistress was in the hands of that indiscreet rival; And I (cried he) swear by all the gods, that Alcetas shall have the satisfaction he desires, and that the death of one of us shall assure other of the possession of Parisatis. To this talk of theirs Oroöndates added, Perdiccas and I are not in a condition to threaten one another, and I am so destined to do him good offices, that I can hardly hope he should ever receiv any ill ones from me. The Princes had some other discourse, the conclusion whereof was that now they ought to stand upon their guard since the war was declared, and that they must content themselves with making little excursions till their Allies came up, and not undertake any action of importance, before all their forces were united. The next day was employed in fortifying the Camp, and in drawing a line on that side toward the Town, from the hill unto the River; Lysimachus took that care upon him, while Eumenes with certain Officers, and five hundred horse went to the neighbouring Boroughs and Villages to make them in a gentle way contribute to the maintenance of the Army; yet would they not use their power tyrannically, and though those towns belonged unto their enemies, not being willing to oppress a people that were innocent of their displeasures, they liberally gave the money they had to pay for part of what they took, and by this order, or by the terror of their Armies, they brought all the places on this side the Euphrates under their subjection, and those that were on the other remained still in the power of their Enemies. They had a particular care to hinder good old Polemon from receiving any damage in his fortune, and in stead of burdening him with any charge, they, to recompense the inconveniency he suffered, made him presents of sufficient value to satisfy the ambition of a man more in love with riches than he was. In the mean time Oroöndates recovered visibly, and Ptolomeus having taken care himself to seek some of his herb for him (for it had retained his name in the Court of Alexander) had luckily found a good quantity of it; he was by his bed side with the Amazon Queen, the two daughters of Artabasus, and Araxes, when certain Troopers having obtained permission, brought a man of reasonable good fashion into the chamber, whom they had seen walking above their Camp, and whom they had taken for a spy, after they had learned from his mouth that he came from Babylon, and that he was of the enemy's party, Ptolomeus asked him gently who he was, and what he came to look for so near their Camp? I look (said he) for that which we lost upon the bank of this river, and I am the Squire of the valiant est man in the world. Thalestris having prayed him to explain himself a little further, you must not know what I look for (replied he) since by a sovereign power I am forbidden to tell you, and that I can protest to you that you have no interest in it; but if you would know my Master's name, it is too glorious to be concealed from you, and I will confess I have the honour to belong to the great Arsaces. At the name of Arsaces, Oroöndates thrust part of his body out of bed, and desiring to learn news of him to whom his country was so much obliged, and of whom he had heard so many wonders; My friend (said he to the Squire) is it possible that the valiant Arsaces should be in the party of our enemies? He is so without doubt (answered the Squire) but he is there in a condition which suffers them not to draw much assistance from his valour, and which free's you from the damage you might receiv by it. Tell us I pray you, (replied Oroöndates) in what condition he is, and fear nothing from us, who will give you all manner of good usage. My poor Master (said the Squire) is kept in bed at Seleucus his lodging, by five or six great wounds, whereof the Physicians, and Chirurgeons do yet fear the event; he received them a few days since upon the bank of this river, in a single combat, which he fought against a stranger, whose valour was little different from his, their advantage was equal, and those two valiant enemies falling from their horses at the same time, my poor Master having lost his senses, and understanding with his blood, had also lost his life in my arms, if I had not bethought myself to seek for help, and if by the goodness of the gods, my cries had not been heard by a company of horsemen who passed near me, and as we have known since were Seleucus and Cassander, with their followers, some of them out of pity caused my Master to be carried away from thence at my earnest entreaty, and afterward to be brought to Babylon, where having learned his name, and that reputation which spread's itself over all the earth, they caused him to be so carefully looked too, that out of gratitude he has engaged himself in their party, and is sorry for his want of health only, because it hinders him from requiting part of their good offices in those occasions which are like shortly to present themselves. While the Squire spoke on this manner, Oroöndates mused deeply upon his discourse, and judging by so many probabilities, that he with whom he had fought was certainly Arsaces', he felt a chillness which ran through all his body, and caused extraordinary alterations in him. Ptolomeus, and Thalestris perceived it, but the Prince being desirous perfectly to clear his doubt, Tell me (pursued he with a tone something different from his former voice) what day this combat was, what arms thy Master wore, and if he had not fought with Perdiccas before his meeting with that stranger? This is the eighth day (answered the Squire) since that fatal encounter, my Master's arms were russet, and before that last combat he had fought two others, in the first whereof he left Perdiccas on the ground, and in the second he beat half a score horsemen; but though he won the honour, and the field, he lost a person whom he had taken from Perdiccas, and whose loss he was as sensible of as he could be of that of his own life. Oroöndates needed no more, to perfect his assurance that it was in the person of Arsaces he had found the rival, who had so unjustly robbed him of his Princess' affections, and who had so valiantly disputed them with him; this knowledge grieved him very much, and remembering what that man had done in favour of his friends, he was afflicted that the gods had not raised him up another enemy, against whom he might without ingratitude let loose all his resentments. His sadness appeared in his countenance, and his thoughts were known to Ptolomeus, and to the fair Amazon; he continued a good while in this perplexity, which discovered itself by his silence, and by the motions of his eyes. He considered as much as possibly he could, how much his country was indebted to Arsaces' his services, and called to mind that friendship he had conceived himself, at the recital of Lysimachus, and of all those he had heard speak of him, and that reflection was strong enough, to griev him very sensibly; but it was too weak to resist the impetuousness of his jealousy, and at the first assault it made upon him, all these powerful remembrances vanished out of his mind. What! (cried he furiously) is it Arsaces then who steal's from me the heart of my ingrateful Princess? and have the gods decreed, that he, who was so officious to my country, should be cruel to me alone, and should now be the unjust ravisher of a happiness I had so lawfully acquired, and so dearly bought? Ah! he shall die, that injurious supplanter, who has robbed me of a prize which was due to none but me; he shall die, that Arsaces, that pitiless enemy, for whom I had more gentle, and more grateful thoughts, and since he tear's away my ●ife with so much injustice and inhumanity, let him know that our enemy's walls are not able to defend him against a rival whom he has precipitated into despair. Oroöndates brought forth these word with such a transported action, that they surprised the whole company, and Arsaces' his Squire was so astonished at them, that he durst not open his mouth in the defence of his Master. He afterwards rolled over a thousand violent thoughts in his imagination, and when they had kept him silent a reasonable while. Friend! (continued he, addressing himself to the Squire) thou mayest tell Arsaces that thou hast seen his enemy, who reduced him into the condition thou leftest him in, and who received these wounds which keep him now in bed, from no body but him; that I prais the gods for having inspired him with the design of putting himself into the party of our enemies, and that to what part of the world soëver he retire's, I will infallibly either bring him death, or receiv it from his hands; let him know that our lives are incompatible, that our combats shall be eternal, and that our war shall never have an end, till either he die to satisfy my just revenge, or that I fall to secure his conquest. Bid him recover his health, and his strength, to make an end with me; and tell him that though I am his mortal, irreconcilable enemy, I will contribute to his cure, that I may the sooner see him in a condition to give me satisfaction; and indeed it is not reasonable I should make use of that advantage which chance, and the care of my friends have given me, since our wounds were equal, it is just our remedies should be equal too, nor should an herb put any difference between the estates of two men, in whom valour left none at all at the issue of our combat. Take that herb thou seest upon the table, cause it to be applied unto his wounds, and be most certain that thou shalt quickly see him as well as I am; if thou distrust the present of an enemy, thou needest but look upon my wounds, where thou shalt see some of the same, and perchance it will be known by some about him, who are not ignorant of the effect it wrought heretofore upon Ptolomeus; but tell him that I neither pretend to any acknowledgement from him, nor do him this courtesy with any intention to be reconciled to him, but with a firm design shortly to begin the fight again, which our wounds have interrupted. Oroöndates when he had ended these words, commanded Araxes to give the Squire part of the herb that had been gathered for him, and prayed Ptolomeus to cause him to be conducted safely out of their quarters. All the company wondering at this action, could not sufficiently admire the greatness of his courage, and generous Ptolomeus himself, who was ravished at it as well as the rest, could not forbear crying out. O Gods! for whom do you reserv the Empire of the world if you give it not unto this Prince, who by so many admirable actions testifie's to men, that he holds more of your nature then of theirs. After this exclamation, he confirmed the Squire in the knowledge the Prince had given him of the virtue of his herb, and the Squire who would show something of generosity as well as they, received it upon their word, without demanding further proof, and thanking Oroöndates with much submission he went out of the chamber, and took his way toward Babylon with the convoy Ptolomeus had appointed him. But Araxes who knew his Master's intention, would not leave him, for fear he should learn Oroöndates his name of some of those that convoied him, and took so good order amongst them, that though he often enquired, he could not possibly inform himself. Within a while after Lysimachus coming into Oroöndates his chamber, and having heard the recital of what had passed, expressed a great deal of trouble, that Arsaces with whom he had made a friendship, and of whom he had a marvellous esteem, was in the enemy's party, and was himself Oroöndates his particular enemy; but in the end the interests of that Prince, and his own together, stifled part of his grief, and disposed him to bear that advantage of his enemies with patience. After that day the Princes made some little excursions toward Babylon, and began the war with some slight encounters, but because the enemy kept close, waiting for the succours of their Allies, and that the parties which were sent forth had order to hazard nothing, there happened no memorable encounter.  
It would be tedious, and superfluous, punctually to relate all the discourses, and all the actions of less importance which passed during the time that Oroöndates his wounds detained him in his bed, and before the arrival of those forces the Princes expected; it will suffice to know that his cure went on with a prodigious success, and that his health returned so suddenly, that within a week after his encounter with Arsaces his Squire, he was well enough to leave his bed, as he did with the Chirurgeons permission. Some three or four days after that, the Princes seeing that of their general Rendezvous draw near, and having had notice that their allies advanced with great marches towards the Town appointed, Lysimachus, and Eumenes went from Polemon's house with a thousand horse to meet them, and bring them to the place where they were already encamped. Oroöndates who saw them go away, and who felt the return of his forces, began to take up his former fierceness, and as a young lion waken's his anger with his tail, he animated his courage by the remembrance of his losses, and excited himself with motions of joy, unto the war he saw already kindled. Yet did not that object smother the remembrance of his love, but as often as he was alone with Cleone, he renewed the discourse of it with a vehemence able to ruin a health not well confirmed. Cleone to cure him of those violent thoughts, justified her Mistress as well as possibly she could against his accusations, protested to him with a thousand oaths, that she did not so much as know Arsaces', and that she had waited constantly enough upon the Queen her Mistress to swear for her, that she had never been in his company but some few moments, and 'twas very unlikely, that great and virtuous Queen, who in the sad estate of her fortune, and even when she thought herself forsaken by him, had so long resisted the suit of Alexander, should so suddenly, and so lightly cast her affections upon that stranger. Oroöndates saw a great deal of probability in what she said, and but little ground for his suspicions, but when he remembered the testimony he had received with his own eyes, and the conformity thereof with the report of Perdiccas, with that of Cleone herself, and with that of Arsaces' his Squire, he was constrained to fall again into that cruel belief, which struck him into despair, and deprived his reason of all the power it was wont to have over him; to fortify that opinion he alleged to Cleone, the wonderful effects of inclination, and what he heard Lysimachus, and many other speak, touching the good qualities, and graceful person of Arsaces. The election Arsaces had made of the other party, joined itself also to that remembrance. It is not likely (said he) that after having fought against Perdiccas, and put him in a condition which promises him but little security, he should cast himself on his side, if he were not moved to it by some stronger consideration than his friendship to Seleucus; No, no, he is advertised that Statira, or Cassandra, (call her which you will) is now in Babylon, and 'twas to be near her, that he forgot his resentments, and the peril which threatens him near so dangerous an enemy; but be it how it will, Cleone, we shall see the success of it after the end of this war, and if it pleas the gods that Arsaces survive me, the Queen shall possess him in tranquillity, which she ought never to hope for while I am alive. These were his ordinary thoughts, wherein he was often comforted by the fair Amazon Queen, and by the dear wives of Ptolomeus, and Eumenes, who knowing most part of his discontents, and having succeeded their elder sister in her good will toward him, endeavoured to moderate his trouble, by reasons like those which Cleone represented to him, and which he himself could not disapprove. He was in this conversation with them, at one of the windows of his chamber, when casting his eye over the nighboring field, he observed an extraordinary shining a great way off. All the company looked that way after him, and when the objects were a little nearer, they discovered that the Sunbeams produced that effect upon the arms of the troops that were advancing, and within a while after, they distinctly perceived the first squadrons, and the first battalions of that great army which had been so much expected, and which Lysimachus and Eumenes were gone to meet. He likewise saw Ptolomeus take horse, with Queen Thalestris, and some of the Officers of his Camp, to welcome those Illustrious friends, who disbanding themselves from their several commands, came galloping also to receiv those dear embassies, and made a little body of the greatest men that were in the world; This reception was made between the two armies, who at that sight sent forth shouts and cries of joy, and of alliance, which made the banks of Euphrates echo to the very gates of Babylon. A thousand flying banners, a thousand standards displayed, and the glittering lustre of well polished arms were discerned by Oroöndates, and even the sound of the trumpets, and the neighing of the horses already came unto his ears. The Princesses who stood by him grew pale at these objects, but they absolutely roused up the Prince's martial humour, and made him with some kind of shame, and repentance remember his glorious apprenticeship in that trade, his good beginnings in it, and the progress he might have made if it had not been interrupted by his love. This reflection drew some sighs from him, and kindled an extraordinary colour in his face. He burned already with a desire to know all those valiant men, whose fame was spread through the whole world, and amongst whom he was sure he should yet find a good number of his friends, and without doubt his desire had been satisfied that very day, if Lysimachus who had a mind to show them to the Prince in all their gallantry, which so well became them, had not prayed them to defer their visit, and to rest themselves the remainder of that day in tents that were prepared for them, while he busied himself with Eumenes in making their forces encamp, whose quarters were all appointed▪ and their places set out for them; The order that had been taken many days before facilitated their encamping, and that great number of men was in a short time lodged commodiously, and without disorder or confusion; the provisions were already come, as well those they brought along with them, as the other which by Eumenes his care were gotten from the neighbouring places, and from the open country; and those forces which were hutted already, received them that were newly arrived, and accommodated them with such as they had, so that contrary to the ordinary custom, that army was lodged almost at its very arrival, and passed the night very contentedly. Ptolomeus, Lysimachus, and Eumenes, after having employed the rest of the day, and the beginning of the night in lodging their friends, and accommodating the soldiers, returned to Oroöndates, and having excused themselves that they could keep him company no better, by reason of the necessity of their affairs, they gave him account of what they had done, and of the order in which they had put the camp. Oroöndates received their civilities with much respect, and Lysimachus having asked him, if he would not see their army in battalia, and all the commanders at the head of their men, the next day in case his health would permit him to be carried in a litter as far as the plain, he showed an extreme desire to do so, and the Chirurgeon having assured him that he might without danger, he prepared himself for that sight with great satisfaction. He passed that night very impatiently, and the next morning getting himself ready, he no sooner heard that the army was in battalia, but he went out of his chamber with the Ladies, and when he was come down the stairs finding a litter which waited for him, he got up into it, with Queen Thalestris, who as well and as warlike as she was would needs keep him company; the other Ladies seated themselves in the chariots prepared for them, and all of them together under the conduct of Cleantes and Araxes, crossed through the place where the forces had been encamped, camped, and from whence the Commanders had drawn them out that morning to imbattel them in the plain a few furlongs below. The Prince found them in excellent order, and presently admired the Grecian discipline, and the Macedonian Phalanxes. That which had facilitated the leavy of so many men, and their so sudden arrival, was that all they who commanded them at that time, and who had raised them partly in those territories that were fallen to their share, had commanded in those same Provinces in Alexander's life time, in the quality of Governors, and many of them resided in them already, and had there received the request of Lysimachus, and Ptolomeus, to arm those in their favour, who since the King's death were become their subjects. Those people who were accustomed to obey them, acknowledged them gladly, and followed them without difficulty in that expedition; and in those Provinces where the Princes were absent, as those of Lysimachus, Ptolomeus, and many others, the Lieutenants they had left there, take arms at their first summons, and had found no trouble in making those people obey them, who adored them for their virtue, and who hoped to enjoy the same happiness under their reign, which they had tasted under their government. The forces were not drawn up in battalions and squadrons fit for a battle, nor was the Cavalry upon the wings separated from the infantry, but they were ranked according to their nations, and followed their several Commanders, who without such order as is proper for service, marched at the head of their new subjects. The first that appeared to Oroöndates his eye, were those of the greater Phrygia, under the conduct of their Prince Autigonus, consisting of four thousand horse, and eight thousand foot, they had something of the effeminateness of their country, but they began to grow warlike under their new Master, and to learn a trade of him, wherein he had passed his apprenticeship under King Philip, and had acquired so great reputation under Alexander. Antigonus was mounted upon a very large bay horse, all his body was covered with well polished steel, heightened with gold upon the edges, and his hair which began to turn grey, was pressed with a little head-piece after the fashion of the Greeks, shaded with a plume of feathers; he had two steel-headed darts in his right hand, and with the left he bore a weighty shield, the workmanship of the most industrious Masters in Greece. The comely presence of Antigonus, and that high renown of him, which spread itself every where abroad, would have obliged Oroöndates to consider him with a long attention, if his sight had not been withdrawn from him, to fix itself upon a more pleasing object; It was his son the young Prince Demetrius, who road by his father's side, with a grace able to attract the eyes and hearts of all the world, his beauty was nothing inferior to that of the fairest Ladies of Asia and his eyes had a charming sweetness in them which gained affections insensibly; if he was handsome, he was yet more valiant, and though he was scarcely full eighteen years old, he in the last exploits of Alexander, had given proofs of a growing valour, which even in its beginnings yielded not to that of the most renowned warriors; but if he was handsome and valiant, he was yet more amorous. Never was soul more capable than his of the sweet impressions of Love, and in the whole course of his life, which was one of the most glorious, and illustrious that ever was, the severest minds never found any other blemish, save a too great propensity to that passion which criminal Philosophers have condemned. He was upon the back of a white horse full of little black spots, who by his proud carriage, and stately trot, set off the graceful fashion, and pleasing garb of his Master, all his armour glittered with gold, and stones of value, his coat of arms was all covered with an embroidery which did not ill accompany the richness of them, and to show that soft inclination was predominant in him, he in his shield had the image of the God of love, painted by the hand of the admired Apelles. The sight of this young Prince, did marvellously delight the great Oroöndates, and the generous Thalestris; but presently after they were not less satisfied with that of two renowned Captains, whom Fame had already make known to the whole world, they were Craterus, and Polypercon; Craterus who by his admirable virtue, was worthy to share Alexander's affections with Hephestion, and who lost nothing in his inclination, which he gained not with advantage in his esteem; Craterus who alone obliged that great King to respects, and honours, from which his greatness excused him toward all the world, and Craterus briefly, who only by his virtue did till his death preserv the chief authority among the Macedonians, and the chief place in the hearts of all the soldier's. Polypercon for his valour was not less considerable than he, and he kept up his reputation so well among Alexander's succesrors, that not long after, he in the opinion of the great Pyrrhus was preferred before all the rest. These two brave men together, led the half of those thirty thousand Macedonians, which deceased Alexander had caused to be raised for his guard, and which he had drawn about him a while before his death, the rest of them had refused to follow their companions, and had taken part with Perdiccas; they were all foot, but their arms were light, their persons well chosen, and their discipline so good, that the Princes grounded the better part of their hopes upon them. After these appeared the Syrians under the conduct of Laomedon, they were heavily armed, and never fought but standing still, yet though they did little incommode the enemy by going out upon parties, and were exempted from all duties or light armed men, they made profession to fight in their ranks to their last breath, and to suffer themselves to be cut all in pieces, before they would let their battalions be broken; their number was three thousand horse, and seven thousand foot, and their valiant Leader was able to show an hundred scars, received under Alexander in a thousand encounters wherein he had made himself remarkable. The Scyrians were followed by the Cylicians under their Prince Philotas, who worthily bore the name of the first Philotas Parmenio's unfortunate son that ended his life in torments by the command of Alexander, whose favourite he had been a while before, they were two thousand horse and six thousand foot; After which appeared the brave Eumenes, at the head of the Cappadocians, and Paphlagonians; he from the territories of Amasia, and the banks of the Iris; and the Thermodoön had drawn six thousand horse the best of the whole army, making use of that advantage which Cappadocia hath above all the Provinces of Asia, to breed such as are extremely handsome, and excellent good for service, and out of Paphlagonia he had six thousand foot, who were armed only with little morions, and light corslets, and who quite contrary to the Syrians fought little standing still, but tired out an army by continual excursions, and thought no passage difficult, nor any straight so dangerous, but they would get through it with a wonderful nimbleness. Menander came next to them, followed by six thousand Lydians, a tender, effeminate people, and little able to endure the hardship of war, but yet were very apt to learn, and obeyed the commands of their Officers, with much dependence, and fidelity. Those that drink the waters of Nilus, and the scorched inhabitants of those parts of Africa, and Arabia which are near to Egypt came after them, under their valiant Prince Ptolomeus; but they marched with a pride which they drew from the glory of their Prince, and seemed by their bold, and stately pace to promise that they would be invincible so long as Ptolomeus was at the head of them; and certainly the military presence of their Commander, suited not ill with their fierceness, for Queen Thalestris who showed him to Oroöndates, compared him to those images of the god Mars, which she had often seen in the Temples of his country; if he had his garb, he also had his virtue, and among the most valiant in the world, there were few that fought in their own person with more courage, nor led men on to battle with more prudence. His forces as well, those he commanded during Alexander's life, as the others which Cle●menes had brought him out of his Province, consisted of eight thousand horse, and twelv thousand foot. Scarce had the Prince taken off his eye from Ptolomeus, when he fixed it upon an object, which wakened his old remembrances with much tenderness. It was Prince Oxyanes', who for the quarrel of his Nieces had armed the Bactrians, and marched at the head of them with a countenance which sufficiently expressed with what affection he still considered the relics of his Brother's family; he was in the flower of his age, and in the majesty of his face one might easily see, both the greatness of his courage, and that of his quality. With him was the good old Artasus, whose forces were mingled with his, and what with Bactrians, and Zogdians made the number of six thousand horse, and ten thousand foot, armed with boiled leather, and upon their left arms bearing large targets, wherewith they covered most part of their bodies. Oxyanes' was on horseback, and that gallant old man Artabasus was carried in a litter, not being willing to make his age an excuse to exempt him from what he owed unto the blood of Darius, and to the interest of his sons in law; By him road his own two sons Cophes, and Illioneus, all that were left of a greater number, who first for Darius his quarrel, and then for Alexander's had nobly lost their lives in war. Oroöndates considered these dear, and ancient friends with very affectionate motions, and would have gone strait toward them, if the Amazon Queen had not told him it would be better to defer his endearments, which else would disturb the order of those things that still were to be seen. Oroöndates forbore at the Queen's entreaty, and next saw Philip pass by with four thousand Hyrcanian horse; Phrataphernes with a like number of Armenians, and Archesilais with six thousand more, drawn from the further parts of Mesopotamia. The last that appeared at that famous review was the brave Lysimachus, and certainly it could not end by a person, that could more worthily fill his place, nor that could leave the spectators a more pleasing Idea of the last objects of that day; among so many thousand men, there was not one that knew better how to use a sword, or javelin, but neither in so great a number, was there any body, whose fierceness in arms was so becoming, and whose presence was so majestic. He mounted an able chestnut horse, which Alexander had given him at the last battle he fought against the Cosseans; that noble beast, whom the sight of other horses, and the sound of the instruments had stirred, was all white with foam, and went with a proud sprightly action, which seemed to express the contentment he had to be subject to none but such great Masters. Lysimachus since the news of his Princesses being alive, no longer clouded his arms with black as he was wont to declare the sadness of his heart, and the loss of his hopes, but that day they were covered with green, and enriched with emeralds of great price, which gave an extraordinary lustre, being set in antic heads upon his shoulders, in those upon his buskins, and in other places, where they seemed to stand with some show of necessity; The crest upon his head-piece was a serpent of the same metal with his arms, which stretched itself with long windings round about his head, and darting out a triple-pointed sting, seemed by the industry of the workman to send forth real hissings; his shield was of the same matter, but Lysimachus by Alexander's command, had laid aside his former devices, to cause the dreadful Lion which he had slain with so admirable a valour to be engraven in it, with these words underneath in Greek. Parisatis conquered it. His cassock (the sleev whereof appeared under his poldron, and the skirt came down as far as his knee) was of the colour of his arms, embroidered with little suns of gold, and emeralds like those upon his arms, fastened in certain places of it. He had a long javelin in his right hand, and by his side a rich sword hanging in a curious skarf wrought by the hands of Parisatis, who by the intercession of Alexander himself, and the command of Sysigambis, had given it him when he went with the King to fight against the Cosseans. In this equipage marched Lysimachus at the head of the Thracians, of the inhabitant of Pontus, and of the Bosphorus, valiant, warlike nations, out of which their new Prince had drawn six thousand horse, and twelv thousand foot. This was the number of their forces, the names of their nations, and of those that commanded them, but besides them, there was also a great many eminent men, who without any command served in their own persons with their friends, or kindred. Among these were Prince Oxidates, Mithranes, young Pharnabasus, Leostenes the son of Ariobarsanes, Menelaus brother to Ptolomeus, Leocaris, and Dioxippus the sons of Mentor, Callicrates the son of Philotas, Demochares the son of Laomedon, young Alexander the son of Polypercon, Trasillus the brother of Menander, the valiant Tyridates, Cambyses, and Araspes the sons of Mazeus, Cleobulus son to the unfortunate Orsines, Listander the son of Phrataphernes, Philistratus the son of Archesiläus, and many others, who in virtue, and greatness of courage were no way inferior to those whose fortune was more advantageous, then theirs, both in the savour of the late King, and in the sharing of the Provinces.  
This stately review being ended, all these famous warriors alighted, and under the conduct of Lysimachus, drew near to Oroöndates his litter. That gallant Prince received them with civilities worthy both of him, and them, and paid them such respects as were only due to the chiefest and most illustrious persons upon earth; he gave a most courteous, and submissive reception to Antigonus, and his son, to Craterus, to Polypercon, to Laomedon, and the rest whose reputation had produced in him a high esteem of their merit, but as soon as he saw Oxiartes, and Artabasus come toward him, he did his endeavour to have gotten out of his litter, and embraced them with tremble of heart, and sighs which stopped the course of his speech; Prince Oxiartes and old Artabasus, expressed the same tenderness to him, and remembering together their first acquaintance, the fall of Darius his house, and the change of their fortunes, they solemnised that interview with many tears, in which a good part of the bystanders were interessed. The number of so many considerable persons hindered Oroöndates at that time from saluting every one of them particularly, but that hindered not all the Princes from looking upon him with the admiration which had already seized them, at the recital of his gallant actions, Craterus put him in mind of the encounter he had with him at the battle of Issus, and of the disadvantage the gods had sent him, for offering to oppose that valour, to which all humane valour ought to yield. Oroödates' received Craterus' discourse with a great deal of humility, and excused his fall, by the disorder of a throng wherein valiant men, and cowards come down together. These words drew on a noble, and a pleasing conversation among so many persons of note, from whom the fair Amazon Queen (who was known to many of the company that had retained the Idea of her from the time of her voyage to Alexander) received the honours that were due unto her merit, and to her quality; all the eminent persons in that great army desired to partake in that acquaintance, and the press which began to incommode the Princes, obliged them to think of retiring, when from mouth to mouth there came a rumour among them, that there was some disorder at one end of the Camp. Lysimachus, Eumenes, Demetrius, Laomedon, and many others with them, turned toward that side, and caused room to be made for them to go and appears that tumult, while the rest with Oroöndates, and Thalestris went toward Polemon's house. The cause of the nois that had been heard was this; five or six Troupers being three or four hundred paces from their body, and following the bank of the river either by order from their captain, or for some particular intention, saw coming softly toward them, a Cavalier attended only by one Squire, his garb, and the pace he road showed that he was either very weary, or deeply buried in his thoughts; but whatsoëver his posture was, one might see he was of a very fair stature; the colour of his arms was near to that of withered leavs, but they were scattered over with black spots, and with some sparks of fire in many places; his coat of arms was of wrought steel, and his cask was covered with plumes of the same colour, and with a long black horse tail, which waved upon his shoulders; with his left hand he carried a shield, where in he also bore fables, a man's heart torn by many vultures, and these words in Greek, Or cease to tear me, or make me cease to live. In his right hand he held a strong javelin, whereof having set the end of the shaft upon his foot, he seemed to lean upon it with all his weight. These horsemen having looked awhile upon him, and seeing him come still nearer to their camp in that melancholy fashion, whether it were that they took him for a spy, or that they had a mind to know who he was, advanced toward him uncivilly enough, and asked him bluntly, What he was, and whither he went? The stranger lift up his head at the nois they made in coming to him, and seeing himself encompassed and examined by those fellows; Friends (said he) I follow my way; I know not who you are, and you have nothing to do to know who I am. The forwardest of the Troupers nettled with this disdainful answer, Whosoëver you are (replied he) you shall come before our Generals, to give them an account of what I have asked you, and what business bring's you so near unto our camp. Saying these words he seized upon his bridle, and presenting the point of his javelin at him, commanded him to follow him. The stranger who naturally was none of the most patient, could not suffer the violence that was offered him, and without considering the number of his enemies, he rushed against him that had laid hold of his rain, with his shield, and with the breast of his horse so impetuously, that he sent him and his, tumbling breathless to the ground; the rest stirred up by the fall of their companion, ran all furiously to revenge him; and the stranger who had already prepared himself to receiv them, made at the first so unfortunately for him, that he struck his javelin in at his throat, & laid him dead among the horses feet. After this action, letting go his javelin, he drew his sword, and falling in among them with an incomparable fierceness, he made them quickly know, that they had vainly hoped to get the advantage over him by their number; the third of his enemies was already gnawing the earth, having received a thrust which ran him quite through the body, and those that were left began to think of running away, when the nois of the fight so near the camp, was heard by the nearest Troops; some of the Troopers ran presently thither; who seeing their companions dead and wounded, betook themselves to their side, and without considering the laws of honour fell all together upon the stranger, who received them with an assuredness able to strike that terror into them whereof he himself was incapable. Come base cowards (cried he) come, and believ that though I care but little for my life, I'll sell it you at as dear a rate as if I loved it very much. Speaking these words he flew amongst them like a thunderbolt, and covering himself with his shield with an admirable dexterity, he dealt his blows to the boldest of them with so great a force, that every one of them carried either death, or an incurable wound along with it. But the number still increased, and how valiant soëver he was, yet being neither immortal, nor invulnerable, he began to know the danger which he could not fear, and though stoutly assisted by his Squire, he must infallibly have sunk at last, if Menander, Phrataphernes, Oxidates, Ilioneus, Tiridates, and a great many more had not come to the place of that unequal combat. Menander when he saw those horsemen to be his, made himself known to them by a loud cry, and commanding them to retire, he disengaged the valiant stranger, from the imminent danger that threatened him. When he was delivered from the assaults of so many enemies, he put up the beaver of his cask a little to take breath, and Menander coming up softly to him, after having considered the number of men he had lost, and observed the greatness of their wounds, and the force of the hand that had made them, looked very heedfully upon him, and through the opening of his cask perceiving something in his face that was extremely handsome; Whosoëver thou art (said he) I know not upon what occasion thou hast killed my men here before my eyes, and in sight of the whole Camp. I am obliged to ask satisfaction of thee for their death, but I will take it fairly without odds, and though these bloody marks of thy valour were enough to terrify common persons, they shall not move me to commit a baseness, nor make use of any companions otherwise then as spectators of our combat. Menander had newly ended these words when Lysimachus, Eumenes, and the rest that were with them came unto that place, and having in short learned the cause of that fight, and the former successes, they disposed themselves to be witnesses of the event, and to hinder that valiant man from receiving any foul play. The stranger gave no answer to Menander, but taking a javelin from his Squire, he turned his back to his enemy, to fetch a carrier by his example. Their illustrious spectators with impatiency expected the issue of their course, and the bravery of it deceived not the opinion they had conceived. The two warriors struck each other with their javelines, and shocked one another violently with their shields, but their forces were unequal, and the stranger being only a little shaken in his saddle, thrust Menander out of his, and made him fall over the crupper of his horse. Menander got up again, and having an undaunted courage, he drew his sword, waiting for his enemy in the posture of a gallant man; but the stranger, who saw he was hurt with his fall, and who esteemed the frankness of his proceeding, coming to him, I pray you (said he) let the combat end between us, I have been more happy, but not more valiant than you, yet if your companions will run your fortune, I shall willingly give them this divertisement, and perchance in their destiny, you may either find your revenge, or your consolation. Menander was so bruised, and so little able to prosecute the combat, that he was constrained to accept the offer, with a grief which he could not dissemble, and leaving the list to others, I yield to thee (cried he) O valiant man, but 'tis with hope that I shall quickly have companions in my disgrace. These words and those of the stranger pricked some of the bystanders with point of honour, and not enduring the bravado of that stranger, they all in a cluster demanded the combat, but bold Ilioneus was first ready, and ran swiftly against the stranger with an invincible courage, but his fate was no better than Menander's, and having vainly encountered his enemy he was thrown upon the ground so impetuously, that he was hardly able to rise again. Tiridates presently took his place, but his fortune was the same, and Menander had also great matter of consolation in the falls of Oxidates, Cambyses, and Phrataphernes. Then it was that Lysimachus and his companions lost patience, and the brave Laomedon, not being able to suffer the public affront, spurred on his horse toward the stranger, and sending him the choice of two javelins, we must either repair our dishonour (cried he) or thou must absolutely carry away the glory from the companions of Alexander. As he ended these words he shook his javelin, and setting himself stiff upon his stirrups, he went to meet his enemy with a marvellous suddenness, their shock was worthy of the valour of them both, and the stranger was so disordered by it, that he lost his stirrups, but he overthrew Laomedon with such violence, that he made him and his horse roll together upon the sand. The fall of Laomedon, whose valour had been tried in a thousand encounters, caused all that were present to cry out; but it filled Lysimachus his mind with grief, and indignation; he advanced before all the rest, and holding back young Demetrius, who full of a generous ambition was already beginning his carrier against the stranger, he drew near him, and saluted him with much civility. After having a while considered his behaviour and his arms; I would willingly (said he) make trial of your forces, if the weariness of so many courses had not lessened them, and though after the fall of my companions, you can get but little honour upon me, I would do my endeavour either to revenge them, or keep them company, if you were not in a condition wherein you may have need of rest. The stranger by this discourse knew the humour of Lysimachus, and being unwilling to lose any of his advantages against him, I think indeed (answered he) that I shall stand in need of all my forces against you, but such as they are I protest to you they are as entire, as at the beginning of the fight, and that I have neither wound nor weariness that hinders me from contenting you. I fear (replied Lysimachus) I shall abuse your generosity, but I commit this fault upon your word, and upon the knowledge that I have need of this little advantage against you, therefore since you pleas, I will venture the hazard of a combat which I am ashamed to demand of you, with protestation that this shall be the last you shall be obliged to. I do not hope (said the stranger) to get out of your hands in a condition to fight another combat, and I shall account myself happy, if I can keep that glory against you, which I have gotten against your friends. After these civilities they turned their backs to take their carrier, and clapping spurs at the end of it, they met with such a violence, that their shock was little different from that of two ships driven one against one another by the impetuous waves; their javelins broke without effect, and were shivered even within their very hands, but their shields, heads, and shoulders dashed against one another so forcibly, that such an encounter could not happen without mischief; the stranger's horse wearied with the former courses, not being able to resist so powerful a charge, fell with his Master upon the dust, that of Lysimachus being more fresh, kept upon his feet, but his Master came to the ground with the saddle between his legs. The two warriors equally ashamed of their mishap, got up at the same time, and drawing their swords, laid on two such weighty blows as they closed, that they were both like to have kissed the ground the second time; these two trials of their forces, having changed their former civilities into a real anger, they were preparing to prosecute their combat, when Laomedon, Menander, Eumenes, and the rest desiring to prevent the danger that threatened those valiant men, opposed their intention, and hindered them from passing further. If these combats must be made an end of (cried Laomedon) let the stranger then make an end with me, I was not disabled to fight though I fell by my horse's fault. Some of those that had been dismounted said as much; but Eumenes, Demetrius, and those that were disinteressed, judged that the stranger was free, that the glory was equal between him, and Lysimachus; and that it was not fit to oppose his passage longer, nor to detain him by other ways then those of civility. After this resolution Lysimachus putting up the beaver of his Cask went to embrace him, and the stranger, in doing the like, made the whole company see that few men in the world were equal to him in gracefulness of behaviour. Lysimachus as much satisfied with that sight, as with the trial of his forces, desired infinitely to engage him in his party, and with that design, Sir (said he) you have here see adorers of your valour, and you shall quickly know the esteem and the affection, which your virtue has already produced among them, if you refuse not to be their companion in a most just quarrel, and to put yourself into a party, wherein your generosity alone is able to engage you. I know not (said he to Lysimachus) whether these be the forces of Perdiccas, Cassander, and their friends which are drawing together at Babylon. We are the mortal Enemies (replied Lysimachus) of those you have named, and of their party, and 'tis only against them, we have raised the forces which you see cover this field. I cannot be your friend then (answered the stranger) and though I particularly esteem your virtue, a more ancient obligation calls me to your enemies, 'tis only to serve them against you, that I am going to Babylon, and if you be so generous as to afford me passage thither, we shall every day have occasions to end the combats we have begun. Lysimachus his anger was a little kindled at this reply, but he dissembled it the best he could, and said to the stranger with much moderation. You are too gallant a man not find free passage every where, and though your assistance be very considerable, we fear not our enemies so much, as to go about to weaken them of the succour they will receiv from you. We shall see you upon service, since you desire it, and if you be remarkable in the throng by that impres of the voltures, 'tis by that of the Lion you may always know Lysimachus. At these words, without desiring further conversation with him after the declaration he had made, he caused the stranger's horse to be led to him, and presently gave him a convoy to bring him through the Troops, and to conduct him within sight of the gates of Babylon. The stranger departed on this manner, and taking his way toward the City, left Lysimachus, and his companions a high esteem of his valour, and matter enough to talk of him all the rest of that day. If our Enemies (said Lysimachus) have many men in their party like this stranger, and like Arsaces' who has already embraced it, we shall not be without employment, but I know not why the gods should permit so unjust a quarrel to be supported by such valiant persons. After this discourse, and some orders they gave to make their Troops draw back into their Quarters, they went to find the rest of their friends who were retired to Polemon's house with Oroöndates. There with more leisure, and more liberty then in the field, Oroöndates expressed his endearments to his old friends, and perfected the making of an acquaintance with the new Oxyartes and Artabasus, could not tell which way sufficiently to testify their ardent affection to him, and the young Princes Oxydates, Ilioneus, Cambyses, and many others, who had formerly seen, and adored him in the Court of Darius, considered him as a demie-god, and kissed his hands with submissions, and respects, which they could not have showed to any other man without Idolatry, and to which he answered with a confusion worthy of his modesty. Artabasus made him remember his first being in arms against Darius, his arrival at the Court, and the bloody battle of Selen●, where he had fought in person against the forces of the King his Father. Oxiates and Craterus put him in mind of the battle of of Issus; Ilioneus spoke to him of Damascus and of his encounter with Artaban and Parmenio. Ptolomeus and Antigonus of his passages with Alexander, Eumenes of the battle of Arbella and Polyperchon of what he had done for the saving of Alexander at Susa. In that illustrious company there were few, who though they never knew him till then, had not been witnesses of some of his mervellous actions, and by that recapitulation of his life, they called things into his memory, which in stead of comforting, did most sensibly afflict him. When that entertainment broke off, Laomedon had time to tell the company the encounter of the stranger who had dismounted him with so many others, and who had found no resistance but in Lysimachus, and spoke of his valour in terms, which made them all sorry to hear he had chosen their contrary party. The day having been thus spent, all the men retired into their Tents, and left Oroöndates alone in the house with the Ladies whose number was augmented by the arrival of the Wives of Polyperchon, and of some others, the most considerable of them lodged in the house with them that were there before, and the rest went down into the Tents with their husbands. That night as many others was passed by our Lovers in violent disq●iets, Oroöndates tormented with his jealousy, was little capable of rest, and Thalestris was racked with the same passion, but with more vehemence, and with more furious resentments against what she formerly had loved. Lysimachus free from that torture, and delivered from his former grief, suffered now only for the absence, and for the captivity of his Princess. True it is, that to the sorrow for that separation which deprived him of a sight so earnestly longed for, he likewise added fears grounded upon very reasonable probabilities; he was in fear for the life, and he was in fear for the humour of his Princess; he was afraid that Roxana would vent her utmost cruelties against her, and if the love of Alcetas who for his own interest was like to be watchful in the preservation of her, had not a little secured him, that apprehension would have been sufficient to deprive him of all repose. And moreover, he feared least Parisatis, from whom he had received none but very light testimonies of affection, should have changed with her fortune, and have taken a general aversion to men, by those accidents which might have incensed her against them; this was his mistrust, for to suspect her of any other lightness after the knowledge he had of the firmness, and solidity of her mind, was a thing that could never fall into his thought; that which augmented these cruel doubts, and made him the more unsatisfied with fortune, was little reckoning his Princess had made of him since her misfortunes, having neither daigned after so many, and so great proofs of his affection, to command his service, nor so much as to make herself known to him, in the strange occasions she had, and in the dangers she had run. Not being well able to digest this effect of her severity, he took it for an effect of ingratitude, and this thought plunged him into a deadly affliction. After he had done all he could possibly to flatter himself, and to banish that kill opinion out of his mind, he set himself to search out means to see her; or to hear some news of her, not having patience in that condition to stay till the end of a war which might be of a tedious length, and whereof the events as yet were doubtful. In these agitations of mind he passed a good part of the night, and the next morning came betimes into Oroöndates his Chamber: Finding no body with him but▪ Araxes, he presently communicated his disquiets to him, and the desire he had to attempt all things possible to see Parisatis, or to learn something of her. The Prince of Scythia who for all his jealousy was more inflamed then ever, declared unto Lysimachus first by his sighs, and then by discourses which were all fire, that he was racked with the same desire, and that notwithstandiug he was betrayed, abandoned and forgotten, he could not possibly take any rest in that ignorance of his Princcesses condition. What do we know (said he) but that they may be fallen again into the hands of merciless Roxana, or that our enemies may with tyranny, and indignity make use of their power over them? Ah! without doubt, if I were in a condition to do it, I would go through a thousand swords but I would see my ingrateful Statira. I should already have attempted the same (said Lysimachus) if I could undertake it without ruining our affairs, but my face is so known to all that are at Babylon, that 'twould be impossible I should be a minute concealed among them. Araxes coming to them during this discourse, If you think me capable to serve you (said he) why do you not put me upon this employment, you cannot choose any body, that will perform it with more fidelity, nor that can do it with more facility, I am unknown to all your enemies and provided I can but hide myself from Arbates, I may be amongst them without danger whole years together. Ah! Araxes, (cried Oroöndates) after Toxaris his adventure, I should be in too much fear of thy life, I should never be at quiet, if I had cast thee into so manifest a peril. I am not worthy Sir, (replied Araxes) of the care you have of my safety, and since it is dearer to you than I have deserved, I will manage it so well, that I will run no hazard. Toxaris his misfortune shall make me take care to shun Arbates, and all other persons that might discover me, and you may be certain I will bring you news of the Princesses, if it be possible to learn any, and will give you a reasonable good account of the condition your enemies are in. Araxes to these words added so many others, that he at last obtained the Commission he desired from his Master; he promised Lysimachus the like service, and that Prince who acknowledged himself obliged to him, returned him thanks, with extraordinary kindness and civility; The Princes would not give him any instructions, knowing he was capable of more important businesses, and they relied absolutely upon his prudence for the whole conduct of that enterprise. Araxes counselled them to hazard two Letters, which should be delivered to their Princesses, if he could be so happy as to get a sight of them, or be brought back to their hands again, if he returned without having been able to do them that service. Oroöndates in the estate he believed himself to stand in Statira's mind, and in that she herself stood in his, found great difficulties before he could resolve to write to her, but in the end by the persuasions of Lysimachus, who sweetened his discontents as much as possibly he could, and who was not much better satisfied himself, he took a pen and write these words unto the Queen.  
Prince Oroöndates to Queen Statira.  
YOu might think this meanness of spirit strange, if for your sake I were not accustomed to be guilty of the like. I reproach you with nothing, O Cassandra, but I come to die for you, since you have judged me unworthy to live for you; I will endeavour by my blood to establish your repose, but with that blood, I will also engrave in your heart an eternal remors of your infidelity to me. As much cast off and as much forsaken as I am now for the last time, I will without trouble give that life for you, which you have used to sacrifice to despair; But pardon me O Statira, if in the service I do you in general, I offend you in particular, and if in the number of your enemies, I comprehend my cruel and pitiless enemy; he shall fall if the gods favour the justice of my quarrel, but if I be capable to injure you in his person, I shall be so without doubt to satisfy you in mine; and you shall not have the displeasure of seeing Oroöndates outlive the offence he shall have committed against you.  
This was Oroöndates his Letter, and that of the discontented Lysimachus was in these terms:  
Prince Lysimachus to the Princess Parisatis.  
HEe from whom you concealed yourself so carefully cannot conceal himself from you, O Parisatis, and you may know him by his ordinary marks, he comes to do you a service, which you will not vouchsafe to receiv from him, rather than to make complaints of your disdain; I ought to drown that sorrow in the joy of your safety, and since it please's the gods that you are alive, I ought without murmuring to suffer that you should still be insensible, and that you should still be Parisatis. The unchangeableness of your humour cannot be truly compared to any thing but that of mine, and you are not more firm in keeping your ordinary insensibility toward me, that I am in keeping within the terms of an inviolable fidelity toward you.  
They had newly made an end of writing their Letters, and had given them to Araxes with most pressing recommendations, when the Chamber was filled with Princes that came to visit Oroöndates, and while they were drawing near unto his bed, Araxes who had no further orders to receiv went out of the room, and so directly about the executing of his Commission. After that the Princes had paid their civivilities to Oroöndates, and enquired concerning his health, they entered into Counsel about their affairs, and Antigonus having demanded audience to propose some thing of moment spoke to them on this manner. Besides the knowledge of your valour, that of the justice of our quarrel, gave me very good hopes of the issue of our enterprise; and I believed that in prosecuting our enemies before as those that had murdered, and now as those who unjustly detain the widow of our deceased King, and their own lawful Queen, we had a pretext reasonable enough, to arm all our forces against them; but yet as if the gods had judged that cause too light to divide so many Princes who heretofore were friends, and make them turn those arms against one another, which they have made use of for the conquest of the whole earth, they have been pleased to bring to light the crimes of our enemies, and complete our taking arms against them by reasons able to arm all virtuous persons with us. Amongst the falls murderers of Statira and Parisatis, we assault the true murderers of Alexander; our suspicions are now but too much confirmed, and I cannot aver that Perdiccas and Roxana have meddled in this parricide, yet are they criminal enough to be detested both of the gods and men, since they uphold the perfidious Cassander, who has taken away the life not only of his King, but of the greatest of all Kings. Do not believ it is upon light conjectures that I discover this fact to you, 'tis not upon the jealousy we had of it, nor upon the knowledge many of us have had of his love unto Roxana: and his aversion to Alexander, from the time he took him by the hair and beat his head against the walls in our presence; no, we have a certain assurance of it, and I can produce two men, who very innocently served as instruments in this horrid treason; they are two Macedonians who were bred up with Antipater, and who by Cassander's command brought unto the Court that poison which put an end to the gallantest life that ever was, 'twas of the water of Nonacris a fountain in Macedonia, which is of such an excessive coldness, that it extinguishes all natural heat, and cannot be contained in any thing but a horse's hoof. These two Macedonians having brought it to Cassander, he found means to procure them places about the King's cupboard, and within awhile after discovering himself to them, as to two old servants of his house, he by hope of extraordinary recompenses would have persuaded them to pour this water into the King's drink's; but they affrighted at that horrible design, refused to obey him, and strove to divert him from that cruel resolution. Cassander having vainly solicited them again, made use of his brother Iölas, whom for that design he got to be made chief Cupbearer, and for fear those two men should declare his wickedness, he caused them to be taken by others of his dependants, who under some pretence carried them out of the Town, with a command to kill them; The villains followed the order they had received from their Master, and having brought these miserable wretches into a by place, they stabbed them in many parts of their bodies, but it so pleased the gods that they had not time to make an end of them, and that seeing certain persons coming toward the place where they were, they fled away leaving these poor men half dead; they were taken from thence by Country people who carrying them to their houses caused them to be dressed so carefully, that they at last recovered, and but yesterday being able to walk abroad, they came to me desiring I would protect them against Cassander, making me the relation more at large, of what I have told you in a few words.  
Antigonus had no sooner ended his discourse, but he sent for the two Macedonians, and in the mean time all the Princes, began with imprecations to detest Cassander's wickedness, and by so powerful a motive, were more strongly animated in the hatred they bore his party; they had suspected Iölas before upon many conjectures, but having noble, and generous souls themselves, they could hardly imagine that others were capable of a crime of that nature. In the interim the two men came, and having made a deposition every way conformable to what Antigonus had said, and answered many questions which were asked them about that matter, they left the whole company ●ully confirmed in the belief of that Parricide. All those great Princes whose hearts did most sacredly reverence the memory of Alexander, trembled at this confirmation, and sent forth threats against those monsters full of a true zeal and lawful anger. Even Oroöndates himself, who honoured the remembrance of that mighty King as of a miraculous person, was highly concerned in their resentment, and with them swore to revenge the death of that illustrious rival. The Princes not being contented that the justice of their cause, should serve for their own private satisfaction, were desirous to manifest it to the whole world, and to make all men know, it was not for light occasions that they had taken arms against their Companions and ancient Allies. With that intent after they had agreed upon it among themselves, they set forth a Declaration which Artabasus, and Eumenes drew up in these words:  

The Princes joined in League for the revenge of Alexander, and for the liberty of the Queen his wife, and of the Princess his Sister.  
AS we have ever believed, that without very powerful reasons, men could not with honour unloos themselves from the bonds of friendship, and violate their ancient alliances; so have we also desired, that all those to whom our actions shall be known, might be made acquainted with our intentions, and might have no occasion to expound them according to the sens our Enemies would give them. We protest therefore both before the gods and before men, that it is not any discontent about our shares in the lately divided Empire, nor any design to make our selus greater, that hath put arms into our hands against those who heretofore were our friends and companions, but much juster causes and such as ought to make all the generous persons upon earth to rise up with us. It is for Alexander that we have taken arms, and we have at last discovered that that demigod, who found none but adorers through the whole world, hath found monsters amongst his own subjects, who by an execrable parricide, have deprived mankind of the greatest Personage that ever lived. Cassander whose name ought to be abhorred by all the Princes upon earth, and of whom no body ought henceforth to speak without detestation, the base poisoner of his Master and of his King, does not only find safety amongst those who were nearest to him, and amongst those who hold all their honour and all their fortune from him, but also a support against those that were his faithful servants, and a protection that would be refused him even among the greatest Enemies of his memory. Roxana whom he honoured with his bed, and with the participation of his Crowns, whom from the daughter of Cohortanus, he raised to be the wife of Alexander, and whom from Captivity, he exalted to the highest degree of honour that ever woman attained; Perdiccas whom he favoured during his life, and whom he honoured at his death with the chiefest marks of his affection and esteem, and a great many others who are little less indebted than they to the ashes of their Master, arm themselves in the defence of his poisoners, of his parricides. But was there any less to be expected from those who by actions of the same nature have sufficiently testified that they were of the same inclinations, and that they would yet prosecute Alexander in the person of them that were as dear to him as his life. Did not Perdiccas and the rest of Roxana's accomplices, by a violence without example, force the great Queen Statira, and the Princess her Sister, out of the hands of their attendants to murder them before the eyes of that pitiless woman? Did they not even bring the knife unto their throats? And if Perdiccas out of consideration of his own interest spared their lives, hath he not changed the pain of their death into that of a cruel and unworthy Captivity? Those great Princesses who were so dear and considerable to our mighty King, now languish in slavery to his subjects, who impose shameful Laws upon them, and who from the blood of Darius and from the alliance of Alexander would make them stop to that of the meanest of his Followers. These are the only considerations that make us take up arms, with a firm protestation before all the world, and at the foot of our Altars, that we will never lay them down till Alexander be revenged, and the Princesses freed and satisfied. And if our Enemies would persuade indifferent persons, that we make use of these pretences to cover our ambition, or other less lawful causes of division, let them do justice themselves upon the murderers of Alexander, and restore the Princesses to their liberty and to their former authority, and they shall find us most ready to withdraw our forces from these Countries, and leave them in a perfect tranquillity.   
The Princes having caused a great many copies to be taken of this Declaration, and made them be spread abroad through the Army, and were careful to send them to all places where they desired the justice of their quarrel should be known. The next day they proceeded to the election of a general, and to make choice of a Prince among them, that should give orders, and command the rest with an absolute power; but in this enterprise there was no small difficulty, and their contestations were very different from those which are usual in the like occasions; all of them equally avoided that advantage; and that glory which elsewhere is wont to be so much envied, found nothing but aversion and disdain among those generous souls. All with a joint consent yielded that honour to Prince Oroöndates, and protested to him with great submissions, that they would not march with him unless they might obey him. Ptolomeus, Lysimachus, Oxyartes, Eumenes and many others, pressed him to it with most ardent entreaties, but he resisted them with so much modesty and constancy, that 'twas impossible for them to move him. It is enough (said he) that you do me the honour to suffer me amongst you, and I receiv that favour with great acknowledgement, I who am useless among you, and who am here utterly destitute of forces, in the midst of so many Princes, the weakest of whom have brought whole Armies. Although I had with me all the strength of Scythia, I should still make it my glory to obey men so worthy to command me, and I should be as firm as I now am, in refusing an honour, which you cannot offer me without making me remember my want of ability. By such like reasons Oroöndates rejected the command, but not one of the Princes could be persuaded to take it from him, and Ptolomeus, Lysimachus and the rest were no less obstinate than he in denying to accept of that authority. At last by voices of all the Officers, the supreme power was put into the hands of six among them, who should command by turns every one his day. These were Prince Oröondates, Prince Oxiartes, Ptolomeus, Lysimachus, Craterus, and Antigonus. Eumenes, Polyperchon, Queen Thalestris, Old Artabasus, and Laomedon, who might with justice have pretended to the same dignity, refused it so absolutely, that 'twas impossible to make them come into the number. Artabasus excused himself by his age, Thalestris by her sex, Eumenes by his humour which was an Enemy to command, and by the union between him and Ptolemeus to whom he remitted the whole care, Polypercon and Laomedon by other considerations. The six Princes seeing themselves constrained to submit to that election, condescended to it at last, protesting to their companions that they accepted nothing of that charge but the care and trouble, and that for the honour of it, they would always yield it totally to them. That day being spent in this election, all retired to their Tents, and the next morning certain Scouts that had been sent abroad, brought word to Craterus (to whom by reason of his experience, of his credit with the soldiery which he still preserved since Alexander's time, and of Oroöndates his indisposition, all his companions had given the first day) that they had seen a body of seven or eight hundred horse come out of the City, who made as if they would draw near unto their Camp, byasing toward the side of the hill. The young Demetrius thrust forward by a generous boiling heat, asked leave of Craterus to go with alike number of men, to drive the Enemies back into the Town, or draw them to a fight, and having with some difficulty obtained it from his Father Antigonus, who loved him with an extraordinary tenderness, and who could not without great repugnance see him go into danger, he took horse with eight hundred of his men, proved to have the honour of striking the first blow in that war; he would not take a greater number with him for fear the inequality of the party should make the Enemies retire without fight, and rob him of the glory he sought; besides that the place was proper for his intention, and that in an open Campagn he could not fear any ambushes, which in another place the Enemy might have had a design to draw him into. The beautiful Paris never had such a grace in Arms as the young Demetrius, his eyes shot darts of love, and war so equally, that it was hard for his Enemies to see him in that Equipage, without fearing and loving him both together. Young Alexander, brave Ilioneus, valiant Tiriclates, the two courageous sons of Mazeus, and many other youthful Princes without command, would needs accompany Demetrius in that first occasion. They marched all together, and in excellent order guided by them that had brought the intelligence, and Craterus who would not hazard them carelessly, caused two thousand horse to advance out of the Camp, and be in a readiness to second them in case of necessity. Queen Thalestris who was present when this order was given, desired Craterus to grant her the conduct of them, which he did with great civility; and that new Bellona eager of that occasion to make herself remarkable called for her arms, and being covered with polished steel, she put herself at the head of those men, who submitted themselves joyfully to her command, and felt their valour redoubled by the presence of that fair Amazon, whose reputation was spread over all Asia. Demetrins was already a good way from the Camp, and marched before his men with a joy that was easily to be observed in his countenance; Alas! he was ignorant or his destiny, and knew not how many sighs and tears that day would cost him. He met not the Enemies so soon as he imagined, for they being come from Babylon only to burn some Village from whence the Camp drew great conveniencies, had already done their execution, and were retiring toward the City in great diligence. Demetrius discovered them upon a little hill that rose up in the plain, and being inflamed at that sight with a youthful anger, he exited his companions to the fight by words that breathed nothing but fire. My friends (said he) how great will our glory be, if among so many thousand gallant men, we bring home the first honours of this war; 'tis from this beginning the omen of the future success will be drawn, and all our Camp looks upon it as an infallible prognostic of the general event. Saying these words he advanced a pace, and endeavoured to cut off the Enemy's passage to the Town, thereby to force them to an encounter whether they would or no; but there was no need of that industry to engage them to it, for they were led by a man, who for a greater number than his, would not have quitted the Field without fight. 'Twas Leonatus, whose courage was little short of rashness, and who in the Court of Alexander had always past for one of the boldest, and most adventurous. Neither did he continue his way to Babylon, but seeing Demetrius advance, whose forces he judged by the eye to be little different from his, he faced about, and after having sent out a couple of horsemen to view his strength, he marched strait towards him, and commanded his Trumpets to sound a Charge. Never did a more pleasing nois than that, fill the ears of the young son of Antigonus, he made them to be answered by his at the same time, and seeing Leonatus at the head of his squadron, he spurred on at a good distance before his, and holding up his Javeline, he ran fiercely at him, being covered with that shield whereon the god of Love was painted. Leonatus met him with a courage not inferior to his, and their Javelines breaking in the Encounter, they ended their career without being thrown out of their Saddles, but Leonatus lost his stirrups, and was so shaken in his seat, that he tottered a good while in great danger of falling. The crowd of those that fell on after them, hindered the prosecution of their combat, and rushing each into his Enemy's Squadron, they instantly showed proofs of an extraordinary valour; the earth was covered with dead bodies in a moment, and both sides fought with so much courage, and obstinacy, that the victory remained long uncertain; but in the end Demetrius, who in those beginnings of his arms was resolved either to overcome or die, and his valiant Companions who fought close by him, animated their men so bravely by their words, and by their examples, that Leonatus his party began to give ground. Deometrius who saw them waver, pursued his advantage fiercely, and continued his charge with so much vigour, that at last he made the firecest of them turn their backs. Leonatus strove to stop his men by entreaties and threats, but when once fear had seized them, it was impossible to make them face about. Cambyses, Araspes, Tiridates, Alexander and Ilioneus seconded their young leader so gallantly, that in the end, their Enemies were utterly routed. Leonatus' not being able to rally, fought like a desperate man, and having overthrown Tiridates, he came up to Demetrius a second time, but fortune was contrary to him at that last combat, and having received two wounds, he with much ado was rescued by some of his most faithful Soldiers, out of the hands of that young Warrior, for whom Victory had already declared herself. Leonatus was carried off by his men whether he would or no, and the rest of his party fled toward the City without order and without resistance. The Conquerors prosecuted their Victory eagerly, and were already within sight of the walls of Babylon, when there came forth a body of horse consisting of three or four Squadrons. Demetrius at that sight made a halt, and all his friends counselled him to retire, while he had a free retreat; but he having a fiery courage could not dispose himself to hearken to their advice, and would rather perish then turn his back to them who fled still before him. The remainder of Leonatus his squadron taking heart began to face about to amuse him, and without doubt his youthful order was going to precipitate him into a manifest danger, when some of his soldiers casting their eyes toward the Camp, perceived the Amazon Queen, who with her two thousand horse came up at a large trot to have her part in Demetrius his glory. That young warrior finding his men recover spirit at the sight of that supply, could no longer contain himself, but utterly defeating those who yet made head against him, (as it were to rough-hew the victory before the Queen came up) he ran fiercely to give a charge to those new enemies; Cassander was at the head of them, and with him the valiant stranger, who a few days before had dismounted so many gallant men upon the bank of the Euphrates. Demetrius knew him by that dreadful impress of the vultures, and animated with a desire to seek honour where the danger was greatest, he took a javelin, and gave his horse a loose directly toward him, but Cassander opposed his design, & coming to receiv that encounter, constrained him to employ those arms against him, which he intended against another; but he was quickly punished for his presumption, for having only shaken Demetrius a little, he was met with so furious a shock, that he tumbled amongst the horses feet, which had trampled out his brains, if the care of his safety had not caused many of his soldiers to alight, who drew him out of that danger, and set him again on horseback, though extremely bruised with his fall. In the mean time the unresistable stranger had overthrown Ilioneus, and Tiridates, and falling in amongst the rest, cast fear and death into all places whithersoëver he turned. Demetrius sought him with his sword in his hand, and strove by his valour to make his small party subsist, but his endeavours were unprofitable, and he could no longer defend himself against those vigorous enemies, whose number was four times as great as his, if he had not been seconded by the Amazon Queen, who presently stopped the enemy's impetuousness, and made the combat equal. Amongst those that accompanied Cassander were the young Aristander brother to Leonatus, Cleophon the son of Cenos, Cleomedes the brother of Egelochus, and many other men of courage, and of noble blood. The brave Thalestris had laid Aristander and Cleomedes on the ground with two several blows, Aristander with one of her javelin, which ran him through the shoulder, and Cleomedes with another of her sword, which made him fall under the horses feet, she seconded those two mighty strokes with many others, which soon made her to be taken notice of, and forced the boldest of her enemies to turn the point of their arms against her, but she behaved herself with such a fury as made them believ she could not possibly be wounded. The nois of this supply, and of her valour came quickly to the ears of the furious stranger, whose reputation, and the slaughter he had made in another place was already come unto the Queen; this mutual report animated these two valiant persons with a desire to get to one another, and forcing their passage with their swords, they sought the way that might soon bring them together. The two courageous sons of Mazeus, who had made themselves remarkable that day by a thousand gallant actions, and who bloody all over had done things truly worthy of the memory of their father, opposed the stranger's passage before he could come up to the Queen, and Cambyses defying him with a loud cry, discharged such a weighty blow upon his cask, as made his head sink almost to the saddlebow, and scarce had he recovered his seat when Araspes, vigorously seconding his brother, laid upon him again in the same place with such a force, that being shaken before, he was like to have reeled out of his saddle; the two brothers, proud of those mighty blows, already promised themselves a happy success, but fortune seconded not their hopes, and the stranger's anger was raised to such a pitch, that iron and steel were thenceforth too weak to resist the violence of his arm; the first he met withal in that fury was the unfortunate Araspes, at whom making a thrust with such a strength as had few equals, his sword finding the defect of his curass, died itself in his blood to the very hilts, and appeared all crimson on the other side of his body; Araspes dying opened his arms, and calling upon the name of his brother, fell without life among those heaps of dead bodies wherewith the field was already quite covered. What shall the grieved Cambyses do at that woeful object? anger, and pity touched him equally; on the one side he would fain lend a hand to his dying brother, who called for his assistance, and on the other he fear's to los● his murderer in the throng, if he employ himself in that office; he was yet wavering in his choice, when his irresolution was determined by the same sword, which taking his head from his shoulders, made him fall with a river of blood upon the pale body of his brother. The Amazon Queen was near that place, and being present at that sorrowful spectacle, she was touched with compassion for the lamentable death of those two noble brothers, and with an ardent desire to revenge them. Ah! cruel man, (cried she to the stranger) this inhumaitie shall not remain unpunished, and rushing toward him at the same time, she found him most ready to receiv her; their first blows, showed marks to all those that were about them, both of their force, and of their animosity, and they redoubled them with such a fierceness, that many soldiers of both parties, gave over fight to become specators of their combat. In the mean time the Troops on both sides were weakened by more than half their men, and young Demetrius while the brave stranger was otherwise employed, encouraged his so vigorously, and charged the enemies with such valour, and good fortune, that they began to give back a little. They of Babylon were sending new squadrons out at their gates, but casting their eyes toward the plain, they saw other Troops coming from the camp, which Craterus sent to succour those of his party, and fearing to engage themselves insensibly in a battle which they were not in a condition to give, they changed their design, and sending to Cassander to retire, contented themselves with drawing up those forces without the gates, to favour his retreat. In the interim the stranger, and the high spirited Queen had vainly sought their advantages with the sword, and not being in a place, where they could freely bring their combat to an end, they let their swords hang by certain chains wherewith they were fastened to their wrists, and seizing one another about the body, they at the same time clapped spurs to their horses, and firmly keeping their hold, pulled each other out of their saddles, and began to roll upon the ground. The stranger had the advantage of the Queen a little in strength, and perchance might have got the better in that struggling, but they were not in a place where they could continue it, and fearing to be trodden under the horses feet, they rose up with an equal nimbleness, and betaking themselves to their swords again, were again beginning their combat on foot, when Cassander came thither, and knowing the stranger, spurred on his horse upon the Queen, and rushing against her shoulders, threw her all along at her enemy's feet, he would also have ridden over her, but the stranger catched hold of his bit, and giving his horse a sudden stop, made him run back almost like to have reared quite over, and at the same time covering the Queen with his shield, Ah! Cassander (cried he) will't thou dishonour thyself, and the best of thy friends to day? In this interim the Queen got up, so furious, that if Cassander had stayed for her, he had been punished for his incivility, but at that very instant he received the order from the Town, and commanded to found a retreat. The Queen casting her eyes upon the stranger, saw herself separated from him by a crowd, which it was impossible for her to break through, yet getting upon a masterless horse, whereof there was a great number in the field, she road after him a good way, and seeing it would be hard for her to join with him, I will remember (cried she to him) that thou art generous, but do thou remember also, that at our next encounter, thou must end this combat with me, wherein all the advantage thou hadst was by the baseness of thy friend. The throng was so great before she had ended these words, that she could not hear the stranger's answer, only she observed that he put forth one of his arms towards her, and followed Cassander who led him away by the other. The reinforcement which came from the Camp was already near, and that was it which made Cassander hasten his retreat the more. The Queen, and young Demetrius would have followed them to the very gates, but the most prudent Commanders dissuaded them, and showing the Troops which stood to sustain them, and which advanced gently to receiv them, they hindered them from engageing themselves in the pursuit. The valiant stranger retired softly in the rear of his whole party, and as often as he faced about he sent terror into that of his enemies. Demetrius already obeyed the counsels of those that dissuaded him from advancing further, when a Cavalier of the enemy's side, galloped single from the Troops that came last out of the Town, and advancing strait towards him with his sword drawn; For my part (cried he) I'll have no quarter, and ending these words he struck at Demetrius, yet with so little force, that the blow having hardly made any mark upon his arms, slipped thence upon his horse's head, where it left a very inconsiderable hurt, but so was not that he received in exchange from Demetrius, for running imprudently upon his sword, which he held forth against him, it gave him an exceeding deep wound in the body, at which he cried out, and being but of a weak constitution, sunk from his horse upon the ground. O Death! (cried he as he was falling) how sweet do I find thee, and how much have I desired thee. In these like words, he spoke something so lamentable, as touched young Demetrius with compassion; and causing some of his soldiers to alight, he commanded them to take off his cask, and see if he were yet in a condition to receiv help; his men obeying him, disarmed the head of the wounded person, but scarce had they done so, when by long hair, and a delicate complexion they discovered that it was a woman. Demetrius' first by the report of his soldiers, and then by the assurance he had of it himself, being come close to them, was seized with an unparallelled astonishment, and leaping from his horse he ran to the fair wounded stranger with an extraordinary perplexity. Ah! (cried he coming to her) whoëver you are, you are most cruel in having made me imbrue my sword in the blood of that lovely sex, to which I am a slave, and an idolater. In bringing forth these words, he looked more nearly upon her face, and though it began to grow pale with loss of blood, he found such beautiful, such taking features in it, that compassion continued not long alone, in a heart so ready to receive the impressions of love. This young afflicted Prince, sitting down by her, and unbuckling her curass to try to staunch her blood, did her that service with a flood of tears, and with sighs which powerfully enough expressed the greatness of his sorrow. What crime (said he) O great gods, can I have committed against you, that you should inflict so severe a punishment upon me? and why did you not suffer this unworthy sword, to find a passage rather into my own bowels, then into this fair body? He spoke these words with a despairing action, and the woman, who understood the one, and observed the other, was moved with them herself, and turning her eyes upon her enemy's lovely face, which she saw drowned in a river of tears, whosoever thou art (said she) O pitiful conqueror, do not envy me the glory of dying by thy hand, my crimes deserved not so noble a destiny, and I am unworthy of the tears thou sheddest upon my occasion, I sought for death, and I have found it, but since thou art too full of pity, to hasten it, though I should entreat thee, suffer it to come of itself without opposing the satisfaction I receiv by its approaches, and the repose I could not hope for during my life. These words pronounced with a tone which though mournful, had something in them very sweet and pleasing, pierced the heart of the afflicted Demetrius; He was of a most excellent nature, & pity having at first possessed every part of his soul, prepared it quickly for that master-passion, to which he had an exceeding strong inclination. He was about to show marks of the new effects it began to produce in him, when the Amazon Queen who was present at that spectacle, and in whom compassion had wrought very powerfully, counselled him to break off his complaints, to think of the wounded Ladies safety, and at the same time calling soldiers, caused them to take her up gently upon their bucklers, that they might carry her to the Camp more easily then on horseback. She seemed to suffer that assistance only to satisfy Demetrius, whose grief was so obliging to her; and by all her actions she showed such an aversion against life, that they who did her that office, knew they laboured but in vain for her. Demetrius walked by them on foot, and though he was completely armed except his cask which he had thrown off, & his sword which he had broken in a thousand pieces, it was impossible to make him get on horseback, or stir one step from her he had wounded; he forbore to make her speak for fear of hurting her, but he kept his eyes full of tears, incessantly fixed upon hers, and by their looks drunk in great draughts of that poison which insensibly took possession of his soul. He vouchsafed not so much as to speak to Eumenes, who had brought up the reinforcement for which the enemies were retired, and when he was come to the Camp, he hardly looked upon Prince Antigonus his father, and many of his friends who came to congratulate the glory he had gained that day; though he had great cause to be satisfied with his good success, he was not capable of tasting the sweetness of it, in that extremity of sorrow, and not so much as harkening to those that talked to him of it, he went directly to his tents, where laying the fair wounded stranger in the best room, he called the Chirurgeons, and promising them extraordinary recompenses for that cure, he, to make them labour the more carefully, protested that his life depended absolutely upon it.  
The end of the third Book.   

The Continuation of the third Part of CASSANDRA. The fourth Book.  
THe encounter which Queen Thalestris and young Demetrius had with Leonatus and Cassander, was not so light, but that of Roxana's party there were fifteen or sixteen hundred slain upon the place, and on the side of our Princes above a thousand, yet won they the field, and the whole advantage, and from that glorious beginning, drew most happy presages for the continuation of that War; nor did they neglect to show their thankfulness to the Gods by sacrifices which they made throughout the Camp, both to the Gods of Greece, and the Divinities of Persia: presently a hundred Altars were seen to smoke, and a hundred victim slain, whose entrails were observed, and gave no cause of apprehension to the Priests. The fair Amazon received a thousand praises from the whole Camp, and most particular endearments from those with whom she had more familiarity; they who had seen her that day in the thickest of the fight, made reports so much to her advantage, that they had some difficulty to gain belief, and when they went about to seek Comparisons to express her, could find nothing so proper as Thunder and Lightning. Croondates embracing her all armed as she was, Pardon me (said he) Madam, if I cannot hate Croontes, since his infidelity has brought us so powerful an assistance. Nor can I (added Lysimachus) repent the sacrilege I committed, in lifting my sword against you, since from that crime we have drawn advantages which can never be sufficiently valued. The fair Queen replied to these discourses exceeding gracefully, and the Princes themselves would needs disburden her of her Arms, and look upon some slight hurts from whence they saw the blood trickle down; she had two upon her body, but such inconsiderable ones, that they had much ado to persuade her to keep her bed for two or three days. By the recital she made to Prince Croondates of the stranger's valour, she gave him an ardent desire to try his forces, and to revenge the two brave sons of Mazaeus, whom both for the consideration of their father, and for their own, he had always particularly esteemed: and indeed they were lamented through the whole Camp, their loss much abating the joy for that fortunate beginning. As the Amazon Queen received great praises, the whole Army was not sparing of them to young Demetrius, and all the World extolled the Actions, which in so early a youth, he had been seen to perform against men of great experience in War, and known reputation, in terms able to have stirred up joy in him, if at that time he had been capable of it.  
That poor Prince was then in no condition to taste his Victory, and though his Tent was full of Princes, and Commanders who were come to visit him, he had forgotten all his civility, and left all the care of receiving the company to his father, while he stirred not from the feet of her he had wounded, and by whom he was likewise wounded himself in a most sensible place. When the Chirurgeons were searching her Wound, he kept his eyes fixed upon their faces, to draw an Omen thence, of what he ought to fear, or of what he ought to hope; and when after they had done, he saw them look upon one another with something a doleful countenance; O Gods! (cried he) she's a dead Woman, and your faces promise me no good: Well, Philip: (continued he turning towards his father's Chirurgeon) no life, no safety, neither for her, nor for Demetrius? Sir, (said the Chirurgeon) we cannot so soon settle an assured judgement, but to morrow at the second dressing, we shall speak with more certainty; let her rest for four and twenty hours, if you have any care of her health, and come not into her Chamber till that time be expired. Poor Demetrius, nearer death than life at this discourse, kneeled down by her, and taking her by the hand, which he bedewed with his tears; Madam (said he) I protest to you by all the Gods, that if you die, I'll live no longer, and that you cannot take a more cruel revenge upon your Murderer, than in neglecting your Cure; the shame of having killed a Woman, as you are, were enough alone to send me to my Grave; but since that to so lawful a grief, the Gods to punish my crime, have added the passion I have for you; know, that now your life is mine, that by all my blood, I cannot recompense that which I have drawn from your fair body; and that no man shall ever see me outlive the grief of having deprived the World, of that which now is dearest to me of all the things that are in it. Demetrius brought forth these passionate words so movingly, and his beauty added so great an advantage to what he said, that the Lady, as great an Enemy as she was unto her safety, and as much prepossessed as she was with another passion, could not keep herself from being nearly touched with them. Sir, (said she) you make me receive a death with grief, for which I had prepared myself with joy, and I protest to you by those same Gods you have invoked, that your sorrow does most sensibly aggravate my former afflictions, and that if they left the disposing of it unto me, ay, to cure you of your grief, would still endure this life, which my remorse, and my misfortunes make me to abhor. Afflict not yourself any longer for me, who am unworthy of these marks of your goodness, and suffer me to die without other sorrows, than those which have brought me to a just despair. Demetrius would have replied, if the Chirurgeons had not persuaded him to retire, after having imprinted a fiery kiss upon her hand, and used some other blindly transported actions. As he went out of her Chamber, he gave order that Women should be fetched to serve her, and presently some were sent for to Polemons house, who came readily to do their best endeavours; Antigonus who was acquainted with his Son's nature, and who according to the report of all those that have spoken of his life, was the most tenderly affectionate, and the most perfectly indulgent, that ever father was to a son, instead of reproving him, and blaming his passion, was really afflicted with him, and gave him the gentlest consolations he could desire, then having gotten him to suffer two light wounds he had received, to be searched and dressed, he at his entreaty left him to his rest, and dismissed his friends who came thronging to visit him. When Demetrius saw himself alone, and that in that solitariness, he made reflection upon the strange caprichiousness of his fortune, he fell into such violent thoughts, that he was like either to lose his senses, or suddenly to end his days. Men have been often seen to love (said he) and Lovers have often been seen to lose by death the person whom they loved, but that a Lover should in the same day, love, see, die, nay and with his own hand kill her whom he loved, is a thing which never happened to any body but Demetrius. It was shame enough to Demetrius, to dishonour his first attempts by the death of a Woman, without adding this bloody surcharge unto his shame, to make him kill a Woman whom he was to love, or to make him love a Woman whom he had killed; My crime was before my love, my love is the punishment of my crime, and both my crime and love will have an equal destiny. O Heavens! did you ever see a fortune that could have any resemblance unto mine, and could you not have made the face of it less strange, less cruel? If you had so decreed, that I must love this Woman, could I not have loved her without killing her? and if you needs would have me kill her, could I not have killed her without loving her? Others may have killed, others may have loved, but never any except Demetrius, loved, and killed both together. Love every where else begins, and declares itself by Services, only mine begins, and declares itself by death, nay and by a death which foreran both its declaration, and its birth; Ah Demetrius! How cruel are the marks of thy affection, and how strange a revolution has thy condition suffered in a short time? This morning thou wert both free from love, and innocent of Murder; this evening thou art guilty of the one, and mortally wounded with the other; there remains only since thy love, and thy crime are inseparable, that thou prosecute both to the uttermost, and that in this heart, the seat of thy affection, thou give the last blows to that unfortunate Image, which is engraven in it by thy crime alone. These were the discourses wherein the disconsolate Demetrius passed the whole night, and if he interrupted them many times, 'twas only to leap out of his bed, run to the wounded Ladies chamber door, and inquire how she did of those that waited on her; she, to whom they related his disquiets, to oblige her to desire life, and endeavour her recovery, seemed to be deeply touched with them, and speaking with much moderation to those that were about her; Entreat Demetrius (said she) to take his rest for my sake, and if he will have me pardon him my death, let him not redouble her griefs, who wants not other causes of affliction. These words being told Demetrius, wrought some light effect in his mind, and testified this to him at least, that the marks of his love were not indifferent to her. As soon as day began to appear, he would have risen, and run to her Chamber; but the Chirurgeons not having been able to hinder him by the consideration of his wounds, which held him at last by that of the person whom he loved, and made him, with great impatience defer the sight of her, till the hour her wound was to be dressed, and that sentence pronounced, which he waited for with mortal apprehensions. During that tedious space, the conversation of his father, together with that of Lysimachus, Ptolomeus, and Oroondates himself, who hazarded his health so far as to come and visit him, were not able to divert him so much as a moment from his violent disquiets. These Princes who from the Chirurgeons had learned how little cause of hope there was in the stranger's wound, endeavoured to prepare him insensibly for the worst event, but they found him so little disposed to hearken to them, that they were fain to give over their design. At last the hour he so much desired being come, he caused himself to be made ready; and going into her Chamber with all the company, he came softly to her bedside, and kneeled down against the opening of the curtain, without being able to speak one word. The wounded Lady who saw him in that posture, and who could no longer be ignorant of his passion, Demetrius (said she) if my life were as innocent as yours, our fortunes would have some resemblance, and if you will love me after my death, there will be much conformity in our destinies. I would love you after your death, (replied Demetrius) if I could possibly survive you, but I should be unworthy of life, if I were of so mean a spirit as to preserve it after the loss of you. These words struck Antigonus into a very great fear, and upon this discourse, the Chirurgeons being come in, began to go about their business; Demetrius trembled all the while they were dressing her, and looking upon the wound he had made, O cursed, and sacrilegious hand (cried he) why did not the Gods suffer the sword of Cassander, or of Leonatus to take thee from my body before this fatal encounter? Philip and Amintas having taken off the plaster, and seen the wound, knew presently that it was mortal, but because they were forewarned by Antigonus, would not deliver their opinion before him, and only said, that the success was still doubtful, and that it was to be hoped for from the Gods, and from the virtue of the remedies applied. Their Patient asked them leave to entertain Demetrius, and the Company, and they told her she might do it without any danger; which liberty so freely granted, made her soon know, that her cure was despaired of, and Demetrius, if he had not been so much blinded, might easily have judged with the rest of those there present, that that permission had not been given her, but that rest and silence were no longer available for her recovery. She entreated Demetrius to sit down by her bedside, and Oroondates, Antigonus and the rest placed themselves round about, which done, addressing her speech to Demetrius, she spoke in this manner.  

The History of Hermione.  
I Know very well that I shall die, but I feel I have yet strength enough, both to live some few days, and to make a long discourse; which obliges me, Demetrius, to give you the recital of my life, and in this you receive no small mark of the esteem I have of you, since it is so guilty, that I ought in reason to conceal it to all the world; but I pass over that consideration, because you from thence may draw the knowledge of many things, which will be advantageous to you; the first, is that of the crimes of this unfortunate Woman whom you love, which without doubt will cure you of this affection, whereof she acknowledges herself most unworthy; the second, that of my hearts being prepossessed, which though the gods should prolong my miserable life, would not leave me any power to answer to this friendship, you express to me; and the last, that of the disasters which make life odious to me, and which making you see with how much reason I ought to detest it, will comfort you as well as me for the loss of it. Besides these considerations which concerns you, O Demetrius, I have others for my particular interest, capable to oblige me to this relation before persons, who having perchance known my crime, are ignorant of the excuses it may have, and who by this naked confession of my life, will have a perfect knowledge of the one, and of the other.  
Although I have in arms received this favourable wound, which by one death alone delivers me from many, yet am I neither an Amazon by birth, nor of a stronger, and more warlike constitution than the rest of women; 'twas only despair that put a sword into my hand, and a curass upon my back, under which my death hath been my first assay. The beginnings of my life were very different from this last profession, and if my misfortunes had not altered my face, perhaps it would not be unknown to some among you, since it hath heretofore appeared to my shame, and confusion, in places where you have past part of your life, and from which my body, or my mind has never been absent, since that fatal engagement of my heart, to which I owe the greatest part of my miseries. The unfortunate Cradates' Prince of the Caspians was my Father, his name, I am sure, is not unknown to you, nor what he did against you in all the Battles Darius fought against Alexander; he was born his subject, and I may truly say, he was held in some consideration both by him, and by all the Princes of his Court; he also served him with an inviolable fidelity till the end of his life, and till after his death, never yielded to Alexander's fortune. But I am to blame (continued she) to say it was to his fortune, since to say truth, it was to his merit that he yielded. Ah! who was able to resist him, that Conqueror of men, that Master of bodies and of souls, and that sovereign arbitrator of our destinies? Oh that it had pleased the gods, that fatal merit, which hath drawn me into this labyrinth of disasters, had been less known to us, and that they had suffered poor Cradates to fall in that famous battle of Arbella, wherein he showed so many proofs of his valour, and of his affection to the service of his King, without prolonging his days to entangle his wretched family in those miseries which accompanied it to the very last. It was, I say, after the death of great Darius, that my Father with his household, and the remainder of those Troops he had commanded, came to cast himself at the Conquerors feet. Alexander received him very graciously, and by the kindness of his reception, did in part abate his sorrow for the lamentable end of his Master, and wrought an ardent desire in him, to serve him also with a fidelity like that, which he had born to his deceased King. I have begun my Story in this place, without making any mention of the first years of my life, wherein there is nothing considerable enough to be told you; and the rather, because the condition I am in, forces me to be thrifty of my speech and strength, that I may be able to relate the more important accidents of my life, and not spend them in the recital of those, which are but of small importance. I had lived till those years quietly enough in the Province my Father commanded; but at that change of our condition, mine also received a particular change, and by a fatal sight I lost that repose which I had still preserved in all the troubles of our Country. I am going to make a confession to you, my Lords, which perhaps will rather draw mockery from you than compassion, but if my folly cause some laughter in you, the sad effects of it will in the end oblige you to some pity, and will make you impute both my folly, and my misfortunes to the cruelty of my destinies. I will tell you then, that even in the remotest part of our Province, the reputation of Alexander had begun to cause some disquiet in my mind, and that being born with high spirit enough, and bred up with a fame of some beauty, and of some qualities which made me be accounted to have something lovely in me, I had also lofty thoughts, but lofty with excess, and even with blindness. The flatteries of those which called themselves, my adorours', had so puffed me up, that I disdain them all, to fix my whole esteem upon that Alexander, whose person was yet unknown to me, but whose reputation was already spread over all the earth; I heard his exploits recounted with admiration, and when they talked to me of the greatness of his courage, of that boiling, and generous ardour which made him rush headlong into the thickest of his enemies, of his moderation in victory, of his gallant fashion, of his youth, and of the grace which accompanied all his actions, I felt my heart insensibly won, and became an enemy to my Country, lest with it I should pray for the ruin of that lovely enemy, who began to extend his victory as far over my heart, as over our territories. This esteem settled itself in my soul with some disquiet, and began to work desires in me, which as, innocent as they were, robbed me of my former repose; I could not forbear to take the part of that great King, even before those who wished his destruction, nor to set forth his praises in the hearing, even of his mortal enemies. I remember I was often reprehended for it by those who had power over me, yet by their going about to suppress my desires, they did but kindle them so much the more. In these terms I stood, when my Father called me to him, and when he communicated to his family the design he had to cast himself at the conquerors feet: I was the first, who (with a more specious pretence, covering the desire I had to see that Prince) embraced Cradates his knees, and said all that my passion could suggest to fortify him in that resolution. If these beginnings of my folly were so powerful, judge what the progress of it was after the sight of Alexander. I believed him more handsome, and more lovely than he had been presented to me; me thought fame had done him wrong, and that, what she published of him, was infinitely below the truth. O Gods! with what a Majesty did he receive our submissions, and with what a grace did he raise us up, when we prostrated ourselves before him? I know not whither my heart prepossessed with its former opinion of him, received that impression through the powerful inclination it had to it, or whither it were an effect of the merit of that Great man, or a decree of my destiny; but whatsoever it were, that moment was the last of my liberty, and from an adorour of Alexander's gallant actions, I really became Alexander's captive, his great employments would not suffer him to hold any long conversation with us, yet was it not so short, but that I heard him discourse a good while with my Father, and had leisure enough to swallow great draughts of that poison, which by degrees seized upon my heart, and quickly left no part of it untainted. When we were come away, his image remained still present to my remembrance, and when by reasoning I would have made some attempt to drive it thence, it settled itself there with a more absolute Empire, and tormented me with more violence, and Tyranny. Foolish Hermione, would I say (for that's the name of this unfortunate woman that speaks to you) foolish, and miserable Hermione, what a blindness is this of thine, to precipitate thyself with so little reason, and discretion into an unruly passion? and what a weakness it is to yield thyself with so little resistance to an enemy, from whom thou hast no expectation of mercy? thou lovest without any hope of easing thy passion, nay, and even without hope of discovering thy passion; thou that art but the mean daughter of Cradates, lovest Alexander the Master of potent Kings, that conqueror of all mankind, and the terror of the world, he to whom the greatest Princesses living are slaves, and who nevertheless would not deign so much, as to turn the least of his thoughts upon them; Thou groundest thy hopes perchance upon the knowledge that Alexander is a man, that he is young, and that he is not unsensible; that thou art born of no contemptible family, and that thy lookinglass, and thy flatterers persuade thee thou art fair. Alas! though Alexander be a man, though he be young, he is a Warrior, he is fixed upon his conquests; and if he be not unsensible, he will be touched with love to another rather than to thee; and thou wouldst yet be a verier fool than thou art, if the persuasions either of thy flatterers, or of thy glass, could make thee imagine thy beauty were in the least degree comparable to that of the Princesses of Persia. By this kind of arguing I strove to defend myself against my growing passion, and I thence easily drew the knowledge of my blindness, but not the power to withdraw myself. I perceived, with as found a judgement, as one unconcerned, could have done, that 'twas utterly in vain to hope for any thing by my love, and yet that knowledge could not cure me of it, and I saw myself in the end constrained to love without all hope, and to love, because my reason had not power enough over my Soul to keep me from loving. At the second sight of Alexander my passion grew twice as strong as before, and at last it became so potent by my indulgence, that it made me absolutely besides myself. We followed the Army certain days, but the King being desirous, by obligations to engage my Father to his service, and testify the trust he would have in him, sent him to the City of Maracanda, whereof, as of the neighbouring Province, he gave him the Government with equal Authority to what Governors were wont to have under Darius. My Father received this favour from the King with great submission, and with an earnest desire to sacrifice himself for his service; but I received it as a sentence of death, since it absented me from my lovely Conqueror, and when Cradates, after having received his orders and dispatches, departed from the Camp, I was like to have ended my life at that cruel separation.  
Yet was it necessary to obey without murmuring, and without discovering any thing to my Father of a disquiet, which in stead of pity, would only have caused his contempt, and aversion toward me; I went with him to that City, which obeyed the King's Orders without resistance, and I looked upon it as the place of my imprisonment, or at the least as the place of my banishment. Alas! how many days did I pass there, which to me were more gloomy than the darkest nights, and which I should have blotted out of the number of my life, if all those that succeeded them, had not been languished out in the like or greater misfortunes! that adored Idea came always into my imagination, with charms against which my reason was no longer proof; sometimes I fancied Alexander at the head of his forces, pressing the flanks of Bucephalus with his sword in his hand, his head shaded with Plumes, and his body glittering with polished steel, except in some places where the dust, and his Enemy's blood had dulled part of its lustre; otherwhile I represented him to myself at the top of a scaling ladder, laying hold of a battlement, and throwing himself over a wall, whither he alone carried terror and ruin to his Enemies; I often set him before my eyes swimming on Horseback through an impetuous river, holding two darts in his right hand, and casting up a terrible look toward the bank extremely steep, and covered with a million of men in Battalia, and in all these forms I imagined him always with a divine aspect, and with an air breathing something above humanity; but from these reflections falling into my sadder thoughts, Alexander (would I say sighing) is yet more lovely, is yet more sparkling than thou canst fancy him, but alas! he is not for thee; and the higher he is, and the more elevated above the common sort of men, the less cause hast thou of hope, the less cause of consolation. I never ended these words without tears, and when I hear tell of the daily progress he made, whereof my Father often received news, and the perils, into which he did precipitate himself, I trembled and quaked at the recital, and hardly made any prayers unto the gods, but to conjure them to divert all those darts, and all the points of those swords which might offend my lovely Conqueror. I kept my disquiets a long time concealed, though they might have been observed in my very face, and in the alteration of my health; but in the end I discovered them to old Theano my Nurse, in whom alone I could with reason have any confidence. That good woman blamed my folly, and did all that she could possibly to cure me of it; but when she found she laboured but in vain, and that my passion grew sharper by her opposing, she resolved to follow my inclinations, and to seek some redress for my discontent, as well by her endeavours, as by her consolations.  
I lived on this manner, till Spitamenes came to Maracanda; Spitamenes (pursued Hermione with a sigh) was not unknown to any of you, and they that have passed their lives with Alexander, as well as they that have lived near Darius, may often have seen him in both Courts; you know that he was friend to the treacherous Bessus, and that after the detestable parricide of his King, whereof he was not absolutely clear, he followed his fortune into Bactria; but when Alexander was come into that Country, and that by the force of his arms he had made himself master of it, Spitamenes, a false friend to that disloyal man, betrayed the Traitor in favour of Alexander, and to make his peace with him, after he had caused his forces to revolt, he with Catenes and some others seized upon Bessus, and carried him bound hand and foot to Alexander. Having found favour with the Conqueror by means of this treachery, he continued for some time to follow him, but afterward growing weary of the quiet he enjoyed under him, and abusing the favours he had received from him, he sowed new seditions in the Camp, and making the Dahaes rise, he levied seven thousand Bactrian Horse, and with them marched toward Maracanda, to get my Father to follow his example, and rebel against his benefactor, and his Master. Pardon me, O Spitamenes, if I renew the remembrance of thy perfidiousness, and believe that it is neither to injure thy memory, nor to seek to justify myself that I accuse thee, but to make the truth known unto these noble persons, who are as little ignorant of part of thy life as I myself. Spitamenes being arrived at Maracanda, and having made himself known at the Gates, was received by my father his ancient friend, with all testimonies of affection; and concealing his rebellion from him, he made him believe that by Alexander's order, and for his service he was to lead those forces upon some expedition on whither he had sent him; my father received him into the Town, and into his house with all manner of welcome, and used him as a Brother, and as a man in whom he perfectly trusted; nay, he was so imprudent, that he quartered some of his Troops within the Town, and the rest hard by as commodiously as he could wish. The subtle Spitamenes had already taken good order, to keep my father from being undeceived, and sent Horsemen abroad upon all the Highways, to stop all those, who by order from the King, or otherwise, might come to give him notice of his Revolt; by this means it was concealed from him, and poor Cradates never showed the least mistrust. In the interim Spitamenes from the second day became in love with me, or at least feigned to be so, to advance his designs; and presuming upon the friendship my father bore him, and upon the power he believed him to have with Alexander, who according to his report, gave him Armies to command; he discovered unto him his intentions toward me, and demanded me of him in marriage. The abused Cradates gave ear to the proposition, and really believing that Spitamenes was in a high degree of fortune, and in great credit with the King, judged that he could not hope for a more advantageous match for his daughter, and without further deliberation, or informing himself, how I stood inclined, gave him his word that I should be his wife. Spitamenes having had this promise, began to cast loving glances at me, and to discover his affection; but alas! how little was I in a condition to hearken to him, and with how great a coldness did I receive his protestations! That very evening my father made me acquainted with his pleasure, and commanded me to resolve to marry him. The Gods know in what manner I received both that declaration, and that command, how many tears I shed at my father's feet, and how many entreaties I used to get him change his resolution; but that poor abused man, who believed himself engaged by his word, and who fancied imaginary advantages to himself by that alliance, was inexorable to my prayers, and being offended at my resisting of his will, redoubled his command, and to them added threats full of severity. I passed all that might in deadly griefs, and a thousand times invoked my adored Alexander, to ask satisfaction for the violence used against me. Theano could find no way to comfort me, but representing to me that I could not pretend by lawful means to the possession of him I loved, counselled me to take Spitamenes, and obey my father. I had no mother to whom I might address my complaints, she was dead many years before, and having made my moan to two young brothers I had, they blamed my resistance, and laid before mine eyes the duty I owed my father; they were ignorant how my heart was prepossessed, and believing as well as Cradates, that I should have a very great fortune in Spitamenes, could not approve the difficulty I made in submitting to his will. Till then I had lived, without knowledge of any crime, and in that innocency of life, I believed, that without being extreme faulty, I could not disobey my father, to whom besides my respect, I had ever born a very tender, and perfect affection, to which he had obliged me by all manner of kind usage, and by testimonies of a most indulgent love. How great difficulty soever I found in withdrawing my thoughts from that lovely object whereupon they were fixed, and how great an aversion soever his tyrannical proceeding had made me conceive against the Husband destined for me, I felt myself too weak to resist those that had an absolute power over me; I was destitute of all show of help, and not so foolish as to hope for any success in my passion for Alexander. The knowledge of these things, after having sufficiently wept, and tormented myself, made me at last resolve to undergo the yoke, which they strove to impose upon me, and to dispose myself by that cruel necessity, to contend against my first affection, and labour to introduce that into my heart, which duty ought to establish in it. Why should I keep you longer in this tedious part of my life? Cradates' at last found me obedient; Spitamenes by a hard violence, and by the despair of my former passion, drew from me the consent he demanned, and my father who loved me dearly, and who would not have forced my inclinations, but out of a hope it would be much to my advantage, expressed a great deal of satisfaction at it. The wedding was celebrated with pomp, and magnificence enough, but Lucina, the Goddess of Marriages, presided not at ours; only the furies held forth their Torches at that fatal alliance, and about our nuptial bed, whether I was lead as a sacrifice to the altar; nor was there any thing heard but night-ravens, screech-owls, and such birds of fatal presage. In those first days of our marriage Spitamenes strove, at least in appearance, by all manner of kindness, and testimonies of love, to make me approve of that by inclination, which I had done out of obedience or constraint, and notwithstanding all my repugnancy, he would at last have obtained it, and I should have forced myself with reason to drive away that passion, which was so great an enemy to my repose, and to my duty, if by most horrible crimes, he, instead of the coldness i had toward him, had not introduced that bloody hatred into my heart, which hath since produced such dismal effects. Here I shall only recall many things into your memory, which without doubt you have heard before, but since that for the most part they are not unknown to you, I will pass them the more lightly over. Cradates now lived with Spitamenes as with his son, he trusted him with his most secret thoughts, and referred himself to him, both for the government of the Town, and for his most important affairs; and indeed who would have suspected such a horrid treachery, or who would have imagined that so much dissimulation, and perfidiousness could lodge in the soul of a man nobly descended. The vl day after our marriage was hardly passed, when Spitamenes found means to bring in a great part of his forces at several gates, and when he had made himself strongest in the Town where the Garrison, and the Inhabitants were very weak, after he had given those Orders to his men, which he resolved should be executed, he came attended by a great many followers, to find my Father in his Chamber; he the day before had told him that he intended to march about the expedition Alexander had employed him in, saying, it had been retarded by his Marriage, and my Father, who saw how much the Country was burdened with his Forces, was content to let him depart, upon hope of a speedy return; at that time seeing him come into his Chamber, he believed he came to take his leave of him, but Spitamenes quickly put him out of that error, and having desired to speak with him; Cradates (said he) I have hitherto dissembled my intention, because I was not yet in a condition to declare it to you, but now I must lay open my heart, and by my example oblige you to do what you ought, since our ancient friendship, and the alliance we have contracted, persuades me to move you to it by such ways as I should not have made use of toward another. Know then I am Alexander's enemy, that the Forces which follow me have taken Arms only against him, and that if you have any love to your Country, and any consideration of your Son in Law, you ought to take Arms for the one, and follow the fortune of the other. I was present at this discourse of Spitamenes, and saw that my Father, not being able to suffer the continuation of it, How Spitamenes (cried he) have you betrayed me then, and was it only with this intent that you sought my alliance? I asked your Daughter of you, (said Spitamenes) because I loved you, and 'tis because I love you, that I yet once again entreat you to embrace our party, and not to make them your enemies, who do yet consider you, and who are stronger in Maracanda than yourself. By these words, poor Cradates plainly found he was betrayed, and instead of answering to Spitamenes his proposition: Ah! Traitor, (cried he) the just Gods will punish thy perfidiousness, and if I must fall, they shall see me die like a man, that was faithful to his Masters till his latest breath. With these words he laid his hand upon the Hilt of his Sword; but cruel Spitamenes having already drawn his, ran him through the body, and made him fall dead at my feet, weltering in a stream of his own blood; my two Brothers were eager to have revenged him, but those that accompanied Spitamenes killed them presently upon the place, and at the same instant the signal being given, they began through the whole Town to drive out, and cut the throats of the Garrison. I make you Judges, my Lords, of the condition I was in at that time; I saw my poor Father breath out his life in my arms, and my two poor Brothers fall murdered with divers wounds, the blood of them all spouted forth upon me, and made me all over in a gore, but I was not long a beholder of that dreadful spectacle, for having scarcely had the strength to give a shriek, I fell upon those dear bodies, without sense, or understanding. I knew not then, what was done in the Chamber where these cruelties were committed, but when I came out of my swound, I found myself upon a bed, encompassed with a great many women, unto whose charge I had been delivered. As soon as I opened my eyes, I remembered the woeful objects I had seen, and you may believe, that at that horrid remembrance, I neither spared my hair, nor my face, and that by all my actions, I gave sufficient testimony, that in the condition I was left in the world, I had but little love of life remaining; I had seen those persons murdered before my eyes, who were the nearest, and who ought to be the dearest to me in the whole world; and I had seen them murdered by the hands of him, who in spite of all his treacheries and cruelties, was still my husband; besides the force of blood, and the considerations of friendship, the condition I was in by that horrible revolution of my fortune, was very lamentable, I in those dear persons had lost all the support, and all the protection I had, and I saw myself miserably exposed, and abandoned to the mercy of that monster, from whom I expected as bad a destiny. At that time, I thought not of all these things, as being capable of very little sense in that extremity of trouble, but fixing myself only upon those so late objects, and upon the bloody Ideas, which I had still fresh before my eyes, I suffered myself to be totally possessed with grief, and with astonishment. As often as I named my poor Father, and my poor Brothers, I detested their treacherous murderer, and I made not more complaints for them, than I poured forth imprecations against him: I kissed the blood which was yet upon my clothes, and left horrible marks thereof upon my face. I should fear to weary you, my Lords, and perchance I should not have life enough to make an end of my recital, If I endeavoured to repeat all the words which my despair made me bring forth; and it will suffice me to tell you, that I passed all that day, and all the night following like a person utterly out of her wits, and had it not been for the hindrance my women used when I was so violently transported, I had infallibly attempted upon my life: I had continued above thirty hours without taking any nourishment at all, when I was forced to it by the tears of my old Nurse, who hanging about my knees, and sighing by me, touched even me myself with pity, whose condition was woeful enough to move compassion in all the world. That second day was passed just as the first, and the next after, impudent Spitamenes presented himself before me. O Gods! with what a violence did that cruel sight waken my resentments, I felt my strength redoubled, and leaping from my bed, I ran to strangle that Parricide with my hands, and without doubt, in the fury that transported me, I should have perished by his, or should have made him run some hazard, but that I was stopped by those women, who having held me back with much ado, carried me by force, and laid me again upon my bed. Cruel Spitamenes was not at all moved at my action, and being set down at a distance from me, he gave ear a long time without reply to the reproaches, and imprecations I vented against him: after I had said all that rage could put into my mouth; Perfect thy crime (continued I) thou murderer, stained with illustrious blood, and with blood, for which thou oughtest to have shed, all that whichh runs in thine own veins; send the disconsolate Hermione after her Father, and her brothers; piercet his heart, an enemy to that Parricide hand, which but few days before, thou joynedst to mine for a pledge of thy love, and which thou gavest to poor Cradates for an assurance of thy fidelity; since it is with this noble recompense, thou hast repaid the favours he did thee, and with these gallant Characters that thou hast engraven in the memory of mankind, the alliance which thou madest with him, spare not this remnant that is left, and nourish not for thy ruin, a serpent that will devour thee, unless thou stiflest it; know that thy life shall never be secure, so long as Hermione is in the world, and that she preserves hers only to assault thine, by all the most cruel ways she can invent. At this discourse disloyal Spitamenes feigned to be touched with repentance, and compassion, and having looked a long time upon me without reply, Hermione (said he at last) I am afflicted with thee for thy loss, but for the conservation of my fortune and of my life, it was necessary for me to seize upon Maracanda; and though I was already advertised that thy Father had betrayed me, and that he had already promised to deliver me up to Alexander, I protest to thee that for thy take I would have pardoned him, and that I would not have drawn my Sword against him, if he had not laid his hand upon his first, with an intention to have killed me, since he could not give me up alive into the power of my merciless Enemy; I contributed not to the death of thy Brothers, but they themselves ran headlong upon the Arms of those that accompanied me. However it were, Hermione, if Cradates was thy Father, Spitamenes is thy Husband, and thou art more nearly tied to me, than ever thou wert to him; our interests, and our fortunes are henceforth inseparable, and thou oughtest to become an Enemy to all those that were so to thy Husband. The faithless Spitamenes spoke on this manner, and to jnstifie himself in some sort, strove to blemish the memory of my Father by a horrible calumny; but his innocence was too well known to me, and I could no longer suffer the scandalous slanders of that disloyal wretch. Ah! Traitor, (cried I) Traitor a thousand times; Traitor to Darius, Traitor to Bessus, Traitor to Alexander, and most of all Traitor to the unfortunate Cradates, and to his deplorable Family; Spare at least the honour of them, whose lives thou hast inhumanely destroyed; and content thyself with murdering their bodies, without murdering their Reputations in the grave; our blood never suffered any reproach of perfidiousness, and all that ever it can apprehend, is the having received faithless Spitamenes into a Race, that till then was without any blemish; but let the thunder of the Gods bury me with the rest of our poor Family, rather than thou shouldst ever see Hermione acknowledge thee for her Husband; thou thyself shalt acknowledge her to be a revenging fury, chained unto thy life by an unshaken resolution, and which will either give thee thy death in the midst of a thousand Guards, or receive her own from those abominable hands; yet stained with that blood, to which thou wert so unworthily allied. I said a great deal more to him with the same vehemence, but he grew weary of hearing, and went out of the Chamber, telling me that his love made him pardon my being transported, and that time would restore me reason, and bring me comfort. I continued many days in this condition, disposing myself to live no further than I was forced by the urgent entreaties of many that loved me, and testified much compassion of my misfortunes. Spitamenes was peaceable Master of Maracanda, where he had quartered most part of his men, and where Alexander, by reason of his weighty employments otherwhere, let him alone quietly for that time; but he was not in the least degree master of my heart, and notwithstanding all the industry he used to make me forget my resentments, it was impossible for him to effect it, and I had conceived so violent a hatred against him, that I could not consider him as other than the Butcherer, not only of Cradates, and of my Brothers, but even also of myself; I fancied him always died with that blood which had been so dear to me, and I continually framed horrible and dreadful Ideas of him to myself, which waking and sleeping came eternally into my remembrance; in short, all that a most just anger can produce in a heart already prepossessed with some aversion, imprinted itself most deeply in mine, and I then took a firm resolution to live for nothing else, but to take revenge, and to sacrifice to the Ghosts of my Father, and Brothers, that barbarous Fellow, who had inhumanly massacred them before my eyes. He visited me every day, but I still received him as a Dragon ready to devour me, and if he forced me to speak to him, I only uttered such bloody Reproaches, that any other soul but his must needs have been touched by them▪ and which so wicked an one as his would never have endured, if it had not before been really touched with a violent passion. I was a Prisoner, though in appearance I was free, and if I had not known how much I was observed, and how carefully I was kept, I should have endeavoured to get out of Maracanda, and escape out of the hands of that barbarous man. The Gods know, and I call them to witness, that though I had married Spitamenes without any affection, I had done all I could after we were married to banish from my heart the love I bore to Alexander, & that I had done all that a discreet Woman could do to settle it entirely upon that disloyal man; I could not hope to effect it easily, but at least I had taken a strong resolution to die rather than suffer the smallest thought that could injure it. I continued that design as long as he abstained from murdering my nearest Friends; but after that he with their blood had washed out all the Characters of that alliance, which tied me to him, I believed myself free from that engagement; and afterward when my losses were no longer so fresh, & that time suffered me a little to unlose my thoughts from them, the image of Alexander came again into my mind, but it came in such a way as made me instantly observe the difference there was between him, and Spitamenes; I made no opposition against its return, but drove out of my heart all the thoughts I had formerly had to love that Monster, placing more noble and more glorious ones in their room. O Gods! (cried I) how beautiful is Virtue in respect of Vice, and how lovely is my Alexander in respect of Spitamenes? Depart from me, O you unworthy rememberances of the most unworthy of all men, and return to me, O dear Ideas of my gallant Conqueror; we may submit ourselves to him without baseness, since the whole earth submits itself with us, and may kindle as much love in our heart for him, as we do hatred against the faithless Spitamenes. I said many other things in the return of my passion, which my duty had laboured to suppress, but now my resentment had fortified twice as much as ever. In the mean time Spitamenes endeavoured to reconcile me to him, and caused me to be persuaded, that by all manner of considerations I ought to forget all that was past, and give him the same place as formerly in my affection, and in my bed; but 'twas impossible for him to obtain it; and one day when he pressed me to it extraordinarily. Cease Spitamenes (said I) to desire what thou demandest, and believe that it shall only be to kill thee in thy sleep, if I receive thee into my bed. Spitamenes was touched with such a threat, and changing colour at that answer. This cruel obstinacy (replied he) deserves a very different usage from that you receive of me, and you would find few men in the world, who would not secure their own lives, by the death of so dangerous an Enemy. Why dost thou not secure thine then (said I) since thou hast no other way left to do it? I will first (answered he) try if reason, and the knowledge of my love, can resettle you in your duty, and will not come to extremities against you, till my hopes are quite extinguished, and till I have cleared myself of all those Reproaches you might use against me; but remember Hermione, that you ought not to thrust a Husband upon these last Resolutions, who loves you too well, and who by your ingratitude may be driven from one extremity to another. The cruel man knew that I wanted not matter of Reply to such a Discourse, but he would not stay for it, and going out of my Chamber, left me at liberty to digest his threatening. I was even as much moved with that as with his flatteries, and neither the one, nor the other were able to divert me from the resolution I had taken.  
Whilst I lived thus with him, like an Ulysses in the Cyclops Cave, he received intelligence that Alexander was sending Forces against him, and that he was preparing to follow them at the heels himself, to punish his perfidiousness, and make him an Example to those that might abuse his mercy, as he had done: this news produced two very different effects in us; it much perplexed Spitamenes, though truly he was valiant, and a good soldier; but in me it caused some mixture of hope and joy; I hoped that Alexander would revenge me, and set me at liberty, that out of those detested hands, I should fall into hands that were most dear to me, and that in that revolution of my fortune, I by avoiding the sight of Spitamenes might enjoy the sight of Alexander. These thoughts restored some cheerfulness to my countenance, which was taken notice of by Spitamenes, and though he had no suspicions of my inclinations to Alexander, he nevertheless was much displeased with me, for the joy I showed at the disorder of his affairs, and not being able to dissemble it; You rejoice (said he) Hermione, but be not too hasty in your contentments, your fortune is yet very unsecure▪ It cannot choose but be very good (replied I) provided yours be bad, and if Spitamenes perish, Hermione cannot be unhappy. By the like discourses I exasperated Spitamenes against me, and if he had not indeed had some passion for me; whereof I can neither tell you the name, nor explain the nature, 'tis probable that being wicked, and cruel, as he was, he would not have spared me. My good Nurse was my only consolation, I trusted her alone with both my hatred, and my love; for though my hatred was public, my love was known to no body but the faithful Theano. Alexander made a great part of our conversation, and seeing her alone with me one day in my Closet, a thought came into my mind which I neither could, nor would conceal from her; What danger is there, Mother, (said I) since I have given my heart to Alexander, and that I have more right than others to call him to my relief, if I implore that assistance which he grants to all persons that are miserable; he'll lend an ear to me without doubt, when he shall know that I am Daughter to Cradates, who died for his service, and whose fidelity alone has been the cause of my misfortunes. This remembrance will be considerable to him, and perhaps he will not disdain the inclinations I have for him, when he shall once come to know them: he has showed civility, nay, he has showed affection to Women, whose birth was neither more illustrious, nor their person more lovely than Hermione's, what do we know, but that the Heavens, after such cruel influences, may look upon us with more pity, and may have inspired me with the Design I have, to deliver me out of all my miseries at once; Let us hazard what Love, and the necessity of my affairs put into my mind, and by writing to Alexander the state of our present condition, let us give him some notice of that of my heart; he will without doubt be pitiful to the one, and perchance not inexorable to the other. I am forced unto this Action by a Power which I cannot disobey, and since that in the condition I am in, my life is very unsafe, I should die unsatisfied, if I died without giving my Conqueror some knowledge of the Victory he has obtained over me; I will have him know, that even the least of his Conquests is not shameful, and that the Daughter of Cradates has a more noble ambition than to be the Wife of Spitamenes; yet will we manage what love shall make us write, with such a discretion, as shall secure us from his disdain, and will make these adventurous Lines, speak in such terms, as shall not make us blush for their presumption. Only dear Mother, think of some trusty Servant whom we may make use of in so important a business; I'll put both my life and honour into his hands, and in recompense of the service he shall do me, I offer him a good part of that fortune the Gods shall send me; it will not be hard for him to get out of this Town, while Spitamenes Enemies are yet afar off, and that the Guard at the Ports is not too strict, and he may easily find out Alexander by the noise of his Conquests, and by that Reputation which brings him near to the remotest places. After I had said thus to Theano, she alleged some Difficulties that were not without colour, but my passion broke through them all, and at last made the good Woman consent to my desires, and seek some faithful person to serve me in them, she judged the matter of such consequence, as was not to be trusted to any, but such an one as we had great assurance in, and therefore having studied long upon it, she bethought herself of her only son, my foster-brother, who had be en brought up with care enough in my Father's house, & who had ever born me an inviolable affection. The good woman was willing to hazard him for my service, and as soon as she had propounded the business to him, he with a most ardent zeal offered to effect it for me. Theano had no sooner brought him to me, but I received him with expressions worthy of his fidelity, and having told him once again of what nature, and of what importance the service was that he should do me, I begged of him with tears in my eyes, to be careful of what I trusted him withal; I instructed him at large in his Commission, and having given him a good many of my Jewels, dismissed him to take order for his departure, while I shut myself up in my Closet, to write that Letter whereof he was to be the Messenger; but then I was even at my wit's end, and I found myself in the greatest trouble of the world to seek out terms to express myself, I repented my Design a hundred times, and as often resolved upon it again; Love had no sooner inspired me with words, but presently shame strangled them again, and my courage had no sooner made me write a little, but my fear made me strike it out; I never spent so much time about so few Lines, but in the end after a thousand blottings, and a thousand Consultations, I at last finished these words.  
The unfortunate Hermione to Alexander the Great.  
IT is not the Wife of false Spitamenes, but the Daughter of faithful Cradates that presumes to write to you; If you abhor the name of her Husband, you have some consideration of her Father's memory, and if her Husband has betrayed you, her Father died for your Majesty's service; 'tis therefore by the blood of my Father, that I implore your justice against my Husband, and since it is the destiny of Cradates his Family to die for Alexander, be pleased that the remainder of it may die free from any other yoke save what you have imposed. It is your Captive Sir, that begs her liberty, not that you have taken from her, but that which pitiless Spitamenes refuses her; she counts no other Prison but yours supportable, and if she must live inchained, 'tis only in those brave Chains, and in those gallant Bonds wherewith her heart is tied; her Body can no longer endure to be separated from her Soul, that's the most cruel of all my Torments, and I suffer less in the presence of a Monster imbrued with my blood, than I do for the absence of Alexander; Alas, Sir, how bold, and how strange is this Confession, but your goodness without doubt will pardon it in a mind equally perplexed with its misfortunes, and with its passions, and that same goodness will arm your hand with those thunders, which it uses to dart at guilty heads, and will make you demand that from a barbarous man, which he detains from you, and which can be no bodies but yours. Those victorious Arms of the Conqueror of all the World, and of my particular Conqueror, can never be employed with more justice; and that infallible success which waits upon them, cannot shun so lawful a Design, nor be refused by the Gods unto the Prayers of the unfortunate  
HERMIONE.  
When I had ended this Letter, I found it so far from that modesty which I had proposed unto myself, that I was going to have writ another, and have torn these words, which made me blush with reading them, and perhaps I should never have resolved to send them, if Theano and her son had not come in to me; they utterly overcame all my scruples, and that poor young man, who burned with a desire to serve me, urged me in such manner, that after having instructed him in his Commission, and in the Relation he should make unto the King touching the misfortunes of our Family, I put that fatal Letter into his hands, and dismissed him. He went his way, after he had promised, that he would either procure my satisfaction, or die for my service, and I remained in a great confusion, both for the boldness I had taken, and for the uncertainty of the Event. I trembled in so doubtful an expectation, and good Theano endeavoured to settle my fears, and laid aside her own to give me some consolation: part of the day was passed in this employment when I was surprised with a most dreadful spectacle. I saw (O Gods, I tremble at this horrible remembrance) I saw cruel Spitamenes come into my Chamber in a posture, which cannot return into my memory without making me quake with terror; his eyes, and his whole face glowed with a colour like fire, his clothes were all bloody, in one of his hands he held the Letter I had written some few hours before, and in the other the Head of my unfortunate Messenger. Consider, my Lords, what an astonishment I was in at so strange an encounter, and supply my weakness, which will not suffer me to represent it to you. I was strucken cold, and unmoveable, like sorrowful Niobe at the loss of her deplored Family, and at the first was neither sensible of grief for the mischief I had caused, nor of fear for the danger that threatened me. In the interim inhuman Spitamenes coming toward me, when he had put the Head which he held by the hair close to my eyes to make me know it, he threw it at Theano's feet, and at the same time showing me the Letter, See here (said he) Hermione, see the recompense thou givest to those that serve thee, and behold the gallant marks of thy fidelity to thy Husband; thus it is I use those that undertake such honest employments for Spitamenes his Wife, and 'tis by proofs of this nature that I can know chaste and modest Women like Hermione. I was so troubled both by the sight of such fright full objects, and by the cries of Theano, who kissing her sons bloody Head, filled my Chamber with most lamentable exclamations, that I had neither strength nor confidence to answer Spitamenes. Consider (said he to me) whither this Husband, to whom thou daily usest bloody Reproaches of Cruelty, ought now to stand in fear of them, for having punished a double perfidiousness like thine; and whither thou canst disavow thy being convinced both of an adulterous Design, and of a Conspiracy against thy Husband's life; see, how to satisfy thy hatred, and to content thy shameful passion, thou dost not only give up my life, and thy honour, but to sacrifice the one, and unworthily to prostitute the other, thou wooest, (base, and mean spirited Wretch) thou suest to an Enemy that despises thee; Know that it is not to dishonest, and disloyal Women that Alexander gives his esteem, and his affections; and that as much his Enemy as I am, I must acknowledge him to have a virtue which opposes all thy hopes. He that punished the Murderers of Darius, more cruelly than those of King Philip his Father, will never approve of Treachery, although it be to his advantage, and the destiny of Bessus, should have served for an Example to the Wife of Spitamenes. With such like Discourses Spitamenes aggravated my sorrows, and having by the length of them given me time to shake off part of my astonishment, I at last recovered courage, and looking upon him with a more assured countenance than before; Think not (said I) to confound me by thy Reproaches, nor to terrify me by thy Threats; these Crimes thou accusest me of are not new unto thy knowledge, this is not the first day thou knewest that Cradates his Daughter was the mortal Enemy of his Murderer; this Attempt thou upbraid'st me with, is only against the Butcherer of my nearest Friendst, and not against my Husband; The Gods forbid that ever I should acknowledge thee by that name, their Blood has washed out all the marks thou hadst of it, and if I were guilty of that affection thou condemnest me of, it should be to the Gods, and not to thee, that I should justify myself for it; I owe no fidelity to him, who by horrible Parricides has extinguished all those Obligations, and I ceased to be thy Wife, from the time that thou divestedst thyself, both of the nature and quality of my Husband. After the misfortune of Cradates, who was neither more guilty, nor less in thy power than I, thou needest not think it strange, that I try all manner of ways to get out of thy hands, and that I call for help to him who of all men living is best able to give it me, and from whom, being interessed in our misfortunes as he is, I may most lawfully hope to obtain it: if thou hast shed the blood of a faithful servant, and of the innocent Messenger of thy intentions, be neither the more fierce, nor the more satisfied for that, and believe thou aggravatest thy Crimes only for thy greater punishment, and that if thou lettest me continue in the world, I will be revenged for him, as also for my Father, and my Brothers. This Torrent of words which I poured forth impetuously, and in which Spitamenes, for all his rage and fury, saw a great deal of justice, abated his violence a little, and if they were not able to make him more mild, or more choleric than before, they were powerful enough to strike him to confusion, yet did he strive to dissemble it, and labouring to put himself into his former terms, Think not wicked Woman (said he) to justify thyself by these weak Reasons thou allegest; thou art but too plainly convinced of two crimes, the least whereof is worthy of Death; and persevering as thou dost to work my ruin, thou wouldst perchance scarce find one in the whole world, from whom thou couldst hope for so much mercy as thou receivest from this cruel, this barbarous man; I will let thee outlive thy Crime, to the end thou mayst have no advantage over me, and that henceforward our Reproaches may be equal, since our faults are equal: when thou tellest me of Cradates, I'll put thee in mind of Alexander, but know thou hopest in vain, both for his help, and his affection; I am content to let thee live, so long as thou live for none but me; but if I sink under Alexander's fortune, thou shalt be sure to keep me company to my Grave, nor will I leave thee in the World, in a condition to laugh with thy Lover, at the Defeat of thy Husband; pray therefore to the Heavens for my prosperity, if thou wilt pray for thine own safety. I give thee this wicked Woman's life (continued he, pointing to Theano) and though she deserve Death, I am satisfied with having punished her by her sons, for the counsel, and assistance she has given thee. Having said these words, he went out of my Chamber, and left me little moved with his threatenings, but deeply afflicted, both with fear of never seeing Alexander, and grief for poor Theano, whom for a reward of her services, and of the nourishment I had received from her, I unfortunately had deprived her of her only son. The poor Woman lay upon the floor, keeping the Head in her hands, and mingling her tears with the blood which still ran from it, was a hideous and horrible sight to behold. I took her in mine arms, and adding my tears to hers with much affection, Mother (said I) I am not able to give you any valuable comfort in this loss I have caused you, and unless I could restore you what I have robbed you of, I know not how in the world to make you amends, but I protest to you by all the Gods that hear us, by the soul of Cradates, and by the tender affection I have ever born you, that your interests shall from henceforth make the best part of mine, that I will be as eager to revenge you as myself, and that I will perish very shortly, or appease the Ghosts of my Father, and of your son, by the blood of their Murderer. Though these words were not sufficient to quiet that poor Woman, yet did I perceive they had wrought something upon her, and that she found some sweetness in the promise I made her; I spent the rest of the day with her in condoling the disaster of that poor young man, whom I unhappily had sacrificed to my misfortunes, and the day after we had employments of another nature.  
Spitamenes having notice, that Alexander had sent Menedemus against him, and that he was already upon his march toward Maracanda with his Forces, resolved to go forth with his, to meet him, and to wait for him in some advantageous place, fit for an ambush which he meant to lay, and into which Menedemus must necessarily fall. The Troops were no sooner ready but Spitamenes, compelled me to go out of my Chamber▪ and putting me with certain women into a Chariot encompassed with Guards, took me along with him the way he marched; he had with him four thousand Bactrian horsemen, whom he caused to carry behind them as many Dahaes lightly Armed, and expert Archers, who yielded little to horses in swiftness, and who had order to alight at the very beginning of the charge, and to enclose the Enemies on the right side, and on the left; That day having made a very long march, we came to the place of Ambush in the beginning of the night, and the very next morning imprudent Menedemus arrived there; I will not entertain you, my Lords, with the particularities of that business, I have already told you that I am but a Soldier by accident, and besides those passages are as well known to you as to myself. You have heard that Spitamenes his Stratagem took the effect projected, that the Macedonians were shut up on three sides, and that the sudden surprise of the Dahaes deprived them of all means to fight, that Menedemus, seeing himself overeached, and ashamed to have an Enemy more subtle than himself, made amends valiantly with his own person, and after having slain a great many of his Enemies, fell dead amongst them with an infinite number of wounds he had received, that after the great defeat, a small number of your men, having gained a place of reasonable strong situation, capitulated with Spitamenes, after which that faithless fellow, contrary to his word given, put them all to the sword.  
Here Antigonus speaking to help Hermione's weakness. We saw the bloody marks (said he) of what you succinctly related, within a few days after, where we found all the Macedonians, and their valiant Commander Menedemus, (who had been our friend and companion) full of honourable wounds; and the King, who viewed the place of that defeat in person, after having given some tears, to their deplored end, and loudly sworn to revenge it, caused tombs to be raised for them, and funeral honours to be performed with great magnificence.  
After that defeat (continued Hermione) Spitamenes returned to Maracanda, but would not stay for Alexander there, knowing himself to be but weak in that Country, where he had little credit and Authority; wherefore having given order that the Troops which he had left behind should follow him, he marched toward Bactria, which Casenes, and he had caused to revolt, and where he knew he should find a retreat, with men and Towns at his devotion. In the mean time he carried me along like a Captive, though he was careful enough of my person, and that sometimes by flatteries, and sometimes by threats, he endeavoured to alter my inclinations, but they were still firm, and instead of mollyfying me towards him, I was every day solicited by the afflicted Theano, to take the revenge I had promised her, the desire whereof was too deeply engraven in my heart to stand in need of any solicitation. This thought, and that of Alexander, took up my memory perpetually, and whatsoever should become of me after the defeat of Spitamenes, I begged nothing of the gods but the arrival of his Enemies; I blamed their slowness every day, and complained against Alexander for being so careless in revenging the injuries that were done him, and considering that he had other matters enough in hand, which were sufficient to retard him. We wandered a long time up and down Bactria, where Spitamenes recreuted his Army, and when he thought he was able to defend himself, he stayed at Nicaea the best Town in all the Country, and encamped his Forces about it. He had not been there long, but he heard that Alexander was coming with great marches toward him; that intelligence did not much affright him, and not being willing to fly before him any longer, he resolved to expect him boldly, and bury himself in the ruins of that City; he caused the fortifications to be carefully repaired, furnished the place with Arms and Victuals, made Forts, and drew a good line round his Camp, forgetting no part of an expert Commander. This news joyed me very much, and Spitamenes, in whom jealousy already was very powerful, finding the marks of it in my face, reproached me with it every day. Thou knowest not what thou rejoycest at (would he say to me sometimes) for if thou foresawest thy destiny, thou wouldst curse the very approach of Alexander. He often threatened me on this manner, and then within a while coming to himself again, and letting himself be overcome by some remainders of passion, he would begin to flatter me, and changing his voice and countenance; Hermione (would he say) our injuries are equal, let us forget them equally; do not thou any more remember that I killed Cradates, and I will never more think of thy being in love with Alexander. Sometimes I deigned not so much as to answer him, otherwhile I replied so sharply, that he would fall into a rage, and to his furious humour. In the interim, the time so much desired by Hermione came at last, and we saw those Arms appear, that were victorious over the better part of the world. Fierce Spitamenes resolving to go forth with some of his Cavalero to meet the foremost Troops, came into my Chamber completely Armed, and rolling his eyes, which breathed nothing but blood, and slaughter: Hermione (said he) I am going to make thee sport, and perhaps thou wilt know to day, whether I can defend myself both against my foreign, and domestic Enemies; Arm thy prayers in favour of them thou lovest best, and if thou wilt, behold from the top of our walls the sacrifice I prepare for thee. He went out of my Chamber with these words, and I was not at all unwilling to grant what he demanded. Our house stood upon the skirts of the Town, and from the highest windows, one might discover the neighbouring fields, as far as the sight was able to reach; Spitamenes had no sooner left me, but I went up with Theano, and casting my eyes upon the plain, I saw my cruel jailor go forth at the head of his men, and march in good order towards his Enemies. Go perfidious man (said I seeing him ride on) go, find a too glorious funeral under the Arms of my gallant Conqueror, and make him blush at so shameful a Victory; thy destiny will be too noble if thou fallest in this occasion, and even thy very death will work an envy in Hermione. He was not yet far off, when Theano made me observe the dust which rose under your horses feet, and within a while after, I discerned the shining of your Arms; yet were you at so great a distance, that we could see you but very confusedly. At that sight I felt a beating at my heart, which testified the inward alterations of my Soul, and celebrating your approaches with sighs. O Theano (cried I) see yonder is he we have so much desired; that Master of my heart, and that odored object of all my prayers, and of all my thoughts; without doubt he is at the head of those Troops which we begin to perceive, there it is, he is most commonly found, and there it is, that by his presence he constantly leads on victory; see how the Sun, to add lustre to his Triumphant Arms, is more beautiful and sparkling to day than ordinary, all things contribute to his glory and advantage, and Fortune herself, in whom common persons find nothing but inconstancy, hath changed her nature in favour of him, and hath yielded herself a slave unto his virtue. In the mean time I saw Spitamenes draw up toward you, and within a while after the dust rose thicker than before, and the sky was so obscured, that we lost sight of both parties; Then we were confident they were fight with the Macedonians, and then we most ardently redoubled our prayers, and wishes. Within an hour we found that darkness draw nearer to us, and afterwards when we could more easily distinguish objects, we saw Spitamenes fly full speed, with his men toward the City, and the Macedonians at their heels eagerly prosecuting their victory. That sight begot an unperfect joy in me, as soon as the wicked fellow was near enough to be known, and though his shame gave me some contentment, I could much more earnestly have wished, that some Macedonian Javeline might have stopped his flight, and that he had lain gnawing the earth, upon which he had left a good many of his companions. Look there, (said▪ I Theano seeing him enter the Gates) behold the Valiant man that prepared me such bloody sacrifices! Oh how pleasing would this sacrifice have been to me, if he had been the Victim; In this interim he was retired into the Town with some of his men, and the Macedonians, who but for that obstacle would have forced their entrance, at their coming up were stopped by their Enemy's entrenchments. That hindrance kept them in the plain, judging that those outworks could not so easily be taken, and in the mean time all their Forces arrived, and the Commanders disposed the order of their encamping. In that employment my eye still sought for Alexander, and me thought I knew him by the brightness of his Arms, by the number of Macedonians that followed him, and by his performing the Office of General; I saw white Feathers wave upon his cask, whose shining, opposed to the sunbeams, could not but dazzle the eyes of those about him; I saw him come through a cloud of Arrows to the very edge of the works, where I am confident he froze a thousand hearts, and by his presence struck a terror into thousands of men, whom the depth of their moats were not able to defend against so dreadful an Enemy. O Gods! how did that sight renew my wound, and how graceful did I think him in that encounter, though the distance was a little too great to make any particular observations; I sighed, I trembled, I changed colour a hundred times in a moment, and by all my actions I let Theano see that I was no more myself. Ah! Mother (said I) 't is he without doubt, and though he were not to be known by so many marks, my heart shows me him better than my eyes, that slave to an illustrious Master instantly felt his approaches, and by a miraculous instinct, found him out in the midst of all his Troops; do but consider that divine presence of the Son of Jupiter Hammon, behold that brow (proud of so many Laurels) which he lifts up towards us with such a lovely fierceness, observe how he puts forth his right hand toward the ramparts, and by that threatening action, sends mortal terror into the Soul of these revolted wretches: the brave Achilles never looked like him, when on the deck of the Grecian ships; he by his presence alone deprived the Trojans, both of courage, and of victory, and made them forsake the fire, which already was devouring their men of War. Ah! my gallant Conqueror (continued I) thou art ignorant of part of thy victories, nor knowest thou that the advantages thou winnest upon our outworks, are much less entire than those thou hast already got within our walls; I had no rampart able to defend me against thee, nay, I even yielded myself to thee, without putting thee to the trouble of a blow. Ah, would it pleased the gods these Gates were as open to thee as my heart is, and that without incurring any danger, thou wert as much master in this City, as thou art in this Soul of mine. I brought forth these words with so much vehemence, and Theano's eyes and mine accompanied my thoughts so fixedly, that we perceived not Spitamenes his entering into the Chamber. He had hearkened to the last words I spoke, and not being able, (in that confirmation of my love, and in the ill humour he was in for the loss he had sustained) to retain the furious motions of his choler, he ran to me with his sword drawn, and preparing himself to take away my life: Now it is (cried he) O disloyal woman, that thou shalt receive the reward of thy infidelity, and that thou shalt give that impure Soul unto thy Alexander, which thou already hast abandoned to him. I confess I was more surprised at this accident, than I can tell which way to represent, and though till then I had not much feared death, his presence made it so ghastly to me, that I was quite void of courage, or reply. Spitamenes catched hold of my hair with his left hand, and lifting up his right, wherein he held his sword, was going to part my head from my shoulders, when he felt his arm laid hold on behind, he turned about furiously toward him that hindered the effecting of his resolution, and saw Timocrates standing by him, in whom of all his Captains he had greatest confidence. What will you do S●, said Timocrates. Let me alone, (replied Spitamenes more furious than before) let me kill this faithless woman, before she rejoice in my utter defeat, and in the shame she prepares me. With those words, he got loose from Timocrates, and would infallibly have executed his design, if many others of his friends had not come into the Chamber, and opposed his intentions, they altogether had enough to do to dissuade him, and he still dragged me by the hair, who was nearer death than life, abating nothing of his obstinacy for all their entreaties.  
Hermione in this part of her recital was interrupted by the passionate Demetrius, who cried out, O gods! where were all the thunders at that time, or if you wanted thunders, where was Demetrius? The young Lover said only these few words with an inflamed look, and Hermione prosecuting her story; The more earnestly Spitamenes his friends (continued she) importuned him to spare me, the more inexorable did they find him, but when they had long pressed, and conjured him, not to be so hasty in a business which he might execute another way, I grant you (said he at last) some part of what you desire, not the life of this false woman, who shall surely die for the expiation of her crimes, but the delay you beg, and a change of the kind of her death; my revenge would neither be handsome, nor perfect, if I should foul my hands in her impure blood, therefore I will have her die by hands that are dearer to her, to morrow I'll make a sally upon the Enemies, where she shall march at the head of our party, and receive the first storm of their encounter; she shall either fire her Alexander's Tent herself, or fall under the Arms of the Macedonians; and if she give back, or refuse to advance, this sword shall still be ready to execute what you have deferred. Prepare thyself for this kind of death (pursued he turning toward me) and freely offer to Alexander's sword that heart, which thou hast given him; I cannot do thee a more acceptable service, than to deliver thee to thy Lover, and I myself will take care to conduct thee to his Tent. This was his last resolution, & notwithstanding all the attempts of his friends to divert him from it, 't was impossible for them to obtain any more of him. Before he went out of the Chamber, he put me into the hands of the Eunuch Strato, Captain of his Guards, a Valiant man, whom he commanded upon pain of death, to watch by me all night, with a hundred of his Soldiers. Until this part of my life, I had never showed too much apprehension of death, but I must confess my weakness, nor do I think it shameful in a woman, I was then extremely affrighted at it, and form so cruel an Idea of it in my imagination, that I was not free from some of those thoughts, which are usual in persons that are much in love with life. As soon as Spitamenes was gone out, Strato brought me to my Chamber, where presently all objects appeared fatal to me; by Spitamenes his command all my women left me, and scarcely were they, that had been dearest to me, permitted to take their leaves of me; they by a weeping farewell made my griefs more sensible, and my terrors greater, the face of all things became dismal, and my lodging looked no longer as other, than as the prison of a criminal condemned to suffer; Only Theano continued with me, because she was destined to the same punishment, and that she was to lose a life with me, the better part whereof she had already bequeathed to my service; one of my most sensible griefs was, that I should die without seeing Alexander, and without letting him know at my death, that I suffered it only for his sake. At least (said I) if he had but any knowledge of the cause of my death, and if he might but one day learn with what constancy, and firmness I die his, I should not be utterly unhappy; he would certainly shed a great deal of blood for my revenge, and perchance some tears out of compassion. O! Alexander, how glorious would my destiny be, if I could make thee shed but one, and if thou didst but say at the relation of this news, I lament the fortune of this poor woman; but alas how different are our thoughts, thou without doubt involvest Spitamenes his whole family in his perfidiousness, and will't equally bear the ruin of those that have betrayed thee, and destruction of those that have loved thee. I was buried in these thoughts, and preparing myself with all the constancy I had left for that death, which I believed inevitable, when Strato, whose guards were at my Chamber door came toward me, and seeing he could not be overheard by any body but Theano, who was not suspected; Madam, (said he) you may save yourselves, but you must have courage to undertake a daring enterprise. I had ever observed some good will in that man toward me, and I then called to mind that he had received some Obligations from Cradates, whereof he still had preserved the remembrance; This freed me of any suspicion I might have had, that he talked so to sound me, and therefore I replied. Oh! Strato, there is nothing I would not do, to hinder Spitamenes from having the satisfaction to destroy Cradates his whole family, you must then kill Spitamenes, (said Strato) I see no other way open to your safety, and by that you may both save your life, and take the revenge you have so much desired. I was surprised at that proposition, and though according to my opinion, I ought to have received it with joy, I was strucken when I heard speak of taking away my Husband's life: how great hatred soever I bore, him; I did not naturally love blood, and though I wished his death, I found not myself bold enough to give it him. Theano seeing me in this confusion, was troubled at it, and coming towards me with something a furious action. What, Madam, (said she) do you consult still upon this proposition, and when as to so many reasons of revenge, you may join that of your own safety, do you forget your gallant resolutions? Ah! Theano, (replied I) I am no less an Enemy to Spitamenes than I have ever been, and I could wish he were out of the world, so I had not the guilt of killing him, he is the Murderer of my Father, and of my Brothers, but yet he is my Husband, a●d I cannot resolve to imbrue my hands in his blood, without an exceeding great violence upon myself. Ah! Madam (answered Theano) drive away these Chimeras from your mind, and fear no remorse for a courageous and a virtuous Action; you owe this Revenge to your Father, and to your Brothers, nay, and you owe it even to me also, who have sacrificed my only son unto your interests, and who yet bear in my heart every drop of that blood which he shed for you; and moreover remember that if you do it not, you must die to morrow, and die as an infamous Woman, and as an Adulteress at the head of two Armies. Theano besides these, used so many other Arguments to me, and did so aggravate the Causes I had to free myself of that barbarous man, that in the end I consented to all she desired, and ask Strato what order we should take in the business, he instructed us in the manner, you shall hear by the continuation of this Discourse.  
As soon as Spitamenes was retired to take that rest in his bed, which he was capable of in that condition of his affairs, Strato, who commanded all his Guards, went to those that were wont to watch about his Person, and having an absolute credit and authority with them, he told them that Spitamenes had commanded him to send them to another part of the Town, about a business which he invented, and giving them charge to go thither presently, and to expect his Orders there, he feigned that in their stead he would put some of those soldiers which had me in their custody; they obeyed him without Reply, and left Spitamenes his Quarter destitute of any body that could defend him; within a while after he returned to them that guarded me, and reserving to himself only four or five of whom he was assured, and to whom he had in part communicated his Design, he sent the rest to some other place by the same deceit, & so having freed himself of all those that might hurt us, he came into my Chamber to me, accompanied with them that were to assist us in that Design. I trembled from head to foot when I saw him enter, & felt so great a repugnance against that Enterprise, that but for the instigations of the revengeful Theano, I should never have resolved upon it. Madam, (said he) now it is that your courage is needful, & that you must diligently lay hold of an occasion, which can never be recovered if you let it escape. Ah! Strato (cried I) my courage fails me in this Execution, pray let us seek some other way to get out of Spitamenes his hands. If you had longer time (replied Strato) perhaps something might be thought on, but you have only the remainder of this night, all the Gates are guarded, & the Walls so thick set with Soldiers, that we have no passage open. When Spitamenes is killed, & his Death concealed, provided I be at the head of my Guards, I'll make you as free a way as you can desire, and I have credit enough among those that watch at the Ports, to persuade them that I do nothing without Order from Spitamenes; but lose no time, I beseech you, if you let the night slip away, there is no more hope of safety for you. After these words, and many others, Theano made me rise from a Chair where I was sitting, and going out of my Chamber by Torchlight, he lead me pale, and trembling toward Spitamenes his Lodging, O Gods! how troubled were my thoughts at that time, and with how great agitation of mind was I distracted, between the desire of Revenge, and that of my safety. I had strong inclinations to compassion, and I could not forbear to consider with pity, the misfortune of a man betrayed by his own people, and even upon the point of paying so cruelly for the injuries he had done me. I told Strato often that since he bore me so much good will, he might execute his Design, without my being present at that bloody spactacle, but he refused to go one step without me, and having brought me through a Gallery to an outward Room, where a Groom of his Chamber lay alone, he knocked softly at the Door. The Fellow being got up, and having asked his name, opened the Door, but Strato instantly muffling a Cloak about his Head, stabbed him twice or thrice with a Dagger, and made him fall dead at his feet, without being able to cry, or stir; from thence we went into the next Chamber, where Spitamenes lay fast asleep. I was so besides myself that I was hardly able to stand, calling in vain upon my anger to strengthen me; the first thing Strato did was to seize upon Spitamenes his sword, but by the noise we made he wakened, yet was so extremely surprised, that he had not the confidence to cry out, neither did they give him time, for covering his Head presently, as they had done his Servants, they took away his life with a great number of Wounds. Thou diedst, O Spitamenes, and thou diedst a Death which indeed thou hadst well deserved, but I confess I was exceeding cruel in having given my consent unto that Action, and that as wicked as thou wert, I ought rather to have submitted myself to the punishment thou intendedst me, than to have forgot the loss of all my Friends, than to have dishovoured my Sex by a Cruelty of that nature. I had withdrawn myself into a corner of the Chamber, and turned away my eyes from that horrible sight, but so did not Theano, and he was no sooner dead, but she took Strato's sword, and with the help of the Soldiers she cut off his Head, which she took by the hair, in the same manner as she had seen him hold her sons not long before, and having looked upon it a while, she put it into his night-bagg, and would needs carry it away with her, for a Design which she said she had to my advantage. After this bloody Execution, Strato drew the Curtains about the Bed, and going out of the Chamber, made fast the Doors, and so we retired through the Gallery to my Lodging. Theano was of opinion that I had all the reason in the world to be contented, but I was not of her mind, and felt such a remorse for that Action, to which I had consented, that it took away all the satisfaction I might have had by my Revenge, and by the procuring of my own safety: My trouble and confusion was so great, that they could not get me to speak one word; I was deaf to all that Strato and the joyed Theano said to me, and the only consolation with which she could touch me was, that I should make myself considerable to Alexander by the service I had done him, and that I could not any way address myself to him with more advantage, than by carrying him the end of the War, and the Keys of all Bactria, with the head of his Enemy. I confess, my Lords, with shame, that I was sensible of this Discourse, and that this hope dissipated some part of my frights and troubles, Strato gave order to two of those who had assisted him, that all their fellow soldiers should be in Arms before day at the Gate of our House, and to another he gave charge to have a Chariot and good Horses in a readiness. Theano and he spent the rest of the night in preparing for our departure, and I in bethinking myself what I should say to Alexander; I was as fearful of that Action, as of the other, at which I had been newly present, nor was I less apprehensive to appear before that great man, than if I had been once again to have undertaken something against the life of Spitamenes. I trembled for the success of that Enterprise, and I began to fear some part of what Spitamenes had foretold me. In the mean time day appeared, and we no sooner perceived it, but we went down to the Gate, where the Chariot, and the Guards waited for us. As soon as they saw me, they were all moved with compassion, and Strato dissembling before them, got up into the Chariot with Theano and me, and after him, those men in whom he trusted. All the soldiers, and all the inhabitants, who saw me pass through the street followed by so strong a Guard, and who had heard speak of Spitamenes his cruel resolution against me, beheld me with pity, and when we were come to the Gates of the City, Strato telling the Captain of the Watch, that he had order from Spitamenes to carry me out of the Town, they were opened to us without any difficulty. We passed in the same manner through our Camp, and being come to the Trenches, Strato commanded the Guards to return into the City, and causing the Horses to be lashed on with speed, we went towards Alexander's Tents without other Convoy, save those that were with us in the Chariot. At the first Corpse de Garde we came to, I desired we might be brought to the King, to whom we were going to make Propositions of Peace. Those that commanded, took care to do so, and having learned of them that were with me, that I was Spitamenes his Wife, that Rumour ran from one to another through the whole Camp, and was already come to Alexander's ear, before we came near unto his Tents. Ah! my Lords, how great were the disturbances of my mind at that time, and with what inward trouble did I prepare myself for that so much desired, and at the same instant so much dreaded sight; fear and joy divided my thought equally between them, and when I fancied to myself that I was going to see the only object of all my affections, I also called to mind, that I was going to appear before my Master, and before a Master who abhorred those Actions, whereof mine had the outward appearance. I was no sooner come to the royal Tents, and alighted out of my Chariot, but Leonatus came forth to meet me, and ask me, if I were not Spitamenes Wife, gave me to understand, that they had already notice of my coming. After I had told him that I was she, he took me by the hand, and led me to the King's Chamber, between two long Rows of soldiers. I had no sooner cast my eyes upon him, but my passions were violently awakened, and my love making me bold, drove away part of my fears, and weaknesses. He was attended by a great number of Princes, and perhaps my Lords, by some of you, which makes me believe I shall tell you no new thing, and that this Recital will be tedious to those who are not unacquainted with this Adventure.  
Ptolomeus answering to this part of her Discourse; It is true, Madam, (said he) I was then at Court, and present at your coming to the King; your beauty ravished all the beholders, and we began to flock about you with admiration, when Alexander being willing to give you a more particular audience, commanded us to retire, we heard not what you said to him, and some of these that harken to you, have never heard speak of this Adventure.  
I will tell you then (continued Hermione) that I drew a good Omen from that courteous particular audience it pleased the King to afford me, and seeing I had all the liberty to entertain him, that I could have wished, I forced myself to recover a little courage. Before I spoke to the King, I cast myself at his feet, but he raised me up very civility, and and with gentle words, prayed me to tell the cause of my coming to him. I saw well that he had utterly forgotten my face, and that he did not so much as know that I was Cradates his Daughter, but his kind Reception having perfectly re-assured me; Sir, (said I) behold your slave, who comes to lay her life, and fortune at your feet. This is not the first day I am subject to your Empire, and I make it my glory, that I have been yours ever since I was capable of understanding; Spitamenes his tyranny has not been able to disengage my affections, from that sublime pitch to which I had raised them, and though I was his by the violence of my Friends, I was always Great Alexanders, both by a just knowledge, and by a most powerful inclination, and to say truth, that noble prepossession of my heart, made the Vices of Spitamenes in supportable to me, and that difference of our manners, caused an incompatibility between us, which left us no other thoughts save those of destroying one another, Spitamenes is at last sacrificed to your just indignation, and your Captive was unwilling to come before you, without a considerable Present. With that of her prayers, and homages, she brings you Victory, she presents all Bactria to you, and with it the Head of faithless Spitamenes. At these words Theano drew it out of the Bag, and presented it to the King all bloody, and ghastly. He lent me a favourable attention till that part of my Discourse, but he had no sooner heard those last words, and seen the cruel Present I offered him, when of a sudden he turned away his eyes from me, and from Spitamenes his Head, and flying away to the other end of the Room, testified by all his Actions that he could not endure the sight of me without horror. What (said he) are you Spitamenes his Wife, and do you bring me Spitamenes his Head? He spoke the words twice or thrice over, without ever looking toward me, and struck me into a strange confusion by that cruel revolution of my fortune. I strove nevertheless to resettle myself, and was preparing to tell him the Causes I had to hate Spitamenes, by which perhaps I might have justified myself to him; but he would not give me the leisure, and turning at last toward me with a furious look, Go, (said he) get thee gone thou wicked and detestable Woman, and pollute not Alexander's ears with the Relation of thy Parricides; I have till now defended myself from any such shame as this thou wouldst fix upon my Reputation, and I have conquered my Enemies by open War, without destroying them by the treachery of their Wives; carry thy horrible affections other where, and hope not to find Monsters amongst us, that will approve of thy Disloyalties; 'tis only in consideration of thy sex that I spare thy life; but lead it so far from me, that the glory of mine may never be troubled by thy detestable remembrance. When he had ended these words, which were to me like Thunder, or something yet more dreadful, he commanded me to be put out of his Tent, and carried out of the Camp, without suffering me to stay there any longer. Leonatus' executed his Command, and making me get up again into my Chariot, caused me to be conducted out of the Macedonian Trenches. Judge (my Lords, of the condition I was in, at this utmost of my misfortunes, and supply my weakness, which will not suffer me to express it; than it was that I saw myself cast headlong into the greatest of all my disasters, and that I fell into my extremest despair. Till then, though I had lived miserable, I had yet lived innocent, and though my life had been persecuted, I had at least preserved my hands, and my conscience clean; but then I saw them defiled by the murder of my husband, and my shame divulged amongst those persons, from whom I ought most carefully to have concealed it. I had dishonoured myself by a crime, which notwithstanding the excuses it might have, was still exceeding great both before the gods, and before men, and I saw myself ignominiously driven away from him, in favour of whom I had committed it, and in whom I had grounded all my hopes. I was without any retreat, or support in the hands of a few men, in whom, by reason of the fresh proof they had given me of their infidelity toward their master, I was no way induced to have any confidence. These considerations were so bitter to me, that they were like presently to have put a period to my life, and but for the hindrance of Strato, and Theano, I had cut off the course of my miseries with my own hand. I caused myself to be helped out of the Chariot, when we were got a little from the Camp, and casting myself upon the ground, I said words, and did actions which could not proceed from other than a Soul given over to despair; my remorse began to accompany my love, and they both joined together to make a pittyless war against me. Then I remembered Spitamenes his predictions, and the knowledge he had given me of Alexander's humour. All that was terrible in his death, came then before my eyes, and though I could not bewail him, yet could I not comfort myself, because I had been accessary to the taking away of his life. Ah! Spitamenes (cried I) thou hadst deserved death by thy crimes, but thou oughtest to have received it from the justice of the gods, and not from the cruelty of thy wife, and she ought to have suffered that which thou intendedst her, rather than let any thing be attempted against the life of her husband; but complain not of thy destiny, I shall not make sport of it with that Lover, concerning whom thou didst so justly reproach me, and mine will be so miserable, that even in Hell itself thou wilt not envy it; that beauty wherein thou sometimes foundest charms, able to soften thy Barbarous humour, found nothing from thy proud rival but disdain, and scorn; he whom thou betrayd'st, takes care thou shouldst be revenged, and so thou art much more severely for thy death, than I am for the death of Cradates. After this discourse, Alexander's cruel words came into my remembrance, and I in them found so many causes to seek for death, that Theano and Strato never could divert me from that resolution; my passion nevertheless was so full of respect, that I spoke not one word, nor had so much as a thought of resentment against him, and though I knew it with grief, I believed it was with justice that he thought none but monsters would approve of my horrible affection. At the importunity of those that were with me, I got up again into the Chariot, and they resolved to go toward a Town, in which a near Kinsman of my Fathers did still command; I suffered myself to be guided by their will, having no other thought, save that of deploring my miserable fortune. Our horses travailed at a good rate, but it pleased the gods that in the evening we were met, and taken by some of Catenes his Scouts. Catenes was Spitamenes his nearest friend, and the companion of his revolt; Haustenes, and he had an Army within two days march of Spitamenes, from whence they made excursions upon Alexander's Camp. Strato, and Theano knowing into what hands we were fallen, began to tremble; and make large offers for our liberty, but 't was impossible for them to obtain it, and having been carefully kept that night, we were brought before Catenes the next evening; my face was not unknown to him, and if I had then had any remainder of desire to live, I should have had cause enough to fall into mortal apprehensions. When I was presented to him, he had newly heard of his friend's death, and scarce had he begun to lament it, when he saw his murderers delivered into his power. He was not a little joyed at that encounter, and resolved to make us end our lives in torments, I was indifferent to all that could happen to me, but Strato would needs prevent the punishments to which he was destined, and seeing his hands at liberty, he seized upon the sword of one of those that brought us, and striking it up to the hilts in his own breast, fell presently dead at Catenes his feet. By this speedy vengeance for Spitamenes his death, I saw that the gods cannot approve of treacheries, of what nature so ever they be, and that infidelity, even to the wickedest men, is never pardonable, but I also found new occasions in it, to detest this life, for which I had seen so much blood unfortunately spilt. Catenes commanded that Strato's companions should be flayed alive, and he was ready to have pronounced some cruel sentence against me, when looking undauntedly upon him, Revenge the death of thy friend (said I) Catenes, as I have revenged the deaths of my Father, and of my Brothers. Catenes found something in these words that expressed a courage, and in my face saw something of beauty that checked his indignation, wherefore he was satisfied with making me be strictly guarded, and for my sake Theano received the same favour. Within some few days after, he talked to me of love, and told me he would marry me, but he found me so little pliant to that proposition, that he despaired of effecting it by gentle means; he caused me to be well enough attended by some women he put about me, and in that manner of life I continued above three months, without being able to withdraw my thoughts from Alexander, hardly for a moment. That Tyrannical passion was so deeply rooted in my heart, that it left no care, nor no remembrance in it of my other miseries, and being become indifferent, or insensible of all other things, I passed three or four months in Catenes his power, as a person that knew not what condition she was in. Catenes in the mean while began to press me, and to threaten me with the power he had over me, but one day when he mentioned the violence he could use to me; Do, revenge thy friend, if thou wilt (said I) but learn by his example not to desire the alliance of Hermione. These words cooled him for a few days, but I think at last he would have come to extremities, if he had not been prevented by his destiny. You know that Alexander sent a flying Camp against Haustenes and him, under the command of Craterus, and Lysimachus, and that in the Battle which was given, Hastenes was taken, and Catenes slain by Lysimachus.  
At this discourse all the Company cast their eyes upon Lysimachus, whose modesty made him blush, but they would not interrupt Hermione's story, which she continued on this manner.  
I tell you the last accidents of my life succinctly, because the recital of them affords little matter of diversion, and that the wasting of my strength will not suffer me to enlarge myself further in this narration, you shall know therefore that after Catenes his death my condition was altered, and that Craterus having had a command from Alexander to bring all the prisoners before him, sorrowful Hermione was one of that number. Alas! with what sudden transports did I receive that occasion, of seeing my pittyless Master once again, and of justifying myself before him, touching some part of my crime. Perhaps (said I) the gods may have mollified his heart, and that the knowledge of those provocations I received from Spitamenes, may have abated some of his cruelty toward me; Heaven does not always look upon us with anger, and perchance Hermione shall not be the only person of the world, whose fortune is subject to no revolutions. In this hope I was carried along with the prisoners, and we were presented to Alexander just at the time when he was going into the Indies. I did not much observe his usage of the rest, but casting myself at his feet, and looking upon him with eyes drowned in tears, Sir, (said I) either hear me, or command me to be put to death. The King having looked earnestly upon me, thought he knew me, yet desiring to be certified of the truth, Is not this Spitamenes his wife, said he, to those that were about him, who having confirmed his belief, Give her her liberty (said he) and take her away, for fear her conversation teach the Macedonians crimes which are yet unknown to them. This was all the satisfaction I received by my last sight of Alexander, and I was so dejected at that eternal continuation of my miseries, that I utterly lost all hope, and courage. Ah! Cruel, (cried I to Alexander, who had turned his back, and was going away) stay but one minute, and at least behold the death thou givest me; though I was thine Enemy's wife, I never was thine Enemy, all my friends have lost their lives for thy service, and all the offence that I have done thee, is that I freed the world of thy most treacherous, most implacable Enemy; If thou wilt fly from me with so much inhumanity, fly from my heart which thou tyrannically hast usurped, and restore me the liberty thou hast robbed me of, and not that which thou offerest me. My crimes are not infectious as thou believest, and if the Macedonians learn any thing by my example, it shall be to prefer death before an unfortunate life, and it shall be to love thee a thousand times more than their lives, nay, to love nothing in the world more than Alexander. As I made an end of these words, which were heard by no body that regarded them, I fell in a swoon in Theano's arms, and they that were present at what I said, believed without doubt that I was out of my wits, hearing me speak such strange things, and with so little discretion. We were near unto a City called Edessa, upon the bank of the River Ganges, whither Theano, seeing me very ill, found means to have me carried, and got me lodged conveniently; there I was taken with a violent Fever, and fell into a dangerous sickness, while Alexander set forward toward the Indies. Theano, in her clothes had quilted up some Jewels of reasonable good value, which I had put into her hands when we came from Nicaea, and which by good fortune, or for fear of their Commanders, Catenes his Soldiers had not taken from us; with them she at that time, and afterwards procured money enough to supply our necessities, and during the whole course of my sickness, she looked to me with so careful, and tender an affection, and expressed so great a desire of my recovery, that her consideration alone kept me from assisting my disease, and made me take those remedies that were given me to regain my health. I say, her earnest entreaties, accompanied with her tears, which in regard of my Obligations to her I could not resist, hindered me from contributing to my death, and when I thought my sickness would save me that labour, I found great consolations in that belief. Now, I shall die (said I) and by that welcome remedy shall free myself from Alexander's Tyranny; that cruel man, who despises and tramples me under his foot, shall no longer have any power over me, and death will deliver me now from his inhumanities'; yet will I return into the world to visit him again, and my Ghost, driven by a just desire of revenge, shall follow him continually, to sting him with remorse, and vex him with reproaches. These were my hopes while I lay sick, but at last I began to mend, and was not a little troubled at my recovery. When I was well again, I frequented a society of women in that City, who lived separated from the world, and had dedicated themselves to the service of the goddess Cibele; I found so much sweetness in their conversation, and so much innocence in their life, that I thought among them I might find some quietness of mind, and some truce from the per●ections I received both from my love, and from my conscience, which did every where torment me with a cruel war. With this hope I put myself amongst them, and Theano with me, taking their habit, and embracing their manner of life; and truly I was not utterly deceived in my expectation, their pleasing company diverted part of my sorrows, and I received visible favours from the goddess whom I served, I remained there a whole year, not without disquiets, nor without love, but yet with some extraordinary firmness of mind, which made me resist my afflictions more courageously than in former times. I enjoyed this little tranquillity, till the news came to us, that Alexander, victorious over the Indies, was returned to Susa, where from all parts of the world he received homages, not much short of adoration. This news, through the anger of the gods, which my crime had stirred up against me with an irreconcilable hatred, wakened those passions with more cruelty than ever, which before were in a kind of slumber; I in that long absence, had supported my misfortunes more patiently, but at this return, my hopes returned also as ridiculous as before; and to fortify myself in them the more, I called to memory the examples of all those, who by long perseverance had at last conquered their ill fortune. I resisted these troublesome solicitations for two or three months, and used all imaginable endeavours to banish Alexander out of my heart, but when I found they were to no purpose, and that by a cruel necessity, I submitted to my pitiless fate, I gave way to my misfortune, and took my leave of those sweet companions, whose tranquillity I began to disturb with my afflictions, and to whom I was not tied for the remainder of my life by any vow, or other engagement. Before I took my journey, I thought it best to disguise my sex, to avoid those accidents it might be subject to, and causing Theano to buy man's apparel, and horses for us both, we accoutred ourselves, and began our voyage. At first I had much ado to endure the toilsomeness of travel, but I hardened myself to it by little and little, and the desires of my mind at last overcame the tenderness of my body. It is neither necessary, nor easy for me to entertain you with the particulars of our journey, it was very long, and had nothing in it considerable, but when we were on our way to Susa, we heard that the King was departed thence, and that having defeated the Cosseans, he was gone to Babylon. We altered our Road, with a purpose to follow him thither, but within a few days after, we received the only news which remained for the conclusion of my fortune, and that was the death of my adored Alexander. After the Relation I have made to you, 'tis needless for me to weary you with my complaints, the discourse of them would be troublesome, and therefore I will tell you, that I continued for many days void of Reason, or understanding, and when I came to myself again, all that Theano could obtain of me was, that I would prolong my life till we came to Alexander's Tomb, upon which I vowed to sacrifice the miserable remainders of it; I found some sweetness in this resolution, and going forward with that Design, after many days journeys, I at last arrived at Babylon. I stayed there for some time, but could not obtain the satisfaction of seeing the Body of my dear Lord, and Master, which is kept locked up in a certain place of the Palace, to which all access is forbidden, by a great number of Guards, seeing that in the depth of all my miseries that consolation was refused me, and that Theano was still obstinate in dissuading me from dying by my own hands, I resolved to seek Death in the War, and Theano was ready to accompany me in that Design, not persisting any longer to make me languish out this miserable life. Two days ago we were enrolled in Perdiccas his Troops, where to conceal our sex, we still kept retired from all company as much as possibly we could, and Theano notwithstanding her Age, loaded her weak shoulders with Armour as well as I. The other night unfortunate Spitamenes appeared to me in a Dream, all bloody, and hideous to behold, and looking upon me with a threatening eye; I expect thee Hermione, (said he) and thou shalt shortly come, to decide the remainder of our Quarrels with me. I abhorred my life so much, that me thought I was not at all terrified with his threats, but stretching out my hand to him without any fear, Yes, (said I) Spitamenes, expect me, we will go together, and end our Differences before Alexander. After this Vision I wakened in a start, and the next day, which was yesterday, we came out of the Town, with those that went to second Cassander, but poor Theano going to put forward her Horse amongst the rest, fell down at the feet of those that came after her, who advancing hastily, trampled her to death in my presence. I should have been very sensible of that loss, but that I was ready to accompany her, therefore instead of staying to weep by her, whose affection did well deserve my tears; O Theano, (cried I) stay for me, I'll quickly keep thee company, and spurring on my Horse before all the rest of my Fellows, who had newly received a Command not to stir further from the Gates, I ran alone to you, Demetrius, from whom I received this favourable wound, which has so much afflicted you, but has given the unfortunate Hermione, the only satisfaction she now could hope for.  
Behold the life of this unhappy Woman, on whom, Demetrius, you blindly have bestowed your affection; now that you know her better, you will without doubt be delivered from those disquiets, which you express for her Death; the Gods are my Witnesses, that that's the strongest of all those considerations, which moved me to this recital, and the last fruit I hope for from it, is, that by this knowledge I have given you of my miseries, which perchance never had such an interrupted succession in any other life, you will bear the loss of mine without any trouble, and confess with me, that in the condition, to which my Disasters have reduced me, Death is the only happiness I could now desire.  
Thus did Hermione conclude her sad Relation, which begot both astonishment and compassion in all that heard her. They began to pass their opinions of it, and to justify her, with a general consent, for the Death of Spitamenes, by those powerful Reasons she had to deliver herself from him, when amorous Demetrius, who had harkened to her with strange impatiencies, interrupted their conversation, and replying to Hermiones last word, You have told me nothing (said he) that can diminish the passion I have for you, and you were infinitely deceived, if you believed you should make yourself criminal in my thoughts, by your Narration. That Monster, with whom the Gods had so unfitly matched you, that barbarous, that faithless Spitamenes, did not only deserve the Death, which he received, but a thousand worse Deaths altogether, and if you be faulty in any thing, 'tis in that you so long deferred the Revenge you owed your Father, and in that you so long persisted to love a man, who did so ill requite your affections; as much greater as he was than other men, he was too happy in the thoughts you had for him; and if he had known you as well as I do, he would have forgot the care of all his Conquests, to give himself totally to you. Ah! I would it pleased the Gods, that some small part of that passion, he unworthily received, had been reserved for the unfortunate Demetrius, and that he might die for love alone, without the mixture of his griefs, and of his remorse, which makes his Destiny most terrible to him. The passionate Demetrius spoke on this manner, when he saw Hermiones face grew pale, and within a while after her eyes closed up with a fainting fit that seized upon her. Her afflicted Lover seeing her in that condition, and believing her to be either dead, or dying, cast himself upon her bed, notwithstanding the presence of his Father, and of the other Princes that were with him, and forcing the obstacles they used to stop his transports, and the respect, which in a less extremity he would have had for the person whom he loved, he imprinted her pale Lips with a thousand ardent kisses, able to have restored that heat, which had forsaken them. And indeed so they did in part, for Hermione coming out of her swoon, found herself in his arms, whereof she was much ashamed, and putting him back with a feeble hand, Ah! Demetrius (said she) add not shame to the other passions which accompany me to my Grave, and content yourself that I know your affection by other marks than these, which are very indecent, and which so little become a dying person. Demetrius seeing himself reprehended by these words, retired into his place, but he was so full of trouble, that it almost deprived him of understanding. Hermiones strength decayed visibly, and the Chirurgeons, and Women that tended her, seeing it was almost night, desired the Company to withdraw. Demetrius obeyed them with great unwillingness, and all Antigonus his authority was necessary to persuade him to it; he would not eat one bit, but going to bed by his father's command, passed that night in much more violent disquiets than the former. The next morning, his body being come into that Chamber from whence his mind had never stirred, he found Hermione so weak, that he no longer doubted but she would die, and the Chirurgeons had no longer confidence to disguise the truth from him; he saw but too well that his fair star was going to be eclipsed, and to bring into his soul a gloomy night, and a night of mortal darkness. Alas, with what an excess of grief did he receive this assurance, and with what passionate fits did he express his despair; he walked up and down the Room in a frantic manner, with wild and wand'ring looks, pulled off his hair, tore his Clothes, and did nothing but furious Actions. Antigonus vainly employed his words, and even his tears to quiet him, he was as deaf to the one, as blind to the other, and Tiridates, who was then in the Chamber, coming toward him, and taking an unseasonable liberty, Why, how now, Demetrius (said he) will you die then for a Woman, nay more, for a Woman of the Enemy's party, and for a Woman unworthy of the tears you shed? Demetrius had not patience enough to endure these words, but running to lay hold of a sword, was going to revenge Hermione with the blood of indiscreet Tiridates, if he partly of his own accord, and partly by the persuasions of those that were present, had not gotten suddenly out of the Chamber. Dost thou think (cried Demetrius, seeing him go out) dost thou think cruel man, that I will suffer the injury thou dost me; and canst thou not be satisfied with Hermiones Death, and mine, without abusing us also by thy words? Ah! would it pleased the Gods that by a thousand such Lives as thine, or as mine own, I could restore her that which I have taken from her. As he spoke these words, he drew near Hermiones bed again, and leaning over it embraced her Knees with so much tenderness, and yet with so much violence, that he forced all that were in the Chamber to weep, and lament by his Example. O Gods, (cried he) must Hermione die then, and will you not grant unto my tears, and and prayers a little of that life which you cruelly cause to perish by my sword? Shall Death seed upon that, which to me seems the most lovely thing you ever sent into the world, and will you grant no delay to the ardent supplication of a despairing Lover? Can you not for my sake renew the destiny of Alceste, and will you not be appeased, if I sacrifice Demetrius for Hermiones safety? While he spoke on this manner, Hermione though weak, and dying, suffered deeply with him in his afflictions, and looking upon him with eyes that began to dazzle, and to lose part of their lustre by the approach of Death; Demetrius, (said she) you force me to confess to you, that I die not so absolute a slave to Alexander, but that I am very sensible of your affection, and that I have certain motions in these last moments of my life, whereof my whole life was never capable; spare this dying mouth a more ample confession, and if it be true, that you love me, moderate your sorrows by Reason, and by my desire in this necessity that parts us; 'tis the only proof of it I can, or will beg of you, for a recompense of the last protestation I make, that I give you all the share in my heart, which I now can possibly give you. This was all that Hermione was able to bring forth distinctly, and within a while after she grew so exceeding weak, that she could hardly speak a few interrupted words; she struggled yet some hours with Death, but about the shutting in of the day, her spirits departed, and she remained pale and cold in the arms of Demetrius, who in that accident appeared little different from her, and who losing his senses and understanding with his strength, was carried away to another bed, making the Physician's doubt, whether those swoon proceeded from a bare fainting, or from a real death.   
The end of the fourth Book.   

The Continuation of the third Part of CASSANDRA. The fifth Book.  
IN the mean time Araxes returned from Babylon the fourth day after his departure; as soon as Oroondates saw him come into his Chamber, he ran to him with open arms; Lysimachus who at that time was with him did the same, and both with equal haste inquired news of their Princesses. I am still as ignorant of their condition (said Araxes) as when I went from hence, and yet I may truly swear, I have not spared any kind of endeavour to inform myself. All the world at Babylon believes yet that they are dead, or if they have heard any thing of their being alive, 'twas only by your denouncing of war, and by your Declaration. The Princes were all afflicted at this discourse, and looked upon one another with a confusion, which was easy to be observed in their very faces. O Lysimachus, (cried the Prince of Scythia) we are not yet at the end of our disaster, and you are extreme unhappy in having any intermixture with the fortune of Oroondates, this communication will be no ways advantageous to you, for I shall infallibly draw you into those eternal miseries to which the Gods have condemned me. Fortune (replied Lysimachus) hath not been wont to use me more gently than yourself, and if our sufferings are contagious, you will gain no more than I in this union of our interests. Alas! (added Oroondates) perhaps our Princesses may be dead indeed, and that the Gods have only flattered us, to make us the more sensible of our Losses, by the hopes they have given us. The Loves of our Rivals (replied Lymachus) may secure us on that side, they will perish without all question themselves, rather than consent to their destruction; yet I doubt not but they will do all they possibly can to conceal them a while longer from Roxana. They were in this discourse when Ptolomeus, Craterus, Oxyartes, Polyperchon, Artabasus, Eumenes, and Queen Thalestris came into the Chamber, the noise of Araxes his return had brought them thither, and all of them together desiring to learn the success of his journey, he gave them an account of it in these terms.  
After I was departed from hence, I got within a short time to Babylon, and telling those that were upon the Guard at the Gates, that I was come over to their party, I found no difficulty to obtain entrance into the Town. I had called to mind as I was upon the way, that I had formerly had a particular friendship with Damocles one of the chief Citizens of Babylon, who at my request, had by my Master's favour, gotten an Office in Darius his Court, during the abode we made in that Town. That good turn which he had received from my Prince, and from myself in part, had engaged him to us with a strong affection, and we had received some proofs of it, which made me believe at that remembrance, that I might trust him without fear of being betrayed. As soon as I was in the Town I went strait to his house, where I had been many times, and having happily found him without company, I made myself known to him; he gave me an exceeding kind welcome, seconded with some tears, in which joy and grief were equal sharers, and at the first declaration I made of the cause of my Voyage, he offered to do me all the service I could hope for from an affectionate friend. I told him not in what place, nor in what condition I had left the Prince my Master, making as if I knew neither, and only confessed that I came to Babylon, with a Design to learn news of Queen Statira, that I might tell it my Prince in case I were so happy as to find him. Damocles told me he had heard nothing of her since the report of her death, and that he had yet seen no body that doubted of it. After this first Discourse, I prayed him that I might remain a few days concealed in his house, thereby to inform myself more certainly, and letting him know I was in danger of my life if I were discovered, I engaged him to as strict a silence as I could desire. Having stayed in his house the rest of the day, as soon as it was night I went out into the streets, and walked a long time both about the Palace, and about Perdiccas his Lodging, but all my labour was in vain, and though I often stole near to those whom I saw talking together, and that I harkened to what they said with as attentive an ear as I could without giving them suspicion, I learned nothing that could give me any satisfaction. The next day, I entreated Damocles by the remberance of our ancient friendship, and of the obligation he had to my Prince, to assist me in this Design, and to go to the Palace, into the houses of the Princes, and all other places where he could inform himself of what I had a mind to know. Damocles endeavoured with a great deal of care to effect my desires, but with as little success as I, and having been among all companies, and in all the Lodgings of the Great Persons, returned from his inquiry as before. He brought me home word that the death of the Princesses was but too certainly confirmed, that since the King's decease they had never appeared at Babylon, and that every body laughed at your error, when they saw your Declaration, whereof there were many Copies in the City. Two days, and almost two whole nights were spent in this employment, and seeing myself so unfortunate in one part of my Commission, I strove to acquit myself in the other, and for that Design I prayed Damocles to tell me some news concerning the War. He freely imparted all to me, that was come to his knowledge, and when it was something late he carried me to visit the Magazines, and view the Fortifications; I found all things in as good a condition as your Enemies can desire, great abundance of Arms and Victual, and the Town exceedingly well stored with men to defend it; the new Forces they expected from their Allies came up every day, and encamped near the Town on the other side of the River; the number of them was already so great, that they covered all the field, and having learned yesterday that the last of them were arrived, and that Perdiccas being already recovered, threatened every day to give Battle, I went into the Camp with Damocles, where I saw an infinite number of Men, of Tents, of Chariots, and according to what one might judge by the eye, their Forces are not inferior to yours; but I was desirous to have a more particular knowledge of them, and wrought so well with Damocles, that this morning he brought me the Computation of them. If my memory serve me, these are the names of their Commanders, and the numbers of men their Army is composed of. Seleucus has drawn thither, and commands there fifteen thousand Macedonians, the companions of these that are here under Craterus, and Polyperchon. Alcetas out of the lesser Media has gotten four thousand Horse, and five thousand Foot; and Acropates out of the greater Media three thousand Horse, and eight thousand Foot; Nearchus from Lycia, and Pamphilia, four thousand Horse, and six thousand Foot; and Cassander out of Caria eight thousand Foot, and four thousand Horse. Leonatus leads three thousand Horse, and seven thousand Foot drawn out of the lesser Phrygia; Neoptolemus a like number of natural Persians, and Peucestos six thousand Babylonians. Sinus has brought a thousand Horse, and three thousand Foot out of Susiana; Axiarchus two thousand Horse from the foot of Mount Caucasus. Scytheus, and Amintas from those parts of Bactria, and Logdia, which they commanded eight thousand Foot, Stratanor four thousand Horse Draches, and Argeans. Arthous' three thousand Pelasgians; Nicanor, and Andiagoras four thousand Horse, and eight thousand Foot levied in Parthia; and Antigenes, and Teutamus six thousand Argiraspides of those famous Troops who gained so great a Reputation under Alexander. This is the number of their Forces, whereof the Commanders have with a common consent chosen Perdiccas for their General, he out of civility would have yielded that honour to Seleucus, Cassander, and some others, but they refused it, and Roxana having confirmed that choice, made him accept of that Authority over his Companions. This Election was made but this morning, as I heard by Damocles, of whom I afterwards enquired concerning Arsaces. He was able to tell me nothing, but that he was believed to be still at Seleucus his lodging, where he lay recovering of his wounds; that the Town was full of the reputation of his Valour, and that they had mervellous hopes in him; that they expected little less from a Valiant stranger, who had been but a few days in Babylon, and who had done wonders in the late encounter. He told me afterward, that Cassander had very impatiently born the accusation made against him in your Declaration; that he had endeavoured to justify himself to all the Princes, and that he had loudly sworn he would prosecute his slanderers with fire and sword, that many of their party believed him innocent, but that among many others he was much suspected; that that hindered him not from beginning to declare himself openly to be in love with Roxana, and that notwithstanding the resentments she expressed against that boldness, the confidence he had in his Authority had so puffed him up, that he no longer disavowed his passion. When I had learned this news of Damocles, I heard by him that Neoptolemus was to go out of the Town with some of the Cavalry, and being desirous to lay hold of that occasion to get away, I told Damocles that I would make one in that party, and taking Horse, within a while after I went to the Gates with Neoptolemus his Troops, I came forth among the rest without any difficulty; then presently seeing them take a different way from that which led to our Camp, I alighted, feigning to have something to mend about my saddle, and so having given them time to go a good way from me, I took my opportunity to escape hither with reasonable facility.  
Araxes spoke on this manner, and all the Princes who had harkened to him attentively, began to discourse upon the news he had brought them; they found by the computation of the Enemy's forces, that they consisted of near forty thousand Horse, and more than four-score thousand Foot, and though the number of theirs was little different, their Enemies being strengthened with such a City as Babylon, with such a River as Euphrates, and with a great many Commanders not inferior to theirs, they might with reason make them doubt of the success of that war, yet did they not sink at all from their greatness of courage, nor from the confidence they had, both in their valour, and in the justice of their quarrel. They caused the Chief Princes, and Commanders to be called to the Council of War, and all, that were wont to be of it, came thither presently except Antigonus. He was too much taken up at home to stir from thence, and the condition his Son Demetrius was in would not suffer him to forsake him. That young Prince, after he had used all imaginable endeavours to follow his Hermione, and tired all those that were about him, whose strength had hardly been sufficient to withhold his despairing fury, was at last become a little less violent, being moved with the tears and Authority of his Father. He had passed a whole night by his bedside, and part of the day following, without being able to dissuade him from his desire of dying, which he saw him obstinately bend upon, and when he found his entreaties were too weak to move him, he presented him his naked breast, and putting his hand upon the hilt of his sword, here take this sword, (said he) O cruel, and ingrateful Demetrius, but thou must first run it through thy Father's body, and then thou mayest execute thy desperate resolutions against thyself. These words pronounced with an extraordinary tone, and with a Fatherly Authority, wrought something upon Demetrius, and put him partly in mind of the duty he owed him; he abated something of his despair, though he could not abate any thing of his grief, and fearing to shorten the days of a Father, to whom besides that of his birth, he had many very particular obligations, and to whom he bore a most tender affection, he became a little more pliable to his persuasions, and changed his first violences into tears, sighs and complaints, able to soften the most rocky hearts in the world. The most mournful, and most lamentable effects that ever grief produced, were eminently to be seen in that young Prince; his eyes quite drowned in tears, cast not one look; his mouth, a perpetual thoroughfare of sighs, spoke not one word, and his face, with sorrow made yet more beautiful, carried no countenance, which was not like to make all persons die with pity that were not utterly unsensible of it. Antigonus for his sake caused Hermione to be buried with a great deal of pomp, but when the body was carried out of the Tent, Demetrius fell into as long, and as dangerous a swoon as the former, and though the respect he bore to his Father, hindered him from using violent hands against himself, his grief, which acknowledged not the same Authority, brought him very near unto his grave. The Princes, who knew the excess of his sorrow, came to visit him when they rose from Counsel, and spending the rest of the day by his bedside, sought both by arguments, and examples to give him consolation; at first their endeavours met with little success, but being naturally of a most gentle disposition, Antigonus did not despair of resettling him by length of time, together with the power he had over him.  
The next day all the Princes being met in Lysimachus his Tent, who cammanded that day, word was brought them, that five or six men being come out of the Town, were at the entry of the Camp, and desired a safe conduct, to speak to the Commanders from their enemies. All the security they could require was presently sent them, & within a while after they came together into the Tent. Clitophon, Perdiccas his Squire was instantly known by many of the Company, who stepping forwarder than his companions, and having obtained audience from the Princes, spoke to them in these words. My Lords, we are come hither from Queen Roxana, & Prince Perdiccas, on whom the rest have conferred the Supreme Authority, he hath stayed hitherto both for the recovery of his health, & for the arrival of his Forces, but now that the gods have restored him the one, and his friends have brought up the other, he will no longer retard the desire you may have to end this war, the length whereof would be tedious to both parties, and therefore hath sent us to offer you Battle. All that were in the Tent sent forth a cry of joy at the hearing of this message, and by a clapping of their hands expressed how welcome that news was to them; but because Clitophon showed he had something more to say, they kept silence to listen to him, and he went on in this manner. I did not doubt my Lords, but that you would receive this proposition like gallant men, but there must be something done to facilitate the execution of it. The Euphrates separates our two Armies, and there is a necessity that one of them must pass it before they can fight; if you desire it should be yours, Perdiccas offers you all the security you shall demand for the passage of it, during which you shall receive no impediment from our Forces, nor whilst you shall draw yours into Battalia in the field you shall make choice of, until the day appointed for the decision of your quarrels. If this condition please you, you shall have hostages sent, and if you find any difficulties in it, which are not on our side by reason of the conveniency of bridges we have in the Town, give us but liberty to come forth, and to encamp between our ports and your entrenchments, and I promise you Battle within ten days; so much time will be necessary for the preparations on both sides, and to stay for the perfect recovery of some persons, who desire to have a share in the glory of their companions. Clitophon, having proposed this offer, was carried into another Chamber, while the Princes entered into deliberation about the answer they should make. They all thought his proposition very free and reasonable, and many believed this motion had been inspired into Perdiccas by Selemus, Arsaces, or the Valiant stranger; they judged nevertheless that it would be better for them to suffer their Enemies to come forth of the City, than to pass over to their side, as well by reason of the difficulty they would find in making bridges of boats, as of the inconveniency they would receive, by quitting a place where they were provided of all things necessary, and where all the neighbouring Towns were at their disposing, to go into another where they had nothing, and which was wholly within the Enemy's quarters. When they had resolved upon their answer, Clitophon was called in again, and Lysimachus, at the entreaty of the rest, spoke to him on this manner. All the Princes, with whom I have the honour to be allied, think Perdiccas his proposition very just, and are glad of the desire he has to end our differences by a Battle; and to facilitate the means, they give way that he may come forth with his Army in all security, and put it in order in the plain on this side the Town, promising to forbear all acts of hostility, during the time you have demanded; In this agreement your advantages are at least as great as ours, for if we have a few Villages on our side, you have Babylon behind you, and the passage of the River free. Perdiccas has only forgotten one condition in this Treaty, to make it the fuller of freedom, and that is, since he knows the principal end of our taking up Arms, is for the liberty of the Princesses, he ought either to give it them, or put them into the hands of indifferent persons, who should deliver them to the Conquerors after the Battle, or at the issue of the War. Lysimachus holding his peace after these words, Clitophon told him, that demand was beyond his Commission, and that Perdiccas could not deliver the Princesses, since they neither were, nor ever had been in his power, and that he and his friends believed, that if they were alive, they were with Lysimachus and his confederates, and that they made use of that pretext, to cover others which moved them to that war. In this (replied Lysimachus with anger) Perdiccas shows that he cannot vary from his nature, and that he follows his own inclinations, rather than those of his generous friends, who have inspired him with the design of a Battle; if he would confess the truth to them, I assure myself they would counsel him to do what I demand, but because it would be very hard to make him wave his particular interests for any consideration of virtue, this difficulty shall not break our Treaty, and to have a Battle, we would descend to conditions much more unjust, out of the hope we have, that the Conquerors, shall give the law to the Conquered, and that after the event of the war, if it be to our advantage, we shall make them give account of the Princesses, which they now refuse. This was Lysimachus his answer, who for hostages offered Alexander the Son of Polyperchon, and Cophes, and Illyoneus the Sons of Artabasus. As soon as they had concluded the Treaty, one of Clitophores companions stepped forth, and the Company having cast their eyes upon him, he was known by Oroondates, Ptolomeus, and many others to be Arsaces' his Squire, who some few days since, had been brought before them, and had carried some of Ptolomeus his herb to his Master from Oroondates. He looked about to find out the Prince of Scythia amongst the rest, and adressing himself to him with a resolute countenance, Sir, (said he) Arsaces hath received your medicine, and hath recovered his health by the present you sent him, he made use of it without any suspicion, and with no other fear save that of being obliged to you whither he will or no; if your differences were of another nature he would become your friend, but since that change is impossible, instead of his friendship he will give you his esteem, and that he may not be ingrateful for the favour he has received from you, he will shortly bring you thanks upon the point of his sword. This confident servant of a gallant Master having spoken on this manner, all the Company looked heedfully upon him, and Oroondates drawing near him, with eyes that sparkled with choler; Friend (said he) thou mayest tell Arsaces, that I expect neither thanks, nor favour from him, and that my intention in obliging him, does sufficiently acquit him from any obligation; that yet I cannot disdain the esteem of so brave a man, and that I think myself better requited by it, than by that friendship which I neither can, nor will receive from him; that at our first meeting we will decide these differences, which even unto death oppose our reconciliation, and that to defend myself from that sword wherewith he threatens me, I wear another by my side, which he has no reason to despise. This was the reply Oroondates made to Arsaces' his Squire, and presently after Clitophon having been dispatched, returned to Babylon with those that accompanied him.  
This news being spread through the whole Camp, all the Army began to provide in good earnest for the Battle, the Commanders spared no care, to keep their forces in a good condition, and the Soldiers of themselves enured to war, did by the hope of a Battle, rouse up that warlike humour, which during the life of Alexander, had continually possessed them; some of them employed themselves in exercises necessary for the fight, others in making clean their Arms, and altogether prepared for that great day, that was to determine such important differences. The Princes, with admirable diligence sought whatsoever might be to their advantage; they visited their magazines most carefully, and took care to deliver Arms to those that wanted, or had such as were unfit for service. Laomedon, and Menander had the charge of getting ready Chariots of War armed with Scythes, and blades of iron, like those Darius was wont to use in his Armies, and Polyperchon, as a most expert Commander, had that of instructing the Officers, and training the Soldiers for the fight, by exercises that had the form of real encounters. Nor had the sun shined thrice upon the Towers of Babylon, when out of the Gates there began to appear Battalions, which they continued to pour forth for two whole days together; they encamped within thirty furlongs of their Enemies, and covered a great part of the plain with men, arms, and horses; the distance between the Camps was not so great, but that it was within reach of the eye, and the mutual confidence they had in the Truce, made divers men of both Parties, come within a flightshot of one another. Oroondates had absolutely recovered his strength, and felt himself better in case than ever to dispute his lawful pretensions, both against Arsaces, and Perdiccas, and against all the world; he already waited impatiently for the day, and prepared himself to let his new Companions see, that he had wanted nothing but fortune, to raise his Reputation above that of Alexander; they were already inclined to that belief, and by his conversation, discovered every day new Greatnesses in him, which made them consider him as a God. Lysimachus was little less eager in his expectation of the Day he had so much desired, but his joy for that was moderated by some new disquiet, which his friends took notice of in his face. He was troubled that Arsaces, whose Person he infinitely esteemed, and with whom he had made a friendship, was of their Enemy's party, and after he had long studied what course might be taken, to deprive them of so considerable an assistance, he resolved at last to see him, to talk with him, and to endeavour to draw him over to his side, and reconcile him with Oroondates. The difficulties he foresaw in that Design, were not able to make him desist, and while he was musing upon it, the fair Amazon Queen being come to him, he made her acquainted with his intention. Thalestris to whom the virtue and Person of Arsaces were well known, and who had a marvellous esteem of both, since the time she had fought under his command in the Battle, he gave against Arimbas upon the Frontiers of Scythia, approved Lysimachus his Resolution, and laboured to confirm him in it by many Reasons she alleged. You will do our Party no small service (said she) if you can weaken our Enemies by the loss of such a man as Arsaces, and you will have no small satisfaction, if you can make him Oroondates his friend; there must needs be something in their Quarrel which I cannot comprehend, nor can I tell how Arsaces, who was never in this Country, should in a few moments have robbed him of Statira's affections. I am so confounded in this encounter (replied Lysimachus) that I could never imagine any apparent cause of it, but I will endeavour to sift out the business, and to morrow will go near the Enemy's Camp, whither I will send in a Trumpet to Arsaces, and if I have the Liberty to talk with him, I may perchance draw some knowledge that will not be unprofitable. I'll bear you company (added Thalestris) and shall be glad to see again the face of him that was my General, although mine be utterly unknown to him, and that at this time I do not intend to make him acquainted with it. Lysimachus having accepted of the Queen's company, with much civility and respect prepared himself with her for that interview, and presently went his way to write a Letter to Arsaces, which he did in these terms.  
Lysimachus to the Great Arsaces.  
HE to whom you promised the honour of your friendship in the Temple of Apollo, and since upon the banks of Euphrates, did not believe you should come to be in the number of his Enemies, and cannot be yours what choice of party soever you have made; if you be pleased with this protestation, you will not refuse him your sight, since he desires it only to assure you, that his interests are below the affection he has vowed you, and that though you be a friend to Seleucus, you ought not to hate Lysimachus.  
The next day which was the eighth of those ten Clitophon had demanded, and after which there was to be but one more before the Battle, Lysimachus, and the valiant Thalestris being armed, mounted on horseback without imparting their intention to any body, and taking a Trumpet with them, road toward the Enemy's Camp, they made a stand within three or four hundred paces of the first Corpse de Garde, and having instructed the Trumpet in his Commission, stayed there waiting for his return. Their expectation was not long, and their message having had as good success as they could wish, within less than half an hour they saw the great Arsaces' appear, and with him another Cavalier, who having heard by the Trumpet how Lysimachus was accompanied, would not leave Arsaces, and was very glad to take that occasion of seeing Lysimachus again, with whom he had already had a former encounter. As soon as the two friends knew one another, they advanced upon a Gallop, and they that had accompanied them kept back out of discretion, & were willing to give them the opportunity of entertaining each other a while, before they mingled in their conversation. Arsaces and Lysimachus being come close together alighted, and giving their Horses to the Trumpet, after they had put up the Beavers of their Helmets, gave one another many embraces full of a real affection; they often began their kindnesses afresh, before they spoke a word, but in the end Arsaces breaking silence first, with a majestic, and attractive grace, and with a sweet manly voice; What (said he) is he Lysimachus then, to whom without knowing him otherwise than by sight, I so entirely gave my affections, and is he, who made so much account of some small Actions of Arsaces, the man who by a thousand others, a thousand times more famous hath spread his Reputation over all the Earth? Lysimachus blushed at these praises, and not being willing to suffer Arsaces to go on with them; It belongs to none (replied he) but to the great Arsaces' to distribute glory unto men, and they that have the happiness to be beloved by him, may hope for that by his affection, and esteem, which they cannot procure by their own actions. I once pretended, O Arsaces, to some part in that affection, which I never merited but only by your goodness, and the hopes you had given me of it, made me expect you would have lent that assistance to me, which now you give unto our Enemies; I will neither cry down their Actions, nor the Justice of their Quarrel before him that declares himself their Friend, and the consideration I have of you, makes me not mention that which I publish to all the world, but I cannot dissemble my grief to see you turn those Arms against us, which commonly are attended with Victory, and though Seleucus, and many others, who are with you be worthy of your friendship, I cannot but envy them the happiness of it, and redouble my hatred toward them by reason of this advantage they have over us. Arsaces' embraced Lysimachus at this discourse, & giving passage to a few sighs, I am infinitely indebted to you, (said he) for the value you set upon my friendship, and this testimony I receive of yours is one of the chiefest consolations I can have in my unhappy fortune, therefore I protest to you by those same Gods, who every day overwhelm me in new disasters, that I neither am nor ever will be your Enemy; I have most powerful inclinations to you, & particular reasons to love you, and if you see me now engaged by my promise, & by some other considerations among them who are not your Friends, accuse not me Lysimachus, but lay all the fault upon my cruel destiny. 'Tis true I owe my life to Seleucus, and Cassander, and that I have obligations to Perdiccas himself, which are not inconsiderable, but a more weighty Reason forces me to be an Enemy to your party, and in what part of the world soever that cruel Tormentor of my days shall happen to be, thither will I turn my revenging sword, even to the last drop of my blood. I would kill him, if I could possibly, even in my father's arms, if the Gods had still left me one, and would make myself a passage through what is dearest to me in the whole world, to destroy him, who with a cruelty full of injustice, robs me of that, which I thought I had purchased, by services which are not to be valued, by the best part of my blood, and even with the price of mine own honour. No, no, Lysimachus, in the deplorable condition of my life, I am no longer Master, either of my Designs, or of my Actions, and that ingrateful Woman, who has so unworthily forsaken me, has taken away all my hopes, and with them the power of disposing of myself. I must be uncivil, I must be unthankful, because I am miserable, because I am desperate, and the Gods give me every day new occasions, to show that all the good I had in me is extinguished, by the inhumanity of my ●ate; nay, they will have me indebted for my life, even to my most bitter, irreconcilable Enemy, because they know, I cannot be other than guilty of ingratitude, and that the bloody injury I have received from him, stills in my heart all the acknowledgement I owe him for it; heretofore I should have passed Seas to acquit myself of a less Obligation, and now I would go down as far as Hell, to sacrifice him to my just Resentments, to whom I have so great an engagement. This misery of my life, Lysimachus, aught to move pity in you, and obtain pardon for a choice, which my love, which my jealousy, which my rage forced me to make against my former inclinations, and against my affection to you. Arsaces' uttered these passionate words with an action which fetched tears into Lysimachus his eyes, but his astonishment was redoubled by them, and considering that Arsaces could not justly use those Reproaches to Oroondates, who better than all the men in the world, had deserved the possession of Statira, in whose service Arsaces could not have spent more than some short moments of his life, he was in a marvellous confusion, and being desirous to draw more particular light from Arsaces his mouth; I am as sensibly touched with your displeasures (said he) as with my own, but either I cannot comprehend their cause, or else I can see but little justice in them. This Rival, against whom you have so violent an indignation, complains of you with more appearance of Reason than you can have, unless there be some mistake in your affairs; and there are few persons but know, that he hath spent his whole life in the service of that Princess, whom you have won from him in an hour; his despair is much better grounded than yours, when he remembers the admirable Actions he hath done for her, and that being just upon the point of receiving the recompense, which was due to him, he sees her, by a prodigious inconstancy, in your arms, and finds himself ingratefully forsaken for you, who have done her but very little service, and who are hardly so much as known to her. How! (cried the impatient Arsaces) have I done my Princess but little service, and am I hardly so much as known to her? Lysimachus was going to reply, and they were like to have come to a more perfect clearing of businesses, if an unexpected accident had not interrupted their conversation, the cause thereof was this. The Amazon Queen, when she had stood a while at a distance, listening to their discourse, at last resolved to go up to them, and Arsaces' his companion, by her example, moved from the place where he made his stand; when they were come a little nearer to one another than they had been before, Thalestris casting her eyes upon that Cavalier, saw upon his shield the dreadful Impress of the Vultures, the reputation whereof was already as much known, by the valour of him that bore it, as his name was unknown by his so late coming into those parts, and his having been ever since in the Enemy's Quarters. The Queen presently remembered her Combat with him, and with what generosity he had defended her from the soul play offered by Cassander; being glad of this Encounter, she had a mind to make a more particular acquaintance with him, with that intent she spurred on her Horse, and putting forth her hand as she came up to him; Valiant Sir, (cried she) since I have tried your force in fight, I desire to be better known to you, and to make a friendship, if it be possible, with so brave and so generous an Enemy. The stranger, who for civility yielded to no man in the world, advanced toward the Queen at this discourse, and seeing that she put her hand toward the Beaver of her Cask to discover her face, he thrust up his, and let her see his face at the same time. The aspect of the dreadful Gorgon never wrought more strange effects than this sight produced mutually in these two persons, and if the stranger was surprised to see the Queen, the Queen was strucken with the height of amazement, when in the stranger's face she beheld all the Lineaments of her faithless Orontes. They instantly were seized with so strange a confusion, that they seemed like two Marble statues, being neither able to speak nor stir; they continued a great while looking upon each other, with inward motions very different from their ancient tendernesses, and by the fiery glances of their eyes, gave one another knowledge of the violent thoughts that stirred them up. They could not absolutely believe their sight, and that uncertainty kept them for some time irresolute, silent, and unmoveable. In the end they no longer doubted of the truth of this Encounter, and the Queen, less Mistress of her furious Resentments than Orontes, took hold of the handle of her sword, and casting a look up toward Heaven with a most terrible action, O Gods! (cried she) at last you have brought me that disloyal man, who hath so impiously invoked you in the falseness of his Oaths; and drawing her sword, after she had often called Orontes Traitor, she flew upon him with a fury, like that of a Tygress, when she is robbed of her young. Orontes at last came to himself, and flying both the looks, and approach of Thalestris; O! my eyes, (cried he) must you then behold this faithless Woman again? Yet though he was no less moved than she, he was more moderate, and having still a respect to the sex, and even to the person of her whom he had so dearly loved, he left his sword still in the scabbard, and only held forth his shield, retiring from the blows she made. Leave me, (cried he) leave me false ingrateful Woman, and discharge not thy rage against a man, who is innocent of the loss thou hast sustained. The Queen replied not with any distinct words, but rushing upon him with confused cries, and redoubled abuses, made him quickly see she either meant to give him his death, or receive hers from him. Arsaces and Lysimachus turning about at this noise, were quite surprised at so unfore-seen an adventure, and Arsaces, observing the manner of that combat, was something ashamed, and troubled to see his Valiant Companion, who had so brave a reputation, retire, or rather fly before an Enemy. He leapt upon his horse, and advanced toward him, by Lysimachus his example, who ran presently to the Queen, when Orontes seeking sanctuary by him; deliver me O! Arsaces (cried he) deliver me from the sight of this perfidious woman, who is much more cruel to me than that death she strives to give me. Ah! monster of infidelity (replied Thalestris, quite besides herself) hope not that the assistance of Arsaces, nor of all the men in the world shall save thee from my just indignation. As she spoke these words, she made herself passage between Arsaces, and Lysimachus with such a fury, that those two Valiant men were too weak to withhold her. Both of them, because they had heard something of their adventures, began to suspect the truth, and being desirous to try some remedy against so sudden and so violent a mischief, they used all their strength, and all their persuasions to stop, and pacify the incensed Thalestris; but though their strengths were employed with some success, all their persuasions were utterly fruitless, and the Queen's wrath grew so inflamed by their hindrance of her intentions, that she had much ado to forbear discharging some part of her anger upon them. These things were done so near Perdiccas his Camp, that the noise made them instantly taken notice of, and Cassander, who was seldom from Orontes, believing there was some fowl play offered to his friend, and being ready Armed for some other design, got hastily on horseback, followed by a good number of his men, and ran full speed toward Thalestris and Lysimachus, crying out, that they broke the Truce, and that they deserved death. Orontes, who by the means of Arsaces and Lysimachus was beginning to retire toward the Camp, strove in vain to stop him, and Cassander, seeing the Queen, who with her sword up, endeavoured to get from them that held her, call Orontes Traitor, and Coward, advanced toward her, and without considering his odds, laid on with his sword upon her cask with all his Force, the Queen staggered at the blow, and Cassander was going to second it, when Arsaces, fearing lest he might kill her in his arms, would hold her no longer, and the impatient Thalestris, whose anger needed not that new provocation to swell it to the height, no sooner felt herself at liberty, but she ran at Cassander with an action, which made him grow pale, and think already of retreating amongst his men; when the Queen, raising herself upon her stirrups, struck such a weighty blow upon his Helmet, that she sent him headlong to the ground. After this action she turned her looks, and cries again toward Orontes with more fierceness than before; but they that had accompanied Cassander, were beginning to bend their Arms against her, and against Lysimachus, who with his sword in his hand, had placed himself by her side for her defence; when Arsaces did all he could possibly to keep them from it, and Orontes himself, who was already a good way off, faced about, and drew his sword for the preservation of his Enemy. But at the same time Seleucus came thither, who had so great an Authority amongst those Soldiers, that at Arsaces' entreaty, he made them hold, and while they took up Cassander, who was hardly come to himself, he got Lysimachus to carry back the Amazon Queen. All the credit he had with her was necessary to overcome her to that retreat, yet she yielded to it at last, when she saw herself in an impossibility to satisfy her revenge, and seeking out her false Orontes with her eye; Thou prolongest thy destiny but in vain (cried she) and if thou escapest me at the Battle, I'll seek thee in the most hidden places of all the world. Lysimachus pulled her from thence at last, and was constrained to accompany her, without being able to finish his discourse with Arsaces': This Valiant couple returned into the Camp, and during the little way they had thither, Lysimachus could not draw one reasonable word from Thalestris. Since this sudden alteration of her humour she was hardly to be known, her face was all on fire, and her eyes seemed to cast forth live sparks; all her motions had a mixture of rage and fury, and all her ordinary moderation had given place to most impetuous transports. You have seen him (said she at last, to Lysimachus) you have seen that Traitor, whose quarrel you defended with so much Valour, and so little justice, and if his life were guiltless of infidelity, perchance you would think him handsome enough, to excuse some part of the passion, a maid may have had for him. She made a stop at these words, to give Lysimachus leisure to deliver his approbation of what she said, and within a while after going on with another tone; How true, and just are the gods (said she) and how well do they begin to perform their promise, in bringing me this disloyal man, whom I will sacrifice to the God of Love, and to the God of Hospitality, the Laws of both having been basely and unworthily violated by him, they expect this reparation from me; and my Traitor, obstinate in his treachery, brings me that head himself, which I ought to have sought to the furthest end of the whole world. With these and some other words she came into the Camp, where she would not alight till she came to Oroondates his Tent. Oroondates since his recovery had left Polemon's house to the Ladies, and Prince Oxyartes had presented him with a Tent, the Rooms whereof were very spacious, and convenient. As soon as Thalestris was come into his Chamber, Oroondates (cried she) that Valiant stranger, that did so many admirable actions upon the bank of Euphrates against Lysimachus, and his Companions, and in our last fight against me, and the rest of our party, who do you think it should be, but my perfidious Orontes? the justice of the gods hath at last brought him to the foot of those Altars, upon which he must be sacrificed. Oroondates at first was surprised with this discourse, but presently after Lysimachus having confirmed what the Queen had told him, he admired the fantastical effects of Fortune, and those strange events whereby she seems to make herself sport with our destinies. He is with Perdiccas, (continued Thalestris) my particular Enemy is among your Enemies, and that monster of perfidiousness thinks himself not yet black enough with that he hath showed toward me, unless to aggravate his crimes, he embrace an unjust quarrel, and take up Arms against the party of his Prince. It has not pleased the Heavens that I should engage myself in this war without other interest, than what I take in yours, but they will have hatred, and resentment execute part of that, which honour and friendship made me undertake to serve you. When Oroondates had replied to this discourse, the Queen fell again to threats, and poured forth the most violent, and furious words against Orontes, that her passion could put into her mouth. Oroondates, knowing her impetuous humour, went not about to justify Orontes to her so soon, but giving way to her impatience, he only said, that he hoped the success of that adventure, would prove advantageous to her repose.  
While he was in this entertainment with her, the sorrowful Demetrius wept at the River side over the Tomb of his deceased Hermione; since the time he had been able to leave his bed, that had been his usual employment, he spent almost whole days there, and as soon as the Sun began to cast his light upon the earth, that desolate Prince, whom his sorrows had made hardly to be known, went forth of his Tent with a dejected countenance, and a feeble pace, and drawing near to those dear ashes, paid them his homage, and sought no consolation but in that mournful exercise; his tears made a stream, which did almost mingle themselves with the waves of the River; the embraces he gave to cold, senseless stones, would have put life into any thing that had been less frozen, and less insensible than marble, and his moving complaints, might without doubt, have obtained any thing else from the gods, save the return of Hermione. The Tomb was raised with a magnificent structure, and upon a plate of brass the afflicted Demetrius had caused an inscription to be engraven, which contained these words.  PASSENGER THOU WILT BE CRUEL 
 IF THOU EXAMINE THIS LIFE 
 TO CONDEMN IT. 
 HERMIONE WAS ALL FAIR, 
 HERMIONE WAS ALL 
 INNOCENT. 
 AND IF SPITAMENES DIED FOR HIS CRIME, 
 HERMIONE DIED FOR THE CRIME 
 OF DEMETRIUS. 
 HE WAS THE LOVER, 
 HE WAS THE MURDERER OF HERMIONE. 
 BEWAIL HER DESTINY, O PASSENGER. 
 AND SEEK NOT IN THIS TOMB 
 FOR THOSE PRECIOUS ASHES, 
 WHICH CAN HAVE NONE BUT IN THE HEART 
 OF DEMETRIUS. 
These sorrowful Entertainments settled this young Prince in such a melancholic humour, as made him little different from those that have no life at all, and the society of his friends, who formerly had found a charming sweetness in his, was no longer able to give him any contentment; as all things were black in his soul, so would he have all his clothes, his furniture, and his Arms, and if he still bore the God of Love upon his shield, 'twas in a posture very different from the former; before he appeared triumphant, but now he lay grovelling upon a Tomb, his Arrows broken, his Scarf torn from his eyes, and his Quiver overturned negligently at his feet. The deadly marks of a grief so tender, and so violent both together, infecting the soul of Antigonus, made him almost incapable of executing the functions of his Charge, and the day, which was to be the next before the Battle, being come, scarce was he able to go with the other Commanders into Oxyartes his Tent, to take, and to give Orders in so important a necessity. There it was that the Princes met together to dispose of all things against that bloody decision of their fortunes, the term whereof was already so near at hand; when they had received an exact account from all the Officers touching the condition of their Force, they began to deliberate in what order they should draw them up for the Battle, and resolved to put all things in such a readiness that day, that they might have nothing else to do but to fight the next; They employed it all both carefully, and profitably about those matters, the field of Battle was visited from side to side, and many Commanders of both parties meeting in that Action, saw, and talked to one another, without showing any mark of animosity in that Encounter. Afterward they offered sacrifices through the whole Camp, and the Princes, behaving themselves there with much zeal, and affection to the Gods, made their Soldiers know that the Victory was not to be expected from their Arms, but rather from the will of the Gods, whom they by Actions of Piety ought to win unto their party; the entrails of the sacrificed beasts were visited with great care, and with great anxiety, the smoke, and the flight of birds were curiously observed, but though the Soothsayers by those signs knew the great abundance of blood that was to be shed, they were utterly ignorant of the success, and could not by any token judge to which of the two parties the Gods intended the advantage of that bloody day. The night was spent by the soldiers in different employments, some of them took their rest to be the fresher for the toil they were to undergo, others dressed their Horses, others mended the defects of their Arms, and all together prepared themselves for that memorable Action, which was to be the Decider of so many Quarrels.  
Scarce did the day begin to appear, when from all parts of the Camp, the sound of Trumpets roused up the fastest sleepers; the morning was fair and clear, and the noise of all those warlike instruments, seeking out the nearest hollows both in the Woods, & on the banks of the River, made the Echo answer with redoubled sounds, which even in that terrible confusion had a mixture of something very delightful. They that came first abroad, saw upon Ptolomeus his Tent a Standard displayed, which they knew to be the signal of the Battle, & among so many thousand men, there were few in whom that sight did not produce contentment. Prince Oroondates, being one of the first awake, saluted that day with a joyful cry, and after having called for his Clothes; Today (said he) we are to fight for you Cassandra, and you shall be delivered out of Perdiccas his hands, either for Arsaces, or for Oroondates. But (pursued he within a while after) it will neither be for Arsaces, nor for Oroondates; for you have forsaken Oroondates in favour of Arsaces, and you shall see Arsaces' fall by the hand of Oroondates As he spoke these words, he leaped out of Bed, and scarce had he begun to put on his Clothes, but he called for his Arms. Let's see (said he) if in this long idleness I have not forgot which way to put on a Cuirasse, & if with the practice, I have not also lost the Theory of the first profession to which my life was destined. He was saying thus, when Qu. Thalestris (whose cruel passions had wakened her with the first) came into his Chamber, and after her Prince Lysimachus, Eumenes, Ilyoneus, Tiridates, and many others. Oroondates praising their diligence, and particularly the Queens; I should blush Madam, (said he) to see myself outstripped, and hastened on by a Lady, to go to fight for my own interests if you were not the divine Thalestris, who both in Peace and War hath all manner of Advantages over us. The motives of my diligence (replied the Queen) deserve not to be envied by any body, and my Revenge lies too near my heart, to hope that it will allow me a moment of quiet sleep. Then Lysimachus putting into their discourse; I have seen your Enemy, (said he to the Queen) and both the sight of his face, and that of his gallant Actions hath begot in me an affection, and an esteem for him, which could make me wish, that either you were less revengeful, or that he were well disposed to satisfy you. My satisfaction (answered Thalestris) is in the point of my sword, and in the blood of that faithless man. I would it pleased the Gods, Madam (added Oroontades) that he might be found innocent, and that I were able to contribute to your repose, by the best part of that little I have left. The Queen, to whom this discourse was not very pleasing, forbore not however to answer it with much civility, and in the mean time Oroondates his Arms were brought; They were a Present Lysimachus had made him, and the workmanship of the admired Hyperion; formerly they had been Hephestions, who having given them to Lysimachus after their Reconciliation, he thought he could not put them into better hands than the Prince of Scythia's. His shoulders were first enclosed with a Cuirasse of Damascus Steel so excellently tempered, that it was proof almost to the most dangerous Weapons, and enriched with a graving worthy the hands of its famous Artificer, heigthened with Gold by marvellous industry, and spreading itself in leaves over all the Cuirasse, with a pleasing and skilful confusion; from the body of the Cuirasse, upon Bases of Cloth of Gold, hung Plates of the same Steel graven in the same manner, which reached almost to the knee, ending with Tassels of Gold twist interwoven with Pearl; those which (coming forth of a Lion's mouth upon his shoulder) fell over the sleeve of his Cassock were wrought and beautified on the same fashion, and those of his B●skin which covered from the middle of his Leg unto his Toe, were all suitable, and glisterens equally with the polishing of the steel, and with the Gold which set it off; his good Sword hung at a little Gold Chain, which seemed to come out of the mouths of two small antic heads of Gold before and behind his Cuirasse, and when he was fitted with all the rest of his Armour, Toxaris covered his head with a Cask, whereon the workman had set forth the utmost of his skill; besides that the graving was more delicate, and the polishing more beautiful, the forepart of it was adorned with an Eagle, whose outstretched Wings, and all his Plumage were richly gilded, and from the hinder part the the repose a little Pipe of Gold, out of which came a long sprig, encompassed with a score of black and white Feathers set thick with spangles. In this habit, with a lofty walk, and a garb which breathed forth nothing but War, he went out of the Tent with his Valiant companions. At the door stood ready a brave Cappadocian horse, which Eumenes had sent him, except Bucephalus there had not been seen one better shaped, nor of a more advantageous stature, his colour was black, spotted all over with white spots in so great order, as made that to be suspected for art, which proceeded only from nature; his tail swept along the ground, and his main, which fell confusedly over his shoulders, came waving loosely down below his knee. Oroondates being got lightly upon his back, and having tried him before his companions with a skill, vigour, and grace that was peculiar to him alone, Armed his right hand with a strong Javeline, and upon his left arm took a shield little different from that of Telamon's Son, and which perchance would have made any other arm, but his have sunk under its weight, in the midst of it was represented a Cupid, who trampling under foot a great many trophies of Arms heaped up together, was environed with storms, and flashes of lightning, in his right hand he held one of those bolts, which Jupiter alone is wont to dart at guilty heads, and near him were these words written in the Scythian tongue. Nothing against Love. In this equipage Oroondates would have appeared little different from Mars himself, if amidst that which was terrible in him, he had not had far more sweet and lovely features, than those we commonly see in the pictures of that god of Battles. Nor is he much unlike him in the fight; woe be to them that shall oppose his force this bloody day, each blow of his carries a certain death along with it, and his hand makes the most sovereign herbs to lose their virtue. He marches in the midst of these Valiant friends, toward the place where the Troops were already drawing up, according to the orders resolved on the day before; There he found Ptolomeus, Craterus, Antigonus and the rest all busy in the duties of their several Offices, but though that day the Army by course should have been commanded by Ptolomeus, he devested himself of all his Authority amongst his friends, and would needs have them share equally with him in the honours of that action; it began with sacrifices which were redoubled with a most ardent devotion, and then having taken a light repast, all the Officers retired to their charges, and placed themselves at the head of those Forces they were to command. The Army was divided into four bodies, the weakest of which was of ten thousand horse, and twenty thousand foot; The first was given to Prince Oroondates composed of Egyptians under the command of Cleomenes Lieutenant to Ptolomeus, of Syrians under their Valiant Prince Laomedon, of Lydians under the brave Alexander their sovereign, and of Cylicians under the obedience of Philotas. At the head of these, and by the side of Prince Oroondates the Valiant Amazon placed herself, having on the same Arms in which she had done the former actions, and so visibly breathing forth revenge, that she almost cast fire through the bars of her Helmet; she was desirous to fight that day by the Prince of Scythia, and was accompanied in that design by Oxidates, Tyridates, Ilyoneus, and Pharnabasus. Prince Oxyartes commanded the second body, in which were first the Bactrians, and Zoydians under Cophes the son of Artabasus, he himself having been constrained by all the Princes to forbear the Battal by reason of his age, and only to assist those with his counsel, whose youth made them more fit for action; next those of Armenia under Phrataphernes, those of Hyrcania under Philippus, and those of Mesopotamia under Archesilaus'. Those that accompanied Oxyartes were Mythranes, Leostenes the Son of Ariobarzanes, Lysander and Pisistratus the Sons of Phrataphernes and Archesilaus'. The third body was led by brave Eumenes, who under him had the Cappadocians, and Paphlagonians, those of Thracia, Pontus, and of the Bosphorus, Lysimachus his new subjects, and those Arabians and Africans that were under the obedience of Ptolomeus. At the head of these Forces with Eumenes were Menelaus, Ptolomeus his brother Leocaris, and Dioxippus the Sons of Mentor, and Trasillus the brother of Menander. The last Battalion marched under the great Polyperchon, consisting of fifteen thousand Macedonians, brought by him and Craterus, of Phrygians the subjects of Antigonus, and of Illirians led by Callicrates the son of Philosas, Polyperchon had with him his son Alexander, Demochares and Cleobulus, and (the most Valiant as well as the most beautiful of all) the disconsolate Demetrius; for all his looks were pale and wan, one might see in them an eagerness to fight, and though he marched with a sorrowful countenance, it was not at all the less resolute; for his usual courage, being improved by the desire he then had to die, thrust him on to the performance of miraculous achievements; his Arms, his Horse, withal his furniture were black, and that weeping God of Love did so well accompany the sadness of him that bore it, that it gained him the compassion of all those that beheld him. To every Battalion there were fifty Chariots Armed with Scythes, and filled with Archers which were to march in the front; those of Oroondates commanded by Oxydates, those of Oxyantes by Mythranes, those of Eumenes by Menelaus, and those of Polyperchon by Cleobulus; This was the disposing of the Army, in which Lysimachus, Ptolomeus, Craterus, and Antigonus, would needs be exempted from any particular command, that they might be at liberty to go any whither; according as occasion should require. Before the Army began to move, some spies came in from the Enemy's Camp, who informed the Princes touching the order of it, and from them they received an account as followeth.  
Perdiccus, whither it were upon intelligence of the manner of the Princes drawing up, or for some other reason, had like them divided his Army into four bodies, of between four and five and thirty thousand men at the least, to each of which he had appointed two Commanders of equal Authority. Perdiccas and his Brother Alcetas led the first, composed of the inhabitants of both the Media's subject to Alcetas, and Acropates; of the Susians under Sinus, and of the Babylonians under Peucestas. The second was commanded by the Valiant Seleucus, and the great Arsaces, in which were the fifteen thousand Macedonians that followed Seleucus his Colours, these Bactrians and Zogdians that obeyed Scytheus, and Amintas, and the Parthians under Andiagoras and Nicanor. The third marched after Cassander, and the Valorous Orantes consisting of six thousand Argiraspides, under their leaders Antigenes, and Teutamus; of Carians the subjects of Cassander, and of Lycians and Pamphilians under their Prince Nearchus. The last was under the conduct of Leonatus and Neoptolemus, and in it were the inhabitants of Persida, and those of the lesser Phrygia their subjects, they of mount Caucasus under Axiarchus, the Pelasgians under Arthous, and under Stratanor the Drache's and Argeans'. They had three hundred Chariots of War commanded by Python, and Aminta, and ranked in an order little different from that, in which the Princes had placed theirs. These two potent Armies being thus disposed, came at the same time from the places where they were encamped, and advanced equally into that spacious plain, which lay between both Camps. They were no sooner within sight, but they saluted one another with horrible cries, and actions which visibly testified the ardour that carried them on unto the Battle; as they drew nearer together, the fierceness of their hearts redoubled, their anger grew more inflamed by seeing their Enemies, and their Officers were hardly able to keep them from rushing on disorderly to the fight, when they were come within a certain distance, they were commanded to make a stand, to receive the last orders, and then the Generals riding by the head of every Battalion, showed themselves to the Soldiers, and with fiery exhortations infused courage, even into the faintest of them all. Oroondates appearing with that Majesty, and grace which was inseparable from his meanest actions, set forth all the eloquence the gods had endowed him with, to inspire Valour into his men, and passing from one division to another with admirable swiftness, not much unlike a flash of lightning, kindled all hearts by his words and presence. He had never been so great, nor so handsome in the eyes of his faithful Araxes as at that time, and the Amazon Queen, who eased him as much as possibly she was able in the days of his command, could not behold him in that condition without admiration. Lysimachus and his Valiant companions were no less full of business, and when they had set all things in the readiness they ought to be, and that they neither could, nor would longer retain the eagerness of the Soldiers, they chose the places where they meant to fight themselves, and remembering in what order the Enemies were drawn up, they went and put themselves severally at the head of the four Battalions. Lysimachus took his place near Oroondates, who received him with demonstrations of joy worthy of their friendship, Antigonus near Oxyates, Ptolomeus near Eumenes, and Craterus near Polyperchon. As soon as they had thus disposed of themselves, they commanded the Trumpets to give the last signal. That dreadful, yet pleasing noise of so many warlike instruments, resounded along the banks of Euphrates for many furlongs, and presently after the space, which separated the two Armies, began to decrease, and such an infinite number of Arrows were let fly from either side, that they could hardly find free passage to the marks they were aimed at; hundreds of men lay grovelling in the dust, and hundreds of horses fell under their masters at that first manner of fight, but within a while it altered form, taking another much more hideous and bloody; the squadrons and divisions closed to handy-blows, but their Valiant leaders desiring to have the honour to begin the charge, advanced mutually before their Troops, and ran at one another with an animosity, which proceeded from a higher interest than that of their Commands. Oroondates and Lysimachus knowing Perdiccas and Alcetas, by the intelligence they had received concerning the order of their Battle, and by many other marks, thundered upon them with an impetuousness which admits of no comparison, and the Valiant Amazon made a furious charge against Peucestas; Pay me (cried Oroondates to Perdiccas) Pay me that life which I have saved thee twice. Let us fight (said Lysimachus to Alcetas) Let us fight for Parisatis; these words received no answer, nor were they heard perhaps amidst the cries, and noise of that encounter, but they were close followed by deeds, and these six Valiant persons struck one another with their Javelines, and shocked each other with their shields, with equal courage but forces something different. Oroondates reeled in his saddle at the blow Perdiccas gave him, but Perdiccas and his horse came tumbling both together to the ground. Lysimachus lost his stirrups at the stroke of Alcetas, but he took him out of his saddle, and threw him headlong in the dust, and the Valiant Thalestris made Peucestas fly over the crupper of his horse, among the feet of those that were about him. All the advantage of this first encounter being on our Prince's side, their party solemnised it with a joyful cry, and from that glorious beginning, drew happy presages of the victory. These dismounted Princes were presently environed by many of their men, who opposing the fury of their Enemies, set them again on horseback, and their gallant Conquerors, not being able to Force that resistance, turned their blows another way, and by their example made their squadrons fall in pellmell among the Enemies. Then it was that the earth became covered with dying bodies, and that the face of all things grew dismal and terrible. The Armed Chariots made great slaughters on both sides, the Egyptians and Medes, the Syrians and Babylonians falling together with an equal confusion. The first squadrons having begun the Battle, the second made their charge with the same fury; Arfaces ran at Antigonus, and Seleucus at Prince Oxyates, but Oxyates had the worst against Seleucus, and Antigonus was overthrown upon the earth, by the redoubted hand of Arsaces; by the same hand presently after fell Listander, and Pisistratus, the sons of Archesilaus' and Phrataphernes, Pisistratus was run through the body, and Listander cloven from the shoulder to the breast; their desolate Fathers were present at that sight, and rushing both at the same time upon him that had slain their Children, assaulted him with cries full of rage and resentment, but fortune was adverse to them and their Genius was inferior to that of Arsaces, for Archesilaus' had his hand cut off with a backblow, and Phrataphernes was so forcibly encountered, that he came over with his horse, and lay without sense or motion. While Arsaces strives by such actions as these to repair the disadvantage the first body had received by the Valour of Oroondates, and Lysimachus, the third and last Battalions march on unto the fight, and charged with a fiercenss no way inferior to their Companions; The encounter of Ptolomeus, and Eumenes with Cassander, and the Valiant Orontes passed without any great advantage on either party, for though Ptolomeus lost one of his stirrups by the shock of Orontes, Cassander lost both his by that of the brave Eumenes. Craterus and Polyperchon fought with more equality against Neoptolemus and Leonatus, but all those that opposed the young Demetrius, who had taken his place in this last body, felt both the weight of his Arm, and the effects of his grief. In this general mixture of Squadrons, and Battalions; disorder and confusion quickly were accompanied which wounds and horror, giving dismal shapes to all those objects, with a few hours before appeared most pleasing, and delightful; the slaughter was so universal, that in all the Battles which had ever been fought under Darius, or Alexander, Death never had reigned with so absolute an Empire as that bloody day: if the Parthian fall by a Syrian Javeline, the Syrian is slain by the sword of a Lycian, and the dying Hyrcanian drags the Pamphilian along with him, blood has not only made the earth lose its colour in the thickest of the fight, but flows in purple streams, for many furlongs round about; the Chariots had in the beginning done great execution, but at last the Commanders on both sides, thought best to give place to their impetuousness, and killing the horses as they passed, made them equally useless to one another. After that all the several divisions were engaged, the General's being no longer tied to keep with their particular Battalions, where they hardly were any longer obeyed, went freely into all places, according to the ardour that transported them. Oroondates, and Thalestris sought every where for Arsaces, and Orontes, and the furious Prince of Scythia running from one squadron to another, made the name of Arsaces' resound wheresoever he went; his Enemy was no less impatient, nor less industrious to find out him, but the obstacles that were in their way retarded the execution of their desires, and to break through them, they did actions that struck terror into all those that looked upon them, and that are as far beyond belief as above expression. Oroondates, which way soever he turned himself, left bloody marks of his passage, when Cassander's two brothers Jolas, and Philippus presented themselves before him, and would have opposed his fury, as a dam at the fall of an impetuous torrent; they charged him both at the same time with two blows, which scarce made any print upon his Arms; but the fierce Prince of Scythia, requited them with two others, which being given by a more vigorous hand than theirs, produced very different effects. Jolas was laid along, having his shoulder run through with a thrust, and with a backblow Philippus his cask and his head within it, were made to roll together upon the grass; they that saw the fall of these two young Princes, and knew their quality, ran with loud cries to take revenge; but Oroondates broke through them with the same fury, and before their eyes, slew Theagenes the Son of Python, Aristocles the brother of Peucestas, and made Antigenes, and Teutamus Commanders of the Argiraspides, to tumble breathless among the horses feet. By these prodigious feats he at last opened himself a passage to Arsaces, and with a loud voice defied him to the encounter, when he on the other side had newly dispatched Trasillus and the unfortunate Tiridates. These two great Warriors knew one another by their cries, and by the actions they saw each other do, yet before they could get together, Oroondates cloven Erginiss his Son's head into two pieces, and meeting the Valiant Neoptolemus in his way, justled him with so great violence, that he sent him astonished among the legs of Arsaces' his horse. Arsaces could not know his Enemy better than by such marks as those, nor did he any longer doubt but it was he, and testifying that assurance by a fierce cry, he ran to him, holding up his sword with such an action as might have terrified any body but Oroondates; both of them would have spoken, but the extremity of their anger made them both unable to express themselves, and the confused noise of so many voices would not suffer them to understand one another. Ptolomeus, Craterus, and Demetrius on the one side, and on the other Seleucus, Nearchus, and Leonatus, with many other Commanders of each party were present at their meeting, and all as with a mutual consent suspended their enmity for a few moments, to become spectators of that furious encounter, nor did it any way fail their expectation, though the business was of no long continuance. The two enraged Warriors, whose thoughts were not upon the defensive, cast their shields behind their backs, and putting both hands to their swords, lifted them on high into the air, and brought them down with the utmost of their strength upon each others Helmet. At those mighty blows, the two swords flew in a thousand pieces, their Crests were beaten off, their casks deeply dinted, and how great so ever was the fortitude of those to gallant men, it was not proof against so infinite a violence. Arsaces' bleeding both at nose and mouth, fell in a swoon at Seleucus his feet, and Ptolomeus running to Oroondates, saw him open his arms, and sink without understanding from his saddle into the dust. The fall of these two matchless persons, caused those of each party to send forth mighty cries, and kindled a furious combustion round about them. Ptolomeus, Craterus, and Demetrius sheltered Oroondates with their bucklers, and his faithful Aranes, who stirred not from him, carried him off with the assistance of I●yoneus, Menelaus, and many others; Arsaces his friends did the same for him, and then between those six valiant men there began a Combat worthy of more heedful Spectators; and of larger room to set forth the proofs of their valour with better liberty. Ptolomeus having known Seleucus by several marks, spurred up to him with a joyful voice, and preventing Demetrius who was going to charge him; Seleucus (cried he) thy old Enemy defies thee, and now thou hast a brave occasion to execute thy threatenings. Seleucus answered these words only with a mighty stroke, which Ptolomeus quickly repaid, Craterus at the same time closing with Leonatus, and Nearchus with young Demetrius. The fight was reasonable equal between the four first, but desperate Demetrius whose grief seemed to have redoubled his strength, after some few blows given, on both sides with wondrous violence, beat down Nearchus at his feet, and turning about toward his Friends, was going to make their Victory sure, when valiant Orontes came up unto that place. He had made himself remarkable that day by a thousand Actions of an admirable Valour, his Arms were all besmeared with blood, and he was hardly to be known but by that famous device of the Heart torn with Vultures, which had yet retained some part of its wont figure; he besides divers others had slain young Pharnabasus, and the two unfortunate sons of Mentor, and had left great Polyperchon, and his courageous son Alexander, half dead upon the ground. As he came near to these brave Combatants he saw Nearchus fall, and desiring to make amends for his disaster, he clavae the throng of those that opposed his passage, and rushed forward unto Demetrius. That young Prince who knew him by his shield, and who formerly upon the bank of Euphrates, had been crossed in his design of measuring his strength with his, received him gladly, and advanced before all his Companions to meet him single; they by some blows given with little inequality, had begun to show each other proof of their reciprocal Valour, when Lysimachus opened himself a large way thither with his sword; he was still wet with the blood of Nicanor Commander of some of the Parthians, of Apiarchus, of Criton the son of Acropates, of Tydeus Nephew to Perdiccas, and many others whom he had left biting the earth, and seeking to enhance his glory by new Defeats, he no sooner knew Orontes his shield, but he came up close to Demetrius, saying, Leave this Combat to me Demetrius, we began it once already, and I was challenged by Orontes when we parted. Scarce had he spoke these words, when another cried out, The death of this faithless man belongs to me, and none of you have right to disput it with me. Orontes was not at all dismayed at the number of his Enemies, but desiring them all together, Come valiant men (said he) come all of you together assault this Life, which I shall be well enough able to defend against you, and if you be not ashamed of this inequality, let's get out of this crowd to make an end of our Combat. As he brought forth these words, he flew upon them like a Lion, when presently amongst his Enemies he knew the revengeful Thalestris, who more eager than the rest, had at last obtained the place she sought before them. That sight benumbed Orontes his courage, and in a moment froze his gallant Resolution. O! Woman (cried he) art thou not weary with tormenting me? and casting his shield behind his back, he took Sanctuary amongst his Friends against her fury, and against her sight, which he could not endure. Thou fliest Traitor (cried the enraged Queen) thou fliest from a Woman's sword; but know, this Victory would not be so shameful to thee, as the perfidiousness thou art guilty of. She said these words pursuing him, and overthrowing all that opposed her passage. Acropates to his misfortune happened to be in her way, and the desperate Queen whose force was doubled by her rage, slashed off his body at the waste, leaving one half in the Saddle, while the other tumbled among the Horse's feet. Cleon the son of Stratanor lost his life by her conquering hand, and Listander the brother of Andiagoras had the self same destiny. Perdiccas and his brother Alcetas were hardly able to stop her fury. Perdiccas had that day done many Actions of a knowing General, and of a valiant man, for though there were very few that could surpass him in fight skilfully with his own hand, there were yet fewer that could equal him in experience to command an Army; he by Orders often seasonably given, a●d by his prudent diligence had many times upheld his party, and had that day kept the Victory in equal balance. The Medes, Pamphilians, and Carians began to yield a little to the force of the Egyptians, Thracians, and Cappadocians, but the stout Argiraspides did with miraculous effects sustain and frustrate the Attempts of the most warlike Phalanxes, they utterly defeated the Lydians, Arabians, and Phrygians, and with justice carried away the glory of having preserved their party in that Battle. Oroondates and Arsaces were already recovered out of their 'swounds, and though they that had taken care of them, used their endeavours to get them into their Tents; it was impossible to persuade them to it, each of them inquired what was become of his Enemy, and not being able to learn any thing, they had taken up other swords amongst the heaps of dead bodies, and were gotten again into the thickest of the fight, more fierce, and terrible than before, 'twas to the misfortune of many gallant men that they returned into the Battle, and the rage that stirred them up was fatal to many Warriors, whose prowess deserved a better destiny. Thy courage▪ O brave Amintas, could not preserve thee from falling under the blows of Oroondates; nor could the goodness of thy Arms, O valiant Philotas, defend thee from the sword of fierce Arsaces; These two redoubted Warriors slew many other famous Captains, and seeking one another through the midst of blood and slaughter, would sure have met again if the day would have allowed them time. All things than were in a most horrid form, the number of the dead exceeded that of the living, and the field was covered with great heaps of bodies, from whence ran streams of blood that emptied themselves into the River; the soldiers were no longer obedient to Command, nor knew the persons that commanded, and both sides were so eager to destroy those who had been formerly their Companions, that night was hardly able to put an obstacle to their fury. But for its arrival, both Armies had been totally defeated, and 'twas not till it began to grow dark, that after many signals to retreat, the broken Squadrons began to rally. Neither the Prince of Scythia, nor the brave Arsaces, did at all contribute to that care, which their particular animosity made them wholly remit to their Companions. At last the execution ceased, the soldiers began to gather to their Colours, and the Field remained almost equally to both parties. This Victory so obstinately disputed, declared not itself absolutely for either, nor could they that day know their losses, or reckon the number of their dead; but each Army having ●allied as well as was possible in the dark, retired into the place where it was encamped before. These objects would have been dismal to behold, if darkness had not at that time made them invisible; among those that retreated with their Commanders, divers were hurt, and many others sorely wounded came softly behind, or rather crawled without any order after their fellows, and a very great number were left among the slain, who not yet quite dead, lay with groans begging the assistance of their dearest friends, by whom they saw themselves forsaken in the night, and in their utmost extremities.  
Our Princes were no sooner come into the Camp, but they saw the Ladies in great perplexity coming forth to meet them. Apamia, Arsinoe, and the rest having past the day full of deadly apprehensions, received their Husbands with open arms, and scarce would suffer them to get into their Tents before they begun to pull off their Armour, and look upon their wounds. By good fortune none of the Princes had any that were mortal; Oroondates, Lysimachus, Ptolomeus, and Demetrius had some few, but such light ones, that they could hardly be persuaded to keep their beds for them the next day. Antigonus was run through the shoulder, and brave Craterus through the thigh, Polyperchon was wounded in the head, and in the right arm; the Amazon Queen, Oxyartes, and Eumenes had no hurt at all, but of all the other Commanders very few were free; part of the night was spent in dressing them, and the remainder was given to rest, and in many quarters of the Army, to the cries and complaints of those who had lost their near Friends, or Kinsmen in the Battle. The next day there came Messengers from Perdiccas, who demanded a Truce of the Princes for six days, to bury the dead, and dress those that were wounded of both parties. It presently was granted, and they on either side sent without delay to view the field. There it was they met with objects worthy of compassion, and then their losses began to be known by the computation of the dead, and by the remainder of the living; the Princes found they had lost above fifty thousand men, and on Perdiccas his side there were slain above threescore and ten thousand, among which divers were very considerable on each party, on that of the Princes were Philotas, Archeselaus and his son; Pisistratus, Pharnabasus, Trasillus, Tyridates, the two sons of Mentor, and many others, who for their quality and virtue were lamented by the whole Army. On the other Amintas, Nicanor, Axiarchus, Philippus the brother of Cassander, Acropates, with his son, the sons of Erigius, Python and Stratanor, the brothers of Peucestas, and Andiagoras, Perdiccas his nephew and a great number more, whose loss was no small affliction to their party. All that day was employed in carrying them off, which their friends did with grievous lamentations, and of the bodies of common soldiers they made great heaps with their Arms to burn them, since by reason of their excessive number they could not give the honour of Burial to every one in particular. That order was executed the day following, and many of the Commanders were present at that Ceremony, the rest knowing their Forces to be much diminished, were busy in setting men on work to fortify their Camp, to make their Lines deeper, and draw new ones in places which they had before neglected.  
These were the general employments, but those of Oroondates, Lysimachus, and Thalestris were very different, and they had particular afflictions, besides those they suffered with the rest for the death of their men, and for seeing themselves deceived in their expectation of an absolute Victory. Lysimachus saw his hopes further off than before, and his Princess a Captive till the conclusion of a War, which he thought to have made an end of in one day. Oroondates with the same cause of grief, had others also which violently tormented him, and was not more afflicted for the Queen's captivity, or for the uncertaintainty of her condition, than to see that Arsaces had escaped his Revenge, and was triumphant over his ill fortune; he had learned by many, who yet bore his marks, how after their separation he returned into the fight, where he did a thousand Actions, which ran with admiration over all the Camp; this knowledge added an emulation to his former jealousy, which did not a little aggravate his sorrows, and sometimes cast him into such strange Resolutions, that had he not been hindered by Aranes, Lysimachus, and many others, he would instantly have gone to seek Arsaces, or Death in the middle of his Camp. Ah! hand (said he) thou which in occasions of less importance hast often served me with success; feeble hand, why didst thou fail me at this time of need, and lose thy strength against my chiefest Enemy? Heretofore thou wouldst have made my Sword find passage through that daring heart where Statira is seated, or if thou hadst born any reverence to her image, thou certainly wouldst have thrust it through all those other parts where death can possibly enter. He spoke many other such like words, and after having rolled a thousand several imaginations in his fancy, the last Resolution was, to challenge Arsaces to a single Combat as soon as the Truce was expired, and to decide his Differences with him once for all in sight of both Armies. If Oroondates was thus tormented, Thalestris was racked with a far greater violence, and the perseverance she found in Orontes to use her ill, had brought so great a rage, that she was utterly uncapable of any rest; all that her first resentments had made her think or say in former times, was full of gentleness, and moderation, in comparison of these last motions of her fury, wherewith she was impetuously transported. I'll seek thee (said she) Monster of ingratitude, I'll seek thee in the midst of a hundred thousand swords, and spite of all the obstacles that can oppose my lawful indignation, I with a thousand blows will stab that black perfidious heart of thine; thou shalt but vainly fortify thyself with Guards, and with Entrenchments, against the rage of an incensed Lover, and the passion that guides me shall make way through all the powers of earth, to thy destruction. These wild thoughts made her of so unsociable an humour, that she could no longer abide the company of those persons whom she considered most, and knowing it was hard for her to avoid it by keeping within doors, she put on her Arms, and forbidding even Hyppolita to follow her, she mounted on horseback to go entertain her cruel melancholy out of the reach of all humane conversation, and not to return again till darkness had overspread the earth. She had been gone but a little while, when Oroondates, who was made sensibly concerned in her afflictions, came into her Chamber to visit her, and to intermix his Discontents with hers; Lysimachus and Ptolomeus came in presently after him, and all of them together, having learned of Hyppolita in what manner she went away, feared lest the violence of her Resentments might have carried her to some strange Resolution, and desiring to prevent the effect of it if they could possibly, they sent for their Arms and Horses, went with Hyppolita the same way she had been seen to go.  
At that very time, sorrowful Demetrius, whose grief made him as much an Enemy to company as Thalestris, was got on horseback with a design like hers, and in the gloomyest and remotest places, sought things conformable to his pensive humour, he was so averse from all consolation, that he fled from those that strove to give it him, and only the remembrance of his Hermione, made up the whole employment of his thoughts; he named her every moment, but never named her without tears, and in all his actions there was something so doleful, and so moving, that it made even the most insensible things to be in a manner concerned in his afflictions. Hermione (said he) whither dost thou now remember me as thy murderer, or as thy lover, and which is most powerful in thy memory, my crime, or my affection? I killed thee, and I loved thee, but if I have not forgotten thy last words, they contained a pardon for thy death, and an acknowledgement of my love; thy goodness appeared in the latest minutes of thy life; but Hermione I ought not to abuse it, and Demetrius is not at all the less guilty, because Hermione is merciful. These tears which I give thee, aught to be seconded by all this blood, which filial duty keeps still within my veins; but since my hands are forbidden to follow the instigations of my love, receive that from my love alone, which they are not allowed to give thee. He was talking to himself on this manner, when coming near unto a way, which led to Babylon from some neighbouring villages, he had an encounter that disturbed his solitary entertainment. He saw three men on horseback completely Armed, fight with their swords drawn, against one single man on foot, who disputed his life with a most generous resistance. Besides the three that were upon him, there was another dead at his feet, and to keep himself from being assaulted behind, he had set his back against an Oak; two women were present at that combat, who by all their actions testified they had an exceeding great interest in the life of him that fought for them; but he was extremely wounded, and so weak, that at Demetrius his arrival his life was in a manifest danger. Demetrius, who was generosity itself, never stood considering what he should do in that occasion, but rushing at the three men with a loud cry, constrained them to turn head against him, though so unfortunately on their part, that the first of them who came to meet him, fell dead upon the grass with the first stroke he received from the sword of Demetrius. When he had done that execution, he slashed at the Cask of one of the other, and having cut the straps of it, left his head quite bare, and without defence. The stranger who fought on foot, had no sooner cast his sight upon the face of that Enemy, but lifting up his eyes to Heaven; Great Gods! (cried he) how just are you, to reserve the death of wicked Astyages to me! At these words; without remembering his wounds, or considering the advantage his Enemy had by being on horseback, he quitted his tree, and flew at him as fiercely as a Lion; Astyages made so me blows at him again, and strove to trample him under his horses feet, but he received the blows upon his shield, and having avoided the shock of the horse, closed up to Astyages so fortunately, that meeting with a place not defended by his cuirasse, he ran his sword quite through his body. Astyages fell dead, with a stream of blood in which he began to welter, and his Enemy seeing him fall, turned toward Demetrius, and with the remainder of his strength went to render him part of the assistance he had received from him; but he stood not in any need of it, for his Enemy not having dared to withstand the weightiness of his blows, had already taken flight to save himself. The stranger full of acknowledgement, was going to give him thanks, when he saw the Ladies, for whom he had fought, coming toward him, then leaving her which appeared to be the chief, and whom the gods had favoured with an admirable beauty, and addressing himself to the other that accompanied her, Dear Alcione (said he) I have lived long enough, since I have been able to do you some service before I die, and that I have sacrificed the disloyal Astyages, unto the Ghost of poor abused Theander. As he brought forth these words, he would have gone nearer to her, but his weakness prevented him, and made him sink down presently at the foot of a tree. Alcione ran to him in an exceeding great trouble (while Demetrius being come near to the Princess Berenice, endeavoured to re-assure her, and demanded new occasions to serve her;) but O Gods! how great was her astonishment, when after she had uncovered his head, she saw the face of Cleonimus; his absence had so little worn out the Idea of it, that it was always present to her remembrance, nor found she any difficulty to discern those features, in the midst of blood and paleness, which were so deeply settled in her heart. It would be very hard to express, how infinitely she was surprised at this adventure; the first marks whereof were cries wherewith she drew Berenice, and Demetrius to her. She pronounced the name of Cleonimus twice or thrice, with a voice which showed a great deal of tenderness, and not daring to follow the first motions of her affection, in the presence of those persons that looked upon her, she left her eyes the care to express it for her, and to execute that which decency by a cruel constraint forbade; in this silence her face changed colour several times, and her passions were so plainly written in it, that 't was but in vain she held her peace to conceal them. The Princess Berenice, who knew the story of her life, and who by that natural goodness, which accompanied the rest of her virtues, had taken an interest in her fortune, learned the cause of all her transports, by the bare hearing of Cleonimus his name, and forgetting the greatness of her birth, to follow her charitable inclinations, she sat down by her, and gave her all the assistance she could receive in such a like encounter. In the interim Cleonimus, having allowed some time to Alciones' astonishment, and conversed with her in that mute language, which represented their thoughts without any affectation, broke silence first, and putting forth his hand to her with much respect. Cousin (said he) you at last see Cleominus again, whom his ill fortune banished from you, and whom his good fortune has brought to die thus near you; how great soever the distance that has parted us hath been, you have ever been present to my remembrance, and that remembrance which brings me back in spite of my former resolutions, is an effect of my destiny, and of the justice of the gods. They prolonged my life in those sorrows, that have persecuted it, for no other purpose, but to reserve the end of it, either for your service, or for Theander's revenge, and the conclusion of it could not be more pleasing to me, than to die at Alciones feet, after having sacrificed in her presence, the cruel Author of our commom miseries. Dispose now, (continued he lifting up his eyes to heaven) O gods, dispose now of my destiny when you will, and if I cannot die innocent of the loss of Theander, and of Alciones' misfortunes, at least be pleased that this blood, which I most freely give them, may serve in part to expiate my faults. Cleonimus spoke on this manner, while Alcione did all she could to resettle her inward disturbance, and called to her courage for assistance to support the present condition of her fortune. The first motions she had felt at the encounter of Cleonimus, began to give way to her grief for the estate he was in, and scarce had her heart begun to receive some touch of joy, for the recovery of a person that was so dear to her, when by a cruel capriccio of fortune, she sees the same persons life reduced to extremity; nor could she longer retain her modesty, within those limits which her severity had prescribed it, but by a beseeching look begging pardon of the Princess, for the liberty she took in her presence, she embraced Cleonimus with transports of that affection, which as innocent as it was, had produced such fatal effects, and sending a stream of tears from her eyes, which for some years past had been their usual sources, she showed that neither time nor the accidents of her life, had made any alteration in those pure, and constant inclinations she had to him. Dear Cleonimus (said she with a voice interrupted with sighs) you are come back at last after an age of absence which hath cost us so many tears, but if you are come back to die, Ah! Cleonimus, how cruel is your return to miserable Alcione; if life were unpleasing to you, you should have died far from her eyes, without aggravating, by that kill sight, those cruel griefs which since her loss, and your departure have made a continual war against her. 'T was not Cleonimus his blood that was due to Theanders' revenge, and to Alcione's repose; the blood of Astyages was enough for both, and you ill repair those innocent faults whereof you accuse yourself by losing a life for Theander and for Alcione, which was ever dearer to them than their own. These wounds (continued she looking upon them, and endeavouring to steanch the blood) these cruel wounds are mine as well as yours, and if you still have any part of that friendship which once you bore me, you ought not to put mine to so cruel a proof, nor force me to confess that it is strong enough enough to make me keep you company in your grave. The effect these words produced in Cleonimus, appeared presently in his face, and not being able to dissemble the consolation he received by them, Dear Alcione (said he) if it pleased the Gods that I might live, I would not pray to them for death, and though my misfortunes have made me desire it, I cannot hate my life, if I am still beloved of Alcione; Heaven is my witness, 'tis in that felicity alone, that mine was ever bounded, and though my thoughts for all their innocence, have drawn its anger upon my head, I am not able to repent them; I was infinitely indebted to Theander, but I believe I have paid his memory all that he could expect from a friend like Cleonimus; for his sake, I used a cruel violence upon my most powerful inclinations, I banished myself with a great deal of perseyerance, from a place where I left the better part of my life, and if I contributed to his death by my ill fortune, I may protest before all the Gods, that the extremity of my grief for it was such, as never was capable of any consolation, except this you now have given me; yet shall it make no alteration in my thoughts; and though the Gods should have suffered my life to continue longer, this knowledge of your friendship should never have given me any desire, whereby Theanders' memory could be offended: he so well deserved your whole affection, that I should be more criminal than Astyages, and Bagistanes, if I would dispute it with him, and 'tis happiness enough for Cleonimus, that you pardon him your misfortunes without pretending to any greater advantage from your goodness. While Cleonimus spoke in these terms, Demetrius, who in those sad discourses found something conformable to his condition, and who, by that resemblance believed himself obliged to love those miserable persons, had with much charity assisted Acione to bind up Cleonimus his wounds, and being desirous to get him removed from the place where he lay, rose up to look for some body to help him in that intention; but scarce had he gone half a dozen steps, when passing by Astyages, he by some groans he heard, perceived he was not yet quite dead; this knowledge made him go nearer to him and Astyages, who was drawing to his end, lifting up his eyes with much ado, Whosoever thou art (said he, with a feeble voice) whither Friend or Enemy, for God's sake let me once again see those Ladies I have so much offended, that before I die I may ask them pardon for the injuries I have done them. Demetrius, who of all men living was most sensible of pity, was touched with Astyages his words, and returning to the Princess Berenice, besought her to grant him the favour he desired. Berenice, who was all goodness, and who even in another condition would not have refused pardon to the most cruel of her Enemies, rose from the ground where she was sitting, and Alcione quite mollified with Astyages his repentance, would have followed her, but that she durst not forsake Cleonimus, who was in little better case than Astyages. He soon perceived it, and not being willing to rob his Enemy of that last satisfaction; Go Madam, I beseech you (said he) be generous to the very utmost, and in granting Astyages the pardon he desires of you, obtain that which Cleonimus desires of him; if it had pleased the Gods to give his crimes a lesser punishments than death, I should have been very well contented with it; and because he is penitent, and that he is Theanders' brother, I could have wished their justice had made use of another hand. These words obliged Alcione to leave Cleonimus for some few moments, leaning against the foot of an Oak, and drawing near Astyages with Berenice, she found him in the very pangs of death, yet had he time to ask them pardon for what he had done against them, with so great testimonies of repentance, that those generous persons forgot all their injuries in a moment, and were very sorry for his misfortune; but when he had learned it was by Cleonimus his Sword the Gods had sent him the recompense of his crimes, he lift up his hands and eyes to Heaven, and struggling against his weakness; O you revenging Divinities, (cried he) how admirable are your judgements, and how well do you teach mortals by my example, that it is impossible to save themselves from you. Cleonimus, whose life I have assaulted, and whose virtue I have persecuted by my treacheries, and calumnies, comes into the world again for no other end but to execute your just decrees, and you have reserved the punishment of false Astyages to Cleonimus alone, whereas you might have brought it upon him a thousand other ways. After these words, turning his looks upon Alcione, Alcione (said he) for I dare not call you Sister, since by my Treacheries I so unworthily have violated our Alliance, if my repentance had been but some few moments before my punishment, I would have offered it to you for some part of the satisfaction I owe unto Theanders' blood, but since it comes so late, I can hope for no pardon of my infidelities from you, nor from my brother's Ghost, no nor from the Gods themselves; I die therefore with an acknowledgement that I have deserved it, and that I was the wickedest of all men living to persecute such virtuous, such innocent persons, as Alcione, and Cleonimus; I give my life to both for the reparation I owe them, and if by the loss of my blood, I can wash out of my memory any part of those spots wherewith it is stained by the blood of Theander, I shall depart the world without complaining of my destiny. As he made an end of these words, he was taken with Convulsions wherein he died, happy in the end of his life, that he was pitied by those, who of all the persons of the world, had greatest reason to detest him. Alcione without doubt would have stayed longer by him, if the remembrance of Cleonimus had not pulled her away, but she was hardly come back to him again, when she saw certain Soldiers, whom Demetrius had called, and who having from him learned the need there was of their assistance, offered themselves willingly to carry Cleonimus unto Polemon's house, and presently going about that office, lifted him easily from the place where he lay, and took a path which was not unknown to Alcione. As long as they were upon the way she kept close to Cleonimus, with such a tender pressing care, as made the Princess Berenice know it was not without some appearance of Reason, that she had formely been suspected to have had a particular affection to him. Demetrius went by the Princess Berenice, but none of them would get on horseback, because they had so little a way to go. Demetrius considered Berenice's beauty with an astonishment, which was easy to be observed in his face, and though he had seen the rarest in the world, scarce could he call any thing to mind that was equal to it. He discoursed with her awhile in those terms of civility which he used generally to those of her sex, but as soon as he heard by Alcione that she was the Princess of Scythia, and the sister of great Oroondates, he cast himself at her feet, and with profound submission, begged pardon for those faults, which his ignorance had made him to commit. Berenice abused not his humility, but with a graceful sweetness, which were inseparable from her words and actions, expressed her acknowledgements to him, and made him quickly see she was worthy to be sister to such a brother as Oroondates. With these Entertainments they arrived at Polemons house, where while Alcione takes care to get Cleonimus dressed, and said to bed, and while her whole Family was affectionately joyed at her return, that of the Princess of Scythia, being heard by the Ladies that were in the house, they came all to wait upon her, and with admiration beholding the sister of a man, whose virtue they ever adored, and whose person they infinitely esteemed, they found in hers as great occasions of astonishment, as in that of the Prince her brother. Apamia, Arsinoe, Cleone, and the rest, kissed her hands with exceeding great respect, and she repaid their civilities with such an obliging affability, as was wont to win the hearts of the most insensible persons. After some short Compliments, she inquired for the Prince her brother, and hearing that he was well, and that they believed he was in his Tent, she, most joyful of that news entreated the Princesses to excuse the power of her love, which pulled them from her, from them for awhile, to visit that dear brother; but they offered to keep her company, and so all of them going out of Polemon's house, went together to Oroondates his Tent.  
The end of the fifth Book.   

The Continuation of the third Part of CASSANDRA. The sixth Book.  
IN the mean time, Queen Thalestris was gone out of the Camp, with a desire to retire from all manner of company as much as possibly she could, and suffering herself to be guided by her cruel passion, she sought out the wildest, and most solitary places, to entertain it. Never was soul so violently agitated with spite and anger, nor ever did the sense of any injury inspire such bloody Resolutions; all her firmness of mind, and all her ordinary moderation vanished before those cruel Enemies of her Repose, and the Bacchides instigated by the fury of their God, never in their Orgies appeared more fierce than she, nor more transported. If formerly she sought for Orontes to punish him as a faithless Lover, she now runs on to kill him as a Traitor, obstinate in his Treason; and in the impetuous motio●s of her hatred, she judges the most cruel deaths too easy, and too light for her satisfaction. Medea after the ingratitude of her disloyal Husband, was not so furious, nor eager to take Revenge, and all that she executed against him, seemed mild, and indulgent to the vindicative Amazon. I will invent (said she) new kinds of Punishments, that shall be as strange as thy perfidiousness; and the rage into which thou hast cast me, will make me study out new Torments for thee; 'twill be but a small matter to tear that faithless heart out of its place, after having stabbed it with a thousand blows, and to give that Body for a Prey to Vultures, which lodges such a base, disloyal soul; I will prepare for thee, O Tiger, I will prepare something of greater cruelty, and thou shalt know at the last groans of thy wretched life, that despair can teach even the gentlest natures inhumanity. She was talking thus unto herself, when her Horse, to whom his Mistresses deep thoughts had given a more than usual liberty, carried her into a very pleasant Valley; she for a while followed the bank of a little brook, which glided along upon certain small stones with a delightful murmur, and was insensibly led by some spirit towards a fountain from whence it took its source. She was come reasonable near it, when lifting up her head without design, she saw a brave black Horse tied to a Tree, and a large shield hanging by upon one of the branches. The Amazon had not much curiosity, yet passing near the Tree, she could not choose but cast her eye upon the shield; at first she believed that her imagination deceived her senses, but having fixed her sight very heedfully upon it, she no longer could doubt but that it was really that terrible impress of the Heart torn in pieces by Vultures, nor make any question but that it was the same shield which she thrice already had seen born by the hand of the faithless Orontes. At this assurance she made a sudden stop, like some young shepherd that had trodden upon an Adder in the grass, and looking in an extreme trouble round about her, she saw the Master of the Horse and Shield lying asleep by the side of the Fountain. Then instantly a cold sweat with a general shivering seized upon her whole body, and the greatness of her surprise was such as hardly left her any sense or understanding; the bridle drooped out of her hand, and she scarce had strength enough to keep herself in the saddle. That he might take breath more freely in his steep, he had put up the Beaver of his Cask, and the distance was not so great but that Thalestris quickly knew a face, the air whereof was ever present to her fancy, what were then the first thoughts of this furious Princess, and what strange motions were stirred up in her heart by this encounter, so unexpected and so ardently desired! she would have been very much puzzled to express them herself, and her astonishment had brought her to such a pass, as deprived both her mind, and body of their ordinary functions. At last the force of her courage dispersed these weaknesses, and anger succeeded in the room of that perplexity, which seemed to have absolutely possessed her Soul; she now beheld Orontes with an eye sparkling with rage, and wrath, and no longer doubted but that the gods, to perform their promise, had delivered him up to her resentments; nay that neglect, they testified of his life, made her believe they had sentenced him to death themselves, and in that thought casting a look toward heaven: I were unjust, great gods (said she) if I should now complain of you, and if I should not acknowledge how exactly you have kept your word. Jupiter thou god of Hospitality, and thou great Deity of Love, whom this Traitor hath so unworthily abused, receive the victim which now I offer to your satisfaction. The speaking of these words, the drawing of her sword, and the leaping from her horse were all but the same action in Thalestris; she banished all her tendernesses, and all her apprehensions, and with an eye, which spoke the deed she was going about, stepped forward to poor Orontes, who deeply buried in sleep, waited for his destiny without resistance; see, there thou liest, O generous man (said she, darting a fiery look at him) thou liest exposed to the mercy of this woman whom thou dost distain; and lifting up her arms, she was ready without doubt to have given him a mortal stroke, when some good angel stayed her hand, and in that very moment represented to her, that without an eternal infamy she could not take away the life of one asleep. Will't thou, O Thalestris (said that charitable Genius) will't thou dishonour thyself by a baseness that never had example, and canst thou not kill thine Enemy without joining shame to thy revenge? waken, waken this disloyal man, thy victory over him is certain, and thy strength is not so unequal to his, but that with the justice, which thou hast on thy side, thou mayest confidently hope for a favourable issue of the Combat. With this thought she was going to have wakened him, but presently another came into her mind which made her change her resolution. If thou awaken'st him (said she) and if thou givest him time to put himself in a posture of defence, he'll fly from thee as he has done twice already, and so thou will't lose this occasion of revenging thyself, which perhaps thou mayest never recover while thou livest; besides, these considerations of honour are no longer seasonable, nor needest thou stick at them for an Enemy of this nature. This Traitor has stifled them all in his perfidiousness, and by those injuries he hath done thee, he has violated all manner of rights, and all the most holy and sacred laws whatsoever; Waken nothing therefore, O Thalestris, but thy just indignation, and lay this Traitor in an everlasting sleep. She than was lifting up her sword again, but at the same time she heard Orontes sigh, and casting her eye upon his face, she saw some tears find passage between his closed eyelids, and heard him mutter something in his sleep. Leave me, (said he) leave me; inconstant woman. At these words pronounced with a mournful voice, the Queen's sword fell out of her hand, and her resolution was a little startled, than she looked upon his face a little more earnestly than she had done before, and observed in it all the features of her lovely, and dearly loved Orithia, that remembrance wrought a strange violence upon her resentments, and in part abated the fierceness of her animosity. All the most winning actions that Orithia had done for her in her whole life, those tender proofs of love she had given her both before and after her discovery, as well by words accompanied with an unresistable grace, as by most admirable deeds performed in favour of her, came at that time thronging into her memory; she represented to herself her lovely imposture upon the walls of Phriney, and in the Chamber where she had slain Neobarzanes, she fancied her in those discourses so full of love, and in those sweet conversations she had formerly had with her, and when that whole Idea was perfectly returned into her mind; Now, since it is my dear Orithia (said she) so lovely, and so tenderly beloved, can I be able to take away her life? Ah! no my hand, thrust rather this revenging Steel into mine own breast, than into the bosom of my sweet Orithia, there thou mayest find her still as faithless as she is, and 'tis there only that thou ought'st to give her a mortal stroke; Thalestris shall never kill Orithia with any other kind of wound, and if she be guilty of any infidelity towards her, she ought to punish herself alone, for not having been lovely enough to oblige her to an eternal constancy; let my Orithia live then, since Thalestris is incapable of giving her her death, and let only Talestris die, since she has not been able to deserve Orithia's fidelity. Thalestris continued a while in these compassionate motions; but if the remembrance of Orontes his first actions mollified her, that of his last, kindled her anger with a greater violence, and made all those thoughts of love, and pity vanish. Ah! Cowardly Thalestris, (said she again) by what unworthy motives dost thou suffer thyself to be transported, and what a meanness is this of thine, to call any thing to mind, that can speak to thee in favour of this Monster of perfidiousness. This Orithia whom thou excusest, and whom thou representest unto thyself still amiable, is that same Orontes, who after having abandoned thee to despair, disdains thee, and flies thee with contempt, and with indignity, and who even in his very sleep can utter nothing of thee but injurious speeches; 'tis therefore that same Orontes that must die, but I will not suffer his sleep to rob me of part of my revenge, I mean he shall feel the death that I will give him, and the last minutes of his life shall be employed in hearing my last reproaches. She settled in this final determination, and for fear Orontes should get away as he had done before, she stepped to the horse, and cutting the reins of his bridle, turned him lose, and so deprived his Master of the means to make use of him. After this precaution she came back to him, and speaking aloud to waken him; Rise (said she) Orontes, but rise to die. The sudden noise of these words wakened Orontes in a start, and lifting up his head, he saw one standing by him with a sword drawn, and in a threatening posture. The apprehension he had of so unexpected a sight, made him get up hastily, and pulling out his sword to defend himself against that Enemy; whosoever thou art (said he) perchance thou hast wakened me to thine own destruction: but scarce had he cast his eyes upon Thalestris when he knew her, the beaver of her Cask being half way up. This unlucky encounter troubled him exceedingly, and letting fall the point of his sword, he retired three or four steps in haste, crying out, will't thou torment me for ever, woman, whom I abhor a thousand times more than death? I will never cease to torment thee (replied the Queen) till thou ceasest to live, and the end of thy torments is now come with the end of thy life. She accompanied these with a blow, which Orontes warded with his sword, and flying at him with a blind impetuousness, forced him to seek his safety among certain trees. Defend thyself, base Coward (cried she,) and think not I will take thy flight to proceed from any remainder of respect to me, thy treachery, and unworthy usage are a thousand times more cruel, than any resistance thou couldst make, and though thy sword should cut one from the world, 'twould only finish what thy perfidiousness hath shamefully begun. As she spoke these words, she ran headlong after him among the trees with so much fury, and suddenness, that she reduced him to a necessity of either standing upon his defence, or letting himself be killed. How great soever his hatred was to Thalestris, he could never resolve to lift his hand against her, and being weary of flying so long to save a life, which he no longer cared for, he made a firm stop, and presenting his breast unto the furious Queen. Strike cruel woman (said he) strike the heart which I had blindly given, and since thou art so extremely thirsty of this blood, which I so often have shed for thee, take, take this life which by thy shameless infidelities thou hast made more odious to me, than that death thou strivest to give me; I meet with no new thing in this thy cruelty, nor ought I to think it strange that thou wouldst drive me out of the world, after having forsaken me with so much baseness, and with so much infamy. This soul, which thou so obstinately endeavour'st to banish from this body, will depart from it unstained and clear of those infidelities thou upbraid'st me with: and thine, after having died itself quite black by the most ignominious of all crimes, can add nothing to its foulness by cruelty and murder, Do not remember I am that Orontes, who gave himself to thee with so perfect a resignation, and to whom thou didst promise thyself entirely with so many oaths, and so many protestations, but look upon me as Orontes absolutely changed, and as an Orontes, who not being able to banish thee out of his memory, keeps thee there for no other end but to hate, and detest thee: I could defend my life against thee, if thou hadst left me any love of it, and this neglect I show of my own safety, comes neither from the love I formerly bore thee, nor from any consideration I have of thy sex, but merely out of contempt of that which thou wouldst take away. Or ontes had all the liberty he could desire to prosecute his discourse, for from the the time he began it, the Queen was in a manner strucken with his words, and had hearkend to them without interrupting him so much as by the least motion of her body. In this ' discourse as bitter and violent as it was, she with some tenderness heard the tone of her Orithia's voice, and even in the midst of his most sharp and stinging words, there resounded something so sweet, and so effectually moving, that she could not be Mistress of that compassion which fought in her heart against her cruel resolutions; yet found she to the great aggravation of her sorrow, how firmly Orontes persisted in hating, and abusing her with Reproaches full of indignity; and this assurance kindled her anger afresh, which before was a little abated, and stirred up her desires of Revenge more violently than ever; she wavered yet a while in these irresolutions, and perchance at last they would have been fatal to poor Orontes, if they had not heard a noise of Horses, at which looking about they saw themselves environed by Prince Oroondates, Lysimachus, Ptolomeus, and Hippolita. Oroondates instantly seized upon the Queen's Sword, and having easily taken it away by reason of the trouble he found her in, he cast his eyes upon Orontes, whose face he presently knew, in spite of a ten years' absence; not but that time, and his discontents had made a great deal of alteration in it, but his being in that Country which he had heard, his Arms which had been described to him, and the sight of this adventure put him clearly out of doubt. His affection began to work strongly in him at the encounter of that Prince whom he had so dearly loved, and not being able to dissemble it; Pardon me Madam (said he to the Queen) if I cannot forbear to embrace your Enemy, and believe that the Gods have brought me hither to make him lose that name, and quality. With these words he discovered his face, and running to Orontes, he embraced him with great demonstrations of friendship, Orontes returned his kindnesses with some amazement, but when he had fixed his eyes upon his face, and that he had a little recovered the features which time had almost worn out of his remembrance, his astonishment was beyond comparison, and retiring a step or two, to clear his doubt, Sir (said he) is it you? Yes Cousin, (answered the Prince) doubt no longer of it, I am Oroondates. He had hardly got out these words, when Orontes would have cast himself at his feet; but the Prince took him fast about the middle to hinder him, and redoubled his endearments with much affection. Orontes received them with an humble respect, and when he was got loose from his embraces, and that he was preparing to express the joy he felt for having met him, Oroondates drew back, and put on a more serious countenance, Cousin (said he) let us defer this conversation which is not seasonable in the condition I found you in, and in the presence of this Queen with whom you have matters of greater importance. I have given these first testimonies of my friendship to your merit, to our near affinity, and to the breeding we had together, but now I must speak to you as I am obliged by my duty, by my promise, and by the care I have of your repose, and of your honour itself. This fair Queen at my most humble request, will moderate for a while those just resentments she has against you, and I will protest to her yet once again in your presence, that if in your infidelity you have not been betrayed yourself, I cannot choose but be your Enemy. In short Orontes, your perfidiousness ought to arm all the best friends, and all the nearest kindred you have in the world against you; and unless I will declare myself for your crime, I can no longer keep within the terms of our ancient friendship. If I lose your friendship (replied Orontes briskly) the loss will be more sensible to me, than all those I have sustained since that of this ingrateful woman's affection; but though with it I should also lose my life, which she prosecutes with so much hatred, I cannot repent my having abandoned her, when she abandoned herself so lightly as she did; and I rather think it strange that you should disapprove my indignation, since loving virtue as you do, it is impossible you should approve the cause of it, and that you should preserve so much as an esteem of her whose defence you undertake against him that has the honour to be nearly allied to you. I loved her but too faithfully, and too religiously, and would it had pleased the Gods that the first moment of my love had been the last moment of my life. I for her had lost the remembrance of all that I had formerly loved, and even of my very self; she was indebted to me for her liberty, her life, her honour, and I should no way injure modesty, if I should say I had deserved her affection; nay, she had given it me in appearance, and when with some kind of justice I hoped for the utmost proofs of it, this ungrateful woman, to the prejudice of my services, betrays herself unworthily to betray me, and precipitates herself into dishonour, that she might precipitate me into despair: what would she therefore have of me now, and what is the cause of that hatred, which nothing but my death can satisfy? did I ever trouble her in her new affections, did I oppose the contentment she received thereby, and have I so mortally offended her by seeking that repose in banishment, which she had robbed me of for ever? she requires my blood; Ah! I would it pleased the gods (continued he turning toward the Queen) I would it pleased the gods, O inhuman Thalestris, that thou hadst shed it to the very last drop, and that that were the most sensible injury I have received from thee; after my former losses, that is but little to be considered, and thou mayest now give thyself a liberty, O barbarous woman, to exercise thy utmost cruelties, for they will all be gentle in comparison of those thou hast used against me already. Orontes had not constancy enough to utter these last words, without letting fall a shower of tears, nor had the Queen patience enough to hear them without interrupting him. Come, tell us Traitor (cried she) tell us what is that cruelty, and that infidelity I have showed thee? let these Princes know who hear us, and whom the gods have sent as judges of our differences, by which of my actions have I been able to deserve this usage thou offerest to a Queen, who had committed no other fault but that she had given thee her heart too easily. Discover here before the face of heaven, those shames, and those infamies wherewith thou hast reproached me both in thy letter, and in thy discourse, and no longer spare this woman, who by the loss of her honour has made herself unworthy of thy affections, and who will live no longer after the knowledge of thy calumnies. If thy despair (replied Orontes) proceed from the death of Alexander, I protest to thee by all the gods, that I contributed nothing towards it, and that if thou hadst lain whole ages in his Arms, I would never have come to pull thee thence; That gallant voyage thou tookest to him, to renew that ignominious custom thou oughtest to have abolished in favour of me, and to beg an inheritrix for thy Crown before he had any affection to thee; that voyage I say, which was the Tomb of thy reputation, was made too publicly to escape the knowledge of such an interessed Lover as Orontes, and how brave a man soever that Alexander was, to whom thou madest that glorious present, and that shameful request, the greatness of his fortune ought not to have raised him in thy heart above Orontes: if he had served thee, if he had loved thee, nay, if he had but so much as known thee, thy lightness would have been more excusable; if he had come to seek thee in thine own Country, if he had wooed thee, if he had made suit for that he had of thee, thy crime would have been less horrible; but when he never so much as thought of thee, to cross through spacious Provinces to go to him, to become a Petitioner, and to embrace his knees to proffer him that which with justice thou mightest have refused him, though he had spent his whole life in thy service; dost thou believe, Thalestris, that these are light causes of affliction, and inconsiderable injuries to Orontes? He would without doubt have enlarged himself upon this invective, if from the beginning Thalestris had not grown pale, and if within a while after she had not fallen in a swoon into Lysimachus his arms. These words of Orontes were so cruel to her, that she was not able to hear them without fainting, and the Princes were so sensibly troubled at it, that they could not but behold Orontes with an accusing eye. While Hyppolita took off her Arms, they ran to the fountain to give her help, and Orontes, who as jealous, and as angry as he was, was yet tainted with a wound, whereof he had no hope he should be ever cured, was so strucken at that accident, that he had neither confidence, nor strength to go nearer to her, but turning his looks another way, he leaned his head against a tree, the bark whereof he washed with his tears unto the very foot. At last the Queen came to herself again, and being a little recovered by Hyppolita's care of her, she sought Orontes with her eye, and speaking with a more settled tune than before. You had reason (said she) Orontes, you had reason to forsake me, if your suspicions be just, and after this infamy you reproach me with, I am indeed unworthy both of your love, and of your esteem; but if you had loved me, and if in the conversation we had together, you found my heart no way inclined to such a baseness, you ought to have sought for more manifest proofs, before you had come to such an extremity. I will not endeavour to put you out of the cruel opinion you have of me, you do not deserve that I should go about to justify myself to you, the basest, and most ingrateful of all men living; neither will I invoke the gods, or call the testimony of men to clear me before you; but for the repose of my own conscience, and the preservation of my honour, it suffices that there are no witnesses can prove my crimes, and that my innocence hath so many, and those such eminent persons, that their Authority may settle the belief of it through the whole world. Orontes half persuaded of the Queen's innocence both by her words and actions, upon which he began to reflect, was giving attentive ear to her discourse, when it was interrupted by Prolomeus. If your complaints against this virtuous Queen (said he) have no other reason than that you have mentioned, they are very unjust, and very ill grounded, and I (with a thousand other witnesses more worthy of credit, than I perchance may be in your opinion) can protest to you before all the gods, that she is innocent of those faults you lay upon her: if her coming to our Army was ill interpreted by common Soldiers, and by those who never came near the King's person, all the Princes, and all the Commanders of note, knew the true cause of it, and can assuredly testify, that she never had a moment of private conversation with Alexander; during all the day time they never talked together, but in the sight of a thousand persons, and for the night, it will be easy for me to prove, that by reason of some diffidence the King about that time had of some about him, Hephestion, Perdiccas, Craterus, Leonatus, and myself lay in his Chamber every night. This truth is not unknown to any of those that were with Alexander at that time, and because you may fear that the consideration I have of Thalestris, might make me speak an untruth in her favour, ask Perdiccas, or ask Leonatus, who are of your own party, and whose report cannot be suspected of partiality. No Orontes, (added the Queen) ask no body concerning a thing where you no longer have any interest, live still in your opinion, and let me alone in mine, which is, that no man in the world is so unworthy as yourself of those favours you have received from me; I wish I could redeem them with my blood, and though they never passed the bounds of decency, yet are they very much to be blamed, because I granted them to so base, and so ingrateful a man; cast away the remembrance of them, as I cast away the design of assaulting a life, which to my shame was heretofore more dear to me than mine own; now you neither deserve my hatred nor my love, and my heart shall never more be capable of any thing towards you but of indifferency, or of scorn; you may live far from me in a repose, which I shall never go to trouble in your territories, and provided I never see you, I shall so little preserve the remembrance of you, that I shall scarce retain any memory of having ever known you in my life. This alteration of stile and humour in Thalestris, who from her first violences was so quickly fallen into so great a coldness, struck the Prince of the Massagetes to the very heart, and wrought an effect upon him, which could not so suddenly have been hoped for; he by the Queen's swooning had already found how deeply his reproaches had touched her by the report of Ptolomeus, the certainty whereof was so easily to be known of Perdiccas and Leonatus, he had continued to persuade himself of her innocence, and by this sudden calmness of her mind, which passed in a moment from her former impetuousness, to so great a moderation, he conjectured the quietness of her conscience. All these things drew him out of his error, and left him not the least suspicion of Thalestrises virtue, and fidelity. He began to open his eyes as a person that had been long in blindness, and to acknowledge with how much cruelty, and injustice he had slandered that Princess; yet that knowledge settled not itself with any joy in his heart, but so violent a grief succeeded his jealousy, as presently gave birth to none but satal designs. What, (cried he, after a long silence) is it true then that Thalestris is innocent, and that Orontes is a slanderer and a Traitor? He made a stop at these words, rolling a thousand furious imaginations in his head; but when he perceived that Thalestris, after having told him her final resolution, was going to take horse to ride away, he went toward her, crossing his arms upon his breast, his eyes fixed upon the ground, not daring to lift them up unto her face, though drowned in tears of repentance, and having by a beseeching gesture conjured Oroondates to obtain him audience but for one minute. Madam (said he) I received not these impressions which have been so destructive of my repose, and of your reputation, till they were given me by a whole Army of your Women, which I commanded in Cappadocia, and who told me that fatal news, as an adventure which you were willing to publish to the whole world; it was confirmed to me afterwards by whole Provinces, and if I was not solicitous to get a more certain knowledge from persons better informed, 't was because I avoided all occasions of receiving further confirmation of a misfortune which I no longer doubted of. This belief has made me commit faults, the stain whereof all my blood is not able to wash away, and I acknowledge now that I am a thousand times more ingrateful, and a thousand times more guilty, than you can fancy me to be, nor will I go about to justify myself to you, for as I acknowledge that my offences are beyond all clemency, and beyond all goodness, I also am not ignorant that they require other manner of reparations than words, and repentance. Only Madam, if the remembrance of Orithia, can yet have any credit with you, do me the favour to believe that Orontes hath never ceased to love you, and that as much blinded, and as much besides himself as he hath been, he hath ever burned for you with a fire, which neither his rage, nor his jealousy have been able to extinguish. This is a truth that I will sign to you with all the blood in my veins, which with my whole heart and all my thoughts never was, nor never can be any bodies but yours. I am most worthy both of that banishment you ordain me, and of that scorn you threaten me withal, and I would resolve to suffer both rather than ever trouble your repose; but because my past afflictions have weakened my courage, you will give me leave by one and the same way, to free myself from those that are like to come upon me, and to satisfy you for the crimes I have committed, I may much more handsomely beg your pardon by dying, than by expressing my grief barely in words; and since it is impossible for me to recover in your esteem that innocence I have lost; perchance my blood may obtain that of you, which can be due to no other effect of my repentance. Receive this satisfaction then, and cease to hate me; I were unjust if I should ask more, and I now neither pretend to tears of love, no nor to tears of mere compassion; Neither do you receive any new thing of me in this life I give you; for in the loss of it I only find this difference, that what in former times I should have done out of excess of love, I do now for the reparation of my crimes. As he ended these words he drew his sword, and was going to run upon the point of it, if Oroondates, who stood close by him, had not embraced him so strongly that 't was impossible for him to execute his design. Orontes struggled to get out of hands, and Thalestris who began to be touched with these marks of his repentance, was willing to draw him out of his despair, but yet without engaging herself to pardon him. If I had desired your death (said she) I would not have given over my purpose of killing you; that punishment is too short for the expiation of your offences; live therefore and instruct yourself better touching my life than you have done hitherto; but absent yourself from this ignominious Thalestris, who has made herself unworthy of you, by her light, and infamous actions. She had no sooner spoke these words but she got hastily on horseback, and without giving ear to the entreaties of Oroondates, and Lysimachus galloped full speed toward the Camp, and was got out of their sight in a moment. The sorrowful Orontes looked after her as long as he could possibly see her, and when he could no longer do so, he turned towards Oroondates, to bid him farewell. Oroondates who loved him dearly, and who had not seen him of many years, would not have let him go, and promised to make his peace, if he would but come along with him to the Camp. But Orontes incredulous of his promises, and a religious observer of the Queen's commands, would not suffer himself to be persuaded, and persisted so obstinately in his design, that Oroondates not being able to withhold him, was constrained to let him take his liberty, after having made him give his word and Oath, that he would not attempt any thing against his life; and than Orontes without staying a minute longer, or suffering the least conversation, took his leave with a face in which his despair was naturally represented, and catching his horse that fed at liberty, after he had tied, and mended the reins of his bridle as well as he could, he got up, and departing with a mervellous suddenness, vanished from the Princes like a flash of lightning. Oroondates seeing that end of this Adventure whereof he had hoped for a more happy success, was exceedingly troubled at it; He often was upon the point of running after Orontes, but the remembrance of his own misfortunes suspended the motions of his charity, and the violence of his passions, joined to the urgent necessity of his affairs, would not suffer him to abandon the interests of his love, of his honour, and of his revenge; all that he could do in favour of his kinsman, was to resolve to labour for his reestablishment with Thalestris, and to go away instantly with an intent to solicit her with all earnestness for his pardon. Lysimachus and Ptolomeus approved his resolution, and determined to second him in it with their utmost power; being all three gotten on horseback, they took the way that lead back unto the Camp, and not having far thither they arrived there within a little while, and went to alight at Oroondates his Tent.  
The fair Princess Berenice followed by a great troop of Ladies was come thither already, and Thalestris who had heard of her being returned, was run thither with such a joy, as seemed to have banished part of her afflictions out of her remembrance. These two great Ladies, when the Princes came in to them, were employed in mutual endearments, and in giving each other proofs of a most ardent friendship. Oroondates was not a little surprised at the encounter of his sister, and his love broke forth into all the expressions she could desire of it; he held her a long time in his arms, and all the most sweet and tender marks of an affection of that nature appeared in them both even to excess. Dearest sister (said he, embracing her, and bedewing her face with tears of joy, which he mingled with those she shed) have we recovered you then? Yes, I see the Gods are as exact in performing their promises, as you were cruel in leaving me when I was in such a condition as would not suffer me to follow you. Sir, (replied the Princess) when I went away from you I meant to have stayed but a very little while, and if I had not lost my liberty, you had seen me again within an hour after my departure, yet the cause thereof was so just that you will easily pardon me when I have told it you. I complained of it for no other reason (said the Prince) but for the fear and trouble I suffered by your absence; This fair Queen (pursued he, showing her Thalestris) bore a great share with me in my sorrow for your loss, and ran after you with a great deal of affection, to lend you that assistance which you could not hope for from your brother. These words made the two Princesses begin their kindness afresh, but they were interrupted by Lysimachus and Ptolomeus, who after they had a while admired the excellent beauty of Berenice, made their addresses to her, and saluted her with much respect. Oroondates having made these two Princes known unto his sister, she repaid their civilities with a grace that had nothing common, and presently after they retired to their Tents, to leave her the liberty of discoursing with her brother in particular; the Ladies that had accompanied her, returned, with the same intent, to Polemon's house, and only Thalestris and Hippolita stayed with her in Oroondates his Tent. The Prince having caused himself to be disarmed, received new embraces from his sister, and enquiring what had befallen her since her departure. It is not fit (said she) you should know my last adventures, before you have learned my first, especially seeing they have some dependence on them, and since I must give you account of those accidents of my life, whereof you are ignorant, and which are of much greater consequence than the last, 'tis best for me to relate them according to the order of time, wherein they happened to me; this reason makes me forbear the telling of you those things at first, the recital whereof must needs surprise you, and that surprise will be no way the less pleasing by making them known to you in their due place, in the story of my life. Oroondates, and the Amazon Queen were equally satisfied with this motion, and being they had ardently desired the Continuation of Berenice's recital, the beginning whereof had been interrupted, they prepared themselves to hearken to her with a marvellous attention. Sister (said the Prince) you prevent the request I was about to make to you; I assure myself it will not be tedious to this fair Queen, and I have so great an interest in your affairs, that it is not just I should be ignorant of them longer. At these words they sat down all three upon a bed, and the Princess of Scythia, after having thought a while of what she had to say, and endeavoured with her hand to cover a little blushing that came up into her face, began her discourse in these terms.  

The Continuation of the History of Berenice.  
IN the first actions of my life which I recounted to you, when I began my discourse before, perchance you found nothing criminal; but in these which I now am going to tell you, you will find something not altogether so innocent, and 'tis that confession I must make, which calls blushes into my cheeks, and which strikes me indeed with some shame and confusion; not but that with a little indulgence they may be excused, nor are they so black as to give you any occasion, brother, to disown me, nor you fair Queen to repent of that affection wherewith you have honoured me.  
I have already acquainted you with the beginning of the King my father's love to the Princess Stratonice, and of the persecutions I suffered from troublesome Arsacomes; I believe you have not forgot the condition I left them in, nor that wherein I was myself, by the vexation I received from that insolent Prince of the Issedons. The brother and the sister had made a very unequal progress in their designs, and the Empire Stratonice had obtained over the King, was not much less than my aversion to her brother. We were upon these terms, and lived with very different hopes and intentions, when the Nomads, and the Hyleans having taken Arms upon some slight pretences, rose up in rebellion against the King, slew all their Governors, and arming all their Forces, broke out into an open War, and into the utmost Extremities. The King who desired to stifle those Disorders in their birth, sent Theodates' Prince of the Sarmates against them with an Army of thirty thousand men, judging that strength sufficient to stop their proceedings, and chastise their temerity; having a perfect knowledge of Theodates his valour, prudence, and fidelity. Nor was he deceived in his opinion, for within a short time after his departure he received news of the beginnings of his progress, which certified him that in many encounters, the rebels had all manner of disadvantages, and 'twas not long before he heard that they were absolutely defeated in a pitched battle, and that the Army being victorious had laid siege already to some of their Towns; but in the report of these things which came to Court, they much extolled a certain stranger, who having engaged himself in that service out of affection to Theodates, had shown proofs of an admirable valour, and had with his single person contributed more to our successes than whole Troops joined together. Theodates' writ of him to the King, with such praises as raised that man above humanity, and his character of him was confirmed by some Eye-witnesses, who gained him a wondrous high place in the King's esteem. They told how in the battle he had twice saved Theodates his life, and that having seen some of our Squadrons give ground, which example struck a fear into those that followed them, and like to have put them in a general Rout, he ran to the head of them, and snatching the foremost Standard out of his hands that carried it, spoke to those affrighted Troops with so much Eloquence, and efficacy, that he got them to make a stand, and having re-incouraged them a little, charged headlong into the midst of their Enemies with so great valour and success, that he changed their fortune, and brought the Victory alone to that side of the Battle. That after that important day Theodates acknowledging how much he was indebted to him, and how great service such a man was capable to do his Master, had given him the command of some of his Forces, which was void by the death of one of the principal Officers. That within some days after, being gone with those men to view a place of the Enemies, he had found it in an ill condition to make defence, and that laying hold of that opportunity, with as much prudence as courage, he had stormed and taken it by force, with a very inconsiderable loss; that by these Actions and some others of this nature he had won such a Reputation among the Soldiers, that they called every day for new occasions to fight, provided they might be lead on by Arsaces.  
At this name of Arsaces Oroondates siged and changed colour, but he would not interrupt his sister's narration, which she went on with in these words.  
That war was ended in a short time with an entire glory to Theodates, and those that had accompanied him, but the valour of Arsaces had hastened the end of it with all the success that could be desired, and we heard that that Valiant stranger, having received eight thousand horse from Theodates, had assaulted the Relics of the Enemy's Armies, near the lake of Bugs, and had cut them in pieces with a general defeat, and with a moderate loss on his side. This fame of that stranger's actions; made the King extremely desirous to see him, and to tie him to his service by rewards, equal to his deserts; the whole Court longed not much less to have a sight of him, and we were all satisfied quickly after, when Theodates, having settled those Provinces in good order, reurned to Issedon by the King's command, and brought along with him that gallant man, who was so much desired, and whose fame had already produced very different effects in the Court. I was with the King, when Theodates came to kiss his hands, and after that he had showed him such favours as were due to his quality, and the merit of those services he had newly done, Theodates presented Arsaces to him. I had cast mine eyes upon him, as soon as he was come into the room, and quickly found cause enough in his person to fix them there without looking upon other objects; I confess I was surprised at his graceful fashion, and that if the Idea of the Prince my brother had not been present to my remembrance, I should have believed I had never seen any body in the world, that could dispute that advantage with him. His stature was little different from yours, and in the garb and liberty of your bodies there was a great resemblance; he was a little browner than our Scythians, who by reason of the coldness of their climate, are fairer than other men, yet had he a fresh, smooth complexion, all the lineaments of his face were merveilously well proportioned, his eyes sparkling, yet full of sweetness, his hair black, naturally curled, and falling in great rings upon his shoulders, his aspect noble and full of Majesty, and all the motions of his body had an extraordinary comeliness. He was then hardly twenty years old, and 't was that early youth that wrought an admiration in all those that knew his prudence, and that had seen him lead men to fight with such an experience, as had not yet been found among the oldest Commanders. I know not whither this little description, will make me to be suspected of any thing, but I am sure that before the end of my discourse, you will confess this report of Arsaces' may be made by the most indifferent persons. The King, who was already prepossessed with an exceeding high opinion of him, beheld him with admiration, and having given his eyes liberty to view a person so exactly handsome; while Arsaces kissed his hands with much respect, he embraced him with a kindness far above what a stranger, as he was, could probably have hoped for. When by most obliging words he had testified the knowledge he had of his virtue, and the esteem he had of his person, he asked him touching his Country, and his fortune, and then Arsaces after having paused a little to consult with his modesty; Sir, (said he) I was born in Bactria, which is now under the Dominion of the Persians, my Parents were of reasonable good birth, but I left them as soon as I was able to ride on horseback, and seeking glory in the Wars, and in foreign parts, I have hitherto made those places my Country, where I believed I might best find it; Prince Theodates his goodness, stayed me in your Majesty's service, and the knowledge I since have had of the honour it is to serve you, hath engaged me yet more powerfully in it. You could not have light into any Country, (replied the King) where your virtue should have been more cherished, and valued than amongst us, you have already found that glory you seek for, and with it a Prince, who will always be ready to acknowledge the greatness of your deserts, and the important services you have done him. Arsaces' made an answer full of submission, and modesty, and the King giving him occasion to speak, gave him also an opportunity to let the Company see the quickness of his wit, and the grace wherewith he expressed himself. He spoke not the Scythian tongue perfectly, but so well that there was nothing harsh in his pronunciation, and was so ready in the Greek, and many other Languages, which are in use amongst us, that his conversation was merveilously pleasing. From that day the King began to be very liberal to him, and gave him pensions, able to maintain him in handsome equipage, he received them without either greediness, or disdain, and if his growing fortune met some that envied it at first, his virtue suffered them not to do so long. Indeed he had not been many months in Court, but he was both the admiration and the delight of it, and his excellent qualities, in a short time won him the love even of the roughest natures. All the world was ravished with the gracefulness of his behaviour, all the world was charmed with the sweetness of his wit and conversation, all harkened, as to so many prodigies, when there was any story of his warlike actions told by those that had seen him do them, and generally every one considered as wonders, the marks that appeared in him every day of the greatness of his courage, of his goodness, and of his natural generosity. He was quickly in a condition to show them, for the King, who looked upon him, and admired him as the rest, became in love with his virtue, and desired to tie him to his service by all manner of obligations; he observed something in his face, and in all his actions, that was so great, and so far above other men, that he felt himself forced by unknown reasons to set an extraordinary value on him; and indeed he in a short time raised him to such employments, and Offices, as other could neither obtain by birth; nor by long services, without a great deal of difficulty. Arsaces' abased not this good fortune, and those dignities, to which he saw himself called, without suing for them, puffed him not up, nor made him prouder than before: on the contrary his humour seemed to be more sociable, he served all those with freeness, and humbleness, that stood in any need of his power and credit, and ran to meet those occasions they had to make use of him, with such an eager desire to effect them, as made the obligation a thousand times the more considerable; his liberality was boundless, and being far from enriching himself with what the King gave him, he distributed it so profusely, that his friends blamed him for it, and the King himself was fain to complain of the contempt he showed of his presents, and of the little care he took to keep what came from him. This reproach could not moderate Arsaces his liberality, but it made him more circumspect in husbanding his favour, and in avoiding noise or ostentation in his bounty. Though none of his actions were guilty of the least blemish of pride, yet as humble, and submissive as he was to others, he could never bend his mind to make any applications to Arsacomes, who at that time, next to the King, was most considered of any man in the Kingdom, and who was in a condition to build what fortunes he pleased, and to overthrow those which were not yet well confirmed, and but beginning to be established, as that of Arsaces'. Not but that Arsaces paid him civilly whatsoever he thought due to a man that was esteemed by the King, and that was Arsacomes his quality, but he could not consider him, as did those slaves of favour, who having an aim very distant, and thoughts very different from his, sought their advancement of him by base, servile compliances, to which he would never stoop; and besides these reasons, he had particular, and more powerful ones, which opposed his giving him that observance he expected from all others. Arsacomes, who saw that scorn in him, and who besides feared least that budding fortune should at last overtop his, and become powerful enough to ruin it, strove to hinder its groweth, and often told the King that it was something dangerous so suddenly to raise a stranger, a man unknown, and one born in the Enemy's Territories; but the King, who knew Arsacomes his drift, and who, (bating his love) had not many weaknesses, made no reckoning of that discourse, and finding every day more and more how worthy▪ Arsaces was of his favour, and with what modesty and generosity he used it, instead of suffering it to be diminished, did invisibly augment it. And truly, except such as were interessed, there were few to whom it gave not a particular satisfaction, and who confessed not that the King could hardly make a more just, nor a more judicious choice; for mine own part, I cannot deny, but that it contented me extremely, and with me I dare say all the Ladies of the Court, whom he had strongly gained by his comely behaviour, by his taking wit, & by his sweet obliging humour. All these good qualities, and a thousand others, which he advantageously possessed, joined to the King's esteem, who desired that every body should use him according to his example, made him be well received amongst us, & few days passed but he came to visit us, either with the King, or with Prince Carthasis our Uncle, or else with Theodates. He was in my Chamber one day with Theodates, and I had no body with me but Cyllenia, and some other of my maids, when after a very pleasing entertainment, Theodates told me, that he sung very well, and played upon the Lyre with a great deal of skill. I commanded presently that they should fetch one which was in my Chamber, and causing it to be presented to him, I so earnestly entreated him to play and sing, that though he had a mind to excuse it, and that that request made him blush, yet could he not possibly deny me that satisfaction; he took the Lyre with a low obeisance, and tuning it to his voice, sung so passionate an air, and accompanied his words, which were extremely amorous, with so moving a gesture, that 't was impossible to hear him and not be touched with it. He sometimes fixed his eyes upon my face, with looks visibly inflamed, but as soon as he perceived that I heedfully observed him, he let them fall to the ground, changing colour in such a manner, that it was easy to discern, he was possessed with some strong passion. After he had made an end of singing with a grace that was nothing common, and that we had given him the praises which were due, both to what he held from nature and to what art had added, I was willing to draw some occasion from his singing to make him discourse, and remembering the passionate words of his song, and the gesture wherewith he had put life into them; Arsaces (said I) you perform all things with a marvellous advantage, but you will give us leave to say, that all our opinions are false, if you be exempt of that passion you express so well. Arsaces', as if he had been surprised at this discourse, cast down his eyes without making any reply to these first words, and seeing him so silent; Arsaces (continued I) is it possible that you are in love? Although Arsaces seemed to be in some confusion, yet did he lift up his head, and looking upon me with an unconfident action. But Madam, (said he) could you think it possible, that Arsaces should have lived so long, and seen so much, and have loved nothing? Your years are so few (answered I) that no body will think it strange you should have passed them without loving, and besides I believed your affection to the war had been predominant over all others, and that a person bred up in martial thoughts and employments, had not had any inclination to those of Love. My affection to the War (replied Arsaces) is but very moderate, and I should say I love it not at all, if it had not furnished me with occasions to do the King some petty services, and given me a means to attain this fortune to which he out of his goodness has raised me, and besides Madam, I never believed that Mars and Cupid were incompatible, nor but that even persons, who have grown old in Arms, might in a moment lose that liberty which they had preserved all their life before. By this reason, Madam, it comes to pass that the condition of my life is very different from what your Highness imagined it to be, and that I am very far from that tranquillity which they may live in, who are insensible of that imperious passion. Arsaces' brought forth these words with a sigh or two, which made me believe some part of what he said, and being willing to enlarge our conversation upon that subject, and to make him talk a little more. If you profess not that tranquillity (said I) which you seem to envy, you ought at least to have hopes, which may sweeten the misery of your condition, since you have such qualities, as may encourage you to expect an advantageous success in your passion; there are but few persons like Arsaces, and if his hope be regulated by his merit, there is no fortune to which he may not lawfully pretend. I said this to him with a great deal of innocence, being ignorant as I was of his intentions, and of the advantage he might draw from thence, and he replied with a little more assurance than before; This judgement of your Highness, would be too glorious for poor Arsaces, if it could be drawn from the knowledge he hath of himself, and could keep him from discerning your justice from your goodness; I am far from that merit, and from those unjust hopes; but if the gods had given me all the excellencies a man can desire, I would bond all my pretensions within the glory which I reap by my passion; it is so great that it suffers me not to bewail the loss of my repose, and my thoughts are raised so high, that never man had a more ambitious aim, nor ever sighed for a more accomplished object. I love, since you are pleased I should confess it, but I love with so perfect a knowledge of the party whom I love, that I limit all my desires, and all my hopes, in the mere satisfaction of loving her; 't is the most noble end my mind can ever propose unto itself, and so far am I from finding any misery in my condition, that I consider all manner of panies, as the glorious marks of the highest fortune a man can aspire to. If you love with so great a resignation (replied I) and if you give such strict limits to your affections, you are not of their opinion who hold that love is a desire, and who proposing to themselves an end very different from that satisfaction you find in yours, turn it into pure interest. They that believe that love is a desire (answered Arsaces) did never know its nature well, or else were willing to disguise it, thereby to cover less noble, and less reasonable passions, and if you will give me leave, Madam, to declare my sense touching the definition of love, I shall take the liberty to tell you, that I always thought Love to be a propension of our souls, or an inward motion, which makes us incline rather toward one subject than toward another, and on this manner I hold it may be produced by the first operation of the understanding alone, without help of the judgement, or discourse, and that considering it in the abstract nakedly, and in itself, it differs from desire as the cause does from the effect; not but that desire may take birth after Love, or to say better take birth from Love, but that production is a mark of their essential difference, and that desire being born of Love, is indeed an effect of Love, and not love itself. We love a thing because 't is beautiful, and afterwards we desire it because we love it; before the birth of desire Love had subsisted without it, and by many accidents desire may die without Loves being extinguished. Certainly they that confound these two passions, deprive the first of part of its nobleness, and form a knowledge of it to themselves, which is much more gross, and material than its nature, Love is a passion absolutely pure, loosened from all thoughts of interest, and I may truly protest to you that in mine, I never considered any thing but the nobleness of that I love, without making so much as a light reflection upon myself. Arsaces' discoursed on this manner with such a grace, that our ears were chained unto his words, and we were harkening to him with a mervellous attention, when the King came into my Chamber, followed by Prince Carthasis his brother, Arsacomes, and many others. Arsacomes had not visited me of a good while, and I began to hope, that the usage he had found from me, would take him off from his affection, but I was deceived in that expectation, and that very day he let me see that he was neither fuller of respect, nor more desirous to please me than before. The continuance of the King's passion to his sister, and of his favour to him, had made him so proud, that he no longer cared to keep the world from knowing the design he had upon me, and the King had so utterly subjected himself to Stratonice, that he had not retained any Empire at all over Arsacomes, and suffered that insolent man to make a vanity of his passion without punishing him for it. In the sorrow it brought upon me, I sought consolation from the Prince our Uncle, the Princess Theomiris his daughter, Cyllenia; and some other of my most trusty maids, and even the pleasing conversation of Arsaces, was not sometimes unprofitable to charm part of my discontents; there was a sweetness in it, which that of other persons had not, and he expressed himself so handsomely, and with so much eloquence that 't was impossible to leave his company willingly; he was not ignorant how I was persecuted by Arsacomes, that was already become the common subject of discourse all over the Court, and Arsaces' resented it in a very different manner, from all those other persons whom Arsacomes his fortune would not suffer to disapprove his actions; but at first I ascribed the trouble he showed at it, only to his complacency, and to his compassion of me.  
In the interim we began to perceive that since the time he had frequented our Company, he had lost part of his lively humour, not but that he strove with much compliance to accommodate it to ours, and did all he could to hide his inward disquiet by an outward tranquillity; yet through all that constraint we could observe a melancholy that was not natural, the cause whereof, considering the estate of his fortune, and the reason he had to be satisfied with his condition, we were not able to imagine to be other than that Love he had complained of to us. In short we were then confirmed in a belief that he had spoken in good earnest, and did our endeavours to learn the truth of it. We had not taken notice that among all the Ladies of the Court, he had applied himself particularly to any one, and although we observed him with some care we could discover nothing, but a general civility and an equal respect to all. I still was telling him of that change of his humour, and upon that discourse he would presently strive to fetch a pleasingness into his face, and to disperse the clouds of his melancholy, but within a while after we saw him fall into it again with such settled muse that we were hardly able to put him out of them. We were one day in the King's Chamber, where seeing him withdraw from the company, and retire to a window from whence he darted fiery glances at us. My Cousin the Princess Theomiris, and I went toward him, he would have gone away to leave the place to us, believing that we came to the window to have the prospect of the gardens which are below it, but I detained him by the arm, and making him stay where he was, Arsaces, Arsaces (said I) if you continue in this pensive humour which of la●e has seized you, you will at last force us to think you are touched in good earnest with that passion you can so well discourse of. These words made Arsaces cast down his eyes, but presently after he raised them up again, and fixing them upon my face, with a timorous action, and with a sigh which he could not possibly retain. It is but too true Madam, (replied he) that I am mortally wounded with it, and that my eyes have done me the worst office I can ever receive from them. I burn indeed with a fire which never will be extinguished while I live; but if my passion were a desire it would certainly die for want of hope which is its ordinary nourishment; I love not only without being loved, not only without hope of being loved, but even without daring to desire it, and there is so great a disproportion between miserable Arsaces, and the Divinity to which he does address his thoughts, that he neither pretends to any recompense for his passion, no nor so much as to have her know it. You keep yourself within the limits of a perfect modesty, (said the Princess Theomiris) but they that know your worth, do not perhaps restrain your hopes within such narrow bounds as you prescribe them. My highest hope (answered Arsaces) is to die for the person whom I love, without giving her any occasion to complain of my temerity, and to accuse that passion for want of respect, whereof it laid the first foundation. Is it true then (demanded I) that she you sigh for is ignorant of your love, and that you neither by your discourse, nor by your actions, have ever given her any knowledge of it? I know not (replied he) whither my actions, or my countenance have betrayed that silence which I have imposed upon my mouth, but if I have any power over either, she is ignorant of it, and shall be so as long as she lives: in this ignorance she sees me, she suffers me, and shows such goodness toward me, as aught to be envied by those that are most happy; but after the knowledge of my presumption, an eternal exile would be the lightest punishment she would inflict upon such a miserable man, such a unknown wanderer as Arsaces; the Gods forbid I should exasperate her by a criminal declaration, and that I should provoke thunders, and lightnings utterly to consume him, who is but too much inflamed already. Arsaces' perhaps would have said more, if the King had not come to join discourse with us, but we often fell upon the same subject afterward, and still found Arsaces in his silence, and in the terms of his usual modesty.  
In the mean time the King's passion for Stratonice was risen to so high a degree, that it was necessary to come to Extremities, and one day the King having pressed her exceedingly to give him some proofs of her affection, that ambitious woman, who knew how absolute she was over his heart, resolved to make use of all her power, and after having a while resisted his solicitations. Sir (said she at last) never hope for any thing from Stratonice but by lawful ways, and if you love her, do you yourself show her the utmost marks of your affection, or else cease to injure her Reputation by a suit the designs whereof are unknown. These words did not surprise the King who had ever expected them; but yet they troubled him, and for some days kept him melancholy, and unresolved; 'twas hard for him to dispose himself unto that Marriage, but harder to leave Stratonice, and he loved her with too real an affection, to use any manner of violence against her; two considerations opposed the design of this Marriage, that of the inequality of their conditions, and that of the Prince my brother, whom he did believe he should prejudice by that Match; but the force of his love, and the persuasions of his flatterers, conquered these two difficulties. Stratonice is my subject (said he) yet nevertheless she is a Princess, and if I find not those advantages which are commonly sought for in Alliances, at least I shall find no shame by it; a Wife of inferior quality can take nothing away from mine, and 'tis not without example in this Empire, nor in those of my neighbours. As for Oroondates his interest, that ought not to dissuade me; for if he be dead as his long absence makes me fear, no body ought to count it strange that I think of giving an heir of mine own blood unto my Kingdom, which would fall into another Family; and if he be alive, he is an ingrateful son in having forsaken me without leave in my foreign and domestic Wars, and in not coming back to me when the necessity of my affairs constrained me to beg the assistance of all my Friends. By these kind of thoughts he overcame all the obstacles that opposed his intentions, and having nothing more to contend withal, he told Stratonice he was ready to give her that proof she desired of his affection. This news was presently known over all the Court, and the King having published it himself, and proposed unto his Counsel those Reasons that moved him to that Marriage, every body began to prepare for it, but with very different thoughts. If Stratonice, and proud Arsacomes were in the height of their felicities, Berenice on the contrary was overwhelmed in grief; I had many Reasons to be so, which are too apparent not to be known to you, and my consolation was that my resentments were approved by all those that were not interessed for Arsacomes his Family; but how just soever they were, they were to no purpose, and in spite of all the complaints I made, both for my brother's interests, and for mine own, the King forbore not to go on; and after having given me some slight consolation, and promised me with extreme kind words, that this Marriage should not diminish any thing of that affection he had ever born me, he effected his design, and married Stratonice publicly, causing her to be crowned at Issedon in the presence of the whole Court. That mischief not being to be remedied, it was best to resolve to bear it handsomely, and to fain a satisfaction for that which the King received, since my discontents were but unseasonable. The Wedding was celebrated with a great deal of triumph, and to honour so solemn an action, there were Tournaments full of pomp and magnificence. Arsacomes appeared in them with more splendour than all the rest of the Court, and Arsaces, though he was particularly troubled at that Marriage, was yet too grateful for the favours the King had showed him to neglect those occasions of acknowledging them; and to please him in that solemnity, he not only made one in all those Matches, but won all the Prizes, and by the advantages he had in sight of the whole world, redoubled Arsacomes his growing Envy. That proud favourite seeing himself raised by that alliance to honours which he never pretended, absolutely gave over all thought of the respect he owed me, to torment me openly; and the King became so subject to the will of his new Wife, that he never resented her brother's insolency. The vexation I received by it, made me shun all company in general that I might avoyed his in particular, and though Stratonice did not apparently abuse her fortune in her carriage toward me, but paid me all the civilities I could expect from my father's wife, yet was her conversation unpleasing to me, and I could not consider her as Arsacomes his sister, without having an aversion to her; true it is that she forced me to it by the discourses she used in favour of him, for she passed by no occasion of entertaining me either with her brother's love, or with his deserts. One day being desirous to escape a visit which I thought she intended me, I went out of my Chamber with Cyllenia, and two of my other maids, and by a back stair went out of my lodging down into the Garden; I presently gave those two wenches liberty to walk which way they pleased, and leaning upon Cyllenia's arm, I with her sought out the least frequented Allies. Our first discourse was concerning Arsacomes, and after that I had a while in angry terms detested his persecutions, Cyllenia began to talk of Arsaces; I confess I esteemed his person very much, and that seeing nothing in him which was not lovely, great and extraordinary, I could not choose but have such an opinion of him as his good qualities deserved▪ After we had spoken something touching his love, the grace wherewith he expressed it, and the marvellous discretion wherewith it was accompanied, Cyllenia of a sudden fixed her Eyes upon my face, and when she had looked awhile smiling upon me, Madam (said she) will you forgive me a folly, which I cannot keep myself from telling you? There are but few offences, (said I) whereof thou mightest not hope for pardon from me. Upon this belief [replied Cyllenia smiling as before] I will take the boldness to tell you, that if Arsaces be in love, I believe it is only with the Princess Berenice, With me? fool, [said ay, putting her back with my hand] Yes, [added Cyllenia] even with yourself, and if you have taken the pains to observe his discourse, and his actions, your thoughts will be but little different from mine. In what place soever you are, his Eyes are continually upon you, he comes not near you without sighing, trembling, and changing colour, and he speaks of the person he loves, with such a submission, and such a respect, as can be due to no body but the Princess Berenice. This discourse of Cyllenia's made me reflect upon Arsaces his Actions, in which truly I found something that agreed with her opinion; and I have not told you, that I had formerly had some such fancy which I had banished as an effect of my vanity, but then examining many words he had spoken, and particularly those in the presence of Theomiris, I began to give some credit to Cyllenia's suspicion▪ yet did I make a difficulty of confessing it to her, and after I had continued a good while without Reply. I do not believe (said I) that Arsaces ever had a thought of me, and indeed it would trouble me very much if I should be obliged to banish a man for ever from my sight, whom his virtue makes me infinitely to esteem. I saw by Cyllenia's action, that she was vexed she had said so much, and looking upon me with a face less confident than before: What, Madam [said she] if Arsaces' were guilty of no other crime but of having adored you, without letting you know it, would you banish him for ever? Would I banish him, [replied I] why, do you doubt of it Cyllenia? I was of opinion that thoughts had been free, [answered Cyllenia] and that all the offence had been only in declaring them; but since they are criminal, though concealed, I'll alter my conceit of poor Arsaces, and believe he never mingled any thing of love, with the design he has to honour you. I will believe so with you [added I very seriously] and I had a great deal rather be of that opinion, than suffer another, which would make me force the inclination I have to wish him very well, and instead of that begin to hate him. We were in this part of our discourse, when being come to the end of an Alley, just as we were going into another, we saw that Arsaces, whom we were talking of close by us, laid along upon the grass; I was wondrously surprised at that Encounter, and feared he might have overheard something of what we had said concerning him; but I was quickly delivered out of that apprehension, and Cyllenia being gone a little nearer him, saw that his Eyes were shut, and by many tokens knew him to be asleep. I would have passed by without awaking him, but Cyllenia had a curiosity which opposed that intention, and seeing that on the ground near Arsaces his mouth there lay a little picture case, upon which it seemed that he was fallen asleep, she went softly toward him without letting me know her intent, and taking up the Case, she brought it to me without looking in it, Madam [said she as she came up to me] here's something without doubt that will be able to satisfy your curiosity, and I hope we here shall see the face of her Arsaces' loves with so much respect. The discourse we had newly had upon that subject, made me condemn that curiosity, and fearing to meet with some confirmation of Cyllenia's suspicions, I was going to command her to lay the Box again in the place from whence she had taken it, when she opened it, and made me cast my Eyes upon it; Why should I hold you longer in suspense? in short, my adventure was such as I apprehended, and in that Box I saw the very face which my Glass represented to me every day. I should not be able to tell you whither my grief, my astonishment, or my anger was greatest, and though the last be little predominate in my nature, I confess that in this Encounter I was seized with them all three. 'Tis certain that I had a very particular esteem of Arsaces, and that I found no other defect in him save that of his quality, that could discourage him from raising his thoughts to the greatest and most accomplished Princess upon earth; but that obscurity of his birth, made me receive those testimonies of his affection as mortal injuries, and look upon his presumption as a blemish able to destroy all that was good, and considerable in him; the favourable opinion I had of him, made me really sorry for his fault, and as I had plainly confessed to Cyllenia, 'twas not without trouble that I saw myself constrained to punish it. Cyllenia seeing me so much moved, would have opened her mouth to speak to me, but I clapped my hand upon it, and preventing what she was about to say. Hold thy peace [said I] Cyllenia, and since thou hast contributed so much to this unlucky discovery which we now have made, labour also for my satisfaction, and take you care of warning this presumptuous man, that he never present himself before me. I know not whither I spoke these words with too loud a voice, and whither it was that that wakened Arsaces, but he presently rose up, and seeing himself surprised in a posture which he thought not decent before me, he seemed to be quite out of countenance, and had not the confidence to come toward us, without putting his hand to his face to hide his blushing; at last he would have made his address to us, but as he was coming toward me with a very low obeisance, and was going to say something to me, I turned on the other side without regarding him, and having made sign to Cyllenia to stay and perform the charge I had given her, I went hastily away, and returned strait to my lodging. Arsaces' [as I have learned since] was so stricken with this action, that in Cyllenias' eye, he seemed little different from a Marble statue, and not remembering he had ever seen me do the like, he believed the cause was extraordinary, and presently guessed at something of the truth; but he continued not much longer in doubt, when he saw his picture-case in Cyllenias' hand; he had stood unmoveable from the time I went away, his hands crossed upon his breast, and his Eyes fixed upon me till I was out of sight, but as soon as he had turned them upon Cyllenia, and that he saw the Picture which had betrayed him, he was fully persuaded of the truth of that adventure, and fell into a confusion which it would be extremely difficult to represent; he stood a long time without speech, or motion, his very look touching Cyllenia with compassion; in the end he recovered a little courage, and going nearer to her, who was little less astonished than himself; Cyllenia, [said he] I am undone, and I read my destiny too plainly in your face, in the Princess' action, and in the sight of that you hold in your hand; My crime is now discovered, but I have at least this satisfaction, that 'tis only my misfortune, and not my mouth that has done me this ill office. I have never failed by want of respect to the Princess, and how little power soever I had over myself, I had yet enough over my tongue to bind it to an everlasting silence. I allege not this Excuse to justify myself towards her, for as respectful, as innocent, and as secret as my passion was, 'tis yet criminal without doubt, since it has moved her indignation, and the Gods would not have discovered it thus, if it had not been punishable; you see me therefore most willingly disposed to receive that sentence you are to pronounce; I'll hearken to it without murmuring, and though perhaps you have contributed something towards my unhappiness, I'll lend an ear to my condemnation without any resentment against you. Cyllenia has sworn to me since, that she was not able to hear these words of Arsaces without being sensible of pity, and that it was with great repugnancy she executed the commission I had given her; but being she knew not how to avoid it, she strove to take a Resolution, and sweetening her words, and countenance, as much as possibly she could: Sir, [said she] I bear a share in your affliction, and I could wish with all my heart, that the Princess had made use of some other body, to acquaint you with her intentions; 'tis true, she has discovered your passion, and is so much offended at it, that she thinks herself bound to entreat you never to see her more. Arsaces' at first was touched with this command, but being his courage was great, and that he had certain thoughts whereupon his hopes were grounded, he suffered not himself to be dejected, but settling his countenance as it was before, he spoke thus to Cyllenia with a great deal of moderation. This sentence is most just, Cyllenia, and I should not be so myself if I complained of it, and the most equitable punishment this great Princess could ordain him, whom her sight hath caused to offend her, is to forbid it him for ever: I protest to you by her fair Eyes, and by the sacred respect I bear her, that I will obey her Decree without murmuring, and that if I could do so without deserving her, I would demand no longer a delay of my banishment, than this very moment wherein it is ordained me; but Cyllenia, I am stayed here by an important necessity, and unless I will betray the King, the State, and the Princess herself particularly, I cannot go away till she hath given me an hours audience. I must needs obtain it by your mediation, I say, I must needs for the Princess' service, for her satisfaction, and for her repose, and I will engage myself both to you, and to her, by all the most religious Oaths were ever taken, that in all my discourse, I will not mingle so much as one word of my passion. Procure me this favour I beseech you, which you shall see I will not abuse, and if I break the promise I make you, hold me for the most ingrateful, and the most unworthy of all men living. Cyllenia was mute at this Proposition, and doubting she should not be able to obtain what he desired of me, she knew not which way she should free herself from that Request. Arsaces' added so many other words to his former persuasions, and pressed her so earnestly, that she was constrained to promise him she would employ all her credit with me to effect what he desired, and leaving him with that hope, she came back to me, who was already retired into my Closet.  
I was so troubled at this adventure, that I was not able to resettle myself, and so displeased with Arsaces his temerity, that I could not pardon myself the fault I had committed, in having by my excessive civilities given him the boldness to offend me. What, [said ay] is it then Berenice's destiny never to cause love in any but those that are beneath her, & was not the presumption of one of her father's subjects enough for her misfortune, without making her be loved also by a man, who perchance is hardly so much as of noble Blood? Has this Beauty then, wherewith some have so unjustly flattered me, no power but upon persons of mean condition? Ah mine Eyes! if you must never gain other Victories, divest yourselves of all your lustre, and lose all your forces, since they are so vilely, and so unworthily employed. Scarce had I uttered these words, when I felt some remorse for the contempt I showed of Arsaces'; me thought though he was not born a Prince, his excellent qualities did so fully recompense that defect, that without injustice I could not put him in the rank of meaner persons; I then called to mind all that was great, and lovely in him; and found so much cause of esteem, and admiration, that I could not remain in sensible at that remembrance; I confess, the charms of his graceful fashion, the sweetness of his conversation, and his merit in general, had wrought in me a good will towards him, which had something in it more than ordinary, and my reflecting upon that, abated much of the violence of my former thoughts; Would it pleased the Gods (said I again, by some secret constraint) would it pleased the Gods he were born a Prince, and that his too bold passion were authorised by a less unequal birth, I should not then reckon this conquest shameful, and if he only wanted Kingdoms, his virtue would either supply that defect, or quickly put them in a way to get them. No sooner had I given way unto this thought in favour of Arsaces, but my anger stifled it again, and made me ashamed of my compliance with his crime; Let him go, (said I, recalling my disdain) that presumptuous man, by whom my favourable usage has been so ill received, let him carry his audacious affections somewhither else, and those desires which are too ambitious for one of common rank, I am merciful enough in concealing his crime from the King my father, and I punish him too gently in ordaining nothing but banishment for such a fault as his. I was taken up with these different thoughts, when Cyllenia came in to me, and gave me presently an exact account of the success of her Commission, I harkened to her relation with some kind of tenderness, and was a little touched with Arsaces his words, but for all the entreaties Cyllenia could use, I was not to be won to grant him the audience he demanded. I have seen him, and heard him but too much already (said I) he has abused my indulgence, he has abused my innocent goodness, the Gods forbid I should fall into that error any more, and that I by my weakness should give him further occasion to aggravate his offences toward me. Cyllenia pressed me a good while, but 'twas impossible to obtain any thing else of me at that time. Arsaces' came not in my sight the next day, nor of two or three days after, but having met Cyllenia, and stopped her; Cyllenia (said he) I ask the Princess pardon for my stay in Scythia, and though she have not expressly commanded me out of it, I should account myself extreme faulty, in continuing longer in her country, after having merited her indignation; if I could go away without discharging a duty to which I am obliged by all the fidelity I owe to her, and hers. The thing I am to tell her, will in part repair the offence I have committed, and neither can she neglect it without prejudice to herself, nor I conceal it without betraying her; be pleased therefore so to bring it to pass, that she may grant me the favour I have demanded, and I will leave Scythia within an hour after, without other trouble save that of having offended her by my criminal passion. Arsaces' to these words added many ardent supplications, and Cyllenia, who was touched with them, and who knew the power she had with me, engaged herself to make one trial more, and coming presently to me, she related that Encounter in terms, which joined to the inclination I had to wish well to Arsaces, made me not altogether insensible; yet I for a long while resisted her importunity in favour of him, and told her many times, that after the knowledge I had of his love, I could neither see him, nor hear him, without doing myself an unspeakable injury; but she argued against those considerations with many others, and alleged, that I ought not for light scruples to lose the occasion of receiving an advertisement which perhaps was of greater consequence to me than I imagined; to these motives she added most effectual entreaties, and persecuted me so long, that I was constrained to promise her I would suffer Arsaces to make me one visit more, upon the conditions he had desired it, and upon the protestation she made on his behalf, that it should be the last to which I should be obliged.  
She let him know that same day, what she had obtained of me for him, and the next following got me to take the same walk in the garden, and with the same company, as I had done some few days before. After I had passed through some of the allies with Cyllenia alone, I retired into a close arbour, where by her persuasion I sat down upon the seats of green turf, and had not stayed there long, before I saw Arsaces' come; at sight of him I changed colour, and looking upon him with different thoughts from those I had before, he seemed to have quite another shape than that he was wont to have; I scarce durst lift up my eyes to behold him, and feeling already a remorse for what I had yielded to, I was unresolved whither I should stay, or go away before I heard him; he might easily observe my confusion in my face, for the sight of him renewing my anger, and my shame, had already set it all on fire; In the mean time he came into the arbour, where he instantly fell upon his knees before me; but I was ill satisfied with that posture, and fearing it would be accompanied with some discourse of the nature of that I apprehended; Rise, (said I) Arsaces, and remember the conditions upon which I permit this last visit; I know but too much of your follies already, take heed therefore that your words discover nothing more of them. Arsaces' stirred not from my feet, but looking upon me with eyes, in which his passion was painted to the life: Fear not Madam, (said he) that I will abuse the favour you do me; and if my follies are known to you, remember, if you please, that I contributed not unto that knowledge any other way than by my misfortune, and that you can neither accuse my tongue, nor my actions of the offence I have committed. I knew too well what was due to you from miserable Arsaces, to exceed the limits with a just sense of his want of merit prescribed him, and I know too well with how much justice you are exasperated against him, to kneel here at you feet with any hope to justify his crime; Neither is it with that intention I begged these last proofs of your goodness, and 't is enough that I have made myself unworthy of it, without seeking occasions to abuse it; but I desired this audience before my departure, that I might tell you some news, which it is very fit you should know, and in which you will without doubt find some satisfaction. Arsaces would have continued his discourse, when I commanded him to rise, and when he had obeyed me, he began again on this manner.  
Berenice made a little pause in this part of her narration, to recall into her memory what Arsaces had said, and Oroondates, who could not suffer her to speak so long of Arsaces without interruption, and who harkened impatiently to all she said of him, took his time then, and lifting up his eyes to heaven with an angry action; Is it your pleasure than O Gods! (cried he) that I should prosecute Arsaces not only as an implacable Enemy to Oroondates, but also as a Traitor to Berenice? The Princess was surprised at that exclamation, and turning toward Oroondates; Brother (said she) of what crime, and of what infidelity do you accuse Arsaces, to whom we have so great obligations? Sister (replied the Prince, extremely moved) Arsaces has ruined me, and Arsaces has betrayed you, he is amongst our Enemies our particular Enemy, and 't is both for your interests, and mine own, that I must give him that death, which in our combats he twice already has avoided. The Princess amazed at these words, was going to desire her Brother to explain them, but their conversation was broken off by a noise they heard without the Tent; the Prince rose up to inquire the cause of it, when he heard'em cry Arm, Arm, and presently after Toxaris coming into the Tent●; Put on your Arms Sir, (said he to his Master) the Enemies are hard by, and at the same time he clapped his Cuirass on his back, and buckled on that Cask which he had laid aside but awhile before. Oroondates, whom such Alarms could not terrify, made haste to get on the rest of his Arms, and with his sword in his hand ran to the door of the Tent; where he instantly saw the cause of all that stir. One man alone was the Author of it, and one man alone richly Armed and gallantly mounted had struck a terror into whole Troops, nor was it indeed an ordinary man, for he, by his actions at the entering into the Camp, had given sufficient grounds of fear to those that happened to be in his way; he had despised the outguards which would have opposed his passage, and forcing his way through the midst of them like lightning, had made his horse leap over the Trench, and was advancing toward the Tents with such a confident rashness, as was enough to win belief, that some strong despair had Armed him against all apprehension of death. That of Prince Oroondates was one of the outmost, and they that had the guard of it, seeing this Cavalier advance with his sword in his hand, and with his gesture threatening something more terrible than ordinary, ran to meet him, and presented the points of their Javelines against him; but he contemned those feeble obstacles, and spurring on his horse, trampled some of them under foot, laying at the rest so furiously with his sword, that almost every stroke brought death to one or other: He had already opened himself a large way to the Tent, when Eumenes, and Phrataphernes armed, and on horseback, came unto that place; these two Warriors looked intentively upon him, and Phrataphernes by his Arms, and the mightiness of his blows, presently knew him to be the redoubted Arsaces, who a few days before had killed his Son in his presence, and had reduced his own life to great extremity; The sight of this cruel Enemy, whose idea was ever in his remembrance, wakened his fierce resentment, and running at him like a man transported with rage, O Pisistratus (cried he) thy Father will either revenge thy death, or perish in the attempt. As he spoke these words, he darted his Javeline at Arsaces, which having given him a slight hurt, remained hanging in the sleeve of his Coat of Mail, from whence Arsaces' quickly pulled it, and seeing Phrataphernes come thundering at him with his sword on high, he met him with an equal violence, and aiming the point of his Javeline under that arm which he held up, made the head of it pass quite through to the other side; the unfortunate Phrataphernes, was presently all bathed in his own blood, and letting go the reins of his bridle, fell dead at Eumenes his horse's feet. That Valiant man, whom his friends destiny touched with grief and compassion, rushed forward to take revenge upon Arsaces, who was turning another way, and opposing his passage, after he by a loud cry had given him warning to defend himself, discharged a blow upon his Helmet with his utmost force. The hand of Eumenes was not light, and indeed Arsaces was roughly shaken by it, but he shocked Eumenes so violently with his shield, and with the breast of his horse, that Eumenes, his being too weak for that encounter, was thrust upon his hinder quarters, and came down upon the sand with his Master. This action passed before Oroondates his Tent, just at that very time, when having put on all his Arms, he was run to the door whither the Princess Berenice had followed him. Arsaces' cast his eye at the same time both upon the Brother, and upon the Sister, and no sooner knew them, but he lift up his hand and head toward Heaven, and discovering his fury by a terrible cry, and by a threatening action, he leapt from his horse to assault Oroondates without advantage, and running at him with his sword drawn, made him sufficiently know, that 't was only for him he broke the Truce, and brought the War alone into the Camp of his Enemies. Oroondates knew him presently by divers marks, and thanking the Gods in a moment for that so wished encounter, came to meet him as fiercely as a Lion, and threw himself headlong into the fight with a rage that came no way short of his; they drew blood with the first strokes they gave, and having made some few more at one another with the same vigour, and animosity, they closed, and seizing upon each others body, began to wrestle with an excessive fury; they made use of nothing but mere strength, and the blind rage of these two Warriors suffered them not to think either of sleight, or skill; they that stood by to behold this Combat, would have fallen upon Arsaces, but Thalestris, who was one of them, and who detested such base odds, hindered them with all her power, and in the interim these two Valiant men came down together like two Collossuse's, and began to roll upon the ground with such a fury, as struck terror in those that were spectators. Berenice, Araxes and many others made prayers for Oroondates, but none of them durst undertake any way to assist him, and his generosity was so well known to them, that they dared not to hope for any advantage to him, but by his valour alone; they both struggled in vain to get the better, and after they had devested the earth of its greenness, and died it all over with their blood in which they wallowed, they with their arms and legs thrust each other away at the same instant, and start upon their feet again: they had already lift up their swords to begin a second bout, when a Soldier coming behind Arsaces; thrust him into the reins of his back with a Javeline, the head whereof stuck a good way in his body, and the shaft remained broken in the Soldier's hand, Oroondates, who beheld this action with an unspeakable grief, ran at him who had given him that shameful assistance, but Arsaces, who for all he was so chafed, and heated, felt the blow he had received, sprung suddenly upon that Enemy, and not giving him the leisure to get away, he with a slash of his sword cut off the arm that had strucken him at the very shoulder. After this revenge he turned toward Oroondates, but his strength began to fail him, and he was so weakened by that last wound, that having reeled three or four steps, he could no longer keep himself from falling on the ground. Oroondates enraged at the issue of this Combat, wherein he saw so little honour, was like to have turned his Arms against himself, to blot out the shame he had received. Berenice, Thalestris, and Araxes ran presently to him, and began to disarm him to look upon his wounds as they led him to his Tent, but he would not go into it, without taking the care he thought himself bound to have of his Enemy, and turning toward Menelaus, Alexander, and Hyander who were with him; For God's sake, (said he,) if this gallant man be not dead, get him some help, and let him be brought into one of the rooms of my Tent, where I will give order he shall have that assistance he stands in need of. Those young Warriors obeyed him, and coming to the place where the great Arsaces lay all along, they saw the earth stained with blood round about him, and found him in a condition wherein their succour was very necessary. He had scarce any understanding left, but they pulling up his beaver, the fresh air recalled his fainting spirits, and they saw him open his eyes, and lift up his head very weakly. Menelaus causing him to be taken up by Soldiers, and helping himself in that charitable office, carried him into Oroondates his Tent, where in a Chamber near his, he was quickly disarmed, unclothed, and laid in bed; but he was so weakened with loss of blood, weariness, and the pain he felt with the head of the Javeline which was still in his body, that he could hardly discern any thing that was done about him; In the mean time Prince Oroondates his servants had got him to bed, and found he had but two, and those not considerable hurts; but when the Chirurgeons would have come to dress them, he enquired how his Enemy did, and having heard he was alive, and in his Tent; Think of him first then (said he to Lysimachus his Physician) his wounds are more dangerous than mine, and I will not suffer myself to be looked to, till he have had the help which I can better stay for. Go (continued he turning toward the Chirurgeons) and tell that Valiant man, that 't is neither the incommodiousness of my wounds, nor the mortal hatred which is between us, that hinders me from visiting him, but the fear my presence may displease him, and the shame I should have to appear before him, after the abominable fowl play that has been used to him; tell him moreover that he may receive this assistance without trouble, and without fear of being engaged to any reconciliation with me, that I expect not that fruit of the service I do him, and that I labour for the preservation of his life, only to assault it once again with more glory, and to repair some part of the dishonour that reflects upon me by the event of our Combat. With this message he sent them to Arsaces, without suffering them to touch him, but presently after, by Araxes his care there were others brought who supplied the want of them, and dressed his wounds in the presence of Lysimachus, Ptolomeus, Craterus, and of all the Principal Commanders of the Army, whom the noise of that adventure drew presently into his Tent. In the mean time Arsaces had recovered his understanding perfectly, and seeing himself in bed encompassed with persons whom he knew not, he looked earnestly upon them, and after having been a while silent; Tell me I pray you (said he) in what place I am, and from whom I receive these good Offices? You are in your Enemy's Tent (answered Menelaus) and 't is by his order you receive this succour, which the whole world owes unto your Valour. Arsaces' hearing that cried out, and lifting up his eyes to heaven, Ah! Fortune, (said he) this is too much; and this obstinacy thou showest in persecuting me is full of inhumanity, and injustice; thou labourest for my confusion as much as for my Enemy's glory, and 't is only to make me die with grief that thou will't have me thus often indebted to him; but the Gods forbid I should longer make use of thy false relief, and that I should prolong my life, if I cannot do it but by the mercy, and assistance of my Enemy. He was speaking on this manner, when the Chirurgeons came in, and drew near to his bedside; but as soon as ever they went about to dress his wounds, Arsaces thrust them back, and refused their help; Go (said he) and tell him that sent you, I had rather lose my life than owe it so often to him, that 't was only to assail his I came into this Camp, but since he so well knows how to defend it, let him suffer him to die without overwhelming him with shame and confusion, whom he cannot suffer to live, so long as he is alive himself; I had hoped he would have fallen with me, but since his destiny is stronger than mine, let him content himself with triumphing over my happiness, and with triumphing over my life, without triumphing also over my reputation. By such like words as these the afflicted Arsaces rejected the succour that was offered him; but Amintas the Physician, judging that the message Oroondates had given him charge to deliver, might perchance work something with him, repeated it to him word for word, and by that means shaked his resolution a little; when he had told him once again, that the Prince expected no other fruit of the help he sent him, but the means to end their differences with more glory, upon that condition (replied Arsaces) I accept his assistance, and I will conserve my life, to keep him from believing that I am afraid to dispute it once more against him; he shall see me yet again with my sword in my hand, since he will have it so, not to contend with him for the advantage of our Combats which is wholly his, but to requite our injuries and obligations both together. After this discourse, he no longer opposed the will of the Physician and Chirurgeons, but they were not free from trouble, and apprehension, when they found the head of the Javeline was all within his flesh, yet did they begin with instruments to try if they could pull it out, and at last their endeavours prevailed, but with such extremity of pain to Arsaces, that a weaker constitution than his would infallibly have sunk under it, and yet he never so much as cried out, or spoke on word, or did any action that could testify he was sensible of the pain they put him to; when the head was out, the Chirurgeons no longer doubted of his cure, and searching two or three other wounds he had, found not any of them to be great or dangerous. When they had performed what belonged to them, they enjoined their Patient rest and silence, but he took care of that himself, and speaking to Alexander and Menelaus, who had not stirred from him; Charitable Enemies (said he) I beseech you as you love the Gods, let no body visit me; you have seen but the sleightest of my wounds, and besides the estate of my body, my mind is in such a condition as cannot endure any company. Alexander promised him what he desired, and then withdrawing themselves, they left none in the room but those that were necessary to serve him. They went into Oroondates his Chamber which they found full of Princes, and Officers of the Army that were come to visit him, all of them together were astonished at this adventure, and admired the boldness of that stranger, who through the midst of so many thousand men, and of a thousand deaths which threatened him, was come to seek him in the heart of his Camp, and even in his very Tent; but when Menelaus told them what he had said unto the Chirurgeons, and the generous contempt he had shown of his life, they could not wonder enough at his magnanimity, and at the greatness of his courage. This relation made Oroondates certain that it was Arsaces, but he would not say any thing of it, for fear of giving some alarm to the Princess Berenice, who by her story he found boar him a great deal of good will, deferring to let her know the truth, till time should afford him a fitter opportunity. Many of the Princes would have visited him, and paid him what they believed due to a man of so rare a valour, but Alexander and Menelaus diverted their intent, by telling them what a trouble it would be to him, and the request he had made.  
In this interim it grew night, and every body being retired, the two gallant enemies passed it in disquiets that were not much unlike. Oroondates, enraged at the issue of that adventure, could not complain sufficiently of his ill fortune, & detested the crossness of it with words full of transport and fury. Must I put my Enemy to the pains (said he) to come and seek me out every day, and must this happy rival, not being satisfied with peaceably enjoying the affection of my ingrateful Princess, envy me also this miserable life which he has reduced to such a lamentable condition? Must ●he violate the truce, force his passage over our trenches, and find me idle in my Tent, when I have so many occasions to pull me out of it, and that I ought to shut my eyes against all dangers, and against all considerations, to carry death unto that fortunate rival, and to that irreconcilable Enemy? Ah my courage, Ah my love, Ah my honour, what is now become of you? Do you suffer me barely to threaten, and another to execute, that I should learn my duty of him, against whom I had armed myself with these furious resolutions? Arsaces' was no way obliged to prevent me, and Arsaces might have sat still with honour, he whose fortune is so happy, whose desires are fully satisfied, and who having robbed me of Statira has nothing more to demand; but Oroondates deprived of Statira, deprived of happiness, and deprived of honour, ought not to have breathed but to recover what he has lost, and ought not to have prolonged his life, but to take vengeance of that Ravisher of his happiness, of his honour, and of Statira all together. He spent some hours in this consideration, and then falling into more cruel thoughts; Ah! without question (added he) without question Statira thinks it not enough to have forsaken me, but she will have me die by the hand of her new Lover, because I could not die with grief for her inconstancy; and 'tis certainly by her order that Arsaces sets himself so obstinately against my life; her new affection without doubt makes it odious to her, and she no longer will suffer such an irreprochable witness of her infidelity to continue in the world; if it be so, O Cassandra, (for you no longer are Statira, and with the name of the royal Family, have likewise laid aside all that was great and noble in you) if it be so, I am to blame to oppose your desires any longer, and I ought to offer up my breast without resistance to that Minister of your commands; but I will satisfy him as soon as ever he is in a condition to take his satisfaction, and give me mine, and the Sun shall no sooner see Arsaces upon his feet again, but it shall see him fight with Oroondates. In the mean time (said he to himself) he is in thy power, he is in thy Tent, that crucll tormentor of thy days, and instead of sacrificing him to thy just indignation, thou art obliged by some remainders of virtue, which thy passions cannot stifle, to assist him, to serve him, and to labour for the preservation of that life, which thou wouldst, and which thou ought'st to take away. But 'tis no matter (continued he) we will do what we ought to do to the utmost, and when we have paid our Rival whatsoever, in the condition he now is, he can hope for from an Enemy as generous as himself, we will prosecute our quarrels without remorse, and without advantage, and will without regret assault a life, for the conservation whereof we have done all that we were bound to do.  
These were the discourses of restless Oroondates; but if he was tormented, Arsaces found no better usage from his inhuman thoughts; the grief he was in to see himself at the mercy of his Enemy, and constrained to receive his assistance, did indeed make some part of his discontents; but these were not the most violent, and when he remembered that he that day also, had seen the Princess Berenice with him at the door of his Tent, and that he believed him quietly possessed of her, whose affection he by a thousand remarkable services had so well deserved, all his constancy forsook him, and gave him over to his rage alone; it had before been great enough to deprive him of the better part of his judgement, and to make him, in the action he had newly done, despise those dangers into which he would not have precipitated himself, if he had felt the least spark of a desire to live; but by that cruel sight it was so strangely aggravated, that it insensibly took away all the remaining power which Reason had yet conserved over his afflicted mind; in these furious fits whereinto it cast him, he formed such designs as were suitable to his despair; but when he put his hands upon his wounds, or that he tried to raise himself upon his bed, the knowledge of his weakness augmented his vexation, as much as he felt his strength to be diminished. What wilt thou do, miserable man, (said he) and in this highest pitch of thy misfortunes, to whom wilt thou have recourse, & what wilt thou resolve upon? inconstant Berenice has unworthily forsaken thee, fortune forsakes thee with her, and even the Gods themselves declare openly for thine Enemy. If the Gods, if fortune, if Berenice be against thee, what canst thou fly to but Death, which will free thee from the anger of the Gods, will shelter thee from the persecutions of Fortune, and cure thee of the remembrance of ingrateful Berenice. We must die then, that design is no new thing to Arsaces, if he had not been resolved on that, he would not to day have charged into a whole Army, and an Army in which there are so many men able to take his life without advantage; but to die without revenge is a very hard condition to Arsaces, he has not been wont to leave his Enemies a Victory so little disputed; and if he must lose Berenice, he can hardly quit the possession of her to another; unless he purchase it at least with a good quantity of his blood; his Rival must perish with him if it be possible and Berenice who twice already has been present at our Combats, must glu● herself with that spectacle once again for all. But why (continued he) why should I defer it any longer? Can I not with the small remnant of strength I have left, get into my Rival's chamber, and make an end of the business with Daggers? they'll enter into our bodies without resistance, and we shall have no Arms that can protract our Combat. He found some sweetness in this thought, but of a sudden he also met with difficulties in it. Thine Enemy is too generous (said he) and thou ought'st to believe, by so many effects of his virtue, that in the condition thou now art, he will not accept this kind of Combat against thee; and as jealous, as transported, and as desperate as thou art, thou canst never be so base as to think of stabbing him in his bed. No, do better, Arsaces, leave him Berenice since he deserves her; his virtue, and the good offices he has done thee, oblige thee to quit her to him, and thou mayst abandon her without meaness of spirit, provided thou also abandon thy life with her; he will not believe thou yield'st her to him for fear of a death, which thou shalt give thyself in his presence; and thou shalt not then be compelled to prolong thy pains, in prolonging thy life for a revenge which perchance thou mayst never be allowed to take. This last thought fixed Arsaces' his resolution more than the rest, and he was still of the same mind when day began to break.  
The Princess Berenice; and Thalestris saw it appear without having hardly closed their Eyes all night, they lay together, as before at Polemon's house; and if the discontents of Oroondates, and Arsaces, tormented them so cruelly, theirs suffered them to rest but very little better. Thalestris had no sooner given Berenice part of the satisfaction she had received by the clearing of matters between Orontes and her, and of the trouble she began to feel for the banishment she had condemned him to, but Berenice with a like confidence imparted her disquiets; she remembered the words her brother had spoken touching Arsaces his infidelity, and they were so deeply engraven in her memory, that from the first moment she had heard them, she was not capable of any rest; she would have had much ado to believe that report if it had come from any other body but the Prince her brother, but she gave so perfect a credit to what he said, that she durst not question what had been told her by so authentic a Witness; that cruel opinion having begun to creep into her mind, tormented her already very violently, and not being able to dissemble her thoughts from that fair Queen, she disburdened part of her griefs into her bosom. The Princess was exceeding moderate, and of a wondrous mild disposition; nor was she transported with any fury, but satisfied herself with weeping, and complaining of Arsaces' his inconstancy, without falling into any rage, or making any imprecations against him. If Arsaces has deceived me (said she) there is no more fidelity to be hoped for in mankind, and I can hardly believe he should have forsaken me without powerful Reasons to persuade him to it; without doubt I was not lovely enough to keep his affections longer; but he had done too much, and I dare say, he had suffered too much for me, to open his Eyes so suddenly to the knowledge of my defects; I for his sake had committed faults, which perhaps will never be forgiven me by severer persons, and I may truly say, that I never by any of my actions gave him just cause to repent of his affection. Though the Princess brought forth these words very calmly, yet did she accompany them with sighs and tears, which made Thalestris judge she was much more deeply touched, than she was willing to make show of: she strove to comfort her in a Disease whereof she herself was already cured, and being very loath to redouble her affliction, she feigned to be ignorant of the cause of Oroondates his words, and told her nothing at all of what she with him believed touching the Loves of Arsaces, and of Queen Statira. As she was thus reserved in consideration of Berenice; Berenice was no less so in regard of her, and would not reveal a secret which she had not yet discovered to the Prince her brother. The desire she had to clear her doubts perfectly with him, made her get out of bed when the Sun was scarcely risen, and as soon as ever she was ready, she went out of her Chamber, to go to Oroondates his Tent. She came thither, and gave him the good morrow, when Arsaces was yet in those cruel agitations which had distracted him all the night. He was still full of irresolution, when Oroondates his servants came into his Chamber, and drawing near to his bedside, told him their Master had sent them to inquire after his health; by this redoubling of obligations, Arsaces his griefs were redoubled, and it fretted him to the heart to see that every moment he became indebted to his Enemy; he asked them something briskly what company was with him? and they without diving into his intention told him that they left the Princess Berenice by his bedside. Arsaces' at that answer could not forbear to cry out, which they attributed only to the pain of his wounds, and being come close to him to learn the cause more particularly; Go (said he) and tell your Master, I shall be quickly cured. With these words he turned his head on the other side, and reflecting upon this last confirmation of his misfortune, he no more doubted but that he ought to die without deferring a minute longer. Thou hast lived too long Arsaces (said he) thou hast lived too long. Thy griefs are too intolerable to languish in them any longer, and if thou no more canst give two lives to thy resentment, appease it by sacrificing the more unfortunate: but offer this sacrifice before the Eyes of ungrateful Berenice; let thy Rival live, since he defends his life so well, and that thou art twice indebted to him for thine; in the condition thou now art, thou canst no more attempt any thing lawfully against him, and in the extremity of those miseries thou sufferest, thou couldst never have the patience to stay for the recovery of thy strength: as he talked thus to himself, he opened one of the Curtains of his Bed, and seeing his Armour which they had laid upon the seats close by his bedside, he pulled one of his arms out of bed, and putting his hand upon his Cuirasse, felt for a Dagger, which he commonly wore there, and having drawn it out of the sheath, he hid it in his bed to make use of it in the resolution he had taken. He then raised himself to sit up, though with much pain, and trouble, and judging that with some help he might be able to stand, he called one of Oroondates his servants which waited in the Chamber, and when he was come to his bedside, he prayed him to reach his clothes, and to help him on with them. The man who saw in what condition he was, made some difficulty to obey him; but Arsaces redoubled his entreaties with so absolute a look, and so imperious a voice, that he no longer had the boldness to refuse what he demanded. He put on his clothes with much ado, and with much incommodiousness to Arsaces, who when he was ready, conveyed the Dagger, so that the man perceived it not, into one of the slieves of his Cassack; after which he desired his assistance to get into his Master's Chamber. The servant who was ignorant of his intentions; made a great scruple of helping him in that design, but when he saw him without Arms, and so feeble that he could hardly sit upright, he believed he might do him that service without putting his Prince into any danger, and moreover Arsaces his countenance, caused so much respect, and so much fear in him together, that he had not the courage to disobey him. By his assistance therefore he rose from his bed, and when he was upon his legs he felt himself so weak that without his support he would not have been able to stand, yet did he begin to walk leaning upon the servants arm, and with much pain, and difficulty made a shift to get into Oroondates his Chamber. The Prince of Scythia was at that time accompanied with Lysimachus, Prince Oxyartes, Artabasus, and Berenice who by reason of those Princes being there had not been able to clear the doubts he had caused in her; scarce had they begun to fall upon some discourse, when they saw Arsaces enter with his guide: he moved so softly, and his face was so exceeding pale, that he presently stirred up more pity than apprehension. The Princess Berenice had no sooner cast her Eyes upon him, but she knew him immediately, yet whither it were by reason of her excessive astonishment, and sudden surprisal, or of the effect her brother's words had already wrought in her, instead of running to meet him, she continued unmovable upon the Chair where she was sitting, and appeared scarce capable of sense at so unexpected an Encounter. Lysimachus whose thoughts at that time were far enough from that Adventure, knew him not at his coming in, and his face was sufficiently changed by his loss of blood, to make a man lose the features of it; yet all believed at the first, that it was that valiant Enemy whose last Actions were a part of their Entertainment, and all of them at his Entrance rose up from their seats, and prepared themselves with attention to observe what he meant to say and do. Oroondates taking notice of the alteration of their countenances, thrust his head a little out of bed, and by that sight concurring in their opinion, he sat up, and without being moved expected the success of that Adventure. Arsaces' being reasonable near the bed, found himself so weak that he was constrained to sink into a chair, where he was scarcely set, when casting his eyes toward Oroondates, and the Princess Berenice; I come not [said he] O happy Lovers, to disturb your contentments, nor to oppose a fortune which my rival has built but upon the ruins of mine; although he possess it with injustice, he has made himself worthy of it by his virtue, and I should be ingrateful to the effects of his generosity, if I should still persist in the design I had against his life. I come O Berenice, [continued he, fixing his eyes wholly upon the Princess] both to vent my last reproaches against thine infidelity, and to deliver up that life at thy feet, which I so blindly gave thee; I will neither put thee in mind of thy oaths, nor of what thou ow'dst unto the services I have done thee, 't will suffice me to tell thee, that by thy shameful inconstancy thou makest thyself unworthy of thy birth, and of Arsaces' his fidelity; the Gods, if they be just, will never suffer it to go unpunished, and to render thee yet more guilty toward them, I lay this life to thy charge, which to the prejudice of all my estate, of all my friends, & even of my honour, I had absolutely resigned unto thy will, & whereof, through a lawful despair, I here accomplish the sacrifice. As he ended these words, he drew the dagger out of the place where he had hid it, and lifting it suddenly into the air, had certainly stabbed himself to the heart, if Lysimachus, who was close by, had not catched hold of him, & stopped his arm just as he was giving the mortal blow. Arsaces' was so weak, that Lysimachus easily got the dagger out of his hand, but while he was eager in that employment, the rest of the company was in a marvellous confusion, and such an one as all the words in the world could not be able to express. Oroondates, Oxyartes, Artabasus, and Araxes had first in Arsaces his face, and after in the tune of his voice found so great a resemblance of a Prince, who formerly had been dearer to them than their own lives, that if by an untimely death he had not been taken from them, they would surely have believed him to be the very same. Oroondates, whom this conceit had made to thrust part of his body out of bed, cast his eye upon the faces of the rest, and observing in them an astonishment as great as his, O Artabasus! (cried he,) O Oxyantes! is not this the face, and voice of poor Artaxerxes? Arsaces who was yet struggling in Lysimachus his arms, turned his head at that demand, and looked Oroondates in the face, which till then the darkness of the place where he lay, and the blindness of his passion had kept him from discerning. At that time it was in open view, and Arsaces had no sooner heedfully considered it, but he sent forth a louder cry than could have been expected from the littleness of his strength, and employing the Relics of it, to rise up from his chair, and creep as far as the bed, he there sunk down upon the Prince of Scythia. O Oroondates (cried he) O my dearest brother, is it you? These words, and this action would absolutely have persuaded the Prince, and the rest of the company that the Valiant Arsaces was no other than Prince Artaxerxes, if they had not remembered that eight whole years were run out, since their own eyes had seen him slain in the battle of Selena. In the mean time Prince Oroondates received his embraces with an imparalelled amazement, and not being able to comprehend any thing of that adventure, O my eyes and ears! (said he) with what illusions do you abuse me? Then did he cast his looks upon the Princess his sister, who as much troubled as the rest, but for different considerations, knew not yet which way she should carry herself; she perceived the agitations of her brother's mind, and being desirous to help him in that encounter. Nay, brother (said she) doubt no more on it; 't is Prince Artaxerxes without illusion. Yes, dearest brother, (added Arsaces) I am Artaxerxes, and if you love me still, me thinks you should not find it so hard a matter to know my face. Oroondates was so besides himself, that he could not yet tell what he should imagine, and though in Arsaces he observed both the voice, the face, and all the gestures of Artaxerxes, and that by his tender endearments, he still perceived his former affection, yet could he not bring his mind to so difficult a belief, nor contradict his own eyes, and the opinion of all Asia, for the death of Prince Artaxerxes. He looked earnestly upon him, without being able to open his mouth, and in the mean time Arsaces' turning toward the rest, and stretching forth his arms to them. What, Uncle (said he to Prince Oxyartes) and you Cousin (to old Artabasus) will not you know me neither? Oxyartes and Artabasus received his kindness, but with such a confusion as kept them still as mute, and as wonderstrucken as before. At last Prince Oroondates broke silence, and greedily devouring Arsaces with his eyes. If I believed (said he) that the dead could recover the lives which they have lost, and if with most part of the world, I did not know that Prince Artaxerxes was killed in the battle of Selena, I should infallibly take you for him, you have all his features, you have all his actions, and 't is by your Valour that I should know him better than by all these marks; but alas! that happiness would be so great, that I dare not so much as raise a thought to it. Artaxerxes was not slain, (replied Arsaces) and he had a destiny in Scythia, directly like to that you had in Persia: I have concealed myself from the whole world, except my Princess only, and 't is by her favour I hope to recover the acquaintance of my dear Oroondates. He accompanied these words with such close, tender embraces, that Oroondates, as much surprised, and besides himself as he was, could no longer be ignorant that 't was he; his heart showed him his dear Artaxerxes, and after his extraordinary agitations were a little passed over, he became certainly confirmed of that strange truth. As soon as that belief was settled in his mind, it produced such violent effects there, that he was like to have died with an excess of contentment, his cheeks were presently bathed in a stream of tears, and his joy broke forth into such passionate expressions, that though the bystanders had not been at all concerned, they could not but have shed tears at such a moving spectacle. He hugged him in his arms almost an hour together, without affording a share in him to any body, and ever and anon crying out, O Artaxerxes! O my dearest brother! without being able to bring forth any other word distinctly; all language is too weak to represent a part of what passed in this encounter; never had man been so passionately beloved of another, as Artaxerxes of Prince Oroondates, unless Artaxerxes himself disputed with him for that advantage; and never had real death been deplored with so many tears, as the supposed death of Artaxerxes had been by his dear Oroondates; nor did the knowledge of his being alive transport him unto less extremities, for all that a most violent passion can produce, appeared at the highest pitch in that encounter. At last Oxyartes and Artabasus required their part in Artaxerxes, and it was just they should possess him for some few moments; scarce could they obtain it of Oroondates, but they pulled him out of his arms, and Lysimachus, who besides the acquaintance he had with him as Arsaces, had so many other reasons to consider him particularly, with ardent entreaties begged the continuation of that friendship, which Arsaces had made him hope he should enjoy. Araxes who had his share of gladness as well as the rest, came and cast himself at his feet, and received also his part in those charming endearments, wherewith the Prince of Persia won the hearts of the most barbarous persons; all the company remained a long time before they could utter any thing that hung together, but when they began to be a little settled, Oroondates, who could not get out of his astonishment, and who, through the excess of his joy could hardly tell what he did, nor where he was, at last recalled past-actions into his memory, and looking upon Arsaces with eyes that were full of love. What, (cried he) was that blood then, which my sacrilegious hand hath shed, the blood of dearest Artaxerxes? And was it against my dear Oroondates [added Arsaces'] that I made such cruel resolutions? O Gods! [continued Oroondates, raising his voice] how many blessings do you send me all at once! you think it not enough to give me Artaxerxes, but you also restore me Statira whom I had lost, and since it was only of Artaxerxes that I was jealous, and that 't was only to Artaxerxes that Statira granted those favours which drove me into despair, Statira is innocent, Statira is not inconstant. This last discovery put the two Princes into new raptures of joy, which had like to have been fatal to them, and Arsaces, who but a few minutes before, came into the Chamber with such cruel suspicions against Berenice, could not be cured of them without falling into inconceiveable ecstasies. How! (said he, quite besides himself with joy) has not Berenice forsaken me then, and was it but to her brother, she gave those mistaken embraces which have cost us so much blood, and which have produced such strange effects? Ah! Madam, (pursued he, turning toward the Princess, and doing his endeavours to throw himself at her feet) what shall guilty Arsaces do to obtain pardon for so many offences, and by what blood can he be able to wash them out, if they have already made him spend the best part of his? He would have said more, and strove to have begged forgiveness on his knees, but the Princess would not suffer him, and forcing modesty to embrace him in her turn. Your faults [answered she] are very pardonable, and instead of punishing them, I acknowledge them as the most powerful marks you could have given me of your affection. Ah! Sister (added Prince Oroondates) how easily do I now excuse the love you bore to that Arsaces, whom I so much hated! and how well are you beloved of the Gods, in that they have reserved for you, the greatest, and most accomplished Prince that ever was! They would all have enlarged themselves further in this discourse; if they had not found that Prince Artaxerxes was extraordinarily ill with those great disorders, and therefore it was necessary to remit the continuation of it, that he might be got to bed again; but the two Princes could never resolve to part so soon, and Arsaces' his bed was fain to be brought into Oroondates his Chamber; where it was presently made ready, and where they laid him with a purpose to let him rest, and to labour for his recovery, with a care very different from that they took before, for the health of a generous Enemy.   
The end of the sixth Book, and of the third Part of Cassandra.    

The fourth Part of CASSANDRA.  

The Author to CALISTA.  
IT is but reason, Calista, that I should watch for you all manner of ways, and that some part of these nights you make me pass without sleep, should be bestowed on this employment which you have ordained me: I obey you without repugnance, both because in pleasing you, I meet my satisfaction, and my perfect glory, and because I indeed find some pleasure in entertaining myself still with persons, towards whom your inclinations have caused a friendship in me. My Heroes now are dearer to me by your approbation, than by their own desert, and since you have judged them worthy of your affections, they are too proud of that high fortune, to neglect any thing from henceforth, that may maintain them in it, or to conceal any of those gallant actions from you which may preserve them in your esteem. They when I was taken up with businesses very different from this, solicited me themselves to give you the continuation of their adventures, and I had your commands too deeply graven in my remembrance to resist their solicitations. I here bring them to you a fourth time, divine Calista, at their next visit they shall take their leave of you, and in this they perhaps will tell you some part of that you have desired from them. If you think my Arsaces' too long in the recital of his life, perchance you will pardon that defect, in consideration of the accidents whereof it is composed, and of the importance of the actions and person, since his Death drew tears from your fair Eyes, and that you have interessed yourself enough both in his return, and in his whole fortune, to hear the relation of it without weariness. If all the adventures of it are not equal, and if you find some places in them not so strong, nor so diverting as others, you will be pleased to consider, that my invention has not had an entire liberty, and that it has been racked by Chronologie, by the truth of the History, and by those things I had already written: and in short that I have been put to it, as many others would have been, to make Darius his son pass his time handsomely in Scythia, whilst his Country was laid desolate, and his father deprived of his Empire, and of his life, by Alexander's victorious forces. Yet in this encounter, and in many others, which truly have kept me in a very troublesome constraint, I have stuck to probability as much as possibly I could, and have made up a story which in mine own opinion is not the most defective of this piece. You yourself it may be will make a more favourable judgement of it, than mine, since you have ever showed as much goodness, and as much complacency to your Cassandra, as you have had little for him who gave her to you before her birth, and who here confirms the gift with that of his own life.   

CASSANDRA, The fourth Part. The first Book.  
WHile nothing but joy resounds in the Prince of Scythia's Tent, sorrow displays all its most mournful effects in that of Antigonus, and in the soul of young Demetrius. That amorous Prince whom the variety of so many objects, and of so many employments, could not divert from his fatal thoughts, was gone out as soon as day began to break, to pay his ordinary tribute to the Ashes of his Hermione. He had washed the cold Marble of her Tomb, with his tears, whose source seemed impossible to be dried up; he had invoked her Ghost, and a thousand times pronounced that name so dear to his remembrance, when after having spent some time in these doleful employments, he began to walk along the River side, seeking in all kind of objects for new matter of increase to his affliction. He was insensibly gotten a good way from the Camp, and already drew near that Walk which reached from the bank of the River unto the Temple of Apollo, when he chanced to light upon an extraordinary Adventure. He first saw certain Horses loosened from a Chariot which stood some twenty paces from them, and a little farther off under certain Trees he saw women sitting upon the grass, and three or four men standing about them. Demetrius his sorrowful humour, made him think of going directly back, or of turning into some other way to avoid that Encounter. For that purpose, after having taken a little circuit, he left that company on his right hand, but passing something near them, he discovered objects that were powerful enough to stay him, and make him change his Resolution. He cast his Eye upon those Women with more curiosity than his grief seemed to have left him, and being naturally he was a Lover, or rather an Idolater of that sex, he began to interess himself in certain sighs and complaints he heard come from among them. That potent inclination, which was predominant in him over all others, suspended the violence of his sorrow for a few moments, and made him capable of some attention, and even of some desire to know more. To satisfy himself he drew near to those Trees again, and took his place behind a Hedge, through which he distinctly could observe the persons whereof that company was composed. There was a young Lady, to whom all the rest bore respect as to the Mistress, or as to the chief of two women that seem'● to be of her Retinue, an old man of reasonable good presence, and some other servants. This Lady was laid along upon the grass, leaning her head in the lap of one of those women; the old man was sitting five or six paces from her, and the servants stood waiting round about them. Demetrius could see the Lady's face but on the side, yet in that little that appeared to his Eyes, he observed an extraordinary beauty. That sight obliged him to lend an ear to their conversation, and then he heard the Lady speak on this manner. Flatter me no longer Theogenes, but think as I do, that this eternal anger of the Gods has no other cause but my ingratitude, and the meaness of my spirit: I am confident enough of it, to believe that it hath drawn part of those Desolations which have fallen upon our house, and I account it a manifest folly to struggle any more against my destiny. Ah! how many misfortunes should I have escaped, if I had not survived that deplorable loss, which settled a gloomy cruel night for ever in my soul! What an infinite of tears should I have spared my eyes, and from how many bloody dismal spectacles should I have freed them? How great remorse, how great repentance should I have avoided, and in short, what a world of miseries should I have forsaken, to enjoy that rest which you have always opposed? Ah! without doubt (continued she, with a voice interrupted by many sighs) without doubt, O most Valiant, and most constant Prince, I ought to have accompanied you to your grave; I should then no more be guilty of faint-heartedness, and should only have felt my first misfortunes. I should not have seen the loss of my friends, and the general ruin of our family, nor should I have been reduced to wander from Province to Province, to seek a sanctuary for this life, which I had so many occasions to hate. This fair desolate Lady brought forth these words with so sad and yet so pleasing a tune, that they pierced even into the very soul of Demetrius, and presently begot a desire in him, both to know that stranger, and to offer her his assistance in the miseries she complained of. With this intent, lending an ear to their discourse more carefully than before, he heard that the old man, after having kept silence a good while, made this reply. It is no longer time, Madam, to renew your griefs by these tragical remembrances which afflict you, and to seek out new matter of sorrow in a wound, which time, your reason, and your resignation to the will of the Gods, aught to have perfectly cured. You have spent time enough in mournful employments, and you have showed both sense enough of your losses, and contempt enough of your life, to fear no reproaches of ingratitude, or of meanness of Spirit. Think now of giving some rest unto your mind, and begin to hope for an end of part of your miseries. The Gods do expressly command it you, and they have discovered their intentions clearly enough, to leave your disobedience no excuse, and to free you from all new cause of apprehension. What would you have me hope, O Theogenes? (said the fair afflicted Lady, with a sigh) shall I hope for the recovery of those persons I have lost? and will those Gods, whose pleasure ought to be a sacred Law to us, restore me the King my Father, of whose death these eyes were sad spectators? will they regain me that dear Prince, whom my ingratitude sent unto his grave? Ah! Theogenes, you know that that's the true cause of all my tears, and if you will have me hope for the end of my wander, and for that refuge which we seek against our persecuters, how little able is that hope to comfort me, and besides, how little certainty is there in it! That great man, at whose feet we went to seek both refuge, and revenge, is now no longer in this world, and his Valiant successors are embroiled in quarrels themselves, which will leave them but little sense of ours. The Lady without question would have said more, if Demetrius by chance had not showed himself a little, and by that sight interrupted their conversation. When he saw he was discovered, he resolved to make his addresses to that stranger, and assure her that amongst Alexander's successors, she should still find that generosity, which made him protect the miserable, and the oppressed. At his coming toward them, the fair stranger raised up her head, and observing something that was great and noble in Demetrius his face, she believed him to be a man of quality, and thought herself obliged to rise, to repay part of his salutation. Demetrius had no sooner cast his eyes upon her, but he was in a manner blinded with the lustre of that mervelous beauty, and calling to mind the remembrance of the most accomplished ones he knew, he was of opinion that he had seen nothing in the faces of the Princess Berenice, or of Queen Statira, which might not be equalled in that of this young stranger. The whitest and smoothest things in the whole world, came nothing near the delicacy of her skin, all the lineaments of her face were formed, as it were in emulation, with the most exact proportion nature could possibly bestow, and her eyes had something in them that was extremely moving, but moving with so much sweetness and Majesty together, that 't was impossible to bear the glances of them without being dazzled. They inclined toward black, and her hair was of the same colour; her neck, her hand, her stature left nothing to be desired for their perfection, and the amazed Demetrius found so many causes of admiration in that lovely object, that he lost part of his confidence, and could not approach so divine a person, without extraordinary fear and respect. Yet did he draw near her with a very low obeisance, and when she had returned, what the greatest strangers thought due to his graceful fashion. Madam, (said he) the liberty I take, would not be pardonable, if the cause of it were not very lawful; nor had I interrupted your conversation, but to put you out of the doubts you have of Alexander's successors. My nearest and best friends hold some rank amongst them, and I shall not be disavowed by the better part, when I protest to you that they will receive the occasions of doing you service, as the most glorious fortunes that can befall them. Demetrius spoke these words with such a grace, that the fair stranger found little less reason of astonishment in him, than he had met in her, and knowing both by his words, and by many marks of greatness, which shone forth visibly in him, that he was no common person, she received his discourse, and answered him with much civility. Whosoever you are (said she) that with such goodness offer your assistance to afflicted persons; your countenance gives much credit to your words, and I shall never doubt, but that such a man as you are, must needs be one, and one of the most worthy successors of Alexander. I am one of the least considerable amongst them (replied Demetrius) but I have confidence enough in their friendship, and in their virtue, to offer you all the succour you can desire of them, and to interess them in your quarrel, with a zeal which will make them forget their own to serve you. Their affairs (answered the stranger) are so great and so important, that the interests of a miserable woman ought not to withdraw them from him, neither is it my intention to make them any uncivil request, but only to demand a retreat against my cruel Enemies, who having destroyed an illustrious family, allied many ways to that of Alexander the Great, do prosecute the wretched Relics of it, with an unparalelled inhumanity. You may obtain all that you can desire of them without demanding it (said Demetrius,) and they that could refuse any thing, to the very look of a person like yourself, would be unworthy of the memory of Alexander. The alliance of your family to that great King, will be very considerable among them, who acknowledge all their glory, and all their fortune from him, but your beauty will persuade them more powerfully than any other argument whatsoever. The fair stranger, extremely satisfied with this first encounter, which by Demetrius his civility, made her judge favourably of that of his companions, was already passionately desirous to know him, and her desire, which she durst not express, was beginning to appear in her face, when some Officers of the Army passing by, and seeing Demetrius, came towards him with much respect; whereby she learned the greatness of his quality, but not being fully satisfied with that, she made sign to the old man, who accompanied her, to inform himself more particularly. Theogenes had no sooner heard from one of those men, and the fair stranger from Theogenes, that it was Demetrius the Son of Antigonus, whose name was known through all Europe, and Asia, but coming to him; Sir, (said she) I by so many marks of greatness as appear in you, might certainly know you to be a Prince, and I was already confident of it, before I heard you were the Son of Prince Antigonus; his name is not unknown in our Countries, neither was his person to the King my Father; Your youth hath not hindered your reputation from extending itself, as far as the place of my nativity, and I cannot but thank my fate, for having so happily given me this first encounter. Demetrius answered with very low submission, and reiterated the offers he had made her with so much affection and respect, that she thought she was obliged to discover herself to him, and to give him a perfect knowledge of her fortune. For which purpose, Sir (replied she) if your generosity incites you already to comfort my misfortunes, I hope when they are known to you, you will not lose those charitable desires, and the obligation I have to your goodness, will not suffer me longer to conceal the name, nor the life of this unfortunate woman, whom you have thought worthy of your assistance. The recital of my sad adventures may perhaps be tedious to you, but if you please to grant them an hours time, I hope I shall interess you in my fortune, and I shall make confessions to you, which I cannot do without shame, nor without showing my acknowledgement for your civilities, and the confidence I have in your virtue. Demetrius confounded at so obliging a discourse, could not find words to express the sense he had of it, and the sight, and sweet conversation of that divine stranger, having in part suspended his remembrance of Hermione, he prepared himself for attention, with a respect suitable to the favour he received, and having testified how considerable it was to him, he sat down with her, by her command, and making sign to the Officers to retire, he lent a greedy ear to her relation, which she began immediately in these words.  

The History of Deidamia.  
I shall not injure modesty, if I tell you, that there is no blood more illustrious, than that whereof I am descended, since indeed it draws its original from the Gods, and that from Father to Son without any interruption, we fetch our pedigree from the great Achilles; He was the Father of Pyrrhus, who after the siege of Troy, being driven out of his Country, came to inhabit among the Molosses, where he established the Monarchy of the Epirotes. His Son succeeded him in the Crown, and his posterity hath reigned after him in a right male line to King Arimbas, the Father of Alexander my Uncle King of Epirus, of Aeacidas my Father who succeeded him in that Kingdom, and of Queen Olympus the wife of Philip, and Mother of Alexander the Great. By this short touch of our genealogy, I have let you see the kindred that was between the late King Alexander, and us, and moreover you without doubt have heard, how to augment that alliance between our families, King Philip gave his daughter Cleopatra, whom he had by a former wife, in marriage to Alexander my Uncle, who by that double affinity became both his Son in Law, and his Brother in Law.  
After this knowledge of my quality, I will tell you, that I was born of Prince Aeacidas, and of the Princess Phtia his wife, the daughter of Menon the Thessalian, who acquired so great a reputation in the Lamaick War. I was bred up in the Court of King Alexander my Uncle, and he seeing himself childless, and loving the Prince his brother very dearly, caused great care to be taken of my education, the Princess, my Mother contributing on her side, whatsoever could be expected from so tender an affection, as that she bore me. I will not entertain you with the particulars of my infancy, among which there is nothing worthy to be told you, and 't will be sufficient to let you know I passed it without any trouble, and that that was the only time wherein I tasted any sweetness or tranquillity. I was as much made of by the King my Uncle, and by the Queen his wife, as if I had been their own daughter, and the marks of a reasonable good nature which were observed in me, rather than the appearances of a growing beauty, wherewith some began to persecute me, gained me the affections of the whole Court. I lived on this manner, (since I must abridge the recital of matters of small importance) until my thirteenth year, which was the last of the calm, and quickness of my life. The King my Uncle, in whom the fame of the other Alexander his brother in Law, and his Nephew begot an emulation, and who was neither behind him in ambition, nor in courage, imagined himself to be born for great enterprises as well as he; and did not despair of obtaing as glorious Victories as his. With this design, he raised a potent Army, and aiming at the conquest of the West, he passed into Italy, after having put the government of his Kingdom into the hands of my Father, who took the care of it upon him at his desire, and bearing a great affection to his brother, used that confidence he had in him with a perfect fidelity, and acquitted himself without reproach of the charge that had been given him. The Kingdom for a certain time remained peaceable enough, but within a while after, some of the Molosses, who naturally are a stirring seditious people, rose up in Arms by the secret practices of Antipater, whom Alexander the Great had left in Macedonia, and who contrary to his Master's intentions, strove to make himself great in Europe, at the cost of his neighbours, and Allies: To foment the Rebellion of the Molosses, he under hand furnished them with men and money, and by his assistance they grew so powerful, that at last they made War openly, set a mighty Army on foot, and marched strait toward Aeacidas with an intent to give him Battle. My Father, who at first had been a little negligent of that revolt, was extremely unprepared; yet having a very good courage, he with all possible speed drew together those forces he had, and giving order for new levies, had not the patience to stay till they were in a readiness to serve him, but went to meet the Rebels, with a handful of men. He trusted in the Justice of his cause, and believed that his Enemies half conquered by their guilt, would never have the boldness to stay his coming; but be found himself deceived in that expectation, and having given them battle very unseasonably, his Army weaker by the half than theirs, was utterly defeated, and scarce was he able with a small remainder of his men, to save himself in Ambracia the Metropolis of the Kingdom, where the whole Court did still reside. Then it was that he saw the fault he had committed, in fight so rashly; and that foreseeing the continuation of that War, and the progress the Enemies might make if they knew how to lay hold of their advantage, he sent Dispatches on all sides to his Allies, to demand their assistance, and in the interim laboured to fortify the Town, and gathered together all the Forces he had caused to be levied. While he was thus employed, the Rebels made themselves Masters of the Field under the Conduct of one Tharritas a valiant Commander, and finding no more resistance, came audaciously and laid siege before Ambracia, where we were all retired: my father had already put it in a condition to make defence, and to wait for the relief of his Allies, and 'twas that knowledge that made him expect the Enemy without fear. The Approaches of that siege were very bloody, and the first Events thereof were doubtful; there were many men slain on either side, but our losses were more considerable than theirs, and while our numbers decreased, theirs grew more potent every day. The little understanding I have in War, hinders me from making you a long discourse of it, and I the more willingly pass over the Relation, because 'tis of little consequence to the knowledge of my life. Among those that held out that siege with us was Neoptolemus, the cruel Author of our misfortunes, a Prince of the blood of the Aeacideses, as we were, and who next to the royal Family, was the chief in all Epirus, though he wanted a Crown, he wanted not a desire to have one, and to attain that sovereign dignity, he would neither have left any thing unattempted, nor have thought any thing difficult to his ambition. He from my earliest years had applied himself to serve me, and at that time was diligent enough to let me see it, whether it were that he really was in love with me, or that in our alliance he found advantages, and means to support himself in the State. Aeacides suffered him to proceed without being offended at it, because of Neoptolemus his quality, which at that time was little disproportionate to ours; but yet he had no great desire to that match, whether it were that he liked not Neoptolemus his person; or having but one only daughter, with whom he flattered himself, and of whom he had conceived too good an opinion, he had some higher aim for her; or that perhaps he was willing to comply with my inclinations which were no way bend to love Neoptolemus: indeed I saw nothing in his person that was not unpleasing to me, and I had taken such an aversion against him, as made me receive all the proofs of his affection as so many injuries. He was extremely busy in the siege to make himself considerable to us, and undertook sometimes to sally forth upon the Enemies, but he was always beaten in again, and succeeded so ill in all his Enterprises, that our condition was thereby much impaired. In the mean time our Enemies had great advantages over us, they had taken our outworks, stopped all passages of Victuals and Relief that might come to us, and had shut us up in our Walls with little hope of the Event of that War; My father was like to have died for grief, and knowing that the King his brother was too far off, and too deeply engaged in his new Conquests (the noise whereof had often come to our ears) to expect any assistance from him, and that he had no news of help from his Allies, upon which he had depended, he knew not what to resolve upon, and for a cruel surcharge of his afflictions, he heard that the Forces he had given order to raise in his Provinces, were cut in pieces by our Enemies, who went to meet them, and that on every side all hope was forbidden him. This knowledge put the whole Court in very great perplexity, and began so to deject the soldiers hearts, that it was very hard to make them labour for their own defence; our provisions also began to fail us, and in short, we saw ourselves reduced to wondrous great extremity. Aeacides would not capitulate with his Enemies, whither it were that he resolved to be faithful to his brother even to the utmost, or that he disinherited the words of those Rebels. We no longer had any hope but in the assistance of Heaven, when Heaven gave us proof that it had not forsaken us, and sent us Relief in a time, when without its arrival we were in no possibility of safety. All the passages, as I have said already, were so close blocked up, that no intelligence of it could any way come to us; and 'twas from the tops of our Towers, that we perceived a dust, and saw the Arms of our Allies glitter against the sun, we wavered between hope and fear, and could not discern whether those Forces were Friends or Enemies, when we from far discovered them fight with our besiegers, and within a little after, we received a more perfect assurance by some of their Horsemen, who having slipped aside during the skirmish, had found means to get near our Walls, and to shoot Arrows into the City, at whose heads there were Letters fastened, which were brought to my father, containing words to this effect.  
Agis King of the Lacedæmonians to Prince Aeacides.  
I Come to your relief with ten thousand Grecians, able to subdue your Rebels; expect an infallible Victory over them, and to facilitate it, sally you forth upon their backs, while we are fight with them on the other side, this double assault will without doubt put them in disorder, and I hope we shall in one day make an end of the War.  
These words caused such a joy in my father, and in all the besieged, as can very hardly be expressed, and raised their drooping courages so suddenly that they demanded nothing more but Arms, to make a sally upon their Enemies. By my father's Orders, Neoptolemus at the head of two thousand men, went forth of the Gates to fall upon those that were left to guard the Trenches, and did it so successfully that they were constrained to quit them, and retire to their Companions, who already were engaged in a sharp Encounter with the Grecians; Neoptolemus pursued them, and when all the forces were joined, they fought a cruel and a bloody battle; they of our party who came off, assured us afterward that they had seen the valiant Agis do Actions that surpass all belief, and all imagination; that all the Deeds of Achilles, and of other the most renowned Heroes which fame hath delivered to our Times, could hardly equal those prodigious ones he did that day. To say truth he fought so well, and was so bravely seconded by his men, that our Enemies, though more than they by a third part in number, were utterly defeated, their General killed by the hand of valiant Agis, and the Relics of them that escaped the slaughter, retired in disorder to certain places that were at their devotion. Never was there seen so gallant, nor so sudden an Execution, and when they brought us news of it, and that we heard we were conquerors, and freed from a siege, which but four hours before, threatened no less than our total ruin, we at first could hardly give credit to those miracles; yet were they soon confirmed to us when we saw our valiant Deliverer approach our Walls. Aeacides went forth to meet him, and to honour him the more would needs have us keep him company, attended by all the Ladies of the Court, who prepared themselves with joy to show their compliance to his desires. We met him a few furlongs from our Gates, and as the effects of his valour had astonished us, we found new causes of admiration in his person, and would it had pleased the Gods I had only admired him, and that acknowledgement and esteem had been the only Recompenses I had given him, both for the general, and my particular safety. Ah I Remembrance, thou Enemy to my Repose, (continued the Princess breaking forth into tears) why dost thou represent my valiant Agis to me in the condition he first appeared before my Eyes; and since that of his loss can never be wiped out of my mind, why dost thou bring him again into it with all those advantages, which made him a thousand times more dear to me than this deplorable life, which I shamefully and miserably languish out after his death.  
This fair Princess was constrained to stay in this part of her Narration, to give leisure to her tears to vent themselves, and to her speech to resettle itself in a condition to prosecute her Discourse. Demetrius, who began to be highly concerned in her affairs, who had a tender heart, and an excellent good nature, and who besides had often heard tell of the prodigies, that valiant King of the Lacedæmonians had done against Antipater, bore the Princess company in that sad employment, and was going to speak some words of comfort to her, when after having wiped her Eyes, she went on with her story thus.  
Pardon Sir, this confession which is shameful in a Princess, 'tis true, (since I must avow it to my confusion) I have been sensible of a passion, but I was too much Mistress of it, and therein lies my ingratitude, & the blackest of all my crimes: I'll tell you then, that I saw my valiant Agis at the head of his Forces, his Arms were all besmeared with blood and dust, but his head was uncovered, and I observed certain features in his face, of which I should say, I had never seen any thing like them, if I had not seen that of Demetrius: his graceful carriage was hardly to be matched in the whole world, and the heat of the fight had added a colour to his complexion, which gave new lustre to his natural handsomeness; he was but two and twenty years of age, yet had he already done a thousand Actions, the reputation of which began to spread itself much beyond the narrow limits of Greece; I was already so disposed to wish him well, for the good office he had done us, that he appeared to my Eyes with all manner of advantage, but I thought him much more lovely, when at our meeting he alighted from his Horse, and came with great humility to salute Queen Cleopatra my Aunt, the Princess my Mother, and myself; he received Aeacidas his thanks and praises with an unparalleled modesty, and entertained the Ladies with a civility, which visibly showed him to be a Prince extremely well bred, and made appear the advantage the Lacedæmonians had above all other Nations, whose Education and Discipline are very different from those of Sparta: after we had given a very honourable Reception to our valiant Defender, which he accepted with a wonderful modesty, he went into the Town with us, and was lodged in the fairest Quarter of the Palace, all the people considered him as their tutelary Angel, and he could not pass through the streets without being crowded by the throng, and made deaf with the acclamations which echoed to the sky. The rest of the day wherein he had done so much, and so successfully to our advantage, was allowed to his Repose, but he afterward confessed to me, he tasted but very little that night, and that the sight of me had caused such disquiets in him as he never had felt before. I know not how he became so blinded as to think there was something lovely in me, but in effect he saw me, and loved me, and from the first sight of him, I cannot deny but that I had strong inclinations to love him also, this is something a free confession; but the person of Agis was such, and our obligation to him so considerable, that it was hard for me to defend myself against those thoughts he imprinted in my mind: I perceived the birth of it, by some little cares which began to trouble me more than ordinary, and remembering that I had often seen his Eyes fixed upon my face with a particular heedfulness, I flattered myself with an opinion that perchance I might be indifferent to him; I was then so young, and had till that time been bred up in such a way, that all thought of this nature were utterly strangers to me, and yet I let my heart incline toward them, with a facility whereof I should never have suspected it. I do not repent myself, O valiant Agis, for never did Prince better deserve the affection of a Princess; I blush not for shame of having given it you, and am so far from those severer thoughts, that I shall blush, and weep so long as I live, for shame, and for grief that I loved you not enough. The next day when he had waited upon the Queen, and the Princess my Mother, he came also to visit me in my Chamber, his face and clothes were not then covered with blood and dust, but though being in another dress, he seemed more handsome than the day before, me thought he was less confident; and as bold and eloquent as he was, he then was in such a silence, and such a confusion, that I could not choose but partake with him in it; all his discourse was nothing but civility, yet he accompanied it with looks, and sighs, which strengthened those suspicions that began to settle themselves pleasingly in my mind. He stayed two days longer with us, during which time he had not the confidence to discover his intentions, but when he could no more conceal them, he declared them in a very gallant, and a very extraordinary manner. He had already proposed unto my Father, that it was necessary to prosecute the remainder of the Rebels, and that without giving them time to recruit, it was best to make ourselves Masters of all the Country, and recover the places they had taken from us, before they had put themselves in a condition to defend them. For the Execution of this Design, after having given only three days to the refreshing of his Forces, he resolved to take the Field with eight thousand of his men that still were left, and four thousand Epirotes under the command of Theogenes, this old man you see here with me, whose quality is considerable in Epirus, and whose experience in War has showed itself in many employments of that nature. Agis would by no means suffer Aeacidas to stir out of the City, whether it were to prevent intestine Rebellions, or that he might have the glory alone of having ended that War, and save the Crown of Epirus from manifest ruin. The Army was already drawn up in the field, and their Valiant General was in the Palace Hall, where he was taking his leave of my Father, and of the whole Court, which was there assembled; After he had loudly promised my Father that within two months he would make him peaceful Master over all Epirus, Aeacidas more obliged to him than can be expressed, both for his passed actions, and for what he was going to undertake in favour of that Kingdom, knew not which way he should thank him sufficiently, but after having exalted his praises to the clouds: By what means (said he) O the most Valiant, and the most generous of all Princes, by what means shall we be able to acknowledge our engagements to you, and what worthy recompense can we offer to the defender of our lives and liberties? certainly the gifts of this Crown you have preserved, and the blood of all that are subjects to it, would be too light a return for what you have done for them; and if in your gallant actions, glory were not your only aim, you would leave a Country peaceable and Triumphant (indeed) by your Valour, but generally afflicted for its want of power, which will keep it for ever in a forced ingratitude. Agis taking occasion by this encouragement to declare his intentions. Do not think Sir, (said he to my Father) that I am so perfectly generous as to quit the hope of reward you promise to my services; I began to do you them out of a duty which binds us to our Allies, and out of that consideration of glory which you allege; but in what I have yet to do for you, suffer me a little to consider my own interest, and since you judge me worthy of some recompense, give me leave to demand it, and to hope for it particularly from yourself. By all the Gods (cried Aeacidas, lifting up his hands to heaven) King Agis shall never pretend to any thing from me, which shall not be granted him, and I shall not think myself less happy in requiting his great Obligations, than I have been in receiving them. If it be so (replied Agis with a contented look) I am the most glorious, and the most fortunate of all men living, and since it is not possible for me longer to conceal the favour I desire from you, I demand a price Sir, which is infinitely above my services, and that is no other thing but the permission to serve the Princess Deidamia. All the company was surprised at this discourse as much as you can imagine, Aeacidas was in a manner astonished, and I was strucken into a confusion which I am not able to represent; yet he having already won the affections of the whole Court, the whole Court interessed itself joyfully in his demand, and testified their sense of it by cries, and clapping of hands, which confirmed my Father in the knowledge of the advantages he saw in that proposition; and to say truth he received it very handsomely, and breaking the silence, in which that surprise had held him for awhile, he turned towards Agis, and discovering his intention by a countenance more cheerful than ordinary; Sir, (said he) my daughter hath no way merited the honour you do her, but if you have found any thing in her worthy of your esteem, I find no less advantage to myself by this last obligation, than this whole Kingdom has to you for your former ones; If I could give her Empires for a dowry, I should accept of your alliance with greater joy, but since that, such as she is, you have not disdained her, I command her to receive this honour withal that respect and acknowledgement which is due to a Prince like yourself. And I, (replied the Prince) do here declare, that I will not abuse your goodness, nor the command you impose upon her; for pretending to nothing from you, but the permission of serving her, I leave her fully at liberty, to make what judgement she shall please of my services: when the Kingdom is settled in peace, I will come to lay them at her feet, and if by them I can obtain to a confirmation of the favour you show me, I will beg the continuance of it, which I shall prefer both before all the Empires of the World, and before all the sublimest fortunes. As he ended these words, he bent one knee to the ground before me, and taking one of my hands, which I could not refuse him in that company, especially after my Father's command. Madam, (said he) let the violence of my passion gain pardon for my insolence; respect made me demand the consent of the Prince your Father, before its declaration, but I'll draw no advantage thence which can displease you, and will never ask that by his Authority, which I shall not be able to procure by my services; grant me the favour to second his approbation of them, and to accept the gift I make you, of a life which shall never be but the Princess Deidamia. When he had ended these words he kissed my hand, and both by that action, and by what he had said, drew a blush into my cheeks, and put me into a confusion, which left me not the power to answer him; neither was it necessary I should, and the Princess my Mother, being willing to help me out of that trouble, spoke for me, and addressing herself to the King, who already was risen from his knee. Sir, (said she) you will be pleased to spare Deidamia a declaration, whereof her age is incapable, and give me leave to assure you for her, that she will ever be most ready to acknowledge the good inclinations wherewith you honour her, both according to the merits of so great a King, and according to the command of the Prince her Father. Agis appeared transported at this reply, and having saluted the Princess my Mother in the same manner as he had done me, he received the endearments of Aeacidas, and of the whole Court, with demonstrations of a perfect contentment, and not making any longer stay, after he had taken his last farewell, he went out of the Palace, and so out of the Town, and having hindered my Father's intention, which was to wait upon him part of that days march, he placed himself at the head of his Army, and advanced directly toward the Enemy.  
It would be no easy matter for me to represent what my thoughts were really at that time, but I may well confess to you that they inclined toward joy, and that as young as I was, I found nothing in this encounter but occasions of satisfaction; the surprise of Agis his unexpected proceeding, had put me a little out of countenance, but my being already disposed to wish him very well, quickly obtained his pardon for it, and reflecting upon the excellent qualities of his person, I in that conquest found all manner of contentment, and advantage to myself. I considered that the way he had gone, was full of an exceeding great regard to me, and that in ask my Father's approbation, before he made me acquainted with his love, he had showed the respect he bore our family, and had freed me from all the blame a Princess might receive, by giving way to a secret pretender. In short, both for all these reasons, and the remembrance of his merit, I began to love him in good earnest, and the will of my friends affords excuse enough to my affection, to give me liberty to own it to you. I saw nothing in his person that was not lovely to the highest point, nay, I could not so much as wish for any thing that was not to be found most advantageously in him; This affection which I felt take birth, without making any opposition to hinder it, began to cause disquiets in me, to which I had not been accustomed, and the effect absence uses to produce in the hearts of those that love, entering insensibly into mine, grief for his being away, and fear for those dangers whereinto he was going to cast himself, found place in it very quickly, and I made no prayers to Heaven, without employing part of them for his safety, and for his speedy return. The Prince my Father, and the Princess my Mother, who saw real advantages both to them and me in his Alliance, confirmed me in those thoughts themselves, and the whole Court united his interests, through the present remembrance of those important Obligations it had to him, rung his praises eternally in my ears, and fortified me in my affection by all manner of reasons. Only Neoptolemus was discontented at it, but discontented even to rage, and not being able to dissemble his resentments, he murmured loudly at the injustice that was done him, in preferring a stranger Prince, whom they hardly knew, before a Prince of the blood of the Aeacidas, and in suffering him in one day to carry away the recompense of the services of his whole life. He made his complaint to my Father, but reaped very little satisfaction, nay, he complained of it to me myself, but in such insolent terms, that I was forced to tell him he had no reason to envy Agis his Fortune, for though my Father had not disposed of me in favour of that Prince, his condition had been never a whit the better, and in short, that though there had never been such a man as Agis in the World, Deidamia would never have been for Neoptolemus. He was not much contented with this answer, but not being in a condition to let his resentments break out further, while Agis was busied for the safety of Epirus, which was wholly indebted to him for it, he strove to dissemble them till another season, that might be more proper for him to take satisfaction. In the mean time our Valiant defender drew the War gloriously to a conclusion, I understand it too little to enlarge myself in the particular Relation thereof, and 'twill suffice me to tell you, that within three months he gained another Battle over the Rebels, perfected the Defeat of them in some other Encounters, which were all favourable to him, and either by force, or by the terror of his Arms, made himself Master of all the places they had gotten unto their party. Still as we received news of these successes, I received Letters from him also, I will not trouble you with relating what they contained, most of them I have forgotten, and only remember the very first, which was in these words.  
King Agis to the Princess Deidamia.  
WHat will not the fortunate Agis, inspired with the remembrance of the Princess Deidamia, be able to do for the tranquillity of Epirus: and what may not be hoped for, from a heart animated with so glorious a passion? I would it pleased the Gods I were as certain of the Victory over my Princess' mind, as over the Enemies of this State; but what Victory can he hope for, who begins by his own defeat, and who declares himself conquered before he has fought? In this condition of my fortune, the success of this War could not be to my advantage, but that which others may find in Conquests, and in Triumphs, is found by happy Agis in the glory of being vanquished by Deidamia.  
This was the first Letter I received, and by my Father's command I wrote him an Answer, which my Mother dictated, and which as I remember was in these terms.  
The Princess Deidamia, to the King of the Lacedæmonians.  
BOth to conquer the Enemies of Epirus, and to conquer the mind of Deidamia, King Agis hath Arms which promise him an infallible success, his valour alone is sufficient to defeat the Rebels, and as touching the Victory he desires over my mind, he ought to hope for it, not only from the will of them that have power to dispose of me, but from that they have left unto myself, which shall ever make me acknowledge as well what my friends owe to his generosity, as what I am indebted to his merit, and to his affection.  
I received many others, as I have already told you, but within a while after we received himself, crowned with Laurels, and laden with the spoils of his Enemies, whose remainders he had settled in an obedience, which left not so much as any appearance of trouble in the Kingdom. You may easily judge how he was welcomed, and can imagine without my telling it, that all the magnificence the Epirotes could possibly show, was to be seen when he made his entrance; we went a great way forth to meet him, and that interview passed with demonstrations of joy and affection, which it would be very difficult to represent; but our particular meeting stirred up more tender, and more pressing motions in our hearts than in the rest of the company, and I confess that in that second Encounter, I in the person of my Agis found a thousand new inducements to love him. That first day was spent in Triumphs, and in rejoicings for his Return, and for the happy success of his Enterprises, he came to visit me at my lodging, and gave me a thousand confirmations of his love, with a grace, against which it was impossible, not only for the prepossessed Deidamia, but even for the most insensible woman of the world to defend herself. I come not (said he) as a Conqueror to demand a Recompense for what I have done to secure this Kingdom, but as a guilty person that waits at your feet to expect what punishment you will inflict upon his presumption; and I acknowledge that I have less defended Epirus with my Forces, than I have offended Deidamia by my audacious thoughts: but I was not Master of that noble passion, which totally possessing my soul with an absolute Empire, left me not the least power in the world over myself; and I believed that putting myself into the hazard of dying for you, there was too much glory, in my destiny to forbear to publish it; 'twas that that made me hasten a Declaration, which perhaps you have not forgiven me, and though I am not able to repent it, I accounted my temerity so worthy to be condemned, that I shall think what sentence for ever you pronouce against it to be both just and merciful. As he made an end of these words, he fixed his Eyes on mine with such a passionate action, that his silence expressed his thoughts more eloquently than they had done; and knowing that I should neither displease Aeacidas, nor injure the modesty of my sex, by giving him civil proofs of my affection, I made no difficulty of taking a little liberty in favour of him, and of following the command of my friends, the wishes of the whole Court, and the incitements of mine own inclination. Sir, (said I after I had stayed a while without reply) your services are most important, and your offences very light, and that Declaration, whereof you accuse yourself as of a crime, was made with too much respect and freedom, to leave me any matter of complaint against you; I think it a most judicious course, for persons of your quality and mine, and my Father's approbation gives me the liberty to consider your good will, upon which I should not have been able to have cast my Eyes, without the knowledge of his; I will confess to you moreover, since this confession is due to the merit of your person, and to that of the great obligations you have laid upon us, that in the order he gave me in favour of you, I found no repugnance in myself to obey him, nor while I live will I ever have any to acknowledge your affection. Agis was quite transported with joy at this Reply, and lifting up his hands and Eyes to Heaven, O fortune, (cried he) thou dost but play with my destiny, and these favours are too great to be of any long continuance; thou, in the beginning of my services, hast given me a prize, which could not be due to the most obsequious endeavours of my whole life; and without doubt thou wilt forsake me when I have merited part of it by my fidelity. He spoke these prophetic words, and many others, with such raptures of joy, as visibly expressed the greatness of his passion; and afterwards made me a thousand protestations of an inviolable constancy, with such sweet and moving language, that there are but few hearts in which they would not have left a deep impression. He continued frequently to make me the like visits, but being desirous to stay in our Court, without being burdensome to the people of Epirus, he sent back his Forces into Greece, under the conduct of one of his Commanders, and kept only with him his menial servants. He protested publicly that he would not abuse Aeacidas his goodness, and that he pretended not to his Alliance, but when he should have merited it from me, and that I should know him so well, as he might hope for that through my inclination, which I as yet paid him out of obedience. This manner of proceeding was extremely civil, and obliging to me, but it was very imprudent for him, and gave him cause enough to repent it afterward. In the mean time he served with so great assiduity, and with marks of so true, and so respectful a passion, that all that the most ardent, and most skilful Lovers ever practised to make themselves be loved, must yield to the proofs I received of his affection; he complied so perfectly with my desires, and resigned himself so absolutely to my inclinations, that he seemed to be inspired only by my thoughts, or rather to be enlivened only by my soul, and indeed he made as fair a progress in his purpose, as he could have wished, and I am obliged to confess to you, that never man succeeded better than he, in the design of making himself beloved by a person of my humour and condition. It is true that I loved him, but with so strong and so real an affection, that it hardly was inferior to his. All the world approved it, and all those that knew of it, thought it so well grounded, that it never was condemned but by Neoptolemus alone. That Prince indeed, enraged that Agis was preferred before him, murmured publicly at it, and left nothing unattempted to cross our affairs; he made use of a thousand inventions to set dissension between us, and so exasperated Agis, that if had not expressly forbidden him, he would without doubt have punished him for the plots he contrived against him. What, Sir, (said he one day to my Father) do you imagine that the Alliance of the King of Sparta can be advantageous to you, of a King of one City, and of a City whose Sovereigns are slaves? Are you blinded with a little valour, and a little handsomeness in his person? And will your Condition be ere the better for having a handsome Son-in-Law in Greece? if he have done any service to this State, does it belong to you to recompense him? and is there not a King of Epirus who is wholly obliged to him for it? If the King your brother, to whom I have the honour to be nearly allied were here, do you think he would prefer this petty Prince of Greece, before a Prince of the Blood of Achilles, as he himself is, before a Prince whose birth, whose person, and whose fidelity are known to him? He used many discourses of this nature, which my Father pardoned in regard of his passion, and of his birth, but which wrought no effect at all upon him. One day he was in my Chamber, where he had talked a great while to me upon that subject, whereby he got but little satisfaction, when Agis came in, but Neoptolemus who could not endure his presence went out without giving him any salute, and before he departed, casting a furious look at me; I leave the place to the more fortunate, said he aloud; rather to the more worthy, answered Agis briskly; Neoptolemus stung with that Reply, was going to return words which would have incensed them more, if I had not prevented it by expressly enjoining them silence; and that very day my Father having been advertised of it, pressed them with so earnest entreaties to pass their words to him, that neither of them could refuse to promise he would be quiet.  
In short, Agis had obtained what he demanded, and having won my heart according to his desire, expected nothing for the consummation of his love, but the return of a man whom Aeacidas, obliged to that respect by all manner of reason, had sent to the King his brother to demand his permission for our Marriage; but while they were in this expectation, and that I lived with my dear Agis as a person who was upon the point of giving herself wholly to him, his fortune suffered a very strange revolution. News came, and but too true for our repose, that King Alexander my uncle, after having made such a progress in Italy, as promised him the total Conquest of it, was defeated in the Country of the Brusians, and slain upon the place with the greatest part of his Forces. All Epirus was most sensibly concerned in the loss of that King, who was a man of admirable parts, and of a boundless courage, but Aeacidas was comforted by the Crown, which by that death was set upon his head. Alexander had no issue, and there was no body in Epirus that could dispute the succession with my Father; neither was it disputed, but with a general consent he was crowned in our capital City, and of a Prince's daughter which I was before, I became a Kings, and the probable inheritrix of the Crown. The Gods are my Witnesses, that all the joy I felt at that augmentation of my fortune was absolutely in regard of Agis, and that I had no other satisfaction in seeing myself exalted, than that I was more worthy of his affection, and in a condition one day to add another Crown to his, if the Gods sent not Aeacidas a son. Agis looked upon this alteration of my fortune with a marvellous equality, and never showed himself concerned in it but for my sake. Many days were spent as well in the obsequies of the deceased King, as in the crowning of my Father, and during that time Agis continued in his usual Estate, without labouring for the advancement of that happiness he pretended to by my possession: but when he had allowed the time that was necessary for the funeral pomps, for the change of the Sovereign, and for those affairs that happen at a new coming to the Crown, he then began to think of himself, and demanded of the King my Father, the utmost testimonies of his good will, and the accomplishment of his promise; he hoped that the King would receive his proposition with the same affection he had expressed ever since his Arrival, and ever since his Declaration, but he found him colder than ordinary, and he fell into no moderate astonishment when he heard the King demand him a month's delay, alleging some poor excuses to cover the alteration of his humour. In effect it was changed with the change of his condition, and not considering, that ingratitude is the blackest of all vices, and the most unworthy of a Prince, he had given ear to Neoptolemus, and a pack of other flatterers, to the prejudice of his word, and of what he owed to the services of valiant Agis. These wicked people had with success persuaded him, that the King of Sparta was a good Match indeed for the daughter of Prince Aeacidas, but not for the daughter of the King of Epirus, and the probable heiress of the Kingdom, that in truth his quality was equal to ours, but that great heed was to be taken of contracting an Alliance which submitted Epirus to the jurisdiction of Sparta, and to the tyranny of its Ephori; that it was the greatest misfortune could befall that State, and that of freemen which they were, or only subjects to their lawful Sovereigns, the Epirots would become slaves to that Grecian people, whose yoke was insupportable to all Nations; that they should lose all their privileges, and all their wealth, and should betrothe themselves to the condition of certain people subject to the Athenians, who dreined of their money, and of their forces, were even deprived also of their liberty, and employed in nothing else amongst them, but base and servile uses; they alleged many other arguments, which altogether wrought their effect upon the mind of weak, unthankful Aeacidas. By the coldness of his answer, Agis had some apprehension of his misfortune, but he did not absolutely believe it, and could not at first imagine, that a King should be capable of baseness, and ingratitude, which titles he might justly give to my Father's change, and I offend not the respect I bear him, in repeating the very terms of that poor unhappy Prince. He came to me with a countenance in which his grief was naturally represented, and imprinting part of his sadness in my heart at his very coming in, made me presage a part of our misfortunes, what do you all (said I) my dearest Agis, and with what disquiets will you afflict me? I am tormented [answered he] with a mortal apprehension, and if my suspicions are true, I am upon the very brink of ruin. These words pierced me to the quick, and made me press him to let me know the cause of them. He with extraordinary agitations of mind, told me the conference he had newly had with my Father, which recital gave me thoughts but little different from his, and brought many particulars into my head, whereby I might have observed a coldness in my Father towards him: the reflection I made upon them began to trouble me exceedingly, and the knowledge I had of the King's humour, struck me into a very ominous fear; Yet did I strive to conceal it from him, and dissembling my opinion as well as possibly I could, I endeavoured to abate his sorrows with some consolation. Fear not dear Agis [said I] fear not a change which cannot enter into a Prince's heart, and believe that the King my Father asked you this delay, and received your discourse more seriously than he was wont, only to render that formality to his new honour; there is no likelihood he should forget what he owes to you, and that he should lose the remembrance of those commands he has given me to love you; such a lightness would be too odious, and of too ill an example, to suffer me to believe he can be capable of it, nor can I have any such apprenension, without receiving most express testimonies thereof. I said many other things, to which he lent sufficient attention, but they were not able to withdraw him from his sadness; I easily found it, when looking upon me with eyes that had something a fatal aspect. Madam, [said he] I am undone, and this beginning of my misery suits so directly with some scurvy dreams, and other ill-boding presages which of late have disquieted me, that I cannot recover the frights they have put me in; fortune has hitherto used me but too favourably, and such a strange unshaken course of prosperities, threatened me with an infallible destruction. Well, (continued he awhile after (I must lose Deidamia, but if I lose her, I'll lose my life at the same time, and perchance will accompany it with so many others, that that loss shall be made known through all parts of Europe. He brought forth these words with marks of such a Violent grief, that I was touched with it to the very heart, and being willing to let him see how much I was concerned in his affliction. If you lose Deidamia (said I) no other man shall ever have the advantage to have taken her from you, and I protest by all that we account most holy, and sacred, that so long as Agis loves me, I never can be capable of a second affection. If it be so [replied Agis] I'll outbrave all the obstacles that threaten me, and all the powers of the world are not able to do me any harm, while Deidamia is on my side: but Madam, remember the promise you make me, and believe that in the extremity I shall demand extreme proofs of your affection. I was going to answer, when our conversation was interrupted by certain Ladies who came to visit me. We had many other discourses upon that subject, and in the mean time, Agis every day found new confirmations of his fears in the King's countenance: I was little less afflicted at it than he, but I dissembled part of my sadness, that I might not redouble his; we continued many days in an uncertainty, full of apprehension, but at last our misfortune was but too plainly discovered to me, and the King being one day come into my Chamber, took me alone with him into my closet, where he spoke to me on this manner. Deidamia, when I commanded you to love the King of the Lacedæmonians, I was obliged to do so by many considerations, which rendered that Alliance advantageous to us; and truly our obligations to that Prince, and the good qualities of his person disposed me towards it with joy; but our condition is changed, and we had not than more reasons to approve that match, than we have now to disapprove it. In short, for many causes which are above your age and knowledge, and wherein my whole Kingdom is concerned, Agis cannot be your husband, and you ought betimes to withdraw yourself from that affection you bear him, to dispose of it in favour of some other, whom the Maxims of State shall make choice of for you. You know that the daughters of sovereign Princes, marry for other considerations than those of love, and you also know too well, what resignation you owe your Father, to make any difficulty of being guided by his will. I was half dead before the King had ended this discourse, and he easily saw by my face, into what perplexity I was reduced; I had neither strength to speak, nor confidence to look upon him, and he had so much patience, as to wait till I was resettled, that he might receive my answer: but when he had vainly continued a long time in that expectation, and that he saw me still keep a silence full of trouble and confusion; speak Deidamia [pursued he] and give me some assurance of your intention to obey me without repugnance. I was so struck, and cast down, that I knew not which way I should be able to reply, yet did I use my utmost endeavours to recover a little courage, and recollecting my spirits to explain myself. Sir, [said ay] what qualities soever there are in the person of the King of the Lacedæmonians, and what service soever he has done this State, I had not loved him if you had not enjoined me; nor should I have licenced myself to an affection, which your command alone can authorize. 'Twas out of obedience only, that I cast my eyes on the good will he bore me, and I have so religiously observed it, that your Majesty could not desire more acknowledgement from me, nor more affection to our deliverer, than I have really given him: 't is true Sir, that I have loved him, and I love him still by your orders, by a most powerful inclination, and by a just knowledge, both of his worth, and of what he has done for us; but my resignation to your will, has rooted these thoughts too deeply in my heart, to be ever able to pluck them thence; and I was too ready to comply with your desires, to love Agis with a light affection, or with such an one as can be taken off, and placed upon another; that is a thing, Sir, whereof I feel myself no way capable, and if in this Declaration, your Majesty find any matter of complaint against your daughter, be pleased to consider 't is but for having been too obedient, that I now am disobedient. The King hearkened impatiently to this reply, and was exceedingly ill satisfied with it, yet being he had not doubted but he should meet with some difficulty in my mind, and that he found a great deal of reason in my words, he would not fall into passion, but contented himself with saying; What Deidamia, will you persist then whether I will or no, in an affection which is disadvantageous to you, and which I disapprove? My affection to Agis (answered I) shall never make me do any thing that can bring you shame, or that can justly give you sorrow, but it shall always be strong enough to keep me from forgetting him, and from giving that to another, which he has so well deserved, and which he holds only from yourself. You shall have a little time (replied the King) to persuade yourself to follow my commands, in which interim, see that you resolve to do so, and let me find no more resistance in you, upon pain of a displeasure which would not be to your advantage. The King after these bitter words stayed not for an answer, but going out of my closet, left me in the saddest condition I had ever been in all my life. I loved Agis indeed equally to myself, and this unjust forbidding me to love him, appeared so cruel to me and so tyrannical, that it left me neither sense, nor words, but to accuse the King of injustice, and of ingratitude. My tears lent me a great relief in that occasion, and 't was by them I began to complain, of the violence that was used upon me; two of my maids to whom I trusted my most secret thoughts, and which are these you now see with me, kept me company in that sad employment, and when I was the most deeply buried in it, unfortunate Agis came into my Chamber. The entrance of it was always free to him, and notwithstanding the severe resolution that was taken against him, they still remembered both his quality, and what he had done for Epirus, and therefore in appearance he received the same usage he was wont to have. As soon as ever I saw him, my griefs were sensibly redoubled, and I could not hinder myself from sending forth a cry, wherein he instantly sound the cruel confirmation of his suspicious: he made a stop at my Chamber door, with his arms across, and seeing me all in tears upon my bed, and these two wenches busied in comforting me, he was like to have lost both his strength, and his understanding, and all he could do in that condition, was to lean against the wall to keep him up, and cast looks at me in that sorrowful posture, which made me almost die with grief, and with compassion. Well, Madam, (cried he after a long silence) is it certain than that I am ruined? I had not the power to answer him at first, but when he had repeated these words two or three several times; It is true [said I] my dearest Agis, I am forbidden to love you; but 't is also true that 't is impossible for me to obey that command. If you hold that resolution [replied Agis] my fortune is not desperate, but if you forsake me with your friends, there is no kind of death so dreadful, but is to be preferred before my condition, and wherewith I would not sacrifice a life, which I will not keep one moment after the loss of my hopes. I am most firmly resolved, [answered I] to love no other man in the World but Agis, and if I be taken from him, they shall never give me to any thing but to my grave. Agis found some consolation in this discourse, and recovering a little confidence by the hopes I gave him, he drew nearer, and besought me trembling, to tell him the last confirmations I had received of his misfortune. I related all that the King had said, with great expressions of sorrow, and thereby put him into a condition, that would have touched his most implacable Enemies with pity: that great courage, which was wont to lead him on in fight, abandoned him for some moments in this encounter, and scarce had he enough remaining, to keep himself from sinking under the weight of his affliction; out of these faintings, he fell into such a rage as I never had believed him capable of, and which nothing but his passion alone could be able to excuse. After he had vented all that the impetuousness of his first motions put into his mouth; What, [continued he] shall it be true then, that the word of a Prince shall be unworthily revoked, and that my services shall be so ungratefully requited? Will not this State which I have saved from manifest ruin, cry loudly against the injustice that is done me, and will not the Gods themselves, who are concerned in the justice of my quarrel, take my part against perjured and unthankful Aeacidas? will he then so lightly forget, by what actions I had merited the hopes he gave me, or if he can remember out of what extremities I have freed him, will he prefer the Viceroy of Macedon's Son before me? These last words made me interrupt him, to ask what preferring that was, he spoke of about the Viceroy of Macedon? Yes Madam, [answered he] 't is to Cassander the Son of Antipater that you are destined, and I have newly learned, that 't is by his alliance your Father intends to secure himself against Antipater's practices, and to unite himself with him, who under the Authority of Alexander has made himself potent, and considerable in Greece. That man who is not born a Prince, and who draws all his lustre but from the glory of another, robs me of Deidamia; and the King your Father, out of some unequitable reason of state, prefers a particular man, a man whom he knows not, and a man who ever was his Enemy, before a King who so liberally has exposed his life to serve him. But let him look for no success of so wrongful a design, and let him believe, that the Gods have not inspired him with it in favour of Cassander, but for Cassander's destruction. I'll kill him, that unjust usurper of my happiness, I'll kill him in the very arms of Antipater, and though Alexander himself should come in his defence, Agis despises his own life enough to sacrifice many others to his lawful resentment. He said divers other words transported with an excessive fury, but when his first violence was a little over. Dear Agis (said I) if the firmness of my affection to you, can give you any hope or consolation, be certain that neither Cassander, nor any other man in the World, shall ever be preferred before you by Deidamia, and that if she cannot be yours, she never will be any bodies; perhaps our affairs are not so desperate as we believe them, and if you put the King in mind of what he owes unto his promise, and of what he owes to the actions you have done for us, I do not think he will have the confidence to persist in his unworthy resolutions. I'll go and make that trial, (replied the afflicted Prince) but, O Gods, with how little hope it is, and with how little success (without doubt) it will be! At these words he went out of the Chamher, being resolved to go to the King, to know his last determination from his own mouth; the time he had demanded to give his answer was already expired, and that poor Prince had not the patience to defer it any longer. He ran directly to the King whom he found in his withdrawing Room, with certain Princes, and other Persons that were considerable in Epirus. Being blinded with his passion, he could not dissemble his thoughts before that company, but having desired the King to grant him a particular Audience, he stepped to him with a troubled countenance, yet striving to keep his ill humour from breaking out, he endeavoured to compose himself to a moderation whereof he was not capable, and having by the manner of his coming in, and by his action suspended all that were present. Sir, (said he to the King) if your Majesty's promises had not been public, and if the Alliance wherewith you intended to honour me were not known to this whole Kingdom, I would not have demanded the accomplishment of them in so great a company, nor strive in this place to cure myself of the disquiets that torment me. I do not doubt, Sir, but that you observe some trouble in my face, and I have not cunning enough to dissemble thoughts that are of the nature of mine, but yet I know the King of Epirus well enough, not to let my mind yield to the impression which they would give me of my misfortune; I know that he is of too illustrious blood to violate his word, and that he has too royal and too grateful a heart to forget my services; how unworthy soever I am of the possession of Deidamia, your Majesty has loudly, and solemnly promised it me, and I should think I did you a mortal injury, if I could believe what they would persuade me to the prejudice of your word, which I account inviolable between such Princes as the King of Epirus, and the King of the Lacedæmonians. King Agis held his peace after he had said thus, and the whole company kept a quiet silence to hearken to Aeacidas his Answer, who when he had bethought himself a while, gave it in these terms. I do not deny Sir, but that Prince Aeacidas, highly obliged both for all Epirus, and for his particular consideration to the valiant King of the Lacedæmonians, approved of his affection to his daughter, and desired his Alliance as much as gratitude, and the merit of that Prince could oblige him to do. This truth is known through all Epirus, but you are not ignorant also of the revolution which hath happened in the royal Family, and you know well enough, that the considerations of a whole State, aught without question to be valued above any particular ones. The Gods are my witnesses, that if my inclinations were followed; Deidamia should never be matched to any body but the valiant king of Sparta, and that I would prefer his Alliance, before that of all the greatest Monarches upon Earth; No, I have not lost the remembrance of the gallant Actions he did in favour of us, nor have I lost the knowledge of the admirable qualities of his person. But my whole State opposes my intentions, and the Epirots, whose Crown as yet belongs in reversion to Deidamia, cannot resolve to bear the yoke of the Lacedæmonians. They are frighted with the Example of many Nations who are become slaves unto the Greeks, and they protest aloud, that they will not exchange their free condition for servitude. I would it pleased the Gods, that either I had more liberty to dispose of my Family; or that you could find such Recompense amongst us, as might acquit part of our obligations to you; dispose of our Estates, which you have rescued out of the Rebel's hands, dispose of this Kingdom, which you have delivered, and which by your valour you have acquired unto yourself; but leave the disposing of Deidamia to the Epirotes, since it cannot be taken from them; they will needs sacrifice her to their security, and she is not happy enough to pretend to the fortune which I had destined her, and whereof I was as desirous as yourself could be. Agis had hardly patience to hear all this, and interrupting the King who would have spoken more: What, Sir, (said he) is it true then that I shall not have Deidamia, and will you pay the real services I have done you, with a few false Reasons invented by those that envy me? Can you excuse the violation of your word, by the change of your condition, and have you received any dignity by becoming King of Epirus, which was not already in the person of the King of Sparta? Is this State, whose will you allege, so ingrateful as to forget that I have saved it, and are not these Epirotes, which would rob me of Deidamia, the same whose blood I spared by shedding of mine own, and who yet upon their fields, may see so many marks of what I have done to buy their safety? If they fear the domination of Sparta, I freely quit all these pretensions, the marrying of Deidamia might give me to this Crown, and provided I may have her, let them make whom they will King of Epirus, and dispose of their Monarchy according to their own desires. 'Tis not by this Kingdom you offer me, that the loss of Deidamia can be recompensed: I too much despise the Authority over a rebellious unthankful people; and if I have a desire to enlarge my Territories, I wear a Sword well known to the Epirotes, a Sword which has defended their Country well enough, to make them see 'tis capable to conquer others; yes, it can give me greater Empires than that of my forefathers, but it can much more easily conserve what it has lawfully acquired me; 'tis by it in part that I pretend to Deidamia, and 'tis with it I will defend that right even to my latest breath, and that with rivers of blood, I will dispute it against those would take her from me. Agis pronounced these words with a tone that struck terror into many of the bystanders, the King was extremely nettled with them, and his anger appeared in the alterations of his countenance; but knowing there was a great deal of reason in what he said, and feeling some remorse of his ingratitude, he kept his thoughts from breaking forth, and only answered with a very serious face; They that take Deidamia from you, are not in a condition to fear your threatenings, nor would be of an humour to suffer them from any other but their valiant Defender; he may freely make use of those privileges, which so many worthy Actions, and so many fresh Engagements have given him amongst us; and instead of returning his menaces, in a place where I might have some power to do it, I'll confess there were a great deal of justice in his Reproaches, if the injury I do him were a voluntary action; the contempt you show of this our Kingdom, is an effect of generosity which would not excuse the Epirotes from the yoke they fear, and in what manner soever you renounce this Crown, after the death of Aeacidas, Deidamia right to it were not to be disputed. Believe it Sir, 'tis with a most sensible grief I declare this truth, and this hard necessity of my condition; that I might be in one to content you, I could wish this Crown were yet upon the head of another Sovereign, and if for your satisfaction, you desire only what absolutely depends on me, I shall think nothing difficult, to testify how great a sense I have of the general, and of my particular obligations. O Gods, (cried out transported Agis) Gods that are Enemies to injustice and oppression! Gods that are Revengers of perjury! Gods that are Protectors of the persons of Kings! Can you suffer this high abuse, without darting your Thunders upon forsworn, ingrateful heads! and you Aeacidas, can you recall to mind, the condition out of which I freed you, and not die with very shame and confusion? These Traitors, to whose counsels you give ear, to the prejudice of your faith, and of your honour, those base men, whose advice you prefer before the safety of unfortunate Agis, did they ever rescue you from such Extremities, as those you were reduced to when I came to your Relief; nay, rather are not they themselves indebted to me for that shameful life, which I preserved for the destruction of mine own? Was it from Antipater and his son you received that assistance, and is the price of my services which you deprive me of, due to the injuries which they have done you? The King, who did not think his design of an Alliance with Antipater had been known to Agis, appeared much astonished at this discourse; but being he had prepared himself against all the Events he was probably to look for from his change, he recollected himself presently, and replied without falling into passion, I will never prefer Antipater, Cassander, nor any other Prince in Europe-before yourself; but if my Kingdom has designs for its own quietness, and for the establishment of that tranquillity it desires, I know not how to oppose them, without making myself unworthy of the Crown they have set upon my head, nor without making a people most inclinable to revolt, take Arms once more against me. Let them rather take Arms (interrupted furious Agis) for their own defence, against an Enemy which they cannot, and which they ought not to despise; and since they undervalue me for Cassander, a private man, and a man whose name and family are unknown, but by their perfidiousness, and by the glory of their Master; let 'em take Arms for his Relief, as I have taken Arms for theirs. That audacious Fellow shall not quietly enjoy, what he unjustly would ravish from me; and since neither compassion of an unfortunate Lover, whom your ingratitude precipitates into utter despair, nor the remembrance of this Crown, which is the cause of all my misfortunes, and which you owe to none but me; nor the consideration of honour, which is interessed in the violation of your word, can dissuade you from the cruel resolution you have taken against me; Remember, King of Epirus, remember that I shall be able to do as much for my own Quarrel, as I have done already for yours, and that this unjust Cassander shall either sink under my lawful indignation, or make Agis fall with the better part of Greece. That's the first Expedition I'll prepare for, and if the Gods grant me the success which is due to the justice of my cause, you shall quickly see those Arms, Aeacidas, glittering in Epirus, in a hostile manner, which once you looked upon with so much joy, when they came to bring you safety; they know already how to conquer the Epirotes, and shall overflow their fields with that same blood, which heretofore they unluckily have preserved. At these words, the King could no longer contain himself within the limits of moderation, and seeing all those that stood about him murmur at Agis his declaration. Hitherto (said he) in regard of your resentment, and in remembrance of what you have done for us, I have passed by all your provocations, but since you openly declare War against me, I accept it, and charge you within three days to depart this Country, where you cannot be looked upon as other than an Enemy. 'Tis as an Enemy, (replied Agis hastily) 'tis as an Enemy you shall see me return into 't, and all the most cruel, and most horrible effects that Fire and Sword can bring along with them, shall be the sure Rewards of perjury and ingratitude. These words were not well overheard by the King, who already was retiring another way, and furious Agis going out of the Room at the same time, took his way directly towards his lodging.  
The noise of this disorder was immediately spread through the whole Court, and there was no other talk in all Ambracia, but of this unexpected change, and of the Events it might produce. Opinions were divided, and if those that were concerned, found, or endeavoured to make others find reason in the Kings proceeding, they that judged of it without passion, or interest, condemned him of a high ingratitude; but the number of the base-minded men, and flatterers, was greater than that of generous persons, and the same Agis, who a few days before was followed and adored by the whole Court, saw himself generally forsaken in a moment, and attended only by those he had brought out of his Country. When this news was told me, I was like instantly to have died for grief, and though the Queen my Mother laboured to give me some consolation, and to cover the King's action with some pretences, I found nothing in her discourses but new occasions of affliction. Let not the King hope, (said I) no, let him never hope, that my heart can be changed, and since he needs would have me love King Agis, let him prepare himself to see me love him in the grave, an affection, which such express commands, such important obligations, and such admirable qualities have kindled, is not so easily to be quenched, and the King my father ought not to think it strange, though I owe my life to him, that my soul nevertheless is different from his. I must love Agis, Madam, for ever, and although I have power enough over that passion, to keep it within the limits which my birth hath prescribed, it will have power enough over me, to make my heart incapable of a second. Ah! my dear Agis, rather let Death, accompanied with the most rigorous Tortures, separate me from thee for ever, than that I should afford room to a successor in this heart, which never was, nor ever shall be any bodies but thine. I accompanied these words with such a flood of tears, that the Queen was deeply touched with them; she esteemed Agis infinitely, and did no way approve my father's maxims, but he governed not his affairs by her advice, and she was much too weak to oppose his determinations. I passed the rest of that day, and all the night in sighs, in sobs, and in half desperate actions, and the next morning my poor Agis being resolved to go away that very day, came to receive his last farewell of me. The King, who could neither forbear to consider him, nor think upon him without remorse, denied him not that small satisfaction, and his entrance into my chamber was as freely permitted as before. He came in with a countenance, which had almost nothing of its wont features, & whose looks had something so fatal in them, that Death appeared there most naturally painted; and I beheld him with Eyes, which sufficiently testified the part I bore in his misfortunes. Of a long time he was not able to get out one word, and for a long time also I was in no condition to begin that sad Entertainment. Our Eyes talked a great while for us, and when fainting Agis thought himself strong enough, to help them to express his mind, after having begun with many sighs. Madam (said he) behold this disgraced, behold this banished man, behold this Enemy of Epyrus, and he who in this Court has appeared with such a lustre, and with so high a fortune, departs now from it without any other consolation, than that of being able to take his leave of you; 'tis the only favour that's not refused me, and 'tis in it alone, I have established my latest hopes; you are too generous my fair Princess, to square your thoughts by those of the King your father, and though I be hated by your friends, I hope that you will not consider me as the Enemy of your House. I consider you, (said I, interrupting him) and will consider you all my life, as that which I love most dearly in this world; and as that only which I can, and will love in it. The Gods be praised, (replied Agis, lifting up his hands and eyes to Heaven) since my Princess is not changed, neither is my fortune; and since she still will love me, I outbrave the tyrannical power of a Father, and all the oppositions of unthankful Epirus. Well then, my Princess, if you love me; if you love me— said he again within a little after, and made a stop at these words, as not having the confidence to proceed. I perceived his inward disturbance, and being willing to ease him in it. Yes Agis (added I) I love you, and I will give all the proofs you can demand of my affection. If it be so (replied he) I no longer have any reason to complain of my destiny, but dearest Princess, how extremely do I fear you'll change your resolution, and how I tremble at the proposition I am going to make you. In a less extremity I should not have attempted it, but since 'tis the only means of safety I now have left, I must of necessity follow it, and beg proofs of your affection, which are above my services, and above the merit of my person, but may peradventure be due unto my passion, and to the promise you have made me. Since the King opposes my fortune, or rather since he opposes my life, be pleased fair Princess that I may hold it from yourself alone, and that I may live only by you, since I cannot live but for you. If the King refuse me Deidamia, let me receive her from Deidamia herself, and to follow the fortune of a Prince that adores her, let her fly from a Prince that would sacrifice her to the Capriccio's of his State. Your condition shall not be so miserable at Sparta, that you should need to bewail your leaving this unthankful Country, and as much forsaken as I am, I want not means to carry you from hence, if you will have the goodness to quit it for me. Agis would have gone on with his persuasions, but I would not suffer him to prosecute his discourse; I found matter enough in it of offence to me, but I loved him enough, and was enough obliged to him, to pardon it as an effect of his passion, and to content myself with refusing his demand, without being angry with him for it. 'Tis enough (said I) my dearest Agis 'tis enough, and I am exceedingly afflicted, that you have desired no proofs of my affection, but such as are neither fit for me to grant, nor you to ask. Would it had pleased the Gods, you had rather demanded the better part of my blood, or that you had desired my life itself, and they are my witnesses, I would have given you them without any trouble; but to persuade me to faults so unworthy of a Princess, and so contrary to my duty, and to my Reputation, Ah! dearest Agis, if you loved me, could you suffer such a thought? I make you judge yourself of the unfitness of your demand, and I conjure you to tell me truly, if yourself could approve the thing you counsel me. What will you then do for me, (cried that afflicted Prince) and what fruit can I expect from that affection, wherewith you would have me flatter myself in my misfortune; what proofs then shall those be you offer me of it, and in this latest extremity, what advantage can I draw from your latest promises? All that you can hope for (replied I) from a Princess that loves you, but from a virtuous Princess, and one who like yourself would prefer Death before any mean unworthy action. I will testify my affection to you, by preserving it to my very grave; I for your sake will disobey the King my father, if he shall command me to forget you, I'll disobey him if he shall oblige me to a second affection, for in the obedience I owe him, I know no Rules that can compel the inclination: but if he should forbid me to marry you, or if he should forbid me to see you, I cannot persist in that Design without doing an irreparable injury to my Reputation. What injury shall you do it (said Agis) by following a Husband of a quality equal to your own, and a Husband whom you loved only by the injunction of your friends? When I shall receive him from them (answered I) I'll follow his fortune to the utmost part of the world, and will prefer the prefer the possession of him before that of the whole earth together, but to take him, or go along with him without their consent, is that I cannot do without making myself unworthy both of my birth, and of your esteem, and 'tis in short, a thing, which if you love me, you ought not to propound. If this flight offend you, [replied he] suffer me at least to return armed into Epirus, to demand the accomplishment of the King your Father's word, and to labour with my sword for my satisfaction, or for my revenge; and that in brief I may strive to win you by those arms to whose success you formerly were granted; perchance by their means, events may come to alter resolutions, and when the Epirots shall see the desolation of their Country, and that the King your Father shall be reduced to such extremities, as those I saw him in before, they both may recede from those proud ingrateful thoughts, which prosperity has given them; I for such gallant pretensions, will arm all the men of courage that Greece contains, and at the head of them the Epirots shall see an invincible Enemy, and an Enemy who will requite their breach of faith, with an universal ruin and desolation. Agis made a stop when he had said these words, and seeing he waited for my answer; I hate Epirus enough [said ay] to behold the miseries of it without sorrow, and my want of power may have left me too little credit with you to dissuade your resolutions; but I am too much obliged to tell you that no sense of virtue, nor rule of decency, will suffer me to love a man in Arms against my Country, or to offer any prayers in favour of him. Not that I will oppose your indignation, nor that in the condition our affairs now stand, I would still keep a Tirannical power over you, which might hinder you from following its incitements; do whatsoever your passion shall suggest to be most favourable for us; but remember that Aeacidas, as ungrateful as he is, is yet my Father, and that all the Laws of duty forbid his daughter to love his Enemy. The Prince lost patience at this discourse, and looking upon me with eyes as full of anger as of love; What, and you too Madam, (cried he) have you also forsaken me? Ah! this is my utmost misfortune, this is the highest point of my affliction, without which I could not have accounted myself miserable; but since Deidamia holds intelligence with her Father to destroy me, Deidamia shall infallibly be satisfied; no, Madam, I will no longer preserve any resentment against Aeacidas, and since in his usage toward me, he follows but your inclinations, I will no more accuse him of ingratitude; let him die, this unfortunate Agis, who has not been able to merit your affections, and that he may die with the greater innocence, let him die without using any reproaches against you. These, (replied I, being touched with those words to the very heart) these are the most cruel, and the most bloody ones you can invent, and if you really suspect me of that baseness you upbraid me with, you are more ingrateful yourself, than those whom you complain of. I love you but too well for my repose, and too well for my duty, and I give you not so slight a mark of it as you believe, in open resisting the pleasure of my Father, and of my King, and in passing, for your sake, the bounds which modesty, and obedience prescribe me. Let it suffice you, that you shall never see another man in the place I have given you, and that if the King my Father will not suffer me to be yours, you shall have this consolation to know I will never be another's. Content yourself with this assurance, if you can, since 'tis impossible for me to do more, and that I may protest to you, by all the things that are most sacred, our misfortunes are equal, and my grief is not at all inferior to your own, Ah! vain and light consolation! (cried the Prince quite transported) Ah! false hopes, ah deceitful appearances, how unworthily have you betrayed me! Well, Madam, (pursued he, casting himself at my feet, and washing them with a stream of tears) since neither the remembrance of your promises, nor the deplorable condition in which you see me, are able to mollify you, and that you neglect the conservation of my life, out of light considerations, which serve only for a pretence to cover your hardheartedness toward me; I must disengage you from your promises, and by my death set you at liberty, to follow the motions of the King your Father. I'll die, 'tis infallibly resolved, I'll die, but not alone, they that drag Agis to his grave, shall perhaps go thither with him, and 'tshall be by their blood, and by that of many thousands, he'll make his funerals renowned to all eternity. At these words he would have risen from before me, but I let myself sink upon him with so much weakness, that I fell down on the floor close by him, who as fainting as he was, took me into his arms, where he saw me lose both my senses and my understanding; my maids fetched me to myself again, by the help they gave me, and then, looking upon Agis, with as dying an eye as his; Leave me Agis (said I) leave me, and since you cannot content yourself with what I am able, and with what I do satisfy you, suffer me to undergo my wretched destiny with patience. Farewell— (pursued I, casting my arms about his neck, and drowning his face in a Sea of tears) farewell my dearest Agis, leave this ingrateful Country, which hath nothing left in it worthy of you, and without enquiring what effect your remembrance shall work upon me, use mine the best way you can for your own repose. With these words, not being longer able to bear his presence, without breaking forth into violences very contrary to modesty, I embraced him once again for the last time of all, and turning my eyes away from his face, I retired into my closet, where I shut myself up, with a resolution not to see him any more.  
Alas! (continued Deidamia melting into tears) that was my last sight of him indeed, and 't was but too too truly that I bade him adieu for ever; the pangs I felt at that cruel separation, were but too certain presages of our extremest misfortunes; and that parting went too near my heart, not to make me judge that it would be eternal. I was not present at the last actions of my poor afflicted Prince, but I heard since, that after he had fallen into swoon, which brought him almost to his grave, and that he had uttered words, which cloven the hearts of my grieved maids with pity, he went out of my Chamber, and resolving not to stay a minute longer in Ambracia, took horse withal his retinue to depart. They who saw him pass through the streets in that condition, and who could not forget they were indebted to him for their safety, were not able at that sight to forbear lamenting and expressing by their cries, how much they disapproved that unjust usage of their valiant Deliverer. When he was in the marketplace, where he saw a company of men together, he turned toward them with an action which sufficiently showed the trouble of his mind, and looking upon them with a threatening eye, and an eye kindled with a just indignation. People of Epirus, [said he] remember your ingratitude, and when you see yourselves again in the dangers from which I freed you, bewail at least the loss of your Defender; his help shall fail you in your time of need, nay, and perchance you shall see those same arms endeavour your ruin, with the same success they had for your deliverance. These words were followed with a murmur amongst those that approved the justice of his complaint, and the valiant Agis had no sooner spoken them, but turning his back upon that unthankful people, he went out of the City, and took his journey toward Sparta, by the same ways he had cleared from Enemies, and which he still saw full of the marks of his unconquered Valour.  
Which way, my Lord, shall I be able to relate the extremity of my affliction? certainly it is not in my power, and in what terms soever I should do it, 't would be impossible for you to comprehend it. A body divided from its soul, may have some resemblance with the condition I was in at that time, and sorrowful Deidamia was the true picture of desolation. The last words, and the last actions of that poor Prince, had pierced my heart so deeply, that I was utterly uncapable of any consideration, or of any other remembrance but his; my affection to him was so increased by those unhappy accidents, that it was risen to the highest degree of passion, and if before, I loved him as I was obliged, I loved him then a thousand times more dearly than myself. Alas! with how many tears did I lament that fatal separation, and what reproaches did I not utter against my Father's ingratitude, whensoever he opened his mouth to condemn my grief; I lost part of the respect I owed him, to take the liberty to tell him of his injustice, and as often as he went about to persuade me to accommodate my thoughts to his, and to receive impressions for Cassander, to whom he destined me indeed, I showed so little compliance to his will, that he gave over all hope of being able to bend my mind to it. Let your Majesty be contented, [said ay] with having swayed my heart once to your desires, and with having introduced an affection, whose birth I should have opposed, had I not feared to disobey and to displease you; I know not how to change so lightly, and I testify my resignation to your will sufficiently, in taking myself away from him to whom your command had given me, without your forcing my inclinations a second time, for a man whom I neither know, nor ever will. I confess I went beyond respect, in saying thus to the King my Father, but 't was the least I owed to my poor Agis, and he well deserved that for his sake, I should do something more than modesty in strictness would allow. Wherefore at such times as I was alone, or only in the company of those whom I suspected not, I suffered my resentments to break forth in such a manner, that I forgot not any word a lawful passion could put into my mouth. In the interim Antipater sent Commissioners to my Father, to press the proposition of our marriage, but notwithstanding all the King's attempts, by gentleness, and by violence, it was impossible for him to shake my resolution, and when he went to terrify me with his threats. Let your Majesty cause me to be put to death (said I) and I shall be cured of a remembrance, more cruel than all the pains you can inflict upon me. The King was extremely moved at these words, and was sometimes upon the very point of letting loose his anger; but he loved me very tenderly, and his knowledge of the unjustness of what he demanded, wrought something upon him, and did a little moderate his indignation. Antipater's Commissioners thinking themselves mocked, returned very much discontented, after they had publicly complained of their Masters being ill dealt withal, and having at their departure expressed that he would not be insensible of it. I was also persecuted by Neoptolemus, who taking his advantage upon the ruin of Agis his pretensions, and upon my averseness to the marriage of Cassander, left nothing unattempted, either with my Father, or with myself, to advance his old designs; but the King answered him with my obstinacy, and I with such strange kind of usage, that the very spite he conceived, made him leave the Court with an intention to stir up some trouble in the Kingdom, and for that purpose to make use of the people's ill opinion of Aeacidas. About that time, the news came to us, that my valiant Agis with an Army more powerful through the courage, than the number of men it consisted of, was entered into the Countries that obeyed Antipater, where by the beginning of his exploits, he showed marks both of his Valour, and of the animosity that guided him. We heard that in many encounters he had gained all manner of advantages, that he had taken many places by storm, and that after having made himself master of the field, he had laid siege to Megalopolis, whither Antipater was marching toward him with an Army much more potent than his, because it was made up not only of his own Forces, but of many of his Allies, and where Agis stayed for him, contrary to the advice of all his Commanders, being less desirous of Victory, than of death, but most firmly resolved, to sell his life at the dearest rate, and to make his despair remarkable by actions which posterity never should forget.  
This news made me send forth continual wishes in his favour, and all the prayers I made unto the Gods were only for his safety; yet was I tormented with extraordinary fears, and those mortal apprehensions were the true presages of my misfortune. Alas! they were but too true indeed, and since I must abridge a relation which has nothing now in it, but sorrowful and unpleasing events; in spite of all my prayers, and in spite of all my wishes, I heard shortly after with all Epirus, that in a bloody battle, whose issue had been disputed by almost all the blood of either party, my beloved, my valiant Agis had lost his life upon thousands of men whom he had sacrificed to his lawful rage. Although this report was confusedly brought us, you may judge nevertheless what effect it wrought upon my heart, and you imagine by the knowledge this fatal story has given you of my love, that I was little less dead than he himself. Indeed all signs of life forsook me, and complaints not being capable to express the smallest part of my affliction, they left that office to faintings and swoon, which carried me almost into the very bowels of the grave. I had continued many days in a condition, which made by life to be much doubted of, when that I might be utterly overwhelmed, they brought a man to me, whom I instantly knew to have belonged to that poor Prince, and to have been the most beloved of all the servants he had, as soon as ever I saw him, though it was in the presence of the Queen my Mother, I sent forth a cry of a despairing person, and presently after fell into a swoon, in the arms of those that were about me. When with several remedies they had fetched me to myself again, as I opened my eyes I cast them upon that man, and forcing the sighs which stopped the passage of my words; Agis is dead, (cried I) Agis is dead, Archidamus. Yes, Madam, (answered he) the greatest, and the most generous of all Princes is dead indeed, but he shall never die in the memory of mankind; at his Death he has raised himself a Monument, which would render his condition worthy to be envied, if he were not dead in your remembrance. In my remembrance? (replied I quite transported) Ah! Archidamus, Agis shall never die in my remembrance, and 'tis only by the remembrance of him that Deidamia now lives herself. He commanded me (continued Archidamus very sadly) to bring you the latest marks of his, and if you be so pleased, I will acquit myself of the last Commission he ever gave me. My grief made me unable to reply, and all I could do, seeing him put forth his arm to give me a Letter, was to lift up my hand to receive it, and to employ the rest of my little strength to open it. There were but very few words in it, but they were written with his blood, and that sight struck such a chillness into mine, that I was hardly able to speak or stir. Ah! my dear Agis (cried I, kissing that blood before I read the words) with what dismal Characters have you engraven these last Expressions of your love? and why have you been so prodigal of this noble blood, so dear to Deidamia, and of this noble blood which sustained my life more than your own? saying thus, I cast mine Eyes once more upon it, but they were so drowned in tears, that of a long time, I was not able to see, and 'twas with much ado that in the end I read these words.  
Agis to the Princess Deidamia.  
YOur ingratitude has not had power to make you lose your Empire over me; I die yours Deidamia, and it is to assure you of it, that I employ the remainder of my blood, and of my strength.  
And I'll die thine, (cried I, kissing those words again) yes, I'll die thine, my too, too faithful Prince, and I'll confess at the extremity of my life, I was as unworthy of these last marks of thy affection, as thou wert worthy of a more fortunate destiny. These words were followed with a sea of tears, whose flowing whole hours could not assuage, and if I had not been withheld by those that were about me, I should without doubt have made these of mine to act some violence against my life. After having been a good part of the day in this condition, I desired to know the particulars of his death, and though I was certain that relation would surcharge my grief, the resolution I had taken to bury myself absolutely in it, made me seek that new occasion to afflict myself; and therefore turning towards Archidamus. Tell me I pray you, (said I, with a voice interrupted by my sighs) tell me Archidamus, in what manner your valiant Prince lost his life; but do not spare my sorrow, nor conceal the most deplorable accidents of it from her, whose despair is uncapable of receiving any addition. Archidamus with much ado refraining tears, satisfied the request I made him on this manner.  
In the condition I now see you, Madam, I will not make you a long recital of the life my Master lead, after your separation, and since 'tis only an account of his death that you demand I shall deliver it to you in a very few words. I will not repeat what his despair made him say during our Voyage; the knowledge you have of his passion, may make you easily judge, he uttered whatsoever a violent affection, and a just sense of his misfortune could put into his mouth. He would never hearken to one word of comfort, And having nothing in his mind but the ruin of Cassander, he never talked to us of any thing, but the revenge he intended to prepare against him. When we were come to Sparta, hardly would he tarry there three days, either to take a little rest, or to put those forces he found there in a readiness to march. He would not stay for any Recruits, and his impatience was so great, that it made him run headlong upon an Enterprise, under which being so weak in men as he was, he in all probability was like to sink. Yet did he march with as much boldness as if he had been followed by a million of men, and being entered into the Territories that obeyed Antipater, he left most bloody marks there of his lawful fury; the Forces that defended the Frontier were all cut in pieces, and whatsoever opposed his passage met the self same destiny. I will not trouble you with the particularities of that War at length, but only tell you, that after having defeated whatsoever came in our way, ta'en divers places by assault, and made such progress in a few days, as might have demanded whole years to equal it, we saw ourselves forced to besiege Megalopolis, which was an obstacle to our passage. 'Twas not the intention of our valiant King, to fix us upon Sieges, but his Design was to march directly to Cassander, and make him ●●y down his pretensions to you, together with his life; being engaged before that place, we heard that Antipater and his Son, were coming towards us with Colours flying, and an Army half as strong again as ours. This intelligence could not terrify the King, but contrary to the advice of his Commanders, who counselled him either to retire, or entrench himself, he raised his Siege, and went to meet the Enemy with a resolution to give him battle. Why should I hold you longer? The two Armies faced one another, and having showed an equal desire to fight, the chief Officers drew them up according to their wont order, and according to the situation of the places, and the numbers of their men, which done, they presently began the Battle. There was a great deal of blood shed on both sides very quickly, and our Prince encouraged us by so admirable an Example of Valour, that we should certainly have conquered with him, if he had not rather sought for Death than Victory; but he abandoned all care of his men to think of his particular satisfaction, and seeking Cassander in the thickest of his Squadrons, he broke through all of them to get to him, and charging him in the midst of a thousand Swords and Javelins, he laid him on the ground together with his Horse; immediately after he dismounted Antipater, and if his fury had not been stopped by a valiant stranger, whose Forces was little different from his, without question he would have perfected his Revenge. He did not all these prodigious Actions without receiving a great number of wounds, and in the end he was so weakened by them, that he no longer was able to sit upon his Horse, but had fallen off among the Dead, if we had not broke in to him, and rescued him from among a multitude of Swords which he despised, and into the midst of which, he with the fierceness of a Lion had precipitated himself. Having drawn him out of the throng whither he would or no, I put him into a Litter, and carried him a little out of the heat of the fight, but his Litter was presently full of blood, which ran down from an infinite number of wounds, and my magnanimous Prince, knowing he was near his end, would not suffer me to stir from him any more, but drawing Paper from some place about him, where I believe he carried it for that purpose, he pulled out the head of a Javelin that stuck in his body, and with the bloody point of it, he with great difficulty writ those words whereof I have been the fatal Bearer. As soon as he had done; Archidamus (said he, giving them to me) carry these last Assurances of my Affection to Deidamia, and make her the Relation of my Death. Scarce had he imposed that Command upon me, when we saw our Forces retire, defeated more by the absence of their General, than by the courage of our Enemies, who mingled pellmell amongst them, were eager in the prosecution of their Victory. Our valiant King who would not die without resistance, nor fall alive into his Enemies, power, with the remainder of his strength got out of the Litter, and with his Sword in his hand, went to meet Death with a miraculous boldness. In that conclusion of his life, Madam, he did things which Posterity never will believe, and though even at first he was not able to stir out of his place, and that within awhile after he fought but upon his knees, I may protest to you with truth, that his very presence alone stopped whole Squadrons, as it had routed them in the beginning of the Battle, and that the most daring of them, assaulted him only with Darts and Arrows, which the valiant Prince tore out of his body with an invincible courage, and threw them back at those by whom he had been wounded. 'Twas in this manner of Combat that he spent the remnant of his strength; which being no longer able to keep him up, he let himself sink gently upon his shield, over which he leaned yielding up the ghost, rather like a man that was weary, or falling into a sleep, than to one that was a dying.  
I scarcely heard the last words of Archidamus, for I fell into so deep a swoon at the end of his Recital, that all the company believed, I had breathed out my soul, to follow Agis. All Remedies seemed helpless for my Recovery, and notwithstanding all the care they could take to fetch me again to my senses, I continued all the rest of the day with so little sign of life, that many persons feared I had really lost it; the King my father saw me in that condition, and the affection he bore me made him in that Encounter find occasion enough to repent of his ingratitude; he already felt a remorse for it that tormented him, nor could he remember what he owed to the memory of Agis, without being troubled in his conscience; the Queen my mother, as much as she respected him, could not forbear to reproach him with it, and all the honestest people in Epirus, had taken such an aversion against him, since the usage he had given their brave Deliverer, that the least occasion in the world, would have stirred them up to a Revolt. It was a good while within night, when I came to myself again, and I no sooner opened my Eyes, but my mouth also was open to pour forth such Lamentations, as were due from me to so dear, so precious a memory. I asked for Agis his Letter, and as soon as it was given me, I fixed my Lips upon those Relics of his Blood with Transports that came from nothing but Despair, and said words that were not to be excused, but by such a loss as that I had suffered. 'Twould be impossible, my Lord Demetrius, to represent the excess of my affliction, yet should I be too blame to talk to you any longer of the greatness of my sorrow, since it was not strong enough to carry me to my Grave. It is true, I died not, whither it were by reason of the care was taken to keep me from it, or by the anger of the Gods, who would not let me expiate so great a fault, with the pain of so short continuance; no, I died not, but the life I have lead since then, has differed from death in nothing else, but the sensibility it has left me of the miseries I have undergone. When the Queen's tears, and the King's importunities, had obtained a promise from me that I would not make myself away, I shut myself up in a Chamber hung with black, where all the objects were mournful, and suitable to the condition of my mind, and where I hardly received the visits of the King, and Queen; the sight of all other persons was troublesome to me, and I may protest to you with truth, that during the space of a whole year, I scarce saw daylight twice; and when the King persuaded me, or got the Queen to do so, that I ought to change my manner of life, and dispose myself to take a Husband, I broke into such violence at that Proposal, that the King, fearing that persecution would drive me to my Grave, was constrained to give it over; and to lose both the hope of winning me to it, and the design of tormenting me any further. Let the King content himself, [said ay] with having by my obedience to him, made me the most unfortunate Princess in the world; I sacrificed my Liberty to his first commands, and to his last I sacrificed my poor Agis, and with him all that had power to make me love my life; for all they were so unjust, for all they were so cruel to me, I blindly observed them, and if I had been less obedient, I should have been less guilty, and less ingrateful. Ah! my dearest Agis, [continued I with a torrent of tears wherewith my words were usually attended] thou whose image never parts from my remembrance, should I be able to give thee a successor in this heart which was so lawfully thine own, and should I be as capable of this baseness, as I have been of this ingratitude thou upbraid'st me with? I will not justify myself of it before thee, and though through the considerations of my duty, it might find some Excuses, it has produced too dismal effects to 'scape the censure of being criminal. I will never be but thine, Dear Prince, and if my Tears are light Reparations for the fault I have committed, I will accompany them with that ardent affection, and that inviolable fidelity which I will keep to thee till my latest breath. These were my ordinary discourses, but while I lived on this manner, the Queen my mother, contrary to the hope of all Epirus, of the King, and even also of herself, became with child. This news was no sooner published, but the Epirotes made Bonfires, and in the expectation of having a successor of the blood of Achilles, which yet that Monarchy had never failed of, they made their joy appear by all sorts of expressions; but they gave themselves over to it a great deal more, when within a few months after, according to their wish, they saw her safely delivered of a Son, in whose Person they found that Prince they had so much desired. The King and the whole Court was transported with joy, and I myself was fain to leave my solitary Retirement to bear a part in that so general gladness. The Gods are my Witnesses, I was so far from being troubled for losing the hope of a Crown, that I received a great deal of consolation by it, as well by reason of the condition I was in, which rendered me incapable of any other desire save that of Death, as of the belief I had, that I should be freer in my design of conserving myself entirely for the thoughts of Agis, and that being no more tormented to provide Aeacidas a successor, to whom the Gods had given one, I should pass the rest of my miserable life at quiet. That Child being come into the World, brought with him, by the report of all those that understand Physiognomy, all the tokens of an extraordinary greatness. He was called Pyrrhus after the name of his illustrious predecessor, and the famous Oracle of Dodona, which is in our Country, having been consulted at his birth, spoke prodigious things to his advantage, and promised to those Aeacidas had sent, that that Prince should be the greatest man that had been seen of many ages, that his valour should not be paralleled in the whole World, and that if he were but as fortunate as Alexander, he should obscure the fame of all his gallant action. These promises of the Gods, raised Aeacidas to mervellous hopes, and they began to breed up young Pyrrhus, with so great care, as showed the interest of the whole Kingdom in him.  
Epirus lived a year in joy, and in tranquillity enough; but the ingratitude of Aeacidas had too highly incensed the Gods, to expect any long continuance of prosperity, nor could their justice choose, but break forth in the end upon his miserable family. The first blow of fortune he received, was the death of the Queen my mother, whom a violent fever took away from us in a very few days, and whose virtue left a most honoured memory among the Epirots. Aeacidas was as sensible of that loss, as was possible for him to be; the whole Court put on mourning with him for so good a Princess; and notwithstanding I was prepossessed with so violent a grief, as seemed to have made me incapable of sorrow for any other loss, this cause found room still in my heart for a new affliction, and I was as deeply touched with it as it was fit for me to be: The tears I shed for my mother, mingled themselves with those which yet fell daily from mine eyes, for the remembrance of my poor Agis; but the King had scarcely dried up his, when he received new matter of grief, and saw his utmost losses through the anger of the Gods, whom the violation of his faith had made his Enemies. Pardon me Aeacidas if I cannot forbear to reproach thy memory, and believe however that the remembrance of my misfortunes never hindered me from loving thee, and lamenting thee as I am obliged. Neoptolemus defeated of all his pretensions to the Crown, first by my refusal to marry him, and afterward by the birth of Pyrrhus, had changed his ways, though he had still the same design, and making use of the contempt which the greatest part of the Epirots had of their King, he turned his thoughts to usurp that Crown, which he no longer lawfully could hope for. With that intent he was retired to the Molosses, whom he found exceeding ready to revolt, and being informed of Antipater's discontent, and of his hatred to Aeacidas, he had made him acquainted with his purpose, and the means he had to revenge him. Antipater, who conceived himself ill dealt withal, and mocked by Aeacidas, lent an ear to Neoptolemus his solicitations, and joyfully offered to give him his assistance. Yet durst he neither bring, nor send him any Macedonian forces, knowing he should not be avowed by Alexander, who considered our family, by reason of the near Alliance that was between us; but he furnished him with mercenary strangers, whom he levied upon the Frontiers, and supplied him underhand with great sums of money, to support the charges of his enterprise. Negligent Aeacidas slighted the first notice that was given him of this commotion, but when he went to try some remedy, the misfortune was gone so far, that all his endeavours were unprofitable to hinder it. Neoptolemus did not only raise the Molosses, but sowed rebellion through all parts of Epirus, and made a party even in Ambracia itself, which quickly became stronger than the Kings. I never could comprehend which way Neoptolemus met with so much facility in his design, for though I know the Epirots are the most inconstant, and the most wicked people of all Europe, I cannot imagine what advantage they could find, in basely forsaking their natural King, to cast themselves into the hands of an usurper. 'Tis certain that in any other Country, Neoptolemus could not so easily have effected his design, but how faithless soever ours is, I could never attribute the ruin of our family, to any thing but a manifest judgement of Heaven upon it. Perfidious Neoptolemus declared himself as soon as he was strong enough, and coming before our Towns with a mighty Army, he in a short space brought them under his obedience, without striking a blow. His forces increased daily, and when he was master of all the Country, he marched directly to Ambracia, where he knew he was waited for by the greater part of the inhabitants. Aeacidas then made some attempts to remedy his last misfortunes, but he found the courage of the Epirots so cold, that after having unsuccessfully tried to make them take Arms for his defence, he began to lose both heart, and hope together. Then it was that he vainly called for Agis his assistance, and that he bewailed his ingratitude with tears of blood; he in his own destruction saw the truth of that poor Prince's predictions, and after his unworthy usage of him, had not the confidence to demand relief from his Allies. For mine own part, I can assure you there were but two reasons that augmented my affliction in this misfortune; I was troubled for my Father's disasters, though he had drawn them on his own head, and I was afraid of falling into the hands of Neoptolemus, whom I mortally hated. Yet did I resign myself to the will of the Gods, and being as it were dead to all manner of contentment in the World, 'tis certain I was less touched with our disasters than I should have been in another season. My Father seeing himself reduced, by the fickleness of his subjects, to one only Town, resolved to defend it, and there to expect succour from some of his neighbours, or to lay his bones in the ruins of it; but when Neoptolemus was come within two days march of us, those that took part with him in Ambracia being the stronger, and knowing that they were so, declared themselves publicly, and taking Arms began to march up and down the streets, crying, long live King Neoptolemus. In this utmost extremity the King summoned up all the remainder of his courage, and did all he possibly could to animate those to his defence, in whom he believed there yet was any fidelity, but their number was so small, that he was able to do nothing with them, and saw himself compelled to yield unto his destiny, and to follow the counsel of those few friends he still had left. They all persuaded him to get out of the City with his family before Neoptolemus his arrival, and take refuge to some one of his neighbours, where his person and family might be secured from the prosecutions of his Enemy, who would do all that possible he could to destroy him, and that after he had put himself in some friendly sanctuary, he might go and ask relief from his Nephew Alexander the Great, who in consideration of their nearness of blood, and of the injustice that had been done him, would without doubt give him his assistance, and establish him in his Throne again. The sad King harkened to this proposition, and and taking Gold, and Jewels with him, he caused certain Chariots to be made ready, and being guarded by a small number of trusty friends, he in the night got out of the Palace, by a Gate, which had free passage into the field, without going through any part of the City. Our escape was not so secret, but that the Epirots might have prevented it, if they had desired our ruin, but those that were less exasperated against Aeacidas, withheld the rest, telling them they might be satisfied with depriving him of his Kingdom, and not hinder him from saving his life if he could possibly. Our company consisted of the King my Father, young Pyrrhus my brother, who was then but two years old, myself, a few maids, Theogenes, Androclides, Angelus, Hyppias, Meander, Androclion, and some others, whose names were not so known in Epirus, and who would not abandon us in our disasters. Sorrowful Aeacidas quitted not his Town and Kingdom without tears, and detesting the infidelity of his people, uttered imprecations against them, and complaints for his misfortunes, able to have touched his very Enemies with pity. The Sun was hardly risen when our small train was increased by a few men, who coming up to us, gave us notice that we were pursued, and that we must hasten our flight with greater diligence, if we intended to save ourselves. Aeacidas grew pale at this intelligence, and not being able to forsake me, nor to fly himself with greater speed, he was extreme desirous to save little Pyrrhus, whom he believed to be the principal aim of his Enemy's pursuit; and therefore having taken him in his arms, and kissed him a great many times, bathing his face in tears, he put him into the hands of Androclion, Hyppias, and Meander, who were mounted upon fleet horses, commanding them to carry him to Glaucus' King of the Illyrians, his ancient friend, and to whom he would entrust that which was most precious to him in all the World. These three faithful servants took charge of my little brother, and promised the King that to their latest breath, they would with fidelity acquit themselves of the commission he gave them. When we had seen them depart, we prosecuted our journey, but left the highways, and under the conduct of trusty guides, traveled through the most unknown places toward Byzantium, where the King determined to pass over into Asia, and go to Alexander. I will not entertain you Sir, with the frivolous particulars of our voyage, it pleased the Gods we were not overtaken by our Enemies, and that after a tedious wand'ring, we in the end arrived at Byzantium. There we remained unknown, the King resolving to stay for Meander, who, by the order he had received, was to bring him an account thither, of the child that had been trusted to him. Meander came, and eased the King of part of his discontents, by giving a relation of the success of his voyage. He told him, King Glaucus had taken the child into his protection, how he had given charge he should be bred up with as much care, and as much affection as his own; how he had publicly sworn he would assist him with all his forces toward the recovery of his kingdom, and how he complained, that the king himself had taken sanctuary any where else but with him. Aeacidas was joyed at this recital, but he was come to the conclusion of his miseries; and as the Gods would have it, to o'erwhelm the unfortunate Deidamia, he fell ill the next day after, and felt himself so weakened with his griefs, that he had not strength. enough to resist his sickness, upon the sixth day he died, and I remained in the most sad, and lamentable condition that ever Princess was reduced to. I make you judge of it, my Lord, without going about to make a description of it, and you may easily imagine in what perplexities a maid might be, who, after having lost what was dearest to her in all the world, saw herself deprived of her parents, despoiled of all she had, without refuge, and without support, under the conduct of a few helpless men. Certainly 'tis very hard to fancy a more miserable estate than mine, and all the tears in the world were not sufficient to deplore a part of my disasters. I will, not tell you what torrents I poured forth, but content myself with letting you know, that after the king my father's obsequies, when once the condition we were in would suffer us, we consulted the Oracle of Mars, who by the mouth of his Priest gave us order to proceed according to our former resolution, and promised me that upon the banks of Euphrates I should find repose, and an end of my misfortunes. I received little consolation by that promise the Gods had given me, knowing I could not hope for the performance of it any other way than by the end of my life; yet was I determined to obey their commands, and by the advice of Theogenes, to whose conduct I had resigned myself, we continued on our journey toward Alexander, who was then at Susa; believing that the Queens would afford me a safe retreat, and an honourable sanctuary. The Gods can tell, 'twas not any desire to save my life; nor to return to the quality whence I was fallen, that made me undertake so painful a voyage, but only the fear of falling into Neoptolemus his hands, and my willingness to comply with the desires of those faithful persons, who had abandoned all they had to serve me, and who expressed so great an affection to the miserable Relics of our Family; 'tis under their protection that I have traveled through so many Country's; but a long and dangerous sickness I had at Susa, whence the King was gone, ere we arrived, hindered the effecting of our resolutions, and before I was able to leave my bed, we heard the fatal news of the much lamented death, of the greatest man that ever came into the World. By this last misfortune, I was persuaded that the Gods aimed absolutely at my destruction, since they overwhelmed me daily with new afflictions, and stopped up all the passages to that safety, and that repose I wished for; whereupon I would have given myself over to despair, if Theogenes, and his faithful companions had not kept me from it, and being desirous in the extremity to which I was reduced, to have me try all manner of ways, they were of opinion I might obtain the same relief, and the same protection from Alexander's successors, and from his Family, which I before had hoped for from himself; This was the reason, Sir, that brought us to this place, where the ill chance of this war you are all engaged in, began to make me lose the hopes which your goodness has revived, and which I now will cherish, since I have had the happiness in my first encounter, to light upon so generous a man as Prince Demetrius.  
Thus did the fair Princess Deidamia finish her Narration, wherein Demetrius was so concerned, that his tears for a great while kept company with those she shed at the end of her discourse; but when her silence invited him to speak, looking upon her with eyes which testified a sensibility in him, that went something beyond compassion: Madam, (said he) the causes of your affliction are so great, that they cannot justly be disapproved; but in the loss you have sustained by the death of that Valiant King of the Lacedæmonians, the destiny of this unfortunate man that speaks to you, has no small conformity with yours. I weep as you do, for a person who is no longer in the world, and though my passion were neither so long settled, nor upon so reasonable grounds as yours, it has fortified itself by circumstances, which have some thing in them more strange, and more unusual-Ile weep with you whensoever you please to let me bear you company in that sad employment, and in this Encounter of our Fates, perhaps we may find some consolation: In the mean time give me leave to wait upon you to the Retreat you have demanded, and bring you to a great many Princesses, who know how to pay what's due unto your Birth, and Person. You shall not fail of the protection you hoped to receive from Alexander, no nor of Revenge for the wrongs that have been done you, for here are many Princes who will embrace your interests with more affection than their own; and our War shall be no sooner ended, but you shall find us ready to begin it again for your Quarrel. Demetrius, whose sad remembrances were a little moderated by the sight of that admirable Princess, pronounced these words with such a grace, and his handsomeness did so powerfully second his persuasions, that the Princess, and all her followers, charmed with the marvellous advantages of his Person and Language, could not resist his desires, but answered his offers with the like civilities. Demetrius, after some words of an obliging discourse, entreated her to get up into her Chariot, and having placed himself by her, Theogenes and her Maids came in after them, and the rest following the Chariot on horseback, they went to Polemon's house, being guided thither by Demetrius. When they were at the Gate, he alighted first, and being desirous to prepare those Persons that were within to receive Deidamia according to her quality, he prayed her to expect his Return but a few moments, and in the interim ran to advertise Apamia, Arsinoe, and the other Ladies that were with them, of her Arrival, and having in a few words told them her name, her quality, and something of her last Adventures, they all went down to meet, and to receive her with all manner of respect, and civility. This interview caused a mutual admiration in them; & as Deidamia found something that was very charming in the faces of those Princesses, they on the other side believed they had never yet seen any thing that excelled hers. Their conversation was in very submissive terms, and when the Ladies had confirmed those promises to Deidamia, which Demetrius had made her, they entered together into the house, where they obliged her to take a Lodging with them.   
The end of the first Book.   

CASSANDRA, The fourth Part. The second Book.  
Demetrius' having left Deidamia with the Ladies, went to his Father, and then with him to Oroondates his Tent, whither all the Princes flocked, to take their share in his joy, and to inform themselves of those marvellous Events that were come to pass there. Indeed, the face of all things was wonderfully changed; for hatred, rage, and jealousy, which had so absolutely reigned there some few hours before, had now yielded their place to gentler, and quite contrary passions. Oroondates was even lost in the transports of his joy, both for the life of his dear Brother, for whom he had shed so many tears, and for the innocency of his before suspected Princess; he testified those sweet Raptures by such moaning words, and that pleasing trouble of his mind, broke forth so extremely in all his Actions, that so sudden a change had made him hardly to be known by his most particular Friends. With how great Repentance did he reflect upon all the Complaints he had made of Cassandra's infidelity, and with what Remorse did he recall into his memory, those cruel designs he had framed against the life of his most loved Arsaces? which way, dear Brother (cried he before all the company) which way dear Princess, shall I be able to repair, what I have said, and what have I attempted against you? and what blood do I not owe to the expiation of those bloody injuries, and of those cruel intentions? Thou guilty mouth, which hast so often blasphemed my adored Princess, and thou sacrilegious hand, which hast so inhumanely shed the noble blood of my most worthy Brother, what will you say? what will you do, to give satisfaction for your crimes? That admirable virtue I so much wronged by my unjust suspicions, and those deep wounds which my ingrateful Sword hath made in the body of a Brother, to whom I stood indebted for all my happiness, do they not cry aloud for vengeance against me? Ah! no (said he again, after a little pause) fear nothing for innocent faults; those between my Brother and me are mutual; if I have drawn part of his blood, he hath poured forth almost all mine, and since Artaxerxes is revived, and that Statira is not inconstant, we ought to cast away all fatal Remembrances, and banish all matters of affliction. Artaxerxes will pardon the fury that transported me, if he consider the violence of that passion, whose beginnings he favoured with so much goodness; and my Queen will without doubt be so indulgent, as to excuse a jealousy grounded upon such strong probabilities, and a jealousy which has been violent enough to precipitate me into despair, but not to lessen my affection. If Oroondates his words were these, Arsaces his thoughts were the very same, but he could not express them with his tongue, because Oroondates his entreaty, and Berenice's absolute command, made him observe the silence that was enjoined him. Yet did he by a beseeching gesture, and by looks which spoke sufficiently for him, beg pardon of Berenice for the injuries he had done her, and that fair Princess, who at her Brother's desire was set down by his beds-head, showed plainly enough by hers, that he had obtained the pardon he demanded, and that her former affection was augmented by those offences whereof he accused himself. This assurance caused motions in joyed Arsaces, which raised him above himself, and which made him consider that sudden revolution of fortune, with an inconceivable ecstasy. While he contented himself with expressing it in that mute language, his Recovery was endeavoured with an exceeding great care, and Prince Lysimachus, who next Oroondates was more concerned in it than all the rest, employed so many to seek that sovereign herb, which had lately been so favourable to him, that after a great deal of difficulty, some few Roots of it were found upon the neighbouring mountain. They were no sooner applied, but they wrought their usual effect, and gave the Chirurgeons certain hope of a speedy cure. The next day he was visibly amended, but though the Physicians allowed him to discourse a little with his friends, they would not suffer him to engage himself in the long narration which was desired of him, and only ordained that he should defer it till the day following. Oroondates, who knew not Arsaces his intentions, and who believed that perhaps he might be unwilling to make himself known to so many persons, who had been Enemies to his Father, who had laboured for the destruction of his Family, and who had made themselves great, but by those Territories which ought to have been his, took such a course by the means of Lysimachus and Araxes, that his true name was not published so soon, and he only discovered it to Thalestris, Ptolomeus, and some of those in whom he had a more especial confidence. Arsaces' prayed Oroondates to make him the Relation of that part of his Adventures which was unknown to him, and the Prince gave him an exact account of them, which caused him often to fall into such admirations, and praises of his virtue, as the Prince's modesty could not suffer. Part of the day was bestowed in this Recital, and the remainder passed in a delightful conversation, wherein the Princess Deidamia, who with the other Ladies was come to visit the Princes, appeared like a fair star, and made some of the company doubt whether Berenice had any advantage over her. That lovely Princess had already given her a large place in her affection, Thalestris had not been sparing to her of hers, and all the Princes charmed with her beauty, and with her admirable qualities, and touched with the sad Events of her Fortune, and with the Ruin of her House, had with much joy, and civility promised her that protection, and assistance she demanded of them. Demetrius interessed himself more in that business than all the rest, and his Father began already to observe that he beheld that Princess, with Eyes less drowned in tears than ordinary, and that he was not altogether so much fixed upon the sorrowful remembrance of his Hermione. This was the last day of the Truce, which obliged the Princes to spend the remnant of it carefully in putting the Army in order, either to assault, if they saw occasion, or to defend itself, if it should be assaulted. Those great Soldiers were too skilful in their Trade to be ignorant of any thing that could serve for their advantage; but after having visited the Camp, they thought themselves not in a condition to attempt any thing for some days, and the knowledge they had that their Enemies were altogether as unfit for action, made them only prepare for their defence, or to avoid those surprises, whereof too great a negligence might afford an opportunity; and in the mean time they were extremely diligent in hastening the cure of their hurt men, and in causing those that were well, to work at their Trenches. The next day Arsaces was so much better, that he himself could hardly believe the sudden return of strength he felt; and Oroondates, as soon as he was awake, having asked him how he did; I am so well (said he) Brother, that I find myself able to satisfy the desire you have to learn my Adventures; you have more interest in the recital of them than any body in the world, and our two lives are so chained to one another, that 'tis almost impossible to separate them. I lost one half of mine (replied Oroondates) when I thought I had lost you, and the other subsisted only by the love I bore my Princess. I owed that part of Oroondates to her, and but for that, I should have sacrificed it all to my sorrow for the death of Artaxerxes; but O Gods! is it possible you should have lived ever since, without giving this afflicted Brother any knowledge that you were alive? These words drew some sighs from Arsaces, and when he was going to answer him, they saw the fair Thalestris come into the Chamber, and with her Prince Lysimachus, Oxyartes, and Artabasus. As soon as they had bidden the two Princes good morrow, and that they with joy had heard from them the estate of their health. Oroondates turning towards Arsaces. Brother (said he) these pesons are not to be suspected, in the relation I have demanded of you, and I believe 't is partly that desire that has brought them hither. If I am suspected, (added Lysimachus) I shall not take it ill, if you think fit I should retire, and leave you in a more absolute liberty. No, Lysimachus (replied the Prince) you shall never be suspected by me, and I shall be extremely afflicted, if you conserve not that friendship to Parisatise's brother, which you already have promised to Arsaces. He detained Queen Thalestris with the same civility, but Oroondates desired their entertainment should be limited to that number of persons, and Lysimachus gave order at the Tent door, that the Princes should not be disturbed that morning. Arsaces' was going to begin his story, when Oroondates, fearing he should be obliged to speak too loud by reason of the distance between their beds, had a mind to go into his, but the presence of Thalestris hindered him, which Lysimachus perceiving, led her for awhile into the next Chamber, and at their return they found the two Princes in Arsaces his bed, linked in a very different embrace from those they had given one another not many days before. These illustrious persons took their places close by the bed, and Arsaces' having held his peace awhile, broke silence in these terms.  

The History of Arsaces.  
O Gods! with what face can I own my having been alive, while Alexander overran my Country, destroyed my family, and triumphed over my Father's life and Empire? which way shall I be able to make this shameful confession, and what excuses can I find in my love, and in my misfortunes, to justify myself of such a seeming cowardice? 'Tis true, I lived during all the losses of my friends, and the miseries of my Country, but I lived in a condition, which if it cannot make me absolutely innocent, may perhaps obtain some pardon amongst you, and leave you still in a belief, that if Arsaces had been free, he would not have been so base as to see the desolation of his Country, without burying himself in its fatal ruins. I speak this before you, Lysimachus, whom I shall ever be able to discern from the Enemies of our house, and I call this remembrance into my mind, without keeping any heartburning against many of our generous friends, who have now taken arms for the remnant of our blood, and who heretofore, while they served their King, and laboured for their own glory, obliged Darius his family by most considerable services, and have now left in his Son neither any animosity against them, nor any discontent for seeing them possessors of those Country's, which were the King my Fathers, and which ought to have been my Dominions at this present, if by the anger of the Gods this Empire had not been overthrown from the highest pitch that ever humane greatness attained.  
I cannot think of this sad remembrance (continued Arsaces, with a sigh or two) without showing some tokens, that I am sensible of the ruin of our house; but for all I am an exile, for all I am devested of an Empire, whose scattered pieces make so many sovereigns, the Gods are my witnesses, that I shall never bewail that loss, if I may but keep Berenice, and if with those Sceptres which Heavens wrath had put into other hands, I lose not also that worthily adored Princess, for whom I freely did forsake them all. These words drew tears from the eyes of all the hearers, and Arsaces' having wiped away his, prosecuted his discourse on this manner.  
I died not, Brother, in that bloody Battle, wherein you thought you had lost a brother, to whom you were a thousand times more dear than his own life, and three days ago I should have said, that I lived to my misfortune, but my recovering of Berenice, and of yourself, banishes all those ingrateful thoughts out of my heart, and cannot suffer me to complain of my destiny without blasphemy, and without injustice. 'Tis true I died not, but I remained in a condition that was but little different from death, and if you believed I was so, 't was upon such apparent grounds as might have deceived all the World. Night was already shut in when the Persians quitted the field, and the Scythians were so weak, that they contented themselves with keeping it, without attempting to pursue their Enemies in the dark. I lay in a swoon all that night, which in the hot season it then was, was one of the shortest of the year, and during which the Soldiers were not suffered to pillage, nor to strip the dead. As soon as day appeared, that liberty was granted them, and then they began to pull off all our Arms, and clothes. My Arms, if you remember, were as fair, and rich as ever had been worn, and the lustre of the stones they were set withal, which sparkled in some places, in spite of the blood that covered them, drew many Scythians to pillage me; presently one amongst them took off my Cask, and while he amused himself in considering the beauty of it, another stooping to me, would have unbuckled my Cuirass, but his companion, who knew the prize was wholly his, because he had seized upon me first, opposed his intention, and though they say the Scythians despise riches, it is true nevertheless, that then they were powerful enough to set a quarrel between those two Soldiers, and to make them dispute their booty with their swords. Some of their friends drawn thither by that noise, took part on either side according to their affections, and then there began a little skuffle about me, in which blood would have been drawn, but for the arrival of Theodates' Prince of the Sarmates, who commanded part of the Army. As soon as he made himself known to the Soldiers, they retired with respect, and Theodates being willing to be judge of their difference, they began to dispute the matter before him. He had no sooner seen my Cask which a Scythian showed him, and then my Curass, and the rest of my Arms, but he presently believed the person that wore them, must needs be of a considerable quality among the Persians. This opinion made him cast his eyes the more heedfully upon me; my face was pale, and my hair all matted with blood, hung confusedly upon the ground, which was red all round about me; I know not whither it was my youth, or some belief of the greatness of my birth, which at first moved compassion in Theodates; but in effect, as I have learned since, he began to look upon me with some sense of pity, and after having bestowed a sigh or two on my misfortune, he was going to appoint me burial, and was opening his mouth to decide the quarrel among the Soldiers, and to command them to carry me from amidst the dead, when he perceived me stir and open my eyes a little, showing many signs that I was alive. Theodates at that sight felt some kind of joy, and drawing nearer to my face, to find whither I breathed or no; This young man is not dead (said he) and without doubt he deserves assistance; the Gods forbid I should neglect the occasion to give it him, carry him into my Tent with his Arms, if he die, they shall be yours, and if he recover, I'll pay you for them as much as you can desire. Theodates was highly respected among the Soldiers, and (the Scythians being religious observers of the commands of their superior Officers) these obeyed without murmuring, and going after him, carried me to his Tent which was not very far from thence. He immediately gave order that I should be put to bed, that my wounds should be searched, and that all those remedies should be applied to me, which could have been used in the like extremity to his own person. The Chirurgeons that visited my wounds found them very deep, and a great many, but they were all in such favourable places, that only my loss of blood gave them any apprehensions, and they told Theodates that it alone was enough to make them despair of my recovery. Yet did they endeavour it with great care, and skill, and laboured with such sovereign remedies to draw me out of my swoon, that I came perfectly to my senses again, and opening my eyes wide, I began to discern some of the objects that were before me. I was a long time nevertheless before I was capable of reason, and they dressed all my wounds, I stirring but very little the while, and having but a very light imperfect knowledge of what was done to me; not many hours after, I grew something better, and had strength enough to turn my head a little, to roll my eyes on every side, to call things passed into my memory, and to question myself touching my present condition. I had a confused remembrance of the Battle, and of part of what I had done there, but I could not imagine in what place I was, nor which way I came thither. I began to be desirous to know, when Theodates came to my bedside, and seeing that I looked intentively upon him; whosoever you are (said he) fear nothing, but believe you are fallen into the hands of a man that will not consider you as an Enemy, and who will labour as much for your safety as for his own. He went away not staying for my answer, and shutting the curtain of my bed, left me at liberty to digest his words, and to think of the estate I was in. I was not so weak, nor so little come to myself, but that I understood what he had said, and after I had reflected upon it, I conjectured something of the truth. I knew I was a prisoner, but though that condition seemed hard to me, I had courage enough to support it, and by the first usage I received from this Enemy, I began to hope for all manner of courtesy from him. This knowledge sweetened my discontent, and being at that time I was void of any passion that could make me hate my life, I joyfully received the assistance that was given me for the conservation of it. The second day I was a little stronger, and the next after that, the Physicians assured Theodates, that by the favour of the Gods, there was hope of my recovery. The third day, when they had fired the Camp to burn that great number of dead bodies, which the Scythians left upon our fields, they repassed the Araxis, to march back toward Issedon; and Theodates, who did already interess himself very much in my safety, not being able to oppose that necessity, would have me brought along in the most commodious manner he possibly could, and for that purpose caused a close hand-litter to be made, and to be carried by a great many men appointed for that office, who easing one another of that pains by turns, removed me very gently, and easily kept pace with the Army, which by reason of the number of their wounded men, moved leisurely, and made but very short marches. We came on this fashion into Scythia, and arrived at Issedon, but Theodates, who for particular reasons, desired to keep me concealed, would not let me be carried into that City, but to a house of his which was not above five or six hundred furlongs from thence. I was already in a condition which gave the Chirurgeons certain hopes of my recovery, but my wounds were so great, that long time, and much patience were necessary for my cure, nor did they fail to labour in it with such extraordinary care, that I could not then imagine any other thing, but that Theodates, having had some knowledge of my quality, was so industrious to procure my health, out of hope to get a mighty ransom for me. I wronged his virtue in that false opinion, and I have since had very good reason to know, that nothing but mere generosity inspired him with all those favourable inclinations to me. He had visited me often during our march, and he saw me divers times at that house of his, where he forgot no kind of civility or good usage, to sweeten the discontent I might have either for my wounds, or for my captivity. I had learned his name and quality of them that waited on me, and that knowledge obliged me to pay him what I thought due to a Prince, to whom I was so highly indebted. He never had asked me any thing concerning my name or birth, and I judged it not convenient to discover that I was Darius his Son, knowing what a mortal hatred the King of Scythia bore our family; But one day when he was by my bedside, he with a great deal of civility entreated me to tell him something of them, assuring me, that let me disguise it as much as I would, I could not put him out of the opinion he had conceived of the greatness of my quality. I all my life had a great aversion against lying, and besides, esteeming Theodates extremely, I desired to tell him truth without discovering myself, and remembering the former names our family had born before my Father attained the Crown; I am called Arsaces (said I) my Father's name was Codoman, and you were not deceived, when you believed me to be something above the common rank of men; for indeed, I am born a Prince, in one of those Countries that obey Darius, and I have the honour to appertain to him by some Alliances which are not very remote; I make this confession to you, upon the knowledge I have of your virtue, and though captivity be hard to Princes, I shall bear mine with patience, and not think my condition miserable, because I am fallen into the hands of so genererous a Prince as Theodates. When you are once in such an estate (replied Theodates) that you can make use of the esteem I have of you, you will find I have no intentions you can complain of, nor shall the knowledge you give me of your quality, be any way to your disadvantage. Yet is it necessary it should be unknown to the Scythians, for if the King should know I had a prisoner of such importance, it would be hard for you to recover your liberty before the end of our wars. You may lie here concealed till you are well, and when you have recovered your health and strength, I will certainly give you cause to continue your good opinion of me. We had some other discourse upon this subject, and during all the time my wounds kept me in bed, I had a thousand new occasions to acknowledge his civility. While I led that kind of life (very tedious to a person of my humour) I made my thoughts to travel as far as Persia, and I may truly protest to you, brother, that nothing in my captivity troubled me so much as our separation. I was uncertain whether you had escaped the Battle in which I fell, and into which I had seen you rush headlong with so little regard of danger, and really that apprehension was the greatest of my discontents. Yet did I receive some consolation, in that among so many bodies as were stripped, yours, whereof the whole Court of Scythia had the Idea most present to their memory, had not been found, which made me hope with a great deal of likelihood, that you were not slain in that day's service. Your consideration also gave me a desire to make some stay among the Scythians, though I had had liberty to return, and my dear Oroondates was too high in my esteem to leave his Country without seeing the King his Father, and that Sister, whose admirable beauty was so loudly famed, and whereof I had heard Araxes, and many other persons in Scythia, speak with some of those praises which are her due. I heartily wished for some occasion, wherein I might repay your house some small part of what you had done for ours, and the Gods know I would have purchased it with the better part of my blood. In fine, not to hold you longer in this tedious part of my life, I recovered my health, but I was not able to stir out of my Chamber of above three months after our arrival in Scythia; I saw myself at liberty as soon as cured, there were no Guards to hinder me from going away, and generous Theodates, did not so much as demand my promise for assurance. I rather would have lost my life, than abused that goodness, nor would I have taken so much liberty, as to have walked into the garden, if he had not earnestly entreated me himself, and if within a few days after, he had not told me that I was a free man, and that if I had a mind to retire into my Country, he would furnish me with means to get out of Scythia. This great civility of Theodates, put me into a confusion which I cannot represent, but I would by no means accept his offers, and I let him see I knew too well how the rights of war engaged me towards him, to make so ill an use of his noble favours; I told him that I knew the Obligations I had to him were invaluable, but also that with what wealth the Gods had left to my disposing, I had a life, which I held from none but him, and which I with a perfect satisfaction would bestow on him that had so generously preserved it. Theodates' judging by my discourse that I was not of an humour, to continue engaged in so great obligations, redoubled his affection to me, and protested, that he never would receive any thing but my friendship for the price of my liberty, and of what he had done to save my life. And I (replied I) will never receive my liberty upon such conditions, and if it be an offence to Prince Theodates to offer him riches for a reward of his generosity, he cannot at the least refuse Arsaces himself, who gives himself absolutely to him, and who will not leave his preserver, and his master. Our conversation ended with a great many embraces, and Theodates told me I should oblige him infinitely, by the desire I had to make a longer stay with him, and that he had already conceived such an affection towards me, as would not suffer him, to let me depart from him without discontent. He promised me afterwards that he would carry me to see the King, the Princess, and the whole Court, in such a way that I should run no hazard of being known, and that if my face were taken notice of, he would easily make me pass for a stranger, whom desire of glory had brought into those places, where it was to be gotten, and the same day after he had instructed his people how they should behave themselves towards me, and what they should answer if they were questioned about me, he took me along with him to Issedon, when we were alone he used me as a Prince, and as a man of quality equal to his own; but before those that might observe our actions, he at my request, carried himself towards me as an inferior person, and on that had dependence on him; otherwise it would have been very hard for me to have stayed long at Court without being suspected. The second day after our arrival, I saw the King in the Temple, and though he was my Father's Enemy, and without doubt mine also, I could not look upon the Father of Oroondates, without some touches of affection. His garb me thought was extreme warlike, and extreme amorous both together, and there was Arsacomes, and many other Princes attending on him; but the next day going with Theodates into a wood, where the Princess Berenice used to walk every evening, I saw her, that admirable Lady, I saw her, and in that I think I have said all, since to see her, and to lose that liberty for her which I had so long conserved, was but one and the same thing; neither indeed is Berenice's beauty one of those that stand in need of long time to make a conquest, for to support her very first looks without yielding, is wilfully to hold out in a guilty, and in an unseemly resistance; I saw her with Arms against which it was not possible to defend one's self, and they amongst you, whose passion gives them advantageous opinions of those they love, must pardon me if I say, that all I had seen till then was but ill-favoured in my conceit, compared to Berenice. Scarce had I cast mine Eyes upon her, but I was already in a flame, and in short, Brother, no longer time was requisite for Berenice to make herself Mistress of Artaxerxes his heart, than according to your report, Statira had to win the affections of Oroondates. This resemblance of our Destinies came presently into my mind, nay, and I think, that though its assistance was utterly unnecessary, yet did it help toward my first Engagement: O Gods! how fatal was that moment to my Repose! how many sufferings has it cost me, but withal how happy was it to me! since in spite of all my pains, inspite of all my losses; and in spite of all my misfortunes, it hath made me taste a bliss, the least part whereof was not to be purchased with all my pains, losses, and misfortunes put together. The divine Berenice was alighted from her Chariot, to walk under the Trees with Princess Theomiris her Cousin, and some other Ladies of her Attendance, and though I only kept along with the Train at a good distance, I observed such beauties in her, as far supassed my imagination. You know this marvellous Princess so well already, that I shall not need to make any description of her, and I will only tell you, that I fixed myself so deeply in that contemplation, that I lost all knowledge of what I did, and in my walk I was guided merely by the throng of People that waited on the Princess. O Gods! (said I to myself) is it possible you should have thus advantageously displayed all your powers in one mortal beauty, or rather, is it possible that all your powers should have been able to form so marvellous a workmanship? Fly Artaxerxes, (said I within a little after) fly from so fatal a sight, and suffer not thyself to fall into a precipice, from whence thou never canst be able to retire; this beauty is not destined unto men, nor can men without a crime raise their audacious thoughts unto it. I was so carried away in these discourses, that I had hardly so much as a small glimpse of knowledge remaining, and I should have continued long in that employment, if the Princess had not given over walking, and if Theodates had not taken me back with him, after he with much ado had raised me out of the deep meditation wherein I was buried. Of all the rest of the day he could not draw a reasonable word from me, and when I was in my Bed, I began a war with my own thoughts, of a quite different nature from all those I had ever been in before that time. All Berenice's beauties came presently into my remembrance, and with them all the sweetness, and all the Advantages that might be found in the glory of serving her, but this knowledge was quickly accompanied with that of the difficulties there were in that Design, and in that birth of my love, I made reflections little different from those you made in the beginnings of yours. 'Tis true (said I) that Berenice is the most accomplished creature of the world, and that all, which men have seen till now, has nothing that in any degree comes near her admirable beauties; she is but too fair, she is but too perfect: that is not the thing that makes thee waver, O Artaxerxes, nor dost thou at all doubt whether she be worthy of thy love, and of that liberty, which hitherto thou hast preserved entire; but she is the King of Scythia's daughter, and thou art the son of Darius. I stayed a while upon this consideration, but presently after I passed over that first difficulty by your example. Was not Statira (said I) Darius his daughter, and was not Oroondates the King of Scythia's son? Hast not thou a heart as well as he? And canst not thou attempt that for his sister, which he so courageously hazarded for thine? Thou without doubt hast facilities in thy Design, which he found not in his, his Example may encourage thee, his proceeding may instruct thee, and his assistance may make thee the most fortunate of all men living. He will not refuse to give it thee, (dear brother) and I assure myself he will do the same Offices for thee to his sister, which he received of thee to thine. The Gods will mollify our father's hearts in time, and in the interim, thou wilt be too happy, and too contented in having a like destiny with thy Oroondates. But what dost thou say, (replied I presently after to myself) a like destiny? Oroondates possesses thy sister's affections already, and perhaps his will never approve of thine. Thou oughtest not to hope for the same success in thy love, which thy brother's admirable qualities gave him in his. He is the most deserving of all the men in the whole world, & Statira, without being the most insensible of all women, could not have defended herself against him. Peradventure Berenice's inclinations may be different from thy sisters, and she with justice will find out the odds there is between Artaxerxes, and Prince Oroondates. Besides, Oroondates before he engaged himself in that Enterprise, had already gained Statira, and the whole House of Persia, by obligations which gave him the confidence to attempt what he undertook; but Artaxerxes has yet done nothing, (save Actions of an Enemy) either for Berenice, or for the King of Scythia. Do something therefore Artaxerxes, that may render thee considerable to King Mattheus, and that may give thee some advantage in thy pretending to Berenice. If thou canst not make thyself so remarkable as Oroondates did, at least seek some occasion to testify that thou hast not the thoughts of an Enemy, and either perish for them, or do them some service that may procure thee a place in their esteem. All things are favourable to thee, if thou knowest how to use thy fortune, and in this glorious Design which keeps thee in Scythia, Theodates his friendship will not be unprofitable to thee. I reasoned thus a long time, sometimes flattering myself with hopes, and sometimes afflicting myself with difficulties; but in the end, I overcame them all to take my final resolution. Why dost thou stand wavering [pursued I] in a thing thou canst not possibly avoid? 'Tis a decree of the Destinies, from which all the Contestations in the world can never free thee. Deliberate no more whether thou shouldst love Berenice; but deliberate of the means thou shouldst use to make her suffer thy affection. If it please the Gods, it may but one day be acceptable to her, all the most happy persons that ever were, never knew felicity in any degree comparable unto thine: and if thou diest in serving her, thy death will be a thousand times more glorious than thy thy life. Here it was I fixed, and no longer doubting whether I should love or no, I thought only what course I should take to make myself be loved. I resolved to use Theodates his friendship for my stay in Scythia; but I settled a firm determination not to present myself to the King, nor to the Princess his daughter, till I had done some Action for their service, which might introduce me handsomely into their knowledge. In the interim I often saw my adored Princess, but 'twas in Temples, or in such places where she could not take notice of my face, and every time I discovered new beauties in her, and felt inconceivable increases in my passion. In short [Brother] I loved her with all the violence that can be found in the strongest affections, and I loved her with so absolute a respect, and so perfect a knowledge of her Excellencies, that I never cherished any hope of making myself worthy to serve her. I learned with much discontent that audacious Arsacomes had raised his thoughts to her, and that abusing the King's love to his sister, he was so impudent, as to own his, to the whole world, and to give the Princess public demonstrations of it. The insolence of that indiscreet subject, animated me with a just wrath, and with a lawful indignation against him; and if I had been in a condition to have shown them, I should not have suffered a presumption that displeased my Princess. That was it wherein I found some consolation, for I no sooner knew that Arsacomes was in love with Berenice, but I heard that Berenice detested Arsacomes. I stayed some few months at Issedon on this manner, and in the end, the Gods made me depart from thence upon those occasions I had so ardently desired, and so impatiently waited for.  
The Nomads, and the Hyleans rose up in Arms, and making themselves Masters of all that lies near the Lake of Bugs, drew a potent Army into the field, and began to make such havoc, that the noise of it came presently to the King's ear. He was desirous to apply some speedy Remedy to those Troubles, and setting an Army on foot, worthily made choice of Theodates to command it. I blessed that favourable occasion a thousand times, and prepared myself with an incredible joy to march along with that generous friend, upon an Expedition, wherein I possibly might find opportunity to make myself appear with some Reputation to the King of Scythia, and perhaps some Encounter wherein I might repay some part of what I owed to Theodates. I expressed to him the contentment I received by that employment, and told him the Resolution I had taken, either to lose that life he had saved, in fight by his side, or else to do something for his service, that might hinder him from repenting the affection he had so blindly given me. I love you (answered Theodates) with so perfect a knowledge of your merit, that I cannot be accused of blindness in my friendship; and in performing mervellous Exploits, you will do nothing beyond the opinion I have of you. Theodates' accompanied these favourable words, with many obliging Endearments; and we made ready for a departure, which by reason of the pressing necessity of affairs, was very sudden and precipitate. I in that separation should have felt all the discontents a cruel absence can throw upon a person that most ardently loves, if I had not found my consolation in the hope I had of some Advantages that Voyage might procure me. We went from Issedon, and took long marches toward the Enemies. At first I would by no means accept of any command, but contented myself with fight near Theodates his person; but in the first Battle that was given, I was so happy as to do him some services, which obliged him to bestow employments on me that were above the reach of my capacity.  
Arsaces' his modesty caused him to pass lightly over the occasions wherein he had made himself remarkable; but Oroondates perceived it, and being desirous to spare him the pains of telling them some of those things they had heard already from Berenice. Brother (said he) we have learned part of those gallant Actions you did in that first Battle; we know you saved Theodates his life two several times, and that seeing your Squadrons waver, you seized upon the foremost Standard, reanimated your frighted Troops by your words, and by your Example, and by your only Valour, turned the Victory to your side, which was already declaring itself for your Enemies. We know that after all these wonders, Theodates gave you the command of part of the Army, that with it you took places of great importance by Assault, and that with eight thousand Horse, you perfected the defeating of the Rebels near the Lake of Bugs, with such marvellous Effects of Valour, and good Conduct, that the memory of them will never be lost among the Scythians. You have been told a great deal more than what I did (replied Arsaces modestly) and 'tis with much injustice they would rob Theodates of part of that glory, which was totally due to him. We have heard moreover, (continued Oroondates) how you were presented to the King, by Theodates, the Reception you had from him, the beginnings of your favour, and of the Reputation you acquired among the Scythians, the progress of your credit with the King, your generous, and affable carriage, which gained you the hearts of all the Court, the first discourses you had with Berenice, and Stratonices Marriage to the King; and in short, the adventure which made my Sister discover your passion for her. She was relating these passages to me when you came into our Camp, and we were interrupted just as she began to tell the conversation you had with her in an Arbour of the Garden, where by Cyllenia's mediation you obtained the audience you had demanded. These Princes that hear you, learned them not from Berenice, but I made them the Recital yesterday, and they know enough of all to ease you of a trouble, which in your present condition, would be no small one.  
Since you are so well instructed in these particulars, [pursued Arsaces'] I will not repeat what you have heard already from my Princess; but before I come to the place where her Narration was interrupted, I'll tell you some things in a few words, which at that time were not come unto her knowledge. She might be able to tell you the discourses I had with her, but she could not represent to you what I felt inwardly for her, and though in that I am more knowing than any other body, even I myself shall find the expressing of it to be a very difficult matter. After the time that I had the honour to have access to her, and that together with her outward beauties, I was permitted to contemplate part of those which adorned her mind; when her transcendent virtue, her charming conversation, and her excellent goodness, were as well known to me as her face; of a passionate man that I was before, I became an idolater, and grew quite transported, having scarce power enough left me over myself, to keep that violent passion from breaking forth, which had made itself mistress of my soul with a most absolute Empire. That perfect knowledge I had of her admirable qualities, checked my aspiring hopes, and I could not consider Berenice, in that sublime degree of perfection to which the Gods had raised her, without remembering myself to be but a man, and therefore utterly unworthy to serve her. This reflection caused disquiets in me, which often were observed in my face, and though I was loaden with honours, and favoured by the King beyond my desert, that inward discontent made me but little sensible of any outward happiness, and hindered me from tasting those Advantages, which the most eminent persons in all Scythia could not look upon without Envy. Theodates' his friendship toward me, was so augmented after those light services I had done him, that he seemed to live only for my sake, and he took so great an interest in those favours I received from the King, that my fortune seemed really to be his own, and to say the truth, I made use of it as much as possibly I could to his Advantage, and employed a great part of the confidence the King had in me, to recommend the person of Theodates to him; but these marks of my affection seemed light to me, in respect of what I owed to his, and I believed that after the proofs he had given me of it; I not only might tell him who I was, but that I could not without ingratitude conceal myself from him any longer. Besides in the condition I then was, I stood in need of a person to whom I might communicate my thoughts, and amongst all those that were most discreet, and most affectionate to me, I could not have chosen one more worthy than he of so important a trust. Theodates loves me too well, (said I) and Theodates is too generous to betray me, and besides the shame his treachery would be to him, he could reap no manner of advantage by my destruction. I ended these words with repentance for having distrusted Theodates his virtue, and following the resolution I had taken, one day when I had shut myself with him into a Closet, I discovered my true quality to him, and the true cause of my abode in Scythia. I made him acquainted with my love as well as with my birth, and showed him how by that Declaration I put that life into his hands, over which he had a great deal of power before. I should have much ado to represent the greatness of Theodates his astonishment; after this discovery, he had so good an opinion of me, as not to doubt the truth of my words, and both my face and actions, as he said to flatter me, persuaded him sufficiently that my birth was higher than ordinary; but he thought this Adventure so little common, that upon the report of another body, he could hardly have given credit to it. Though he appeared amazed, he appeared not changed, and he believed that by that testimony of my friendship, he was deeply obliged to persevere in his. I opposed those submissions which that knowledge of my quality would have obliged him to render me, and after I had most expressly entreated him, to live in the same freedom with me as he was wont, he made such protestations to me, and promised me his assistance in my Design with so great affection, that I did not think I had any reason to repent me of the confidence I had in him. From that time forward he comforted me in my discontents as much as possibly he could, sought means to let me see my Princess often, and procured me that little Picture which gave her the knowledge of my love. While I lived at Issedon, in a very languishing manner, and that I could not obtain permission of my respect to declare my passion, the Truce was proposed, and concluded between the King of Scythia, and the King my father; but the cause of it was sad to poor Darius, and 'twas about that time we heard that the Lieutenants were defeated at the passage of the Granicus, that part of his Dominions had followed the fortune of conquering Alexander; and that afterward Darius himself had lost the Battle of Issus, and with it a great many of his Provinces, and all his Family, who were taken Prisoners. You may easily judge, that (for all I was so prepossessed with a passion, which made me insensible of all things else) I could not receive this news without a most deep discontent, and a great deal of shame. It wrought a strange alteration in my hopes, nor had love so totally seized upon my heart, but that it had left some place in it for the considerations of honour. What (said I) shall I languish then at the feet of a person, to whom my sufferings are not so much as known, and shall I live in Scythia, as a man to whom the misfortunes of Persia were things indifferent, while Alexander lays our Country desolate, usurps our Territories, and persecutes our House? Ah Arsaces, Arsaces, remember that thou art still Artaxerxes; cast off this personage which love has disguised thee with, to take up that again to which thine honour recals thee, and consider that Berenice herself would not esteem thee, if thou couldst linger out thy life so shamefully at her feet. I ne'er stood wavering about what resolution I ought to take, and how great violence soever my love made me feel at that separation, to which I was to dispose myself, the care of my Reputation, and the tender affection I bore to my own blood, made me master of that passion which fought against my duty with its utmost power. When once my honour is satisfied (said I) we'll suffer love to work, and I may better serve Berenice, when I shall have freed myself from a shame that would render me unworthy of her; when we have repelled that Enemy, who equally destroys my father's Kingdoms, and my hopes, we'll return into Scythia, and with a freer confidence demand that of Berenice, which we should not dare to aspire to, being depressed with infamy. This was my final determination, and I imparted it to Theodates, who was most sensibly concerned in my afflictions, and who resolved to keep me company in that Voyage, and to follow my fortune over all the world. Though he complied exceedingly with my passion, he could not disapprove my resolution, and he confessed that in the extremity our House was reduced to, I could not give myself over to my love, without blasting my memory for ever with an irreparable want of spirit. My departure therefore was concluded in spite of all the oppositions of my love; but yet I was not a little troubled to leave Scythia, without giving my Princess some knowledge of it. I contrived several ways in my imagination, but my fortune took care of it, and 'twas about that time my little Picture spoke for me, and discovered that unto my Princess, which my respect had forced me to conceal. I am not able to describe at length, with what a grief I was afflicted, when I received the sentence of my condemnation by the mouth of Cyllenia; notwithstanding the astonishment that appeared in my face, I did not think it very strange, and I had ever believed that the Princess would not without displeasure receive a declaration of love from a man unknown as Arsaces', who passed in the Court of Scythia but for a private person; but I was extremely grieved I had offended her by my presumption, and that at my departure I should carry away with me the sorrow of having incurred her anger. I had a desire she should believe I knew Berenice's merit too well, to permit her to be served by a man of obscure birth, and I judged that peradventure she would find less ground of offence in the passion of the Prince of Persia, than in that of an unknown Arsaces; this was the reason that made me demand that audience by Cyllenia, which I had so much ado to obtain, and which I covered with other pretences, than those of my love, knowing very well, that without entertaining the Princess with it, I by the discourse I had to make, might blot out part of the injury I had done her. I'll not speak a word to her of my love (said I to myself) nor is it necessary, since she is well enough instructed in that already; that perhaps I may get her to approve it, by the example, and by the remembrance of Oroondates; and when I shall join the intercession of that Friend to the knowledge of my quality, I may perchance seem less faulty in my Princess' opinion. 'Twas upon this hope I pressed the demand I had made unto Cyllenia, and when I had obtained the favour I desired, I came into the Garden, after I had premeditated what I would say, and how I would behave myself. Here Arsaces making a little pause, Oroondates told him where his sister's recital had been interrupted, and then Arsaces went on with it on this manner. Since my Princess has told you the first words of our conversation, it will suffice me to let you know the rest: After that by her command, I was risen from my knee, I fixed my Eyes upon her face, and though she out of resentment, turned away hers from me, I forbore not to speak to her in these terms.  
I should not have deferred to obey you, Madam, but should have left a Country, in which you no longer behold me but with indignation, if I could have done it without deceiving a person, who heretofore was worthy of your friendship, and who honoured me particularly with his; I have taken the charge upon me, to let you know what is become of him, and to draw you by the relation of his Adventures, out of a great many discontents, wherein the ignorance of them may have retained you. But before I tell you the name of that illustrious person, be pleased Madam to behold a pledge he gave me of his friendship, and perhaps the sight of it will prepare you to lend more credit to my discourse. At these words, Brother, I showed her a Ring which you had bestowed upon me, and which you had received from herself. It was a stone of very great price, and lustre, upon which two hearts were engraven, tied together many several ways with certain bands, and in the Greek Tongue this word, Inseparable. The Princess struggled with her anger, to cast her Eyes upon that Ring, and she no sooner saw it, but she knew it immediately. Ah! Arsaces (said she) this Ring was the Prince my Brothers. Yes, Madam, (replied I) and 'twas from him that I received it. O Gods! (cried the Princess) in what part of the world was it you knew him, and what news do you bring me of him? I can give you a very particular account (pursued I) if you will allow me a favourable hearing, I shall hearken diligently to you without doubt (said Berenice) and you cannot engage my attention by a more pleasing Entertainment, nor by any, wherein I can have a greater interest. O my dearest Brother! (continued she with a transport of affection) what Province can retain you now, and how great is your inhumanity in absenting yourself so long from those, to whom your absence is a death! After this short Exclamation, she disposed herself to hear me, and to satisfy her Expectation began thus. Before I tell you, Madam, in what place I had the honour to be known to Prince Oroondates; you will give me leave (omitting what concerns myself till the end of my narration) to entertain you with his most important Adventures, and to make you acquainted with passages, whose recital without doubt will not be unpleasing to you. Then I began to relate your first Encounter with the Queens, and Princesses of Persia, in that Tent where you saved them from the violence of the Scythians; I told her the birth of your affection, the Encounter you had with Prince Artaxerxes in the same occasion, your generous usage of him, and the discourse that passed between you, your parting, and your particular thoughts, till you dis-incamped, and re-passed the Araxis. Having instructed her in the cause of your departure, which till then she had been ignorant of, I related your Voyage into Persia, your gallant entry into the Court, how you made yourself remarkable in the courses, by dismounting so many of the most noted Persians, and how under the name of Orontes, you were known again by all Darius his family for their valiant Deliverer; but I enlarged myself more particularly than in all the rest, upon the passages between you and Prince Artaxerxes, and desiring to work some esteem, and some affection in Berenice toward that Prince, I forgot modesty to speak things to his advantage, the recital whereof would have been very unseemly in my mouth, if love had not excused me. I heigthened the proofs he gave you of his friendship in terms that might make him far more amiable than he is, and which caused the Princess to interrupt me, saying, What, Arsaces, was he whom you describe to be so obliging, and so perfect a friend to my brother, the same Prince that was slain in the Battle of Selena? Even he himself (replied I) but make no reckoning of these his first Actions, since in his last, you without doubt will have more cause to think well of him, or at least to abate part of that hatred you bear his family. Ah! (said the Princess) how much am I afflicted for him, and how much you would have obliged me; Arsaces, if you had spared me the grief I feel for his untimely death! After these words I prosecuted my Narration, but I did so exaggerate the affection wherewith Artaxerxes received the discovery of Orontes to be Oroondates, the passion wherewith he solicited his sister in his behalf, the care he took to favour him in his love all manner of ways, and in short, the last proofs he gave him of his affection, as well in contesting with him about choosing sides, as in what he did, and suffered for his consideration at the Battle, that when I came to make the Relation of his Death, the Princess prepossessed with the impressions I had given her, could not forbear to show how sensible she was of it, and looking upon me with Eyes all drowned in tears, which a generous compassion made her shed; Ah! Arsaces, (said she) how cruel you are in having given me so great an affection fora Prince whom you meant to kill! I would it pleased the Gods he were alive, and that Oroondates by a good part of his Dominions, and even by a good part of my blood, were able to requite his obligations to him. He was resolved, Madam, (replied I coldly) to give him a more glorious recompense, and if you will give me leave, I'll tell you, Madam, 'twas by the glory of serving the Princess Berenice, he intended to repay Artaxerxes for the good offices he had done him to Statira. 'Twas Artaxerxes, Madam, whom Oroondates had destined for you, and if that poor Prince had been so happy to make himself worthy of you, 'twas by the hope of that double Alliance, he aimed to settle peace between your fathers. How often did that Prince (flattered by the hopes he gave him, and in love with you already by the description Araxes made) press Oroondates, to seek some way with him for the attaining of that happiness he had propounded; and would have resolved to come disguised into your Country, if he could have forsaken Oroondates in affairs wherein he believed himself necessary to him. Oroondates is now with Darius, beloved of his Princess, and in a condition which would not be miserable, if he were not mortally afflicted for the loss of his dear friend and brother. He was slain, poor Prince, but his fate is too happy, and too glorious, since the recital of his Death has drawn tears from your fair Eyes, in spite of the hatred between your families; he was slain, because the Gods knew that perhaps he was not worthy to live for you; and that you would have condemned both the intention of the Prince your brother, and the presumption of Artaxerxes. His Estate is a thousand times more fortunate by being dead in such a condition as makes you to esteem his memory, and to bestow those tears out of your compassion for his loss, than if he had died guilty in your opinion, or if he had died for the expiation of such a fault as that of Arsaces'. Let's not talk of the fault of Arsaces' (said the Princess interrupting me) it has nothing to do with the fortune of Artaxerxes) for if that lovely Prince had had those thoughts for me which my brother would have infused into him, he had been guilty of no other fault, but of having had too great a compliance for a friend, and of having blindly given his affections to a Princess, that had not deserved them. If I believed, Madam, (replied I, very glad to see her brought to the point I desired) that you really had those inclinations towards Artaxerxes which you express, without doubt I should comfort the trouble his death hath caused in you, and should make his destiny so fortunate, that the most happy persons in the world should have reason to envy it. What consolation can you give [said the Princess] for losses that are irreparable, and if you should tell me that my brother's fortune is at the highest point he ever could have hoped, what will that alter this poor Prince's condition, since in fine he is dead, and that our wishes cannot call him back into the world again. At these words I took courage, and raising the tone of my voice which my passion did extremely animate; But if Artaxerxes should be alive, [said ay] if he should be in Scythia, if he should have seen you, if he should have adored you, and did adore you still with passions a thousand times more violent than those the Prince your brother endeavoured to inspire him with; to what punishment would you condemn his presumption? Berenice astonished at this discourse, looked upon me without being able to reply, but I had not the power to conceal myself any longer, and taking my time to fall at her feet while she was in that trouble: Behold him, Madam, [continued I] behold him, that happy, and that miserable Prince, whose death has touched you, and whose life has displeased you; either cease to hate Arsaces', or else cease to love Artaxerxes; the one cannot be innocent, so long as the other is guilty, and sure the Gods did not save an innocent Artaxerxes; to make of him a guilty Arsaces. If Arsaces his passion has offended you, that of Artaxerxes is supported with the friendship, with the assistance, and with the inspirations of Oroondates; repay me some part of what I did for him, and since the Gods will not let me call him now to my relief, suffer me to make use of your friendship to him, and of his to me, to obtain your pardon for the offence I have committed. I am criminal, since I have displeased you, but my crime is excusable by the cause of it, nor have I any thing considerable in me, whereby I can merit of you in the least degree except my crime; if you look upon me as Darius his son, remember that Oroondates was the King of Scythia's, and moreover, remember that if I be the son of Darius, I for your sake abandon Darius, I abandon my desolate Country, my captive Parents, nay, and I abandon even my honour itself. Be not more obdurate in your hatred than Statira, and if to conquer your inclinations, Artaxerxes be not so worthy to beloved as Oroondates, let that defect be supplied by the greatness of his passion. I brought forth these words without having the boldness to lift up my Eyes unto my Princesss face, but when I had ended them, I took that liberty, and saw hers fixed upon the ground, with all the symptoms of the greater astonishment a mind can possibly fall into. I waited in vain for an Answer from her, of a long time she was not able to give me one, and when I had remained silent a great while expecting it; I see Madam, (pursued I, of a sudden) that my temerity will have the success I ever looked for from it, and that Artaxerxes had done well to die as Arsaces, since the knowledge of his true quality, is not any way able to lessen his fault. No Madam, it is not just that the King of Persia's son, who has yet done nothing for the Princess Berenice, that can make her lose the inveterateness of paternal hatred, should hope for any mercy from her, and if Oroondates had better fortune in his affection to my sister, he was worthy of it both in regard of his services, and of the merit of his person. I will no more allege his Example to establish mine, but will only make use of his friendship to me, to obtain your pardon for my offence. I for the expiation of it, will if you think fit, go and expose the son of the King of Scythia's Enemy, to his Resentment, and by his order, I joyfully will lose a life, which the Gods have miraculously prolonged, only to make me spend the remainder of it so gloriously for your satisfaction; if you disapprove this kind of punishment, my hand shall execute your will without repugnance, and if such objects are not pleasing to you, I'll go and seek your Reparation, and that I owe to mine own honour, in falling by the Sword of conquering Alexander. Do but let me part from you, Madam, with some tokens of compassion, and if you think compassion too advantageous for me, let me part from you at least with this consolation, that 'tis rather the War between our fathers, than the knowledge of Artaxerxes his passion that makes you hate him. During this second discourse, the Princess had time to settle herself again, yet not so perfectly, but that in her face one might still see all marks of a strong amazement. At last she raised her Eyes from off the Earth, where she long had kept them fixed, and turning them upon me with a very bashful Action, but such an one as showed not so much Anger as Confusion. O Artaxerxes, (said she) to what extremity do you reduce me, and how will you have me to explain myself in the astonishment you have put me in? Which way can a Princess of my condition receive declarations of love, without her father's approbation? Which way can I receive the son of Darius, whose name is so odious to my family? but also what do I not owe to your Birth, and to the qualities of your person, what do I not owe to your affection, whereof you give me such dangerous proofs, and what do I not owe to the remembrance of all you did for Oroondates? She made a stop at these words, as extremely pensive, and unresolved, and the joy I felt in seeing her so shaken, held me in a silence as great as hers. I with most passionate motions observed the alterations of her countenance, which by little and little became more gentle, in the end, letting herself sink upon Cyllenia's shoulder, O Gods! (cried she) how hard it is to resist so many powers, and how little is Berenice capable of ingratitude! Me thinks (continued she, having paused a while) this confession should be enough to satisfy you, and that assuring you, I will consider as I ought, the merit of your person, and that of your affection, together with that of your high friendship toward my brother, you should have nothing more to desire of me. No, (replied I, quite transported with joy) No, though I were the greatest among all the Gods; and my fortune, by a prodigious effect of your goodness, is far above all the hopes I had conceived. Rise, Sir, I beseech you (added the Princess) and pardon our ignorance those faults it has made us to commit against you. I was so firmly linked unto her knees, that I was fain to be commanded many times before I could resolve to yield obedience; at last I was constrained, and by the same power I was forced to sit down by her, to relate which way my life was saved at the battle of Selena, and to tell her those of my Adventures that were unknown to her. I obeyed her with a satisfaction that can hardly be imagined, and filled my discourse with so many marks, and so many circumstances of my passion, that before I ended it, I found my Princess was not utterly insensible. Her inclinations naturally are mild, and pitiful, and without doubt 'twas pity, and her friendship to the Prince her brother, that introduced an affection into her heart, which was not due to the merit of Artaxerxes. It was to that alone (interrupted Oroondates) that Berenice gave what will never be refused you by any body, nor could she, I will not say without ingratitude, and insensibility, but even without stupidity defend herself against so many admirable qualities; she loved you before as Arsaces'; but her ignorance of your condition, made her conceal from one unknown, what she avowed with honour to the greatest Prince in all the world. This is not the discourse I expected from my dear brother, [replied Arsaces', out of countenance at Oroondates his words] but all things must be suffered from his friendship, and I may truly protest to him, that I should make less account of the title of the greatest Prince in the world, than of that of Oroondates his friend. The company opposed the Answer Oroondates would have returned to these words, and Arsaces went on thus with his Narration.  
I will not repeat all the passages of our conversation, and it shall suffice me to tell you, that before we parted, my fair Princess made me know that my passion had not offended her, and permitted me to hope she would not be insensible of it. I went away with Raptures of contentment, which cannot be comprehended but by those that have felt the like, and my disquiets for the miseries of our House were so swallowed up by such an extraordinary happiness, that I had scarce so much as a remembrance of them left. As soon as I saw Theodates, I made him acquainted with my fortune, and he was touched with it in such manner, that he could hardly have appeared more joyful at what had most nearly concerned his own. He strengthened me in my hopes by discourses upon that subject, and in conclusion he pleasingly persuaded me that by my Princess' goodness, and your assistance, my fortune might become like yours, though our persons were very different. O Gods! with what contentment did I cherish those sweet hopes, and what thanks did I not return to my wounds, and to my captivity! Ah liberty gloriously lost! [said ay] Ah blood of Artaxerxes most fortunately split, how shall I grudge your loss, since it has brought me so great Advantages! O Empires of Darius, how little considerable is the possession of you, in respect of the possession of my Princess, and how light is the glory of commanding Nations, in respect of the glory of obeying Berenice! I spoke these words, and many others, being transported with a joy which was observed in me by my friends, and they who a few days before had seen me with a languishing dejected face, wondered to find so great, so sudden an alteration. The next time that I saw my Princess, she appeared out of countenance for the favour she had granted me; yet did she not express that she intended to repent herself, but by most charming confirmations, settled me in the hope of my felicity, and promised me in the presence of Cyllenia, that none of those that pretended to her affection, should ever obtain any thing to my prejudice, and that she would contribute towards my happiness, whatsoever I could hope for from a virtuous Princess. I desired no more, and well might say, I then had been in a condition, that deserved the envy of the most fortunate persons, if my felicity had not been troubled by the sad thoughts of the miseries of my Country, and by the fear of those Reproaches I might apprehend. Thy father [said I to myself) has already lost two Battles, the better part of his Dominions is in the power of his Enemy, thy mother and thy sisters are Captives to a young Conqueror, who carries them shamefully along in triumph, and perhaps thou art upon the very point of losing the greatest Empire of the world, and canst thou lie buried here in love, and canst thou have other thoughts than those of serving thy father in this wretched condition, to which fortune has reduced him, of delivering thy so near friends from slavery, of saving thy Country, and of saving thy Reputation? But [said I again presently after] can I be able to leave Berenice in the beginning of my happiness, and of my gallant hopes, and can I quit a fortune, which perhaps my absence may make me lose for ever? 'Tis no matter, [added I, ashamed of that last reflection] let us save our Reputation, though with the loss of all the rest; we would prefer Berenice before the conservation of our Dominions, before the love we bear our friends, but we must prefer our honour before Berenice, or rather we will preserve our honour, that we may not be unworthy of Berenice. This indeed was my Resolution, but I could not bring myself to it without most violent conflicts. My Princess, who knew the Estate of Persia, and that of our Family, did out of her goodness suffer with me in my affliction, and took an interest in our misfortunes, with inclinations very different from those of the King her father, and of all the rest of Scythia. She judged very well that I could not stay in Scythia without shame, and though she then expressed that my abode there was not unpleasing to her, and my departure not indifferent; yet was she too full of reason to oppose a determination, which so pressing a necessity made me take, or to desire proofs from my affection, which might redound to my dishonour. After that I had her consent for my departure, and that by the assistance of Theodates, I had taken such order as was necessary about it, I represented to the King the necessity that pulled me from his service for a little time, and begged leave of him to spend a few months in visiting my Country, in those miseries wherewith it was oppressed. The King gave ear unto my suit with trouble, and testified his affection to me by the difficulties he made in granting me the liberty I demanded; he did all he possibly could to stay me, offered me the most important Offices of the State, and promised to exalt me to such a height, that my condition should be looked upon with envy by the chiefest persons of the Kingdom; but these considerations were too weak to hold me, since that of Berenice had not been strong enough. Sir (said I) the lest I owe unto my miserable Country, is to visit it in its extreme calamities, I have friends, and kindred there, to whom I am bound in duty to lend my assistance, and I here am useless for your Majesty's service; I would not leave you if there were any occasion to employ me in it, and I'll come back again before this year be at an end, if death or imprisonment detain me not. I used many other Reasons, which at last won his consent unto my Journey, after he had made me reiterate my promise of returning as soon as possibly I could. When I had obtained his permission, and that I had taken my leave of a great many friends, whom my good fortune had gained me in the Court of Scythia, I paid my respects unto my Princess. Only Theodates and Cyllenia were admitted to our Entertainment, and we wanted no pretences to cover that secret conversation. O Gods! how were my sorrows sweetened, when I saw Tears in the Eyes of my fair Princess, and how great consolation did I receive from her charming words, which assured me that I was not indifferent to her, and that I was not afflicted alone for our separations! I depart from you, Madam, (said I to her) because my cruel destiny ordains it so, and that you would have a just occasion to repent the favour you have shown me, if I could endure to live with infamy; but this hard necessity, which drags my body out of Scythia, cannot pull away my heart from thence so much as for a moment, and in the remotest places of all Persia, Arsaces never can be far from you. I go full of resentment against the Usurper of our Dominions, the Murderer of our subjects, and the Persecutor of our Family, but I am more incensed against the Enemy of my Repose, and against the Enemy that separates me from my Princess; this effect of his hatred, is more bitter to me than all the rest, and arms me against him with a more lawful Anger; if it please the Gods I fall under his victorious Arms, I shall at least have this glory before my death, that I was owned by Berenice; and if they suffer me to return hither a Conqueror, or devested of Empire, I'll bring back the remnant of my life, be it what it may, and lay it at her feet, as a tribute due to her alone; each Moment of this cruel absence will be an Age to me, and an Age of most rigorous Torments; but if you bestow any of them upon the remembrance of Arsaces, his sorrows, which might bring him to his Grave, will lose part of their force, and that knowledge will comfort me in my disasters with a most powerful consolation. I shall receive no small one by the sight of my dear brother, and if the Gods be pleased that I yet may find him with Darius, the miseries of my condition will be abated, and I shall give him an account of your friendship toward him, and of what you have done for me, out of his consideration. Then if the Heavens permit, we'll return together into Scythia, and I by his intercession will beg the continuance of this felicity, which mine Enemies have interrupted. In the mean time, O most lovely Princess, give me but an assurance from your fair mouth, whereby I may pretend to the glory of your remembrance, and hope by your command, that this tyrannous absence, though it banish me out of Scythia, banishes me not out of your memory. I will remember you for ever, (said the Princess, wiping away some obliging tears) and what distance soever separates us, you shall never be absent from Berenice's mind; Ideas that are not easily settled in it, are not easily to be blotted out of it; and in short, you are too considerable to me all manner of ways, to fear that I can forget you, so long as you remember me. Go Arsaces, since whether we will or no, there is a necessity of it; Go where you are called by Reasons which I cannot oppose, but how great soever your resentment is against Alexander, forget not that I desire your Return, that I enjoin it you by all the power you have given me over you, and that you cannot thrust yourself into unnecessary dangers, without putting yourself in hazard of disobeying me, of displeasing me, and since (in spite of modesty I must confess it to you) of making me extremely unfortunate. O Arsaces! (cried I) O Artaxerxes! how happy is thy fate, and how few Enemies will there be that can oppose thy Return, while thou art animated by these glorious hopes! Well, Madam, (continued I, kneeling down before her, and taking one of her fair hands, upon which by the indulgence she had toward me in that occasion, I held my lips fast cemented a good while) since you do me favours which are above the lawful hope of all men living, I should be much too blame if I could desire more, and if I could fear that the persecutions of Arsacomes, and the credit of Stratonice, could shake the courage of my Princess. Her promises put me into security, and 'tis to her goodness that I abandon a life, which shall never depend but upon her alone. I said many other things, which time has razed out of my memory, and after I had received all the modest testimonies of affection I could demand, I took my leave, yet not with so much constancy, but that my grief broke forth into several Actions, which upon another occasion, and for another subject than Berenice, would have passed for very great weaknesses: This consolation I had, that my Princess did not appear insensible, and that she accompanied the sorrow that transported me, with many tears, and many signs of her compassion. I parted from her on this manner, and being retired with Theodates, I prepared myself to go from Issedon the next morning by break of day. Generous Theodates, whose virtue truly is one of the highest, and most considerable of this Age, persisted in the Design of accompanying me in my Voyage, but I would not consent to it, and knowing how useful he might be to me by being near Berenice, during my absence, I prayed him to continue in the Court: He was the only man to whom I was known in Scythia, the only man that knew the love I bore the Princess, the only man whom Berenice could trust, and the only man by whose means I could hear from her. These Reasons which I represented to him, obliged him to stay behind, knowing he might do me a great deal more service there than by going with me. Yet would he not leave me till I was come to the Haven of Hypoleon, where I intended to embark upon the Euxine Sea, to enter into Persia by the way of Byzantium. We departed therefore from Issedon taking our way toward those Provinces of Scythia which are washed by the Boristhenes, and after many days journeys without any considerable Encounter, we arrived at the Haven where we were to part. We could not do it without many tears on both sides, and I was so sensible of the obligations I had to that noble Prince, that I could not leave him without an excessive trouble. Dear Theodates (said I) your Prisoner is going away upon his Parole; but he will return if the Gods permit, and for his Ransom will offer you all the Dominions of the King his father, and this life which you so generously have acquired to yourself. Sir (replied Theodates) I value not Empires in respect of the friendship wherewith you honour me, and whereof you have given me such real proofs by mine own safety, and what command soever you should lay upon me, I could never be able to leave you, if I were not useful to your service in this Country. These words were mutually accompanied with Endearments, which at last our parting forced us to break off. I took but a very small Train along with me, composed of such servants as I had received from Theodates, who had made trial of their fidelity, and believed that I might safely trust them. I embarked aboard a Vessel which had been got ready by Theodates his orders, and which was to make the shortest and securest cut into Asia. Having hoist sail, we began our Voyage very quietly; the sea had never been more calm than at that time, but my mind was far from enjoying such tranquillity, and our ship was much less tossed with waves, than my heart was by my restless, cruel thoughts; the absence of Berenice, and the desolation of our Family, came both at once into my mind, yet neither could find a Room there, without giving me equal matter of affliction. Alas, [said ay] perhaps at this very moment, Berenice, by the cruel command of the King her father, is compelled to receive the affection of Arsacomes; Alas, [continued I] perhaps this very day Darius fights his latest Battle, and with it loses the remainder of his Dominions. O Gods, [cried I] must I leave Berenice, and abandon her to the mercy of the Enemies of our House, and of my particular Enemies? O Gods, [said ay again] must Darius fall, with all that belong to him, without receiving assistance from his own son? I spent some days in this agitation of my thoughts; but in the end I was with-drawn from it by a cruel Encounter which hindered the effect of all my Resolutions, and caused part of that shame, which I am not able to blot out. 'Twas very unadvisedly done of us to go by the way of Byzantium, and we were not informed that the Byzantians with the Governor Zopirio, and they of Pontus with their Governor Arimbas, had of late begun to make Excursions at sea, and to use the Scythians that fell into their hands with all manner of Acts of Hostility. In effect, there was no War declared between the Scythians and them, and 'twas only covetousness that inspired Zopirio, and his brother Arimbas with a design of Piracy, robbing Passengers, taking Prisoners, and seeking means to enrich themselves by such shameful, barbarous ways. I had the ill fortune to be encountered by them, and when we least thought of any such matter, we saw ourselves assaulted by eight great ships which surrounded us on every side, and deprived us of all means to defend ourselves; yet did I do as much as possibly I could, and both by my words and example would have encouraged those that were with me to make resistance, but their weakness disheartened them so, that 'twas impossible for me to make them take Arms against so great a number of Enemies. The Thracians came aboard us on every side, and though I defended myself with courage enough, and laid some of the boldest of them at my feet, I was so environed, and so oppressed with multitude, that all my resistance was to no purpose. They seized upon me behind, threw me down, and disarmed me, and I think those savage Enemies, exasperated by the death of their companions, would have taken away my life, but that they feared to displease him that commanded them, who believed he should get a considerable Booty by taking me. I was bound, and carried before Arimbas who commanded those ships; he found something in my face that obliged him to use me a little less cruelly than he intended, or than his custom was, and having looked upon me with some show of wonder; Either (said he) thou lov'st thy life but little, or else thou art the boldest of all men living, in having dared to stand upon thy defence alone against so great a number of Enemies. I never was thine Enemy that I know of, [answered I, without being daunted at his words] and I am called by such pressing commands of honour, to places whither thou stopp'st my passage, that if thou art generous, thou without doubt wilt restore me to my liberty. 'Tis not from Barbarians [replied Arimbas] that the Greeks need to learn generosity; never hope for the liberty thou demandest, but believe 'tis no small favour to let thee live, after thou hast so well deserved to die, for having killed my men, and for having so rashly made opposition. I saw very well there was no thought of working upon him by a sense of honour, and so I presently tried another way; I am not thy Prisoner in a fair War, [said ay] but if my liberty can be bought with treasure, I promise thee so much, that thou hardly canst desire more, and I engage my honour with my word, that if thou wilt free me, I'll send thee a Ransom that would be considerable enough for one of the greatest Princes in the world. These words which I spoke very imprudently, wrought a very different effect from what I hoped, and were in part the cause of my long captivity. Arimbas believed either by my words, or by some other tokens that I was no ordinary person, and upon that belief proposing excessive Recompenses to himself, he was gladder of his Prize, and more careful to keep me than before. These Treasures thou promisest me, [answered he] may regain thy liberty, but hope not to obtain it upon thy word, for thou shalt stay with us till thou procure thy Ransom thou hast proposed. At these words he commands them to unbind me, but he made me be carried into a Cabin with Guards that suffered me not to stir out of it. The next day we put into a harbour of the Province whereof he was Governor for Alexander, and near unto a Town called Synopa, I was imprisoned in a Castle under a very strict Guard; they left me some of those servants I had received from Theodates, the rest, and all they that were taken with us, were kept as slaves. Do but judge, dear brother, and you dear friends, in what condition I was by a captivity so unseasonable, and so contrary to the Resolutions I had taken; truly I was even like to have died with grief; and when I had in vain attempted many several ways to recover my liberty, I was upon the very point of killing myself with my own hand. What, [said ay] shall I neither succour Darius, nor see the Princess Berenice? O Gods! if you would not suffer me to assist my father, why did you not let me enjoy the sight of my Princess; and if you needs would have me to leave Berenice, why do you not permit me to serve Darius to the last drop of that blood I owe him; since I must not have both those happinesses together, why will you not at least afford me the consolation of one of them? Ah no, I see you mean to overwhelm me equally with grief and shame, and not being satisfied that I die with sorrow for parting with my Princess, you will have me die also with the reproach of having seen our Empire lost, and our Family destroyed without ever drawing Sword in their defence. These were my ordinary meditations, and in these cruel thoughts I could find no manner of consolation. Either let Arimbas kill me [said ay to my Keepers] or let him set me at liberty; in the condition of my fortune, captivity is worse to me than death itself, and I shall be less his Enemy, if he dispatch me out of the way, than if he keep me any longer. All these words were to no purpose, and Arimbas sent me no other Answer, but that when he saw those Treasures for my Ransom, which I had made him hope for at my being taken, he would give me my liberty, and not before. This cruel obstinacy of Arimbas drove me into despair; I had none about me but Scythian, servants, who could do me no service with Darius, where they were not at all acquainted, and to whom also I was unwilling to declare the truth of my birth. To discover it to Arimbas was a great deal more unfit, he was both a subject, and a creature of Alexander's, and if he had known me to be Darius his son, my captivity would certainly have been as long as my life. In these considerations all I could do, was to employ all my courage to take a little patience, and hope that the Gods, who had then declared themselves Enemies to our house, would mitigate their anger, and lessen the hatred they expressed against Darius his miserable family. 'Twas in that place, dear friends, I lingered out my tedious days, while you were fight for my interests, and 'twas in that Prison I saw a whole year run out, which seemed longer to me than all the rest of my life. O Darius, [cried I often] by what a strange disaster art thou abandoned by thy son in thy cruel misfortunes? wretched man that he is, he can give thee no manner of assistance, but is reduced to serve thee only with his wishes, while Oroondates fights without question by thy side, and engages himself in thy miseries with more affection, than he could in what most nearly concerned himself. O my dearest brother, [continued I] why am I not with you now, and why can I not at least keep you company in those dangers you so nobly run into for my sake? From these thoughts which my duty inspired me with, I fell into those my love suggested, and out of the grief which was caused in me by the former, into the rage occasioned by the later. But shall I never see you again, Berenice, [cried I, quite transported] and will not the Gods, (who for some offences are exasperated against the House of Persia) be contented that I lose my inheritance, that I lose my nearest friends, that I lose the King my father, and that I lose mine honour with them, unless I lose Berenice also? I lived on this manner, buried in the depth of my sorrows, when by the report of them that kept me, they received a most intolerable surchage; They told me news of poor Darius, but alas, the saddest that yet had come unto mine ear; I heard that having marched from Babylon with three hundred thousand fight men, he had given Alexander Battle near Arbella, with the same success as he in the two former ones, that he had lost the greatest part of his men, and with them the hope of maintaining his Dominions, being reduced to seek his safety in a sad Retreat, with a very small remnant of his forces; that it was believed he had taken the way toward Media, but in so weak a condition, that no body thought he ever would be able to raise a sufficient power to dispute the Empire of Asia any longer against Alexander. Oh, Brother, how infinitely did this woeful news torment me, and how great need I had of all my courage, to keep me from sinking under so heavy an affliction! O Darius, (cried I) why can I not be with thee in thy flight at least, since I could not accompany thee in the Battle; I would strive to comfort thee in thy misfortunes, and not having been able to fight for the conservation of thy Empire, I would fight at least for the safety of thy person. Then Brother, as all fatal objects represented themselves to my remembrance, I was afraid lest you should be in the number of those, whom Alexander's happy destiny had caused to fall under the Macedonian Armies, and in this thought, after having given you a flood of tears, I wished with all my heart to have been in your place, to have received your wounds, and to have contributed to the preservation of your life by the loss of mine own. I should never have done, if I should relate all my discontents at large, but I'll shorten the recital of them as much as possibly I can. A whole year was already run out from the day that I was taken, when both in the face, and Actions of the Captain of the Castle, who was the chief Commander of those that had me in custody, I perceived an extraordinary affection, and a very great compassion of my misfortunes. He naturally had a love to virtue, and had resisted those inclinations, out of a sense of his duty to Arimbas, but in the end, having seen how unjustly he detained me, and having found something in my person, which he thought worthy of his affection, he resolved to make use of his power for my deliverance, believing he should not be very faulty in giving a man his liberty, from whom it had not been taken by any right of War. With this design coming to me one day when I was extremely dejected by the remembrance of our last losses; Sir, (said he to me) comfort yourself, your Captivity shall not be much longer, and your virtue has found a person amongst us, who both can discern it, and will hazard himself to serve it; Though I was exceedingly surprised at this discourse, I could not suspect that man of any ill design, and judging that my condition could not be worse than it was already, I believed I ought not to neglect any way that might be for the recovering of my liberty. O Criton (answered I) how merciful you will be, if you use your endeavours to help me, both Gods and men will recompense your goodness, and I am of such quality, that I dare say your condition will be better with me than with Arimbas. Depend upon the assurance I give you (replied Criton) that you shall not be long a Prisoner, and trust to me for the management of the business. I will trust you always (said I) both with my life and liberty, and I protest to you, that I would not expose you to any danger for their conservation, if in the present estate of my affairs, my eternal shame were not linked to my captivity. Criton would hold no longer discourse with me at that time, for fear of giving some suspicion of his design; but within a few days after he effected it very happily, and having made those of my Guard drunk, whom he had least confidence in, when they were fast asleep, he came with the rest into my chamber in the dead of night, and bringing Arms for me, and for the two Scythians that served me, he took the Keys of the Castle, and let us out without any difficulty, then getting upon good Horses which he had caused to be held in a readiness about a hundred paces from the Gate, he resolved to follow my fortune, having by that Action lost all hope of favour with Arimbas.  
When I saw myself at liberty, I felt all the joy my sad condition could be capable of, and received a sweet consolation by the hope I had that I should give my father the last assistance, he could hope for from his son in the downfall of his House. I promised Criton that I would not be ingrateful for the good office he had done me, and that I would reward him so well for it, that he never should have occasion to repent himself. We took our Journey toward Media, whither they said Darius was retreated, and traveled all the remainder of that first night with so much speed, that before break of day, we were gotten far enough, not to fear falling any more into the power of Arimbas; yet did we avoid the great Highways so long as we were in the Province he commanded, but when once we were out of it, we road with less apprehension, and I for my part with some hope of seeing the Relics of our desolate House again, and with an ardent desire, either to dispute the Empire yet with Alexander, or to give up my life to his prevailing fortune. He shall die, (said I to myself) that injust Conqueror, that wrongful Usurper of our Dominions shall either fall, or kill Artaxerxes with that hand, which has been the destruction of all our Family. Perhaps he is not immortal, though hitherto he have been invincible, nor are we perhaps so utterly forsaken by the Gods, but that we may pull a Victory out of his hands, which the cowardly, effeminate Persians have so faintly disputed with him; doubtless thou wert valiant enough, poor Darius, to trample down that Enemy, if thou hadst commanded more generous Forces, and nothing but their want of courage has made thee lose an Empire, which is not much to be lamented, since it extended itself over none but such mean spirited people. Perchance there are yet some corners of thy vast Territories, where thou mayest find men that will show themselves more truly to be men, and 'tis with them that Artaxerxes may possibly regain part of thy losses, and blot out part of thy dishonour. This thought had hardly given me a little comfort, when presently I fell into a consideration of the estate I then was in, and to my confusion saw those ridiculous hopes all vanish in a moment. Ah weak, abused Artaxerxes (said I again) with what fond imaginations dost thou flatter thyself? Thou thinkest not of the revolution of thy fortune, thou consider'st not that thou hast lost all, that thou hast no Country left to defend, and that thou hast no men left to oppose that Conqueror, whom thy Father with innumerable thousands, and with his whole Forces united was not able to resist; stifle, ah stifle these vain hopes, and limit them all within the design of either making Alexander's person to run some hazard, or of burying thyself in the Ruins of thy Family. These were the thoughts wherewith I was tormented; but O Gods, O Gods, they quickly yielded place to far more cruel ones, and scarce had I travelled three day's journey, when I saw both my Voyage bounded, and my designs o'erthrown by the doleful news of poor Darius his death. I heard that lamentable end, alas, and 'tis with shame that I confess I heard it without dying. They told me how that great, and much to be deplored Prince was fallen by the horrible perfidiousness of his own subjects, and had given up both life, and Empire to his Enemy. Although this sad Relation did not absolutely kill me, yet certainly it put me into a condition little different from death, and Criton with the rest that accompanied me, saw me in such a case, as made them believe they had unprofitably hazarded themselves to serve me. The recital of those swoon I fell into at this fatal narration, of my sighs, of my tears, and of my mournful complaints, would but weary you, and be very difficult for me to make, all that sorrow, for the loss of a father who had most dearly loved me, whose person was exceeding great and amiable, for that of a mother who went a while before him, and who ended her life in her captivity, for that of an Empire, which might almost be called the Empire of the world, added to my shame of having done nothing for them, of not having shed one drop of blood for their conservation, and of not having given them any of those assistances which they received from the meanest of their Allies, can produce in the most tender soul, imprinted itself so violently in mine, that it was like to have separated it from my body, and I may well protest to you before all the Gods, that nothing but the remembrance of Berenice kept me from my grave, and hindered me from going then to seek them after their death, whom I had so ignominiously abandoned during their life. Thou now art free (said I) glorious Arsaces, now thou art free, thou no longer hast any Father to assist, thou no longer hast any Country to defend, or to say better, thou no longer hast any honour to preserve; all things contribute now to thy repose; but O Gods, how much were the most cruel deaths to be preferred before this repose, and how much better had it been for thee, to have been really slain in the Battle of Selena, than to have shamefully outlived Darius, and to have seen the ruin of thy House with so much indifferency; what a horrible reproach to thee, is the blood of so many thousand men as lost their lives in thy Quarrel; thou wert fight against the Nomads, while the Persians fell under the Macedonian Arms, and thou wert sighing at Berenice's feet, while thy Mother, thy sisters, and all thy family, lay sighing under the chains of fortunate Alexander! O shame, which all the blood of Arsaces' can never be able to wash out; O baseness, which all my love to Berenice can never be able to excuse! I tormented myself on this manner in my bed, whither my sorrow had confined me, and where my grief was so extremely violent, that it had put me into a Fever for many days. After I had deplored my misfortunes, in the most mournful terms my misery could suggest, and that I had spent some days in lamentations, I began to think what I should resolve to do with myself. Shall I not go (said I) and find out Alexander in the midst of his victorious Forces, which triumph over our disasters; and since the anger of the Gods has so decreed, that I no longer have men to give him Battle, shall I not go and execute with my hand alone, what the weakness of my condition, and the loss of our Dominions will not suffer me to do at the head of an Army? Since I cannot revenge Darius by the blood of the Macedonians, shall I not revenge him by the blood of Alexander, and if I die in the attempt, shall I not bear my friend's company, with the least shame that I can possibly undergo? Shall I not run (said I again) after that Parricide Bessus, and shall I not make my way through the midst of those faithless Monsters that take part with him, to pierce with a thousand wounds the ingrateful and disloyal heart of that horrible Murderer of his King? Is not that the first satisfaction I owe unto my father's ghost, and can I, while Bessus and Narbazanes are alive, have other thoughts than those of the rigorous punishments that are due to their perfidious Treason? But, O Gods, (concluded I) shall I never see Berenice more, and if (as it is very probable) I fall in one of these Enterprises, shall I die without giving my Princess the last assurances of my fidelity? Shall I have lost my nearest friends, my Country, my Reputation, shall I have lost all for her uprofitably? Having proposed no other fruit, no other consolation to myself for so many misfortunes for that alone, shall I lose it also with the rest; and shall I have obliged that lovely Princess, to give me marks of an affection which ought to be more dear to me than the possession of all Asia, only to abandon her for ever? This last thought put me into a perplexity, which for a long time made me incapable of taking any Resolutions, and represented motives to me, which were powerful enough to withdraw me from those I had proposed before. Alexander (said I) is a generous Enemy, who has prosecuted the ruin of thy House only by glorious ways, and dost thou think of murdering him shamefully, who openly, and at the swords point makes himself master of the whole Earth by his valour alone; yes, of murdering him, for unless thou march against him by an open War, thou canst not procure any satisfaction from his single person, but by an Assassinat; thou canst not hope for an equal combat with him, for though he should be so generous as to grant it to thy quality, and to thy just Resentments, he never will be able to make those that are about him consent to it, amongst whom there are many thousands that would save him from that danger by hazarding themselves: thou canst not therefore execute thy vengeance by any means but such as are most ignominious, and perhaps that without effecting it, thou shalt die in a design, which will be most unworthy of the memory of Darius his son, and which will blast it with a perpetual infamy. If thou run after those Parricides, 'tis true that against them all ways of Revenge are justifiable, but they are things too mean for Artaxerxes, and the destiny of Bessus, and of Nabarzanes would be too glorious, if they should end their reproachful days by the hand of their King's son. Those monsters ought to end their lives in tormen, and it concerns Alexander to prosecute them, and with their blood to wash away the stain wherewith they have blemished his Reputation. Rather return into Scythia, where thou hast left thy utmost hopes, and where thou hast left thy very soul; forget the greatness of thy birth, to serve thy love, and the necessity of thy affairs, and employ whatsoever the Gods have given thee that is considerable, to make thyself considered by the King of Scythia: when thou shalt have done him services of the nature of those Darius received from Oroondates, he'll be the most ingrateful of all men living, if he refuse thee his assistance, and if he give thee not an Army to march against that Enemy of the whole Earth, and against that insatiable Conqueror, who quickly will pass from our Territories into his. Perchance thy services, and the remembrance of our miseres, will raze out of his mind, the hatred he bears thy Family, and that he will not disdain thee for his son in law, when thou shalt have gained his affection so far as to venture the discovery of thy true quality. He without doubt is of a royal mind, as well as of a royal birth; and if my dear Oroondates be alive, if the Gods bring him back into Scythia, thou mayst hope for all things from that dearest brother, and writing thyself with him, whose interests will always be inseparable from thine, thou with the whole Forces of Scythia, mayst oppose, & like a King's son oppose, that pitiless destroyer of the House of Persia. Thou at the head of those thy dear brother's Armies, mayst demand▪ Reparation of the injuries he has done thee, & if it please the Gods thou fall in those occasions, 'twill at least be with more glory, than if thou shouldst leave thy life among the Javelins of his Guards, in attempting to stab him in his bed. This way without question thou shalt labour for the Recovery of thy Reputation, and which is more, thou shalt labour for it in seeing Berenice again, without whom thou canst not live, and without whom thou art not permitted to die; thou at her feet mayst find consolation for all the losses, and she will tell thee nothing but truth; if she say, her affection is to be preferred before all the Empires that were Darius'. Fear not to appear yet before her, she is too generous, and too worthy a sister of Oroondates to regard the fall of thy House, and to look upon him as an exiled Prince, and as a Prince devested of all his inheritance, whom at our last being together she considered as the future Monarch of all Asia; thy miseries will rather work compassion in her, than any contempt of thy person, and thou wert unworthy of the marks thou hast received of her affection, if thou couldst suspect her to be of so base an humour, and of an humour so different from her Brothers. In these last thoughts I found a great deal of comfort, and after I had disputed yet three or four days about the choice of this Resolution I should take, I in the end suffered my mind to be overswayed by these last considerations, or to speak more truly; I let myself be guided by my love, which making all other designs odious to me; showed me facility and advantage only in that which was subservient to it, and which it had propounded 'Twas therefore by the power it had over me, that I was won to those probabilities I have mentioned to you, and that I resolved to return into Scythia. Criton, who had totally given me his affection, and to whom I already bore a very great one, would not forsake me; besides him, I took only the two Scythians that were with me in Prison, he having before dismissed the Guards that had assisted in my deliverance, whom we rewarded as well as we were able at that time. We departed from the Town where I had stayed ever since the hearing of that fatal news, and took our Journey toward Scythia, by a very different way from that I came, for fear of falling again into the power of Arimbas. I believed we might pass more securely through Hyrcania, and through the Country of the Massagetes, and that was the Road we went, without committing ourselves to that inconstant Element, upon which I had fallen into that cruel Captivity, which made the greatest part of all my discontents. We met no obstacle in our Voyage, and though I began to trust Criton very much, yet would I not let him know me to be other than one Arsaces' a Bactrian, who by his good fortune had merited the affetion of the King of Scythia, and who in that Country might be able to settle him in a much better condition, than that he had lived in under Arimbas. 'Twas not to him alone that I meant to be so reserved, for I resolved never any more to take upon me the name of Artaxerxes, so peculiar to the Kings, and Princes of Persia, till I had recovered hopes of rising again to the Throne of Darius. And indeed I was then informed that the Traitor Bessus had already usurped it, and that he made himself be honoured as a King in Bactria, under the name of Artaxerxes. When we had passed the Araxis, crossed through the Country of the Massagetes, and gone over the Mount Imaus, we entered into the Province of the Issedons, and with great days Journeys drew near to the Metropolitan City of all Scythia. Being come within two days riding of it, and meeting Passengers upon the way from thence, I enquired of them what news there was at Court, and trembled as I asked the question, for fear of hearing what would be unpleasing or rather mortal to me. Sir, (answered one of them) all things are very quiet at the Court. Arsacomes has still his former Authority, and the King, fearing to displease the Queen his wife, with whom he still is passionately in love, suffers him to pretend to the Princess Berenice, or rather to persecute her, that generous Princess, not having hitherto been able to bend herself to any compliance with his desires, and making loud complaints, because he tolerates the presumption of his subject; they are the Princesses own words, for as for our parts, we dare not speak of that business in those terms, he having made himself so potent, that there are none now in Scythia but slaves to the greatness of his fortune. Yet hath his example been like to cause the destruction of others, who knowing their quality to be equal to his, have thought they might raise their pretensions as high as he. Amongst them, Cydaris Prince of the Tauroscythians and Agatirsians, being fallen in love with the Princess, suffered himself to be so blinded with his passion, that he imprudently declared it to the King, either being encouraged by his indulgence to that of Arsacomes, or else not being able to resist the violence of his own. The King was so displeased at such a motion, that he could not dissemble his Resentment of it, and answered Cydaris with words so full of sharpness and contempt, that he not being able to endure them, forgot the respect he owed the King, and replied in very insolent, and injurious terms, whereat he being highly offended, caused him to be seized on, and put into a Dungeon, nor had he spared his life, but at the Request of the Queen, and of the Princess herself, who interceded for it. 'Tis not above a week since he came out of Prison, but when he was set at liberty, he was commanded to leave the Court for ever, and from that time he has never been seen at Issedon. This business has made such a noise at Court, that there is now no talk of any thing else, and this is the freshest, and most considerable news that I can tell you thence. I found a marvellous consolation in this discourse, and making no great account of the business of Cydaris, I was so extremely satisfied to hear of my Princess' perseverance in despising Arsacomes his affection. I went on my Journey the remainder of that day, and the next following, before the Sun had run out half his course, I from a Hill discovered the highest Towers of that most precious City, where I had left the better part of my soul with Berenice. Then I began to feel motions of a passion which seemed to have forsaken me for ever, me thought I breathed a sweeter air than I was wont, and fortune, who by such sad effects had declared herself so cruel an Enemy to our House, was contented at that time to change her countenance in favour of me, and not being able to restore me what she had taken away, was willing to sweeten my sorrows with the most gentle usage I could receive from her. It was but just, that he who had lost so much, should by her assistance keep the only thing he had left, and the only thing which he preferred before all those she had injustly robbed him of.  
I was within two hundred furlongs of Issedon, when at the entrance into a Wood which I was to pass through, I heard the sound of many instruments usual for the chase, and seeing divers men pass by at the same time, I leaned from them that the King was hunting in that Wood, and that he was accompanied by the Queen, and the Princess Berenice, who, because it was a very fair day, had been desirous to take their part of that diversion. At this news my heart leapt within me, not being able to hear speak of my Princess without an inward disturbance, nor to prepare myself for that sight without most passionate motions. Yet did I doubt, whether I should go to the King while he was abroad there at his sport, or whether, as I before intended, I should go unknown to Theodates his house, to pay my first visit to that generous friend, and learn of him upon what terms I stood in Court, and whether I might show myself there with the safety as before. At last I should have followed that Resolution, and I was going to prosecute my Journey directly toward the Town, when I was put beside it by a very remarkable accident. I saw a man all bloody, come galloping full speed toward me, and when he was within twenty paces of us, he fell from his Horse, with all the signs of a man very near his end. I ran to give him some assistance, but scarce had I begun to speak to him, when casting his Eyes upon us; Ah! (cried he) lose no time here about me, for I am but a dead man, but if you be Scythians, or noble minded men, make haste to succour the King, who is yonder like to be murdered. No sooner had I heard these words, but leaving that man to the care of one of mine, I ran as swiftly as possibly I could, the same way that we had seen him come. Criton followed me with the same speed, and the two Scythians, having left that dying man, would not let me go without them. Before I had rode five or six hundred paces, there was no more need of a Guide, and the cries I heard, directed me sufficiently to the place. I sought it by the noise among the Trees, and had not gone far, when coming to a part of the Wood where the Trees stood very thin, I was witness of a bloody, and a pitiful spectacle. I saw a small number of men, who enclosing the Prince in the midst of them, defended themselves against twice as many with a most invincible courage. They had slain divers of their Enemies, but the greater part of their companions lay already gasping on the ground, and they that remained endeavoured but in vain to prolong their destiny, and to lend their King an assistance, which had been utterly unprofitable, if it had not given us leisure to come up to his Relief. He had his sword in his hand, wherewith he defended himself with a great deal of courage, but his servants put themselves between him and danger, as likewise did those of Arsacomes, and Theodates, who being unarmed as well as the King, fought very valiantly to save his life. I had hardly cast mine Eyes upon that Combat, when knowing the party I ought to take, I fell in among the Enemies, with a fury which proceeded from a quite different cause, than the little valour the Gods had given me. And indeed it produced effects infinitely above my forces, and at my first coming into the fight, I scarce gave any blow that made not a mortal wound; they that were with me seconded me with so much courage, that the half vanquished Scythians recovered spirit by their example, and began to make their Enemies doubt of the issue of the business. It quickly grew more equal than it was at our arrival, and the number of those murderous Traitors, was in a short time lessened by the death of some of the forwardest amongst them. Their Head, who perceived that change, would have animated them by his voice, and by his example, but he was able to do no great matter, and I having known him by many tokens, sought him in the midst of his men, and in spite of all the obstacles wherewith they opposed my passage, I got to him, and to his misfortune, my sword met so luckily with a place unguarded by his Arms, that at the first thrust, it ran clear through his body, and made him tumble dead amongst the horses feet. His fall did so discourage those of his party, that they no longer thought of any thing but defending themselves, and that they did so ill, that the victory over them was not difficult; for Arsacomes, and Theodates, though they were wounded, closing up to me, with shields wherewith they defended themselves for want of other Arms, and being seconded by all the Scythians, in whom that alteration had wrought a marvellous confidence, we forced them in the end to quit the field, and to seek for that safety by flight, which they no longer could find by their resistance. I than turned me about toward the King, uncertain whether I should prosecute our Victory, or run to him, but he put me quickly out of that irresolution, by crying, Valiant man, you yet have conquered but in part, and unless you also save the Queen and Princess, you have done nothing for my safety. These words went so near to me, that I felt my strength almost redoubled by them, and seeing that the King himself, ran toward the place, where he desired we should succour those dear persons, I cast my eye upon the ablest of those Horses, that walked about us without their Riders, and feeling my own begin to fail, as well through weariness as some wounds he had received, I alighted hastily, and leaping upon the other, ran with such speed after the King, that I had quickly overtaken him. My love guided me so favourably, that I soon discovered the Chariot, about which there had been a stout and bloody Combat; all they of the Guard were slain at the boots of it, not having abandoned their Princesses but with their lives, and those barbarous Enemies were pulling them violently out of the Chariot. O Gods! how infinitely did Rage transport me, when I saw my Princess in the power of a man, who, carrying her away in spite of her cries, and her Resistances, would have delivered her into the arms of another that was very well armed, and bravely mounted; certainly all the words in the world are not sufficient to represent my fury, and I was so animated by that sight, that all the Enemy's Forces were not able to resist me. I flew most impetuously at those two men, but having my sword up to strike at him that held my Princess, the fear I had of wounding her made me withhold my blow, and turning towards him that was ready to receive her, I brought down my sword so forcibly upon his Arms, which he had stretched forth towards her, that they fell both together from his body to the ground; his companion, seeing him receive that stroke, and fearing such another, quitted the Princess, but scarce had he disburdened himself of that glorious weight, when he was also disburdened of his head, which with a back blow I made cask to roll, and all between the Chariot wheels. After this execution, I fell in among the rest with a success but little different, while the King coming to join with us, as also Arsacomes, and all the Scythians that were left of the former fight, brought terror to those Villains, already half defeated by the death of their Leaders, and by the loss of their companions. They no longer made any considerable resistance, and very few of them escaped our just Resentments. As soon as we had no more Enemies to fight withal, I turned to that illustrious Company, all stained with blood, and in an equipage which (as my Princess was pleased to say) for all it was terrible, had something in it not unpleasing to her; I consulted a while with love, and decency, whether I should run first to the King, or to my Princess; but love, though the more powerful, was content for its own interest to yield to decency, and found its advantage more in concealing, than in declaring itself so publicly. Scarce had I turned my Horse to go toward the King, when I saw him come forward to meet with all that were about him. Whosoever thou art (cried he) O our valiant Protector, 'tis to you we owe our Lives, and you have won them to yourself with so matchless a Valour, and so great a generosity, that though you should be born our subject, you ought to be the Master of them for ever. Instead of answering these words, I leaped from my Horse, and cast myself at the King's feet so suddenly, that he could not possibly hinder me, and had no sooner pulled off my Cask, but my face was known by the King, and the whole Company. The King was wonderstrucken, that he went back a step or two, and then presently coming to me again with open arms, O Arsaces (cried he) O Arsaces, and without saying any thing more at that time; he embraced me with such affection, that I easily saw my absence had abated nothing of that he formerly had honoured me withal. Berenice hath since confessed to me that she was fain to use a very violent constraint upon herself; in that sudden surprise, and that by my good fortune, I had part enough in her favour, to give her motions of joy in that Encounter, which it was very hard for her to dissemble; yet did she smother it with much ado, and following the Queen's example, she contented herself with testifying her acknowledgements in the same manner. But scarce was I got free of the King, when Theodates, making his passage through all the rest, came to give me, and to receive embraces, which showed the company the nearness of that friendship wherewith we were linked together. Arsacomes, who as well as the rest, was obliged to me for his own safety, and for the Queen his sisters, forced his inclinations that he might not appear ingrateful, & when the King had allowed every body liberty to welcome me he came to me again himself, and reiterating his favours; It was impossible (said he) by the miracles you have done for our preservation, that you should be other than Arsaces, or else some God; such prodigious effects of valour can find no example, but in what you have done for us already; yet since we have destined, to owe our lives to some body, I praise the Gods that 'tis to my dear Arsaces, to whom we may be indebted for them, without shame, or trouble. I had been silent, during all the Kings obliging words, and endearments, but as soon as it was time for me to speak; Sir, (said I) your Majesty sets too high a value upon an action, which I was too powerfully engaged to do, both by the remembrance of your favours, and by the consideration of my honour. I were much to blame, if I should think I had done any thing in the preservation of your Majesty's life, 'tis to your own valour you owe it, and to the Gods to whom it is too dear to let it be lost; and if they were pleased I should be so happy as to be one among your servants at the defeating of your Enemies, 'tis only I that have the whole obligation to them, as for the most glorious favour they can ever do me. Forbear (replied the King) to rob Arsaces of what is due to him alone, we should not now have been alive but for your assistance, and I find as much satisfaction in avowing it, as I should do shame if I neglected obligations of this nature; I will acknowledge them with all my affection, and with all my power, and if ever the King of Scythia be ingrateful toward Arsaces, I would have him pass through the whole world, for the most unworthy man upon earth. The King accompanied these words with many others to the same purpose, and after all the company had seconded him, both in his kindnesses, and praises, he commanded the dead bodies to be viewed, to the end they might see if they could discover who they were that had been his Enemies. Among the first, whose faces they looked upon, there were found some whom they knew to have belonged to Cidaris, and the King himself being come close to him, whose arms I had cut off, while he unworthily stretched them forth to take my Princess, knew him to be Bandamis the brother of that Parricide. He was not yet quite dead, and as soon as he perceived the King to be near him, he called together the remainder of his forces, and preventing the questions that were going to be asked him; If Cidaris be slain (said he) I keep him company without trouble, and die willingly for him, as he does for Berenice, and for the Reparation of his Honour. He to punish the affront that had been done to him, would have killed a King, that had used him unworthily, and to content his passion, he would have carried away the Princess; I served him in this last design, while he was attempting the former, we have yet another Brother, who will revenge our death, if he have any courage, and if he be so base as to sit down with it, he deserves that you should pour forth those Resentments upon him, which you have conceived against us. Bandamis ended his life with these words, and the King, who from the beginning, had imagined the truth of this Adventure, could not but admire the Resolution of those desperate Wretches. Cidaris his body was found amongst those of his party, and the Princess expressed a great deal of trouble, for having been the cause, though innocently, of the death of so many men, and of the danger her Father had been in. In the mean time, we were environed by a throng of those, whom the noise of this Accident had drawn from Issedon, and one may truly say, the whole Town was almost empty from the very moment that news came thither: all the People came and cast themselves at the King's feet with tears of joy, and by his command, they all came afterward to prostrate themselves before me, and to do me honours as a man sent by the Gods, or as the protecting Angel of Scythia. When many things had passed which I am not able to tell you by reason of their length, and confusion, we took our way toward the City, and all the while we were going, the King did nothing but embrace me, and ask me the particularities of my Voyage. I answered those questions as I before had resolved to do, and though the remembrance of our ruin'd Family could not come into my mind, without drawing sighs from me, I dissembled my griefs as well as possibly I could, and attributed my long absence to the Captivity in which I was detained by Arimbas. Yet was not the King so wholly taken up with me, but that he took care of Arsacomes, who was wounded in two places, my dear Theodates also had some hurts, but none that were at all dangerous. All the time I had free during the way, I spent with him, to whom in a few words I gave account of the deplorable success of my Voyage. As I could not make him that recital without tears, so neither could he hear it without shedding some, and he solemnised our misfortunes with all the signs of grief I could demand from a true and perfect friend. I durst not make my addresses to my Princess in the Queen's presence, fearing that company should observe alterations in my countenance, which might give them some notice of my passion. As soon as we were come to the City, we found all the People that were left in it, in the streets, coming to meet the King, and presently they began to make Bonfires in every place, and to offer sacrifices and thanksgiving for his safety in all the Temples. The King would needs have a lodging appointed for me in his Palace, but for the remainder of that day I retired to Theodates his house, to satisfy the desire I had to embrace him at liberty, to finish the account I had begun to give him of my Journey, and to receive particular information of all passages concerning my Princess, and how I stood in her favour at that time. He satisfied my curiosity to the full, and assured me that during my absence, he had not found the least change in her affection. 'Tis true Sir, (said he) she complained often of your want of care to let her hear from you, and often testified to me, but with an extraordinary trouble, how much she feared you had forgotten her. I put her out of those apprehensions, as well as possibly I could, but at last I should have had much ado to find Reasons to justify you, if she had not heard of the lamentable end of the King your father, and of the total ruin of your House. How deeply was she concerned in that woeful story, and how many tears did she bestow, both on the misfortunes of Darius, and on the fears of your being perished with him! Ah! would it had pleased the Gods I had, cried I, not being able to hear of that discourse without being ashamed, and transported, but within a while after I repented myself, and believing that wish offended my Princess; No, (said I again) I ought not to desire death, since I ought to live for Berenice, nor can I without offending her, attempt, or desire any thing against a life, whereof I have reserved no power to myself. After these words, I ●ent my attention again to the advantageous Report he made me of my Princess' remembrance; but I was not a little astonished, when after that, he told me news of Prince Oroondates; Sir, (said he) the King, since you went away, has heard part of his sons Adventures, he knows the abode he made with the King your father, his love to the Princess your sister, and the most remarkable Accidents that have befallen him since his departure. He got this intelligence by some Spies he kept long in Persia, and showed most violent Resentments at the news, but his Anger was raised to the utmost height, when he learned that he had sent to make Levies upon the Frontiers of this Kingdom, and that with them he had fought in the last Battle. He protested publicly that he would not pardon him those infidelities, so it was he called the Prince's Actions, and I think that the Queen, who upon the incertainty of his life was already forming pretensions for her children, if the Gods should give her any, did not dissuade him from that Resoution. In this discourse of Theodates, I found both matter of joy, and of affliction, for as I with much contentment received some Assurances of my dear brother's life, and of the affection, which he still preserved unto our Family, even in its latest miseries, so did I with a great deal of sorrow learn that the King persisted still in his hatred to us, and foresaw the difficulties it would produce in the Reconciliation I so earnestly desired. Then Theodates entertained me with Arsacomes his persecutions, abetted by the Queen's Authority, who making that ill use of the King's passion to her, assisted her brother openly in that design, but with so little success in soliciting the Princess, that it did nothing but increase the aversion which she had already to Arsacomes, and which she expressed to him upon all occasions. After this long conversation, I let Theodates take his rest, by reason of his wounds, and having passed the night on this manner, and in an impatiency on my part, which is not easy for me to represent, I was no sooner up in the morning, but I had a mind to go to the Palace, there to watch some opportunity of seeing, and discoursing with my Princess. Theodates, who knew how necessary he should be to me in that business, would needs accompany me thither for all his wounds, which as light as they were, might have been sufficient to have kept him a few days in bed. Fortune was as favourable to me as I could desire, for I was hardly upon the stairs, when Cyllenia, who stayed for me at that passage, feigning some occasion to talk with Theodates, told him that when I had waited upon the King, and Queen, the Princess would expect me without any other company but her, in the same Arbour of the Garden, where I had given her the first knowledge of my true name and quality. Theodates' having delivered ' me this command, I strove to make my visits as short as possibly I could. Scarce had I received the King's first kind salutes, when he fell into the discourse of the Prince his son. Would you believe (said he) Arsaces, that that son to whom I have born so tender an affection, and in whom upon very false appearances I had grounded all my hopes, should have abandoned me in my most pressing Affairs, only to go over to my Enemy's party, that he should have fought against us with his own hand, in a Battle where I was in person, that he should have sued to Darius his daughter, by base ways, and such as are unworthy of his quality, and that he should have been so insolent, as to raise Forces in my Dominions in favour of my mortal Enemy? Sir, (answered I) these faults indeed would be very great, if your Majesty did not allege an Excuse for them yourself, and if you knew not very well that love is able to produce much stranger effects. There is nothing but love without question that can excuse the Prince your son in what he has done against you; but mere generosity was enough to move him to assist Darius against Alexander, and your Majesty may very well pardon him, if he in favour of a poor oppressed Prince, made use of some of your Forces against the Enemy of the whole world. Alexander is more dreadful to all Kings than Darius was, for after having made himself Master of all those Territories that were his, he will certainly invade yours, and labour to extend his Dominion over all the Earth. I know very well (replied the King) that you are noble and generous; but Oroondates is not the less faulty, because you have the goodness to excuse, and he by his deportments has rendered himself unworthy of the care you take for his justification. I thought it not best to persist in opposing that first brunt of the King's displeasure, hoping that time would have more power to qualify it, than all the Reasons I could have alleged, and therefore I said no more, but went to wait upon the Queen, who received me with great civilities, and testimonies of acknowledgement for what I had done for her, and for her brother, and when I was come out of the chamber, I got loose from all those that accompanied us, and with no body but Theodates went down into the Garden, where I was expected by my most adored Princess. I will not stand to represent the Effects which the hope of so near a happiness produced in me, nor my impatiency while I was going through the Allies which lead me to that Arbour, where all my wealth was treasured up. You shall only know that I came thither, and that I found my Princess there according to her promise, having no body with her but Cyllenia; you may imagine that the first thing I did was to cast myself at her feet, and that the transport of my passion, tied my tongue too fast, to afford me the liberty to speak of a great while. My Princess broke silence first, and constraining me to rise, and to sit down by her, The Gods be praised, (said she, with tears which a generous compassion drew from her fair Eyes) the Gods be praised, since after so many fears, and so many mortal apprehensions, they suffer me again to behold the dearest remainders of Darius his family. I wish I were able with the better part of my blood, to bring them back again from the grave, whom the wrath of Heaven hath taken away, and whose perchance hath not cost me fewer tears than the Princesses your sisters; but since I can do nothing for them, but make unprofitable wishes, I receive my dear Arsaces, with as much thankfulness as I owe to those powers that have restored him to me, and in his person alone, I without murmuring, limit all the pretensions I had to the greatest Prince of all the world. My Princess brought forth these words with so sweet an air, and so full of compassion, that they wrought an extraordinary tenderness in me, and though in those glorious moments, my sad remembrances were not able to interrupt my felicity, I could not forbear with my sighs to accompany those tears that pity made her shed, and taking the liberty to fix my lips upon one of her fair hands; I have lost nothing, Madam, (said I) I have lost nothing, since Fortune, in depriving me of all that depended upon her, has not been able to rob me of what I without comparison prefer before all she could possibly give me. 'Tis true that Darius and the Queen my mother are in their graves, that my sisters are Alexander's Captives, that my father's Dominions are in the power of our Enemies, and that he, who at his departure was able to protest to you, that you were served by a Prince, who was heir to a considerable Empire, cannot now appear before you as other than as a Prince dispossessed of his inheritance, and as a Prince to whom Fortune hath left nothing but his Sword, and his Ambition; but how light are all these losses, since they have not been able to make me lose the affections of my divinest Princess, and how little ought I to bewail those Empires the Gods have taken from me, if I consider what your goodness has conserved for me. Yes, Madam, 'tis to your goodness alone that I am indebted for my life, & fortune, and any other body, less good, and less generous than yourself, would not have looked upon this change of my condition, without a change in her own thoughts; nor have received this miserable Exile, as a Prince, who yet may cherish his former glorious hopes. I consider you a great deal more by your virtue, (replied the Princess) and by the qualities of your person, than by the extent of those Empires, which heretofore were the King your fathers, and if the knowledge of your birth was necessary to make me approve of your affection, that is not lost with your Dominions, nor has Fortune deprived you of any thing that made me love you. That change would be too base to stick one minute in your conceit, or to be so much as dreamed of by Oroondates his sister; therefore never make any reflection upon a thought that offends me, and if in my perseverance, you can find any matter of consolation, believe that you shall for ever have reason to be comforted, and that I to my grave will preserve those inclinations, which only Artaxerxes his person, and not the consideration of his Kingdoms, has introduced into my heart. I was so sweetly charmed with these obliging words, that they in an instant made me lose the remembrance of my misfortunes, and falling once again at my Princess' feet, I embraced her knees, with Raptures which cannot be expressed but in the like occasions. Let Alexander triumph over our patrimony, (said I) let him stretch his Dominions over all Asia, nay, over all the earth if he will, how little do I esteem his Conquests, how lightly do I value his fortune, in comparison of mine, and how freely do I give up to him, all that he has injustly taken from me, provided he leave me but Berenice; my condition is a thousand times more glorious at her feet, than upon that Throne from whence mine Enemies have cast me, and if I ever take up Arms against them, it shall be only to revenge my friends, and to make myself more worthy of my Princess' affections. I should have said more, if Berenice, forcing me once again to rise, had not interrupted me, to put me upon the discourse of what I had done the day before for her deliverance, and for the safety of the King her father. She extolled that Action in terms full of a great acknowledgement, and seeing she was going to enlarge herself in thanks; Cease, Madam, (said I) cease to thank Arsaces', for what he did for Arsaces'; 'Tis for Arsacomes to return me some few thanks for his safety, 'tis for Stratonice, and for the King to preserve some memory of it, but Berenice is no way engaged to me, save only by that part, which her goodness makes her take in my interests, for what I have done to my own advantage. 'Twas only from Arsaces, that Cidaris would have stolen away Berenice, and since that she approves my hopes, 'tis only for Arsaces that I have rescued her. That unworthy Rival ought not to have died by any other hand but mine, and if my Princess ought to keep any Remembrance of this Adventure, 'tis only that she saw Arsaces do better than Arsacomes, for the defence of his pretensions, and for the safety of the King her father. It would have been one of the most sensible vexations I could have suffered (said the Princess) if the succour we received from you had come from the hand of Arsacomes. 'Tis only to Artaxerxes that I will be obliged, both for the safety of my friends, and of mine own particular life, I say my life, for though perchance those Enemies had no design against it, I should account it an indifferent thing to fall into the arms of Death, or into the arms of any other besides Artaxerxes. I give you this assurance with truth, (continued the Princess, seeing me transported with joy at this discourse) and you have reason to believe, that 'tis only for yourself alone that you have rescued Berenice, nay further, I will protest to you by all that is dearest to me, that the sorrows which your absence, the fear of those dangers into which you were going to precipitate yourself, and the news of your losses have made me suffer, could not be equalled, except by the joy I received at your Return, but a Return which you have made remarkable by a service the King never can forget, and which must of necessity stifle in his breast the hatred he bears your Family, if he be not the most obdurate, and the most ingrateful of all men living. The Princess accompanied these words with many others, which I could not answer but with transport and ecstasy; and after this first conversation, she needs would have me give her an account of my Voyage, and make her the Recital of all that had befallen me since my departure. I obeyed her punctually, and in the sad passages of my Narration, I saw her so nearly touched, that I thereby received no light marks of that affection, which from thence forward was to make up my whole fortune, and be to me in the stead of Parents, of Empires, and of whatsoever the Anger of Heaven had taken from me.  
Arsaces' was in this part of his story, when the Princess Berenice, accompanied with Apamia, and Cleone came into the chamber, They that kept the door of the Tent, knew very well that Princess was not comprehended in the Order which had been given them, and of those three persons there was not one that could be thought unfit to hear Arsaces' his discourse. As soon as they entered, the Princes, who were sitting by Arsaces his bedside, rose up to salute them, and the two wounded ones received them with a great deal of joy, the motions whereof nevertheless were a little different. Arsaces could not see his Princess without some inward alteration, or rather without some kind of transport, and Berenice could not behold Arsaces in a much better state of health than she had hoped for in so short a time, without showing some signs of such a contentment, as a bare good will is not able to produce. When she had likewise received an assurance from the Prince's mouths, of the amendment of their wounds, she sat down, and Apamia, and Cleone with her, upon seats that were brought them. Berenice was going to fall into some discourse, when the Prince her brother, not being willing to be diverted from their former entertainment, opposed her intention. Sister, (said he) content yourself that the troublesome passage you so much apprehended, has been related in your absence, and that we have heard you have loved, without your being put to the pain to tell it us. Fear not sister, (continued he, seeing Berenice's face o'erspread at these words with a glowing colour) you would have more cause to blush if one could reproach you with having been so blind, as not to know the admirable qualities of this Prince, with having been ingrateful for the obligations we have to him, and in short, with having been able to see, and know Artaxerxes without loving him. Do not hinder us from hearing the rest of his Adventures, and hearken to the share you have in them without interrupting us. Arsaces' accompanied these words of Oroondates with a most humble and beseeching look, which seemed to beg pardon of his Princess, for the confession he had made to the company, of the affection she bore him, and seeing that they were all settled again in silence, and that they disposed themselves to attention, he went on thus with his discourse.   
The end of the second Book.   

CASSANDRA, The fourth Part. The third Book.  
IT is true, my fairest Princess, that being obliged to this Recital by the command of my dear Brother▪ I have declared to this illustrious company the testimonies you gave me of your affection; but they are not ignorant, that 'twas to the remembrance of Oroondates, you granted what could never be due to the services, or person of Artaxerxes, and that your inclination to a Brother so worthy of your love, made you look upon the passion of his dear friend, and brother, more advantageously than you would have done upon that of the Prince of Persia.  
The signs I received of the continuance of my Princess' good will, (pursued Arsaces, turning toward Oroondates, and the rest of the company) were so precious to me, that I really believed I had no reason to complain against heaven, which did so fully recompense me for the loss of those Empires it had deprived me of; and being by my Princess' orders retired with this knowledge, to the lodgings that were appointed for me in the Palace, I employed the rest of that day, considering in that the greatness from whence I was fallen, had not in its most pompous lustre, had any thing comparable to my present felicity. It belongs to none but the Gods, (said I) to do miraculous Actions, and as great, and powerful as they are, they could not make me amends for the greatness of my losses, but by the greatness of that fortune to which they now have raised me; having taken from me whatsoever they could take away, they give me whatsoever they could give me of most great, and of most beautiful, and in short, they give me all that I could desire, and more than I could lawfully hope for; let them bestow the Empires of Asia, and of Europe on whom they please, provided they leave but Berenice to fortunate Arsaces, he never will accuse them of injustice, but will without envy behold the absolute Authority of those Masters of the whole Earth. These really were my thoughts, and Fortune, who by such glorious tokens, made me believe she meant to declare herself in my favour, forsook me not in those beginnings, but made all things contribute to the happiness she had procured me. That service I had done the King, finding him prepossessed with some good opinion of me, and with some affection to me, wrought presently the most powerful effect one could have hoped for by it, from the most grateful Prince in the world; and if at my former Voyage I had been held in some consideration at Court, this last Action, added to the inclination which the King had already toward me, raised me there to such a credit, that to represent it to you in a few words, I may truly say, that within one month, Arsacomes had no advantage over me; and had it not been for the power of the Queen, I should without dispute, have held the first place in the King's esteem and affection. 'Tis true, I laboured not to make myself great by Offices, and employments, for having thoughts very far distant from those, I was satisfied with causing that to be given to others (as much as I could without abusing the King's favour towards me) which men, who had been slaves to an Ambition different from mine, would perchance have kept for their own selves. This manner of carriage, added to the good fortune I had at that time, gained me a reasonable good number of friends in the Court, and I did so little trespass upon their friendship, or upon the compliance which the estate of my condition obliged them to render me, that amongst them all, I never observed any one to grow cold toward me, or discontented. Arsacomes envied my fortune, but he durst not cross it openly, remembering that he was indebted to me for his life; and the Queen his sister, who had the same obligation, and who was an extreme cunning, and politic Princess, would not thwart the King's inclinations, which she knew to be very potent toward me. As Arsacomes his envy of me was nourished in him by certain considerations; so my aversion to him was increased by divers others; and though I could not love him, because he was my Rival, and a Rival very troublesome to my Princess, yet durst I not express my enmity, for fear of discovering the cause of it, and 'twas with a strange constraint, I suffered his daily, public demonstrations of love to the daughter of his King. I found some consolation indeed in her behaviour towards him, and every day observed with joy, that his presumption could not be more justly recompensed than it was by her. She never gave him an obliging word, she never did any Action that was favourable to him, and so carefully avoided all occasions of being alone with him, that he could never entertain her but in company; he being of a haughty, impetuous humour, this often made him overshoot himself, but not having utterly lost his judgement, he strove to moderate his Resentments by his sister's advice, and remembering he was the King of Scythia's subject, he considered, that if the causes of his fortune should come to cease, he might fall from his Authority, and be in a condition to suffer the punishment due to his insolence. The Example of Cidaris was fresh in his memory, and though he could not abase himself so low as to fear a destiny like his, yet that remembrance was enough to make some impression in his mind. Though Arsacomes was ill satisfied with Berenice, I for my part had all manner of reason to acknowledge her goodness, and since she gives me leave, to strain a point of discretion, to publish my Advantages, I may tell you that I never wished more happiness than I truly possessed at that time; and that my adored Princess, did in my favour, slacken the Rein to all those testimonies of affection, I could desire from so sublime a virtue. Yet were they all limited to words alone, and to the endeavours she used, to afford me all the means she could to see her, and discourse with her at liberty. That was not very hard for her to do, for in the condition I then stood with the King, and in the belief the Scythians had, that she was obliged to me for her safety, and perchance for her honour, since the time that I had rescued her out of the hands of the treacherous Princes of the Tauro-Scythians, no body thought strange that she allowed me entrance into her Chamber, and suffered my company when she went abroad. Cyllenia assisted me in those occasions with an affection, for which I shall be indebted to her as long as I live, & my dear Theodates had sacrificed himself wholly to my interests. True it is, that in my Encounters I had endeavoured to repay him part of the good offices I received from him, by others which I did him to the King, and that I made that Prince better acquainted with his virtues, than he had been formerly; but besides those opportunities whereby I strove to testify my friendship, another offered itself wherein I was not useless to him. He became passionately in love with the Princess Theomiris, the daughter of Prince Carthasis the King's brother, an exceeding fair, and virtuous Lady, and most dearly beloved of Berenice, who besides nearness of blood, thought herself obliged, to bear her a great deal of good will, by the knowledge she had of her excellent qualities. Theodates was not only considerable in Scythia by his birth, and virtue, but was also extraordinary handsome, and well might gain the affections of that Princess, without any other assistance save that of his own merit; but I too dearly preserved the memory of what I owed him, to neglect any occasion to requite it, and as soon as his passion was known to me, I employed all the credit I had with my Princess, to make her use all the interest she had with Theomiris. Berenice received my intercession without any repugnance, and being of herself most ready to oblige Theodates, she laboured to advance his suit with a great deal of goodness, and with a great deal of success. In the mean time the King's favour towards me, increased from day to day, and although the Prince was ever governed by his own motions, rather than by the counsel of any about him, and that he never gave his Favourites so much power over his mind, but that he ever kept firm to his own Resolutions, he seemed then to have receded from his maxims in favour of me, and that even in the most important affairs, he had a greater opinion of my advice, than he had ever had of any other bodies. I will have the Scythians honour Arsaces, (said he) both as the bravest, most valiant of all men living, (they were the terms which his affection made him unjustly use, and as he to whom they owe the safety of their King, and of all the royal Family. Not being contented with many considerable gifts, which he heaped upon me every day, he to his former liberalities, and to the excessive Riches he had already bestowed upon me, would needs add the Provinces which Cidaris and his brother had lost, when they lost their lives, and which by their traitorous, horrible Attempt, returned unto the Crown, their Attaindure having excluded all the Survivers of their House, from any lawful pretensions to them. I durst not oppose his Liberalities, for fear of angering him, and of giving him suspicion of my true quality, by seeming to contemn them. He had often times been offended with the little reckoning I made of Presents of that nature, and by the advice of the Princess herself, I would not put myself in hazard of displeasing him. Theodates' confirmed me in that Resolution, and when he pressed me most earnestly to it, Dear Theodates (said I) I will not accept of this Province, but upon condition, that you will receive it from me when I am once in a capacity to offer it you, and that (continued I smiling) shall be the Ransom of your Prisoner, if the Gods permit him not to satisfy you better. Theodates, who knew how to despise that kind of Riches, answered me very generously, and by the King's Example, began to call me Prince of the Tauro-Scythians; but they had hardly given me that name, when it was known in Court, I should not bear that Title without dispute; for news came thither that Amasis the younger brother of Cydaris, and he with whom Bandamis had threatened us when he died, had begun to execute part of those menaces, and after having lain a while concealed in that Province, to make a party, whereby he pretended either to revenge the death of his Brothers, or to keep possession of those Territories which had belonged to his Family, he had at last persuaded the Tauro-Scythians to rise, and having under false, and specious pretences made their Neighbours the Agatirsians take up Arms with them, had got an Army together of above fifty thousand men, wherewith he prepared himself to enter into the nearest Provinces, either to get them to revolt with him, or to use all Acts of Hostility against them. As soon as the noise of this insurrection was come to Issedon, and that the King had received the certainty of it, he without being troubled, began diligently to provide those Remedies that were needful, and summoning the nearest Troops, whereof he could compose an Army, was pleased that I should have the honour to command them: not but that among his own subjects he might have made a better choice, yet whether it were that his affection to me, gave him too advantageous an opinion of my sufficiency, or that having given me that Province, he believed me to be more concerned in the preservation of it than any body else, so it is that he preferred me for that employment, before those that sued to him for it. I know not how to represent to you in what manner I received it. On the one side, I was not a little satisfied to find so remarkable an occasion, to deserve those favours the King conferred upon me, and to establish myself more and more, by the services I hoped to do him, in that affection which was so necessary for me, both toward the accomplishment of my happiness with Berenice, and toward the means of recovering, with part of mine honour, some part also of Darius his Empires; but on the other side I was not less afflicted to go from Berenice, and though I foresaw not that that absence would be of so long continuance as it proved, I could not resolve upon it without a most sensible grief. But there was a necessity of it, and in that sorrow, I met with some consolations, which did in part abate its violence. We shall fight for the King of Scythia, (said I) it has pleased Fortune that we have not been useless to his service already, but when we shall have let him see how we can lead an Army for his interests, perchance he will not refuse to give us another for the defence of our own, and that by the importance of the services we shall do him, we may blot that hatred out of his mind, which still continues in it against the remnant of Darius his Family. Go then Arsaces, since so many Reasons oblige thee to it, go conquer the rest of those that would have murdered the King, and violently have stolen away Berenice; and if thou canst not part with that Princess without sorrow, sweeten at least that sorrow by the knowledge thou hast, that thou art going to fight for her Father, that thou art going to fight for her, and that thou art going to fight for thyself. With this kind of discourse I took comfort in the trouble which that absence was preparing for me, and in the interim told the King that I would endeavour by the hazard of all my blood to make myself worthy of the employment he gave me, and either would return victorious over his Enemies, or else not return at all. I doubt not (said the King) but that you are certain of the Victory, and that they must be neither Rebels nor Traitors that can resist the valour of Arsaces. In the mean time, my departure was hastened with all possible diligence, and every day till then, I had the happiness to see, and to entertain my Princess. If I dare take the liberty to say so, her grief seemed little less than mine, nor did she see me ready to go into dangers, without showing a sensibility, that was more sweet, and more obliging to me, than all the honours, and gifts of Provinces which I received from the King her father; but she found her consolations in mine, when I represented those Advantages to her, wherewith the cruelty of that absence was to be allayed. Theodates would not have let me go without him, but knowing his quality, and that after the employments he had formerly had, he could not march in an Army without commanding it, or doing himself a great deal of wrong, I opposed his friendly intention, and entreated him to continue at Court to serve Theomiris, and to serve me also with Berenice, since he was the only man, from whom I could receive any assistance in that business. They were these last considerations that made him yield to it, his friendship to me making him despise the first. The night before my departure being come, I received Orders from the King, and took my leave of him, which he gave me not without some tears, nor without such Endearments, as those that were nearest to him could hardly hope for from him. Go, Arsaces (said he) go quell our Enemies, restore quietness to the Province which your virtue has given you, and testify to the remotest Scythians, that 'tis only to the gallantest of all mortals, their King is indebted for his safety. Yet have a care of a life which is very dear to us, and think not so much of conquering, but that you may also think of bringing Arsaces' home to us again. I shall conquer, Sir, (replied I) since your Majesty commands me to do so, and the remotest Scythians shall know, 'tis the victorious sword of their King, rather than the hand of Arsaces, that punishes them for their perfidiousness. After I had left the King, I gave the remainder of the day to the visits of my friends, and when night was come, my Princess had the goodness to permit me to pass part of it in her Camber, with Theodates, and Cyllenia. It would be very hard for me to repeat all the discourses to you, which we had at that separation, and being they took up many hours, less time would not be necessary to tell you them. My Princess, out of an excess of goodness, was afflicted at my departure, and by the same goodness, she comforted herself and me with hope of the fruit I should reap by my Voyage. I go, Madam, (said I) to labour for the Repose of Scythia, and for my own; that hope alone, sweetens the violence of my grief; and at this separation, I should not be to be comforted, if I did not believe, that Heaven separates us, only to reunite us the more firmly. It cannot favour me with its assistance, in the employment the King gives me, without advancing my happiness, and when the King shall know I am the son of Darius, he will perhaps remember I have done something for his service. Upon that remembrance, next to yours my lovely Princess, my whole fortune will depend, and since I leave it totally at your feet, 'tis at your feet I hope to find it at my Return, but 'tis only to your goodness that I ought to recommend it; yes, fairest Princess, only to your goodness, and since you have been generous enough to receive the banished, the undone, the miserable Arsaces, as Prince Artaxerxes, you will also without doubt be generous enough to maintain him in the glorious condition, to which you have raised him; this hope not only sweetens all my sorrows, but makes me look without envy upon Alexander's Victories, and would make me find advantage in my losses, if I had not some compassion of my friends, and if my Reputation were not interessed in their fall. Preserve that for me therefore, my divine Princess, which Arsacomes, which Stratonice would cruelly take from me, and remember, that I cannot yield my pretensions to them, nor to any body in the world, without quitting my life together with them. Have a care of yourself (replied the Princess) that you may as well preserve yourself for Berenice, as you desire she should preserve herself totally for you; and do you resist the unjust motions of your courage, as well as she will resist the importunities of Arsacomes, and Stratonice. If your remembrance of me make you more wary in fight, and if my interest, make you go into dangers with more moderation than you are wont; I'll combat here for you with all the assurance, and all the success you can desire. In this, Arsaces, I shall follow my own inclinations as much as your recommendation, but remember, that I will be obeyed in what I demand of you, and that I shall be sufficiently afflicted by your absence, without being tormented with fears of the peril you are in. My Princess accompanied these words with many others no less obliging, and by those sweet marks of my felicity, she made me know, that nothing but my departure hindered me from being the most fortunate of all men living. I took leave of her, with effects of grief which all my constancy could not hinder, and before I went out of her Chamber, I received a Scarf from her, part of which she had wrought with her own hand, and with which I believed I should be invincible against the most valiant Enemies. At last I was fain to depart, and being retired with my dear Theodates, I spent almost all the rest of the night in recommending my life, and fortune to him, which next to Berenice, I left in no other hands but his.  
By break of day, my Lodging was full of persons that came to bid me farewell, and of the chief Officers of the Army that were to go along with me; I took my leave of those, and put myself at the head of these, who generally expressed their joy for the employment that was given me, and made me see that for all I was a stranger, I had gained their affections enough to hope for a great deal of good will, and obedience amongst them. I answered the offers they made me of their service, with all the civility I could possibly, and endeavoured to carry myself toward them as Arsaces, whom only the King's favour had raised above them, rather than as Artaxerxes, who once was heir to the Empire of Asia. This manner of behaviour perfected the winning of their affections, and they marched with a satisfaction, whereat I myself had cause to be very well satisfied. I will not here make a particular Relation of the number of the Forces I commanded; They were the very same, Brother, wherewith you afterward went to fight against Zopirio, and by the muster of them which I made two days march from Issedon, I found they consisted of forty thousand Horse, drawn out of many several parts of Scythia. The Scythians you know seldom use Foot, and never draw forth any but upon those Expeditions, wherein they mean to employ their utmost strength. We made very great marches directly to Mount Taurus, and though I knew not those Countries, I had men with me who were acquainted even with the most unusual passages, and by the former Voyage I made with the Scythians under Theodates, I had so well learned their customs, and their manner of fight, that I was no more troubled amongst them, than I should have been amongst the Persians. The King had given me divers persons of quality, and command, but amongst them all, he that I made most account of, was the good old Cleorestes, Araxes his father, whom I had particularly demanded of him, and whom I loved exceedingly, both for the consideration of his son whom I had known, and esteemed in Persia, and for that of his own virtue. Besides that his quality was considerable in Scythia, he was much to be valued for his person, and there were but few soldiers in the Kingdom that had more experience than he, or a more perfect knowledge in matters of war. And indeed I preferred his counsel before all the rest, and gave him the employments of greatest consequence. I'll shorten the Recital of this War, as much as conveniently I can, and only tell you the most remarkable Events of it. We arrived at the Frontiers of the Tauro-Scythians without difficulty; but when we would have entered, we found it defended by some Troops which Amasis had left to guard it. The number of men was not great, but the places were very advantageous for them, and that was it which put us to some trouble in conquering them, and made us lose some men about it. Yet did we overcome those first obstacles, and after a sharp Encounter remained Masters of the Field, by the death of all those that defended it, who never turned their backs, nor ever demanded quarter. The entry into this Province being free by this first success, we advanced in reasonable good order toward the Town, near which Amasis lay encamped; but I found that War would not easily be brought to a conclusion, and by the first judgement I had been able to make of men of that Nation, I conjectured that they would defend all their places to the utmost, and that that Expedition would prove much longer than had been imagined. Scarce had we made a days march toward Amasis, when we heard he was coming to meet us, and having fancied, that the knowledge of the Country, and their being fresh, would give his men the advantage over Troops tired out with marching, he desired nothing but to give us Battle. I praised the Gods for that happy forwarding of our intentions, and told my companions that we could not wish for any thing more advantageous, than the occasion of putting a speedy end to the War, which by other means our Enemies might draw out in length. I found them all as resolute, and as confident as I could desire; but seeing that the Forces I had to lead were a Kings, whose affection I endeavoured to keep, and that upon the success of that day, depended the beginning of that Reputation I hoped to gain with him, and with it the establishment and Repose of my whole life, I was not willing rashly to hazard matters of that importance, but resolved to seek our Advantages, in all the counsels prudence could afford us. When we were certain that Amasis was advancing towards us with all the haste he could and with a firm Resolution to give us Battle; Let us put them to the whole trouble (said I to my chief Commanders) and let him weary his men to come up to us, while we choose a place to fight in, that may be for our advantage, and there we'll rest our men and horses all the time that our Enemies are marching thither. This counsel being approved of, we encamped in a fair Plain, and having a long Hill upon our right hand, and a little River behind us, we left the Front, and the left Flank open to the Enemy's approach. Scarce had we rested there two days, which were spent in necessary preparations, when our Scouts brought us intelligence that Amasis was coming to quarter that night within a hundred furlongs of us, and that the next day he would offer us Battle. This news wrought nothing in the courage of our Troops, but a generous impatience, and an ardent desire to have a bout with those daring Rebels; They showed a thousand signs of it, and in the interim, I was careful to forget nothing that belonged to my charge, and spent the whole time I had remaining, to put all things in the order we could desire. Cleorestes took off much of that trouble from me, and with him Lectaris, Mazentes, Amisoras, and many others, in whom for their experience, and valour, I had a great deal of confidence. The Report our Scouts had brought in proved very true, for the Enemy's Army encamped so near us that day, that in the night time our foremost Troops, heard their shouts, and discovered some of their fires. As soon as day began to appear, the Scythians made all the Plain to echo with the sound of their instruments, and the Officers, busying themselves diligently about the Orders I had given them, drew up their Squadrons according to the Scythian discipline. Their form was exceeding terrible, and of all the Soldiers I ever saw, never did I meet with any that prepared themselves to fight with a confidence like theirs. I wore a Suit of Arms that day which the King had given me at my departure, the work of them was excellent, and the matter very rich; but Berenice's Scarf was my most pompous Ornament. Having learned in part what order our Enemies kept with their Troops, I drew mine into three Bodies, whereof I took the first myself, and gave the two others to Cleorestes, and Mazentes, and when they were all in a readiness, I road bareheaded along the Front of every Division, and employed all the eloquence the Gods had given me to represent all the Reasons that might animate them to the Battle. My Speech was not without effect, for by good fortune I had so gained the hearts of both Officers, and Soldiers, that they cried out aloud I should lead them to the Enemy, and that they feared not to be overcome, while they fought under Arsaces. Seeing them so gallantly resolved, I would not retain them longer, but covering my head with a Cask oreshadowed with white Plumes, and with a Horse-tail which fell upon my shoulders, I armed my left hand with a weighty shield, and my right with a couple of Javelins, and putting myself at the head of my Battalion, marched toward the Enemies, when they were already beginning to advance. The interview of the two Armies, caused a dreadful noise of voices, and instrumennts, but when after we had encouraged them for the last time, we gave them the liberty to charge, they closed with an impetuousness which admits of no comparison. The Enemy had but little Infantry as well as we, and so the fight was equal between the Armies, for though that of the Enemies was stronger than ours in number of men, ours was justified by the goodness of its cause, and by the valour of many gallant Officers I had with me. The Body I commanded did so well, as it presently broke through that which was before us, and having routed all the Squadrons of it, we, after a great deal of Execution, got as far as their Baggage. The Scythians would have fallen to plunder, but I forbade them till after the clear issue of the Battle, and it was very happy I did so, for scarce had we obtained that advantage, when we heard that Mayentes his Battalion had given back, before that which Amasis commanded in person, and that our Enemy's General had gained an Advantage little different from ours. This news made us face about towards them that stood in need of our assistance, and leaving those we had defeated at liberty either to fly or rally, we went to fly upon conquering Amasis with a fury which he could not easily withstand. If I did not fear to offend modesty, I should say that the powerful interest which guided me in that Combat, made me do things that are not ordinary, and that peradventure I contributed something toward the winning of that Battle. Mazentes, who was not utterly defeated, recovered courage at our Arrival, and while Cleorestes with his body made good our Advantage, against him that was to oppose him, we gave Amasis so smart, and so fortunate a charge, that we quickly raised our party again. All the Forces drew insensibly to that place, and 'twas with a great deal of blood, and with the death of many thousand men, that the Victory was there disputed. I animated our valiant Warriors the most that possibly I could, and after having told them what they owed to their honour, to the service of their King, and to their own safety, which by reason of the River that was at their back, they could not hope for otherwise than by Victory, I endeavoured to incite them to it by my Example, and not sparing to hazard my life in their presence, I by the confidence I showed, obliged them to second me generously. I did not strive to meet with Amasis, for remembering that two of the three Brothers had been slain by my hand already, I sought not an occasion to shed the remainder of the blood of that House. Why should I hold you longer? After we had fought long, and vigorously, the Victory declared itself for our party, and Amasis knowing that fortune was contrary to him, faced about with some of his men, and by flight, sought either for his own safety, or for the means of fight another time. In that last Rout the slaughter was very great, and the Scythians, who naturally love blood, and who seldom spare their Enemies, committed cruelties which in many places it was impossible for me to hinder. Yet did I do all I could, and where I chanced to come it was not without success. Our Victory was so absolute, that of fifty thousand men, whereof the Enemy's Army was composed, there were thirty thousand slain upon the place, and we lost not above two thousand of ours. After the Event of this Battle, a little Town which was not many furlongs from us, opened its Gates without resistance, and there we refreshed ourselves for a few days, dressed our wounded men, and put our Forces again in order to prosecute the Victory. I had received some hurts, but such light ones that I kept not my bed above four or five days. Our Army was encamped near the Walls, and all the principal Officers, with the wounded Soldiers were lodged within the Town, where care was taken for Victual, and for necessary subsistence. I than had reason enough to be satisfied with my fortune, and that happy beginning of my Arms advanced my Designs, and raised my hopes enough, to smother part of my Discontents; but the image of my Princess was ever present to my remembrance, and all the joy I could taste by my Victory was strongly moderated by my trouble for her absence. I had no body with me to whom I durst impart my thoughts, and though I knew the affection of Criton, who had not forsaken me, and that I had a great deal of confidence in some servants I had received from Theodates, yet had I not enough in either, to acquaint them with my love, or with my quality, for those were secrets of too great importance, to declare them to any body but Theodates, and Cyllenia. Yet had I then a fair occasion to write to my Princess, and being obliged to give the King an Account of the happy issue of that Battle, and of the condition of our affairs in that Province, I would not give that Commission but to one of those faithful servants Theodates had put to me, and having commanded him not to deliver the Letter I wrote to that dear friend, till he were alone with him, I sealed up that to my Princess within it, having had trial enough of that man's affection, to trust him as far as that came to. I writ our Victory to the King in a few words, having given the Messenger instructions to inform him more at large, and sent nothing to Theodates but new Protestations of friendship, and Recommendations of my fortune; but the Letter to my Princess, if I can remember it, was in these terms.  
Arsaces' to the Princess Berenice.  
TO burn for you, to be at so great a distance from you, and to fear incessantly to lose you; do you think, fair Princess, that these are light afflictions to poor Arsaces, and that his love, his absence, and his apprehensions, are not capable to give him that death, which he has not found amongst your Enemy's swords, because your will ordained him to avoid it? For love, the Gods forbid I should complain of it, it does, and will ever make my most glorious condition; for absence, my duty obliges me to bear it, and it is by serving her father, that I ought to make myself worthy of my Princess; but my fear hath something in it more cruel, and if I could be secure against the misfortunes I apprehend, I should endure the rest of my torments with more courage: I do not doubt, dear Princess, of the constancy of your mind, but I dread strong persecutions, I dread a sovereign Authority, and I dread the fortune of Arsaces; yet is it altered since it depended only upon you, and I have had nothing at all to do with chance, since you were the maker of my destiny. I expect a happy one from your goodness, and it is out of that hope, I will remember, you have imposed a command of living, and of returning upon your faithful  
Arsaces.  
I dispatched this Messenger when I had given him such instructions as were necessary, and a few days after, made the Army dis-incamp, and we marched in pursuit of Amasis, to reduce that Province under the King's obedience, but we were stopped at the first Towns we came to, and all those that had never so little strength, endured the Siege with marvellous obstinacy. That Resistance protracted the War, and kept us all that Summer in the Province of the Tauro-Scythians, while in that of the Agatirsians Amasis' made up an Army, partly with the broken Forces he had left, partly with new Troops levied in those revolted Countries. We were besieging Bursia, when the Messenger I had sent to Issedon came back to us, and brought me Answers of the Letters he had carried. The King wrote to me with praises, able to have glutted the Ambition of the most vainglorious man in the world, and promised me Recompenses infinitely above all I could deserve. Theodates gave me confirmations of his affection, in the most obliging terms that could be invented, assured me of the continuation of his care, and comforted me with a certainty of my Princess' perseverance, and of the little fruit Arsacomes reaped by all his industry; but 'twas Berenice's Letter that caused my impatiency, and opening it when I had kissed it a thousand times, I with incredible transports of joy read these words.  
The Princess Berenice to Arsaces.  
IF you love me, if you are absent, and if you be in fear for me, you suffer nothing, Arsaces, which I do not suffer as well as you; and I may truly protest, that I am not exempt from any of those disquiets, which my affection, the want of your company, and the fear I am in for you, can make me feel. In this 't here is a perfect conformity between us; I cannot condemn an affection which I have conceived for him, who of all men living is most worthy of it, bear your absence out of the same considerations that make you endure mine; but I know not how to defend myself against the fear of losing you, in those dangers into which you too lightly precipitate yourself: Secure me I pray you, against this apprehension, if you will have me secure you against yours, and think of bringing me home Arsaces, if you would find Berenice again in the same condition wherein you left her.  
My joy was excessive at the reading of this Letter, but scarce had I begun to express it as much as I might in the presence of that man, when he added astonishment to joy, by the news he brought. He told me that Prince Oroondates, contrary to the expectation of all Scythia, was come back to Issedon, and that when the whole Court was going to testify their gladness for a Return so ardently desired, the King his father being of another mind, had received him as a mortal Enemy, and had caused him to be imprisoned in the Castle of Serey, where he was kept under a very strict, and severe Guard. O Brother, what motions did this discourse stir up within me, and in what manner did I receive this news of my dear Brother, of whose life I had been uncertan. I abhorred the cruelty of the King your Father, but was comforted for your imprisonment, by the assurance that you were alive; it pleased me a great deal better to hear you were Prisoner to the King your father, than to have been still in doubt you were ●ead. And indeed I hoped his choler would be allayed in a little time, and that how great soever his Resentments were against you, he would still remember that you were his son, and a son worthy of his affections. Upon this thought I laid foundations for my happiness, and propounded delights unto myself in your company, which had been interrupted by our cruel separation. I spent some time upon that remembrance, and asked the Messenger a thousand questions about that business; but all the particulars he could tell me of your imprisonment was, that no body was permitted to see you, and that the Princess, having with much ado obtained the liberty of a visit, had never been able to entertain you in private. I judged that all this proceeded but from the first brunt of the King's anger, and hoped that before my Return the Peace would be made, or if 'twere not, perhaps we might find occasion to do something in it.  
In the mean time we took the Town by Assault which we were beleaguering, and after that, some others yielded themselves to obedience, but the strongest held us so long in play, that Amasis had all the leisure he could desire, to fit himself to take the field again, and so he did, with as great an Army as before, and a greater Resolution to decide the War by a final Battle. This news was very welcome to me, believing it to be the means to finish the War, the length whereof, I by reason of my Princess' absence, began to think insupportable. We marched directly toward him, taking the way that could bring us together soon and most conveniently, but we were fain to take many places before we got to him, and make ourselves Masters, either by force, or by the terror of our Arms, of whatsoever we met with in our passage. This we effected successfully enough, but that I may not tyre you with the Recital of all those petty sieges, and of many trivial Encounters, I'll tell you that we were already Masters of the whole Province of the Tauro-Scythians, and were drawing near to that of the Agatirsians, when the Enemy's Army came within sight of us. I found our valiant Scythians had a marvellous desire to fight, and having encouraged them to it as much as possibly I could, I divided the Army into two Bodies, whereof I gave the left to Cleorestes, and kept the right myself. Amasis' parted his into four, and marched towards us wondrous resolutely. We fought an exceeding bloody Battle, but I will not detain you with relating the particulars, for we should not see the end of my Narration of a long while, if I should stick upon every circumstance. Amasis and they of his party fought like desperate men, and like men, who if they lost that Battle, desired not to outlive it. They made the Victory hang long in suspense, and disputed i● almost all the day with marvellous obstinacy; but in the end we carried it, & the Event proved more fatal to the conquered, than that of the former. Of five and forty thousand whereof the Enemy's Army consisted, there hardly escaped two or three thousand, and those most of them wounded, but delivered by my Authority, from the fury of the Conquerors. Amasis' fight in the first Ranks with a great deal of valour, lost his life with a great number of wounds, and by his death cut up the Root of that Rebellion. We lost not above three thousand men, but had a great many hurt, whom we caused to be dressed exceeding carefully, and whereof the most part recovered by the help that was given them. This Victory made us Masters of both the Provinces, and those revolted people having neither Forces to dispute them with us, nor Heads to stir them up to continue in Rebellion, begged the King's mercy, and came in every day to make Protestations of their fidelity, and to bring me the Keys of their strong Holds. We hardly needed to draw our swords any more to perfect the reducing of them; but yet we were fain to spend some time in visiting some of those places, and in securing them to us, and it being then about the beginning of Winter, which is extremely sharp in those Provinces, we were constrained to pass it in some of the Towns, and to employ it in settling a full Peace, and in such orders as we thought necessary to esablish a perfect tranquillity. That long absence would have been intolerable to me, if by the means of Theodates, I had not often received Letters from my Princess, and if my tedious days had not been sweetened with the assurances she gave me. The King did me the honour to write to me very often, and in his Letters gave me praises which could not lawfully be due to any body. When once we had nothing more to do in those Provinces, and that the season was convenient for our Army to take the Field, we began our March to return to ●ssedon, with a perfect joy and satisfaction. For my part, I could not without being transported, think I should shortly see my Princess again, and that I should find my dear Brother in Scythia. The fancy of these happinesses grew so powerful in my mind, that it banished the remembrance of all my losses, and I was marching with contentments, not troubled with any mixture of bitterness, when I found they were too great to be so easily obtained. We had already passed over a good part of the way, when I received an Order from the King, which hindered me from going further, and reading the Letter he wrote I found these words.  
The King of Scythia to the valiant Arsaces.  
IT were but justice, my dear Arsaces, to let you rest, after having taken so great pains for us, and I should equally desire your sight, and the quietness of my Dominions; but I find all Scythia must be indebted to you for its safety, and Arsaces is the strongest buckler it can oppose against its most terrible Enemies. The heavens offer you matter to employ yourself for it, and for us, with the success that usually attends you, and with it an occasion to revenge your particular quarrels, and to punish that barbarous man, who contrary to all the rights of war, detained you in a long and cruel captivity. Arimba● the Governor of Pontus is entered into our Territories, on the side toward the Boristhenes with forty thousand men, but he has not yet had time to make any great progresses, and I am not in a condition to send other Troops than those under your command speedily enough to oppose him. Go, valiant Arsaces, go conquer that unworthy Enemy, who hindered you from fight for your Country, and who unjustly deprived you of so precious a liberty. I hope for the victory from your hand, rather than from all our Forces, and yet I will take care to raise more to recruit your Army, and you shall be sure to receive supplies before you stand in need of them.  
This Order crossing my fair hopes, gave me a very sensible Discontent, but I quickly found some consolation, and had preserved so great an animosity against that cruel man, who had kept me from paying what I owed unto my friends, and what I owed to my Reputation, that the desire of taking a glorious Revenge, moderated my trouble, and made me turn head against him, with a firm hope that I should punish him, both for the injury he had formerly done me, and for the obstacle he then interposed to my present fortune. All the affection our Scythians bore me was needful to put them upon that new Design without murmuring; but seeing there was a necessity of it, they followed me more cheerfully than I expected. Our Army was then but thirty thousand strong, having been obliged to leave Garrisons in certain Towns, but it increased eight or ten thousand men, which I drew as we marched, out of places where they might be spared. We took our way toward Sendica, washed by the Danube, and the Boristhenes, and bounded by the Euxine sea, whence Arimbas was come down upon the Frontier. Our Marches were long enough for men that were to fight, and meeting no stop to retard us, we in a short time arrived within a days Journey of our Enemies. We rested two days upon the banks of the Boristhenes, which was open to us, and the third we passed it, and went to incamp within a hundred furlongs of Arimbas, being resolved to give him battle the next day. Yet did I mean to let him know before, that he was to fight against his Prisoner, and calling for a Trumpet, I sent him away presently with this Letter.  
Arsaces' to Arimbas.  
IT is against your Prisoner, O Arimbas, that you are to decide the success of this War, and to morrow at the head of his Army, he'll make you see that he was capable to defend his liberty against you, if you had assaulted him with equal Forces; I bring you my head for the Ransom I frustrated you of, you may attach it with more glory than you did before, and I hope you shall pay me yours for the price of the liberty of Arsaces.  
Arimbas received this Letter with a strange astonishment, and when the Trumpet had confirmed, that the General of the Scythians was that same Arsaces, whom he had so long kept Prisoner, he found something of extraordinary in that Adventure, but after he had asked the Trumpet a thousand questions, he sent him back to me with this Answer.  
Arimbas to Arsaces.  
SInce the Gods send me my Fugitive again, I to punish him for his flight, will receive the occasion they present me for that end; and because heretofore I too indulgently spared his life, I'll take it now for that Ransom whereof he thinks he has frustrated me. We shall see his courage at the head of his Army, and we'll give him occasions enough, either to revenge his quarrel, or to fall more gloriously than he deserves.  
The next morning it was newly break of day when our Troops were already in Battalia, but because I would give you the issue of the business succinctly, I'll only tell you, that I divided them into four Bodies, of ten thousand Horse in each, whereof the first was mine own, and the other three I gave to Leotaris, Mazentes, and Cleorestes, and having put them in as good a readiness as we could wish, I saw our Scythians march with an undauntedness that promised me an infallible Victory. I omitted not any thing I could say, to augment their desire of it, and they answered me with threatening and terrible shouts. They redoubled them with a greater fierceness when they saw the Enemy's Army, and scarce was I able to keep them in, and hinder them from rushing on to the fight with an extraordinary eagerness. Yet did they obey me as they were wont to do, and the Armies were already within a Bowe-shoot of one another, expecting only the last command to fall on, when having given order to mine not to stir out of their place, I galloped on before them, and seeing Arimbas at the head of his men, I advanced to the middle of the space that was between the two Armies, and defying him with many loud cries, I made him understand what it was I desired of him. Arimbas was a valiant man, and one that could not see himself challenged before so great a number, without showing proofs of the courage he had boasted of. He ran towards me full speed, but before he came close to me, he darted one of his two Javelins at me with all his might, but he failed of his aim, and the Dart having passed whizzing over my head, fell without any effect at the feet of our Troops; immediately he took the other in his right hand, and ending his Carrier, we closed with a very impetuous shock. He fought with something a blinder rage than I, and so his Javelin only hit my shield, upon which it broke all into shivers, and mine being a little more warily directly, found passage into the Beaver of his Helmet, and piercing to the hinder part of his head, made him fall stark dead in sight of both the Armies. Ours at that spectacle, sent forth loud cries to Heaven, and moving at the same time, ran with a marvellous violence opon those frighted Troops, already half conquered by their General's death. I strove to open them a passage, and to clear myself a way with my Sword, which might make theirs the more easy to them; but we found much difficulty in the business, and the Captains that commanded under Arimbas, being brave and valiant men, used all imaginable endeavours to supply the want of their General. They laboured a long time in it with success, but some of the Scythians having cut off Arimbas his head, carried it upon the point of a Javelin, and by that object struck terror into some of the boldest of them, and animated themselves in such manner, that their Enemies were no longer able to make resistance. As soon as they began to be in disorder, the Scythians laid hold of the advantage to so good purpose, that there was no more possibility of disputing the Victory against them. To shorten this discourse, they won it absolutely, I say so absolutely, that hardly one of their Enemies escaped with life, though I did all that was in my power to keep them from that cruelty; but they had conceived such an animosity against those injurious invaders, who pretended to enlarge their bounds to the utmost parts of the Earth, that 'twas impossible, to save them from their fury.  
Queen Thalestris, who till then had harkened to Arsaces' patiently, could not longer forbear to interrupt him. I fought under your command at that battle (said she) and was witness of many of those passages you have related; but I cannot pardon your modesty, which robs this company of the knowledge of the most gallant ones; you did actions there beyond belief, and 'twas with a great deal of truth, that the Scythians published the honour of that victory to be due to no body but their General. Arsaces could not suffer the continuation of this discourse, and to take her off on't; Madam (said he) you give me an advantage which belongs not to me, and since our Troops were honoured with your presence, without doubt you yourself did actions there, which would have darkened all the glory of mine, if the honour of so great a command had not given them all the lustre, that made them be taken notice of. The Queen would have replied, but the company hindered her, and so Arsaces went on thus with his story.  
After this victory so happily obtained, but yet purchased with the loss of five thousand of our men, we no longer had any Enemies to fight withal, and that little piece of the Country Arimbas had brought under his subjection, being presently settled again under ours, we saw the whole frontiere quiet, and so were permitted to return again toward Issedon, which we had so much desired. I did it with a greater contentment than the estate of my fortune ought in probability to have given me, and drew near to my Princess, and my dear brother, with the sweetest hopes a mind is able to conceive. Why should I trouble you with the recital of our voyage? After having marched a great many days, which my impatience made me think exceeding long, I at last saw the great City of Issedon, but before I was come within three or four hundred furlongs of it, I had met my dear Theodates, who with a good part of the Nobility was come forth to welcome me. I received the honour they all did me, with the greatest civility I could, but all the most tender expressions that ever friendship produced, appeared in the endearments between Theodates and me. We could not put an end to our embraces, nor were the kindest, and most obliging words in the world, sufficient to make known the least part of our mutual satisfactions: I had a thousand questions to ask him, but I feared lest a secret conversation might be thought an incivility to many persons of quality that were with him; and therefore beginning another discourse with that noble company, it lasted till we came to the Gates or the Town, which we found full with a throng of the inhabitants that came out to meet us. Never did a thankful people welcome their defender, or their lawful Prince with louder acclamations, or more testimonies of joy, nor ever did any Soldier receive so many praises, for so inconsiderable actions. The cries of the people made but a part of our glory, for the King himself out of an excess of goodness, which he then had toward me, came forth of his Palace into the street, to give me glorious testimonies of his affection. He stretched out his arms as soon as he saw me appear, and I kneeled down upon one knee to receive the favours wherewith he was pleased to honour me: what shall we do (said he) O, our valiant defender, to show you we are not ingrateful, and what can we offer to generous Arsaces, which he by his valour, has not already made lawfully his own? we are indebted to him for the conservation of our Estates, but we before were engaged to him for that of our lives, and now neither the greatness of our obligations, nor that of his glory, can admit of any further addition. He spoke these words holding me in his arms, and I answered him, with all the respect I owed to so great a King, and a King that was Father to Berenice, and Oroondates. 'Tis your Majesty (said I) that reduces happy Arsaces, to terms of not being able sufficiently to acknowledge your goodness; the opportunities you have given him to serve you, do too largely recompense all that he has done, and that high fortune to which you raise a stranger, is infinitely above my merit, and above my hopes. Alter that opinion if you have it, (replied the King) such strangers as yourself, do quickly make themselves known over all the World, and as Scythia hath nothing that is above you, believe its King possesses nothing you may not hope for from his affection. He accompanied these words with new endearments, and afterward permitted me to salute Prince Carthasis his Brother, Arsacomes, and many others that were attending on him. When I had received and returned the civilities of the most considerable persons of the Court, I by the King's appointment, retired to my former lodgins, whether I was followed by a great number of the Courtiers, but they presently withdrew, to leave me at liberty to put off my Arms; and rest myself, only Theodates staying with me in my Chamber. When I saw myself free master of my actions, I fully satisfied my friendship in the most tender expressions of kindness, and after having begun them afresh a thousand times, I asked him what condition my life was in and conjured him to tell me truly, whatsoever he judged my love could desire of him. Theodates at this demand, appeared not so joyful as I had hoped, but keeping a serious countenance, from which I drew an ill presage; Sir, (said he) the account you are to receive of me would be very unwelcome, if in it you did not find a sweet consolation, and if in the persecutions the Princess undergoes, you had not a powerful occasion to understand the greatness of her affection. She has ever been unshaken to the solicitations of Arsacomes, and of the Queen, who in favour of her Brother, has done him offices to her, that are unworthy of her quality. She hath spared neither prayers nor tears to move her, and when she saw they were all to no purpose, and that by her importunities, she made her Brother but the more odious to the Princess, she took recourse to all the power and credit she has with the King; and by my misfortune it is now so great, that we may say with truth, as we find with sorrow, that only Stratonice reigns now in Scythia, and that her Brother is by that means become almost the Sovereign of it. The King by his last actions has showed signs of his weakness, and of his dependency upon that woman; After he had long resisted, and contented himself with giving Arsacomes the first rank in the Kingdom, without encouraging him to hope that he should be his Son-in-law, that insolent favourite, whom so many preferments could not satisfy, because they glutted not his utmost ambition, either through the violence of his passion, or some other cause, fell sick, and was brought almost to extremity. Stratonice stirred not from his bedside, but made the King understand, her life depended absolutely upon her Brother's recovery. The king, who loved Arsacomes exceedingly, and who besides, by a meaness of spirit, which had not been observed in the rest of his life, was become a stave to his sister, appeared very sensible of her grief, and was excestively troubled for the sickness of his favourite. The Queen knowing her power, made use of it very cunningly, and one day when Arsacomes was extraordinary ill, Stratonice feigned to be so too, and getting into her bed, put the King into mortal apprehensions of her sickness. The next day she seemed to be a great deal worse, and by all her actions made the King judge, she regarded not her life, since that of Arsacomes was in danger. The King sitting by her, expressing with most effectual words, how nearly her illness touched him, that crafty Princess, after having sighed many times, to work upon him the more; Sir, (said she) let us miserable wretches die in peace, and trouble not the calm of your mind, for a loss which needs must be but little considerable to you; it is just that Arsacomes perish, since he cannot love the Daughter of his King, without being worthy of death, and it is just that Stratonice die, both because she is uncapable to survive that dearest Brother, and because she is uncapable to survive the loss of your affection. Of my affection, Madam, (replied the King) I protest to you by all the Gods that it never was so strong as now, and that it is so extremely increased, as in comparison of my love to you, I do not at all love myself. Ah, Sir, (answered the subtle Queen, putting a handkerchief to her eyes) if you honoured me now with the affection you gave me heretofore, you would not suffer that to die, which next yourself, is dearest to me in all the World, without showing some marks of your compassion. She made a stop at these words, and the King, who presently understood the drift of them, and who could not easily yield to what she desired, nor favour Arsacomes to the prejudice of his Daughter, remained without reply, and fixing his eyes upon the ground, made the Queen see the agitation of his mind. She soon perceived it, and kept silence with him for a while, but within a little after, desiring to finish, what she thought she had happily begun; No, Sir, (added she) for God's sake, be not at all disquieted for my consideration, nor use any violence upon your inclinations, for a person who cannot have deserved them, though I cannot feel the loss of them without dying, I will at least endure it without murmuring against you, and shall be able to put a difference between what was lawfully my own, and what I held merely by your goodness. My fortune was too high, and (if I dare say so) too unjust, to believe it would be of long continuance; yet has it not so blinded me, but that I can behold the fall of it, as an effect of your justice, rather than as an effect of my ill fate. Stratonice, and Arsacomes, had too lofty an ambition; yet Stratonice had none but what it pleased your Majesty to give her, and Arsacomes dies for the expiation of his; if I accompany him to the grave, your Majesty ought not to be troubled at it, since I shall only lose a life which was but little dear to you, and toward the conservation whereof you were unwilling to contribute any thing. The Queen, as she ended these words, looked upon the King with the same eyes that had so ardently inflamed him, and at that moment, summoned together all her most alluring charms, with such a sovereign power, that being prepossessed already, he was not able to resist them. He lifted up his eyes from the ground, and turning them upon the Queen with a most amorous gesture; Do not kill me with these unkind words (said he) nor wrong my love any more with these reproaches. I will do all for thee thou canst desire of me, dear Stratonice, and though I cannot consent to use a sudden violence upon Berenice's inclinations, I will command her to use Arsaces as a Prince, whose design I disapprove not, and I will favour thy Brother in his passion as much as thou ought'st to wish. The Queen appeared transported with joy at this promise of the Kings, and setting forth all her most attractive allurements to seduce him, before he went from her, she persuaded him to whatsoever she would. The Princess found the effects of it the next day, for the King commanded her to visit Arsacomes, and to look more favourably upon him, than she had done formerly. Berenice received these words as a clap of thunder, and was so extremely troubled at them, that she could not settle herself again of all that day; but the next morning the King having met her in a gallery, and drawing her aside to a window; well, Berenice (said he) will you not visit Arsacomes with me, and have you not disposed yourself, to do that for him which I desired of you? The Princess was so surprised, that she stood without reply at that question, and the King having asked it again, and pressed her to declare her intention. Sir, (said she) I did not understand your Majesty's commands, and was so little prepared for them, that I still have much ado to apprehend your meaning. I thought (answered the King) I had explained my mind sufficiently, to leave you no colour of being ignorant what I meant, but since I must clear it further to you; I mean, Berenice, that you should use Arsacomes better than you have done hitherto, and that you should consider him as a Prince whom I love, who loves you, and whom I account worthy to serve you. Ah! Sir, (interrupted the Princess) what a change is this of yours, and what proofs your Majesty desires of your Daughter's obedience? I ask nothing of you, (added the King) which you may not grant me without injuring yourself; Arsacomes is a Prince as considerable by his birth, as by my love to him, and by the alliance I have contracted with his family, and if there be any dishonour in suffering his affection, 'tis not upon you Berenice, but upon me alone that it will totally fall. In short, inquire no more what my intentions are, but believe I have ever loved you enough, to bring nothing upon you, that is either shameful, or disadvantageous. He left her with these words, and she no sooner was retired into her Chamber to digest them, but she fell in a deadly affliction, she had so much repugnance to show any sign of complacency to the King's desires, that she could not hear the bare proposal of them without being transported. What (said she, as Cyllenia has told me since) shall Stratonice then Triumph on this manner over Berenice, and shall I approve of her Brother's temerity, to show that I am a slave unto her power? No, Stratonice, you are not yet so absolute over me, and what Empire soever you have over the King, I shall always be able to discern his own inclinations from yours, and in this unjust and severe command one may easily know 'tis Stratonice speaks, and not the King my Father. The obedience I owe to him alone cannot become so general, and if I should endeavour to follow the orders you have made him give me, that effect of a blind obedience would not now be in my power. I love as much as you can wish, and though I be insensible to Arsacomes, I have a just sense of Arsaces' his merits. Alas! (pursued she, a little after) my dear Arsaces, must I, while thou art fight for my Father, fight here against thee with so much ingratitude, and must the injury he would do thee make me shed tears, while thou art shedding blood, and perhaps thy own blood for his service? This remembrance drew showers from her fair eyes, which for a long time made her unable to say more, but when she had vented part of her Resentments, she sent for me, believing she might find some consolation in advising with me. As soon as I came into her Chamber, she rose to meet me, and taking a handkerchief from her Eyes. Theodates (said she) now it is, that all our affection to Arsaces will be necessary, for while that poor Prince obtains such gallant Victories for the King, he ingratefully labours for his Ruin, and for mine. 'Tis but too true Theodates, and I believe I shall sufficiently acquaint you with my unhappiness, by telling you that the King has commanded me to love Arsacomes. How Madam, (said I) has the King commanded you to love Arsacomes? Yes, Theodates, (replied the Princess) and 'tis only because of that misfortune, that I desired your company, and your consolation. With that she told me all the King had said to her, and by that discourse put me into a marvellous confusion. After I had showed it by a reasonable long silence; I took the liberty to blame the King's weakness, and blind affection, and then I deplored the crosses I foresaw you would meet with by this alteration of his humour. When I had a little recovered my first astonishment, fixing my Eyes upon the Princess' face. And you Madam, (said I) what will you do for Prince Artaxerxes? I will do all that he can hope for from me, (replied Berenice) and in spite of all the obstacles that can happen, I'll never cease to love him, who loves me more than I deserve, and who for my sake hath abandoned all. After this assurance, which I will receive for him, (answered I) I do not think he will lament his fortune, and provided you persist in this good Resolution, I hope that his Return, time, and the Prince your Brother's liberty, will overcome all the disasters you apprehend. I'll persist in it to my grave, (added the Princess) and all the strongest considerations shall never be able to dissuade me from loving him while I have breath. Alas (pursued she) I am too powerfully obliged ever to disengage myself, and though my Arsaces were less lovely, though he were less great, though he were less valiant, I owe too much to what he has done for me, and I owe too much to him, who in my affection alone, finds a consolation for all his losses. In the mean time (continued she) it were fit we should give him notice of my discontent, to make him hasten his Return as much as possibly he can, and to assure him that there is no Authority in the world so powerful as to shake my affection. At first I approved the Princess' motion, but presently after, we both judged it was not necessary to inform you of a thing that could only trouble you, and whereof the knowledge could serve for nothing, being we were enough persuaded that your passion made you long for your Return, and that you would not defer it a minute after the end of the War. The next day the Princess was constrained to go with the King to Arsacomes, but though she came to his bedside, and that by the King's command, she asked him how he did, it was impossible for her to dissemble her Repugnancy, or resolve to give him a favourable look. Yet did Arsacomes find so much contentment in that visit, that he was half cured by it, and strengthening himself by the hopes the Queen gave him, he recovered his health within a few days after. When he was well again, his visits to the Princess were very frequent, and she was forced by the King's command, to endure some of them, but whensoever he entertained her with his passion, she answered him with so great a coldness, and showed him so many tokens of her aversion, that if he were not the most presumptuous man alive, he would a thousand times have lost all the hopes, which the King's favour, and the Queen's assistance had given him; they are now upon these terms, and 'tis not above two days since I saw him come out of her Lodgings so ill satisfied, that I believe he stood in need of all the Queen's endeavours to comfort him. The Princess has used all possible means to obtain permission once more to see the Prince her Brother, to impart her discontents to him, and to make him know the person of Arsaces, of whom, by reason of the spies that were set to observe her, she could never speak any thing in her two former visits; but she was not able to procure leave of the King, and we easily judge that his Refusal is an effect of Stratonices cunning, who strives to hinder that communication, lest it should fortify Berenice in her aversion to Arsacomes, and because she in the Prince's captivity, finds the continuance of a power, which his liberty might probably overthrow.  
Theodates' ended his discourse on this manner, and struck me so with this news, that I could not recover it of a long while, 'Tis true I found much consolation in my Princess' goodness; and esteemed myself the happiest man in the world, that I had been able to oblige her to so perfect a constancy; but I could not digest the King's injustice, who would force her inclinations, for a man whom I judged to be little worthy of her love, and remembering the services I had newly done him, I reproached his ingratitude with terms full of Resentment, as if he had been acquainted with my passion, and as if he had known how much I was concerned in what he did for Arsacomes. To the sense of this injury, I added the foresight of those pains, and difficulties which this constraint would cause us; and if I may be permitted to say so, some fear likewise of change in my Princess' humour, who by the King's Authority might possibly be brought to forget part of her inclinations to me. she'll pardon me this apprehension, for indeed it was very hard for a young Princess, not supported by any body, long to resist a sovereign power, and against the Kings will, to preserve an affection toward me, which I had no ways deserved, but by the greatness of mine, and yet she carried herself (as you shall see by the continuation of my discourse) with a constancy, and with a generosity worthy of herself, and of the Prince her brother. I in that conversation with Theodates asked him a thousand questions touching my dear Brother, but he could tell me nothing of him, save that he was strictly kept, that no body was permitted to see him; and that notwithstanding the complaints of all the Scythians, who murmured aloud at the Restraint of their great Prince, the King appeared more obdurate than ever. I harkened to this discourse with a great deal of grief, but after we had spent some hours in it, and that I had made myself ready to wait upon the King, we went together to his Lodgings, where Theodates left me, to go to my Princess, and to dispose her to give me a particular Audience. She was already prepared for it, & by giving out that she was not very well, had freed herself from the ordinary visits she was wont to receive, and lay upon her Bed accompanied only with the Princess Theomiris, and Cyllenia: I went to her Chamber, as soon as I came out of the Kings, where I had met the Queen, and by that Encounter had saved a visit, which in ceremony was to have been paid before that to my Princess. Though she was to be seen but by very few, it was not thought strange, that after so long an absence, and in the condition I then stood in the King's favour, I should obtain that privilege. When I came in to her, Theodates had led Theomiris into the Closet, and seeing my Princess come alone with Cyllenia to meet me, I cast myself at her feet, and while I embraced her knees, she threw her arms about my neck, and used all the modest kindnesses to me I could desire from her. The Gods have brought you home according to my desires, (said she) nor could they recompense the sorrow your absence hath caused in me, but by the joy of your Return. I have wished for you a thousand times, both for your own interests, and for mine, and if your presence would have been pleasing to me, your assistance would not have been less necessary in the persecutions I have endured. You have defended yourself too well against them (answered I, being ravished with those obliging words) to have stood in any need of my assistance, and you have been a better Champion for Arsaces, than Arsaces could in reason desire. All my blood, fair Berenice, is of too mean a value to purchase the smaller part of these obligations, and though to requite them I should lay down a thousand lives, (if the Gods had given me so many) I should still remain a Debtor to my Princess. In what I do for you (added Berenice) I follow my own inclinations, and my gratitude, which equally oblige me to love you; nor did I labour less for Berenice than for Arsaces, when I resisted the King's unjust commands. O Gods! (cried I, with a transported action) could I lawfully hope you would recompense my losses with such extraordinary blessings, and did you reserve me for this glorious fortune, when you took away all that you had given me? I spoke many other words to this purpose, and my Princess having taken a fear, and commanded me to sit down by her, after she had asked me divers questions concerning my Voyage, told me all that I had heard from Theodates, and told it me with an action, which secured me from all my fears, and made me confidently to banish all my apprehensions. O Gods! how sweet were her promises to me, and with what incredible Raptures did I hear her express the aversion she had to Arsacomes. Fear nothing my dear Arsaces, (said she) and if you will not offend me, suspect me not of the least inconstancy; I know well enough to what virtue, and obedience oblige me, to have hitherto preserved that power over myself, which I with reason may keep. The King may well constrain me to receive Arsacomes his visits, but he cannot constrain me to love him; and if he should be so weak as to desire I should marry him, I shall have Resolution enough to prefer Death before that unworthy Match. The way to hinder it lies open to us, (said I) and whensoever you are too much importuned by Arsacomes, I wear a Sword, that will be able to deliver you from his importunities; I will not suffer that unequal Competitor, to have too just an advantage over me, and all the Authority he hath in Scythia, shall not defend him from the hands of a Rival, not altogether so unworthy as he is, of the glory to serve you. I brought forth these words with a tone, that made my Princess fear some effect of my jealous Resentment, but she was desirous to prevent it, and hindering me from saying more; You are too prudent (replied she) not to foresee the Ruin of your Design in such an Enterprise, nor can you come to any violence against Arsacomes, without discovering to the King, and to the whole Court, what by so many Reasons we are obliged to conceal. Do but depend upon the Assurances I give you, and never let us try the most dangerous courses till the extremity. You may dissemble as you have done hitherto, and husband the King's affections so well, as to draw your advantage from thence, when once the time is seasonable for you to declare yourself. In the interim, we'll use our utmost endeavours for my Brother's liberty, and if we can obtain it, as he in meeting you, and in the knowledge of your being alive, will find causes of an inconceivable joy, so you in that ardent affection which he justly bears you, will find all the assistance, and all the furtherance of your intentions you can hope for. O Gods! (cried I at this remembrance) my dear Brother, must your virtue, which is adored in all other places, be so ill understood in your own Country, and can those admirable qualities, which gain you slaves, and idolaters over all the world, leave you Enemies in Scythia? if Darius, the Enemy of your Family, could not know you without honouring, and loving you as his own son, is it possible you should be used as an Enemy by him that was the author of your birth? Then my affection made me utter a great many resenting words against the King's cruelty, and after having consulted a long time what we should do, or undertake for you, and having vainly contrived expedients to see you, it grew night, which made me take my leave of my Princess, and retire to my Lodging with Theodates. We spent the best part of the night in consulting of means to let you hear from us, but the notice my Princess had given me, that all your Guards were at the disposing of Stratonice and Arsacomes, and that therefore there was no trust in them to be hoped for, put all my designs out of frame, and was the cause we durst not think of hazarding a Letter through their hands; indeed the Princess at her second visit, might perchance have watched an opportunity to deliver you one herself, without being observed, if she had thought on it before hand, to have writ, but then her hope of procuring a greater freedom to see you, and talk with you in private, was the cause of that neglect, which she was not a little sorry for afterward, and which she intended to have repaired, if she could have obtained leave to visit you once again; but finding no possibility of that, I resolved in the end to speak to the King concerning you, & to employ all the credit I had with him to get the liberty to see you, and for that purpose, I went to wait upon him the next morning as soon as he was up: he neglected all the company that was in the Room to favour me with exceeding kind Reception, which gave me a greater confidence than I had before, and made me the bolder to attempt something for the service of my dear Brother. We continued a while in a general conversation, but when the King was ready, he took me by the hand, and drawing me aside from all the company, lead me to walk with him in a Gallery which is near his Chamber. I was watching an occasion to speak to him of the Prince his son, when he himself began the discourse, & in terms full of anger, and indignation, aggravated the cause he had to hate him, & never more to have any confidence in him. I harkened quietly as long as it pleased him to speak, but when I had let him vent part of his choler, & that by his silence he showed that he expected to know something of my opinion; Sir, (said I) if your Majesty would give me leave to speak my thoughts with a little liberty, I really protest I would abuse it no further, than to represent to you what a true zeal inspires me with. The King looking upon me at these words, & expressing by his gesture, that he expected the continuation of my discourse. Is it possible Sir, (pursued I) that that son of yours, the most great, & the most lovely of all the Princes in the world, whose virtue found nothing but adorers amongst his greatest enemies, should not find some remainder of love, or at least of compassion, in the heart of the King his father? Have those faults which a violent love made him to commit, and for which he hath suffered so long, so sharp a penance, choked all the tenderness of nature in you, and banished the knowledge you had of the admirable qualities of that son, whom the gods gave unto mankind, as their most accomplished workmanship? Where were there another King to be found, who would not redeem a son like Oroondates, by the loss of all his Dominions, and who, in consideration of his youth, and of his passion, would not forgive an offence, which he accompanied with a thousand great and miraculous Actions? Have not whole years of a strict, and cruel imprisonment, punished a Prince of his quality severely enough? Are not they that inspire this Rigour into your Majesty, and that solicit you to a Revenge, which falls only upon yourself, satisfied with so long a Captivity, & if they love the glory of Scythia, ought they not to endeavour to restore it its greatest, and most illustrious Ornament? Pardon me Sir, I beseech you, if in this conceit I indiscreetly interest persons, who it may be are considerable to you, but I feel myself obliged, by the honour you do me, to put you in mind, that their own interests sets them on, and that they labour to prolong the Prince's Restraint, only to prolong their own Authority. Their thoughts perhaps are yet more destructive to the happiness of this Kingdom, and of your Majesty in particular; Time will give you informations to which you will lend more credit than to my words; but if you harken to the wishes of all Scythia, and discern the counsel of your real servants, from that of others who are swayed by their own particular ends, you will consider Prince Oroondates as your son, and those that would ruin him in your opinion, as persons not well affected to your service. The King would not suffer me to pass further, but stopping me in this part of my discourse; Arsaces, (said he) I know that you are generous, and that the Report of some virtue which appeared in Oroondates, in his earlier years, makes you speak as you do in his favour. It is true, he was born with parts good enough, and by the care I took in breeding him, I had made him a reasonable complete man, but all his good inclinations are lost, and since he betrayed me, and betrayed himself, with so much baseness, and meaness of spirit, I cannot consider those things that were good in him, as other than so many Advantages which he has unworthily abused; if he had valour, he should have employed it for the good of his Country, and for the service of his father, and of his King; if he had handsomeness, and graceful fashion, he ought to have made use of it, for a more justifiable, and a more glorious Conquest, than that of Darius his daughter, and of Alexander's captive; and in short, if he had ambition, he should have showed it at the head of an Army like that of Alexander's, and according to the Rudiments I had given him, instead of wasting the prime of his life vilely and shamefully in the service of my Enemy. These words of the Kings touched me so deeply, that I could not possibly retain a sigh or two, and scarce was I able to keep my tears from discovering how much I was concerned in that discourse I strove to dissemble it as well as I could, and looking upon the King with an unsatisfied countenance. What, Sir, (said I) do you believe then, that your son has shamefully abased himself, in serving the daughter of Darius, and do you think that King held so inconsiderable a Rank amongst other Monarches, that you look upon the purpose your son had to contract an Alliance with him, as a mean, and as an unworthy design? I am not ignorant of Darius his quality, (replied the King) nor was it to the defect of that I attributed Oroondates his meaness of spirit; but how great soever he was, he was my Enemy, and my Enemy with a kind of hatred, which no consideration was able to reconcile. Ah! Sir, (added I, more nearly touched than before) is it possible that the misfortunes of the House of Persia should not have mollified you, and that you should behold the fall of it with the eye of an Enemy? Hath not poor Darius, who was once the greatest King in the World, softened your Resentments, by so lamentable a Death, and by the loss of all his family, and can you consider that sad Revolution of his fortune, as other than a dreadful Example of all Kings in general? No, Sir, you can no longer conserve against his memory, and against what is yet remaining of his House, that hatred which heretofore produced such fatal effects between you, nor can you look upon the assistance Oroondates gave him in his misfortunes, as an unpardonable crime. His love was the cause of his first faults, and these last Actions, which you accuse of so much baseness, were inspired into him by mere generosity. If Darius his son were alive, he if he were able, would repay you all the services Darius received from Oroondates; he would not look upon you as his Father's Enemy, but as the Father of his dearest friend, and if love were joined to those considerations, he would give you his whole life, and Darius, if he were living, would easily pardon him that offence. The King troubled with this discourse, would not suffer me to continue it; I do not rule myself (said he) by the example of my Enemies, and of those, who from the beginning of their Empire, have by all manner of ways endeavoured to invade that of my Ancestors. I never desired peace; in a War which they always began, and as my hatred was more just, and more lawfully grounded, 'tis not to be thought strange, if it be of longer continuance. I was infinitely afflicted to see the King so obdurate, but I thought it not fit to press him further, so having walked half a score steps without speaking. Sir, (added I) since your Majesty's indignation will not suffer me to say any thing more in behalf of the Prince your Son, be pleased to do me a favour that cannot be hurtful to your service, and give me leave to have the honour to make him a visit; that which I have heard spoken of him, may excuse this curiosity; and there are few persons, in whom the reputation of that Prince, hath not begot a just desire to see him. If I were not bound by oath (replied the King) I should easily grant your request, but I have engaged myself before 〈◊〉 Gods to refuse it to all the World. These last words utterly stopped my mouth, nor had I the confidence to entertain him further upon that subject. I left him within a while after, but I was so ill satisfied with that discourse, that it was easy for my friends to observe it in my face. I gave an account of it to Theodates, who was afflicted with me at the little propensity we found in the King to love them that were of the blood of Darius. I misdoubted before (said I) that Fortune, the pittyless Enemy of our house, did but feign a reconciliation with me, to make me the more sensible of her utmost cruelties, and I perceive by this renewing of my misfortunes, that she is preparing something against me, worse, if it be possible, than all she has made me feel already. The hopes, she had given me by Oroondates his return, find themselves most cruelly deceived, and that which they 〈◊〉 him suffer in his person, is a presage of what I erelong shall suffer in mine. Take not an alarm so soon (said Theodates to comfort me) but hope for better usage from your fortune than that you apprehend. It is true, the King hated the person, and is still an Enemy to the memory of Darius, but when he shall know that 't is to his Son he is indebted for his life, & for the peace of his Kingdom, you shall see all his resentments give place, & more due acknowledgement. By such like discourse, Theodates strove to allay my discontents, and the same day having communicated them to my Princess, she by all manner of expressions gave me to understand, how great a part she bore in them. I laid aside the resolution I had taken, to make myself known to the King so suddenly as I intended, and to demand the assistance that was necessary for me to revenge Darius, to procure the liberty of those that were remaining of his poor family, to recover my dominions, & to repair my honour; finding that yet I had not power enough over him, and that it was necessary to dispose him by new, and more considerable services than those I had done him, to forget the animosity he still kept against our house. In the interim I endeavoured by the means of Theodates, and by all kind of inventions to corrupt the guards of the Castle of Serey to obtain a sight of the Prince, but they were always inexorable to my entreaties, and immovable to the offers I caused to be made them. The King still looked upon me with his wont eye, and my Princess was as favourable to me as I could wish, but I could not so well disguise my inclinations to her, but that Arsacomes his interest, made him find occasion by my frequent visits, and by our long conversations, to suspect something, and to redouble his envy toward me. Yet durst he not openly show it, knowing my credit in the Court was not inferior to his, and fearing to exasperate the Princess more and more against him: but at that time there happened a very strange alteration in my fortune, and now it is that I begin to enter into the discourse of my most important adventures.  
Ten or twelve days were hardly passed since my return, when one morning as I was going out of my Chamber, I saw some of the King's guards at my door, who forbade me to stir forth: I turned toward their Captain who was come into my Chamber, and whom I had received as one that came to visit me, and as I was going to ask him the reason of what I saw, he clapped his hand upon the hilt of my sword, and demanded it of me in the King's name, I was so surprised at that encounter, that he had taken it from my side before I observed what he was about, and that astonishment did without doubt prevent a resistance, wherein perchance I might have perished. No sooner was I disarmed, but I looked upon the Captain with a countenance, and with an action, that struck a terror in him, and made him know, it was no trivial enterprise he had performed in seizing upon me on that manner; what, Cleobis (said I) am I a prisoner then to day, in the same place where yesterday I was Triumphant? Sir, (answered he) the King has commanded me to secure your person, nor have I executed his order without being very sorry for it. Do you not know the cause of your commission (replied I) and will you not tell me for what crime the Scythians can accuse him, whom but th' other day, they called their defender, and preserver. No, Sir, (said the Captain,) neither is the King wont to declare his intentions to us in employments of this nature; I can only tell you that yesternight after he was in bed, he gave a long audience to a stranger, who of late has been a follower of Arsacomes, and that as soon as he was come out of the Chamber, I received this command. Well, (added I) I am bravely rewarded by the King of Scythia, and the services I have done him deserved this recompense. Though I was stirred with a most violent anger, I would not let it break forth to any sharper expressions, against the Father of Oroondates, and Berenice, and in the just sense I had of that usage, I preserved a respect, which such moving reasons gave me toward him. Thus did I see myself a prisoner, where but the day before I had appeared with so great renown, and though this kind of usage, was something hard to a Prince, who knew no condition in the World above his own, and who by actions considerable enough, had deserved nothing less; yet was I fain to bear that affliction without murmuring, and to bless what I began to suffer for Berenice. I studied at first to find what might be the cause of my imprisonment, but when Cleobis had told me of the King's discourse with that stranger, I immediately believed Arsaces was discovered to be Artaxerxes. This did not seem at all strange to me, and I knew very well, I should have had much ado, to be so long in Scythia, without having my face taken notice of by some person or other, who might have been in the Court of Persia, if the rumour of my death had not facilitated my disguise, and crossed the opinion of those, who else might have believed they had seen me there. I underwent this change of my fortune patiently enough, and only begged of the Gods, that my Princess might not be entangled in my ruin; the King's severity giving me some cause of fear for her, by the example I had before my eyes, of his usage of the Prince his Son: scarce had I had the leisure to consider what resolution I should take, when I saw him come into my Chamber, attended by those in whom he had greatest confidence, and to whom he declared his most important secrets, having left his guards at the door, that they might not be witnesses of the discourse he desired to have with me. I found not that cheerfulness in his face, which he was wont to have when he saw me, and instead of that kind reception I usually had from him, there was nothing in his eyes, and countenance but marks of his anger, and new animosity. I went to meet him at his coming in, with an action but very little troubled, and with my ordinary respect, and having given him a salute not much different from what he was wont to receive of me, he looking upon me with a fiery eye, and with a face kindled by a passion, which he was not well able to master. I come to visit you (said he) Sir Artaxerxes, and this respect is a beginning of what is due to the knowledge of your quality. The ignorance of it has made me faulty toward you, but when I shall once have it confirmed by your own mouth, I will repair the errors I have committed, by usage more suitable to what I owe to the Prince of Persia. After these words, I no longer had any reason to doubt the cause of my imprisonment, and though in them I observed an extraordinary sharpness, I was not terrified enough to disown the blood of Darius. I judged that such a baseness, would render me unworthy of the honour I had to be descended from him, and that all the dangers I could apprehend after that discovery, ought not to be sufficient to make me stoop to so shameful a dissimulation. In this belief looking upon the King with confidence enough. They that endeavour to ruin me in your Majesty's thoughts (said I) have but small knowledge of your generosity, and of the little love I bear to life, but if it were a thousand times more dear to me than it is, and that I manifestly saw the loss of it in this confession, there is no fear so powerful, as to make me disavow the honour I have to be of the race of Darius. His misfortunes, which ought to serve all Kings for an example, have not taken any thing from him of his dignity, nor from his of the glory to be born of the first Monarch of all the earth; If I did not declare it sooner, 't was because I waited till fortune should present me with occasions to do you services, that might be considerable enough to blot that hatred out of your mind, which you have born my family, and to make me discover that more handsomely, which I now only confirm to your Majesty, after the knowledge you have of it already. Yes, Sir, I am Darius his Son; Fortune brought me into your territories, after she had made me to be taken from among the dead bodies at the battle of Selena; Your virtue, your favourable usage, and the remembrance of what I owed to the friendship of Oroondates stayed me here, and the hope I had in your generosity, and in the support of my dear Brother, brought me back again after the loss of my nearest friends, and of my dominions. I believed that by my services, I might merit from you a part of that affection Oroondates had received from Darius, and that against our general Enemy, I could not hope for a more fitting sanctuary, than in the Court of my friends, Father, and of a King, who had honoured me himself with his affection. Nor did I only hope that King, and that friend, would afford me a secure retreat, but also their assistance, to raise myself to the throne again, to revenge the death, and captivity of my Father, Mother, and Sisters, and to recover my reputation. If this confidence in your generosity be my crime, I cannot deny Sir, but I am truly criminal, and if this knowledge has made me lose my liberty, and caused the change I observe in your Majesty. I will not disavow it, nor hide him from your indignation, who hath voluntarily exposed himself to it. I uttered these words with an assuredness, which as I believe, hindered the King from interrupting me before I had ended them; but when I had done speaking, he turned his flaming eyes upon those that were with him, and then setting them upon my face with a furious action. Is it true than (said he) that you are Darius his Son, and that you are bold enough to make a confession in my presence, which cannot but be fatal to you amongst the Scythians? Is it true that you are the Son of my mortal, and irreconcilable Enemy, of him who hath often died our Fields red with the blood of our subjects, and with mine own, and who many times brought fire, sword, and desolation into my Kingdom, and instead of considering that the Gods have delivered you into my hands to give me some satisfaction for the injuries I have received from you and yours, do you pretend to be protected and assisted by me? I was moved with this cruel discourse, but I yet considered the Father of Berenice, and Oroondates, and struggling against my resentments to keep myself within the respect I owed him. It is true, Sir, (replied I) I am the Son of him who was heretofore your Enemy; but that which I have done for you, and yours, the marks whereof are still fresh in the heart of your Kingdom, and in the limits of your territories, and which I also bear in many parts of my body, may sufficiently tell you, that you have few friends have done you services like those you have received from the Son of your Enemy. No, Sir, I do not believe you can yet hold him for your Enemy, who abandoned his own interests for yours, and who, to the prejudice of his Dominions, to the prejudice of his blood, nay, and even to the prejudice of his honour, fought for you and yours, while his Country was on fire, and while his nearest friends became a prey to the fury of his Enemies. I know not whither the King's anger was then risen of itself to the height, or that these words accompanied with some reproaches, drew him to extremity of rage; but howsoever it were, he then went beyond the bounds of that moderation which was befitting a person of his quality, and breaking forth with a violence which put a fear into all those that attended him, Ah! imposter (cried he) dost thou think by thy artifices to escape my just indignation, and to disguise those pernicious designs which brought thee into Scythia; thou camest to execute what thou hadst plotted with Oroondates in Persia, and 't is for that end thou hast lived unknown here in my Kingdom; the example of that friend, hath strengthened thee in thy wicked intentions, and by thine own confession, thou art capable as he is of all manner of perfidiousness, after having betrayed thy nearest kindred, and abandoned thy Father in his utmost calamities. O Gods! how deeply did these cruel, and injurious words pierce into my soul, and how was the grief I felt for those dear friends renewed, by that wrongful, bloody reproach, of having betrayed them, and of having abandoned them; certainly it would be very hard to express, it, and 't will suffice me to tell you, I lost part of my reason, and part of my understanding, and 't is the loss of them, dear Brother, that shall obtain your pardon, for what my transport made me reply to him, whom nature hath tied you to with so near a relation. Ingrateful, barbarous King, (said I) if thou hadst any spark of honour, or any sense of virtue, thou wouldst remember that thou hadst not now been alive but for him whom thou usest so unworthily, nor wouldst thou go about to blast the reputation of two Princes, who have nothing to be ashamed of, but what the one received from thee, and which the other has done for thee. I cannot draw any example from my forefathers, of the perfidiousness wherewith thou reproachest me, and that of his, cannot corrupt the virtue of Oroondates. Complete thy cruelties against him, to whom they shall henceforth be dearer than thy friendship, and since thou neither deservest such a Son as Oroondates, nor such a friend as Artaxerxes, glut thyself with the remnant of the most illustrious blood in the World, and believe, that for all I am alone, and unarmed, I could yet shed thine, if a stronger consideration than any respect to thee did not withhold me. At these so bold, and perhaps so unlooked for words, the King stood as unmoveable as a statue; I know not what reason hindered him from letting loose his indignation instantly upon me, seeing he might very easily have caused me to be killed; but I could no longer endure his presence, & as soon as ever I had done speaking, I turned about, and went into my closet, shutting the door after me.  
Behold a very sudden change, and a strange revolution of my fortune; the day before, I had been considered among the Scythians, as he, who by the greatness of his credit, was the only man that could dispute for the first place with Arsacomes, and then I saw myself not only fallen from that power, but had driven my affairs to such extremities, that in all probability I was like to perish. Yet the fear of that touched me but a little, and as nothing but Berenice, and Oroondates made me care for life, so nothing but their remembrance was able to disquiet me; I feared that the King was informed of my love, and of my Princess' favour toward me as well as of my quality, and this last knowledge of his rigour, made me also afraid for the destiny of Oroondates; These apprehensions were then my sharpest discontents; and if love, and friendship, had not united themselves with my disasters to torment me, I had courage enough, and was sufficiently enured to misfortunes, to bear my imprisonment with patience. The King had been upon the very point of letting his wrath break forth immediately against me, and was so highly offended at my words, that if he had not been as prudent a politician, as he was a violent, and rigorous Enemy, he would have made me find a sudden death amongst the Javelines of his guards. Yet did he overmaster himself, whither it were that he judged other formalities necessary, for the putting to death of a man of my quality, or that he believed the Scythians loved me too well to suffer such a violent execution without murmuring. Before he went out of my Chamber, he by an Oath, which is inviolable among the Scythians, bound all those that were come in with him, to keep the knowledge of my true quality secret, and inventing another pretence for my being cast out of favour, he kept the whole World in ignorance of the true one. The day was not half run out, when my guards, leading me out of my lodging, made me get into a Chariot, and having shut the sides of it up close, removed me to a house that was the usual place, where great persons were wont to be imprisoned; there was I put, and kept with much watchfulness, and severity. True it is, my keepers were as civil to me as I could desire without hurt to themselves, and remembering the credit I had lately had amongst them, and how I had often made use of it in their favour, they complied with me in all things that could not serve to the attaining of my liberty? 'Twas by their means I procured that Criton, and the two Scythians Theodates had put to me, and who had accompanied me in my voyages, should be of the number of those that were left to wait upon me. They had the freedom to get out and in, but from the second day they were searched, which was the cause I durst not venture any letters by them, for fear of putting the Princess, and those in whom I trusted, into manifest danger. The King at first had some suspicion of Theodates, and knowing the near friendship that was between us, he believed him not ignorant of my true quality, nor of those designs whereof he accused me, and was going to have clapped him up, as well as me; but within a while after having asked him certain questions about it, he found a great deal of innocence in his answers, and remembering the fidelity wherewith he had ever served him, he gave over suspecting him, and believed that his friendship to me, was grounded upon some obligations I had laid upon him. Yet did he refuse him leave to visit me, and used all those so ill who dared to ask him, that no body had the boldness to speak to him of it any more. By this order it came to pass, that I was many days before I heard from my Princess, or from Theodates, and I passed them with an inconceivable tediousness, and impatiency. Till than I had not imparted any thing of my love, or of my true quality to Criton, nor to my two Scythians, believing those secrets so important as not to be trusted to any man except Theodates, but they were made acquainted with my birth, by the discourse the King had with me, and I had already received so great and so certain proofs of their fidelity, in a service of many years, that though the necessity of my affairs had not obliged me to discover myself to them, I thought I could no longer conceal any thing from them without being ungrateful. I laid my heart therefore open to them, and that last knowledge they had of me, having made them more respectful than before, they cast themselves at my feet, and received that proof of my confidence in them, with such a zeal, and such an affection as drew tears from my eyes, and made me find some comfort in my affliction. Yet durst I not give them any message to my Princess, but they saw Theodates often, and not daring to bring any letters from him for fear of the hazard they ran of being searched, they told me by word of mouth, how extremely he was grieved for my misfortune, and how he had taken a resolution, either to perish, or to find some means to see me, and do me service; they also brought me word from him, that my Princess took as deep an interest in my sufferings as I could desire, and that notwithstanding all the endeavours she used to dissemble her sadness, she could not hinder part of it from appearing in her face. Though I doubted not before of my Princess' goodness, I was comforted by this news, and prepared myself with more joy, to undergo all the miseries I was destined to for her sake: yet could I not, for all my constancy, keep myself from bewailing my captivity sometimes, but much less for the danger that threatened me, and for the loss of that favour to which I was raised, than for the absence of my Princess; and when I complained of the King of Scythia's cruelty, and ingratitude, I accused him not so much for having deprived me of my liberty, as for having deprived me of the sight of Berenice. My furthest walk was limited within the space of a Chamber, a Closet, and an outward room, where Criton and my two Scythians lay. My Chamber had a window that overlooked a scurvy little garden, but the window had a double Iron grate before it, and the garden was enclosed with a very high wall. One night I was in my bed, where my cruel disquiets would not suffer me to sleep, when in that still silence, I often heard a noise at my window, and harkening attentively to it, I guessed that it was caused by certain stones which were thrown against the Iron bars, I called Criton, who was asleep in the Ante-chamber, and having made him rise, I bade him open the window. Scarce had he done so, when by help of the Moon, which then cast a dim, faint light, he perceived a man in the garden, who as soon as he heard the noise of the window, came near enough to be known by Criton for Prince Theodates. Criton no sooner knew him, but he told me of it, and presently I leapt out of bed, with a joy intermixed with fear, by reason of the danger to which my dear Theodates exposed himself. As soon as I discerned him, I put forth my head as far as the grate would suffer me, and raising my voice as loud as I durst, for fear of waking my guards, who were asleep in a room beyond the Ante-chamber; My dear friend (said I) is it you? Yes, Sir, (answered he) It is even I, and if I have not the liberty to entertain you at a nearer distance, neither accuse the fear of danger, nor the want of my affection. It is too well known to me to do so, (replied I) and you now give me a proof of it, for which I with all my heart would have dispensed with you; 't is not without trouble that I enjoy this happiness, and how dear soever you are to me, I had rather want it than see you put your Fortune to so manifest a hazard. I'll hazard it at any time and my life withal, (said Theodates) to repay a part of what I owe you, and if need should require me to give it you without any condition, you shall never see me avoid the occasions. You are too generous in your friendships (answered I) to be the friend of Arsaces, and the Heavens ought to have given your virtue a more happy choice. We had some other words of civility upon that subject, but having put an end to them to fall into a more important conversation; Well, dear Theodates (said I) how stands my fortune, and what are ●y Princesses thoughts in this change of my condition? Does not fear, or some unjust consideration of what she owes to her Father's inclinations, make her abate something of the affection she has promised me? Does she not repent her having looked upon a miserable man, or at least does she not bear his misfortune with an insensibleness, whereof I should never have suspected her? You have less cause to do so than ever [said Theodates] nor can you complain of her in this occasion, without doing an Act of injustice, whereof you could never deserve pardon. Her thoughts are more passionate, and more obliging to you, than you ought to desire, and I can assure you, she stood in need of all her courage, to keep herself from sinking under her discontent. Cyllenia and I receive proofs which will not suffer us to doubt of it, and you shall receive some yourself by this Letter whereof I undertook the Delivery. At these words I felt a joy, which for a few moments made me forget all my afflictions, and calling Criton to me again, whom I had set to watch near the Room where my Guards lay, we studied together for some invention to draw up the Letter to us. We cut some of our Linen into narrow pieces, and tying them one to another, made a string long enough to reach to Theodates; he took it by the end, and tied the Letter to it; and I no sooner had got it into my hands, but I made Criton light a Candle, and not fearing Theodates would take it ill, I read these welcome words from my adored Princess.  
The Princess Berenice to Prince Arsaces.  
IF you have met with ingratitude amongst my friends, stretch not your resentments, my dear Arsaces, so far as me; but believe my condition cannot be good, so long as yours is bad; I suffer, because you are ill used, and I suffer more, because you suffer for my sake. Not that I bewail my destiny, if you continue to love me; I shall never be unhappy, if you be ever faithful, nor shall you ever be unfortunate, if Berenice's affection can contribute to your felicity; all the persecutions that rise up against us, shall not be able to shake it, and the King of Scythia can show no cruelty to Arsaces, that will not equally be fatal to  
BERENICE.  
In these few words, which I kissed a thousand times, I found so many causes of comfort, that I in some sort rejoiced at my imprisonment, which had afforded me the occasion of receiving those sweet confirmations of my Princess' affection. This consideration would have taken me up whole hours, if I had not made a conscience of abusing Theodates his patience, who was waiting alone in the Garden, and who for all he was a Prince, did me the same offices I could have hoped for from my meanest servant. As soon as he was come close under the window, putting my head out as I had done before, Most obliging Prince [said I] and the most generous friend of all those that ever bore that name, your goodness puts me into a confusion which I am not able to express. 'Tis enough, [interrupted Theodates] reserve these compliments for others, and think now of sending the Princess an Answer. Since you will have it so [replied I] I'll drive my incivility to the utmost, and I know you will be so good as to pardon it, in consideration of my misfortunes. With these words, I went from the window, leaving my good friend to walk alone in the Garden. The same servants that had accompanied him, and that had brought the Ladder, wherewith he had gotten over the Wall, stayed for him in the next street, and kept watch to hinder him from being surprised. Criton had found means, from the beginning of my imprisonment, to procure Ink and Paper from my Guards, and having given it me, I writ to my Princess in these terms.  
Arsaces' to the Princess Berenice.  
NO, my dear Princess, I shall never be unfortunate so long as you remember me, and all that I shall suffer for you, instead of afflicting me, shall be accounted a most glorious recompense. It was not in the King's power to deprive me of my liberty, I lost it when I saw you first, and by making me cease to see you, he can neither take it away, nor restore it. Yet has he used all the cruelty he could against me, and not being able to rob me of my Princess' affection, he has robbed me of her sight, since that was a thing within the limit of his authority. It is only in the want of it, that my imprisonment consists, and being forbidden to see you, I should be as much a Prisoner in the open Field as in the closest Dungeon. Fear nothing therefore for me, dear Princess, since (except those that depend on you) this is the greatest unhappiness I can receive, and being secured by your promise, of whatsoever I could apprehend, all that our Enemies can do is not terrible enough to strike fear into the courage of Arsaces.  
When I had folded up this Letter, I tied it to the string, and going to the window again, I let it down into Theodates his hand, with words full of affection and acknowledgement for the good offices he did me. We had some other discourse, touching what the King's intentions might be against me, whereof Theodates told me he was as ignorant as I; yet could he not believe, that the King would come to extremities against me, after the services I had done to his Kingdom, and to his person; and we both believed he would spin out my imprisonment in length, to determine of it according to the Event of his Affairs. We had many things to say to one another, but I feared least Theodates should be surprised in so long a visit, and so I forced him to go away, though he desired to have discoursed with me longer.  
After that night, I saw him many others by the same means, but never without bringing me marks of my Princess' remembrance, & 'twas by them I lessened the wearisomeness of my imprisonment, which after the losses I had undergone, would not have been supportable, but for those sweet consolations. I learned by him how Arsacomes continued his persecutions, and though I found a Remedy against that mischief, in the knowledge of the little fruit they reaped, I saw great cause of fear, when I heard they were approved by the King, and that that insolent man, employed his Authority, to acquire what he could not obtain by the merit of his person. My Princess did me the honour, to write me divers Letters upon that subject, and received a great many of mine about it; you will dispense with me if I repeat them not, for if I should tie myself punctually to a particular Recital, my Narration would be of an extraordinary length. I had already been many months in Prison, [the true cause of it being known but to very few, who being bound by Oath, never declared that secret to any body] during which I at several times heard news from Theodates, which produced different effects in me. The first was that of Zopirio's entering into Scythia, whose first progress Theodates told me, and with it the fright of all the Scythians, upon the Report of Alexander's coming. I continued many days without learning what General would be sent against those dreadful Enemies, though Theodates brought me word that all the Scythians petitioned the King for their Prince's liberty, and cried aloud, that no other body could be set to oppose that Conqueror of all the Earth. The King, by the counsel of interessed persons, did long forbear to satisfy their desires, but in the end, he found so much justice in them, or rather so little security to himself and his, in the Election of another Commander, [he himself being already grown infirm with years, and very unfit to undertake such an Enterprise] that he promised them what they had so earnestly longed for, and resolved to put an end to that tedious and unjust Captivity, for which all Scythia had much lamented. I was extremely over-joed, when I heard this p●●asing news by Theodates, and though my friendship to my dear Brother was sufficient alone to make me so, yet I confess it was increased by some little mixture of interest. I doubted not, but I should still find the same affection from him, he had formerly showed me, and was confident that in the Authority he was going to recover, I might hope for all the support, and all the assistance I could desire. Yet did I not think it fit he should so soon learn the truth of my affairs, for fear least being but upon the point of getting again into his father's good opinion, the endeavours, he should use in favour of me, might cast him into his displeasure more deeply than before, and destroy a fortune that was yet but weakly settled. To prevent this danger, I made Theodates swear, he would do a thing I should desire him, and after I had strongly engaged him, that there was no longer any cause to doubt his promise, I entreated him, Brother, that he would not make you acquainted, with what he knew concerning me, till the end of the War to which you were going, because I was afraid, that news would be enough to make you quit the imployent that was given you, which would certainly incense the King against you more than ever, and so utterly ruin you. Theodates' made great difficulty of granting me this Request, but he was so fast tied by his Oaths, whereof the Scythians have a particular veneration, that after he had resisted a good while, he was fain in the end to confirm the promise he had made me. This was the cause, dear Brother, that hindered him from telling you my Adventures, during that Voyage in which he accompanied you, though as he has told me since, it was not without great violence upon his inclinations. The Prince of Scythia interrupting Arsaces here; It is true [said he] Brother, Theodates did religiously observe what he had promised you, and still speaking to me of you, as of Arsaces, he contented himself, with begetting a love in me toward you, by the recital of your good qualities, without ever making me suspect that you were Artaxerxes. Alas, I was far from imagining any such thing, and neither time, nor the continued course of my Adventures, had been able to make me lose the remembrance of my dear Brother's death; It was always present to my thoughts, and now I call to mind, that when it drew tears from my Eyes, and made me fall into those lamentations which I owed unto so dear a memory, Theodates would allege Examples to make me believe, that by some strange effect of fortune, you might still be alive, and that there had been persons deceived, after as great probabilities as those which had persuaded us you were dead.  
While the Prince was speaking thus, Dinner was brought in, and those illustrious persons, made a pleasing Meal together, during which, their discourse was partly concerning the marvellous Events Arsaces had recounted, and they had no sooner dined, but that Prince disposed himself to go on with the remainder of his story: the company, who feared lest speaking so long might be hurtful to him in his present condition, would have dissuaded him from continuing his Narration, but he told them he felt himself well enough to make an end of it without prejudice to his health, and so having put them into their former silence, he went on where he had left, on this manner.  
The end of the third Book.   

The continuation of the fourth Part of CASSANDRA. The fourth Book.  
THe joy I had received, dear Brother, by the news which gave me hope of your liberty, was moderated by that which Theodates brought me the day after, when he told me the King had commanded him to accompany you in that voyage, which Arsacomes, who was also to go along with you. This was a very sensible blow to me, and when I saw myself reduced to lose the consolation of that dear friend, I knew not which way I should be able to bear it. Theodates seemed no less troubled at it then I was, and would rather have drawn the King's anger upon himself, then have forsaken me in a season when he was so necessary to me; but I was very unwilling my friendship should be prejudicial to him, therefore representing that I was not like to run any hazard of my life during his absence, and that the King seemed to be a little mollifi●ed since my imprisonment, I after a long contestation, persuaded him to leave me for a time. I will not entertain you with the discourse of our farewells, the place would not suffer us to embrace one another, but it hindered us not from saying all that so tender an affection as ours, could make us utter at such a parting. We took as good order in my affairs, as the hastiness of your departure would permit, but it was so sudden that the next day I was deprived of that dear friend, who so generously assisted me to support the burden of my misfortunes. I heard in what manner the King had fetched you out of prison himself, and how he had made you to take horse, without giving you the liberty to come into the Town, or so much as to see the Princess your sister, and I judged with some probability, that knowing how earnestly you would interess yourself on my behalf, he had used that caution in your departure, to keep you from all knowledge of me; which I the rather believed because he appointed none of those to wait upon you in your voyage, who had been present at our last conversation; and for Arsacomes, if he knew who I was, as it was likely he did since it was by one of his creatures I thought myself to have been discovered, he wanted not many reasons powerful enough to oblige him to silence. I was left in a very gloomy night, though it were lightened with some small beam of hope, in the expectation of your return, and sweetened with some comfort by the going away of Arsacomes, who by that means lost the opportunity, of making any advantage of my imprisonment● for the furtherance of his pretensions to Berenice; 'tis true the Queen his sister supplied his place well enough, and tormented that poor Princess in such manner, that she was often constrained to make complaints against her, by whose ill usage she was driven beyond the limits of her usual moderation. I received no more of her letters after Theodates his departure, but Criton saw Cillenia every day, and learned news of her, which he still brought me by word of mouth. This was some case to my afflictions for being deprived of so dear a sight, yet not so great an one, but that they began to overwhelm me, and to put me into such a condition, as might have moved pity even in the King of Scythia himself. I lived on this manner, or rather suffered a continual death, when my miseries received a bloody surcharge, and that which I had ever apprehended.  
Queen Stratonice finding with what repugnance the Princess defended herself against her Brother's affection, and imagining by the opinion she had of him that he was handsome enough to merit hers, believed that so strong a resistance, both against his persecutions, and against the Rings command, could not proceed from any thing else but an aversion caused by some other love. Arsacomes had already told her his suspicions of me, and had by that advertisement obliged her to observe my actions more needfully than before; nor was she contented with that care, but that she might be perfectly satisfied of the truth, she by presents, and promises, had corrupted one of the Princess' maids who had formerly belonged to her, and had so disposed her to a treacherous compliance with her intentions, that that disloyal wench, had no other thought but to play the spy upon her Mistress' actions, and to seek occasions of betraying her, as the means to make herself a fortune. The Princess trusted her not with the secret of her affection, neither did she mistrust her, but next to Cyllenia used her as favourably as any of the rest. She observed the frequent discourses between Critton, and Cyllenia during my imprisonment, and by telling the Queen of them confirmed her in her suspicions, and drew more considerable gifts, and promises, that engaged her further in her pernicious design, which she found means to effect when she least expected it. The Princess contrary to the request I had often made her, kept all my letters, and not thinking she had any body about her so false as to seek to betray her, only locked them up in a cabinet with those other things she valued most. One day having shut herself up into her closet Closet with Cyllenia, after she had entertained her a while with the grief which her goodness made her sensible of for my sufferings, she called for her Cabinet, and sought to comfort herself in her discontents, by her reading of my letters. She sat leaning upon a table, where she read them over one after another, but before she had done, she was surprised in that tedious employment, by sleep which insensibly stole into her eyes. Cyllenia not taking notice that her Mistress was fallen asleep, and being called away by some other business, went very imprudently out of the Closet, shutting the door but half way after her. While she was absent and the Princess asleep, that perfidious creature who served Stratonice in her intention, and had set her mind upon nothing but her treachery, came either by chance, or out of design into the chamber, where she neither found the Princess nor any of her companions, and then drawing near the closet door, which she saw half open, after she had pulled it a little further, she thrust in her head, and saw the Princess asleep upon the last letter she was reading, and by her all the rest, whereof some were open. That sight made her guess instantly part of the truth, and taking courage by hope of the recompense she expected, she grew so bold as to go into the closet, and to steal softly to the table, where seeing that her Mistress wakened not, she took four of my letters, from among a score of others, and putting them up in haste, went out again not making any noise, and passed through the chamber without meeting any body that could discover her. Within a while after Cyllenia being returned and Berenice awake, she gave her the cabinet to set away, not perceiving the theft, by reason of the number of letters. The wench was no sooner in a place where she could look upon her prey, but she presently cast her eyes upon it, and in the first words she read, found all that was desired of her. She delayed not a minute to go to Sratonice's lodgings, and having easily obtained a particular audience, delivered her the letters she had stolen; As soon as Stratonice had read one of them, she saw herself but too much confirmed in her opinion, and having in the rest found more than she wished for her brother's satisfaction, was transported with anger, and went full of resentment into the King's chamber, where she made her cruel accusation to him, and gave him those witnesses that were to convince us. The King having formerly received many letters from me, and was so well acquainted with my hand, that it was easy for him to know it at the first sight. The astonishment of Actaeon at the sudden alteration of his shape, was not to be equalled to that of the King of Scythia, at the sight of my letters, nor can I represent what a confusion seized on him, when in the first he opened he found these words.  
Arsaces' To the Princess Berenice.  
I should have been dead, Fair Princess, but for the sweet consolations you afford my miseries. and my enemies had triumphed over my life as soon as my liberty, if they could have triumphed over your constancy. But can I have any reason to complain of them since in the design of ruining me, they raise my fortune, and since they seem to have deprived me of my Princess' sight, only to give me the occasions of knowing her affection? this happiness is infinitely above all my misfortunes, and for again of so great importance, my greatest losses are but inconsiderable.  
O Gods? (cried the King as he made an end of reading this letter) with what kind of affection will you overwhelm me, and by what actions have I so highly incensed you, that you should arm my ingrateful family against my repose, and against my reputation? Ah! Berenice, foolish Berenice, whom I never suspected of such lightness, and of such a perfidiousness, by what usage have I given thee cause to betray me, and by what punishments canst thou be able to blot out the offence thou hast committed against me? Having said thus he opened another letter, in which with a like astonishment he read these words.  
Arsaces' To the Princess Berenice.  
My sorrows are redoubled by the knowledge of yours, and I am less sensible of my own miseries. then of the persecutions you suffer from that insolent Brother, and his cruel Sister; but pardon me, Dear Princess, if I cannot be totally afflicted at them, nor think with trouble of the assaults you receive, without looking with joy upon the generous resistance you make in favour of me; my advantages thereby are too great to lose the remembrance of them utterly, and if I had not had an indiscreet rival, and a troublesome enemy, I should not so soon have known the constancy of my adored Princess.  
The King was so transported at the reading of these, that he had not patience to read the other letters, but the Queen opened them in his presence, and made him also hear these words in the next.  
Arsaces' To the Princess Berenice.  
I have been told what passed last night in your Chamber, and what cruel words the King spoke in favour of my rival; you heard them, most lovely Princess, without changing your resolution, and being all made up of goodness, and generosity, are still willing to suffer for him, whose most cruel sufferings cannot at all merit the least of yours; There is no justice in it, fair Princess, but though there were a great deal less, it is impossible for me to condemn you; I confess I love myself too well, since I desire my own advantage to the prejudice of your repose; but I do it only because I am yours, and if I should cease to be so, I protest to you, I would also cease to love myself.  
Ah! suborner, (cried the King) art thou not content with having employed thy subtlety in broaching thy faithless practices in my Kingdom, without making use of it to seduce my own House against me; and couldst thou not satisfy thyself with spreading thy poison among the Scythians, without infecting also the royal family? Let's see (continued he, taking the last letter out of the Queen's hand) let's see the rest of his perfidious designs, and let us in the continuation of his crimes, find evident matter for our revenge. Saying thus he cast his eyes upon it, and saw that it was written in these terms.  
Arsaces' To the Princess Berenice.  
I am not able to represent with what an access of joy I heard the King's intention to set our dear Brother at liberty. This contentment (Dearest Princess) is both beyond expression, and imagination; and though by the end of his captivity I hope for that of my afflictions, I protest that our interests make the smallest part of my joy, and that as that Brother is infinitely dearer to me then myself, I look upon his happiness and his advantages, with a great deal more satisfaction than mine own. Not that I can have quite forgotten them (fair Princess) but I give them up absolutely to my dear Brother, being I cannot think of his liberty, without hoping thereby for the establishment of my fortune.  
Thy hopes are vain, (said the King as he made an end of reading these words) thy hopes are vain, false Arsaces' dissembling Artanemes, and though by thy disloyal practices, thou corruptest my subjects & armest mine own children against me, know thou shalt reap but small advantage by it, and shalt profit but little either by the infidelity of Oroondates, or by the weakness of Berenice. As he spoke these words he walked about the chamber with so furious an action that the Queen did not dare to look upon him, and, began already to repeat that she had put him into so violent a rage. Bernice (said he) Bernice has betrayed me, and that daughter whom I had brought up with so much care, and in whom I had thought I had found so many signs of dutiful obedience, and of a perfect virtue, does not only love a man without my approbation, but gives herself over (faithless girl as she is) to the love of my mortal and irreconcilable enemy. This thought transported him with fury, and presently after, I'll punish her (continued he) in such a manner as shall serve for an example to all that are of her condition, and shall teach all Royal families the heinousness of such an infidelity, against a father, and against a King. With these words not being able to master his anger, he sent for the Princess, and at the same time having learned in what place she used to set the box where any letters were, he gave his guards order to bring it him, and to take it by force if there were any difficulty made of delivering it. Berenice had no sooner received the King's command, when being ignorant of her destiny, she went to wait upon him in his chamber, but scarce was she come in, when she read her misfortune in his face, and being she was commonly in an apprehension of what then had happened, she instantly found her condemnation in her Father's looks. O Gods! how infinitely was she surprised when instead of the kind welcome she was wont to receive from him, she saw herself melt with so terrible an action, as might have daunted the most fearless persons. He had still my last letter in his hand, the others lay open upon the table, and presently after they brought in the cabinet in which were all the rest. At that sight alone she seemed half dead, and the King having beheld her a while in that trouble which did absolutely convince her, without being able to find words capable to express his indignation, broke forth at last in such a manner, that a clap of thunder could not have struck such a terror into the affrighted heart of that poor Princess. Thou wicked, ingrateful, perfidious creature, (said he) or rather thou monster of infidelity and ingratitude, behold the gallant marks of thy virtue; thou art not only convinced of an affection which dishonour thee, and which six an eternal blemish upon thy reputation, but also of holding a treacherous intelligence with my mortal enemies, or rather of a conspiracy against thy father and against thy King; See here, see the brave letters of Darius his son, and brag of having made him triumph over my whole Family, as thou wouldst have made him do over my Dominions, and perhaps over my very life. Was it then in favour of this Lover that thou so stiffly didst oppose my command, and didst thou persist in that pride, and that disdain of a birth inferior to thine only to seek for an equality in the remnants of Darius his blood, and in this devested Prince, who by his horrible practices, would at the cost of our House, have repaired the losses of his own? The poor Princess at this torrent of cruel words, was ready to lose her senses, and her understanding, and all she was able to do was to let herself fall at the King's feet, where she endeavoured to appease his anger by a stream of tears, which would have mollified any other heart but his. His was not at all moved with them, but thrusting back this poor Princess, with eyes sparkling with wrath, and with an action full of cruelty. Think not (said he) by thy deceitful tears to soften my just resentments, since thou joinest thyself in a confederacy with my enemies to betray me, thou with them shalt bear the reward of thy treachery and since thou declarest thyself my enemy, thou shalt know me to be thine, all my thoughts of love are now turned into thoughts of hatred against thee, and as thou hast hitherto found me an indulgent father, so shalt thou now see me as severe an Enemy. I'll take an order to cross thy perfidious designs, and since heaven hath discovered them to me, to thy eternal shame and confusion, I'll make what ever you had prepared against me fall upon thyself, and upon thy false suborner. Let him not so soon rejoice at the advantages he has won upon my house, I hope they shall benefit him but little, and I have been in a condition to satisfy myself for all the injuries he has done me. The King accompanied these words with a whole heap of reproaches, which it would be hard for me to repeat, and this poor Princess was so troubled at them, that she never had the confidence to open her mouth in her own justification. Her silence perfected her condemnation in the King's thoughts, and after he had further aggravated her griefs by many bitter words, he commanded her to be gone out of his presence, and to retire to her chamber which was to be her prison. You tremble still at this remembrance, Madam, (pursued Arsaces' turning toward Berenice) and in your face, I still see the marks of the fright you were in at that encounter; truly the cause was sufficient, and when I heard the relation of it, the apprehensions I fell into for you, came but little short of yours. Yet did not I hear it till some few days after, but that very day my servants were forbidden to stir any more out of prison, and were presently deprived of that little liberty which till then had been permitted them. I will not tell you, Brother, what Berenice's thoughts were, seeing herself exposed to the anger of a father, whose pitiless nature was not unknown to her; you are not ignorant that she is of a very gentle humour, and such an one as was no way able to resist those violent assaults. The confusion she was in seeing her affection discovered, and her fear of the King's threats, tormented her not a little, but she has had the goodness to confess to me since, (and will pardon me if tell it you) that the apprehension of my danger made the greatest part of all her sufferings, not doubting but that the King in the violence of his anger, would fly to extremities against me. This fear which was not groundless could not settle itself in her heart, without a most sensible affliction; and though she had cause enough to lament for her own captivity, seeing she was a prisoner herself, and confined to the limits of her chamber, yet did she to that consideration, add also that of Arsaces' his ruin, and was excessively grieved, for fear of seeing a Prince perish, and perish by her occasion, who had given himself wholly to her, and who by the endeavours of his services, had merited some part in her affection. These indeed were lawful apprehensions, but they would have been much greater, if she had been of the King's counsel, and had perfectly known his final resolution. Truly it was a stranger one than I expected, and you will not only disapprove it, Brother, but will also be astonished at it, and if you please will pardon me all those words, which a just sense thereof may make me utter in the prosecution of my discourse. I was in my chamber with Criton, where were also Theocles, and Hyander my two faithful Scythian servants, when I saw one of those that commanded my guards come in followed by five or six of his men in a manner that was something extraordinary. He brought a cup in his right hand, and a dagger in his left, His countenance was altered by the business he had undertaken and all things about him contributed to make me know his errand; I was surprised at this encounter, and guessed, though with some repugnance the truth of his commission. Yet did I give him time to tell me what it was, and he trembling, and stammering at last got out these words. Sir (said he) the King is resolved that you must die; but the consideration he has of your person, and of the services you have done this State, will not suffer him to employ the hands of any of his subjects to do that office; therefore he leaves it to your own, and to your choice, to take either this poniard, or this poison, for the execution of his will.  
Ah! Brother, (cried out Prince Oroöndates, at this part of Arsaces' his discourse) what prodigies are these you tell me, and what shame will you have me suffer, for being born if a more cruel and a more barbarous Monster, than any that Africa ever bred! Oh thou inhuman Tiger, I disavow thee, and since thou dost so little consider, both the chiefest blood in all the world, and the person that ought to be most dear, and most considerable to thee, I account my birth more vile and shameful, then if I had received it from the basest dregs of the people. Oroöndates transported by his resentment would have gone on with his invective, if Arsaces had not hindered him by prosecuting his story on this manner;  
I confess, Brother, I was as much surprised as you are at this cruel proposition for though I began to be acquainted with the King's humour, and that I had some reason to look for some ill usage, I could never have believed he would have run to that extremity against a Prince of my quality, and a Prince who had served him both in his affairs, and in his own person. And indeed I testified my astonishment by a silence, which perchance made these guards think it was caused by the fear of death. True it is I had ceased to desire it, as well by reason of the proofs I received of my Princess' affection, as of the hopes I had in your assistance, and that if my life (which the sweetness of these hopes began to make much dearer to me than it was before) could be preserved without doing an unworthy action, I did not disdain to lay hold of the occasion. Yet was it not so much the fear of losing it, as the horror of that usage together with despite, and amazement, that caused the greatness of my confusion. But as great as it was, I quickly recovered myself, and looking upon that fatal messenger with an action that utterly took away the little courage he had left. Is it possible (said I) the King should have given you this commission against a Prince whose birth is known to him, and against a Prince to whom he owes his life and the peace of his dominions. 'Twas he himself that gave it me, (replied the man) but I took it not without repugnance, yet am I obliged to obey his orders, and punctually to execute his commands. What, (said I) you who are one of the very Scythians, that have often seen me at the head of your armies, securing your quietness by the loss of my own blood, are you resolved to obey his Orders, and to execute his commands? Yes Sir, (answered that barbarous fellow) and if after the choice I have offered you, your hand refuse to perform his sentence, mine must become the instrument to supply that defect. I'll save it that labour, (replied I with a countenance far more resolute than his) and death is too familiar to me, to borrow that from thy hands, which I can easily compass with mine own; give me that dagger (continued I putting forth my hand) the other kind of death would little become the life of Arsaces, and he has been prodigal enough of his blood for thee and all thy countrymen, to make thee believe, he can himself pour forth the remainder of it, to satisfy the ingratitude of the King of Scythia. As I ended these words, I took the dagger from his hand, but 'twas with an intention very different from his, and as soon as ever I had hold of it, I lift up my arm, and instead of striking my own breast, stabbed it up to the hilt in his. Scarce had I pulled it out again all hot and bloody, but instantly I plunged it into the body of his nearest companion, who by reason of the suddenness of my action had not time to prevent it, and then immediately taking away his sword, I began to dispute my life against the rest. I might perchance have perished being unarmed as I was, but I was furiously seconded by Criton, who had gotten up the sword of the first, and by my two Scythians, who being resolved to die with me, laid hold of the swords, and javelins of those they saw fall, and placed themselves by my side with a marvellous courage. By their assistance I was quickly delivered from my enemies who were no better armed than we, and the last of them was turning his back to save himself in the hall, where he had left more of his companions, when he saw them come to his relief, I was so heated that the number of my enemies frighted me but little, but they were so terrified themselves by the death of their fellows, and by the resoluteness wherewith we came upon them, that they did not what they might have done, to revenge their companions, and to oppose my passage. True it is, the knowledge I had that this was the only way for my safety, and for my revenge, and my desire to sell a life at the dearest rate, which they so unworthily would have taken away, made me do things beyond my strength, and I gave few blows that dispatched not an enemy out of the fight. Cryton and my two Scythians assisted me so valiantly, that they laid five or six of them at their feet, and the rest were so possessed with fear that they left the passage, and the door open to me. They followed us down stairs, but very coldly, and those that came in our way to hinder our going out, felt such effects either of our courage, or of our despair, that the last of them were constrained to open the outermost gate, to seek their safety in the Towa. We rushed out after them without delay, and came into the street all bloody, and in a posture that might have caused terror in the most undaunted persons. My Guards cried out in the streets, and called for help in the King's name; their cries drew a great many people together▪ but the sight of us put them to a stand, and when I saw them waver in the resolution they should take: People of Issedon (said I) for you I have often given the better part of my blood, and will you favour my enemies in a base and cruel assassinate; or rather, will you see him murdered by traitorous ingrateful wretches, who at your Head, has both fought and conquered for you? I am your general, I am your fellow soldier Arsaces, the very man to whom you so voluntarily submitted yourselves, and the very man whom you have followed in war with so much affection. As I spoke these words I opened my way with my sword among those enemies I still had left, and they wrought such an effect upon the people, that whether it were that my face representing yet some Idea of that which had commanded them, stirred up some remainders of respect toward me, or that the cruelty and injustice of the usage which was showed me, caused some horror and aversion in them, or that they had still preserved some remnant of that love, which they had formerly born me, they never stirred to do me any hurt, nay and there were many among them who to facilitate my retreat, pestered my enemies, and cleared my passage as much as possibly they could. They would have done more for my safety if they had dared, but I made such use of those proofs of their good will, that I got a great deal of ground toward the City Gate, and kept my emies still out of the reach of my sword. All this resistance, and all this favour of the Scythians did indeed defer my death, but it was not sufficient to have hindered it, without heavens particular assistance. The news of this adventure was already carried to the King, and there was no doubt but he would soon send troops against me, I was a foot, without other arms save my sword, wounded with some light hurts, but those that accompanied me had few parts of their bodies free, and poor Hyander one of my most faithful Scythians, after he had done actions worthy of eternal memory, fell dead by me, leaving his fellow in a condition little different from his. I already saw more soldiers coming to the relief of their companions, and in short, I saw evident death before my eyes, so that what resolution soever I had taken to sell my life as dearly as I could, I should certainly have lost it, if the Gods had not sent me a miraculous succour; I call it miraculous because in the conjuncture of it, there was something very extraordinary, which made me observe their particular care of my safety. I was striving, weary and wounded as I was, to prolong my destiny, when I saw fifteen or twenty horsemen come up to me, at the head of whom I knew my dear Theodates; Theodates who I thought had been in the Prince's army, who was then coming into the Town, or rather who was then sent thither by the Heavens, for my relief. Before he came to us he had heard some rumour of that adventure at his arrival, and his eyes then telling him the truth of it, he never stood considering what resolution he should take, but galloping up with his sword drawn, he did so scatter those that were before me, that he had a free and open passage. Courage valiant Arsaces (cried he) we must escape, and Theodates must either bring you off from this danger, or perish with you. He gave me not leisure to reply, but as he spoke those words, made two or three of his men alight, and offered me their horses; for all I was so wounded, I got reasonably lightly upon the first, Criton took another, but poor Theocles his strength failed, and at that very moment, his life forsook him, and having stayed but just as long as it was necessary to me. The death of these two faithful servants, would have been a great affliction to me, if I had then been in a condition to be as sensible of it as I should have been at another time. As soon as I was on horseback, I believed myself out of danger, and trampling those under my horses feet who would have opposed my passage, I ran with Theodates and his men to the nearest gate. We came thither just as the King sent an order to have it shut, and a soldier was thrusting out his arm for that purpose, when giving him a good slash with my sword I made him let go his hold, and with the shock of our horses overturning those that were in our way, we got out of the Town, and took toward the field to our outmost speed. The swiftness of our flight carried us off without further difficulty, and before those whom the King sent to pursue us were got on horseback, we were already above fifty furlongs from the Town. Then we were favoured by the night, which presently overtook us, and leaving the high ways we road cross the field, and in the dark toward those great forests that are about three or four hundred furlongs from Issedon. As soon as Theodates thought us enough at liberty to converse, he suffered me to embrace him, and give him thanks for what he had done towards my escape. Never were more ardentnor more tender endearments used between two friends, and though I had not loved Theodates so well as I did, yet I should have been the most ungrateful man in the world, if such a service as that I had newly received, had not made me absolutely his. My dear deliverer (said I) or rather the Genius of Arsaces' his life and fortune; must you needs happen to be, or rather must you appear by miracle in all places where you are necessary to my safety, and must I never find an occasion to requite you with an office of the like nature. I am so extremely engaged to you already, (replied the affectionate Theodates) that you have no cause at all to wish me more obliged; and I much more justly am indebted to you, for a life which shall ever be readily laid down for yours. We occompanied these words and many others of the same stile, with an infinite number of most dear embraces, and when we had given truce to them a little, we began to ask one another concerning our mutual affairs. I presently questioned Theodates about the Prince my Brother, and about the occasion of his own coming to Issedon but he would tell me nothing, till he had heard my last adventures, and the cause of the condition he had found me in. I told him all I knew, and he at that relation, trembled, and detested the King's cruelty and ingratitude, in terms which gave me new assurances of his hatred to vice, and of the affection he bore me. When I had given him that account, he satisfied me in what I desired to know of him, and made me the recital of the battle you had won against Zopirio with some other of your particular actions, which filled me with joy and admiration, and then coming to the cause of his departure from the army. My impatiency to see you again (continued he) and the perpetual apprehensions I was in for you, made me return toward Issedon; but I wanted not another pretence, and some contestations that passed between Arsacomes and me in matter of Command, furnished me with one specious enough, to ask the Princes leave to come away. Not but that I was very much troubled to leave him, and had desire to share in the glory, of what he had yet to do; but as often as I remembered that I had left you a prisoner, and exposed to the anger of a Prince whose humour was well enough known to me. I fell into disquiets that would not suffer me to take any rest. I even repented me that I had obeyed the King's orders, and that I had forsaken you in a condition wherein my services were most necessary to you. I also found a great deal of constraint in the oath you had exacted from me, and not being able to tell the Prince the truth till the end of the war, I on the other side could not endure to leave him in that ignorance at my departure. I therefore found out a middle way, and resolved to deliver him that in writing, which it was forbidden me to tell him, yet observing what you had enjoined me, and tying him to the same promise I had given you; For this purpose the day of my departure I wrote these words.  
Theodates To Prince Oroondates.  
An inviolable Oath has kept me hitherto from declaring, what it is necessary you should know; but since I now have the liberty, I will acquaint you Sir, that the Great Arsaces, to whom the King your Father is indebted for his life, and your Country for the quietness it hath enjoyed, is Prince Artaxerxes the son of Darius, your Dear Friend, your dear Brother, and he on whom you have bestowed so many tears. The Gods saved him miraculously from that battle, where you thought he had been slain, and since that time, his passion for the Princess Berenice, and the occasions of doing service to your friends have kept him in Scythia. He is now a prisoner to the King your Father, who without doubt has discovered him to be the son of Darius: Judge of his danger by your knowledge of the King's humour; and by the friendship that was between you, think what hope he ought to have in your assistance.  
O Gods! (cried Prince Oroondates, when Arsaces had repeated that letter) how many misfortunes would the fight of these words have saved me, if you had suffered me to cast my eyes upon them! but you had otherwise decreed, and that knowledge would certainly have overturned all the order of those adventures that have since befallen me. My voyage to Susa had been diverted, or at least deferred, and I should have thrown of all consideration of my own interest, and run to the succour of my dear Artaxerxes. Ah! Brother, how I blame your unjust cautiousness, in concealing from me the only happiness, from whence in the sad condition I then was, I could draw any consolation, and how I should hate Theodates for being so scrupulous, if I had not so many occasions to love him for the good offices he has done you! It is true, Brother, (continued Oroondates) and I will say this to spare you something of your discourse, Theodates the day of his departure having drawn me aside, delivered me a letter fast sealed up, and before he gave it me, Sir, (said he) in this paper which I present you, you shall find the most pleasing news, and the most important advertisement you can receive, doubt not at all of the truth of those things you shall find written in it; it will be very easy for you to certify yourself; but before I put it into your hands, be pleased to give me your word, that you will not open it, till the end of this war. I was surprised at this discourse of Theodates, and being desirous to persuade him to satisfy my curiosity sooner, If this news (replied I) will be so pleasing to me, why do you so long defer my knowledge of it, and why do you delay a joy, which it is in your power to give me? Sir, (answered he) I am bound up by one of those oaths which you know the Scythians can never violate, and because I am enjoined this silence no longer then for the time I have demanded, you may then see in this paper, what my absence will not suffer me to tell you by word of mouth: but Sir, I beseech you keep it carefully, and if you love yourself, forget not to look upon it assoon as the war is at an end. I was constrained to make Theodates the promise he desired, and I locked up that paper amongst those things which I esteemed most precious. Theodates went away the same day, leaving me much troubled for his departure, but he had alleged such specious reasons to me, touching the disputes he had had with Arsacomes, and the important affairs which recalled him to the Court, that I could not deny him the leave he demanded. I kept his writing with a great deal of care, and with as much impatience to read it assoon as I should be free of my engagement, but the strange revolution that happened in my soul, and in my affairs by the arrival of Tyreus; and by the news of Statira, put it quite out of my head at my sudden departure from Orchilachia, and till I was at sea, I never remembered the box I had left it in, which the new trouble of my mind, had made me utterly to forget, with many other things that were very dear to me.  
The Gods would have it so (replied Arsaces) to bring our affairs to the issue they had ordained, and to make us know the power they reserve unto themselves over all our proposals. It is true Brother, Theodates told me almost the very same words we have now heard from you; and then in a few more he informed me of the condition he had left you in, and of the success of his own journey, wherein he had no considerable encounter. When we had thus instructed one another, we fell to think whether we should retire, and what order we should take to get my wounds dressed; they began to trouble me, and though they were but slight ones, the violent exercise I had used, my loss of blood, and the vapours of the night made them a great deal worse than else they would have been. Criton was no less hurt than I, but his affection was so strong, that he forgot his own danger, to take care for mine. After we had consulted a while, Theodates would need have us go for the remainder of that night, and the day following, to the house of one of those men who then was with him, which was not above an hundred furlongs from the place where we were. I suffered myself to be guided by his will, and as we road along, Theodates calling all his company to him, drew a new promise from them of their fidelity, and tied them by all manner of entreaties to be as secret as we could desire. They were all very affectionate to their Master, and some of them were so well inclined toward me, that they were both forward in promising, and exact in performing what we demanded. The house we went to, was far from any great road, upon the edge of a huge forest, and in such a place as was very unlikely to be suspected for our retreat. When we were come thither, the Master of the House, and some women we found there, took the best order they could to receive us, and by good fortune, Theodates having brought his Physician, and his Chirurgeon from the army with him, furnished with such things as were necessary for any wound, we had the means to have ou'rs dressed as commodiously as if we had been at Issedon. I had but three, and those were found to be such light ones, that it was not probable they should keep me long in bed. They applied what they thought most convenient to them, and likewise to Critons, who had four or five greater than mine, but not at all more dangerous. The Physician enjoined me to give the remainder of that night to rest, contrary to the intention I had to spend it in discoursing with Theodates, but the next day I had leisure enough, and asked him a thousand questions concerning my dear Oroondates. By what he had done in my behalf he was become as criminal as I, and his access to Court was as difficult, and as unsafe as mine. His affection to me was sufficient to make him undergo it with patience, but I was afflicted at it for him, and his love to Theomiris being known to me, I doubted not but he had a restless longing to see her again. We fell to deliberate what we should do with ourselves, and were along time before we could resolve. I was too firmly fixed in Scythia, to suffer so much as a thought of going out of it, and would rather have exposed myself to a thousand evident deaths, then have persuaded myself to leave Berenice; but if I had been so minded, it would have been exceeding difficult to do it, and we doubted not but that the King had sent to stop all the Ports, and to lay all the other passages by which we could get out of his territories. We believed also, that how secret soever our present retreat was, it could not serve us many days, and that those persons the King employed in search of us, might at last discover where we were. After we had long consulted we believed the surest way we could take would be to return to Issedon, where when the first troubles were once passed over, we might have free entrance by night, and where by reason of the greatness of the City, and the multitude of new affairs that sprung up daily in the Court, and in that throng of people we might easily lie concealed in houses that were at Theodates his disposing, especially being the King would never suspect we were returned thither, and that we had taken sanctuary so near him against his anger. This advice seemed the most reasonable, and was most conformable to my humour, and to the desire I had not to go far from Berenice; in the mean time we sent two witty understanding fellows back to the Town, to fetch us such things as we wanted, and to inquire after what concerned us. They performed their commission very cunningly, and in the evening brought us the same news we had imagined, They told us that the King had appeared more sensible of this last discontent then of any other he had ever felt before, and that for all the remainder of that day, those that were most in his favour, hardly had the boldness to come near him, that he had left no body at home that was able to ride on horseback, but had sent them all in pursuit of us, and that (as we had foreseen) he had given order to stop all the ports and passages of his Kingdom, that nevertheless they said in Town that none but those that were interessed, obeyed his orders without trouble, and that the better part of Scythians amongst whom the name of Arsaces was still in high esteem, rejoy'd at his escape, and favoured him with their wishes as much as they could possibly. In this news, I found some consolation; but when I asked them concerning Berenice, they could tell me nothing, but that the rumour was, how since this accident the King had commanded she should be surely guarded, and that very few persons were allowed to see her, This report made me guess at part of the truth, and I believed that the King's late resolution against me, had proceeded only from the knowledge he had gotten of my passion. Ah! how many torments did that belief cause in me, and how many sighs did it cost me when I thought what that fair Princess was like to suffer by my occasion! O King of Scythia, (cried I) revenge thyself upon Arsaces'; but do not punish Berenice, and though that be the most sensible part wherein thou canst wound thine enemy; remember that Berenice is above thy laws, and above the Empire of mankind. The second day being passed, Theodates was of opinion we might be much more secure in Issedon, (as we had already thought) then in that house, and for that purpose, having sent to make ready a lodging, where he was confident we might safely trust ourselves; we took our way thither the night following. Our wounds would not suffer us to ride without inconveniency, but I had so great an inclination to be near Berenice again, that I was scarcely sensible of mine, and having rid it in little more than two hours, we entered after midnight into the Town, the gates whereof were not wont to be shut. Those that accompanied us parted several ways, some of them retiring to other places, and for fear our number should at last make us be discovered, we kept none with us but those that were necessary. They did our businesses, and fetched us in provisions by night: and during the day time, the doors of our house were always shut; it stood in the most unfrequented quarter of all the Town, and we were so careful to make no noise, that their could hardly be any ground for suspicion. Yet were we in a great deal of danger; but by the order the King had taken, we should have been so likewise in any other place, and the consideration of peril was not able to drive me from Berenice, Theodates and I were not without a good number of Friends at Court, to whom we should have made no difficulty to trust ourselves if it had been necessary; Prince Carthasis though the King's Brother, would have received us with a great deal of affection, and his friendship to us, as also his aversion to Arsacomes, and his discontent at the greatness of his fortune, were sufficient to have made him exspose himself to any hazard for our consideration. Many others of the chief of Scythia, had still preserved the remembrance of the good offices I had done them, or which I had endeavoured to do them, during the time I was in favour and I doubted not but that they would have ventured very far to have obliged me; but I was loath to endanger them without necessity, believing that whosoever should be known to be my friend would be the first suspected, and that by how much the more secret our abode was, so much the safer also would it be. We passed many days on this manner, which being separated from my Princess I should have thought unsupportable, if since the time of my imprisonment I had not been inur'd to suffer. Yet was I mervellously impatient to see her, and assoon as my wounds permitted me to stir out of bed, I resolved to hazard that visit in spite of Theodates his oppositions. What, (said I) shall I be free in Issedon, and not see Berenice? Ah! Theodates, my life is not so dear to me as that I would secure it at that rate, nor can I preserve it without Berenice; since it is for her alone that I preserve it. Theodates' complied with my design when he saw he could not divert it, and that consent was not without some mixture of his own interest. The Princess Theomiris was still with Berenice, and for all her father's rigorous usage of her, at the request of Prince Carthasis, she was allowed the company of that Princess, whom she made her bedfellow, and to whom she had entrusted her most secret thoughts. Theodates had not seen her since his departure, but now he hoped we might share that visit together. After we had long contrived the least difficult expedients, we at last made choice of this; We remembered that the Princess' ante-chamber, had an iron grated window not very high, which stood towards a little narrow street that was almost uninhabited by reason it was so exceeding dirty, that hardly any body could pass that way; it was not ne'er the Palace gate, nor any of those places where there used to be guards, and I thought when all the world was asleep, we by that window might get to speak with Cyllenia, and by her means enjoy the happiness of entertaining our Princesses. After we had thus laid our design, we got on horseback, and took two trusty men along with us, whom we set as sentinels at each end of that street, to come and give us notice in case they should see any body that could discover our conversation. In the mean time there had happened things to my Princess, which the course of my story hindered me from telling you, and which I will not recount before I pass further in my narration. It would be fitter (interrupted Oroondates) that my sister should tell us them herself; That little breathing time will not be needless, in so long a discourse as this of yours, and it were good you rested yourself a little, that you may be able to prosecute the remainder of it without inconveniency. Arsaces' made no answer, leaving the Princess to satisfy her Brother's motion, and Berenice knowing his desire. Since you will have it so Brother, (said she) and that your friendship to Arsaces, and your knowledge of his virtue makes you pardon my faults, and my disobedience, I'll spare him the trouble of a few moments, but I have so little to say, that so short an intermission will not be much considerable.  
I will not stand to repeat again (after the relation you have heard already from the Prince) what my thoughts were after the cruel accident of the surprisal of my letters, and after the knowledge I had both of my being made a prisoner, and of the danger that threatened Prince Artaxerxes. It suffices me that you already know I loved him, as much as I believed I ought, and is he could desire, to make you judge that my apprehensions for him, were my most cruel disquiets. All my comfort was in the Princess Theomiris, and in Cyllenia, whose company the King afforded me notwithstanding all his severity. Theomiris had obtained it of the King by her father's mediation, and my enemies thought it was not necessary to take Cyllenia from me, who in their opinion, was not able to do me any service that could be prejudicial to them. It is true also, that I received those petty satisfactions by the Queen's means, who with a cunning dissimulation feigned to be sorry for the misfortune which she herself had brought upon me, and by courtesies of small importance, endeavoured to take off part of that resentment she believed I had against her. How ever it were, Theomiris and Cyllenia continued with me, and thought at that time I could not guess by whom I had been so unworthily betrayed, I never had so much as a thought to suspect Cyllenia. I therefore trusted these two dear persons; with all my discontents, and with all my fears, and they helped what they could to stop that current of tears which both those occasions drew from my eyes in great abundance. Ah! Cousin (said I) Ah! Cyllenia, I am undone, and poor Artaxerxes will undoubtedly be ruined, and ruined merely by my imprudence. That Prince, who after the loss of his Empire, and after the loss of all his friends, has escaped such numberless dangers, under the weight of which, any other body would certainly have sunk, he who amidst his most bitter enemies has subsisted with such dexterity, and who by so many marvellous actions, had so well gained their affections, falls now by my fault alone, and she to whom all Scythia owes that repose it holds from him, owes the life of its King, and owes such important services, sacrifices him now herself, to his inhumanity, and to his ingratitude. Ah? Berenice (continued I) Berenice the sole cause of that great Prince's misfortunes, do not outlive his afflictions, and if thou canst not hinder the death of poor Artaxerxes, at least forerun it with thine own. I accompanied these words with such a flood of tears, and expressed my sorrow by such moving actions, that not only Theomiris & Cyllenia; but even people of the harshest natures would have been touched with compassion. I spent the remainder of that day in this employment, and would needs have my Cousin lie with me to help to pass away the cruelest night I had ever known in all my life. She alleged all the arguments she could think of to cure me of my fears, and often persuaded me it was not likely the King would fly to extremities against a Prince of Artaxexerxes his quality, and against a Prince to whom, besides that of his life, he had other such important obligations; that the whole Kingdom so powerfully indebted to his valour, would oppose the King's rigorous intentions, and that he was too prudent and too politic to suffer himself to be transported by his passion, to such a violence as was without example.  
I found so much reason in this discourse of Theomiris, that if my affection had been more moderate, I should without question have drawn some comfort from it; but it was by her inspirations, and by those of Cyllenia that I took a little courage, and resolved to suffer the King's presence, and to receive his words with more spirit than I had done before. Having spent the night on this manner, and likewise part of the day following, I saw the King, when I least expected him, come all alone into my chamber. I rose up, and went to meet him trembling, but he disdained my reception, and sitting down upon a chair, from whence he darted nothing but furious looks at me. I come not to visit thee (said he) ungrateful, and disloyal girl, I owe not so much civility to the daughter in Law: of Darius; and from hence forward I cannot desire thy sight otherwise then as that of my most mortal enemy. I come only to reproach thee with thy ingratitude, and infidelity, or to examine thee as a criminal convicted of treason against her King. Speak wicked creature (continued he, seeing me daunted and strucken half dead with these cruel words) open thy mouth to excuse thyself, and justify thy infidelities if it be possible. Didst thou then think the son of my implacable enemy, more lovely than a Prince whom I had chosen for thee, and whose affections I had expressly commanded thee to receive? and if thou hadst eyes to judge of the difference there was between Arsacomes and thee, hadst thou none to consider that without betraying thy father, and shamefully betraying thyself, thou couldst not match thyself to the enemy of thy House, and to him who had basely abandoned his father, and his Country to their new enemies, to compass his treacherous practices against their old ones, and to seek that revenge by his secret conspiracies, which neither he nor his could ever find in open war. While the King brought forth these words with many others of the same kind, I summoned all my courage to answer him, as he commanded me, and though I had m●ch ado to recollect myself, at last my affection, my sense of the ill usage I received, and the resolution I had taken gave me a boldness that was not natural to me, and when the King had made an end of speaking, charging me expressly to reply. Sir (said I,) I would not open my mouth for my justification, if your Majesty had not absolutely commanded me, but in my preferring Ar●aces before Arsacomes, I can find no cause at all to repent myself. Arsacomes is born my Father's subject, Arsacomes never did me nor mine any considerable service, nor have I ever seen any thing either in the actions, or person of Arsacomes, which ought not to have obliged me to hate him. Arsaces' is born the greatest Prince in the world, and born Prince of a thousand subjects more considerable than Arsacomes. I owe to Arsaces' the life of the King my Father, and my own; the Queen, and Arsacomes himself are indebted to him for theirs, and all Scythia for the better part of its tranquillity, and in the actions and person of Arsaces I never saw any thing that ought not to oblige me to love him. If he be the son of your enemy, Sir, the services he has done you, makes you sufficiently to know how far he is from any of those thoughts you suspect him of; if he had desired the ruin of your Kingdom, he would not have laboured with the loss of his blood for its conservation, and if your Majesty's life had been odious to him, he would not so visibly have hazarded his own f●● its defence. I allege not to your Majesty the engagements we had to him, in the person of the Prince my brother, the good offices he did to him pass not in your opinion for obligations, and though I were indebted to him for none but those which are common to me and to yourself, for the loss of his dominions which he perchance might have avoided, if your service had not taken him up, and for the particular proofs of affection he has shown me; I think that those he has received from mine, will not pass for shameful crimes, and that I have confined them within such limits, that the want of your allowance is all the fault can be objected against me. I have loved him enough to prefer him before a subject, before whom he would have been most worthy to be preferred, though their qualities and obligations had been equal. I have loved him enough to approve of his services, waiting till such time as those he daily rendered you, should dissipate the hatred you bore his family, by the example of the King his father, in whom less important services, in spite of your inveterate enmities begot such tender affections to the Prince my Brother; and in short I have loved him enough, to hope with contentment, that after that reconciliation, you would make choice of him rather than of Arsacomes, and rather than of any other body that should have an ambition like that of his; but I have not loved him enough to grant him any favours that can make me blush, nor to give him either promises or hopes to the prejudice of what I owe unto your Majesty. Though Arsaces and I were both at liberty, I should be so much Mistress of my affection to him, as to die rather than marry him, or go along with him without your consent, but if your will would agree with my inclination, I confess Sir, that as much forsaken by Fortune, and as much dispossessed of his dominions as he is, I would prefer him before all the Princes upon the face of the earth. At these last words, the King was so inflamed with anger, that it was easy to observe it in his face, and stamping with his foot as he rose up from his chair with a furious action; And I swear by all the Gods (said he) that I will quickly deprive thee of the liberty of preferring him before any body, and thy indiscreet and disloyal affection shall be more fatal to my enemy, than all those ill designs he has had against me; prepare thyself for his death, which I tell thee of myself, as thou tellest me of thy perfidious tricks, and believe that the only choice I will leave thee from hence forward, shall be that of Arsacomes living, or of Arsaces in his grave. If the beginning of the King's discourse had not prepared me for these cruel words, they were enough to have made me lose my senses; but as well resolved as I was, I had much ado to keep myself from falling into a swoon, and sinking into Cylleni ' as arms, who stretched them forth to receive me seeing me change colour; I looked upon the King with a pitiful eye, though it were animated with some resentment, and struggling against my faintness. The ashes of Arsaces' (said I) shall ever be dearer to me then the person of Arsacomes, and if I must shut up my hopes, and my life itself within his tomb, I shall esteem my condition happier, then if I were possessor of all Europe with Arsacomes. These last words absolutely took away all the reason the King had left; and though my chiefest desires were bounded in Artaxerxes his safety; I innocently procured his ruin by these extraordinary marks of my affection. The King could hardly retain himself, in the violence of his wrath, but moderating it by the thought of that revenge he was preparing, he was content with expressing his intention by furious looks, and went out of my chamber with a face, which sufficiently declared the action he was going to do.  
I remained in an excess of grief, or rather in a mortal agony, and all the apprehension I had had for Arsaces' before, was nothing in comparison of the fears which then assaulted me. I knew the King's relentless nature, and his persistance in his cruel resolulutions, and that put me into the most sorrowful condition you can possible imagine. Theomiris and Cyllenia knew not which way to comfort me, and I think without their assistance, I should have been reduced to very great extremities. I every moment fancied poor Arsaces either dead or dying▪ and the King's harsh threats had made such an impression in my mind, that 'twas impossible for me to withdraw my thoughts one minute from that fatal remembrance. Oh! King of Scythia, (said I) if thou accomplish thy horrible resolutions, thou may'st well prepare thyself for the funerals of thine own children; Berenice will not survive poor Artaxerxes, and Oroondates will without question die for grief, when he shall hear, that the life of his Brother, for the loss whereof he had shed so many tears, was preserved only to fall under the hands of the King his father. I said many other things, whose length makes me forbear to entertain you with them, and I tormented myself on that fashion, from the morning when the King had visited me, till it was almost night. I did not believe he would so soon have gone on to the execution of his threatenings, and I thought that to put a man of Arsaces' his quality to death, there had been need of longer deliberation●; but I was deceived in my opinion, and though my fears were violent, they were not of so long continuance as I expected. It began already to grow late, when there was a great noise in the next Court, and amidst a great confusion of voices, I heard the name of Arsaces' pronounced several times. At that reiterated name, my mortal fears were redoubled, and I sell immediately into the most fatal apprehension. Arsaces' is dead (cried I, throwing myself off from my bed) Arsaces is dead Cousin, and without doubt this confused noise is caused by the news of his death. As I spoke these words, I ran to the window which looked into the next Cout, where I saw a great many people got together, who in talking of Arsaces, clapped their hands, and did actions that sufficiently expressed their astonishment. I than heard a calling for arms, and saw a great many of the guard go out of the Palace in haste, and in confusion. All these things confirmed me in my fears, and I was so affrighted, that I had not the heart to open my mouth, to ask what the matter was. In the end the court remained almost quite empty, and for a time there was a silence as great as the noise had been before it. Theomiris and Cyllenia laid me upon my bed again, in a condition little different from that of persons without life. I had not the leisure to express my sorrow by any long complaints, for before I had been a quarter of an hour upon my bed, I heard a second noise in the Palace much greater than the former; It wrought the same effect upon me the other had done; I ran quite transported to the window, where I heard the Officers of the Guard, and many others calling for horses with a precipitateness which testified their disorder. After I had remained a while in a perplexity that cannot be expressed, I saw Prince Carthasis my Uncle come into the Court; by good fortune he presently cast up his eyes to our window, and I no sooner saw that he looked upon me, but I by signs, and by a beseeching gesture begged a visit from him. As soon as he understood my meaning, he came up the stairs, and finding no hindrance at my chamber door by reason of his quality, he entered immediately after. He was acquainted with all matters that passed, both by what he had heard from the King, and what I had confessed to him myself, nor had I any cause to repent that he was privy to them, seeing there were no proofs of affection I could desire of him, which he did not give me in all manner of encounters to his utmost power. He had a particular esteem, and a strong affection for Arsaces, and I received no small assurance of it by his action in coming toward me. I cast myself all in tears into his arms, but I had not opened my mouth to ask him the cruel news I apprehended, when to put me out of pain, he broke silence first. Madame, (said he) the King would have put Arsaces to death, but his Genius is more powerful than that of the Scythians, and 'tis not under such arms as theirs that such a man as he can fall. These words began to produce their effect upon me, when my Uncle not willling to let me suffer any longer; Arsaces is escaped (said he) but he has made his escape like Arsaces, and he has appeared to the ingrateful Scythians, the same gallant man that he appeared to the affectionate Scythians, when he fought so valiantly at the head of them. They have found him as invincible against them against Armibas, and the Tauro-Scithians, and if they formerly have seen him win battles by his sole courage in the front of their armies, they to day have seen him alone, and unarmed, make rivers of blood run through the streets of their principal City, and with his sword, hewn out the way unto his safety, through the midst of their stoutest troops. This news having suddenly revived me, I appeared very different from what I was a few minutes before, and though I was little informed of the truth of the business, I found myself well enough recovered to inquire it of the Prince, and to hear the relation of it very patiently. He told me what had passed in Arsaces his escape, as it was reported by those of his guard which had seen the beginning, and by those that had seen the end of that action; he made me often grow pale and trembling during this discourse, but when at last I heard, that after having done things above the power of man, he had been succoured by Theodates, whom the Gods had miraculously sent him, and that with him he was gotten out of the Town, with little probability that he could be overtaken by those that were sent in pursuit of him, my greatest fears began to vanish, and I remained as quiet, and as well contented, as I could hope to be in that adventure. Modesty forbade me to express my satisfaction to the full before my Uncle, but he saw it plainly enough in my face, and might easily have perceived in his daughters, if he had observed it, that she was not insensible at the news of Theodates his arrival, and of the share he had in the destiny of Arsaces. Though I concealed part of my thoughts from my Uncle, I made him acquainted with the rest, not being willing to give him cause by my distrust, to repent the affection he showed me in a season when it might be prejuditiall to him. When I had testified my acknowledgement of that favour as much as possibly I could, I entreated him to be gone, for fear a long visit at that time might be hurtful to him, and gain him the King's jealousy and hatred. After his departure, Theomiris and I discoursed of that last accident, and when I had compared the danger Arsaces had escaped, with those he might yet fall into, and the rigour of his imprisonment with that of his absence, I thought my condition a great deal better than it was before, and believed I ought to be much better pleased with my fortune, than I had been at any time since my restraint. I passed that night in less violent disquiets, and though I found cause enough of affliction in being separated from Arsaces, I found matter of comfort in his liberty, and chose much rather to have him absent, than a prisoner to the King my father. Arsaces (said I) will not forsake me, I am too certain that he loves me, to fear he will go away from me for ever; he by being out of the way for the present, will avoid the evident danger that threatens him, and without doubt will return to me, assoon as he can be able to make use of my Brother's assistance. Oroondates has loved him too perfectly, ever to abandon his interests, and perhaps my father's cruel humour may one day be appeased, by the consideration of his whole Family. Thus did I flatter myself in my discontents, while the King was transported with excess of rage, not being able to bear the affront he had received, without such an impatiency as nothing can represent. He banished those guards for ever that had escaped Arsaces his valour, and looked upon the rest with such a fury as put them all into a mortal terror. What (said he) has a single man, in the heart of my Dominions, in the chief of all my Cities, near my own person and in the midst of all my Subjects, made his escape from my just indignation, and are the Scythians so cowardly as to quit the passage to one man alone, or so faithless as to open it of their own accord to their King's chief enemy? He spoke these words with many furious actions, and grew so terrible to those that were most familiar with him, that the Queen herself durst hardly venture to come near him. His belief that I would be glad of the discontent he had received by Arsaces his deliverance, redoubled the aversion he had received against me, and he was ready to have discharged part of that wrath upon me, which before was kindled against him. He neither saw me nor would suffer me to be seen but by very few, yet about three days after this accident I was visited by the Queen, from whom I neither had expected nor desired that honour. I was I was not so good a dissembler, as to make my face show a different welcome from what my heart afforded her; but though I could not doubt that her malice alone had brought me into that condition I then was in, I strove all I could to pay her, in my own chamber, some part of what was due to my father's wife. After the first discourses of a very forced civility; Madam, (said she) by rendering you this visit which I owe you, I shall without question move the King to some displeasure against me, but I was willing to hazard that to assure you that I am very sensible of what you suffer, and very ready to labour for your redress as much as possibly I can. I am much obliged to your goodness (answered I) but my fear of the Kings being displeased with you for it, could have made me wish you had not honoured me with this visit. Stratonice who has a great deal of wit, took my words in the same sense they were intended, and showing by a smile that she very well understood my meaning. I do not doubt (replied she) but that you are angry with me, and that you suspect I have done what I could to maintain Arsacomes his interests against Arsaces. In this I am very sorry I have been constrained to thwart your inclinations, but 'tis a proceeding that is both very natural, and very ordinary, and you are too full of reason to believe, that I ought to hold the Son of Darius, and my own Brother in equal consideration. I should not have fallen upon this discourse, if the Queen had not begun it. But when I saw she entered so far into it herself, I thought I might very well reply. It was not just (said I) Madam, that you should favour Arsaces with your assistance, to the prejudice of Arsacomes, neither did he demand it of you; but by the service you had received from him, he had reason to believe you would not endeavour his destruction, nor had I ever offended you so much, as to imagine you aught to seek for mine. I have done nothing (added the Queen) that should make you think I had an intention to hurt you; nor did I perchance seek your disadvantage, when I laboured to make you prefer Prince Arsacomes, before a Prince whose birth and merit indeed were considerable, but he was an enemy to the King your Father, an enemy to this State, and one to whom the Gods have left nothing of which his Ancestors possessed. If the Gods (replied I with more boldness then ordinary) have deprived Prince Artaxerxes of his forefather's Empire, they have left him characters which all their anger cannot take away; they have left him a sword that can recover his dominions, as it hath defended ours, and briefly they have left him marks of what he was, and what he still is, which can suffer no comparison with any of my father's subjects; if he be the son of our enemy, 'tis of an enemy that used the Prince my brother as the dearest of his children; and if he be our enemy himself, he's an enemy, Madam, without whom the King had not been now alive, without whom Arsacomes had not been alive, without whom both you and I had either been dead or captives, and without whom perhaps this Kingdom had been lost. The Queen was nettled seeing me take Arsaces' his part so sharply, and not being able to dissemble it, after a blush which appeared in her face. Your affection to Arsaces, (said she) gives you thoughts in favour of him, and to the contempt of others, which would be very advantageous to him, if they were approved of by the King your father; but it has pleased the Gods, his mind should be different from yours; and though he was not unsensible of Arsaces' his services while he believed him to be his friend, nor blind to the knowledge of his good qualities, yet was not his opinion the same with yours for the choice of him whom he thought worthy to be your servant. That Arsacomes whom you despise so much, was not so contemptible to him but that he destined him to the honour which you made Darius his son to hope for, and has settled the pardon of the offence he believes he has received from you, in the obedience you shall render him in favour of my Brother. The King (answered I being vexed to the very heart at these words) cannot destiny me to Arsacomes, without destining me to my grave, and what obedience soever I owe him, death is able to give me a dispensation. You shall not die, (replied the Queen rising from her chair) but time will make you know what maids of yonr birth and quality owe unto their Father, and unto their King, and how great difficulty soever you make of submitting yourself to it▪ you understand yourself too well directly to oppose the will of yours. After these words and some other of a feigned civility, she went away, and left me so ill satisfied with her conversation, that I was not settled again of all that day. I passed the next, and some others in the same manner, till the time we were visited with Arsaces and Theodates. Theomiris and I were in bed together, and not being able to sleep, I was entertaining her with my ordinary disquiets, when Cyllenia who took as little rest as we heard a knocking at the grate of my window. At first she regarded it not, but finding it continued she leaped out of her bed, and coming close to mine, told me of it, and asked me what I would have her do; although I did not absolutely guess the truth, and that I believed not Arsaces' to be in Issedon, yet did I imagine it was to give me notice of something that any body came to my window at such an hour, and in conceit I commanded Cyllena to open it. She had no sooner done so, but she perceived two men on horseback, one of which presently called her by her name, and was known to her by his voice to be Arsaces'. Assoon as she was certain of it, she gave him not the leisure to discourse with her, but running to my bedside, brought me the news, transported either with joy or with astonishment. I was strangely surprised at it as you may well imagine, and notwithstanding the infinite desire I had to see Arsaces' again, I could not hear he was so near his enemies without being extremely affrighted. I rose with Theomiris, and each of us taking a night gown, we went unto that window, and made Cyllenia stay at the chamber door, for fear we should be surprised at that conversation. I had not sooner dicovered Arsaces, and his friend through that gloomy night, but my fear and my affection sharing my soul between them, made me immovable, and and also insensible; but as soon as the too Princes knew us, they bowed down to their very saddles, and having given us a salute full of respect, Arsaces breaking silence first, Madame, (said he) Arsaces is yet permitted to see you again, and the Gods have saved this prisoner, this condemned man, this fugitive, to restore him a sight which is a thousand times more dear to him, than the liberty they had taken, or the life they would have taken from him. He would have gone on with his his discourse as he had begun, if I had not interrupted him. Yes Arsaces (said I) you see me, and I see you again, but though your sight be as dear to me as you can wish, it causes greater disquiets in me, than those your absence would make me suffer, and if you had loved me as you are obliged to do by the last proofs of your affection, you had kept my heart from those terrors to which you now exspose it. You doubt not that I was as much concerned in your safety as in my own; but you ought as little to doubt that I can see you in the danger into which you precipitate yourself, without mortal apprehensions. What? (pursued I with the same tone) is Arsaces in Issedon, and under the Palace window? Arsaces' the sole aim of the King's wrath and hatred, and Arsaces for whose destruction he would hazard that of his Empire? I said a great deal more that expressed my fear for him, but all served only to give him new marks of my affection, and after he had quietly given me the hearing; I know no danger (replied he) than can fright me from the sight of my Princess, and I should have scorned my liberty, and given up my life to them that would have taken it away, if I had believed there had been any consideration strong enough to keep me from seeing you again. Do not therefore moderate my happiness by your too obliging fears, but suffer me after an imprisonment which nothing but your absence made me think unsupportable, to enjoy what was so cruelly forbidden me, and to return through the midst of all manner of dangers to that felicity for which alone I have preserved myself. He accompanied these with many other passionate words, after which I received Theodates his civilities, and gave him those welcomes that were due to his quality, and to his deserts, and to the good offices he had done his friend. I thanked him for Arsaces' his safety, with as much acknowledgement as possibly I could, and then I would no longer rob him of the same advantage we enjoyed, but left him to entertain Theomiris with an equal liberty; that Lady loved him as she was obliged by all manner of considerations, but 'twas with so much discretion and reservedness, that the severest persons could not have found any thing to condemn in her affection. The window at which we talked was so low, that the two Princes being on horseback, could easily reach it with their hand, and though it were grated the bars stood so far without, that we could hear one another though we spoke but softly, and also see one another as well as the light of the stars would suffer us. After I had testified to Arsaces' how sensible I had been of the dangers he had run, and with what joy I had received the news of his escape, I told him all that had happened to me since the time I had not been able to write to him, and recounted all that you have heard, as well about the taking of my letters, as the King's cruel threats, the Queen's visits, and all that I had suffered for his sake. He was so passionate at that discourse, that he had hardly patience to let me finish it, and in the answers I had made to the King and Queen to his advantage, as likewise in the constancy I had shown to favour him, he found so much reason to be satisfied with me, and with his fortune that he knew not how to express the least part of his acknowledgements. Is it possible (said he) that what I hear should be a truth, and that Arsaces should be so happy as to attain this high degree of felicity? Ah! loss of my Dominions; Ah! dangers that I have run; Ah! pains that I have suffered, how gloriously are you all rewarded; a●d how unable is the King of Scythia to shake so firm a fortune as mine is. Since my Princess judges me worthy of her affection, and that in spite of such cruel rigours, and persecutions she perseveres to keep it for me, I henceforth apprehend nothing from the power of men, and my happiness is above the reach of all they can attempt against me. From this he fell into such tender, and such affectionate expressions of thanks, that it was hard to hear them, and to repent when one had done for him, and I redoubled his contentment by all the confirmations he could desire of my friendship. We than began all together to consult what was best to be done, and when we had severally delivered our opinions. My design (added he) if it be permitted for a person that is subject, and dependent to have a design, is for some days to enjoy the happiness which now is granted me, if I can do it without troubling, and disquieting my Princess, and when I shall have obtained leave of my Love to be able to part from her for some time, and that by the settling of the King's anger I may think my passage will be a little freer, I'll go away to the Prince my Brother, to show him the face of him he hath so dearly loved, and to take sanctuary with him against the indignation of his Father. I hope for all things from his friendship, and he commands an Army, which after him, would be at my devotion, against the rest of all mankind. I shall have no other enemy there but Arsacomes; and if the consideration of Oroondates make me defer the effect of my resentments, against him, I am most certain I shall be preferred before him in Oroondates his friendship; but if without offending my dear Brother, I may be suffered to let them lose, I shall find ways enough to free myself of a rival, who hath made, and who perhaps would yet make the greatest part of all my miseries; neither ought he to hope that he can enjoy his life, with his ambition of serving Berenice, and though I fear not he should be able to shake the constancy of my Princess, I ought however to punish him for the pains and persecutions he hath made her suffer. This was Arsaces his intention, part whereof I approved, and labouring to divert the violence of the rest, I would needs moderate his spleen against Arsacomes, by the promise I made him, that all his endeavours should never serve for any thing but to make him the more odious to me. I will not trouble you Brother, with all the particulars of our conversation, that discourse would be too long, since it was not much shorter than the night; In brief, judging that the day began to draw near, I dismissed Arsaces, after having confirmed him by all manner of protestations, in the hope he had of my constancy, and after having given him leave to take the same opportunities for a like entertainment, while he could stay at Issedon with any safety. This design was put in execution, and I saw him many times in the same manner, without either being surprised or troubled by any encounter, and Arsaces at my urgent entreaties was so careful to keep himself concealed, that his being in Issedon was never so much as suspected. In the interim the King was so extremely vexed at the shame he thought he had received, that his discontent mode rated, or rather stifled all the joy he ought to have received, for the happy proceedings of my Brother's Army. He had heard of his victory over Zopirio, and afterwards of the taking of many Towns, which either by force or gentleness, he had brought under his obedience; but he hardly appeared any way sensible of those successes, which in another season would have found him very ready to bear a part in the public joy. But he received no small surcharge to his affliction, when by an express that came from Arsacomes, he heard how Prince Oroondates had lest the Army, the cause of his departure being unknown to every body, as likewise the place whether he was gone. He delivered him a letter which my Brother had written to Arsacomes▪ whereby he resigned the army into his command, and gave up into his hand, the charge the King had imposed upon him. This news cast the King into furious redoublings of his anger, but it was raised to the extremity, when that Messenger delivered him a Cabinet which my Brother had forgotten, in which amongst many other papers there had been found the information Theodates gave him of the life, fortune, and imprisonment of Artaxerxes. The reading of that letter, produced many several effects in him, for if it made him judge that Oroondates had till then been innocent of the treacherous designs whereof he accused Artaxerxes, it made him also believe that it was that advertisement that made him leave his army, to go to that dear friend, and to join with him against his father's service. Neither was he without some suspicion, that Oroondates had cunningly left that letter, to make it be believed that the designs and person of Arsaces had been unknown to him, and to gain the more facility by that device, to effect the plots they had continued together. But howsoever it were, the King could not fix upon any of these opinions, without finding cause to redouble his wrath and hatred against Artaxerxes, nor did he neglect any thing that could serve toward his revenge, and seeing that the Gods, or his ill fortune had made him 'scape out of his hands, he sought out all the ways to mischief him that could fall into his imagination. He caused many manifests to be drawn, and sent into all the quarters of his Kingdom, wherein he accused him of treason, and of a conspiracy against his life, exhorted all his subjects to endeavour his destruction, and the more strongly to invite them to it, promised five hundred talents to whosoever should bring him his head. The news of this cruelty and malice of the Kings, drove Arsaces into resentments which were like to have made him go beyond those considerations, which till then he had preserved towards his person. Ah! (said he) why must this barbarous man be the father of Berenice, and Oroondates, and why is it not permitted me to revenge▪ with the blood of so cruel an enemy, the ingrateful designs he has against my life, and the wrong he would do my reputation? After these words, he returned again to himself, and repenting that he had spoken to them, asked me pardon, and protested, he never would fall any more into those violent thoughts against my father. And indeed till then, he endeavoured to force himself to patience, but he utterly lost it, at the last effects of the King's indignation.  
How great compliance soever the King had till then showed to Stratonice, yet had he never resolved to marry me to Arsacomes, and though he was driven to it by the considerations of his love, and by the Queen's eternal persecutions, his ambition, and some remainder of his affection to me, made him repugnant to that alliance; but when once he began to lose the hope of taking revenge upon Arsaces by any other way, he overcame the remnant of his love to me, and believing he could not afflict his enemy more sensibly, then by giving me to his rival, he resolved absolutely upon the marriage. He had heard was nothing more to do in the Country, where Arsacomes was with his army, and having determined that he should return with his forces, he sent an express to him with orders to bring him back, and with a letter which he wrote to him, the words whereof were to this purpose.  
The King of Scythia to Prince Arsacomes.  
Since you are the only man worthy of my friendship, and of my alliance, I intent that you shall have them both; come therefore Arsacomes, to receive the recompense that expects you as well for the services I have received from you; as for those you have rendered Berenice; from hence forward she shall be yours, and all the difficulties you have found in winning her, shall yield to the authority of her Father▪ and of her King.  
He showed this letter to divers of the Court, and published his resolution to every body, to the end Arsaces might come to hear of it and feel the sorrow he prepared for him. He would needs also give me my share of it, and the next day after the departure of that fatal messenger, he came into my chamber, and bearing the marks of his cruel intention in his forehead, put me into as great a fear as I could possibly be capable of. He took not so much leisure as to sit down for the short visit he meant to make me, but looking upon me with a severer eye than ever he had done before, Berenice, (said he) hitherto I have been too favourable to you, but you too unworthily abused my indulgence, therefore now know my last intentions, and dispose yourself once for all to marry Arsacomes I give you as much time to resolve upon it, as will be necessary for his voyage hither, but I declare to you that he shall be your husband, from the very day of his arrival. Though I was infinitely surprised at this strange discourse, yet did I call up all the courage I had, to make reply to that severe proposition of the Kings, and looking upon him with an eye that was more animated then ordinary. I will obey you Sir, (said I) to the last minute of my life; but my death I hope shall free me from the obedience I owe you. You shall have leave to die (replied the King) if you prefer death before Arsacomes but you shall never obtain a more favourable election. He stayed not for my answer, but going out of the room left me in the condition you may judge I was reduced to by that cruel threat; Truly it was a very lamentable one, and Theomiris and Cyllenia, had never been more sorrowfully employed about me, than they were all the rest of that day. I would have dissembled my grief to Arsaces, whom I was to see that night, and I prayed my Cousin not to tell him of that visit of the Kings, but 'twas impossible for me to hold my resolution, and as soon as ever I saw him, my tears broke forth in such abundance, that before I was able to speak, he was but two well instructed in my misfortune; wherefore I was forced to confess it to him, after the tears that had betrayed me, and seeing he suspected something more fatal, I was fain to tell him all I knew, both of the King's message to Arsacomes, and of the cruel command I had received from his own mouth. Arsaces never appeared so terrible to me as at that kill news, and I do not wonder, his enemies should think him so dreadful in fight, since in the anger I saw him at that time, I could not but be afraid of him myself. Yet did he all that possibly he could to master it before me, and when he had a little conquered that first fury, which made him fly into an extremity of rage against the King's violent proceeding, and that he had kept silence for a few moments. 'Tis too long deferred, (added he) Arsacomes must die, and the blood of that unworthy favourite must pay for the King's tyranny, and for his own. Oppose not this just resolution, Madam, with unjust commands; my obedience in this encounter would be cowardice, and in the extremity we are now reduced to, I ought to be exempted from it. The King doth but vainly prepare a marriage for him, to which he has unworthily pretended, neither am I so forsaken of the Gods, or men, no nor of my own courage which hitherto hath served me faithfully enough, but that I can make that rival fall at the head of his army. The King of Scythia perhaps shall find that the remembrance of Arsaces is not yet extinguished in the Court of Scythia, and I hope it shall be with his own forces that I'll oppose his unjust and tyrannical designs. These were Arsaces his words, and I saw him so fixed upon that resolution, that I had not the confidence to oppose it with all the power I had over him. Yet did I strive to pacify him as much as possibly I could, and alleged all the reasons I thought capable to divert his purpose. I loved not blood, and could have wished to be rid of Arsacomes otherwise then by his death, and besides I saw such great and manifest dangers to Arsaces in that enterprise, that it was hard to hope for a favourable issue of it. I represented it to him as well as I was able, and endeavoured to touch him by the consideration of my fears for the evident peril of his life. He having ever been very ready to comply with my entreaties, strove to appear more moderate, and having protested he would make his inclinations yield to mine as much as he could possibly, he left me in some belief that I had obtained what I desired of him. I passed the rest of that day in those disquiets which that uncetainty caused in me; but in the night, at the hour when I expected him, I only received a letter by one of Theodates his servants, the words whereof were these,  
Arsaces to the Princess Berenice.  
I depart, Madam, since my honour, since my repose will not suffer me to remain longer near you, and perchance I shall not return to you again, till I am freed of a rival, and revenged of an enemy: Remember your faithful Arsaces; and if it please the Gods he die in this enterprise, suffer him not to die also in your memory.  
The reading of these words did infinitely augment my grief, and put me again into my former apprehensions. I began to be afflicted for his absence, and to tremble for the dangers into which he was going to expose himself. What likelihood is there (said I to Theomiris and Cyllenia) that he can attempt to kill Arsacomes at the head of his army, without perishing himself in the design? Ah! without doubt, Cousin, we shall never see him more, and his despair will make him so far to neglect the means of his safety, that he by his own ruin will secure the pretensions of Arsacomes. I afflicted myself on this manner, notwithstanding all the consolations I received from Theomiris, and could never be cured of my fears during all the time he continued in that journey. But Brother, I think I am at the end of the recital you demanded of me, and if you desire to know the wonderful events of Arsaces' his voyage, you may learn them much better from himself then me, who am little capable of relating such adventures as those you are going to hear from him. It is just, fair Princess, (replied Arsaces) that I should ease you of that pains, and you out of your goodness have given me rest enough, to be able to finish this narration. Arsaces' held his peace at these words, and when he had thought a while of the discourse he was to make, he proceeded in these terms.  
Assoon as I had left the Princess, and that I was retired with Theodates, I made that dear friend acquainted with my resolution of departing the next night, to go to Arsacomes, and either give him his death in the middle of his troops, or put an end by mine own, to all the pains to which I saw myself condemned. Theodates was amazed at that design, but he argued not much against it, and only told me he would run my fortune, and that into what peril soever I exposed myself, he never would forsake me while he lived: These tender proofs of his friendship, did infinitely redouble mine, and not having the power to refuse his company in such an enterprise, especially seeing there was no more safety for him in Issedon then for me, and that in what part of Scythia soever he could be, his abode would still be dangerous, because besides what he had done to favour my escape, the letter which had come to the King's eye, and which was known to be his hand, had exceedingly aggravated his displeasure against him, I consented to let him go along with me, and expose himself with me to all the dangers which in probability we went to encounter. That day we gave order to get good arms, and good horses, and other things that were most necessary for us; but we would take no other company along with us except Criton who had already well reovered his wounds, Theodates his squire, and two of his servants to take care of our horses and arms, believing that a greater train would but make our passage the more difficult, and the more easily discover us. I wrote those few words to my Princess which she repeated to you, and though her absence was the greatest misfortune I was sensible of in that attempt, yet would I go away without seeing her for fear she should oppose my intention with her absolute authority. I gave my letter into the hands of a trusty servant of Theodates, and when a good part of the night was spent, we took horse, and going out of the Town, put ourselves into a way that was not unknown to those that attended us. By good fortune we had no river to pass that was not fordable, nor no Town in our passage which we could not avoid, sending only Theodates his servants through them, to buy such provisions as we needed. This did much facilitate our voyage, and we performed it without any encounter that was able to cross our purpose. But before we came to the army, I thought fit to discover the bottom of my design to Theodates, and to that end. Do not believe (said I) that my resolution proceeds totally from my despair, and that my enterprise for all it is so hazardous is without some beam of hope, grounded upon a great deal of reason. The Army now under Arsacomes, is the same you know that I commanded against the Tauro-Scythians, in the country of the Agatirsians, and afterwards against Armibas; 'twas with it we obtained some victories against the King of Scythia's enemies; There is no commander among those Troops whom I have not obliged by some particular courtesy; there is hardly any soldier whose face and name is not known to me, and never did any General receive more testimonies of affection from his men then I from them while we marched together. This remembrance makes me hope for favour amongst them, though I should come to be so unfortunate, as to have ill success in my design against Arsacomes his person; and for all he is their General, perchance he will have much ado to find more friends than I among them. You have reason to believe it, (answered Theodates) and as I can assure you, that your memory is still dearer to them than you can imagine; I can also tell you, that by reason of Arsacomes his pride, and of his haughty carriage, all the soldiers and all the Officers have a great aversion to him, and I am confident, they never submitted to his command without a great deal of unwillingness. These words of Theodates redoubled my hopes, and in the mean time we advanced toward the army, with as much speed as the compasses we were fain to take would suffer us, and we found it sooner than we expected. The King's messenger had made very great haste, and had been arrived there many days, and Arsacomes who with such lofty hopes, had received so pleasing an order, had raised his camp from the banks of Boristhenes, and was returning strait to Issedon, with as long marches as he could. He by order from the King had left five or six thousand men upon the frontier, which he had put in garrison, in some of those Towns that had been recovered, and the rest of the army was about eighteen, or twenty thousand. It was along the bank of the river Hypanis that we saw the first battalions march, and riding with our beavers down, we passed without doubt, among the first that saw us, for horsemen of their army; we wore nothing upon our Arms that could discover our quality, they were very good, but not enriched with any ornament, that could make them be taken notice of, and we had made choice of such, that we might have the liberty of passing every where with less danger of being known. I had taken no particular order about my design, but had only resolved to lay hold of the first occasion Fortune should offer me to fight with Arsacomes, or kill him if I could do it upon even terms and without any baseness; but see how she behaved herself in that adventure, and admire her capriciousnesse in one of the strangest events you ever heard.  
One part of the army was already passed, when I saw Arsacomes appear at the head of a good number of Commanders, among which I knew the good old Cleorestes, Leotaris and some other of those friends I had greatest confidence in. He was completely armed, (as you know it is the custom among the Scythians never to go without there arms upon a march, or in passing upon any duty of their Command) but his beaver was up, and he was easy to be known by many other marks. Assoon as ever I saw 'twas he, my resentments awakened in such manner, that I no longer was master of them, and though in appearance I could not take a more unseasonable time for my satisfaction, I was not capable of all necessary considerations, and moreover I believed that in the extremity I was reduced to, and in the nature of the cause that moved me, I could not stand considering, nor seek ways to facilitate my enterprise, and be cautious of my safety, without cowardice. In this conceit turning toward Theodates; Dear Theodates (said I) I can no longer defer the execution of my design, stir not till you see I have need of your assistance, and then do what you shall think convenient. I hearkened not to what Theodates alleged to dissuade me from my rash intent, but advancing toward Arsacomes I drew near him without any difficulty. I saluted him bowing to my saddle bow, and speaking to him without putting up my beaver; Sir, (said I) may I have a word or two with you in private, to inform you of a thing of great importance for the King's service? Arsacomes accused me of unmannerliness, or folly, for having spoken to him without discovering my face, and looking upon me with an arrogant fashion, he asked me who I was. You shall know, Sir, (answered I) and with my name, shall also learn the business I have to impart to you, if you please to withdraw about an hundred paces from this company that is about you. With these words I turned my horse and road toward the place whither I desired to draw him, and though they that were present would have persuaded him not to follow me, and told him that by so doing he should injure his dignity, yet being (as indeed he was) valiant, and desirous of glory, he believed that distrust would show a want of spirit. In that opinion he commanded them to march on, and forbidding them to follow him, he came galloping after me, and passing by the place where I had stopped, went five or six hundred paces from his men. I overtook him in an instant, and he turning toward me assoon as I drew near. Speak now (said he) at liberty, and since no body overhears thee, tell me who thou art, and what thou hast to communicate to me for the King's service. I thought I might satisfy part of his demand by letting him see my face, and for that purpose thrusting up my beaver of my cask, I am Arsaces (answered I) and and that name alone thou may'st learn all I have to say to thee. Arsacomes was so surprised at these words and at the unexpected sight of my face, that for all he had a great deal of courage he changed colour, and appeared as unmoveable as a statue. I would not take advantage of his amazement, but to give him leisure to recover it. Come to thyself again Arsacomes (said I) and know him, whom neither the King of Scythia's ingratitude, nor thine, hath been able to ruin. I live still in spite of his orders, and in spite of thine, & I live to dispute Berenice with thee, endeavour to defend thy pretensions with thy life, & make thyself worthy by that action, of what neither thy birth nor thy services have been able to merit. Thou canst never hope to possess her quietly while Arsaces is alive, and though oughtest to dispatch him out of the world if thou wilt free thyself of a more fortunate rival, and of an irreconcilable enemy. My birth is now well enough known to thee▪ to believe thou shalt not wrong thy dignity by this combat, nor is there so little honour to be gotten with Arsaces, but that thou may'st reckon this encounter as one of the most glorious of thy whole life. By these words I strove to draw him to a greater distance from his troops, yet he would go but very little further, and having settled himself while I was speaking, after he had looked upon me with a more resolute countenance then before. Yes (said he) I am ready to dispute Berenice with thee, and since thou hast escaped the justice of the King her father, I shall be glad to revenge his quarrel, and make my sword the instrument of that death which thou oughtest to have suffered for the defence of thy country. This cruel reproach to which I saw myself unhappily exsposed▪ raised my anger to the highest pitch, and seeing that Arsacomes put his hand to the hilt of his sword without moving any further, I drew mine with all the hast I could, and making it glitter in his eyes, quickly showed him that to give me my death was not so easy a matter as he imagined. I believed I had not much time to satisfy my revenge, and that I should soon have part of the army upon me, wherefore desiring to shorten that combat with an extraordinary haste, I flew at Arsacomes with more fury than judgement, and with two fortunate blows gave him two wounds, one in the body, the other in the right arm, which disabled him to fight, and put him in such disorder, that rushing fiercely against him at the same time, I threw him headlong out of his saddle upon the ground. Though the sight of our combat had already made a good many of those that beheld it come running towards us, I had time enough to have slain Arsacomes if I had had a mind to it, but how great interest soever I had in his death, I was not able to give it him, being he was no longer in a condition to defend himself, and seeing some of the officers of the army come thundering at me, I advanced a little toward them, with a purpose to make myself known, and with a hope to moderate their resentments by the sight of my face. I found more facility in it then I expected, by the prudence of Theodates, for he no sooner had seen them stir, but casting of his helmet, and showing them his bare head, he made toward them with all possible speed, crying. O Cleorestes, O Leotaris, whither run you? 'tis Arsaces, your General, and your best friend. The name of Arsaces' often reiterated, slackened their speed, and turning toward him that spoke it, they knew him to be Theodates, to whom they bore a particular respect, and affection. They were seized with a marvellous astonishment when I coming up to them with my sword in my hand, and my head quite unarmed, do you come, (cried I) dear friends, to take away the life of Arsaces? if it be so, I refuse not death, nor can I receive it from more welcome hands, than those of my ancient friends, and of my valiant companions. These words and the sight of my face, stopped them short at first, and put them into a wonderful irresolution; but within a while after they made all other considerations yield to their affection, and putting up their swords they came to me with an intention very different from that which before had drawn them. This accident had stayed the march of the army, and all the Officers leaving their places, with part also of the soldiers, ran thronging to that spectacle, but the name of Arsaces which spread from one to another through the whole Army, presently stilled all their resentments, and wakening in them the remembrance of the ardent love they had born me, they ran all about me, to take my part against Arsacomes his servants, and particular friends, Cleorestes was the first who finding the affection of the soldiers, and incited to it by his own, got before all the rest and cried, Long live our General Arsaces, and may his enemies perish. Leotaris seconded him in his cries and in his action, and immediarely the name of Arsaces' echoed through all the plain, I was almost overturned with the crowd of Officers, and soldiers, some asked to see their General Arsaces, and some pressed to salute me. I stretched forth my hands and embraced them one after another, and calling them by their names I made them see I had dearly preserved their remembrance. By little and little I was encompassed by the whole army, and was fain to go all about without my cask, and to show myself to those that were furthest off, who with loud cries demanded the sight of their General. Never was there any change of this nature so sudden, nor so wonderful as that and all that my most affectionate friends could have wished to my advantage, would not have come near to what Fortune did for me in that encounter. In the same place where a few minutes before I had been alone against an enemy that commanded a powerful army, I saw myself triumphant, I saw myself adored, and I saw myself absolute over twenty thousand men, whose arms and lives were at my devotion. Let Arsaces (cried they confusedly) take the command of us again, and let him lead us over all the world to serve him, we'll obey no body but him, and all his enemies shall be ours. Only Arsacomes his friends and servants terrified with this alteration, too weak to show how they resented it, and perchance being in fear of their lives, affered not to come near me, but in all that confusion, I was not forgetful of Master, and being very confident he was not dead, I prayed Cleorestes if they had not done it already, that he would cause him to be taken from the place where he was, and make as careful endeavours be used for his recovery, as I could have desired for my own. After I had given this order, I entreated those that stood near to afford me a little audience, and having obtained silence with much ado I spoke to the Principal Officers who came round about me, and to as many of the rest as were within hearing. My dear and generous friends (said I) you by whom alone the name of Arsaces has gained all the honour it can boast of▪ you by whom I am now alive, and briefly, you to whom with my glory, and with my life, I owe all, and will acknowledge all; I should be unworthy of this affection which is my chiefest happiness, if I could abuse it, and if I should make use of your goodness for the defence of an unjust quarrel and a quarrel wherein you yourselves had not some interest. That which you had done for the King of Scythia, and that which I had done for him with your assistance, was not so inconsiderable, that instead of recompenses he should give us shackles, he should give us punishments, and that after having unworthily wronged your General in his person and in his reputation, after having made him languish in a hard captivity▪ he should send him executioners cruelly to tear away that life, which he so often had prodigally hazarded for his, and for the defence of his dominions. 'Tis true, my birth had made me criminal in his opinion, and if your thoughts are not more generous than his, it will likewise make me so in yours; but though I should endanger this life which I hold from you, I can no longer be able to disemble the truth, and into what necessity soever I can be reduced, I never will require services from persons to whom I am not known. It is true, my friends, if you can be so after my declaration I make to you, it is true, I heretofore was Artaxerxes the dear brother, and the faithful friend of your Prince Oroondates; but Darius his son, and Matheus his enemy; you are not ignorant what my family and I have done against you; but if you have found, that in what I have done for this Kingdom at the head of you, I have preserved the hatred of an enemy, I shall not think it strange if you follow the example of your King, and if according to the intention he had to do so, you take away a life which you have newly given me, nor had I kept it hitherto but in hope to recover by your assistance, part of that honour, and part of that Empire which I lost while I was fight here for yours; but I'm only to blame to say I kept my life only for that, no my valiant fellow soldiers, I kept it also for Berenice, and if my being in this country has been any way advantageons to the Scythians, they owe it to the love I bear their Princess. I served her in serving you, she has been pleased to approve my services, and I thought I had rather merited her, than that ignominious death the King would give me; but while he sends me poison, and presents me with a dagger to be my own executioner, he also takes Berenice from me to bestow her upon Arsacomes, and 'tis by that way alone he deprives me of a life which I defended in spite of all his jailors, and his hangmen. He in favour of that favourite, cruelly forces the inclinations, and unnaturally imprisons the person of that Princess, as he not long ago did the person of your Prince, and by that violence has driven the miserable Arsaces, either to find a death in the midst of all your swords, or to kill Arsacomes at the head of all his Troops, and to demand of those very Troops the happiness which his enemies unjustly would rob him of. Behold, dear friends, what I ought to fear, and what I ought to hope for from you; if you will have me live as Arsaces', I demand Berenice of you; and if you will have me die as Artaxerxes, I freely offer you my breast, and desire not to conserve that life against your wills, for which I must confess myself indebted to you. I had not made an end of these words, when there arose a confused noise amongst the Soldiers, which at first might have been enough to beget fear in a person that had been much in love with his life, but I had not the leisure to be strucken with it, for I presently understood the resolution of all that multitude. The recital of this adventure is indeed shameful to the King of Scythia, since among so many thousand men, of mean and obscure birth, there were none whose thoughts were not more full of gratitude than his, and whose knowledge of my real quality was able to blot out the remembrance of the obligations they believed they had to me. Let him be Arsaces, (cried they) or let him be Artaxerxes, he is still our General, he is the friend, he is the brother of our Great Prince, we have no more war now against the Persians, and we are so much the more obliged to Prince Artaxerxes, if for all he is a Persian, he has given us such testimonies of affection, as we never received from any of our own Countrymen. Let him lead us (said they presently after) whither his interests call him, let him lead us to the conquest of Berenice, and to the revenge of those high wrongs he has received, we'll serve him without any distinction of enemies, and will never put any difference between his and ours. These words, and many others that were to the same sense were often repeated through the whole Camp, and by a thousand resounding cries, and a thousand extraordinary actions, all the Commanders, and all the Soldiers, testified that they longed for nothing so earnestly as the occasion of going to fight for my quarrel. I cannot but acknowledge that I felt an excessive joy at so favourable an event: I could not keep myself from having great resentments against the King, who after his unworthy usage of me, and the cruel design he had showed to take away my life in an ignominious manner, had set my head at a price, and ran to all the extreamityes against me, that are wont to be used against the basest malefactors, and against the greatest Traitors to a Kingdom. This remembrance thrust me upon the design of revenging myself against him with his own arms, and of making him know that a Prince dispossessed of his Dominions, was not yet so weak, nor so forsaken, but that he could in the heart of his territoryes, destroy that peack which he himself had settled. My love joined itself to my anger with a more absolute power, and my desire of revenge was nothing ne'er so strong, as that of obtaining Berenice, I was desirous therefore for the Satisfaction of both, to make use of the happiness that offered itself to me, and thought I ought not to neglect a fortune, which I should never recover again while I sened, if I should suffer it to escape, with this intent showing a more cheerful countenance to the Commanders, and Soldiers then before; Generous friends, (said I) I know not how to oppose the effects of your goodness, nor refuse the advantageous offers you make me; since you desire it, I entitle you to my interests, and with a confidence like that of yours, I put my life and fortune into your hands, I henceforth will acknowledge nothing but from you, and since you are pleased I should again take up the honour I had hereto fore amongst you, I obey, with a protestation that I never will abuse it while I live, and that demanding nothing of you but a mistress, I will always own you for my Masters and for my protectors. After these words, I road about every where amongst them, and as I received the oath which the Officers voluntaryly made to me, I embraced them, and almost all the Soldiers after them. This ceremony being ended I fell into great expressions of kindness to Cleorestes, Leotaris, and the rest of my particular friends, and Theodates who was extremely beloved and much considered amongst them, received a thousand civilityes from them, and a thousand praises for the affection he had showed to me we encamped that day in that very place, and that situation appeared very commodious for a stay of three or four days, which was not unnecessary, to deliberate about the managing of my affairs. In the mean time Arsacomes was in his tent, attended as if he had been in his better fortune; his wounds were found to be neither great nor dangerous, and the Surgeons promised his cure in a few days; he wanted nothing but liberty, which in that condition would have been useless to him, and my friends knowing how highly it concerned me to keep him fast, had taken care to set guards upon him. They judged with reason that I could not assure myself of Berenice; but by keeping Arsacomes, and that as long as he was in my power, the king could not force Berenice to marry him. Within a few days, though he was not absolutely cured, yet was he able to endure a litter, and I heard by those that waited on him, that his captivity was his most sensible discontent. How great interest so ever I had to keep him, I scorned to make use of that advantage which I held from fortune, and since he had escaped my sword, I believed myself obliged in honour, to restore him a liberty, which he had lost only by the defection of his army. To this consideration I added that if he was generous; he would remember my carriage toward him, and that as I had not abused his captivity to concern Berenice, so neither would he perhaps abuse his liberty to take her from me. All my friends, and Theodates himself opposed my intention, and judged it contrary to all the Laws of prudence; but they were not able to shake my resolution, and after having prayed them to give me leave in this encounter which concerned no body but myself, to make use of the power they had given me, I went to Arsacomes, whom I had not seen since he was wounded. Although the power I had over him, stifled all my anger, I could not see him without being moved, and I observed he changed colour at my coming in; but not desiring any long conversation with him, I quickly told him the cause of my visit, and took away all those apprehensious he might have had. Arsacomes (said I) I come not hither to reproach you with the injuries you have done me, I endeavoured to revenge them by away which you have escaped, and all others were too dishonourable for me to use. I will not take any advantage against you, by what the army hath done in favour of me, and when you are well enough to endure a journey, you shall be free; to go away at your own time. I know I give myself death, in giving you liberty, and that you will make no other use of it then to deprive me of that Princess, who is the cause of all our differences; but that knowledge is not able to alter my design; go see Berenice again when you please, but remember that a generous man ought to win her affection rather by his services, then by her father's authority, and that the recompense you owe to what I now do for you, is not to suffer Berenice to be forced. Arsacomes was going to reply, but I harkened not to his answer, not desiring to hold any long discourse with him, wherefore going out of his tent, I commanded the Soldiers that guarded him, to retire. He without any further delay, made use of the favour I had done him, and the next morning causing himself to be put into a litter, which Prince Oroondates had left at the army, and which he had used during the cure of those wounds he had received in the Battle, he went on his way toward Issedon, but went full of threats, and full of resentment, not of the favour, but of the injury he had received from me. I stayed a few days after his departure upon the banks of the River Hypanis, not being willing to fly to extreamityes against the father of Berenice, and Oroondates, without having well deliberated the matter, and without having used all the caution that might free me from blame in the opinions of my Princess, and of my friends. For this purpose, retarding the motion of the army, and making but very short marches toward Issedon, before I engaged myself in a war to which I was instigated by my love, I desired to let the King see I was Master of my resentments, how just soever they were, and therefore I dispatched away a messenger with a letter to him, the words whereof were these.  
Arsaces' To the King of Scythia.  
I will not put you in mind, Sir, what I have done for you, and what you have done against me. It suffices that you remember you are beholding to me for your life, and for the security of your Kingdom; and that for my recompense you sent me a dagger and a draught of poison; you have prosecuted me as the basest of all malefacters, and set my head at a price, as that of a traitor, and of an infamous person: This usage must needs be very sensible to a Prince, whose quality is not inferior to your own, but it is supportable to Arsaces', from the father of Berenice, and Oroondates, and if yet you stop the course of your crueltyes, I will lay down the authority I have found in the place where I only sought for Sanctuary against your persecutions. I demand no Satisfaction for the wrongs you have done me, and though perhaps I am in a condition to right myself, I will forget them all, as you have forgot my services, provided you remember that the Princess Berenice is your Daughter, and that you force not her inclinations, in favour of a man, whom if I would, I could have made to lose his pretensions with his life. She is of a birth not fit to be used with violence for a subject, and mine is not so despicable as to make her blush for having preferred me before Arsacomes. Perchance you may have some consideration of it, and if all generosity be not utterly extinguished in the heart of a King, you will remember, I am still that same Arsaces, who has lost your friendship only by his misfortune, but who gained it by his blood and by his services▪  
The man I sent to the King with this letter, arrivid at Issedon two days after Arsacomes, and found the King in troubles, and in passions which it would be impossible to describe. He partly showed them by his usage of my messenger, whom he caused to be hanged assoon as he had read my letter. And not doubting but this last offence, and his cruel obstinacy, would utterly take away that remainder of respect I yet bore toward him, he gave order to raise men, and endeavoured to gather such forces as might enable him to defend himself. He had received Arsacomes as his son, and after having comforted him for the disgrace he had received, by all the sweetest hopes he could possibly give him, he had presented him to the Princess as her husband, and had given her no longer time to resolve upon that marriage then till he were perfectly recovered of his wounds which they hoped he would be within a very few days. Let not thy Artaxerxes think (said he to her) to terrify me by the infidelity of my subjects, the traitors that serve him shall perish with him, and thou shalt see his destruction, as he shall see thy marriage. The sorrowful Princess answered those threatinings only with her tears, and when she was forced to reply. It is not my desire, Sir, (said she) that Arsaces should return in arms, to take Satisfaction for the injuries you have done him; and though I should be freed by those ways I know well enough what I owe to you, never to give myself to him without your consent, but it shall never be with mine that Arsacomes shall be my husband, nor can you give me to him, without giving me to my grave. You are unworthy, (replied the King) I say you are unworthy of his constancy toward you, and if he were not blinded with affection, for all you are a King's Daughter, he would despise you for your indiscreet, and obstinate fondness of his rival. If he were generous himself (added the Princess) he would remember the favour he received from his enemy, and would consider that if Arsaces' his virtue, had not carried it above his interests, and above his anger, he would have sacrificed a life so fatal to his own, and a life which he before had saved. She used almost the same discourses to Arsacomes, when he went about to entertain her with his passion, and as confident as he was, she sometimes made him blush with reproach. In the mean time I was ignorant of my Messenger's destiny, and had advanced but little toward the Town looking for his return, but I expected it in vain, and heard no news of him but in the manner I am going to tell you.  
Having put my life into the hands of the Scythians, I took but little care what guard was kept about my person, but they all of them took a great deal, and with an extreme affection testified how much they were concerned in the safety of it: yet one night when we were encamped by a wood side, some five or 600 furlongs from the River Hypanis, the Soldiers that were upon the watch, did not so well perform what their Officers had given them in charge, but that a little before day, two men cutting the backside of my tent, and easily making a hole wide enough to afford them passage, came without difficulty into my chamber: By good chance, I was wont while I lay in the field, to have candles always burning by me, & was by their light that those fellows having observed all the parts of my chamber drew ne'er to my bedside to execute their resolution. They were beginning to pull open my curtains, when by some noise they made in that action, I wakened in a start, and presently looking about, I spied those two men with their swords in their hands, in a posture which made me sufficiently know their wicked design. A sudden cry I gave at sight of those villains, frighted them so, that I had leisure to leap out of bed, yet seeing me without arms they recovered courage, and went to prosecute their intent of taking away my life; but I was already gotten on the far side of a table, which saved me from their first blows, and had catched up a sword, wherewith I thought I should be able to dispute my life against them; nor was I deceived in my belief, for with the first thrust I made, I ran it up to the hilts in the breast of him that was next me, and laid him dead at the feet of his companion. The other was so terryfyed at that execution, that he lost heart and seeking the hole he came in at, endeavoured to have saved himself by flight, but I opposed his passage, and presenting him the point of my sword, stay, miscreant (said I) stay, and since thou hast dared to venture upon so great a design, see if thou be'st able to make an end of it. The cowardly wretch was quite daunted at these words, and throwing down his sword, fell upon his knees before me. Ah! Sir (said he) if you be that great, that generous Arsaces, who can pardon as well as conquer, give me my life. Thou shalt have it, (said I) though thou hast not deserved it, but tell me—. I was going to proceed, when those that lay ne'er my chamber, being wakened with that noise, came running in one after another, and finding me with my sword in my hand, a man upon his knees before me, and another breathing out his life with his blood, which ran all about the floor; they fell into a great admiration; instantly they drew their swords, but I commanded them not to stir, and having told them the truth of that adventure in a few words, I examined the fellow in their presence. He was so frighted that he was hardly able to open his mouth, but after I had heartened him a little, by the promise of his life, which I often repeated. Sir (said he) I think the cause of this attempt is not unknown to you; the King sent us to have killed you, and besides the five hundred talents he had offered to whosoever should bring your head, he gained us by particular promises of an excessive recompense.  
Oroondates could not suffer Arsaces to continue his discourse, without trembling for horror nor without detesting the cruelty, and the abominable unworthiness of the King his father, in very resenting words, which he would not have put an end to of a great while, if Arsaces who desired to do so to his long narration, had not taken him off to go on with it on this manner.  
The end of the Fourth Book.   

The continuation of the fourth Part of CASSANDRA. The fifth Book.  
BE not afflicted Brother, at my recital of the King's cruelty, but employ that goodness which makes you fall thus into passion against him, to pardon the things my resentment made me undertake; which certainly, how much soever I was concerned, and what indignities soever I had suffered, I should never have been overcome to do against a King that had given you your birth, if by all his actions he had not interessed you as the most odious of all his enemies, and had not endeavoured to blot out all the characters of that respect, which your friends would have paid him for your sake.  
The attempt of this assassinate, taught me nothing that I know not, or at least doubted not before; but it made the hair stand an end of all that heard it, whose number was so increased, that they all ready filled my chamber. Theodates who lay in another hard by mine, was one of the first that came running thither, and after him, the noise of this adventure had drawn the principal Officers of the army. All began highly to abhor the Kings proceeding, to term him cruel, and ingrateful, and the ways he took, unworthy of a King, and unworthy of the old down right simplicity of the Scythians. After that the tumult was appeased, I questioned the man, and asked him particular news concerning the King, Berenice, Arsacomes, and the messenger I had sent. He told me how my messenger had been hanged, the things I have all ready related to you of Arsacomes and Berenice, and the King's final resolution to force her to that marriage, as soon as Arsacomes was quite recovered. I was much more sensible of this news, than I had been of the designs they had against my life, and I resolved to oppose that violence, with all the powers Fortune had put into my hand, and in this determination turning toward my friends. My dear Companions, (said I) the King makes use of all things for my destruction and so he may but ruin me, he thinks not scorn to give himself over to all the most shameful ways that can be imagined; truly I cannot but blush for him, remembering how passionately I have honoured him, and remembering that he is the father of my Princess, and of my friend. In consideration of that remembrance I would pass over all the injuries he does me, if his crueltyes were directed to me alone, and perchance I should be Master enough of my anger, but I cannot be so of my Love. I forgive the King all the attempts he has made against my life; but if I may be assured of your good wills to the utmost, I will not suffer him to execute the resolution he has taken to sacrifice Berenice to the hatred he bears me, and (contrary to all divine, and humane Laws,) to force a freeborn Princess, and a Princess considerable enough to be secure from all manner of violence. we'll serve you (replied those generous friends) what design soever you can have, and except Oroondates our natural Prince, we will acknowledge no body, when your interests come in question. Carry the King this news (said I turning towards that fellow) and tell him he shall shortly have a gallanter way to kill me, than this he employed you in. He shall see me before his walls, at the head of this same army, wherewith I conquered his enemies, and he may procure my death by open war, with less dishonour than by the hands of Murderers. Tell Arsacomes that if I had please I could have hindered his marriage, that I'll have another encounter with him for that life, which he abuses after having received it from me, and that so long as I am in the world, he has little reason to hope he shall possess Berenice; and if thou art so happy as to see that Princess, and faithful enough to discharge a message to her, say that the respect I owe her, cannot hinder me from opposing the tyranny of her father by the way of arms, and that a whole army of valiant men will perish with me for her quarrel, or restore her that liberty, whereof she has been unworthily deprived. After these words, I sent back that man, giving him a convoy to carry him safe a good way from the Camp, though all they that were with me, urged very earnestly to have him led to the gallows. Within two or three hours after I made the army disencampe, and when I had told my friends my last intention, we marched directly toward Isledon without considering any longer. We lived upon the King's Country, just as we had done when we marched there for his service, and when the Towns that were in our way, sent out towards us to learn, what they should fear, or what they should hope, I declared that I was not their enemy, that I demanded nothing but free passage, and some small subsistence that my Soldiers might live whom I had not means to pay, and that if they would grant it me, I would use them as my friends, and as my brothers. By this way we gained part of them, and all the open country, which being too weak to oppose us, chose much rather to contribute toward the maintenance of the army, then draw the power of it against itself. 'Twas by this order we subsisted, and after we had furnished ourselves with those things that were most necessary for us, we prosecuted our course, and arrived without any considerable obstacle within a days march of Isledon; what do I say, within a day's march? rather within sight of the very walls, and certain Scouts whom the King had sent out to discover, and who hardly stayed for ours, no sooner saw themselves charged, but they left the field, and sought their safety behind their ramparts. I in many occasions had known the strength of the King of Scythia, but at that time I admired at his weakness and not considering that his choler having blinded him, had taken away the greatest part of that care, he ought to have had for his defence, I thought the Gods, whom his last actions had exasperated against him, had contributed to his weakness, and had opposed the levying of his Troops, since he had none to form a body of an army able to keep the field against us, and that he was constrained at our approach, to shut them up within his wails. True it is that he was surprised by our sudden coming, and that in the little time we gave him, the leavyes he had sent to make in the Provinces, could not be got ready to do him service. He thought nevertheless, that he might well enough stay for them, and that the Town being strengthened as it was with a great number of Soldiers, might endure a siege long enough to afford them leisure to get on foot, and to advance to his reliese. He also doubted whither I would adventure to besiege him, and though after the things I had done for his service, he had no reason to despise me, yet could he not fear a man over whom he had formerly had so great a power, a man that commanded none but Troops composed of his own subjects, and a man that had no other foundation in the world, then that of some revolted forces; or to say better he knew that he had the better part of me in his custody, and that being Master of Berenice, he had the power in his hand, to make me stoop to what conditions soever he would impose. However it were, we without receiving any hindrance encamped within sight of the City walls, and though, according to the usual custom, our army was not strong enough to undertake a siege of that importance in the heart of the Kingdom, I passed over that consideration, and belieived I might make use of the disorder the King was in to labour for the liberty of Berenice. The next day he made eight hundred horse Sally forth upon us, under the command of Prince Carthasi's his Brother. They broke through the first of ours very vigorously, and advanced with a great deal of courage toward the rest, when I came in to their relief with those men that happened to be on horsbacke with me, and our number increasing in a little time, we gave them so smart a charge, that after a light resistance, they turned their backs, and their fear redoubling at the name of Arsaces which our Soldiers repeated every moment, they forsook their commander, which a very few that stuck to him, in the middle of one of our squadrons, were but for my arrival he had been in a great deal of danger. Those that had stayed with Prince Carthasis, having often named him, to move our men to some respect of his person, I cast my eyes upon him as I came in, and having known him by several marks, I commanded all those that had encompassed him to retire, and putting up the beaver of my Helmet, I made myself known to the Prince, and drawing ne'er to him with a countenance which had nothing in it of an enemy. Ah! Sir, (said I) is it possible that you should labour yourself for the ruin of Arsaces who has so much honoured you? Carthasis discovered his face by my example, and looking upon me with an action as obliging as mine. I never will labour (answered he) for the ruin of Prince Artaxerxes, but he knows well enough that I cannot disobey the king's orders, nor refuse the employments he gives me with honour. I found that in speaking those words, he was fain to force himself before those that were with him; and not being willing to render him suspected by my endearments I forbore them for the same consideration. I am your prisoner (added he) but I hope you will give me fair quarter, and my captivity will be supportable, being fallen into the hands of so Generous an enemy as the valiant Arsaces. You shall not only be free (replied I) but you shall ever be master in all places where I have any power, and I would oppose your return, to entreat you to command here among us, if I did not know you would reject that offer, I will not engage you in a conversation that might make the King your brother jealous of you, but will content myself with conducting you to your gates, to repay you a part of what I received of Prince Oroondates at our first encounter. Carthasis would not have yielded to that civility, and even refused the liberty I offered him, but he was not the strongest amongst us, and so was fain at last to submit to the law we had imposed. Although I was not ignorant of the particular obligations I had to him, I thought fit only to make him judge by my actions that I was not ingrateful for them, & not to mention them before those that were with him, who perchance might have made reports of it, that would have been disaduantageous to him. Before we parted, after he had hearkend attentively to the complaints I made to him of the King, I confess (said he) you have most just occasion to resent his actions, and that he carries himself very ingratefully, and very cruelly toward you; but in fine, what is your intention, do you mean to uncrown Berenice's father, and will you kill the subjects, and possess yourself of those Dominions which ought to be the inheritance of Prince Oroondates? No, (replied I) the interests of Berenice and Oroondates, shall ever be inseparable from mine own, and though I were excusable enough, it I should make myself some reparation for the injuries I have received from a Prince who declares himself their enemy, and not their father; I have not the least thought of such a purpose, on the contrary I much rather believe I secure these Dominions to Oroondates, which Arsacomes, and Stratonice would supplant him of, and in short, my utmost resolution, is that of procuring Berenice's liberty. I only demand that she be not forced to take a husband unworthy of her, and to let you see this is no false pretence, wherewith I would cover my resentments, I'll lay down my arms, if you'll but pass your word for the King, that Berenice shall be free in her own intentions. I will not give you my word for any thing (answered the Prince) which I am not able to make good: but I promise you I will employ all the power I have with the King to work him to it, and that within three days, I'll let you know his final determination. You do me a favour (said I) which I durst not have demanded of you, and since after the destiny of my last messenger, I had no way left me to learn the King's resolutions, I accept the offer you are pleased to make me, and conjure you to remember it. After some other words we parted, and having brought him within a bow shoot of the gate, I retired to our tents.  
The opinion of my most passionate friends, was that I ought no longer to spare the King, who laboured for my destruction so many ways, and who, if I gave him the leisure, would make some or other of his enterprises take effect; but I gave no ear to their advice, and resolved not to come to extreamityes, till the extremity of my affairs. For this purpose, I made our Troops lie still, and suffered them not to do any act of hostility against their countrymen, protecting the goods, and houses, which the inhabitants of Issedon had without the Town, and not permitting the least hurt to be done, to any thing that belonged to them. I also set forth Manifests whereby I declared, that I was not their enemy, that it was no intent to hurt them had made me take up arms, and that by all my actions, I would let them see I had lost nothing of that affection I had borne them, that I only demanded of them the liberty of their Princess, and that I conjured them not to suffer the Daughter of their Sovereign, and the Sister of Prince Oroondates to be forced for a man unworthy of her, and a man who in all the favour, and authority he had enjoyed, had never given them any testimonies of affection. To these words, I added many others able to justify my intentions toward them, and to make some impression in their minds, and in the mean time I expected the performance of Prince Carthasis his promise, and begged earnestly of the Gods in some degree to appease the King's anger, and to give us some means to avoyed those misfortunes, whereinto his cruel obstinacy was going to pricipitate us. The three days within which the Prince had promised I should hear from him were already past, as also part of the night that followed them, and I began to complain of his breach of word, when a little before day, they brought a man into my tent, who presently made himself known to me for one of his servants. Carthasis had taken care himself to get him out of the gates by his authority, for fear he should have been searched, and the letters taken which he had about him. Assoon as he was come in he delivered them to me, and having opened them with great impatiency, I read these words in the first.  
Prince Carthasis, To Prince Arsaces.  
Sir, I have forgotten nothing, that I owe unto your friendship, and to the remembrance of your first, and last obligations; but my most sensible grief, is that I have had to little credit with the King as not to be able to shake the least of his resolutions: all that endeavour to dissuade him from them, pass in his opinion for his enemies, and I wanted but very little of being put into that number. In fine, he will have Berenice marry Arsacomes, and though that Princess tells him, she shall meet her funeral in that marriage, she has no longer delay granted her then the remainder of this night and the day following is destined without fail for those unjust and cruel Nuptials; 'tis with an extreme sorrow I send you such unwelcome news; think of the means you have to prevent it, and never doubt of my fidelity, since you are too generous, to desire any proofs of it that are contrary to virtue.  
I was so exceedingly transported at the reading of this letter, that if I had not hoped the other was from my Princess, I should never have had the patience to look upon it; and scarce was I able, in the rage that blinded me, to know her lovely Characters; yet did I cast my eyes upon them, after I had kissed them, and with inward motions that were altogether extraordinary, I read these words.  
The Princess Berenice To Prince Arsaces.  
The hour of my death is ne'er, my dear Arsaces, and to morrow must be the day of my funeral. I write these words, not so much to tell you this ill nerves, as to protest to you, that I will persevere to my very grave in my first resolution. Take comfort in a misfortune you cannot divert, and be at least assured, that if Berenice cannot be yours, you shall never have the discontent to see her live with Arsacomes.  
It is most certain that if my anger had not strengthened me, I should have fallen into dangerous faintings at the sorrowful reading of this letter, and all the sensibleness I had ever shored in my most cruel afflictions, was a matter of nothing in comparison of this last; and indeed I had never been so near to my destruction, nor had I ever had so great reason to fear my utmost misfortunes, They that saw me then, said I was so changed that it was not possible to know me, and that I did actions so different from my ordinary carriage, as nothing but by rage alone, could have made excusable. How (cried I with a furious action) shall I live, and shall Berenice be in the arms of Arsacomes? shall I stand idle at the head of twenty thousand men, while my life is sacrificed within these walls; and briefly shall I suffer my adored Princess to be violently taken from me, and that unworthy rival to Triumph over my happiness, and over my reputation? Ah! no Arsacomes, thou shalt not so easily effect so high an enterprise, I can tear away that life, for all these ramparts, which I could have taken from thee at the the head of thy Army; and this nuptial torch, shall without doubt be that which must light thee to thy burial. No, King of Scythia, thou shalt not have the Satisfaction, to have so cruelly made an end of the remnants of miserable Darius, and that which thou hast not been able to do by poison, by the weapons of thy guards, and by the swords of thy assassinates, shall not be executed by the violence thou usest against Berenice. No, my dear Princess I'll not abandon you in the extremity you are brought to for happy Arsaces; I say happy, since they that think they labour for his ruin, labour for his glory, and for his fortune, and that the constancy you show in his favour, is a thousand times more dear to him, than all the mischiefs which his enemies prepare him can be terrible. Fear nothing, virtuous Princess, while Arsaces is a live, and believe there are no walls so strong, as to keep a desperate lover from coming to you. While I was speaking these words, my tent filled with a good number of my chiefest friends, and of the principal Officers of the Army, whom desire of hearing the news I had received, and that of the affliction I expressed brought thither. The sight of them comforted me very much, and not being willing longer to defer demanding the last effect of their good will. Now it is (said I) my brave, and generous friends, that Arsaces challenges the accomplishment of your promises; he has but a minute more to live, unless his life be prolonged by your assistance. All that you have done for me hither to, is but a preparative to what I desire of you to day; and that which I desire of you to day is of such infinite consequence, that if you will suffer me to cast myself at your feet and embrace your knees to obtain it, you shall see me abase myself to all manner of submissions to work upon you. Behold, (said I, showing them the letters I had received, which Theodates began to read a loud) behold to what estate my affairs are reduced, and how much time I have left to make use of your friendship. You know I have deferred it as long as possibly I could, and that even contrary to your own counsel, I have conserved a respect toward the King of Scythia, for the loss whereof his cruelty would have dispensed with me sufficiently. How all considerations are quenched in the despair into which he has thrown me, and being no longer in a condition to have any of my own safety, I must at length cast away all those that have till now imprudently with held me. I would have said more if that company of generous men had suffered me, and if they had not interrupted me altogether, crying that I should lead them whither I would, and that I should presently declare what I intended, with a perfect assurance that it should be excecuted, or that they would all perish to the very last man. When I saw them in that courageous resolution; My dear friends, (said I) since you will have me use that term, to day I will assault this Town, not that I desire the ruin of it, or that I would shed the blood of your countrymen, and of a people to which I neither can nor will bear a hatred, but I will this day pull Berenice by mere force out of the hands of a cruel father, and of an unworthy husband, to whom they have destined her. For this purpose: I myself will fall on with three thousand men, at this next gate, and having opened our passage by the violence of our Rams, I hope I shall make my way to the Palace for the execution of my enterprise. To make it the more feisable you my Gallant friends, must begin the storm in three other places, which shall be assigned to three amongst you. You shall advance with your Rams, and present your ladders; but being I desire your assault should only serve to make a diversion, and to draw the resistance thither, to the end I may find the more facility on the other side, you shall not need to prosecute your attempt more obstinately than necessity will require to amaze the enemy, not desiring (as I have told you) to expose this City, where I have a great many very dear friends, to the utmost calamities and misfortunes which usually accompany the taking of places by force. Go therefore, if you please, to prepare, and put all things in the readiness that will be needful for this design, but I conjure you let it be done with all the haste that can be possible and since 'tis upon it alone my life depends, as you desire the Gods should favour you take some care for the safety of him, whom you have judged worthy of your friendship. Leotaris with two thousand men shall attack the Gate of the Issedons; Cleorestes with a like number that of Serey, Mazentes that of Mars, and Prince Theodates, it he please, shall stay at the head of our main body, which he shall draw up into Battalia, and keep in a readiness to reinforce the assault where there shall be need of his assistance. Although this resolution proceeded from my despair yet nevertheless it was approved, and all these valiant men, ran to execute the orders I had given them, with so much affection that I conceived a marvellous hope of the success of my enterprise. I will not detain you longer in the recital of our preparations, nor with that of the thoughts wherewith I was then tormented; to be brief within two hours after the Sun was up, all the engines for Battery were ready, and all the squadrons prepared to match against the Town. They drew ne'er to it in a gallant order, and divided themselves according to the quarters that were assigned them. They that saw them appear from the top of the walls, trembled at that object, and the King himself who was told of it, judged quickly he should have other employments that day then that of the marriage for which he had appointed it. The three Commanders having taken the ways to their several places fell on at the first entrenchments of the Town, and though they found them guarded with some men, they assaulted them so vigorously, that after a faint resistance, and a very small loss, they made themselves Masters of them; and coming up to the moat, began at the mercy of a shower of arrows that poured upon them, to cast in bavin's, and to endeavour to fill it up with an admirable resolution. They had been fight above half an hour, and the greatest part of the Garrison was run to the defence of those ports; when I at the head of my Battalion, making those that had the conduct of the engines to advance, set forward with a wondrous confidence, drawn from the looks of those that accompanied me, in which I read an unalterable resolution to conquer, or else to die for my interests. I confirmed them in that generous design, by all the words my passion could put into my mouth, and finding them as forward as myself, we advanced toward the gate, in a fashion that froze the fearful hearts of those that were there to defend it, I had chosen that Port as most convenient for my design, and though it was fortified with some works that were reasonable good, it was yet the weakest of any about the Town, because of the excessive hardness of a rock in that place, into which it was impossible to cut a moat. Wherefore after being Masters of the outworks, one might easily march on horseback to the very gate, there being nothing to oppose the passage of the Rams, nor of the Cavalry. I instantly summoned the outworks by a Trumpet, and having let them know it was Arsaces that assaulted them in person, my good fortune had made that name so terrible, that nothing but their fear of the King, kept them in any manner of defence. But scarce had they seen me a light, with a good part of my men, to advance with our swords toward their entrenchments, when after having shot, a few arrows, which hardly wounded any of our men, they retired in disorder toward the gate. There they made some slight resistance, but when they saw us get on horseback again to fall upon them, and that in stead of making our Rams advance, we prepared ourselves to break into the Town along with them, they quitted the gates and having shut them, left us free access, without any other hindrance then that of their arrows which played upon us from the top of the wall. They shot so great a number of them, that our approach was very difficult, and dangerous, but I gave order to our Archers to aim at those that appeared upon the battlements, and at the same time covering ourselves with our shields, we drove our Rams very impetuously against the gate. A great many of our men fell in this assault, I had two horses killed under me, and most of those that made the Rams play, whereof divers were without arms, lost their lives in that service. Yet those that remained, persisted so firmly in their office, and I encouraged them so well keeping still at the head of them, that in spite of all resistance, they came up to the Gates, battered them in pieces, and opened us as large a passage as we could desire. Then did I get again on horseback the fourth time, and rushed on with my sword in my hand into the middle of those that defended the entrance, in which action I was so bravely seconded, that within a short time, part of my enemies being slain, and the rest put to flight, I had free way into the streets, and began to enter them with facility enough. Some Soldiers that were either obstinate, or interessed in Arsacomes his party, found their death in the point of our weapons; but assoon as ever I believed myself Master, I by a Trumpet commanded the inhabitants to retire into their houses, promising they should receive no hurt either in their goods or persons; and at the same time gave order from on to another through all the Squadron that followed me, that none should dare to kill either Citizens or Soldiers, except those who by their wilful resistance drew their death upon themselves. By this command I saved the lives of many thousands, who would have lost them in the first fury of our Soldiers; but yet the Town was in a general consternation, and notwithstanding all the endeavours that were used to beget an assurance in the inhabitants, there was no possibility to hinder the confused noise that was heard on all sides, nor the cries of the women and children, which resounded every where in a very lamentable manner. The King who from one to another had heard that I was Master of the Town, strucken with a mortal grief, and fancying the mischief to be greater than it was, because he was conscious he had given me reason enough to cast away all consideration of him, had left those places whether the noise of the first assaults had drawn him, and being followed by Arsacomes, Prince Carthasis, and many of his men, had resolved to die fight, and not suruive the shame, which a stranger, alone, and abandoned made him suffer in the middle of his Dominions. While he was coming toward me, I was advanced as far as the Palace, where I heard he had left the Princess guarded, and having opened my way with my sword, through them that strove to stop it, I was got at last to the gates thereof, and seeing them defended by a great number of Soldiers, I flew in amongst them, and made my passage free, by the death of those that would have hindered it. When once I had entered the Court I a lighted, and having commanded as many of those that were with me as I had need of, to do the like, I left the rest at the gate, with orders to stay there till my return, and went up the stairs with my sword in my hand, my arms besmeared with blood in many places, and in a posture that struck fear into all that were in my way. I met no obstacle till I came to the Princess' Lodgings, where they the King had left to guard her, hoping for no pardon from him if they abandoned her, persisted in a resistance which was fatal to them, and which made the greatest part of them fall at the doors which they defended. At last that of my Princess' chamber was open to me, and assoon as I had set my foot within it, I saw her in a corner of the room, as much affrighted as if our design had been against her very life. True it is that such a spectacle, the fight that had been at her chamber door, the blood whereof ran all about, and the sight of a great many dead, and dying Soldiers, were sufficient to beget a fear in her, neither did I think it any thing strange, but judging that I had no time to lose in words, I only said. Madame, you are free, nor shall this be the day that you shall marry Arsacomes. After these words, to which I neither received, nor expected any answer, I took her in my arms fainting, and almost in a Swoon, and commanded Criton to do the like to Cyllenia, then going out again with that precious burden, and no longer finding any hindrance that could retard me, I went down into the Court, the same way that I came up. In the mean time the Princess' spirits were absolutely gone, which I not perceiving put her into the arms of one of my men, while I got on horseback, and received her from him again, without observing it, so much was I transported in the condition I then saw myself, and so extremely taken up with the thought of what I had yet to do. Scarce was I out of the Palace gate, when I saw the King coming accompanied by Prince Carthasi's, Arsacomes, and many others, but their number was little able to dispute the victory against me. He had no sooner known me, and seen the Princess his daughter in my arms but advancing before all his men, after he had often called me traitor, he darted a javeline at me which he held in his right hand, and which came whizzing over my shoulder. I trembled for fear of Berenice; but that was not able to make me lose the respect I bore to the King's person, wherefore having given my men a command only to defend themselves, and to make the retreat after me; King of Scythia (cried I) I will neither have thy life, nor thy City, but leave them both for my Princess. Arsacomes may live also, since I cannot give him his death without advantage, but he shall live without Berenice. At these words, calling to those of my party to open and give me passage. I put on my horse in the midst of them, covering my Princess with my shield, and crying to my men to follow me, since I had gotten what I desired. I returned to the gate by which I came in, without any other difficulty except the crowed of my own Soldiers. They all followed me out, and whither it were that they were glad to receive the command of sparing their countrymen, or that really they bore that respect to me, I could not have wished a more exact obedience than they showed in that encounter. I was out of the gates, and retiring toward our camp with a Satisfaction which you may better imagine than I express, when I perceived that my Princess was in a Swoon. The knowledge thereof did extremely moderate my joy, and though I very well judged that it was but a faintness caused by her fear, out of which she would easily come to herself again, and that thereby I gained the liberty to steal favours that had never been granted me, yet could I not see her in that condition, without falling into a mortal Sorrow, and I road back to my tents with a countenance which did but little testify the fortunate success of my enterprise. In the mean time I had sent to Leotaris, and the other Commanders, to draw off from their assaults, and within a little while the Town was left free, and in the same condition it had been the day before. Assoon as I was come into my tent, and had laid my Princess upon a bed, I cast cold water often upon her face, sent for Physicians, and all persons that were able to give her any help, but their assistance was not necessary, for either the water or time brought her to herself again. No sooner did she open her eyes, but she saw me by her upon my knees, having my lips fast cemented to one of her fair hands. She looked a while about the chamber, and presently after, having turned her eyes upon my face, upon Theodates, and upon Cyllenia who stood by her, she knew the truth of that adventure, and sitting up, after she had pulled away her hand from between mine, Arsaces, (said she) what have you done? I have done what you have reason to expect from my affection (answered I) and I have drawn you out of the arms of that unworthy husband they intended you. Yes (said Berenice) but you have also pulled me out of my fathers. The Princess had no sooner spoken these words, but a chillness ran through all my Veins, and my astonishment was so great, that not being able to make any reply, I only fixed my eyes upon her face. All they that were in the room observed my confusion, and the Princess making use of my silence to proceed: Arsaces (continued she) since you have satisfied your Love, satisfy my Honour also; I am not offended at your action, but if you have loved me, I beseech you in the name of all the Gods, to restore me my liberty. If her first words had astonished me, these last pierced my very heart, and giving me that sense again, which her former ones had taken from me, they likewise gave me the strength to express it. How, Madam (said I) do you demand your liberty of me, and are not you free, are not you Sovereign amongst us, whereas before you were a Captive, and a prisoner in that place from whence I have delivered you? 'Tis true (added the Princess) I was a captive, and I was unfortunate, but that captivity, and those misfortunes, were better becoming, and more advantageous to Berenice, than this liberty you have restored her, or this Empire you have given her over you, and if you will have me make any use of it, it shall only be to conjure you to send me back to the King my father. This discourse absolutely killed me, or at least it left me a life much worse than death itself, and gave me a desire to put an end to't before the eyes of that cruel Princess. what Madam, (replied I quite transported) would you have me send you back to the King, and put you again into the power of that Arsacomes, to whom you had so great an aversion, and who this day should have been your husband? has half a day been able to make so great a change in your mind, and do you now reject Arsaces to prefer that Arsacomes, whom yesterday you hated worse than death? Arsaces', (answered the Princess, with a more resolute voice then before) never was more dear to me, and Arsacomes never more odious then at this present; and if you well remember the hopes I have given you▪ cannot accuse me of a change, which neither half a day, no nor my whole life ever made me capable of. I promised you I would never love any body but yourself, I promised you that I would marry death rather than Arsacomes, but I never made you hope, either by my discourses, or by my actions, that I would fly from my father's arms to follow you, and that I would licence myself in favour of you, to do shameful actions, and such as are unworthy of a Princess. I never demanded any proofs of your affection (interrupted I) which the strictest severity could condemn; but what other remedy could I apply to so pressing an extremity, and what means had you to avoid that misfortune, which you yourself had given me notice of? Death (replied the Princess) which shall ever be less cruel to me, than the shame you have prepared me, and though I gave you notice of my misfortune, I did not demand remedies of you which you could not give me without ruining me. I only protested to you that I would never be but yours, and that promise shall be inviolably performed. And which way do you keep that promise (said I quite transported) if you command me to restore you to Arsacomes? you shall not restore me to Arsacomes, (added the Princess) but only to the King my father, whom my honour suffers me not to forsake without his consent, and if the King give me to Arsacomes, I by my death can oppose his tyranny without offending my reputation. Ah! Madam (cried I stepping back a little and lifting up my hands, and eyes to heaven) I had rather leave you to Arsacomes, then leave you unto death, and if one of us must die, 'tis only this forsaken Arsaces, this Arsaces who no way but by dying, can justifye the cowardice that will reflect upon him for quitting you to his rival. Yes Madam, I am ready to give you the cruel proofs of my submission which you demand, and if you yet desire any others, you shall see me run to them with the same resignation. Le's begun from this place which is more odious to us both then the prison from whence I delivered you, le's begun from this place, so fatal to your reputation, and since you find so much shame, and so much misfortune in the company of Arsaces, let's go again to the king of Scythia, let's go and receive Arsacomes, I am ready to sacrifice my interests, to sacrifice my life to the glory of that rival, that I may serve Berenice to the utmost, as ungrateful▪ and as much changed as she is, and it shall never be reproached to me that either her ingratitude, or her change, dispensed me from the obedience I owe her. With these words; I commanded a chariot to be made ready; but though my grief or rather my despair was visible in my face, and that my Princess was deeply touched with it, yet was she not shaken in her resolution; only she let me see by her tears, that it was not without sorrow she parted from me, and having looked upon me a while without speaking; You are ungrateful yourself (said she) to accuse her of ingratitude, and of change, who for all you are so great, for all you are so worthy to be loved, loves you better than she ought, since she loves you better than her quiet, and better than her life. The event perhaps will make my intentions better known to you then they are, and you without doubt will learn, that though I prefer my duty before your Satisfaction. I'll prefer my grave before any man in the world except Arsaces. In another season this discourse would have been sufficient to content me, but in the pressing extremity, I was then reduced to, there was little probability I could be satisfied with words; neither did I forbear to testify enough by my actions how little effect they had wrought upon me, and how firm a constancy so ever I affected, to show her to my latest end that I made no difficulty to obey her, I could not be Master of those impetuous motions that drove me head long into rage, and not being willing to say any more to Berenice, that could make her believe I wavered in the execution of her commands, I turned toward Theodates, and those Gallant men that had seconded me so bravely. Ah! my generous Companions (said I with tears in my eyes) how unprofitably have I employed your valour, and how vainly have I engaged you, to shed the blood of your countrymen, and your own! you out of your extraordinary generosity, have linked yourselves to the interests of a poor stranger; you have marched cheerfully against your king for the establishment of my repose and of my fortune; you have seen the walls of the Metropolis of Scythia, nay you have made yourselves Masters in a few moments, of a City, the taking whereof by men less valiant would have required whole years, and briefly by the effects of a prodigious courage, you have given me this Princess, for whose sake alone I had accepted your assistance; but O Gods, how little do I profit by all you have done for me, and how cruel, how fatal will the fruit of your victory be to me; ah! how much more happy had I been to have fallen by the sword of Arsacomes, or to have lost my life before the gates of Issedon, then to give it up now to the inhumanity of Berenice! While I was lamenting on this manner, and drew tears of compassion from all that heard me, I saw the chariot coming which I had given order for, to carry back the Princess. That sight redoubled my affliction, but struggling with my utmost power to get the mastery of it, in an occasion wherein I stood in need of all my fortitude, I drew ne'er to Berenice, and offering her my hand with a forced constancy. Come Madam, (said I) let's go back again to the King your father, stay no longer here in the camp, & in the tent of his enemy; all things are ready for your departure, and you are as free as you can desire. Berenice's tears with she shed in great abundance, would not suffer her to reply, but only taking my hand, which I had presented her, she went out of the tent in such a condition as made me know it was not without a great deal of reluctance she gave herself up to the severe precepts of her duty; when she was gotten into the chariot, and Cyllenia with her, she strove to break the silence she so long had kept, and looking upon me with drowned eyes. You shall quickly know (said she) that without inhumanity you cannot accuse me, and that the action you see me do, ought rather to draw pity from you, than those cruel reproaches you have used. Farewell Artaxerxes (pursued she forcing her modesty to embrace me) leave the care of my destiny to me, and remember that if Berenice live not for you, she will not live for herself. With these words, after she had expressly commanded me not to stir out of my tent, and to give her only a small convoy to the City gate, she turned her eyes from me, and bidding the charioteer drive away, departed, and carried with her all my joy, and all the hopes I had conceived. Theodates took the care to conduct her, and following at a little distance, lost not sight of the chariot till it entered into the gates.  
O Gods, in what a sad condition did I remain after she was gone, how full of sorrow were my words, my actions, and my thoughts, all my friends endeavoured but in vain to comfort me, and when I had endured their persecutions a good while, I prayed them toward the evening to leave me alone, and having persuaded them to it with much a do, I passed the small remainder of that day, and the night following, in torments that cannot possibly be conceived. All that the consideration of the greatest miseries can produce in a heart, all the utmost cruelty, all the utmost violence that can enter in a man's thoughts, was gentleness, and mildness in respect of what mine made me suffer. In the beginning they tended all to fury, and following the first motions of my anger, I let myself be impetuously carried away by my passions. Why do I complain (said I) why do I weakly shed tears like a woman, since I have the force, since I have the courage of a man, and since I still have arms in my hand, to make part of my miseries fall back upon the heads of my enemies? Let's no longer deliberate upon a matter, which my just indignation ought to have resolved; and since we must necessaryly perish, let us make whatsoever contributes to our ruin perish with us. I have still the same forces, which this very day made me Master of this City, where my ingrateful Princess, and my Barbarous enemies are shut up. The valour of my companious is not cooled since morning, and I have courage enough myself, to execute, in this highest pitch of despair, what I have executed once already in my more moderate resentments; let's go therefore, and employ both theirs and mine for my final Revenge, and since we must run to our grave, let us make a ruined Palace, and a desolate City our monument; Let us once more force our entrance into the gates of this hated Town; but let us use our victory otherwise then we did before; let's wash the streets of it with rivers of that blood, for which we have undeseruedly been lavish of our own, let's carry a thousand deaths (if it be capable to receive so many) into the breast of unworthy, and unthankful Arsacomes; Let's sacrifice that victim to ingrateful Berenice, which is but too justly due unto my love; and to satisfy ourselves by a complete revenge, in a season when all respect, and all passed considerations ought to be extinguished in us, let us bury the King of Scythia, I say the King of Scythia himself in the ruins of his Capital City; let us pour forth to our lawful anger the blood of that Barbarous King, who by so many unworthy means, has sought our destruction; and if Berenice be offended at that revenge, let us make her Satisfaction by employing our own hands to give her this life, which she for trivial scruples has so ungratefully abandoned; let's never stand considering in this design, but run to excecute it without deferring any longer. It is not necessary to stay till it be morning, the night is much more proper for the execution I intent; its gloomy horror is far more faitable to that of my afflicted soul, and the darkness of it will serve to blind that pity which might perchance be caused by the ●ight of dismal objects. In this impetuous torrent which hurried me away, I start up in my bed, fully persuaded, and satisfied in the resolution I had taken: I had nothing in my mouth, and in my thoughts, but death, blood, fire, and all the most dreadful imaginations that can be fancied, and I found some sweetness, and some comfort in the Satisfaction I hoped for. I was already opening my mouth, to call for those that were necessary for the orders I meant to give, when a more Gentle spirit then that of revenge, crept insensibly into my heart, and moderated the violences of it with more success than I expected. It first made me partly to abhor the things I had resolved on, and then it endeavoured to dissuade me from them by all the reasons it could represent. By little & little, tenderness stole into the place of anger, and I felt myself mollified by reflections that were too powerful to be opposed. It is true (said I to myself again) there is a necessity thou must die, but thou must die as thou hast lived, and not suffer thy death to cast a scandal upon thy love, nor upon thy former actions. 'Tis nothing but thy life, and thine alone that's due to thy misfortunes, and the Gods do justly demand it of thee, since thou hast shamefully conserved it after the loss of all thy friends; the people of Issedon, this poor people in whom thou hast found nothing but affection toward thee, is innocent of thy miseries, nor canst thou sacrifice it to thine indignation, without blasting thy fame with cruelty and ingratitude. Arsacomes indeed is perhaps worthy of death, but thou oughtest to leave him a life, which thou hast saved him more than once, to keep the glory of thy actions entire to the end of thi●e. The King of Scythia would destroy thee, but he's the father of Berenice, and Oroondates, and if the Gods had given thee a thousand lives, thou oughtest to lose them all, rather than attempt any thing against his. Rather ask pardon of thy Mistress, and of thy friend, for the cruel thought thou hast had against their Father, and blush at that parricidial design, which renders thee the most criminal of all men living: No, (added I, within a while after) 'tis not by violent ways that thou must satisfy thyself, Berenice disapproves them, and I ought no more to interest her, nor hers in the effects of my despair. Let's die in such a fashion as may be obliging to Berenice, and obliging to the king of Scythia; let us at the end of our life take up that respect again, which we seemed to have lost, and let us order it so that my Mistress, and my friend, may in the last of my actions, find reparation for the discontents I have given their Father. This last thought drew me into a design that was more pleasing to me then all those I before had fancied, and after having a little examined it I fixed upon it so firmly, that nothing was able to divert me.  
The day begnining to appear, just as I had sett'led my resolution, I got out of bed, and calling for paper wrote these words with an intent to make them be delivered to Theodates.  
Arsaces' To Theodates.  
My too dear and too generous friend, one of the most sensible griefs that accompany me to my grave, is that of parting with you for ever, after having engaged you, and so many gallant men after you, in a party destructive to your repose, and to your fortune, neither in the reasons I have here to die, should I have ever resolved to forsake you, if I did not know that I leave you in a condition, wherein you are able to make an advantageous peace, both for yourself, and for the rest. The King of Scythia who demands nothing but the death of Arsaces, and whom the death of Arsaces' shall have satisfied, will grant you all the conditions you could ask, and so long as you have arms in your hands you may make them yourselves with all manner of advantage. Pardon me the troubles whereinto the miseries of my life have cast you, obtain the same pardon for one of our faithful friends, and love the memory of Arsaces, since if he could have lived, he would have lived that he might have been always yours.  
I left this letter upon my table, with a command to one of my servants to give it to Theodates within two hours, and at the same time calling for my arms, and a horse, I got upon him, not suffering any body to go along with me. I even refused the attendance of Criton, and Leotaris with many others being come to the door of my tent while I was taking horse, I opposed the offer they made to accompany me, and entreated them so earnestly, to afford my sorrow an hours solitariness, that not being able to deny it they left me at liberty. I first took a little circuit to hinder them from knowing what way I went, and when I was out of their sight, I turned toward the nearest gate of the City, I quickly heard the outmost Corpse de garde, and found Soldiers in those places from whence I had driven them the day before. I disir'd those that bade me stand, (putting up the beaver of my head-piece but very little) that they would carry me to the King, to whom I had a matter of consequence to impart; and they having led me to the gates, those that were there upon the guard, seeing but a single man, made no difficulty to let him in. Having asked the first I met where the king was: He is at the Temple of Tellus, said they, where the greatest part of the Court is assembled, and where the King intends this morning to celebrate the marriage of the Princess with Arsacomes. Scarce was I able to forbear discovering myself at this answer; but my helmet covered the alteration of my countenance, as it also disguised my voice, nor was it thought strange, that passing for a man who was come over from the party of Arsaces, to give the King some intelligence, I should keep my beaver down, and desire to be unknown to every body but the King himself, to whom they were leading me. I came to the gates of that fatal Temple, where my funeral was preparing; and though one would have thought, that in the condition the Town then was, the people should rather have been manning the walls, then in that Temple, yet was the crowed so great there, that if they that carried me had not employed the King's authority, I should hardly have gotten passage. The King had not been long come to the Temple, and he was gone thither so early, for fear his intention should be hindered by some new accident. Neither the respect I had shown toward his person, and towards his Town which I had quitted to him, after I had made myself Master of it, nor the last proof I had given him in sending back the Princess, had been sufficient to appease him, or to arm him against the incitements of the Queen, and Arsacomes, but knowing very well that I was in a condition to overthrow all his designs, if he deferred them any longer, he had a mind to hasten the only revenge he was able to take of me, for fear I should prevent him, and should a second time deprive him of the means he had to effect it. For this purpose neglecting the defence of his City, and trusting it to the hands of others, he gave himself over wholly to his anger, and was much more eagerly fixed upon his desire of punishing Arsaces, then upon that of protecting his people, and conserving his Dominions. All the Princess' tears, and all her resistance was but unprofitable; she had vainly begged of the King for some delay, and that Prince abandoned to his wrath without giving ear to her earnest prayers, had caused her to be put into his chariot, and had carried her himself to the Temple, whither Arsacomes was gone before, with the Queen, and all those of his party. Assoon as ever the Priest had appeared, the Princess casting herself at the King's feet, had protested that she would rather die there, then yield the consent that was demanded of her, she had conjured him by a flood of tears, to recede from his cruel determination, to have regard unto the last effects of her respect, and duty, which had made her forsake Arsaces, to put herself again into his hands; but her tears, and prayers were all to no purpose, and when once she had found that nothing in the world was able to mollify him, she had turned toward Arsacomes who full of hopes, permitted the King to press her in his favour, and looking upon him with eyes inflamed with anger. Think not wicked man (had she said) that this authority which thou unworthily abusest, can ever be able to change my inclinations; with what violence soever they are opposed, I will never look upon thee as other then as my mortal enemy, and thou well mayest make me suffer death, but never make me to become thy wife. Arsacomes left the care of answering these words unto the King, and he was going to do it with a sharpness that made all the company tremble for that poor Princess when I presented myself before him, and preventing the reply he was about to make. Stay (cried I to him) Stay King of Scythia, and be not so hasty dispatch a sacrifice, whereof I am the principal victim. With these words, I made an end of opening my passage to him, and casting my Helmet at his feet, discovered the face of Arsaces to him, and to the whole assembly. I know not whither fear or Amazement seized first upon the King; the remembrance of the day before coming presently into his mind, made him believe I had entered the Town again in Arms, and that having forced the gates a second time, I came now for the last to cross his design, and take revenge for all the injuries I had received. I read his apprehension in his countenance, but I suffered him not long to continue in it, for looking upon him with an action much more resolute than his. Settle thyself (said I) and do not fear the sight of a single man, and of a man whom all thy cruelties have not been able to make thine enemy; I neither come with a power, nor with an intention to take revenge for so many unspeakable wrongs, I only bring thee a head which is necessary for thy perfect Satisfaction, and a head, which with Berenice thou shouldst present to Arsacomes. Behold my arms, which I throw down at thy feet, (pursued I letting fall my sword) and behold at last this Arsaces, to whom thou bearest so implacable a hatred, who comes both alone, and unarmed, to expose himself to all thy indignation, but as it is with no design to hurt thee, so neither is it with any to appease thee that he here presents himself; he demands no reparation for the injuries thou hast done him, nor does he pretened to any favour by those thou hast received from him, and he would be a shamed to receive life from them, to whom he has been accustomed to give it. Pour forth all the effects of thine anger, upon this Artaxerxes, the son of Darius, who with thine own forces has assaulted thy walls, has forced thy Town, has pulled thy daughter out of thine Arms, and has reduced thee thyself, once more to be beholding to him for a kingdom, and for a life, which he hath so often preserved; but spare Berenice who is not guilty of Arsaces' his crimes. Revenge not foreign wrongs upon thine own blood, and since it has no affinity with that of Darius, wreak upon that of Darius alone, whatsoever of greatest cruelty thy rage can think. Arsaces' has deserved death, but Berenice has not deserved the punishment thou inflict'st upon her, or if she have deserved it, 'tis only for having forsaken me, and for having exposed herself a new to the mercy of her enemies. Let alone the innocent Berenice then, and overwhelm the Criminal Arsaces; thou couldst not desire more facility for this revenge, to which thou hast run head long by so many base, and shameful ways, and besides the conservation of thy life, and Kingdom, thou hast yet this last obligation to me, that I myself have delivered thee a person whose ruin thou so often hast in vain attempted and that I have saved thee the labour, of seeking out new murderers, to give death to the greatest of thine enemies. While I spoke on this manner, the whole assembly listened to my words, and with a merveilous attention, expected what would be the issue of that adventure. I will not tell you, what Berenice's thoughts were at this last expression of my love, nor what were those of Arsacomes, since they were the Kings that first manifested themselves. If he had been astonished at my sight, and at the beginning of my discourse he was no less at the knowledge of my strange resolution, & he saw so little likely hood to hope that commanding a potent army, wherewith I was in a manner able to dispose of his destiny, I should abandon all the means I had to frustrate what he had determined, to come and expose myself alone to his mercy, that he could not suffer his belief to credit what he saw. Wherefore he remained a great while in doubt of the truth, but when he beheld me alone, without cask, without sword, in the midst of a throng of his own followers, and that he heard no noise at all in the streets, that could make him fear the coming of his enemies, he began at last to believe, that my love had brought me to that resolution, and that my despair making me despise my life, had made me also neglect the means I had to preserve it. This assurance settled itself in his mind with joy, and his fear was no sooner lulled asleep, but his anger was awaked again. The sight of his enemy, and the fierceness of his words, kindled his wrath afresh withal its violence, and he had scarce had time to recover his first apprehensions, when he opened his mouth to give it vent. Yet wicked wretch, (cried he) thou shalt die, and this false generosity which thy despair hath inspired into thee, shall not save thee from my lawful fury. Yes, I will die, (replied I) and if I would not have died, I would have come with a power that might have defended me from thine. Boast not of an advantage, which thou holdest from no body but myself, nor threaten me with a death, wherein thou only servest for the Minister of my despair. I rather serve the justice of the Gods, (answered Macheus) and all Kings who are interessed in my quarrel; but whether it be from the anger of heaven, or from thine own despair that I have this occasion to revenge me of thee, thou shalt not see me neglect it, nor for many considerations, spare him that hath seduced my subjects, and that led an army of rebels, and traitors, against their Prince, into his City, into his Palaces and even against his own person. He had hardly ended these words, making sign to his guard to encompass me, and to hinder my getting out of the Temple, when the Princess who till then had heard us without interruption, moved from the place, where she stood, and coming toward me with a countenance animated with an extraordinary confidence. You shall not die alone Arsaces, (said she) and since you have been so little fearful to afflict me, in lavishing a life that was dearer to me then my own, you also shall have the grief to see me run to a death, which I owe to nothing but your despair. You ought to have expected the event of what I had resolved to do for you; If I had been so base as to have given myself to Arsacomes, that baseness would have been enough to have cured you, and if I had preferred death before him, you might have followed me to the grave, without the blame of having thrown me into it. By these words, and by my Princess' action so different from her humour, and from her usual moderation, I knew the greatness of her affection, better than ever I had done before, and forgetting all that I had taken ill from her, I gave myself up again totally to my love. Ah! my dearest Princess (said I) what a thought is this of yours, and with what a reproach do you aggravate my sorrows! I defended my life as long as I believed you cared for it, and you know that after the losses I have suffered nothing could have made me think of its preservation, but the opinion I had that it was not indifferent to you. That was it that made me oppose the King your father's arms, which after the ruin of my family I should have welcomed into my breast, that was it that set me at the head of an army, and in short that was it that has made me do many actions, which could not have been expected but from a person that had been much in love with his life. Yes Madam, I did love it, while I flattered myself with a conceit that it was dear to you; but when I saw you help towards its destruction, by forsaking me to put yourself again into those hands from which I had delivered you; I believed I ought to follow your inclinations, and not leave a thing in the world, that might be an obstacle to your repose. After my death, you may live in a greater tranquillity than you have done hitherto, and the Gods to whom your virtue, to whom your person is dear having afflicted you till now, only to punish me by the part I bore in all your sufferings will cease to torment you any longer, when you no more can be infected by the contagious afflictions of miserable Arsaces. The Princess had not patience to let me go on with this discourse, but hastily interrupting me. Cease to offend me (said she) with your reproaches, and do not accuse me of a change, whereof all the considerations in the world shall never make me capable; 'Tis true I would needs come away from you, to put myself again into my father's hands, 'tis an action which I yet would do, and which I cannot repent of, but 'tis not an action that should make you believe you are less dear to me, than you have been formerly. If I could have stayed with you with honour, I would not have left you, neither for Arsacomes, nor for a thousand Empires, and in returning to my father, to whom the Gods and nature hath submitted me, I did not use a less violence upon myself then that you suffered, nor expose myself to lighter discontents than yours; if I had ceased to love you yesterday, I would not have begun again to day, and if I could have disposed myself to live without you, I would not now dispose myself to die with you. You shall not die, dear Princess, (replied I violently) you shall not die, nor can you continue in that thought, without making my death terrible to me; You shall live for a better fortune then that you yet have met with, and if my death cause any sorrow in you, as your goodness makes me hope it will, time, the friendship of Prince Oroondates whom the Gods will bring home to you again, and my ardent request at this last minute of my life, will cure you of it. I will not pray you to live for Arsacomes, you deserve a happier fortune, and you have too gallant a spirit to stoop to a person unworthy of you; moreover I believe my death will change the King's intentions in favour of you, for purposing to give you to Arsacomes, not so much with a design to make him happy, as to make Arsaces' miserable, he by Arsaces his death, will lose those cruel resolutions, which he had taken against you, only out of his enmity to me; he loves you, though he has hated me, and the end of his hatred toward me, will waken his affection to you again, I would conjure thee to it, King of Scythia (continued I turning towards him) if I believed the latest words of a Prince who abandoned all his interests to serve thee, who saved thy life with the peril of his own, who fought for thy Dominions, instead of defending those he was born to, and who to complete his services, gluts thee even at the price of his very life, in the greediness of thy last desires, were able to work any thing upon thee. I upbraid thee not with what I have done for thee, and thine, though it be considerable enough to deserve some place in thy remembrance; All I could possibly do, was due to the father of Berenice, and Oroondates, and the Gods are my witnesses, that all thy ingratitudes have never been able to make me repent it, but by that memory I may well demand the repose of Berenice of thee. I was yet in a posture to defend her against Arsacomes, if I would longer have defended her against her father, and she herself was in a condition to dispose of her own affections, if she had not preferred her respect, and her obedience to thee, before her quiet, nay before her life itself. If thou art born of Royal, or if thou art born but of noble blood, all the incitements of generosity sue to thee in her favour, and tell thee that so pure a virtue, and so perfect a resignation, aught to drive all the cruelty out of thy mind, that harbours in it against this lovely Princess. While I spoke these words, I fixed my eyes upon Matheus his face, where by an unlooked for effect I observed a very strange alteration. You have wondered without doubt, how in the condition I then was, we had the liberty of so long a conversation, without being interrupted by the King's anger, who in probability should not have suffered it with patience; but you will wonder a great deal more, when I shall tell you, that after having given a peaceable audience to the Princess' words, and likewise unto mine, he found things in them that were powerful enough to stop the impetuousness of his displeasure. Assoon as reason began to find some admittance into his thoughts, it made him look upon all his actions, with a different eye from what he had done before. He admired the contempt I showed of death, in seeing me expose myself to it so voluntarily, when I had so great a strength to have secured me from it. He considered my last actions, wherein he found a respect, from which he thought I might lawfully enough have been exempted. He remembered that having made myself Master of his City by the right of arms I had left it free to him, and that having desired no other advantage by that happy success, but the liberty of my Princess, I had sent her back to him again the same day, and if in what I said he found something that was sufficient to offend him, he attributed it to a greatness of courage which he could not disapprove. From this consideration, he returned to that of my former actions, and recalling to mind all I had done for him, he met with nothing that did not move his heart to love, and tenderness. He for a while resisted these new motions, but in the end, he was neither of brass nor marble as obdurate as he was, and though the interest of Stratonice, and Arsacomes, who observed his irresolution with mortal trances, with held him for a few moments, yet was he fain at last to yield to compassion, and to remembrances which he was not able to resist. The first token he showed of it was a sigh followed by some tears which all the assembly saw run down his cheeks; but presently after he turned on the other side, either to hide his weakness, or to call back his former resolutions, but there was no more room for them in his heart, and all his thoughts were so changed already, that he no longer had power, no nor so much as an intention to defend himself. O Gods! cried he, lifting up his hands and eyes to heaven, and stopping at those words, he fixed his eyes upon the ground, and kept silence yet for some few moments; At last he rose up from the chair where he sat, and looking upon me with a countenance absolutely mollified, or rather full of confusion; Arsaces (said he) Generous Arsaces, you are my Conqueror, but O Gods, how ought I to hope you will use your victory? I was so surprised at this strange alteration, that I was not able to reply, and within a little after, coming toward me with open arms: Might I hope (continued he) that after such high provocations, and such crimes as deserve no pardon, Arsaces can have the goodness to forget them, and that by the same Generosity which has overcome me, he for the sake of Berenice, and for the sake of Oroondates, would restore me that friendship, which once I prized at so high a rate, and which my cruelty has forfeited? These words giving me a full assurance of his change, did also disperse all the resentments I had against him, and not knowing in that sudden revolution, how to find terms capable to express my thoughts, I contented myself with declaring them by my actions, and to let the King see▪ by casting myself at his feet, that I should ever receive the return of his friendship as an invaluable favour. Ah! (pursued he, seeing me in that posture and judging by my action that I was readily disposed to all he desired if it be true that Arsaces' pardons me the indignities I have offered him, I shall esteem that effect of his generosity, above all the rest wherewith he hath obliged me. No, (said he taking me in his arms, and embracing me with a very passionate gesture) Arsaces could not be conquered but by himself, and in this victory which he wins over his just resentments, he appears more great and more glorious then in all those others he hath obtained to our advantage. In fine, Most great, and most generous of all Princes, you triumph over us all manner of ways; but though you have reaped small fruit by all your former victories, the prize of this last, shall be a firmer affection than that I loved you with before, a purpose to share my Dominions with you, or else to lose them for the recovery of yours, and finally Berenice the cause of our greatest contestations; I will joyfully accept him for my son, who was the son of Darius, and if the father were yet alive, I would demand that alliance of him, with an inviolable peace, as the most happy fortune that could befall me. The King had not the leisure to prosecute his discourse; for the noise which Stratonice, Arsacomes, and those of their party made at a declaration that was so cruel to them, would not suffer him to continue it. The Queen with a transported action stepping forward toward the King, and forgetting her modesty at so sensible a blow; What Sir (said she) will you take away Berenice from Arsacomes, to give her to the son of Darius? The King to hinder her from saving more, replied, Madam, it is not without trouble that I am constrained to displease you, I want not recompenses for Arsacomes; but I cannot without being the basest, and most contemptible of all men living, dispose of Berenice to any body but Artaxerxes. Artaxerxes cannot have her (added Arsacomes) so long as I am alive, and I know too well what Kings owe unto their promise, to fear that, that which your Majesty has given me should be violated in favour of him. That which I promised you (replied the King) as an honour that was above you, is not capable to engage me, and having no right to pretend to it, neither have you any to demand the accomplishment of it. How great interest soever I had in this discourse, I kept silence out of modesty, seeing that the King defended my party very well; but Arsacomes whose grief transported him, lost part of his respect, and without considering that which he owed to the presence of his King; I shall know how to maintain my just pretensions (said he) both against Arsaces, and against all men living. Berenice is mine by a promise that cannot be revoked, nor shall she be taken from me without effusion of blood. All this while I had continued silent, but then I thought I both might, and aught to reply. Neither thou, nor I (said I) are worthy of Berenice, but if either of us may pretened to her, Artaxerxes both by birth and Services, has more right than Arsacomes. Yet will not I, abuse the King's favour as thou hast done, but though it declare on my behalf, I am ready still to dispute Berenice against thee with my sword. Hitherto thou hast very ill defended her, and hast not been able to defend so much as thine own life against me single, at the head of thy army; but if that trial thou hast had of my forces, makes thee believe they are too hard for thine, put on thine arms, and here I offer to maintain my rights against thee with my sword alone. Arsacomes was going to reply if the King had not prevented him. I will be Master (said he) in my own Kingdom, and in my own house, since Arsaces who was so by the right of war, is content to leave me my authority. You are my subject Arsacomes, and I have power to do otherwise with you, then with the son of Darius; I command you therefore to obey me without murmuring, and I entreat Prince Artaxerxes to leave me the disposing of my daughter, without offering to dispute her against you; since he alone is able to cross the power I have over the Scythians, I shall know well enough how to maintain the promise I make him against all others. While the King was speaking on this manner, all the people in whose memory the affection of Arsaces was not yet extinguished, who in this reconciliation saw an end of the war, and of those miseries they had feared, and who in my last actions had found how I had spared them; after a clapping of hands, which made the Temple ring, cried out a loud, that is was to Arsaces' their deliverer, and their protector, that their Princess ought to be given; and this action added to the King's words, stirred up so great a rage, and so much confusion in Stratonice, and Arsacomes, that after a threatening murmurre, they went out of the Temple in a very different manner from their coming in. I will not tell you, since that recital would be too long, with what expressions the King confirmed the hope which he had given me, what thanks I returned him, nor what were the words, and actions of Berenice; all these things passed in transports of joy, but in the height of all the King's endearments, I cast myself once more at his feet, and after he had done his endeavour to raise me up again, I protested to him that I never would cease to embrace his knees, till he had granted me his pardon, for Theodates, and for all the Officers and Soldiers of our Army. The King was incensed against them with a great deal of show of reason, but being he with repentance acknowledged his unworthy usage of me, he thought that to make reparation he ought to refuse me nothing, and after having granted me the pardon I requested for them, he would needs have Prince Carthasis his brother, to go presently and carry them the news. I was very forward to accompany him in that action, and getting on horseback with him, we were followed by a great number of the inhabitants, who went thronging with us to the Campe. As the grief of Theodates, and of my other friends had been great at the reading of my letter, their astonishment was not less when they saw me come in such an unexpected manner; they were already getting on horseback to seek me every where, but when they saw their fears so happily ended, they fell from one extremity to another, and by the excess of their contentment testified that of their friendship toward me. Prince Carthasis having declared the King's pardon to them and told them in a few words the truth of that adventure, after they had admired my resolution, and the strange event of it, they left the Camp, and upon the Prince's word went along with us into the Town, where they cast themselves at the King's feet. The King received them very handsomely, and in stead of condemning Theodates, having praised his affection to me, he promised him he would conserve no remembrance of it, but to esteem him the more, and to the rest confirmed the pardon he had granted them. I was settled again in the Palace in my former lodgings; and in the court I will not say in my former condition, but in another much more glorious, and much more considerable. To the remembrance of Arsaces' services, was added that of Artaxerxes birth, and to both, the consideration of the credit I had among the Soldiery, and of what I could do as a friend, and as an enemy. The Queen being pressed with discontent, came not to the King, and Arsacomes keeping retired in his lodging vented his in threatenings, which were told the King, but he who was unwilling to ruin one whom he had loved so well, and to whom he had given such lofty hopes, sent for him two days after, and spoke to him in these terms. Although I am not obliged, Arsacomes, to justify my actions toward you, yet am I willing to let you see that it is not out of inconstancy I take Berenice from you; she is but too justly due unto Arsaces, and I have but too obstinately resisted to do what I ought to have done sooner; I in your favour have done things that will for ever dishonour my Memory; you should blush at them for me, if you loved my reputation, and believe as I do that the greatest reparations I can make to Prince Artaxerxes, are not able to blot out the remembrance of my cruelties. Moreover in yielding Berenice to him, you yield her but to the son of Darius, the greatest of all the Monarches in the world, and but to him, whom besides the general obligations you are particularty obliged to for your life. If the Gods had given me another daughter, I protest I would not disdain you for my sonne-in Law, although you are my subject, and if you can be satisfied with my good will, I'll keep you always ne'er me in the same condition you have been, I'll recompense the loss of your hopes, with new preferments, and with new dignities, and except Berenice, there shall be nothing in my Kingdom you may not pretened to. And except Berenice (interrupted audacious Arsacomes) there is nothing in your Kingdom which I do not disdain; if a King fails of his promise to me, I shall neither fail of courage, nor of friends, to dispute it to the last moment of my life. Thou ought'st then, (replied the King exasperated by that answer) to have disputed it when thou wert at the head of an army, where Arsaces' all alone took from thee all the rights thou hadst to it, and had also taken away thy life with them, if he had not been to generous to make his glory give place to his interests. Thou oughtest to have defended her here within our walls, whence Arsaces carried her even before thy face, thou not attempting any thing to hinder him; and though my promise had engaged me toward thee, thou knowest I lost the disposing of Berenice, from the time she ceased to be within my power; thou shouldst have fetched her again out of the hands of thy rival, at the hazard of thy life, if thou wouldst have been worthy of her, and not have stayed till he restored her into thine arms himself: if thou hadst had the least sense of honour left in thee, thou wouldst not so shamefully have been beholding to thine enemy for her; and though I were not at all obliged to Arsaces, I should not be just, if I gave Berenice to thee after thou hadst so poorly disputed her. Arsacomes confounded and stung with these reproaches, stood a great while before he could find an answer; but in the end, he began to reply, and losing all the respect he had yet remaining, flew out into such irreverent speeches, that the King being extremely incensed, after he had protested that nothing but the Queen's consideration hindered him from chastising his insolency, commanded him to get out of his presence, and never to appear before him any more. Arsacomes withdrew in a desperate rage, and with such threats as would have been punished with death, in any other body but the Queen's Brother.  
Prince Oroondates who had hearkened to Arsaces' his last adventures, with a countenance that sufficiently expressed how much he was concerned in them, broke silence then, and with an action like that of a person who coming out of a long and dangerous perplexity, begins to recover a little breath; Ah! Brother, (said he) how you have made me suffer, and how you have ●as'd me now, by letting me know my father's repentance, since nothing could have comforted me, if he had not in some degree repaired his ingratitude. But how is it possible, that the fame of these wonders you have told us, should never have come to our ears before, and that I have been ignorant of such memorable events and wherein I had so great an interest? The distance of places (replied Arsaces) and the little time since they came to pass, have without doubt kept them from their knowledge. By what I can judge they happened during your sickness at Susa, and since that time, few persons can have travailed into Scythia, and few Scythians are come into these Country's. In the interim (continued Arsaces) I was in the height of my felicities; The King By all manner of kindnesses endeavoured to make me lose the remembrance of his harsher usage, I saw my Princess with all the freedom I could desire, I could not doubt of her affection, after the important proofs I had received of it, and if we had not waited for the news of Prince Oroondates, whose presence was necessary to complete my fortune, I according to the wishes of the whole Court, had obtained the King's consent for the entire possession of my Princess. Yes, Brother, 'twas nothing but your absence alone that retarded our marriage, and how passionate, and how impatient soever I was, my love to you persuaded me easily to expect your return, and to approve with a great deal of satisfaction, that respect of Berenice's, and that testimony of the King's consideration of you. When I was happy in what concer'nd my love, the memory of my honour wakened in me again, and I judged that all I had done, could not serve my reputation, while I suffered Alexander to reign peaceably over those countries which he had usurped from us by the death of the King my father, and by the loss of some of my friends. This remembrance brought back part of that sadness into my heart, which my present happiness seemed to have banished thence, and though I found some consolation in the hope of doing something toward the recovery of my glory, and of my father's Dominions, the necessity of parting with Berenice began to afflict me very sensibly, yet did I pass over all that my love represented contrary to my glory, and having cast myself at the King's feet, Sir, (said I) after the honour your Majesty has done me to accept me for your son, you should not suffer me to live unworthy of that quality, and since the recovery of those dominions I have lost is linked to that of my reputation, you are too much concerned in both, to refuse me the assistance I desire of you. Alexander has triumphed over my father's Empire, and his life, and reigns quietly over those territories which heretofore were his. Without your help Sir, I can neither revenge the death of my friends, nor rise to the throne of my predecessors, and if your Majesty refuse it me, the Princess your daughter must be the wife of a private man, and of a man dispossessed of his inheritance, Be pleased to grant me Sir, for the highest effect of generosity, some part of those valiant Scythians who have thought me worthy of their friendship. By their courage I hope to repair my shame, and to reconquer my dominions. That destroyer of our House, is an enemy to all Kings in general, he already has invaded your frontiers, and will without doubt come into the bowels of your Kingdom, if we carry not the war to him, into those countries whereof he is yet but ill assured, I said some other things to the King, which he heard with patience, and answered with a great deal of kindness. Doubt not son, (said he) but that your interests shall henceforth be mine own, nor but that I will contribute with my utmost powers, and even with mine own person, to the recovery of your Empire; not to make Berenice's condition more advantageous by the lustre of a crown, I esteem your person above all greatnesses, and I know well enough you wear a sword, that can both maintain, and conquer Empires: but because I judge as you do, that your glory is interessed in your design, I'll arm the whole power of Scythia for you, and will set you at the head of a hundred thousand men, who having such a leader, will think nothing difficult, but hue you out a way to the regaining of the throne you have lost: yet I desire we may stay till we either see, or hear some news of Oroondates, I mean that he shall march along with you, that friend whom you so highly have obliged and whose company is not to be despised; and while we expect him, order shall be given, to make leavyes for the setting of this army on foot. Those I was raising against you, and the troops you now commanded, shall make a part of them, and the rest shall be ready against my sons return, or within the time we will limit for that expectation. I was so extremely satisfied at the King's answer that I could not dissemble my contentment, and to render it absolutely complete, the King protested he would not suffer me to go from Issedon, before I had married Berenice. That fair Princess was afflicted at my resolution; but being mistress of a great deal of reason, she yielded to the necessity of my affairs, and to a thing for which she had ever prepared. But alas! how little time we had to entertain one another, and how short my joys were, though my griefs had been of long continuance.  
I was in bed, when some hours before day, I heard a confused noise about the Palace, and an infinite number of cries, which were enough to waken the soundest sleepers. I leapt into the floor, and running to a window, saw a great many torches, and heard the voice of many persons who cried that the Princess was carried away. At this news, I was very near falling into a swoon, but I strove to keep all my forces in the need I had of them for such an occasion, and presently after Criton came into my chamber. Sir, (said he) the Princess is carried away. The grief he felt for my misfortune would not suffer him to say m●●e, and I was so strucken, that I had not the power to get out one word. I threw on a few clothes, and ran hastily to Berenice's lodgings, where I found Theomiris with Cyllenia, and other maids, who by their cries redoubled the rage wherewith I was transported, and told me with interrupted words, how the Princess had been pulled by force out of her chamber, by seven or eight armed men, and that those ravishers had carried her away by the back stairs into the garden, and so out at a hole they had broken through the wall. I ran instantly to those stairs, where I found two men dead, who were known to be grooms of her chamber, and going down I saw the hole in the garden wall, through which my cruel enemies came in and had got out again. Not knowing what way, nor what advice to take, I went up again to the King's quarter, where I found him buried in an extraordinary sorrow, I had but few words with him, and those so confusedly put together, that it was easy by them to know the disorder of my heart. While he was sending out Messengers every way, I put on my arms in his presence, and taking a hasty leave of him, got on horseback with a great many Courtiers, who ran thronging to accompany me. We road out at the City at the nearest gate, and not being able to judge by any conjecture what way those ravishers had taken, we wandered about all the rest of the night without knowing whither we went, and at break of day found ourselves at a little Town, some two or three hundred furlongs from Issedon. There we could hear no news in the world, and having taken another way, and after that a great many several ones, we could meet with no body that could tell us any thing of what we sought, I passed that night in a village four hundred furlongs from Issedon, and the next morning we began our search again with the same diligence, and with the same success. We spent three days more in it, not leaving any Town, Burrough, village, house or wood within a thousand furlongs of the City where we had not been to seek her, at the end of which I returned to the King to see if those he had sent out otherways had had any better fortune; but I found their pains and care had been to as little purpose as ours. We doubted not but that it was Arsacomes who had stolen away the Princess, he had left the Court a week before, and since that time there had been no news of him. The King possessed with that belief as well as I, made sharp complaints unto the Queen, and after having protested to her, that he would use his utmost power to the ruin and destruction of her Brother, he promised her likewise, that if by her persuasions he would return to his obedience, and restore the Princess, he would grant him pardon for her sake; but the Queen whither it were that she was wilfully bend to favour her brother's action, or that indeed she was ignorant of it, cast herself at the King's feet, and protested her innocence with so many tears, that he ceased to press her any further; yet he thought good I should take two thousand horse, and go at the head of them to search Arsacomes his houses, and gave order for a greater strength to follow me, in case we should find him in a posture of resistance. I set forward in this equipage and to shorten my discourse, went to all those places, whither it was thought Arsacomes could retire, but there was no news to be heard either of Berenice or of him, and we were informed with an unquestionable certainty, that he had not been seen in those parts of many years. How great so ever the rage that transported me was, I could not resolve to pour it forth upon those that were under his obedience, or ruin a people that was innocent of their Prince's crime. Then it was that I saw myself abandoned to my despair, and that I was often upon the point of seeking an end of my misfortunes in the end of my life. I was going to fix on that resolution, when happening to be near the gate of a Temple dedicated to Juno, famous for Oracles, which they came to consult from all parts of Europe, I determined first to try if I could find any pity from the Gods. They expressed themselves to me clearly enough, and though I do not remember the words of the Oracle, I have not forgot, that the Goddess by the mouth of her Priest, commanded me to seek out of Scythia for that which I had lost, and to visit the walls of Semiramis, where I should find an end of all my pains. I was the more willing to obey the pleasure of the Gods, because my hopes were lost all other ways; and whither it were that they promised me the recovery of Berenice, or that it was by the end of my days, they made me hope for that of my miseries, I resolved to give myself up wholly to their will. My design of marching into my Father's territories with the forces the King of Scythia had promised me, to fight with Alexander for the Empire, and the glory he had taken from me▪ vanished quite out of my mind, and I was then called by a more powerful motive to attempt the recovery of Berenice, then that of my lost Dominions, 'Twas also at that time I heard that Alexander had married the Princess Statira my Sister, that he had given Parisatis to his favourite Hephestion, and that he carried himself toward the remnants of Darius his blood with the same affection as to his own. This news afflicted me very much for many considerations; It troubled me to know it was my sister's husband against whom I was to prepare myself for war, assoon as I should be in a condition to entertain such thoughts; but I judged with a far more sensible grief, that my dear Brother's hopes were utterly extinguished, and that if he had still preserved his affections to Statira▪ he in her marriage could find no less matter of affliction then what I felt for the loss of Berenice. I should longer have reasoned with myself upon that sad occasion, if I had not been too much taken up with my own misfortunes; but being resolved upon the voyage the Gods had ordained me, I meant to make it without any train that could make me be observed in those places where I passed, and to that end I took leave of all those that were come along with me from Issedon, keeping no body with me but Criton, and two other necessary servants, I even refused the company of my Dear Theodates. But it was not without an extreme violence, that I persuaded him to leave me, and I should never have won him to it, if I had not made him see that his stay in Scythia was absolutely necessary for me, both to make the greater care be taken in the search of Berenice, and to keep me right in the King's opinion, which might perchance be altered during my absence by Stratonices solicitations, whereby he might in time be drawn to approve of her Brother's action. Theodates' lent an ear at last to this consideration, which in effect was strong enough to stay him; but though he could not yield to that separation without tears, and lamentations which I cannot express, in the end we parted, after he had promised to make my excuses to the King, that I came not to take my leave of him, and to tell him that since he had done me the honour to give me Berenice, I would either bring her home to him again, or die in quest of her. From the place where I left Theodates. I travailed directly toward Mount Imaüs which divides the two Scythia's, and having crossed through the Asiattique, and the country of the Massagetes, I came into Bactria, and entered upon the territories that had been the King my Fathers. I passed unknown through all those places, where I found many marks of the disasters of our family, and though my love was sufficient to possess me totally, yet could I not without a great deal of trouble, see those people that had been our subjects, yield obedience peaceably to new Masters. These objects presenting themselves daily to my eyes, often drew sighs from me, which seconded those my passions forced more violently from the bottom of my heart; In short I continued all that journey in so deep a sadness, that if the consolations I received from Criton, whose fidelity is beyond all recompense, had not in some degree allayed I my sorrow, I think I should have sunk under the burden of it, before I could have reached the Country the Oracle had appointed me. In the end I arrived there without any encounter worthy to be related, and at my arrival I heard of the death of Alexander, who had paid the debt of nature a few days before. I know not how to tell you the several effects this news wrought in me, I was glad for my dear brother's sake, who thereby recovered the hopes he had lost in Statira's marriage; but I was sorry in mine own particular, being thereby deprived of those I had conceived, of regaining my honour from him that had taken it from me. And though it seemed to facilitate the recovery of my Empire, it gave Alexander the advantage of having kept it all his life, and of having been the Conqueror and the Master till his death. I then thought upon the condition of my sisters, and was joyed with a hope of coming to the place where they were, of seeing them, and perhaps of doing them some service in that estate, to which so great a revolution of their fortune might have reduced them. Although the alteration of my face in so long an absence, and the general opinion of my being dead, might have put me out of all fear of being easily discovered, I would not hazard my life how ever, knowing that in Babylon I should find persons from whom time had not taken away all remembrance of my features, and therefore assoon as I was come into this country, I retired to the house of a good honest man, some three or four hundred furlongs from this place, whom I by gifts in present, and by the hopes of more, engaged at first to as much affection, and secrecy as I could desire. The next morning knowing I was ne'er the Temple of Apollo which I had formerly visited, I had a desire to consult the pleasure of that God, and implore his assistance. There it was I met with Prince Lysimachus, and that by his graceful fashion, and his charming conversation, I began to give him that esteem and that affection, which the recital of his gallant actions hath since completed. You doubtless have heard from him the discourse we had together, and the words of the Oracle that was delivered to us; I thought them so obscure that I could not comprehend any thing of their meaning and only found by the last of them, that the Gods would have me wait their pleasure upon the banks of Euphrates. That conformity with my former Oracle did a little augment those faint hopes I had conceived, and made me in effect resolve to expect my destiny a while upon the banks of that river. The house I had taken for my retreat was seated near it, well enough built, and furnished to make some stay there without inconveniency, and far enough from the high ways, not to be frequented with any company. The Master of it proffered with a great deal of freedom to do me all the service that lay in his power, and finding him to be a discreet▪ understanding man, I resolved to make use of him to try if I could learn any news of Berenice. For this purpose having given him directions and addresses to inform himself of what I desired, I sent him to the City, but O Gods, how sorrowful was the news he brought me home; since by him I heard the rumour that was spread in Babylon of the death of the Princesses my sisters. This was so heavy an addition to my griefs, that it was like to have pressed me down into my grave, and though I strove to dissemble it as well as I was able, I could not possibly hinder my Landlord from perceiving that I was infinitely troubled at that news. I made the dolefullest lamentations in the world, when I was at liberty to utter them, and accused myself of meanness of spirit, for having given my whole life up to my love, instead of bestowing part of it on the relief I owed to those poor Princesses. I vented a thousand threats, and made a thousand designs against their murderers, and was yet in the violence of these thoughts, having hardly dried up my first tears when I met the valiant Lysimachus a second time by the River side. He without doubt has told you the discourse that passed between us, and how (just as I was going to ask his name, after I had told him that mine was Arsaces) it was interupted by a Cavalier who passing near us enquired, the way to Babylon. It is very true (said Lysimachus then to Arsaces') the coming of that stranger deprived me of your company, after it had caused in me an esteem, or rather an admiration of you, which all I could say, was not able to represent to Prince Oroondates, when I made him the relation of that encounter. That Cavalier (continued Arsaces) who passed so suddenly by us, was Arsacomes. You may easily judge by what I have told you, that his image was always present enough to my remembrance, not to need any long time to know him, and that his sight produced in me at the very first, all those effects it was probable it should. The knowledge thereof obliged Lysimachus to pardon me the rudeness of my hasty departure, which would not suffer me to pay all the civilities that were due to him. I ran so swiftly after Arsacomes, that though he was already a great way of I began to see him again when we were out of the wood; that second sight did so animate me, that my impatience doubled my horse's speed, and at last I got ne'er enough to my enemy to make him hear my voice. Stay, (cried I) stay Arsacomes; These words which he heard after I had often repeated them, caused him in the end to take up a little, and looking back to see who it was that called him by his name, he beh●ld me with my sword drawn coming at him as hard as ever I could drive. My action, and my threatening cries made him know I was his enemy, wherefore not wanting courage he turned about, and expected me in the posture of a man resolved to defend himself. He had a javeline in his right hand, which he lifted up into the air, and when I was within twenty paces of him, he raised himself upon his stirrups, and darted it at me with his utmost force. The blow miss me, but struck my horse so violently in the head, that he fell stark dead between my leggs. I disengaged myself presently from my stirrups, and leaving my horse upon the ground, covered myself with my shield, to end the combat on foot; but Arsacomes gave me not the leisure, and whither it were that he disdained to fight with me upon advantage, or that he was called other where by pressing occasions, assoon as he saw me fall, he turned about again, and galloped on his way at the same rate as he had done before. I remained in a vexation hard to be imagined, and no longer having any means to pursue my enemy, who road away from me at liberty, I was ready to have vented all my despair upon myself. Yet did I moderate my rage, by a reflection I made upon this encounter, for I believed with likelihood that I had cause to hope in the promise of the Gods, and that Berenice was not far from those parts, since I had found Arsacomes there. This belief comforted me very much, and a while after I was confirmed in it by Criton who came up to me at last, his horse not having been so swift as mine, and his impatience not so violent. He was very much troubled to hear the accident that had befallen me, and having alighted to give me his horse, I would have gotten upon him to pursue my enemy again, but I found him so spent, that I lost all hope of overtaking Arsacomes, and was constrained to think upon some new resolution. I remembered that Arsacomes had asked the way to Babylon, and I was of opinion I might light upon him in that City, but Criton whose prudence I had observed in all his actions, thought it not safe for me to go thither at that time, considering the exact guard that was kept at the gates, where passengers were searched, and examined whence they came, and what was their business, and where they did many things that would put me in very great hazard of being known. He represented to me that it would be much more easy for him to inform himself in Babylon concerning what I desired, then for me who for fear of being discovered would be fain to keep still within doors. Therefore by his advice, in which I found a great deal of reason, I with his horse took my way back to the house of our retreat and he went on a foot to the Town which was but a little way of▪ from whence he was to come home to me the next day, with all the news he could learn and with another horse which I gave him charge to buy. Thus did I return to the place where I made my abode, and where I passed the rest of that day in discontents mingled with some glimpse of hope; but before it was night, Criton came back with a brave horse he had bought, and ask him the cause why he returned sooner than I expected. Sir (answered he) before I came to the gates of Babylon I met Arsacomes and which is more Sir, I met him with the Princess Berenice. Ah! (cried I) what dost thou tell me, hast thou found Berenice? Yes Sir (replied he) I found her in the arms of Arsacomes, who in spite of her resistance, and in spite of all her cries, carried her away before him galloping back the same way we saw him go. O Gods (added I quite transported) what a happy progress is this toward the accomplishment of your promises! If I had had a horse (said Criton) I should certainly have followed them, though I had been sure to lose my life, but being a foot as I was, I could not possibly execute my desires, for having presently lost sight of them, though I ran as fast as I could, after I had complained of my ill fortune. I thought the best service I could do you, would be to go on to the Town and buy a horse for you as you had commanded me. This discourse touched me as you may imagine, but it was with joy, which encouraged me to believe, I ought to hope for all things from the promise of the Gods. I hardly would allow the night leisure to pass away, and assoon as ever it was break of day, mounting the horse which Criton had brought me, and which I found to be a very good one, I began a fresh to seek after my Princess. Yet would I not stir out of this Country, for fear of disobeying the Gods, whom I began to find exact in the hopes they had given me, and when I had spent the days in my search, I for the most part came back at night to my usual retreat. There is no Town here abouts which I have not visited, no village, nor house whose entrance was permitted me, where I have not been to look for my Princess; but all my endeavours were unprofitable, and after having vainly sought through all the Province, I thought at last to return to that Temple where the Gods had promised me the return of my happiness, and where if I might be suffered, I meant to reproach them for having deceived me. With this intention, being departed from a village where I had lain, I left Babylon upon the right hand, and was hardly gotten twenty furlongs from it, when I saw a chariot coming toward me, which six horses drew at a very great rate. The design I had of seeking my Princess every where, made me go ne'er the side of it, where I saw a woman in a man's arms, who by her cries, and by all her actions, showed she was carried away by force. My hopes were wakened in me by that sight, but assoon as I beheld her face again, and heard her voice, I knew it was not my Princess; though me thought neither that face, nor voice was unknown to me. Yet was I resolved to succour her whosoever she was, and to that end riding up to the Charioteer, I commanded him to stand. He made a difficulty to obey me, but I brought the point of my javeline to his face, and made him know there was no safety for him but in obedience. In the mean time he that was in the Chariot, having observed my action, leapt nimbly out, and calling a man that carried his cask, gave him charge to hold that Lady, if she should offer to get away, and making him a light from a gallant horse he was upon, he threw himself into the Saddle with a great deal of agility; he was no sooner in his stirrups, but coming toward me with a threatening action; Whosoever thou art (cried he) though thou wert Lysimachus again, if thou opposest my intention, thou shalt be sure to meet with death in thine. I am not Lysimachus (answered I) but if thine intention be to carry away that Lady by force, mine shall ever be to defend her against thy violence. Thou must die then, replied he, and with those words, flew upon me with a great deal of courage. Being he indeed was valiant, the combat lasted for some time without disadvantage to either, but in the end, I was more fortunate than he, and after having warded many blows he made at me, I gave him two or three wounds, which made him fall from his horse unable to fight any longer. Then I turned toward the Lady I had rescued, and he that held her by his Master's command, no sooner saw me coming, but he let her go, and fled toward Babylon. The woman presently leapt out of the Chariot, and the Charioteere lashing on his horses toward the City, got a great way from us in a little time. Scarce had I alighted, and set my eyes upon that Lady's face, but I observed all the lineaments of Queen Statira my sister. You may well enough conceive how great my amazement was at so unexpected an encounter; especially there being a general rumour that she was dead. That belief, and her habit which was very different from what she was wont to wear, hindered me from giving credit to my eyes, but when by my action she saw me express my astonishment. Never doubt of it, (said she) I am Statira, I am the widow of Alexander the Great. And I sister (cried I quite transported) am Prince Artaxerxes your Brother, and casting my head piece at her feet, I ran to her with open arms, and in her amazement which made her incapable of resistance, I gave her a thousand kisses, accompanied with tears which my eyes bestowed on my affection. If the wonder that had seized on me was great, you may well imagine that hers was without comparison, and that she could not see that brother again, whom she had loved so well, and whom she had thought dead eight years before, with a moderate astonishment. When she was got loose from my embraces she retired a step or two to consider my face; could not believe but that it was my Ghost, asked me often if it were possible I should be alive, and in short did all those actions, which you did yourself at our knowing one another. Assoon as she was persuaded that I was Artaxerxes indeed, she cast away her doubts, to give herself over to her affection, and throwing herself into mine arms with transported cries, she made me see that neither time, nor the accidents of her life had at all diminished her former love. We continued a great while in a strict embrace, without having power to bring forth a distinct word, and when once we were able, we questioned each other mutually concerning what we were ignorant of. How come you to be a live dear Brother? How come you to be a live dear Sister? said we both together; and answering both at the same time, we began a very confused discourse, and so interrupted with endearments, that we could tell one another nothing. Besides my sister believed that in the place where we were, we could not without danger engage ourselves in a long conversation so having prayed me to carry her from thence, and to run if it were possible to the relief of Parisatis, who was a live, and a prisoner, she persuaded me to get on horseback and having set her behind me, we road as she desired a long the Riverside. She would have questioned me about my adventures, but I having told her that the relation of my life would require no less, than a whole day, and that it was more necessary I should learn some thing of her present condition, and of Parisatis, she in a few words told me all that had happened to her since Alexander's death, the name of Perdiccas, with whom I had fought, and the estate in which she had left Parisatis; but she said nothing of Prince Oroondates, whither it were that she judged that remembrance faulty after the death of Alexander, or that she meant to speak of him more at large when she had better leisure. She had not quite ended her discourse when we saw the chariot coming in which Parisatis was; you have heard the beginning of that which passed, and how having made Statira a light that I might be fitter for the encounter, I was assaulted by half a score horsemen who guarded the chariot, and that while I was engaged among them, Statira was taken again. I heard her cry a loud when they put her into the chariot, and would have run to help her if I could have had free passage; but the enemies I had upon me stopped my way, and reduced me to a necessity rather of defending myself, then of relieving my sisters. Three of them lay already gnawing the earth, and the rest began to find that though I was alone, they should obtain no easy victory. In effect my strength was so redoubled by my anger, and by my grief for this last accident, that I quickly dispatched another and by good fortune Criton who was returning from a place whither I had sent him, came in just then to my assistance, and he no sooner knew me but making use of Policy to strike a terror in my enemies; Courage Sir, (cried he) you are relieved. I kn●w not whither these words and the confidence wherewith they saw him fall upon them, made them believe he was followed by others, or whither their fear of two men alone produced that effect, but however it were, the fierceness of my enemies began to cool, and presently after they turned their backs leaving me the victory, and the field; but at the same time my horse fell dead of the wounds he had received, and Criton seeing five or six without Masters, catched the best of them and brought him to me. I no sooner was upon his back but I ran after the tract of the Chariot, which had carried away the Princesses, and had followed the bank of the river a while in that pursuit, when I was stopped by a considerable encounter, and such a one as I ought well to remember, since I still bear the marks of it, and that it cost me more blood than I had lost in all the rest of my life. It was the encounter of you and Berenice, Brother, I found you when I least expected it, and I also found Berenice, but in such a condition as I believed I never could have taken her. O Gods! what were my thoughts when I knew my Princess! but O Gods, what were my resentments when I saw her hanging about the neck, and kissing the face of a man in Arsacomes his armour! I presently believed that it was he, but knew not how to imagine my Princess should be guilty of so horrible a lightness. I stood a while considering their actions, but when I saw her continue such extraordinary kindnesses, as could not have been pardoned if any body but a brother had received them, I gave myself over to a rage, which in appearance was but too lawfully grounded. You found the effects of it dear Brother, as I felt those of your matchless valour, which by a number of very deep wounds made me fall upon the ground without sense, or understanding. The condition I was reduced to (interupted Prince Oroondates) was no better than yours, and if I had the glory to share equally with you in the event of our combat, I owe it to those you had fought before, which without doubt could not have left so great a vigour as I encountered in that last in any other man but the invincible Arsaces. If my former combats (replied Arsaces) had caused any weariness in me, the jealousy, or rather the fury wherewith I was transported, banished it in such manner, and did so powerfully redouble my forces, that I never was fresher, nor in better condition to dispute my pretensions against any body else but Oroondates. In short I was fallen upon the ground, where Criton had me in his arms, who that day did me his wont services, and who after he had long tormented himself about me, went to seek help either for my recovery or burial. When he had gone a little way, he by good chance met a company of horsemen who were riding towards Babylon, and having told them my misfortune in a few words, found some among them so generous as to be sensible of it, and to offer him their assistance. They were the brave Seleucus, and certain horsemen that attended him, who no sooner were come to the place where I lay, where I had died the earth about me red with my blood, but they were touched with compassion, and making me be taken up in some of their cloaks, they caused me to be carried to a poor man's house about● ten or twelve furlongs from the place where we had fought. Seleucus was so careful as to have my clothes pulled off, and to see my wounds himself, but he thought them so great, that he conceived very little hope of my recovery; yet would he not leave me, knowing by many signs that I was still alive, and therefore sent away a man instantly to the City, to fetch Surgeons with all possible speed. Before they came, having found something in my face that made him desirous to know who I was he enquired o● Criton, who thinking he should thereby oblige him to succour me with the more affection, contented himself with concealing that I was Artaxerxes the son of Darius, and told him I was that Arsaces who had conquered Armibas, and gained some victories in Scythia. Seleucus had heard of Arsaces', and of the first things I had done in the King of Scythia's service; wherefore being indeed virtuous himself, he was persuaded by some report of virtue that had run to my advantage▪ and no sooner knew that I was Arsaces, but instead of the compassion which had moved him to lend me that first assistance; he thought himself obliged by all manner of considerations to neglect nothing for my safety, and expressing a very great trouble for the estate he saw me in, he at the Surgeons coming promised them excessive recompenses if they could contribute any thing toward my cure. When they had searched my wounds, they saw small hope of life, though according to what they said, my loss of blood was cause of their greatest apprehensions. Yet did they do their office very carefully, and implored all their skill in dressing my hurts, and in fetching me to my senses. Part of the night was passed when I came to myself again, but with very little memory and very little understanding, and the day appeared before I was able to discern any object, or recall to mind any thing that had passed. As soon as I began to have a little knowledge I turned my eyes on every side, and seeing Criton by me, I asked him where I was, he told me the truth in a few words, and presently after Seleucus coming to me; Courage, (said he) valiant Arsaces, you have persons about you who are very affectionate to your virtue, and who labour for your health as passionately as for their own. He said no more, nor stayed any longer with me, for fear of obliging me to answer him, and Criton having only told me that it was Seleucus, and entreated me not to speak, went also out of the chamber with him, who was recalled to Babylon by very pressing occasions, and who nevertheless would not go away, till he saw me in that degree of amendment. When they had left me alone, I was more accompanied than I had been before; You easily guess that the remembrance of my last encounter came not into my mind, without driving me into an extremity of grief, and that I could not call to memory the condition I had found Berenice in, without falling into another a thousand times worse than that, out of which the Surgeons endeavoured to recover me by their assistance. O Gods! how shall I be able to express my violent thoughts, or rather how will you supply the defect of my discourse, by fancying part of them in your imagination? I cannot represent them better to you brother then by your own; but yet my sorrow wanted one consolation which you received in yours, for you could not believe Statira to be inconstant, without having your affliction counterbalanced by a joy at the assurance that Statira was a live. Yes, I remembered that I had found Berenice, but I had found her so unworthy and so shamefully changed, that I had seen her give my rival favours, the smallest part whereof had never been granted unto me. I remembered likewise that I had fallen under the forces of my rival, and that remembrance made me doubt whither it was Arsacomes; He wore his arms he was with Berenice, whom Arsacomes had carried away, and with whom Criton had seen her a few days before; but I had found the valour of that enemy so different from that of Arsacomes, that I had much a do to persuade myself it could be he, unless the Gods to complete their anger against me, had so augmented his strength, to hinder the Satisfaction my revenge might have given me. I remained uncertain what to believe, but whither it were Arsacomes, or some new servant, I found so great cause of grief and of despair in that abominable change, that all I have told you hitherto of my former afflictions, had touched me but lightly in comparison of this last. I could not fancy Berenice in the posture I had seen her, holding a man in her arms, and kissing him with that mouth, which had been so niggardly to me, even then when her father's consent might have authorised the permission of such favours, without losing that little reason I had recovered; and then yielding to the rage that transported me; Ah! light inconstant woman (cried I) by what horrid change hast thou lost the remembrance of what thou wert heretofore, and the remnants of that virtue which made thee leave a lover to put thyself into the hands of thine enemies? Ah! if thou wert to give thyself to Arsacomes, thou shouldst have done it when thou mightst with less unworthiness, and when thy infidelity might have been justified by thy father's command. Thy crime had been less shameful by that pretence, and by the reproach of thy inconstancy, thou mightst have avoided that of thy disobedience. After these words followed whole troops of cruel thoughts, and my jealousy giving such shaps to all things as were most suitable to it, put conceits into my head, which I should never have fallen into if I had been in my right mind. Ah! without doubt (said I again) thy infidelity is not so new a thing as I believed; that action of thine before Issedon, was an effect of thy change, and not of thy virtue, nor wouldst thou ever have forsaken me, to cast thyself into the arms of that rival, from whence I had pulled thee with the peril of my life, if the lover to whom thou ranst had not been dearer to thee then he whom thou forsookest. Thou hast dissembled since by Stratonice's counsel, to begin to accommodate thyself to thy father's humour, and thy stealing away whereby I lost all my fortune with thee, had not been so easily effected, if thou thyself hadst not consented to it, Pardon me dear Princess, (pursued Arsaces' turning toward Berenice) pardon me the injury I then did your virtue, and consider that the condition I was reduced to, made me uncapable of any sound, or reasonable judgement, yet did I strive to repent my opinion, but could not do it without belying my own eyes, and accusing them for having deluded me in that encounter. Perchance I may be deceived (said I) and my imagination prepossessed with the remembrance of Berenice, did it may be present some other object to me instead of her. Ah! no (cried I again immediately after) I was not deceived, and Berenice's features are too truly graven in my memory, to suffer me to be conferred in the knowledge of her. I saw her but too plainly, and looked but too long upon her, to be in doubt whither it were she or no. 'Tis she, and she is now in the arms of my rival, and of my conqueror, and if fortune has dealt any better with him then with me, they now rejoice together at the victory he has obtained. In this thought seeing Criton who was come to my bedside again, I commanded him to relate the true issue of our combat, to tell me in what condition I had left my enemy, and what became of Berenice. Sir (said he) I must confess that the distance, the trouble I was in during your combat, and a veil she had put down over her face, hindered me from knowing it was the Princess, but the woman that was present while you fought, no sooner saw your enemy fall, (who sunk from his horse at the same time with you, either dead, or in the same case you were) but she ran instantly to him, with cries that came unto my ears as far as I was off; and she still was making lamentations over him, when I went from you to seek for help, but at my return we neither found her, nor the body of your enemy. This account of Critons wrought too different effects upon me, for though it confirmed my Princess' infidelity, it comforted me in the belief that I had slain my enemy, or at least that he had not gotten an entire victory. Then I turned over a thousand several resolutions in my mind, and though they tended all toward death, yet the last upon which I fixed was that if it pleased the Gods I should escape my wounds, I would never die without being assured of my revenge, or without finishing it by another combat, and moreover that I would never die but before the eyes of the ingrateful Berenice. The Princess who had often blushed during Arsaces his discourse, could no longer forbear to interrupt him. Ah! Arsaces (said she) how ingrateful were you yourself, in those cruel thoughts you had of me, certainly my humour should have been well enough known to you, to make you believe that no body but my brother ought ever to hope for those kindnesses from me, which caused your jealousy. If I had had any other witnesses but my own eyes (replied Arsaces) I should never have given credit to them; but in short I myself had seen that that was as bad to me as death, and I was then so unfortunate that the truth of this adventure never came into my thoughts. I rather believed that my dear Brother was no longer in the world, since in so great a revolution of my sister's affairs, we had not heard the least news of him, since upon that of her death, wherein he was much more concerned than any body else, he had neither appeared to relieve, nor to revenge her, and since my sister who it was likely would best have known it if he had been in this country, had not said one word to me concerning him. This opinion of your death dear Brother, which by little and little settled itself in my thoughts, was cause of many of those things that have happened to me since, and confirmed me in the design I have to die, assoon as I was certain of my revenge, and assoon as I had poured those reproaches into the ears of Berenice, which I thought due to her infidelity. The desire of prolonging my life till I could find occasion to lose it in her presence made me suffer the help that was given me, and assist toward my recovery as much as they about me desired. Seleucus who interessed himself in it very cordially, came back to me the same day, and when once I was in a condition to thank him for his care, I endeavoured to let him see he took it not of a person that would ever become unworthy thereof by his ingratitude. The Surgeons could not yet settle any certain judgement about my cure, but they found I was so inconveniently in that little house and in a scurvy chamber where I was almost suffocated with the excessive heat of the season, that though there were danger in removing me, they believed there was more in letting me continue in that place. Seleucus whose urgent occasions called him perpetually to Babylon, and who nevertheless could have been glad not to be from me, consented willing to the proposition, of carrying me thither, and I had given myself up so wholly to be ordered by them, that I did not so much as inquire what they meant to do with me. I knew not whither it was to Babylon, or to some other place that they intended to remove me, but though I had known I had preserved so little care of my affairs, and of all other thoughts but those my jealousy in spired me with, that I should never have opposed them. I therefore suffered them the fourth day to put on my clothes, and lay me in a litter to carry me to the Town, whither Seleucus going along with me himself made me be brought to his own house, where I was very bravely lodged, and more commodiously attended. It surprised me a little to see I was in Babylon, but as I have already told you, my despair swallowed up all my former fears of being known, and I judged that happen to me what would, my condition could not be worse than it was since Berenice's infidelity. Yet did I endeavour to free myself from receiving many visits, and to that end, having made that request to Seleucus, he promised I should be seen but by very few. The condition I was in, hindered me from seeing all the preparations that were made for defence against those forces of yours that began to appear, and Seleucus who by reason of Perdiccas his wounds, bore the greatest weight of those affairs, knowing my weakness made me unfit for that entertainment, talk nothing of it to me, but when by occasion of discourse he could not avoid it. Yet thus much I understood by what I heard him say, and by what Criton told me, that the Princes Lysimachus, Ptolomeus, and their companions, had formed a party against Perdiccas and his, for the interests of the Princesses my sisters, either dead, or captives, and the justice I found in your quarrel, made me sorry I was obliged to Seleucus, since he was engaged among your enemies. Yet did I stick but lightly upon those considerations, for a more powerful grief had made me incapable of taking an interest in any thing, which concerned not the cause of my despair, I continued certain days without other thoughts save those of my revenge, and of death, the danger whereof according to the Surgeon's opinion, was not yet quite over, and perchance I should not have admitted any that could have obliged me to join with either side if I had been fit for service, but for a thing that happened to me about that time. I had sent Criton to the place where I had fought to inquire after Berenice, and my enemy, and to endeavour to learn some thing that might inform me what was become of them; but at his return with the remedy for my wounds, he brought me news which wakened my interests powerfully enough, to make me neglect those of our family, to mingle mine with these of Seleucus. Criton came back to me Brother, with the her be you had given him for my cure, told me what had befallen him in your Camp, delivered your generous message, showed me the present you had sent me, and assured me that you were not Arsacomes. This encounter made me fall into a confusion of thoughts, and into an astonishment hard to be described, and though I was glad to hear my enemy was in a place where I could meet him, and where we might have opportunity to end our quarrel, it was a great discontent to me to know that by the greatness of my wounds, I should not of a long time and perhaps never, be in a condition to fight with him again; or that I must be fain to be beholding to my enemy for the healing of them. Seleucus was present at Critons coming in, and at the acco●nt he gave me, and after having admired your generosity, he knew the Herb you sent me, and confirmed the truth of the story of Ptolomeus. He with a great deal of joy persuaded me to apply it to my wounds, but the repugnance I had to receive my health from the hands of my cruel enemy, made me for along time oppose his desires, and perhaps I should never have consented, if I had not thought my rival might attribute that refusal of his assistance, to a fear of coming to fight with him again. I judged moreover that that obligation, did not engage me to any peace with him, since he had no other intention in obliging me, then that of finishing with his hand, what my wounds perhaps were too slow in effecting, and that our hatred being founded upon the possession of Berenice, and not upon any slight formality, it could end no other way but by the death of one of us. These considerations made me resolve to use the present he sent me, and turning toward Seleucus who pressed me to it very earnestly: Yes Seleucus (said I) from whence soever I receive my cure, I accept of it to serve you, and to acquit myself of my obligations to you, I'll fight on your side if I can recover my strength, and though in my opinion you have not the justest cause, the remembrance of what I owe to you, and the desire of taking revenge upon my enemy, makes me pass over that consideration. Seleucus' expressed an excessive joy when he heard me say so, and taking me by the hand, which I put forth to him with much affection. We have conquered, valiant Arsaces, (said he) since you say you'll fight for us, and you are too accustomed to victory, to let us fear an ill success of this war while you are of our party. If there be any injustice in our quarrel, I protest to you 'tis more than I know of, and that I am engaged in it only by my friendship to Perdiccas, whom I have ever known too virtuous, to be suspected of those crimes whereof his enemies accuse him. When he had said these words▪ he caused that Sovereign Herb to be made ready, but presently after he began to doubt, whither I might safely use it, and whither I ought not to suspect some foul play in an enemies present. The knowledge he gave me of his fear wrought no effect upon me but hastening the Surgeons to apply that remedy. My enemy is too gallant (said I) to be suspected of such a baseness, and if you had seen how he maintains his interests with his sword, you would not believe he had any need of poison, or that the use of it were known to him. On this manner did I accept the present you sent me, and made no difficulty to receive my life from you▪ that I might be able to employ it once more to the destruction of yours. I confess my resolution was some thing strange in the choice of that party, and though I knew that I owed my life perhaps to Seleucus, and that he continued to engage me further by all kind of testimonies o● his affection that respect was not strong enough to make me take up arms for men who probably were the enemies of our house, and the memory of what I owed to my own blood, and to the friendship of persons so ne'er me, was powerful enough to counterbalance my obligations to Seleucus; but my enraged passion, stifled all remembrances● to thrust me headlong to my revenge, and living for no other end but to die in the presence of Berenice, after I had first made an end of him, who had so unjustly robbed me of her, I shut my eyes against whatsoever reason and nature could represent. Let all perish (said I) if the Gods ordain it so, since Bernice is false; and since I must no longer hope for that fortune, whereby I have survived the ruin of our house what is't to me if it be utterly destroyed▪ and why should I any more be concerned at any thing in the world, where I am detained by nothing else but my desire of revenge! They on both sides are equally my enemies, since they have equally endeavoured the destruction of our family, and that they equally possess the Dominions that were ours; and if ● aught to put any difference between them, the obligation I have to Seleucus, aught to make it wholly in favour of his party. Yet do I neither fight for Seleucus, nor for Perdiccas, against Pto●om●ns and against Lysimachus, but among the enemies of Seleucus, and Perdiccas, I seek mine own most cruel, and irreconcilable enemy. If the Gods permit that I may kill him, I'll cease to offended my family, by ceasing to out live him, and if I perish by his hand, the end of my faults, and the end of my misfortunes, will both be joined together in that of my life. Besides these thoughts which were inspired into me by my despair▪ I reflected as much as it would suffer me, upon many things that confirmed me in the design of serving the party, contrary to that of my enemy; and though I had very just causes of resentment against Roxana, I smothered part of those I had against Perdiccas, and could not remember that his love had thrust him upon actions that were displeasing to the Queen my sister, without remembering also ●hat both she and Parisatis, were indebted to him for their lives, and that but for the assistance he had given them, I should have been the only person remaining of the blood of Darius. Moreover I believed that the love which he and his brother bore my sisters, would engage them still in their defence, and that if they were at that time in their hands, they were safer there against Roxana's hatred, then in any other retreat whatsoever. I communicated none of these thoughts to Seleucus, though his virtue might have given me a great deal of confidence in him, not thinking it convenient, for the little time I had resolved to ●●ve, and in the condition I then was, to make any further discovery of myself. I said not a word to him of my combat against Perdiccas nor of with I knew of the Princesses being a live, whom for all your declaration every body believed dead, or at least feigned to believe so. Perdiccas had never see ne my face, and though we have often met and talked together since, he still continued ignorant that I had ever h●d any encounter with him. Yet you easily imagine that so were Roxana and him▪ and in the midst of so many men, whom their interest was sure to make my enemies, I could not be without a great deal of danger, but you also know, that as I cared but little for my life, I took but little care of its conservation. Yet did I desire (aiming at nothing less than my safety) to avoyed the sight of Roxana, and of all others that could know me; and Seleucus of whom I daily requested that favour being willing to satisfy me, ordered the matter so that I was visited by none but his particular friends. The report nevertheless of my lying wounded at Seleucus his house, began to spread about the Town, and that small reputation I had gained, was cause that many had a mind to see me. Roxana herself, who out of cunning, flatters those with great civility, whom she has a desire to engage in her party, had oftentimes a thought to visit me; but Seleucus at my earnest entreaty dissuaded her from it, saying I was not yet so well, as to receive her visits without in conveniency. In the mean time, Brother, your Medicine had wrought its usual effect upon me▪ and within ten or twelve days after the applying of that Herb, I was well enough to leave my bed. Perdiccas who was cured almost about that time, was the first that visited me, and came into my chamber with Seleucus, Alcetas, Cassander, and some other of the most considerable among them. He entertained me with the civilest and most obliging discourses in the world, and told me that my reputation had come to the ears of Alexander, and had not only gained me the esteem of that Great King, but of all virtuous persons whatsoever, that he received the assistance I made him hope for, as the chiefest step to victory, that he would resign me all the authority he held over those of his party, and that there was none among them, who would not voluntarily submit to me. I answered that excess of civility, with all that I had left in the sorrowful condition of my heart, and assured him in a few words, that I would serve him without any command, and without other ambition then that of fight by Seleucus his side. After that visit I received many others from him, but assoon as the forces were come up, finding myself able to leave my chamber, I prayed Seleucus I might go out of the Town to encamp with them, and to lie in his tent, which with those of the other Princes, were pitched along the bank of the Euphrates, there I passed many tedious days, or rather many weary some nights, since my soul was nothing but in darkness, or at the best enlightened only by some hope of revenge. Criton who had already told me, that my enemy was not Arsacomes, confirmed it to me after he had seen him again with Clitophon, when he carried him thanks for the favour he had done me, and I was already persuaded of it, by the trial I had made of his forces, and by the admirable generosity of that rival, who in all his actions me thought was very different from Arsacomes: yet though I doubted not of what Criton said, I knew not what to believe, when the report came into our Camp, that a Scythian Prince named Arsacomes, was with our enemies and very much considered amongst them. This news, which came to us many several ways, put me at first into great disquiets, to learn the truth of it; but in the end I banished them all, sticking close to my former resolutions. Let him be Arsacomes (said I) or let him be a stranger, 'tis still he that takes Berenice from me, and he whom I ought to prosecute to death. In the person of Arsacomes I shall kill my ancient enemy, and in that of a stranger I shall punish the cruel man, who unjustly robs me, of what he has not purchased by his blood, and services as I have door, and who makes Berenice a thousand times more faulty by such a horrible lightness, then if she had given herself to Arsacomes, who has loved and served her many years. These were my thoughts till the time of my conference with Lysimachus, the day before the battle. Seleucus had told me the History of that Prince, and besides the esteem which was caused in me by the recital of his gallant actions, the affection he had testified to my sister, and to all our family, made me value him exceedingly; but when I found by his letter that it was he with whom I had contracted a friendship at the Temple of Apollo, and afterward by the Riverside, I received the occasion of seeing him withal the joy I could then be capable of; You from him have heard what passed between us, and how our conversation was interrupted; and from me you shall hear, that after we parted, the remembrance of h●s words, put me again into my former confusion, and I could not call to mind what he had said of the long services my rival had done my Princess, without believing it was Arsacomes. The last actions (said I to myself) which I did in Scythia, till which my passion was never openly declared, were done too lately to be come to the knowledge of Lysimachus, and Arsacomes his passion which has been discovered these seven or eight years, can be unknown to no body, but those that know not him, 'tis Arsacomes without doubt. Criton has forgotten his features, or else his face is altered by his wounds, or by some other accident, and with his face● the Gods to ruin me, have changed his forces, and his courage. 'Tis certainly this advantageous change, that has also changed Berenice, and this new gallantry, may have obtained that of her, which he never could have done by his ordinary qualities. With discourses and thoughts of this nature, I impatiently waited for the next day, wherein I hoped to make my revenge famous to eternity; but being I sought for nothing but to meet my enemy, I would needs have fought as a private man, and 'twas almost by force, that Sel●ucus prevailed with me, to share with him in the command of those troops he was to lead. I will not say any thing to you of that bloody day, wherein after I had long sought the supposed Arsacomes, I met him but to my loss and to my confusion; yet you may guess by what I have told you, and by what I attempted, with how great an extremity of anger and affliction I have been tormented since. When I knew that the Gods had saved my enemy from my revenge that second time, I was ready to have turned all the effects of my despair, against self, and 'twas with all the difficulty in the world, that Seleucus got me to suffer the dressing of some light hurts I had received. From my first transports, I fell into new designs, and began to condemn the ways I had taken for my revenge. The injustice of the side I was of, was more known to me than it had been before, and when I heard that Prince Oxyartes my uncle, and all those that loved the memory of Darius, were of your party, and that your intention appeared to me to be such as you had declared in your Manifests, I with remorse perceived that my passion had made me criminal, and ingrateful, and that my fault was too odious to the Gods, to hope they would ever grant me the revenge I aimed at, and in which I had bounded my utmost desires. Fight no more against thy friends, ingrateful Artaxerxes (said I) and give not that advantage to thine enemy, to serve thy house, while thou art favouring its enemies. The choice he has made of that party, aught to make thee blush for shame, and if he be worthy of thy hatred, by wrongs that are more considerable than the services he does thy friends, set thyself against his person alone, without fight still against thy nearest kindred, and against those that have taken arms for the remainders of thy family. Go and dispatch him in his tent, since without crime thou canst not stay here till a second Battle, and that thy impatiency will not yield to so long a delay, perhaps the Gods may suffer thee to effect what thou hast resolved and if they have decreed that thou must fall, thy death will be more to thy advantage that way, then if thou shouldst receive it at the head of the enemies of thy house, from the hands of Oxyartes, or of some other Prince of thine own blood. This design was put in execution, and the next day without thinking so much as upon Criton, so far had my fury blinded me, while he was gone to some other part of the Camp, I put on my arms, got on horseback, and being fully resolved to be killed, or kill my rival, I left our Camp, and advanced directly toward yours. There was little probability I could effect that enterprise, but the regard I had of life, was a great deal less, and equally desiring my death and my revenge, I ran to both with a like precipitation.  
I shall not need to tell you any more (continued Arsaces) since you are not ignorant of the rest, and that you know as well as I, the admirable change that has happened in my fortune. Where I sought my cruel enemy, I met my dearest brother, where I sought a faithless Berenice, I found Berenice still constant and still full of goodness, to pardon me the injuries I have done her, and in short where I sought my death, I found my life, but a life happy beyond all my hopes, and a life that makes me bless all my past afflictions, since I see them brought to so sweet, so glorious a conclusion.  
The end of the fifth Book.   

The continuation of the fourth Part of CASSANDRA. The sixth Book.  
THus did the Prince finish his long narration, and his illustrious hearers, at the recital of his marvellous actions, remained in an astonishment, which for a long time they could not express otherwise then by their silence. They looked a while upon one another, as if it had been mutually to ask what judgement Arsaces was to expect of those his wonders, and in the end they broke forth altogether into an admiration of that Prince's whole life, and of all his particular actions extolling them with praises which his modesty could not suffer. Yet was he constrained to let pass the first motions of those generous persons, who could not hold their peace having so great, and so gallant a subject to discourse of. After that confusion was a little over, and that a single body could be heard; The greatness of these actions (said Oroondates) which the Prince my Brother hath related, has not at all surprised me▪ for though perchance they are above all that the virtue of any man, without the help of fortune▪ hath ever executed, yet are they not above the opinion I had conceived of Prince Artaxerxes. The Gods have restored him to me (pursued he giving that Prince most affectionate embraces) and in restoring him contrary to my hopes, they have made known to men▪ what exact observers they are of their promises. The words of that Oracle, which we thought to be so obscure▪ are now sufficiently explained, and in our latter actions we cannot be ignorant; that THE DEAD, have BUILT THE FORTUNE OF THE LIVING, and that THE LIVING have labourred for the REPOSE OF THE DEAD. While Oroondates LIVING defended Berenice against the violence of Arsacomes and delivered her out of his hands, to restore her into those of Prince Artaxerxes; A●taxerxes DEAD in the opinion of the world fought also for Oroondates, and by the effects of his usual valour, freed the Queen his sister out of the power of Perdiccas▪ As the providence of the Gods in this encounter is wonderful; so is the conjuncture of it likewise very strange, and by this happy beginning, I from the same Gods, and from this DEAD Prince they have raised again, expect the end of that felicity they have promised us with an undoubting confidence. They that heard Oroondates his words, after they had kept him company in admiring so extraordinary an event, confirmed him in his opinion, and we●e going to fall into a conversation, for which they wanted not matter, when Arsaces to whom Berenice's adventures were unknown, and who was therein too much concerned to be ignorant of them any longer, desired her to favour him with that relation, and in that desire he did but prevent Oroondates, who knew no more of them then he, and obliged the company who lo●g'd extremely to hear the last accidents of that Princess' life▪ she stayed not to be any longer entreated, but after having thought a while upon what she had to say, began to satisfy their expectations thus.  

The Continuation of the HISTORY of BERENICE.  
THe whole day has been spent in Prince Artaxerxes, his story, but mine shall be so short, that 'tis not the length of it will make it tedious to you.  
I shall not need to tell you it was Arsacomes that carried me away, since you are certain enough of that truth already, I will only let you know, that I had passed part of that fatal night, in which he excecuted his perfidious resolution, with Arsaces, Prince Carthasis my uncle, and many other persons, and that after all were retired to their several lodgings, I instead of going to bed, engaged myself in a long discourse, wherein, though Cyllenia often desired me to go to bed we spent two or three hours; it seemed my evil destiny had so ordained, to give my enemies the more facility to execute their design; or my good fortune to hinder me from falling into their hands in an undecent manner. Our conversation at last was at an end, and we were beginning to undress us to go to bed, when I saw my chamber door thrust open, and seven or eight armed men come in. You may well enough imagine in what a fear I was▪ without my going about to represent it, therefore I will only tell you that it was so great as it deprived me of all my strength, and that I saw myself in a man's arms, without being able to resist him, and almost without having the confidence to call Theomiris, and Cyllenia to my relief. Yet did I send forth loud cries, when they took me out of my chamber, which drew some of my servants who instead of rescuing me, found their death in the swords of those Barbarous men. They carried me down the back stairs, crossed through the garden, and being got out at the hole they had made in the wall, they put me by force into a chariot, in which I was stayed for by two men, and a woman, and a no sooner was I in it, but three of those ravishers placing themselves by me, the rest got on horseback, and the Charioteer lashing his horses, drove away as fast as possibly he could. I than fell presently into a swoon, as one of greater courage than I might have done, and continued so long in it, that we were above three hundred furlongs from Issedon before I came to myself again. I opened not mine eyes to recover light, the night was too full of darkness to afford any to a person blinded with grief, but I recovered my understanding to know the miserable condition I then was in, and I opened my mouth to give myself over to such cries and such complaints, as it was likely I should make in such a misfortune▪ I did all I could to throw myself out of the chariot, but I was held by very strong men, who heard all my cries, and all my imprecations without giving me any answer, nor did I hear any other voice, save that of the woman who was in the chariot with me, and who endeavoured to comfort me by discourses to which I lent no manner of attention. In the mean time the chariot went on with an incredible swiftness, and at break of day we came to a place where they took fresh horses. Arsacomes during the time he had to prepare for his design, had been careful to make them be laid at every three hundred furlongs through all the way he meant to go, judging it requisite to use all possible speed, to escape those that would be sent inpursuit of him. He had also furnished himself with very skilful guides, and such as were well acquainted with all the byways, through which they led him, hardly ever coming into any inhabited place; You know that's a very easy thing in Scythia where the way lies open over all the field, and where there is neither ditch nor wall to hinder one. The fresh horses expected our passage in woods, or in by houses known to our guides, and by this order which was observed through all our journey, Arsacomes found as much facility as he could wish to get to Byzantium, whither he intended to retreat, and whither he had sent a man to desire protection, knowing he could make no abode, nor find any safety in any of my father's territories. This knowledge had made him resolve to retire among the enemies of Scythia, and he had persuaded the Lieutenant of Thrace, Zopirio's successor, to receive and protect him, having promised to Raise a party in Scythia, that might be powerful enough to take revenge for the defeat of his predecessor. I have thought fit to inform you of these things in a few words, before I tell the beginning of my voyage, and now I will let you know that after the rest of that first night was past, I by the light of the approaching day perceived myself in Arsacomes his arms, and knew the face of my enemy who till then had not discovered himself, nor had ever opened his mouth to interrupt the lamentations I had made. I learned nothing by that sight, which was not known to me already by all manner of probability; yet could I not forbear to break into a greater sorrow than before, and my aversion to that insolent man, being increased as you may imagine by this last offence, made his presence insupportable to me. Another woman transported as I was, would have flown immediately at his face, and would have employed her hands, and all the arms that nature hath given us, to take revenge upon so cruel an enemy, or else to exasperate his anger; but I am not of so violent a nature, and therefore left that only to my cries, and tears, which I could not hope for from my forces. Traitor (said I bursting forth into tears) Traitor to thy King, to thy Country, and to thine honour, is it thus thou usest the daughter of thy Sovereign? and a Princess to whom thou didst profess thyself tied by other duties than those of her birth? are these the brave effects of that passion, which had made thee not to know thyself, and of that love, which raised thy presumptuous thoughts so high? is it possible it should make thee stoop to so black, so shameful a treachery? dost thou think this infidelity to thy King, and to a King who has so particularly obliged thee can remain unpunished? and canst thou believe thou shall't escape the justice of the Gods, though thou save thyself from that of men? I said a great deal more to him, and poured forth reproaches which he harkened to without interrupting me; But when I was a little settled, or at least when being tired with long speaking, and tormenting myself, I was constrained to hold my peace and take breath; Madam (said he) I should find a great deal of justice in your reproaches, and should condemn this last action of mine if I had done it in a less extremity then that you had reduced me to, and if a service of eight years and a service paid with as much respect, & submission as you could desire, were not enough to justify this effect of my despair. So long as I had any hope, you never saw me abuse the King's favour toward me, nor licence myself to any liberty that could displease you; but when I lost my hopes, both by your cruel obstinacy, and by the King's dishonourable change, I to extreme misfortunes applied remedies of the same nature, and would not leave unto my rival, what was due to me, both by my services, and by the King your father's promise. In short Madam, I have done nothing that I can justly repent of, nor for which I ought to fear any reproach, and rather than leave you to my rival, I would not only have pulled you out of the Kings own arms, but would even have sacrificed himself to my lawful resentments have made the whole Kingdom perish, and have set all Scythia on fire if it had been in my power. Ah! thou unworthy man (replied I) if thou couldst not endure to leave me in the hands of thy rival, thou shouldst have pulled me out of them, as once he pulled me out of thine; thou shouldst have undertaken that against him alone, which he undertook against thee at the head of thine army; and thou shouldst have disputed me like a Prince, and like a vasliant man as he is, since thou knewest he never would have refused those occasions. I would willingly have made use of them (said Arsacomes) if they could have been any advantage to my passion, and as valiant, and as fortunate as Arsaces is, he never saw me run away from him, nor did the Scythians ever see Arsacomes turn his back in the greatest dangers; but if I had fought with Arsaces, Berenice would not have been the prize of my victory, since the King's injustice had otherwise disposed of her, and that by his express command he had utterly extinguished all my hopes: By taking that course, though I might have revenged myself upon mine enemy, I had not obtained my Princess; but by this I have followed. Berenice is mine, and Arsaces is more cruelly punished, then if I had given him a thousand deaths. Berenice thine? (cried I interrupting him) Berenice thine? Ah! never hope it, and since thou hast seen her resist her father's will, while he was so far blinded as to favour thee, and while thou wert less criminal than now thou art, be certain that she knows well enough how to defend herself by her death, against thy violence, and against thy persecutions, and that so long as she lives, she will never look upon thee as other than a monster, and as an enemy black with the basest of all crimes. Time (replied Arsacomes) and the continuation of my respects, will without doubt abate your unjust anger, and you will cease to hate me, when you come to consider, that 'tis the excess of my love which forces me to displease you, in taking you away from a rival more fortunate than I am; but which shall never make me go beyond the limits of that respect I owe you, and which shall ever leave you the same empire over me, you had in the Court of the King your father. By these words Arsacomes striven to appease and comfort me, but all his endeavours were to no purpose, and as often as he opened his mouth to speak to me, he received no other answer but reproaches, and imprecations. I continued almost two whole days, before I would eat any thing in the world, and certainly I should have killed myself with hunger, rather than have framed myself to live with my cruel enemies, if I had not hoped I should be retiened, and if I had not expected marvellous effects from Arsaces for my deliverance. Arsacomes to use me with the more decency, and not to keep a Princess of my quality alone among a great many men, had taken care, as I have told you, to provide a woman to serve me. I knew her well enough having seen her often with the Princess of the Issedons Arsacomes his mother, but though she did me all the service she was able, with a great deal of cunning, and in show with a great deal of affection, I could not receive it but as from my mortal enemy, and wheresoever I looked upon her, the remembrance of Theomirus and Cyllenia whose consolations would have been so sweet to me in that condition, drew new tears from my eyes, and new sighs from my afflicted heart. Alas! how often did I name Arsaces? and how often did I call him unprofitably to my assistance? I made no difficulty at all of it before Arsacomes himself and I so little feared to displease him, that I never used any constraint upon myself to smother my just resentments. His whole train consisted of ten men whom he had chosen amongst those that were most faithful to him, three of which were in the chariot with us, and the rest followed it on horseback; he of whom he made most account, was Astyages the wickedest of all men living, and one who having left his country where he was born, for many crimes he had committed, and particularly for the death of his brother, which he had caused by his mischievous practices, had taken refuge in Scythia, where he had found a retreat with Arsacomes, during the time he was in favour. 'Twas he who had discovered Arsaces, and who remembering the face of Artaxerxes whom he had often seen in the Court of the King his father, had more considered the recompenses he hoped for from Arsacomes, that the fidelity he owed to his lawful Prince, and after he had told him of it, went by his orders to the King, declared the truth of Arsaces' birth to him, took upon him to know the intentions that had brought him into Scythia, and by his discourse made those cruel impressions in the King's mind, which afterward caused so many disorders. He after Arsaces' his return, and his reconciliation with the King had retired to one of Arsacomes his houses, not being able to look on the face of his Prince whom he had betrayed; but from the time Arsacomes left the Court, he had been with him again, and by his persuasions had strengthened him in his wicked intention, and had counselled him to go to Byzantium, where by means of his acquaintance he assured him of a safe retreat. 'Twas that wicked fellow that persecuted me more than all the rest, and thinking thereby to gain himself more favour with Arsacomes, he wrought such an aversion in me, that I was not able to endure him. I will not trouble you with the discourses we had by the way, and you shall only know that we arrived at Byzantium without any hindrance. Eurimedon was Lieutenant there for Alexander, under Prince Lysimachus who was Vice roy of Thrace, but he being absent with the King, Eurimedon was absolute in Thrace, and in the Bosporus; Assoon as he heard of Arsacomes his arrival, he received him in a very obliging manner, and by word of mouth confirmed whatsoever he had promised to his messenger, I was ever well lodged, and Eurimedon having taken care to furnish me with other women, I was served as well as I could have desired, if it had not been by enemies. Arsacomes daily employed all his eloquence, and all his cunning to work upon me, he be thought himself of all the submissions whereby an exasperated mind could be appeased, and made no difficulty of suffering any thing, except the proposition of my return, and of my liberty. The impudent Astyages Solicited me every day to favour him, and persuaded me that in the condition I then was, nothing could be of greater advantage to me than to marry Arsacomes; he told me it was not my best course to drive a Prince into despair, who had power to do what he pleased himself, and that a lover reduced to the last extremities was capable of doing any thing; but I repulsed that perfidious man with such words, as if he had had any shame in him would have served his turn for ever. Eurimedon himself at first spoke for Arsacomes with a great deal of earnestness, and strove to win me to an opinion that I should not be unfortunate with a Prince that adored me, and in whose favour he offered me his protection against all Enemies whatsoever, and part of Alexander's Forces against Arsaces, and against the King my father, if he disapproved my change. He indeavovred also to comfort me in my sorrow by all manner of civility, but when he found me inflexible, and not to be comforted, he ceased to trouble me any more. I for a while believed that the compassion he had of my misfortune, or the respect he had of my person, had made him cooler towards Arsacomes, and with that conceit, I endured his company more willingly than before, but within a little after I perceived that alteration proceeded from another cause, and by his looks, and by all his actions, I found that his own interests had made him forget those of Arsacomes. In brief, by an effect of my destiny either good or bad, Eurimedon fell in love with me, and I saw myself exposed by my cruel fortune, to suffer the affection of a man of meaner birth, and of meaner quality than Arsacomes. He for some days spoke nothing to me of his passion but in ambiguous terms, yet within a while after, the power, he saw he had, made him grow insolent, and not only took away all the respect he had born to my quality, but also the consideration he had of Arsacomes, and the promise he had given him. The first time he explained himself to me, was after a discourse we had of my misfortunes, and having quietly harkened to the complaints I made. Madam, (said he) you are not so unfortunate as you believe, and if you were but of an humour to discern those persons that have an ambition to serve you, from those that have offended you, your miseries would not be of any long continuance. These words, into the meaning whereof I did not dive at first, gave me some glimpse of hope, and being desirous to keep the good will of a man who had power to oblige me; Do not doubt Eurimedon (said I) but that I am as sensible of courtesies, as I can be of injuries, nor but that I would fully acknowledge those I should receive from virtuous persons. If it be so, (replied he) Eurimedon will be the happiest man in the world, and you shall not be the most unfortunate Princess. I know what I owe to Arsacomes, and to the laws of hospitality; but I also know what I owe to Berenice, and to myself; and though I should commit a fault, that passion wherewith Arsacomes covers his, may more reasonably excuse those of Eurimedon. These words, wherein there no longer was any ambiguity, caused a disdain in me which I cannot express, and if Eurimedon looked then upon my face, I am confident he saw it overspread with a colour that was not ordinary. Go Eurimedon [said I] go declare your passion, to others than the daughter of the King of Scythia, and redouble not by your insolence the afflictions of a Princess, whom you ought not to behold but with respect. Though Eurimedon was dashed at this Reply, yet would he have spoken again, but I gave him not the leisure, for going away without so much as casting an Eye toward him, I shut myself up into my Closet. Imagine the complaints I made after this last effect of my misfortune, and spare me the pains of repeating them; 'twas not without a very sensible discontent that I considered that new Conquest, nor was it without a great many tears that I looked upon the misery of my condition, which forced me to receive declarations of love from a man of Eurimedon's birth. Ah! Artaxerxes, [said ay] what an unworthy Rival has my hard fate procured thee? and how much thou wouldst be ashamed, if thou knewest my misery, to have a petty Lieutenant of a Province, thy Competitour in affection, thou to whom a hundred Provinces, and ten thousand Subjects more considerable than this Rival ought to yield obedience. This remembrance made Eurimedon more odious to me than Arsacomes, and though according to the Rules of Prudence, I ought perchance to have dissembled with him, to get by his means out of the power of Arsacomes, my fear of falling into worse hands than his, opposed that subtlety; or rather I had not command enough over myself to make my Resentments give way to that consideration. I therefore avoided all discourse with Eurimedon, as carefully as with Arsacomes, yet for all I shunned him, I could not keep him off, but growing more inflamed by that resistance, he omitted nothing that could advantage his Design, and having found me one day alone at my Closset-window, whither he came to me so suddenly that I had not time to get away. Madam, [said he] it is in your own power to be at liberty, and Sovereign in Byzantium; and if you did not disdain my services, and my person, I would quickly revenge and free you from the tyranny of Arsacomes. Although I hated Arsacomes, as you well may judge, I confess I abhorred the falseness of Eurimedon, who voluntarily offered to betray a man that had trusted him with his life, and with that which was dearest to him. This knowledge made me hate him, and depise him the more; but thinking I should be unwise to neglect the means of recovering my liberty. If you will serve Berenice, [said ay] as virtue obliges you to do, the Gods will recompense so good an Action, and the King my Father will neither want power, nor will to acknowledge it. I desire nothing but Berenice, [replied he] for the price of her liberty, and for a less Recompense than that, I would not undertake a thing which in appearance is worthy to be condemned. Perchance I am not so despicable as you believe, for though the Gods have not made me owner of a Crown, I am allied to those that are, and I serve a Master from whom I may possibly hope for one. Serve that Master then in that hope, [said ay, being extremely vexed] but never serve such a Mistress as Berenice, with hope of a Recompense that is too far above you. With these words I left him, and though he followed me to prosecute that discourse, I no longer would afford him any attention. He was not at all the colder for my disdain, but his passion rather increasing to my misfortune, he every day gave me so many signs of its violence, that I had a great deal of reason to fear it might make him at last abuse his power. He began not long after to threaten me with it, or at least to make me know by his discourse, that I should not do well to drive a man into despair, who was able to do whatsoever he would, and that perhaps he could not always continue so much master of himself, as he had been since the beginning of his love, and in the end it blinded him so far, that losing all manner of discretion, it came at last to the knowledge of Arsacomes. He was most violently transported when he perceived it, and as soon as that belief was settled in his mind, rage and indignation entered so powerfully with it, that he was ready to go and kill Eurimedon, though he saw his infallible ruin in that Action; Astyages dissuaded him from that furious Resolution, and if his words were not able to moderate that fury, they at least wrought so far as to make him hearken to less desperate Propositions. Neither of them doubted but that there was a necessity of leaving Byzantium, and of seeking a safer Retreat otherwhere, but they were a long time ere they could think of one, and that uncertainty kept them for some days in a very great trouble. In the end Astyages thought he had light upon what they studied for, and made a motion to Arsacomes which he gave ear to, it not being without some ground of Reason. Sir, [said he] since you can find no safety in Scythia, nor with any of the neighbouring Princes, whom the consideration of Matheus would hinder from protecting you, make your Retreat to Alexander, he is no friend to the King of Scythia, having lost two Armies, and two Generals against him, and without doubt nothing but his great employments have made him defer the Design he has to invade his Territories; if you retire to him, and let him know that by the credit, and by the intelligence you hold in Scythia, you can facilitate his Conquest of it, he not only will hearken to your Proposition, and receive you very favourably, but will consider you as a Prince useful to the augmentation of his greatness, and protect you against the King of Scythia, and against all Enemies whatsoever. Moreover when he shall hear that your Rival is the son of Darius, whose Empire he now is Master of, and who while he is alive may trouble him in that possession, you need not question but he will help you against him with all his power, and use all the strength he has to ruin him. Having alexander's assistance and protection, there is nothing any more to be feared, for your chiefest Enemies will be too weak to hurt you, when once you are so powerfully supported; he readily will give you Berenice, and if to the interest of your love, you desire to join that of your Revenge, you may ask him justice against Eurimedon's infidelity. Arsacomes approved so well of this counsel of Astyages, that he immediately resolved to follow it, and after having a thousand times embraced the giver of it, they began to deliberate what course they should take to escape from Byzantium, not doubting, but if Eurimedon should suspect their intent, his love would make him oppose my departure, and perhaps thrust him upon worse Resolutions. When they had long consulted, they at last agreed that Astyages, by a considerable sum of money, should gain the Master of one of those Barks, that use to carry persons over the pass at Byzantium, that after having won him to his devotion, he in the night should carry over the Chariot, and the Horses that had brought us, which should be left on the other side the water, under the custody of some of his servants, and that the next night following, they should get me out of my Lodging, to go over all together in the same Bark. They found no great difficulty in this Design, because Eurimedon mistrusted nothing, and because I ever had the liberty to go abroad whithersoever Arsacomes would; besides, by reason of the tranquillity they were in at that time, there was no Guard kept either at the Gates or Haven, so that if Eurimedon were advertised of their Enterprise, it was not easy for him to prevent it. Astyages went away immediately about it, and had as fortunate success as he could wish, that very day he gained the Master of a Bark by a considerable Present, and having disposed him to all that he desired, he at night sent the Chariot over and the Horses, which he trusted to the care of three of Arsacomes his servants, who by his direction set them up in one of those houses, that are about fifty furlongs from the little Town on this side of the water. Arsacomes passed the next day in a great deal of fear and impatiency, and when night was come, Eurimedon and he stayed in my Chamber till the hour I was wont to retire; then they both withdrew together, but Eurimedon went to his Lodging, and Arsacomes, having walked two or three turns in my Gallery, came again into my Chamber with Astyages; his Return caused some apprehension in me, not being used to see him come back at such an hour; but he quickly put me out of doubt, and coming to me with something a troubled countenance; Madam, (said he) all your servants are not so full of respect as Arsacomes, for though the power my fortune has given me, has not made me forgetful of that I owe you, Eurimedon cannot say the same; he is resolved, Madam, to take that by violence, which he has not been able to obtain by persuasion, and if you stay here but a day longer, you'll feel the effects of that Authority you now are under. I know I shall die in your defence, but my death will not be able to secure you; therefore I had rather give up all my hopes, and carry you back to the King your father, than leave you to the mercy of this faithless man. Dissembling Arsacomes had coined this invention for fear I should cry out, or make any noise when he should take me out of my Chamber, and the probability I found in what he said, by the knowledge I had of Eurimedon's passion, made me immediately believe him. I praised the Gods for putting him into so good a mind, and looking upon him with a countenance very different from what I ordinarily afforded him; If it be true (said I) that you will restore me to the King my father, not only he and I will pardon you the faults you have committed against us, but you will recover the same place in his affection you heretofore enjoyed, and shall obtain as great an one in my acknowledgement and in my esteem, as you in reason can desire. I am fully resolved upon't, (replied Arsacomes) and though I knew you were left to me for ever, I had rather lose you by doing you service, than abandon you to treacherous Eurimedon. But Madam, (continued he) we must fly without any longer delay, for if we let pass this night, without employing it to save you, there will be no possibility to do it to morrow. I am ready Arsacomes, (replied I) nor shall I be less joyed to escape the tyranny of Eurimedon, than to return to the King my father. We must away then instantly, (said he) all things are prepared for our departure, and wait for us at the Gate of the City. There was no body in my Chamber at that time, but the Woman that came along with me out of Scythia, for I had sent away those Eurimedon had put to me. Wherefore seeing I had free passage out, I joyfully laid hold of that occasion to save myself, and not being frighted with the night, which might have caused some apprehension in me, I gave Arsacomes my hand more willingly than ever I had done in all my life, and let myself be guided by him without any Torch, since in the Design we had, darkness was more favourable to us than light. We got out of the house without any hindrance, and went a foot till we came to the Haven, I was so little acquainted with the streets, that I never perceived my error, but when I saw myself at the water side, and that Arsacomes took me in his arms to carry me into the Bark that stayed expecting us, I found I had been deceived, and recalling my first resentments against Arsacomes. Ah! Traitor (cried I) how much was I to blame, to believe thou couldst be capable of any virtuous motion, and how foolish I was, to give credit to the words of such a faithless man? Thou hadst found a friend of Eurimedon very like thyself, but since I was to perish by the infidelity of one of you, thou shouldst have let me die at Byzantium, without drawing out my misfortunes longer by thy perfidiousness, Arsacomes received these words, as he was wont to do those he had ordinarily from me, and received that loss of my hopes with an affliction that was like to have brought me to my grave. In the mean time our Bark put off from the shore, and within a while after came to the other side. I was taken out of it in spite of all my complaints, and put into the Chariot that waited for us; we had no fresh horses to change, and therefore were fain to travel more slowly than we had done in Scythia, and indeed there was not so much danger for Arsacomes and his crew, because the second day we got out of Eurimedons' jurisdiction. I was in eternal lamentations all the way, my tears ran down incessantly, and in whatsoever Arsacomes said to comfort me, I still found new matter of affliction. Within a few days I learned that Arsacomes his purpose was to retire to Alexander; and as he had found some probabilities of settling his Fortune by that design, I also found some hope of consolation in it. I knew that Alexander was a generous Prince, an Enemy to those that were Traitors to their Princes, as he had showed in punishing Bessus; that he had a great deal of consideration of persons of my sense, and quality, and moreover that he had married Statira, to whom my Brother had been extremely dear, and who was the Sister of Artaxerxes, to whom I was so, and from whom they had taken me away; I hoped that by discovering myself to that great Queen, by giving her the relation of her Brother's life, and by letting her know how much he was concerned in my loss, I should make her take so much interest in my Fortune, as to grant me her protection, and to procure the King her husbands. This thought did something allay my discontents, and gave me strength to go through that journey. We overcame it without any other troubles save those of my afflicted mind, and we crossed through Provinces, and saw Towns, whose names I know not. At last we arrived in this Country, but at our arrival, we heard that Alexander was dead the day before, which news deprived Arsacomes of all his hopes, and put him to think upon other resolutions. He would not go to Babylon, which he heard was in great troubles, by the contestations that arose upon the death of Alexander, but Astyages, who was in his own Country, provided a place for him to retire to, and brought us to the house of a Cousin of his, not above a hundred furlongs from this place, and about fifteen or twenty from the Euphrates▪ we were very well received there by the Master of the house, who showed an excess of joy to Astyages for his return, and for his friend's sake offered Arsacomes all the services he could desire of him. His house was very well built, and strong enough to make some resistance in it, besides, it was far from any high way, encompassed with woods and very little in sight; we spent some days there with conveniency enough to my persecutors, but with so great a sadness to me, as was like to have put an end to all my miseries with my life. Ah! Arsaces, how often did I complain of you, when I saw myself deprived of the relief I had expected from you? and then again, how often did I excuse you, when I remembered the order Arsacomes had taken in Scythia, to keep you from knowing whither we were gone? Then from the complaints I had made against you, I fell into lamentations for you, and not doubting but that you loved me well enough to seek after me, I could not think of the grief my loss had caused in you, without becoming as sensible of your sorrow as of mine own. I had passed some days in these afflictions, when opportunity made me undertake a thing above my ordinary courage. The knowledge Arsacomes had, that I was of no very adventurous humour, made him less careful in keeping me, than he had been when first he took me, and seeing me now in a strange Country, where I knew no creature in World, he left me at greater liberty than before. The season than was very hot, and being got up one morning before day, to take the cool air at a window that looked into the garden, I stood there for a while musing upon my strange misfortunes; but scarce had the first beams of the approaching light discovered the prospect of the Field, when that sight made me think upon my liberty. That window was low enough to slip down into the garden, by tying my sheets to the bar of it, and I knew there was a gate which gave passage out of the garden into the next wood, and which was fastened only with a bolt on the inside. Then I believed, that if by that means I could get forth, I should find some way to get to Babylon, where I might address myself to Queen Statyra, at whose feet I hoped to meet a sanctuary. This thought was hardly come into my mind, when I resolved to put it in execution; knowing, that if I should be taken again, my condition could not be worse than it was already. The woman that came out of Scythia with me, lay in my Chamber, but she was then asleep, and used always to sleep so sound, that one could not waken her without a very great noise; that assurance made me much the bolder, and so going to my bedside as softly as possibly I could, I got me ready in haste, and taking my sheets, tied them to one another, and having fastened them to the window, the desire of liberty shut up my eyes to all manner of danger. I skip'd down into the garden as happily as I had contrived, and being gotten out, I put myself, though not without extreme fear, into the first path I met, hoping I should quickly find some body or other, that might direct me the way to Babylon. I had thrown my vail over my face, and though I trembled exceedingly for the danger I was in of making some ill encounter, yet did I go so fast, that I presently got a good way from the house, and my legs little accustomed to such journeys, were extremely tired, and stood in need of rest to carry me further. I was constrained therefore to sit down under certain trees, where while I endeavoured to unweary my body, my mind was perplexed with terrible disquiets; my fear then began to make me see the greatness, and difficulty of the business I had undertaken, I considered the dangers into which a maid all alone, and a maid apparelled in a habit rich enough to be observed, might fall, as well in the remainder of the way I had to go, as at my entering into the Town, before I could get unto the Queen. But all the evils my fear could represent, seemed less to me than that I fled from, nor did I know any peril so great, into which I would not have cast myself, to escape the hands of my cruel Enemy. That desire renewed my strength, and I rose up again with a design to think no more of resting till I came to Babylon. I had met with no body to learn the way, but I saw the Euphrates within a hundred paces, and knowing it stood upon that River, I resolved to follow the bank of it at a little distance, nor had I walked very long, when I discovered the Towers of that stately City. My hopes were redoubled by that sight, but alas! they were cruelly deceived, for when I had not above eight or ten furlongs more to go, I heard a noise behind me, and turning my head in a mervellous fright, I saw Arsacomes riding after me as fast as ever he could, it was the day he killed Arsaces' his horse, and 't was after me he was running, when he met Arsaces, and Lysimachus by the River side, and by that encounter interrupted their conversation. Judge if you please of the excess of my grief, at that cruel loss of the hope I had conceived, and exempt me from repeating the complaints I made, and the reproaches of Arsacomes. He took me in his arms without alighting, and lifting me with a great deal of strength, set me before him upon his horse, and galloped back toward the house from whence I was flying, but he followed not the bank of the River, for fear of some encounter that might stop him, and presently after having met Astyages, who was riding after him, he did not want a guide to find the way. My ungrateful fugitive (said he to me) you see the Gods have not approved your flight, since they have so little favoured it, and you may judge by the little care they have taken to deliver you out of my hands, how much they blame, and condemn your cruelties. I was so dejected with my grief, and so tired with my journey, that I had hardly strength to give him any answer, and if I replied sometimes to what he said, 'twas only with a few interrupted words, whereby my resentments expressed themselves better than by any other kind of discourse. In short, I was brought again to that house, or rather to that cruel prison, where I since have passed so many wretched days. Arsacomes being exasperated by this accident, and by the unlucky mischance of Alexander's death, which deprived him of the hope of that retreat, and protection he had expected from him, but more by the pernicious counsels of Astyages, who incited him continually to make use of his power, and who could not forbear, even in my presence, to blame the remainder of that respect he still had toward me, began to use me otherwise than he had done formerly, and made me see by all his actions, that I had cause to fear the highest outrages from him, if the Gods suffered me to be much longer in his hands. This fear compelled me to dissemble with him, and I often disarmed his fury by a feigned compliance. But Astyages, who being less prepossessed than he, discovered my intention better, pressed him every day to seek ways to satisfy himself, and by his solicitations corrupted him so far, that in the end Arsacomes forgot who I was, and no longer knowing me to be Berenice, whom he was wont to behold with so much submission, ran on to that cruel resolution, which was diverted by the assistance of the Gods, and by the valour of the Prince my Brother, whom they miraculously sent to my relief.  
The Princess made a pause at these words, and left the Prince's matter enough to entertain themselves with the events she had related; Lysimachus told her the discourse he had heard in the wood between Arsacomes and Astyages; but scarce had she taken a little breath, when she was solicited by the Princes, and by the Amazon Queen, to let them also hear her last adventures, and being willing to give them that satisfaction, she went on thus.  
You have been informed by Hippolita, that it was the encounter of a litter that made me leave her, but she could not tell you, that he, whom I saw lying in it, was Arsaces, who, according to what I guess by his Narration, was then removing to Babylon; his paleness could not hinder me from knowing him, and after what you now have heard of his life, you cannot be ignorant of the motions which were stirred up in me by that sight, yet could it not have persuaded me, Brother, to leave you in the condition you then were; but I believed I could do no less than use my endeavours to see Arsaces' again, and to show him Berenice, whom he sought, and the finding of whom would put an end to all his wander; this was my only intention, and when I followed the litter, 't was with a hope to overtake it quickly, seeing it went but very slowly, and to come back to my Brother again within a little while, as I had done but for the hindrance I met withal, and then I had spared you both the blood which you have mutually shed. I walked as fast as I was able, leaning upon Alcione's arm, when I unfortunately met with five or six horsemen, who presently surrounded us, and having cried that I was Berenice, they leapt from their horses, and putting up the Beavers of their Helmets, no longer concealed their faces from me. The first I cast my eyes upon was that villain Astyages, and by him, with an incomprehensible amazement, I saw Eurimedon. Eurimedon the Lieutenant of Thrace, from whose persecutions I had fled with Arsacomes, and whose presence was yet less supportable to me than his. To instruct you by what encounter he was then with Astyages, you shall know that after my departure, his love to me had made him leave Byzantium, and not caring to lose his Fortune to obtain me, he had substituted his Brother in his command, and with a greater number of men than Arsacomes had, was come in pursuit of us with a resolution to kill Arsacomes, and pull me out of his hands. But whither it were that he made not so great speed, or took not the same way, the Gods would not suffer him to overtake us. He was at last arrived at Babylon, where he had lain a while concealed, not being willing to be known in the design that brought him, and not having been able to learn any news of me there, he had spent a great many days in seeking me about the Country, but all his search had been to no purpose, till the day my Brother killed Arsacomes, and laid Astyages for dead, with a blow of his Gauntlet. As soon as that wicked fellow had recovered himself again, he went directly to the place where Arsacomes his body lay, and finding there was no life in it, when he had lamented his loss according to the affection he bore him, he caused him to be taken up by some of his servants that were come thither, and was carrying him to the house of our retreat, when he was surprised in that employment by Eurimidon, and his party. Eurimedon, as soon as he knew Astyages, ran at him with his Sword drawn, but Astyages finding he was too weak, had cast himself at his feet, and appeased him by the promise he made to serve him in the recovery of Berenice. Hereupon Eurimedon had changed his threats into● protestations of friendship, and having learned all that Astyages knew of Arsacomes his destiny, he had kept him from that time, to make use of him for the execution of his promise. They had together caused Arsacomes to be buried, and meeting in each other a great conformity of disposition, they by little and little had banished their distrusts, & heart-burnings, and had resolved to seek me together in a Country, from whence Astyages believed I could not be gotten very far. Eurimedon had been careful to win Astyages by all manner of kindnesses, and Astyages, who in the condition of his affairs, stood in need of a support against those whom his crimes had made his Enemies, had really engaged himself to do him service▪ and unfeignedly sought occasions to satisfy his desires. He also had brought him to the same retreat where we had been, and which Arsacomes his servants had quitted after their Master's death, and from thence it was that they were come, when my cruel destiny made me fall into their hands. Eurimedon appeared transported with joy at that encounter, and taking one of my hands, which he kissed whether I would or no; How great is the goodness of the Gods (said he) since they restore me the adored Princess I had lost, after having punished him that stole her from me. I was so extremely surprised at this unhappy accident, that I neither had strength, nor courage to reply▪ but only pulling away my hand from between his, and looking upon him with a disdainful eye, I made him know, that if my sight was a contentment to him, his produced a quite contrary effect in me; but this encounter surprised not me alone, for Alcione, who was with me, was like to have fallen down dead, when she saw Astyages, and Astyages, who knew her after he had eyed her a good while, was so astonished at that sight, that as impudent as he was, he had much ado to recover himself. In the mean time Eurimedon being got again on horseback, and having set me before him by the help of one of his servants, carried me toward that cursed house, which my ill Fortune had chosen for the retreat of my ravishers. Astyages having overcome his amazement, did the same to Alcione, and in spite of our cries which made all the plain to ring, and of all the resistance we could make, after having many times escaped, and many times been taken again, we were at last partly on foot, and partly on horseback, carried or dragged to that house, with all the violence in the World; Astyages his friend, who was as wicked as himself, lent it him very readily, as well out of his inclination to mischief, as his expectation of those recompenses Eur●medon made him hope for. As soon as we both were prisoners, as I had been before, Eurimedon came to me, and putting on all the mildness he could, alleged his love to excuse his violence, prayed me to take heart, and to believe that his passion should never make him exceed the bounds of that respect he owed me, and that if I would but take some pity of it, I might expect any thing in the World at his hands, and even my return into Scythia, and the regaining of that liberty Arsacomes had robbed me of; he also protested, that if I had showed him but any favour at Byzantium, he would from thence have carried me home to my Father, and that if by my future carriage, I did not oppose the intention he had to serve me, I should quickly see an end of those miseries, that had cost me so many sighs and tears. He said a great deal more to me, but I gave no ear to him at all, and having learned by Arsacomes his last deceit, never to believe the promises of wicked persons, I was nothing moved by his, but looking upon him with an angry eye. Hope not (said I) to work upon me by the hopes thou givest me, I will not receive any favour, or assistance from thee, but scorn thy services, as much as I hate, and despise thy person. Arsacomes himself was not so odious to me as thou art, for though he were unworthy of my affection, he had many advantages above thee, both by his birth and qualities, and by the services he had done me, which should strangle those guilty hopes thou hast conceived, and make thee know, that if the Gods have punished his crime with death, thou oughtest to expect a much severer recompense for thine. Moderate thy ambition (continued I▪ presently after) and consider, that if the daughter of a King be to be served by Eurimidon, 't is only as a subject, or a household servant. Eurimedon found matter of offence in these words, but his love made him digest them, and my quality, or some other considerations did indeed give him some respect, which left him not the courage to execute his wicked intentions. Poor Alcione, the companion of my Fortune, who was then my only consolation, was in no less affliction than I, not being able to behold the face of Astyages, the only cause of all her sufferings, and of the death of her dear husband Theander, without falling into swoon which brought her almost to her grave. Yet that shameless fellow came into her presence with a brazen impudence, and when he could make her hear him; Alcione (said he) for I dare not call you Sister, you have such a strange aversion against me, let us henceforth forget all that's past, and suffer me to make a confession to you which I never made before. I ever loved you, and if the consideration of Theander made me silent, know it was my own that made me jealous of Cleonimus, and not that of Bagistanes. The interest of that kinsman should not have persuaded me to trouble the Repose of my Brother, who was much dearer to me than he, and you well may judge that that compliance alone would not have been able to carry me on to so great extremities. Forget therefore those injuries which my love may excuse, and with them forget Cleonimus, who either is no longer in the world, or else no longer remembers you; and if you will receive me for your Husband, I will supply the place of Theander, we'll reunite our Fortunes and our Houses, and you shall be no more less happy with me than you were heretofore with my Brother. Poor Alcione was not able to hear these impudent words from a man whom she had so much cause to hate, without being transported with a Rage which she could not possibly dissemble.  
Ah! Monster, stained with thy Brother's blood, (cried she) thou Monster, black with a thousand treacheries, Canst thou think me capable to hear thy horrible Propositions? And hadst thou yet this last crime to commit, to be the most detestable of all men living? Having spread thy villainies both in Europe, and Asia, dost thou come back into this Country to give them a conclusion suitable to them, and to thyself? If Cleonimus be dead, thy crimes have killed him, and if he no longer remember Alcione, 'tis only his virtue has made him forget her, and 'tis only thy vice that brings her again into thy memory. But be confident, be confident wicked wretch [pursued she] thy love is yet more cruel to me than thy hatred, and I sooner will consent to see thee a second time be the death of what is dearest to me in all the world, and also of myself, than to let thee hope that I will make Theanders' murderer his successor. Astyages, in whom all shame was quite extinguished, harkened without blushing to these Reproaches, but still by all his Actions endeavoured to make Alcione believe that he was really in love with her. In these torments we lived till the time of our deliverance, having hardly an hour free from the persecutions of our cruel Enemies. The master of the house where we were, had obtained a protection from the Officers of this Army, to the end your Forces might not endamage any thing that belonged to him, neither did any of the Soldiers ever come near his house, and he leaving it to Astyages his disposing, went every day into your Camp, and feigning to be very well affected to your party, sought only to secure his house, and his estate; the care he took in favour of his friend, did much advantage the Design they had to lie concealed for many considerations. Eurimedon knew that Prince Lysimachus, whose Lieutenant he was, was one of the Commanders of your Army, and after the fault he had committed in leaving Byzantium, at a time when there was most necessity of his being there, durst not appear before him. And Astyages blasted with crimes, and defamed in his Country, had not the confidence to show himself. And indeed I think they were seen but by very few, and if one of them went out sometimes, he left us under the custody of the other, with so exact a Watch, that all means of liberty were utterly cut off. Yet did I hope in the assistance of my Brother, who I knew was so near us, though I much feared his wounds, and could never get any true information concerning them from our Landlord; I was confident he would take care to make me be sought after, and that if the place of my imprisonment could be but known to him, I doubted not but he would easily rescue me out of the hands of my Enemies. I also knew that Arsaces was in this Country, and dared to hope that his coming hither was for no other end but to seek me; and I may truly protest, that if I had not expected Relief from one of you, I had put an end to my miseries by some effect of my despair. I received the sweetest consolations from Alcione that she could possibly invent to give me, and the affection she expressed to me, had obliged me to love her so dearly, that there was nothing in my heart I did not utter to her; she knew all the particulars of my life, and took so great an interest in them, that she forgot her own misfortunes, to bewail mine, and bore all the afflictions which infamous Astyages made her suffer, with an admirable patience, that she might be able to comfort me in all my griefs. Our cruel Guardians were neither at the Battle you gave, nor in any of the Encounters that passed, but while so many thousand men were fight in this plain, they kept within doors, where their only combats were against Berenice, and Alcione. In the end, whether it were they believed they could not longer stay securely in that house, and that they had a mind to seek some other Retreat that might be further from your Army, or that Eurimedon had a design to carry me back to Byzantium, or to some other place where he thought himself more powerful, and more absolute, they resolved to leave that house, and to persuade us to be set on horseback to go along with them, they often swore they would carry us to the place where they had taken us, since by all their submissions they had not been able to soften our hearts, nor make us lose the aversion we had against them. I gave no credit at all to their words, and yet I was easily persuaded to get on horseback, that I might leave that detested house, hoping that in the open field I should find many more occasions to save myself, than in that Prison from whence I went, with a hope which had not so strongly flattered me till then. Eurimedon had sent away some of his servants the day before, and had kept with him, besides Astyages and his kinsman, who went also with us, only three of his men well armed, and well mounted. With this company we were riding in a way, which seemed to lead us towards Babylon, when we saw a Cavalier completely armed, coming upon the same Road. We being desirous to interess all those we should meet in our deliverance, had our faces unvailed, and that man had no sooner cast his Eye upon Alcione, as he was passing by, but he stopped short, and presently after turning about, and coming back again, began to ride at a little distance by our Ravishers, but keeping his Eyes fixed upon us, with an Action that displeased Eurimedon, in whom all objects were sufficient to beget a jealousy. Friend, [said he] travel on your Road whoever you are, and leave not your way to follow us, unless you seek your own destruction. The stranger was not at all terrified with that threat, but looking boldly upon Eurimedon. I know the Ladies that are with you, [answered he] and before I go away from them, I'll know whether they go along with you willingly or by force. Ah! 'tis by force, [cried we both together] and if you were not too weak against so many Enemies, we would implore your generous assistance. You shall have it as weak as I am, [replied the stranger] and I will die in the design of delivering you, since I am not strong enough to effect it. He had not ended these words before his Sword was drawn, and with a most warlike Garb had prepared himself to receive Eurimedon, who transported with anger, fell instantly upon him with all his men. The Gods guided the first blow he made, and though Eurimedon's sword gave him a light hurt in the arm, his luckily finding way under Eurimedon's Cask, ran him through the throat, and opening a passage for his blood and life together, made him tumble dead among the Horse's feet. The stranger after this gallant blow, rushed into the midst of his Enemies with an admirable courage, but they environed him so furiously, that he quickly was wounded in many places, and his Horse killed between his legs. Yet had he the satisfaction to see Astyages Cousin fall to the ground before him, who being run quite through the body, lost his life for the quarrel of his friend. This kindled him with so great a Rage, that redoubling his blows upon the valiant stranger, who prepared himself to dispute his life a foot with the help of a Tree, against which he set his back, he in spite of that marvellous resistance, being seconded by his companions, would have seconded the death of Eurimedon, and of his friends, if the brave Demetrius had not come in to his Relief, and had not for the preservation of his life, and the Recovery of our Liberty, finished what he so generously had begun. You have heard what he did for our deliverance, and how he gave that gallant stranger [who presently after was known to be Cleonimus] the means to save himself, and to kill Astyages his faithless kinsman, and his ancient Enemy, but not without being so extremely wounded, that notwithstanding all the care that has since been taken of him at Polemon's house, this is the first day the Physicians have given any hope of his Recovery, in which I am concerned as much as I am obliged to be, by the service he did me, and by the consideration of Alcione whom I dearly love.  
Thus did the Princess conclude her Recital, and Arsaces, who for all his impatiency at some passages of it had heard it to the end without interruption, fell then into a very passionate discourse, whereby he let her see how infinitely he was concerned in the afflictions she had suffered. The Heavens be praised, [said he] fair Princess, who after having exposed you to misfortunes, for which in probability you were not born; Restore you now at once this Brother so great, and so dearly loved, and [if in the number of you● other happinesses I durst count this last] your faithful Arsaces, whom by the remembrance of your loss, and by the transports of this cruel Jealousy, you have been like to lose, and for whom you have had the goodness to preserve yourself. He said a great deal more to that effect, and after that Oroondates, with the other Princes, and Queen Thalestris had seconded him with the like discourses, the whole company retired, to leave the night to Arsaces, who probably stood in need of it, having spent the greatest part of the day in this Narration. Lysimachus and Ptolomeus waited upon the Princesses to Polemon's house, and being afterwards come back into their Tents, passed the night all of them, if not with a perfect rest, at least with less disquiets than those they were wont to feel.  
The next morning Lysimachus, Ptolomeus, Oxyartes, and Eumenes came to Oroondates his Tent, where they found Arsaces in so fair a way of amendment, as made them hope he would be absolutely cured within a few days. All the Princes testified the excess of their joy, and after they were set down by the bedside, Lysimachus adressing himself to Arsaces'. Sir, [said he] I protest to you by all the Gods, and by the respect I owe to Parisatis, that the most sensible discontent I now am touched with, is that of having been one of those that have helped toward the ruin of your illustrious House, and that I am tied to you and yours, by such powerful considerations, that this cruel remembrance will ever give a check to my most glorious fortunes. ●t is true, Sir, I followed Alexander in the Conquest of those Dominions that were the King your fathers, and that in the division that has been made of them since the death of Alexander, Thrace, Pontus, and Bosphorus are fallen to my share; These Provinces are big enough to form a Kingdom of a large extent, but though by the same right I were Possessor of all that are in Asia, I would deliver them up freely to their lawful Prince. I therefore divest myself, of all the pretensions our division may have given me, and since it is not in my power to restore you the whole Empire of the King your father, I'll serve you to the last drop of my blood in the Design you may have to recover it. Lysimachus had hardly spoken, when Ptolomeus who would not appear less generous than he; Egypt, (said he to the Prince) and Arabia, with part of Africa, shall also return to the subjection of Prince Artaxerxes, for I never will accept a Crown, which I cannot hold, but from the spoils of his. Eumenes made him the same offers of Cappadocia, and Paphlagonia, and those generous Princes, strove who should be forwardest to show, that they knew how to despise Kingdoms, to render what they owed to virtue. But Arsaces abused not their civilities, and looking upon them with a very grateful countenance. I prefer your friendship [said he] before the Provinces you offer me, and before all those, which by the Rights of War we have lost, but the generosity you express, shall never find me of so unworthy an humour as to make a wrong use of it. 'Tis not by that way that I ought to rise to the Throne again, nor will I receive that from all the liberality of my friends, which the valour of my Enemies has taken from me. Therefore I protest to you by Orosmades, by Berenice, and by my honour, that all your offers, and all your entreaties, shall never be able to shake me from this Resolution. Possess the Territories which now are lawfully yours, and which I see you command without envy, and without discontent; there are enough besides in the power of our Enemies to establish a Monarchy great enough, and if you would not have Darius his son live as a private man, I refuse not your assistance to reconquer part of them. This was Arsaces his Resolution, and though the Princes especially Lysimachus, stuck obstinately to their Proposition, it was impossible for them to overcome his Resistance, or make him recede from what he had determined. Since Artaxerxes is alive [said Lysimachus] I never will command the Thracians, and if I will have a Kingdom to be worthy of Parisatis, I must make it up of other Provinces than those that belong to the Prince her Brother. 'Tis from my Enemies I ought to win Dominions, and not from persons whom I honour more than all the world. He said a great deal more to the same effect, but all was to no purpose, for Prince Artaxerxes continued firm in his intention. I cannot want a Crown [replied he] while I have such friends as you are, and if we must divest any of those that are possessed of our inheritance, let us divest Perdiccas, and Leonatus, rather than Lysimachus and Ptolomeus; our Enemies have Provinces enough for you, and for me too, and the Empire of Darius [concluded he with a sigh] may very well satisfy the ambition of us all. Oroondates, who was witness of this conversation, and who never opened his mouth to interrupt it, admired the magnanimity of both, and found Reasons in Artaxerxes his Refusal, which persuaded him to approve it. When from that Entertainment they fell upon another, Oroondates, and Lysimachus began to show the disquiets they were in for their Princesses, of whom they could hear no manner of news, and of whom Arsaces had made no mention at all in the end of his discourse, though he had been in Babylon, and that he had continued a good while near those that had taken them. The discontent of those two Princes was presently observed by the company, and after the cause of it was known, there was so much Reason found in it, that it could not justly be condemned. Arsaces', said he, had heard nothing of them, but that the Rage, wherewith he was then transported, had left him very little care of enquiring, and after he had mused a while upon that consideration. I think, Brother, [added he of a sudden] we may learn the truth of what's become of them by a mean's thats not come into my hand. You do not doubt but that my interests now are inseparably linked with yours, and that though I were not tied to yours by those of our house, Roxana, Perdiccas, and all they of that party must needs be my Enemies now, because I know them to be yours. I shall cheerfully fight against them with you, but before you give a second Battle, that which I owe to the assistance I have received from Seleucus, obliges me to demand a Parley with him, and to use all my endeavours to withdraw him from a party, against which I am ready to declare myself; if Perdiccas will make one at our interview, he shall be admitted, and if you please to be present, Brother, you and I together will see them two, and make ourselves known to them, and if we cannot by generosity persuade them to restore the Princesses my sisters, we shall at least know what we ought to fear, or hope concerning them, and the truth of the condition they now are in. Oroondates and all his friends liked very well of Artaxerxes his motion, and Lysimachus, both for his own interest, and the desire of keeping them company, would gladly have been one, if his mortal hatred to Perdiccas had not opposed all manner of interviews between them. From this [discourse which was broken off by the coming in of Craterus, Oxyartes, Antigonus, Demetrius, Polyperchon, and many other chief Commanders] they fell to that of the War, and of the preparations they were to make for a second Battle; and those Princes to whom Artaxerxes his military experience was known only by report before, heard him speak in terms, which made them see, that for all he was but young, he had attained to as much knowledge as the oldest and greatest Captains in the world had ever had. Wherefore all those great Commanders subscribed to his opinions, with a readiness which even wounded his modesty, and the knowledge of his quality, and of his virtue begot such a respect in them to his person, as they had never given to any body but Alexander. There was not one amongst them who came not to pay him their civilities with a great deal of submission, and very few; who according to Lysimachus his Example, did not offer to restore the Territoritories whereof they had already taken possession; but he gave them the same Answers he had done the former, and perhaps it was their assurance of his Refusal, that made them so forward in those generous offers. Within a little after, the room that was left in the Chamber, was filled by the arrival of the Princess Berenice, Queen Thalestris, the fair Deidamia, Apamia, Arsinoe, Cleone, and other Ladies, and when they after one another had inquired how the two Princes did, that noble company began an Entertainment, in which they spent most part of the day. The next morning Prince Oroondates left his Bed, and Artaxerxes found himself much mended, that he doubted not but within a week he should be as well as Oroondates. The Princess Berenice by her own inclination, and by her Brother's desire, kept him company for the most part, and that passionate Prince enjoyed a happiness in her sweet and charming conversation, which made him utterly forget his wounds. That fair Princess, whose love was not inferior to his, drew contentments also from his sight, and from the testimonies of his affection, which were able to make reparation for part of the sorrows she had undergone; and that long deprivation of those joys which were then afforded them, made them far more precious to one another, than if they had not been interrupted; a thousand times did lovely Berenice use little Reproaches to her dear Arsaces, for the injuries he had done her in the transports of his cruel jealousy, and a thousand times did happy Arsaces, (reading in her Eyes that her Anger was neither disobliging nor dangerous) excuse himself by a silence accompanied with flaming glances, and fixing his lips upon one of her fair hands, seemed as if he would breathe out his soul there for the expiation of his faults. Oroondates was joyed to see the satisfaction of these two persons whom he loved so well, and the happiness of Artaxerxes was so dear to him, that he could not look upon his contentments with less delight, than if they had been his own; but he could have wished a fortune like that of his, and that sight, awakening the remembrance of his old felicities, drew sighs from his breast a thousand times a day. In the interim he busied himself with the other Commanders in the duties of his charge, and all of them laboured to put the Army in a condition to fight another Battle; they caused their wounded men to be carefully looked to, their Arms to be mended, and also the Chariots that had been broken; they recruited their Troops with fresh men that came up daily to the Army, and in short all things tended to the cruel preparation for a bloody day. Philonides brought a re-inforcement of ten thousand men out of Egypt to Ptolomeus, Antisthenes six thousand to Antigonus out of Phrygia, Lamachus four thousand Syrians to Laomedon, and within a few days after with six thousand Cappadocians, and Paphlagonians, which Aristides brought for Eumenes, they saw the valiant Menalippa arrive with ten thousand Amazons; Thalestris was not a little joyed, when she saw her supplies were come, and most part of the Princes, would needs wait upon that fair Queen to meet them, and with admiration beheld the march, and discipline of those warlike women. Their Queen received them with a great deal of sweetness and affection; and Menalippa, with the chief of her companions, long embracing her knees, expressed what an infinite trouble her loss, or her tedious absence had imprinted in the hearts of all her subjects. The whole Army welcomed these succours very respectfully, and the Troops that were already quartered, willingly yielded them the most commodious place to incamp in. They were in this condition when Arsaces left his bed, and that same day his satisfaction was increased by the sight of his faithful Criton, whom certain Soldiers brought in, having taken him about the Camp, where he was seeking after his Master. Arsaces', when he had embraced him many times with a most particular affection, heard by him, that the Commanders of the Enemy's Army, especially Seleucus, had showed a great deal of trouble for his departure, and that not having been able to guests the cause, they had employed several persons to seek for him. This confirmed Arsaces in the design of seeing Seleucus and Perdiccas before the battle, and with that intent he impatiently waited for a more perfect cure. In the mean time all the Princes being met together in his Chamber by Oroondates his counsel, would have delivered up the sole Authority of the Army into his hands, and pressed him to accept of it, with the most earnest entreaties they could invent to win him to it. But all their persuasions would not serve, and after he had long refused all manner of command, all they could obtain of him at last, was that he would come in for the seventh man to take his turn among the six other Princes, to whom the Army had already submitted. They all received that companion joyfully, and while he was recovering strength, they often sent out parties; for knowing that the Enemy's Army increased as well as theirs, they strove to diminish their number by frequent skirmishes, in which there was much blood shed every day on either side. Among those that got greatest renown in those Encounters, was the young Demetrius, who gained an extraordinary Reputation, and being of an age to seek occasions to show his worth, he suffered none to escape without giving proofs of a Valour that was far from common. Yet was it no longer despair that thrust him headlong into danger, for his heart had allayed part of its sorrow, by the birth of another passion; the sad remembrance of Hermione, had by little and little given place to the charms of Deidamia, and that love of Ashes, and of Tombs, had yielded to a more lawful affection; the current of his tears were stopped, and his words were no longer interrupted with so many sobs, but his sighs continued still, though they had changed their object, and though this last were less deplorable than the former, it was so powerful, and so imperious, that those timorous messengers of his love, durst hardly venture to make their passage out of his breast. Yet did he resist the birth of this latter passion, and opposed the force of it with all the remembrances of Hermione, but though those sorrowful Ideas served his intention for a few moments, the sight of Deidamia conquered all those obstacles, and dissipated all his resolutions. That fair Princess wept daily for a loss which was still fresh in her memory, and at first Demetrius had contented himself with weeping with her, confirming her in the design of loving the remembrance of her dear Agis eternally, and if in the beginning he had found some consolation in the humour, and in the destiny of that Princess, he now desired an alteration in them both. He had insensibly dried up his tears to become her comforter, whose companion in affliction he had been before, and in short, as he had before lamented only his own misfortunes, so now he seemed to have forgot them, to become sensible of Deidamia. She, who had observed the winning qualities of Demetrius, who knew his birth, and who besides found herself obliged to his civilities, and to the care he took for her consolation, and for her Fortune, showed him a great deal of acknowledgement, and beheld him with more good will than all the rest; but being her grief was very lively, and very real, and that her heart in that condition, was little capable of a second affection, all her inclinations to Demetrius went not beyond the limits of esteem, and gratitude, and he whose passion settled itself with a most profound respect, and who was more afraid of Agis, for all he was dead, than of all his living Enemies; knowing Deidamia mind, durst neither complain of his condition, nor desire one more advantageous. He thought it not enough to forbid his tongue the use of speech, but would also keep even his eyes, and sighs from discovering his passion, and equally fearing to offend, both what he began, and what he ceased to love, he tied himself up strictly in a very narrow constraint.  
In these terms he stood, when the whole Army was ready to try the success of a second day, and Arsaces' being then well enough cured to ride on horseback, and to fight, approved of the resolution which he knew all his Companions had, to send and present their Enemy's Battle within three days. They had intelligence by spies that were returned out of their Camp, that their Army was no less recruited than theirs, and that from Media, Lydia, Pamphilia, Caria, and Parthia, there was a re-inforcement of five and thirty, or forty thousand men come to them; and not being willing to afford them time to make themselves stronger, they with a general opinion determined to send them a challenge, and to agree with them both upon the day and Field for deciding of their quarrel. Cleomenes, and Aristides were chosen for that commission, but before they went, Arsaces taking them aside, informed them of what he desired, and gave them charge, to demand an entervenience of Perdiccas and Seleucus the next day, between the two Camps, for him, and one of his friends withal necessary securities. The Deputies departed, having received their instructions, and the Princes remained with the Ladies, who began already to tremble, and grow pale at the approach of the Battle. Berenice was like to die with fear for her dear Artaxerxes, and for the Prince her Brother, who she saw escaped out of so many dangers, only to precipitate themselves into a new one, and to try the hazard of a day, the events whereof were very doubtful. Apamia and Arsionoe grew wan for their dear, and Noble husbands; Deidamia, for all she was exempt from loving any body that was alive, was not without fear for her worthy friends, and among all the Princes from whom she hoped for support, she bestowed her particular wishes for young Demetrius. Only Thalestris appeared fearless among so many timorous Princesses, and making some attempts to banish out of her mind, the remembrance of Orontes which afflicted her, she showed herself at the head of her fair Amazons, both fairer and cheerfuller than ordinary, her satisfaction was caused by their arrival, and she could not dissemble the contentment she received, by being able to assist those Princes with her Forces, whom till then she had only served in her single person. The two Camps being not far asunder, Cleomenes and Aristides were not long ere they returned, whereupon the Soldiers ran thronging to the Tent of Antigonus, who commanded that day, and where the Princes were then assembled. The answer they heard was such as they desired, for Cleomenes told them that the Enemies had gladly received their proposition, and that Perdiccas had promised to expect them the third day, with a hundred thousand men in the next Field. All the Company welcomed this news with joyful cries, and the rumour of it going out of the Tent, ran presently from one to another, into all parts of the Camp. Afterwards Cleomenes turning toward Arsaces to give him an account of his whole negotiation, Sir, (said he) I have followed your orders, and having declared your intention to Seleucus, he appeared so astonished to hear you were in our party, that of a great while he was not able to answer me; In the end, after he had made some complaints of your change, he conferred with Perdiccas, and they both together promised me, that to morrow as soon as the Sun is risen, they will be upon that little hill which you see on the right hand, and which is just half way between their Army and ours; Arsaces was very well pleased with this answer, and hoping for a good success of that parley, he imparted his thoughts to Prince Oroondates, with whom he walked a while upon the bank of the River. The rest of that day was spent in their ordinary employments, and the next morning as soon as day appeared, the Princes of Scythia, and Persia called for their clothes and Arms, and no sooner had they got them on, but they took horse, and road directly toward the place Cleomenes had told them of. They arrived there first, but presently after they saw them coming whom they expected, and Arsaces no sooner knew Seleucus, but he galloped up toward him, and the same did Oroondates by his example. When they were near, they saluted one another in a fashion that had nothing of enmity in it, & though Oroondates were unknown to Perdiccas, (whose weakness had not suffered him to observe his face when he had been succoured by him) his graceful presence working the effect that was usual to it, moved Perdiccas to nothing but respect. After the first salutation, Arsaces preventing Seleucus, who opened his mouth probably to use some reproaches against him. You wonder, brave Seleucus (said he) to see me in your Enemy's party, but when once you know me, you will wonder more that ever you saw me in yours. I know I am indebted to you for my life, but you shall also know that I have fought for you against nature, against justice, against my nearest friends, and even against myself, and that perhaps few men in the World would have preferred the obligation I have to you, before the interest which now has pulled me from you; yet as great as it is, it is not able to make me forget a friend so worthy of esteem as is Seleucus, and I was very desirous to see him, to justify myself in his opinion, and to beg the continuation of a friendship, which I no longer can hope for from those of his party. I never thought (replied Seleucus) it could be out of inconstancy that Arsaces had forsaken us, and I have found courage, and gratitude enough in you, for a service of small importance, to believe they must needs be very weighty considerations that had made you to become our Enemy. Yet could I not hear it without trouble, nor (if I may say so to you) without resentment, since by the promises of friendship you had made me, I believed such a man as you are sufficiently engaged. Say, (added Perdiccas, who had not spoken till than) that no party can lose a man like Arsaces, without being very much weakened, that the great actions we have seen him do in favour of us, will not suffer us to bear his loss without complaining of it, and that in short, (if we may use such a reproach) we had given him no cause, by the usage he received from us, to carry his assistance to our Enemies. That I gave to you (replied Arsaces) as it is my greatest crime, so would it also be my greatest remorse, if it were not excused by what I owed to Seleucus, and by the transports of a passion, to which I had then given myself over. In brief Perdiccas, since you know what I have done for you, learn what I ought to have done against you, by learning that I am the Son of Darius. Those Princesses, whom you brought to the very brink of death, and whom you now keep prisoners, are my Sisters, and to give you a fuller knowledge of me, he who pulled Statira out of your arms, and who upon the banks of Euphrates, made you with part of your blood, to satisfy for the offence you committed against her that had been your Queen, was no other than this Artaxerxes, who since has fought for you, against the Protectors of his blood, and the revengers of his quarrel, and this Artaxerxes, who now speaks to you. The confusion of Perdiccas and Seleucus was exceeding great at this discourse of Artaxerxes, and being they had heard by common fame that Darius his only Son, had been dead many years, they could not learn that he was alive, and that he was Arsaces, without falling into an unparalleled amazement. They should have doubted of the truth of these words, if they had heard them from the mouth of a person, whose Soul had been less great than his, but not knowing how to suspect such a man as Arsaces of a lie, they considered him from head to foot, with more respect than before, and were not able to open their mouths to give him any answer. Neither did the Prince afford them leisure, but going on with his discourse, while their astonishment had struck them mute; Although I am the Son of Darius (pursued he) I come not to reproach you as Enemies of our house, and though Perdiccas hath used those Princesses unworthily, whom he ought not to have beheld but with respect, I know nevertheless that he employed his industry to save their lives, and that but for his care they might perchance have been sacrifices to Roxana's cruelty; this remembrance stifles part of my resentments, and obliges me to make a further trial both of Seleucus his friendship, and Perdiccas his generosity, to obtain the liberty of my Sisters; Complete the glory of that action (O Perdiccas) which you did in favour of them, and restore us a Queen, and a Princess which are of too illustrious a birth to continue your Captives any longer. Artaxerxes demands his Sisters of you, & Oroondates his Mistress, the desire of gaining such a friend should make you forget your interests, & if you cannot become his by the recital of his admirable actions, consider him as a Prince, who twice has been the author of your safety, he secured you once from the revenge of Lysimachus, and after our Combat upon the River side he assisted you again, though considering you as Statira's Murderer, one would have thought he should rather have given you a thousand deaths, than the succour you received from him. 'Tis this miraculous man, whose virtue wins him Idolaters in all places, 't is he whom at the head of his Troops, you have seen defeat your Battalions alone, and carry Victory which way soever he turned, he under whose valour I have sunk two or three several times, and he— say no more (interrupted Oroondates, whose modesty could not suffer Arsaces his discourse any longer) these praises offend our friendship, and 't is enough you told Perdiccas Artaxerxes loves me, to obtain the favour you demand of him in my behalf, Statira is without doubt indebted to him for her life, and I shall be indebted to him for Statira, and also for my life, if he generously can conquer his Interests, and if he will grant that to our requests, which he has refused to the threats, and to the force of so potent an Army as that of ours. Perdiccas, who during the discourse of the two Princes, had had time to settle his astonishment, and to recall to mind the wounds Artaxerxes had given him, and the shame Oroondates, for all he was unknown to him, had made him suffer, when at the head of his Army he had overthrown him on the ground at the first encounter, considered those two Princes, but 't was Oroondates as his Rival, and Artaxerxes as his Enemy: and recollecting all his confidence to reply; I am very glad (said he) to know persons with whom I have had encounters of no small importance, and with whom I shall not fear the like again, though Fortune seconded them in the former; I have been wounded by your hand, Artaxerxes, and by that occasion that made us fight, you know Statira is alive, and moreover that she is alive by my assistance; I therefore will not tell you she is dead, as all other men have hitherto been made believe, and I have too much interest in her life to cease to defend it, while the Gods afford me mine. Statira is alive, but she's not alive for Oroondates; Although the good office he did me, were sufficient weight to counterbalance what he hath done against us, and although what Arsaces has done for us, were able to make me forget the wounds he gave me, neither of them ought to hope for that from me, which I would not part with for all the Empires in the World, nor doth any rule of generosity oblige me to give that to my Enemy, and to my Rival, which I would refuse to my dearest friends, and even to Alexander himself, if he were yet in a condition to make use of the power he once had over me. But thou shalt, (Replied impatient Oroondates) thou shalt either give Statira to that Enemy, and to that Rival, or else that life, which thou hast already been like to lose by the sword of each; I expected nothing from thee, and if I did abase myself so far as to entreat thee, know thou owest that forcing of my inclinations only to the power Artaxerxes hath with me. If I were not withheld by the promise I have given him, perhaps thou never shouldst return into thy Camp, to boast of the advantages thou hast over me, and thou shouldst quickly know, that if Statira be not alive for Oroondates, she never shall be so for Perdiccas. Think not (replied Perdiccas, putting his hand upon the hilt of his sword) that thy threats can terrify me, or that I will take advantage by the promise thou hast given thy friend; I'll defend Statira both against thy person, and against thy forces, she is in my power, she is in Babylon with her Sister, and that which I have hitherto kept secret for other considerations than thine, shall now be published to the whole World, to engage thee so much the more to execute what thou hast threatened. Oroondates suffered himself to be transported with his anger, and would without doubt have decided his quarrel with Perdiccas, if he had not been withheld by Artaxerxes, who still considering Seleucus as a man to whom he was obliged, desired to shun the occasion of drawing his sword against him. It is an easier matter, (added the Prince of Persia) for such persons as Oroondates to execute than to threaten, but I should have hoped that Seleucus (continued he turning toward him) would have used some endeavour to draw Perdiccas to more virtuous thoughts. If I had not hitherto, (replied Seleucus) known a great deal of virtue in Perdiccas, and a great deal of Justice, and integrity in all his actions, I would never have been his friend, but I am so now in such a high degree, that I serve him without arguing against his intentions, and without considering any other interests but his. Then I am disengaged (said Axtaxerxes briskly) of part of what I owe you, I acquit you of all (answered Seleucus) and since you are Perdiccas his Enemy, I cannot look upon you as other than the Enemy of Seleucus. I will not be so far his Enemy (replied the Prince) but that I shall remember I am obliged to him, and shall discern him always from the rest of his party. They had said more, if Oroondates, who could no longer endure the sight of Perdiccas without breaking forth into rage, had not hastened their separation, Let's away Brother (said he to the Prince) and stay no longer with Enemies, with whom we must henceforth converse no other way but with our swords. Farewell Perdiccas (continued he looking upon him with an eye that sparkled with fury, and with an eye, which as resolute as he was, did a little daunt him) defend Statira, since thou hast undertaken it, but know the day draws near when thou shalt restore her to me, and all the blood in thy body with her. He said no more, but pulling Arsaces by the arm, made him without other salute turn from his Enemies, whom he left with very threatening words and actions. Yet in the midst of all his anger, he carried away no small satisfaction, in having learned from the mouth of Perdiccas, (who till then had disavowed it) that Cassandra was in Babylon; and since he was assured of the place of her abode by him, who knew it better than any body else in the World, he hoped he should recover her by force, though his Enemies were yet stronger than they were, and though Babylon were defended with a hundred walls, like that wherewith it was enclosed.  
As soon as the two Princes were returned to the Camp, all the Commanders came about them, to hear what had been the success of that interview; and they gave them an exact account of all that had passed between them. Dear Companion of my Fortune (said Oroondates to Lysimachus) our Princesses are in Babylon, and from hence forward we no more can doubt of their life, nor of the place of their Captivity; but we must win them with the edge of the sword, for Perdiccas prepares to defend them with his utmost power. Perdiccas' his defence (replied Lysimachus) will be but weak against the valour of Oroondates, and perhaps Alcetas has not conquered all the difficulties he has yet to encounter for the obtaing of Parisatis. After these words, the rest of the day was spent in necessary preparations for the Battle, and the next morning all the Troops were carefully overlooked, their number exactly taken, and the several Battalions were disposed, according to the order they intended to observe. The day of Battle happened to be that of Oroondates his Command, and all the Officers, in whom that Prince's virtue had made a wonderful impression, showed an extreme contentment that it so fell out. Yet Oroondates would have shared that glory with his Companions, but they opposed his intention so stiffly, that it was impossible for him to make them consent; and even Arsaces himself, whom he pressed to it by all the considerations of their friendship, persisted formerly in the resolution of the rest, and contenting himself with the glory he had gained at the head of the Scythian Army, would needs see his dear Brother, at that of so many Gallant men, and leave him the whole honour of that memorable day. Oroondates being in the end constrained to yield to the desires of his friends, protested that nothing but obedience made him accept of an advantage, to which his ambition never had aspired, and afterward by their advice he disposed of the Forces on this manner. He divided them into four bodies, as at the other Battle, the first of which was given to the valiant Arsaces'; 'Twas with an exceeding joy, and with a marvellous hope of Victory that they saw so great a man obeyed by the conquerors of the greatest part of the World, and with them, they that had been his Father's subjects acknowledged their Prince, and submitted to him with an extraordinary affection. That body was composed of Bactrians, and Zoydians under Prince Oxyartes, who desired to unite himself to the Fortune of his Nephew, and under Cophes the Son of Artabasus; of Syrians under the brave Laomedon, of Lydians under Menander, and of Cappadocians under the generous Eumenes. The second body was given to Lysimachus, consisting of Thracians, and of the inhabitants of Pontus, and Bosphorus; of Egyptians and Arabians under Ptolomeus, who would needs fight that day by the side of his dear friend, and of Cilicians under the conduct of Orestes, the Brother of their deceased Commander Philotas. The third was assigned to the great Craterus, and under him marched the valiant Macedonians that were lately of Alexander's guard, with Polyperchon, who desired to fight at the head of them; The Africans, subjects of Ptolomeus, under his Brother Menelaus, as also the Armenians, and Mesopotamians, who wanted leaders since the death of their Princes Phrataphernes, and Archesilaus', who with their Sons had fallen by the sword of Arsaces. The gallant Queen of the Amazons commanded the last, and though she would have refused that charge, she was constrained to accept of it, by the most urgent entreaties of all the Princes; She was followed by her courageous Amazons under Menalyppa and Amalthea, by the Paphlagonians, who were led by Euristeus, Eumenes his Lieutenant, by the Hyrcanians under Philip, and by the Phrygians under Antigonus, who for all his greatness, and the height of his quality and reputation would needs place himself that day under the banners of that valiant Princess: Demetrius had an employment worthy of himself, which was a body apart composed of six thousand horse, that was to keep upon the wings, and according to the events and necessities, to succour them that had need of his assistance; and the conduct of two hundred Chariots of War, Armed with Scythes, and plates of Iron, and full of Archers taken out of the several Nations, was committed to young Alexander the Son of Polyperchon. The whole Army being thus disposed of, the four chief Commanders took a survey of those Troops that were to obey them, and during the remainder of that day, they showed themselves to the Soldiers, and instructed the Officers in those things they desired to make them know. Craterus, who had the command that day, was careful to oversee the Arms, Horses, Chariots, and the Field of Battle, and when night was come, besides the general cares, every man in particular was diversely employed in preparations for that important day.  
The morning light began newly to appear when the signal of Battle was set up on the top of Oroondates his Tent, and the sound of a thousand warlike instruments, which were heard from one Camp to the other, roused up those that were fastest asleep, and excited in the faintest hearts a courage which was not natural to them. The Prince of Scythia had not stayed for it, but his cares, and his generous impatience had made him leave his bed, before break of day. As soon as he perceived the shining of the earliest beams; I salute thee (cried he) O glorious day, and thou bright Sun, the tutelary God of my Princess' Country, who to day art to give light to an action worthy of thy presence; If these years, which my love has covered with a gloomy obscurity, have passed with some kind of dishonour to me, perchance I to day may find occasion to make my Fortune alone be accused of part of those faults which have hitherto reflected upon me. My Arms, (continued he) my Arms, and presently after Loncates having brought them, he put them on with the help of Araxes, who busied himself in that employment with a joy, which he drew from the contentment of his Master. They were the same he wore in the former Battle, as well because he had tried their goodness, and for love of the Prince that had given him them, as to make himself the more easily known to Perdiccas against whom he had now turned all the anger which before was chiefly against Arsaces. There had been but very few with him at his rising, because he was one of the first up in the whole Camp, but his Arms were not quite on, when his Chamber was full of Officers of the Army. He with them went out of his Chamber to go into that of Arsaces, whom he found out of bed, and with him Oxyartes, Ilyoneus, and many other Noble persons, whose affections that Prince's admirable virtues had acquired. Brother [cried Oroondates as he came in] to day we shall have you to fight with us, and I hope we shall conquer, since in turning of our side, you without doubt will make the Victory turn with you. Yes, Brother, (replied Prince Artaxerxes) we shall Conquer, and if the Gods are not too much our Enemies, an Army commanded by Oroondates, and by so many valiant Princes cannot choose but hope for Victory. After these words, and many others full of modesty, and civility, they received Lysimachus, Ptolomeus, and Craterus, and by little and little all the considerable men of the Army. Berenice, Apamia, and the other Ladies, whom the apprehensions of that day had wakened sooner than ordinary, came thither also, Apamia and Arsinoe openly showed the fear they were in for their dear husbands, and Berenice though she endeavoured to dissemble part of hers, or to make the opinion of it fall upon her affection to her Brother, could not keep the company from discovering that though Oroondates was very dear to her, yet her greatest disquiets were for Artaxerxes. Oroondates observed it with much joy, and as jealous as he had been of him for another, he envied not his friend the precedence in his Sister's affection. 'Twas in her presence Artaxerxes called for his Arms, which had newly been presented to him by his Uncle Prince Oxyartes; They had been Darius his, and were the same he wore when under the name of Codoman, he by a memorable Combat had added Armenia to the Crown of Persia, and the Prince his Son having kissed them, out of the respect he owed unto that memory, could not put them on without solemnising that remembrance with some tears, nor without drawing some by his action from the eyes of Oroondates, and Oxyartes, with the rest of their companions. As Darius had been the greatest, and most magnificent King in all the World, his Arms showed tokens of his magnificence, and of his greatness, and the gold & stones of value wherewith they were enriched, afforded no sight of the matter whereof they were made; so that when the Prince had put them on, he looked like fierce Achilles in those gallant Arms, whereon Vulcan at the request of Thetis, had set forth the utmost of his skill. All the Princes went out of the Tent together to be present at the sacrifices that were going to be offered through the whole Camp, and by the zeal they testified in that action, made the Soldiers know that 'twas rather from the Gods than from their valour they ought to expect the success of that dangerous day; the Priest found nothing ominous, either in the smoke, or in the entrails of the beasts, and some among them having espied an Eagle, flying toward their left hand, drew a presage from thence, that gave them a very great hope of victory. The Troops began presently after to march out of their entrenchments, and were drawn up in the plain by the care of Eumenes and Polyperchon, while Arsaces took a leave of Berenice, which she could not give him without breaking forth into sorrow, and while Prince Oroondates attended by his faithful Araxes galloped through all the several Divisions, and by his words and presence stirred up a desire to fight in the hearts of the veriest cowards; The Princesses were already retired, all the Commanders were at the heads of their Battalions, and the Forces being quite drawn up, marched toward their Enemies in gallant order; they had moved but a little way when they perceived them, and from a rising ground saw all the Field of Babylon covered with men and horses. Their order was no less beautiful than that of our Princes, nor their march less considerable. Perdiccas had divided his Army into six Battalions; The first composed of Macedonians, Parthians, and the inhabitants of mount Caucasus was commanded by the valiant Seleucus. Cassander led the second consisting of Carians, Lycians, and of the invincible Argiraspides. The third obeyed Leonatus, and under him marched the Pamphilians, the Oraches, and the Argeans. The fourth was under the conduct of Alcetas, in which were the inhabitants of the two Mediaes, the Pelasgians, and those Zogdians that were not under the Jurisdiction of Artabasus. The fifth, whose Leader was Neoptolemus, was made up of natural Persians, and the inhabitants of Susiana, and those of that part of Bactria which was under the obedience of Scytheus. Peucestas brought up the last, and was followed by the Babylonians, Bellites, and the Soldiers of Margiana. Python had the charge of two hundred and fifty armed Chariots, and Statanor that of five or six thousand horse, which were a reserve for the same purpose as those of Demetrius. The two Armies were no sooner within sight but they saluted one another after the usual manner, and all the valiant Commanders of each side animated by the present objects, and by the resoluteness they observed in their soldier's faces, showed a generous impatience in their own, and forgot not any thing belonging to their charge that could conduce unto the Victory. Lysimachus, Ptolomeus, Craterus, Thalestris, Eumenes, Polyperchon, and Demetrius, appeared at the head of their Troops like so many invincible Alcides; Arsaces was before the first with a more than humane presence, and with a Majesty worthy of his high birth, which begot love, respect, and fear in all that beheld him, and Prince Oroondates fuller of business than all the rest, seemed also to be greater and handsomer than ordinary, and the Action wherewith he was animated, made a fire appear about his face, which dazzled the Eyes of all that considered him. He had already wearied two Horses with riding about to every Rank, nor did he forget any of his natural eloquence, to inflame the coldest hearts with a desire of Victory. My valiant Companions, (said he to those that couldhear him) I am unworthy to command these invincible Forces, which under a Leader worthy of them, have vanquished all the Earth; but since I have the glory to fight with you to day, I shall also have the glory to conquer with you. I to less generous persons should represent the interest you all have in this Victory, I should make some of you desire it by the hope of inestimable spoils, others by that of rest, which after such tedious labours you well may wish, and all by that of the high Reputation your Arms have given you, and which from the issue of this day expects its last establishment: but to the Conquerors of the World, to the Masters of the whole Earth, what can a stranger promise, what can he make be hoped, that is not far below them? and what belief can they have in an unknown person, whose most glorious advantage is that he holds to day from the goodness of your Princes, and of yourselves? It shall therefore be neither spoil nor glory that I'll propose to you, but the Revenge of your great King, and the safety and liberty of your illustrious Queen; 'Tis against the horrible Murderers of Alexander you are to fight, and from those very Murderers you demand nothing but the Widow and Sister of that victorious King. Besides the quality that Alliance gave them, their birth is considerable to many of you, and I assure myself, that among Troops of so many several Nations, which heretofore were under the obedience of the worthily deplored Darius, there are a great number who yet hold his memory in veneration. Allow something, (valiant men) allow something to that remembrance; the son of that great King, more considerable by his virtues than by his birth, fights on your side to day, and forgets whatever some of you have done against his House, to turn all his Resentments against your Enemies. You will infallibly conquer being supported as you are, both by the justice of your Quarrel, and by the courage of so many brave Commanders who fight at the head of you: if your foes are valiant, as without doubt they are, since they heretofore were your Companions, and that they shared with you in the honour of so many Conquests; if they be harder to vanquish than those Nations you have overcome without resistance, the Victory over them will be much the more glorious, and you may boast, that after having subdued Asia, and the greatest part of Europe, and Africa, you at last have conquered the only Enemies that could dispute the prize of valour with you. Oroondates had hardly ended these words, when the Soldiers by loud Acclamations testified what an impression they had wrought upon them, and at the same time, they were come so near their Enemies, that it no longer was in the power of the Generals to bridle their impetuousness.  
The last signals were given on either side, and the Troops marched up, which such a fury as could be compared to nothing but itself. On one side the great Arsaces, and on the other the brave Seleucus began that bloody day, and the foremost Ranks of each party, after having exchanged a cloud of Arrows, closed to a nearer distance, and drawing their swords fell without delay to handy-blows. Their valiant Leaders who equally sought for glory where the danger was greatest, and who knew not one another by reason they had changed their Arms, ran fiercely to the charge, and having broke their Javelins upon their shields, which they mutually opposed against their strokes, they shocked each other with an incredible violence. Arsaces' was disordered in his seat, and Seleucus was like to have lost his, yet did he settle himself again with a great deal of agility, and by his readiness in drawing his sword, covered part of the disadvantage of that Encounter. These two great men being in the middle of their Troops, had not the liberty of a lasting Combat, but were both constrained by the throng that parted them, to carry death to other persons. Eucrates the son of Axiarchus, Prince of the inhabitants of Mount Caucasus, with his Brother Evagoras were the first that found it under the sword of Arsaces, and though they had courage, and that they charged him both together, their Attempts were to no purpose against him, and received a different death, one by the point, the other by the edge of his keen sword. From these he passed on to other Enemies, disdaining common ones to choose out those that were more terrible; Oxyartes, Eumenes, Cophes, and Ilyoneus, endeavoured to follow him amongst the thickest, but though they did Actions worthy of their great Reputation, Arsaces opened their way whithersoever he turned, and in all places left bloody marks of his having passed. Seleucus and his men contested for the advantage with wondrous courage, and the hand of Seleucus had already laid Cophes in the dust, and given two dangerous wounds to Ilyoneus; but then Perdiccas made Cassander advance with his Battalion on the right hand, and Leonatus' with another on the left. The falling on of the fierce Argiraspides, who gave death to all that came before them, soon made the Victory incline toward Perdiccas his side, and if Prince Oroondates in person had not brought up Lysimachus with his Troops, those of Arsaces' would have been in manifest danger. Demetrius by the same Order, assaulted Leonatus also at the same time, but with such vigour, that he presently trampled under foot whatsoever opposed his passage. This double re-inforcement changed the form of the Battle, and all Perdiccas his advantage was lost in a fight of more equality; but Python then appeared with his armed Chariots, and rushing on with them into the Enemy's Infantry, did very considerable Execution. Oroondates commanded one young Alexander with his, which making a no less bloody slaughter returned a cruel exchange to the contrary party. Then it was that the face of the Battle became more horrible, and that death ran through all the Ranks in many hideous and dismal forms. Oroondates having disengaged himself of the first cares of his Command, began to fight now in his own person, and after he had slain the first that withstood his fury, sought Perdiccas amongst all his Enemies, and made his name resound which way soever he went. Perdiccas avoided not the Combat, but he was environed by a number of his friends, to whom Oroondates his Valour was well known, and who by the trial they had made of it in the former Battle, were afraid with reason for their General, and opposed the design he had to stand the fury of that dreadful Enemy. Oroondates hewed open his passage to them, but not without difficulties, and dangers wherein any other man but he would have been lost. Python who at the head of his Chariots made a lamentable Massacre of the Foot, having a while beheld his admirable Actions, notwithstanding the hazard he saw in that Resolution, had yet the boldness to encounter him, and remembering in how many perils he had outbraved pale death under the command of Alexander, he thought that without dishonour he could not shun that last. With this belief he opposed Oroondates his passage, and charged him with so weighty a stroke, as made the Prince of Scythia know the vigour of his Enemy, but he soon gave him better proofs of his, for with his shield receiving those blows wherewith he seconded his first, he with one single thrust, in the default of his Cuirass, found entrance to the seat of life. That famous Captain opening his arms fell dead at the feet of Agenor his youngest son, who not willing to survive his father, instead of giving him the last assistance, ran desperately as a Lion to his Revenge; Cruel man, (cried he to the Prince) since thou hast killed my father, either die, or kill me also. As he spoke these words, he rushed precipitately upon him with so little circumspection, that in the point of the sword yet reaking with his father's blood, he found the end of that life, which he no longer would preserve. Nearchus' a most intimate friend to Python, flew upon his Murderer with a great many others, but the furious Scythian made way amongst them like a thunderbolt, and sending some of the forwardest to bite the ground, laid Nearchus himself there also, having given him two very dangerous wounds. This Action was in the sight of Perdiccas and of his friends, who altogether ran upon Oroondates with terrible cries, and with Perdiccas whom he sought, had like to have made him also find his death. Yet did he lay about him with a more than manly fierceness, and there came but few blows from his hand, that drew not some of the Enemy's blood. He had descried Perdiccas in the midst of them, and 'twas at Perdiccas he rushed headlong, through the clashings of a hundred swords. Are these (cried he to him) the effects of thy gallant Resolution, and of thy love? Come out of that Crowd▪ which saves me from thy Valour, and if thou art a worthy successor of Alexander, eat not the sword of thy Rival, and of thine Enemy. These words received no Answer but the blows of a great many swords at the same time, and without doubt that obstinate Prince had met his death among so great a number of foes if the Gods had not sent Arsaces, and Lysimachus, with a Troop of valiant men to his Relief. Arsaces' was all died in blood, and Lysimachus had shed so much that his Arms were red all over with it. Those two brave Princes having found Oroondates in so great a danger; Courage, (cried they both together) we must conquer, we must take Revenge, and breaking into that Rampart of men which sheltered Perdiccas from the Prince of Scythia's fury, quickly lessened their number, and with Actions worthy of themselves, disengaged their gallant friend. Oroondates was sorry he had neglected the care of a General, to follow his particular Revenge, and knowing that all the Enemy's Army began to encompass them, sent word by Alexander to Craterus, and to the Amazon Queen, that they should bring up the last Battalions to charge. This Order was presently performed, and Craterus on the one side, and that matchless Queen on the other, came into the fight, presently after Alcetas, Peucestas, and Neoptolemus. Then it was that the massacre grew horrible, and that the famous Troops of Alexander, with the renowned Amazons, slew many thousand men, whose courage might have prolonged their destiny against other Enemies. But on the other party the Macedonians, and the invincible Argiraspides made no less slaughter of those with whom they fought. Those fearless women led by their warlike Queen, got ground of Neoptolemus his Squadrons, and Thalestris being engaged in fight with their Commander, after some blows that passed without inequality, wounded him at last with many others, and made him fall under the Horse's feet. No sooner was Alcetas come up into the battle, but Lysimachus had sought him through all the field, loudly defying him to the Combat, and by provoking words inviting him to use the same diligence on his side; but Alcetas was not at liberty to do so, for he was then exchanging blows with Demetrius, and that with so little advantage, that if his friends had not delivered him out of the hands of that young Prince, there was no doubt but he had lost his life. Among all the chief Commanders on either side, there was not one but made himself remarkable that day, by many proofs of courage. Lysimachus did Actions beyond all the fabulous Heroes; Ptolomeus thrust on by an old animosity, closed often with Seleucus, but they still were parted by their men, and carried the effects of their anger other where, which became fatal to divers valiant Soldiers. Eumenes sought all about for his ancient Enemy Neoptolemus, but the Amazon Queen had already dispatched him to his hand. Craterus, Oxyartes, Polyperchon, Antigonus and Laomedon, appeared both in the duties of Commanders, and in the Actions of Soldiers, worthy of their high Reputation. Part of the day was passed without giving any probable conjecture of the success of that bloody battle, when Statanor (whom Perdiccas had reserved with six thousand Horse) advanced at the Orders he received, and came pouring down upon the Amazons. Seleucus on the other side having rallied the Argiraspides; Invincible Argiraspides, (cried he) who have never fought but to overcome, will you suffer yourselves to be robbed of a Victory which is your due? And will you lose in one single day that high Renown you have acquired in so many years? Ah! Let us rather die together, and if we cannot be conquerors, let us at least fall with a glory worthy of the memory of Alexander. With these words he ran foremost into the Lydan Squadrons, and having with a shock o'erthrown their Prince the brave Menander, he with two speeding blows slew Cleobulus, and Leostenes, the sons of Ariobarsanes, who fought near his person. The Argiraspides encouraged by that glorious Example, gave such a furious charge against the Lydians, and Cylicians that having forced their opposition they made them turn their backs, and began to pursue them with a terrible Execution. On the other side the Amazon's not having been able to resist the brunt of Statanors Cavalry, had given back in spite of them, and those fresh men falling in when they were tired with fight; put them in so great disorder, that they wanted but very little of being defeated. The valiant Thalestris doing wonders in her own person, saw Clytaemnestra & Amalthea fall dead at her feet, and running headlong to their Revenge, her Horse was killed under her with a multitude of wounds. The danger in which she saw herself could nothing daunt her, but fight afoot with an invincible courage, she made a heap of bodies which for a while defended her from her foes. Yet was she ready to have lost her life, not being able to hope for any Relief from her routed Amazons, when the Gods brought Arsaces to her assistance. The name of Arsaces' struck a fear into the Enemy's Troops, but before he could make his passage to the Queen, her Cask was fallen at her feet, and her head being unarmed would certainly have been wounded by the hand of cruel Statanor, if the unexpected sword of a Warrior who appeared upon a sudden, had not slashed off that sacrilegious arm, and with a second blow taken the life of that barbaro us man, whom the sight of so much beauty had not been able to make relent. After this Action, that valiant man slew Sinus also the Prince of Susiana, who was one of the eagerest to kill or take the Queen, and gave the son of Scytheus a mortal wound. By these Exploits he scattered the throng wherewith Thalestris was almost o'erwhelmed, and had already procured her means to get upon Statanor's Horse, when they saw the foe give way at the arrival of the redoubted Arsaces. Arsaces' was followed by a squadron of Bactrians and Cappadocians, who under such a Leader quickly changed the face of the Combat; for charging into the thickest of Scytheus his Susians', and Zogdians, he not only stopped their impetuosity, but made them lose the design they had against the life of their Enemies, to think upon the preservation of their own. How many courageous men fell then under the sword of great Arsaces, and how much blood did he pour forth to the fair Amazon's Revenge, and to Darius his memory! Scytheus' was one of the first that felt his fury, who being run quite through the body, fell without breath in the middle of his Troops. Arthous' Prince of the Pelasgians would have revenged his friend, but he met a destiny which differed only in this, that Scytheus received his death by the point of Arsaces' sword, and he his by the edge, for both his arms, which he had lifted up to discharge a blow with all his force on his Enemy's head being cut off close to his elbows, he was carried away a while by his unguided Horse, and tumbled at last among the feet of the rest, where he miserably lost his life. That Warrior who had first relieved the Amazon Queen, seconded Arsaces with blows little different from his, and Thalestris being got on horseback, and having put on her Cask again by his assistance, laboured in her own Revenge with marvellous animosity. The Amazons rallied in a little time, and being encouraged by the Example of their Queen, and by the help of the Bactrians, and of the Cappadocians their neighbours, they came on a fresh with such a fury, that the Troops of Statanor, the Susians and the Zogdians having lost their chief Commanders, were no longer able to withstand them, but having fought a while retiring, at last turned their backs, and quitted the Victory and the Field together. The Conquerors seeing them routed, followed their advantage with loud cries, but in the interim on the other wing of the Battle the success was very contrary. The Argiraspides and Macedonians led by the furious Seleucus, Cassander and Perdiccas who then fought there in person, after having broken the Lydian and Pamphilian squadrons, were already enlarging their Victory upon the Phrygians, and by little and little were putting the better part of the Army in a Rout. They still advanced like an impetuous Torrent which nothing was able to resist, when the Gods for the safety of their foes brought Prince Oroondates to oppose them, who with Ptolomeus, and Lysimachus, came from another part of the Battle where his presence had been necessary. O Gods, how great was the indignation of the Prince of Scythia, when he saw his defeated Troops fly shamefully before the face of their Enemies. Certainly, it would be very hard to represent his fury, but they that came in his way felt the prodigious effects of it; he cast up his terrible brow on every side, and having a while considered that sad form of Combat, he galloped before the chief of them that fled, and raising his voice that he might be heard; Whither fly you (cried he) valiant men? Whither fly you? What Retreat have you if you lose this Battle? What Walls to escape the fury of your Conquerors? and how will you save yourselves either from Death, or from eternal infamy? Are you the same men that fought under Alexander the Great? and the same men who but a few minutes since, had so gloriously begun the Victory? By what accident, and by what losses are you changed and weakened? In speaking these words he opposed their flight with his sword up, and stopping one of the chief Lydian Captains by the arm. Stay, (said he) and face about, see here are thine Enemies. By these words animated with an extraordinary gesture, and seconded by others from Lysimachus, and Ptolomeus, he made some of those frighted men take heart again, but he encouraged them a great deal better by his Actions. Follow me, [said he to them] do but follow me the way that I will open to you; and at the same time having observed Seleucus at the head of the Argiraspides, he judged that a good part of the Victory consisted in defeating him. He advanced toward him with a threatening cry, and Seleucus who saw him coming, expected him with a great deal of Resolution; the first strokes they gave were reasonable equal, but though at another time Seleucus might have been able to make a long resistance; Oroondates his force was then redoubled by his violent anger, and he showed no small proof of it, when being closed with Seleucus, he locked him so strongly in his arms, that clapping spurs to his Horse, he lifted that gallant man out of his saddle, and having carried him above twenty paces, let him fall quite astonished among the horses feet. Cassander to revenge Seleucus struck Oroondates a blow behind, but the furious Prince turning about to him, made his sword come down with such a force upon his head, that his Cask was deeply dinted by it, and Cassander himself, having his face bathed in blood, reeled from his Horse among some of his men who were come up to his Relief. Perdiccas could not see these Actions without being terrified, yet having courage enough to prefer death before infamy, he did not turn his back, but dared to stand the furious Prince, who knowing him by many marks, flew at him as an Eagle at his prey. Thou must die Perdiccas, (cried he) thou must die for Statira, since thou art unworthy to live for her. With these words he rushed upon him with a fierceness which made him grow pale under his arms, and forced him to approve of the help he received from those about him. With two blows Oroondates gave him, he died his Arms in blood, which came streaming from two several places, but as eager as he was upon his Victory he could not hinder Perdiccas his friends from thrusting themselves between, nor from rescuing him out of his hands half vanquished, and half dead. Oroondates took Revenge for the displeasure he received, upon some of those that caused it, and at the same time turning his eye towards his own men, he saw Peucestas and Leonatus fall by the hands of Lysimachus and Ptolomeus. By these brave Examples the Phrygians, Lydians, and Pamphilians stayed their flight, and faced about to their Enemies with so great Resolution, that they seeing themselves deprived of those valiant Commanders, who had animated them, had not enough to make resistance; especially when they saw the brave Demetrius followed by a good Body of Horse, come thundering upon them, and Craterus also at the head of the Macedonians. This second charge finding them wavering, utterly took away their courage, so that of terrible Conquerors which they were a few minutes before, they became timorous Runaways, and instead of Victory, which by so much blood they had almost gotten, they only sought to save themselves by flight. That Rout amongst them was so general, that the stoutest of them shamefully turned their backs, and even the two chief Leaders of the Argiraspides, Antigenes, and Teutamus both wounded by the swords of Lysimachus and Demetrius, being escaped out of their hands like feeble birds out of a Falcon's talons, fled to avoid the danger that threatened them, and by their example perfected the routing of their men. They are beaten, my valiant friends, (cried Prince Oroondates) they are beaten, and if you neglect not the Advantages your valour has given you, this is the last day of the War and of your Enemies. As he had said these words, he threw himself among them who yet made opposition, the greatest part of which were Macedonians, and having with the Troops that vigorously seconded him, watered the field with the blood of those that were most resolute, the rest unable to sustain his violence, followed the example and the destiny of their companions. From this part of the battle, and from that where Arsaces, Thalestris, and Eumenes had fought with the same success, the Rout spread over all the field, and Perdiccas his whole party gave itself up either to flight, or to the mercy of the Enemy; nor was there longer any fight seen, but only execution without resistance, and a lamentable slaughter which for a long time the Commanders were not able to hinder. The Amazons incensed by the loss of their Companions, gave store of blood to their Revenge, and the people of the most cruel natures, as the Thracians, Arabes, and Hyrcanians, not regarding pity, covered the ground all over with dead bodies. Those that could make use of the swiftness of their Horses, sought safety toward the Town, but the miserable Foot, either lost their lives upon the place, or found their deaths in the River, where they leaped in headlong to shun the Sword of their Enemies. The waters of Euphrates, which before were clear and pure, turned red with the blood of many thousands, and seemed to swell higher with those streams, which made a second River upon their banks. The renowned Arsaces carried on by the ardour of the fight, had crossed through so many Squadrons, that he at last was come near the place, where Oroondates by his glorious Actions had given the Victory to his party, and seeking for resistance wheresoever he thought he might find it, was brought by Seleucus his good fortune, where that valiant man, reduced to the last extremity of his life, was disputing the remainders of it afoot against a company of Soldiers, who but for his arrival had certainly made an end of him. Arsaces' having heard some body name him, and knowing him by divers marks, he, who though he had not known him, and for all he was an Enemy, would not have suffered so brave a man to be slain, road up before all his Soldiers, and by redoubled cries stopping the fury of the hottest among them, drew near to Seleucus, who making use of the respite that was given him, set the point of his Sword upon the ground, and leaning on the Hilt to take a little rest and breath, saw his blood run down from a great many parts of his body. Arsaces' putting up the Beaver of his Helmet; Valiant Seleucus, (said he) you shall not die, nor shall you be overcome, Arsaces will repay you part of what he owes you, and though he was not obliged to you for his life, he with all generous men, owes his Relief unto your virtue. Seleucus knowing him, would no longer dispute his life, nor his liberty against him, but presenting him his Sword; I yield myself, (said he) and I yield myself without shame to the great Arsaces, with this belief, that if he had not ceased to be my friend, I should not now have been conquered. Arsaces' was going to reply, when he perceived him to grow pale, and by little and little to sink into a swoon, which his weariness and loss of blood had caused. He embraced him presently, to hold him up, and feeling him faint in his arms, he turned towards some he knew, and making them take him up, commanded them to carry him into his Tent, and lay him in his Bed, with the same care he would have desired to his own person. Then seeking Oroondates, on every side he found him busied with Lysimachus, Demetrius, and Ptolomeus, to stop the slaughter of so many men, who had given over all resistance. Spare Friends, (cried he, running from place to place) spare those who were your Countrymen, and your fellow-soldiers, there has been blood enough shed already, and our Victory for being the more bloody, cannot now be any thing the more entire. Arsaces' helped the Prince of Scythia in that employment, and by the care they took, they saved the lives of many thousand men. The Soldiers having long been deaf to those commands, began to obey in many places, and giving Quarter, took some of their Enemy's Prisoners, leaving the rest free liberty to escape; All those that could get off retired to Babylon, the Gates whereof were set open to them, and of all that mighty number of Soldiers, which a few hours, before had covered all the Plain, there remained not any without the Walls but what were either dead or Prisoners. In short, our Princes had as total a Victory as they could have wished, and if the ardour of Oroondates and Arsaces had been followed, they that very day would have appeared at the heels of the Runaways, before the Gates of Babylon; but Antigonus, Craterus, and Polyperchon opposed that Resolution, and knowing that it was near night, and that the City was not in a condition to be easily taken, they stayed their impetuousness with very specious Reasons, and telling them how well they ought to be satisfied with the Actions of that Day, persuaded them to bestow the rest of it in the care of their wounded men, and in the help they owed unto their Friends, many of whom lying among the dead might yet have need, and being in a condition to make use of their assistance. The two great Princes, to whose Valour and Conduct the Army confessed itself indebted for the Victory, subscribed to the opinion of their Friends, and after having employed their care, and their Authority in quieting all the Field, they caused a Retreat to be sounded on every side, moderating their impatience by hope of laying Siege within a few days to Babylon.   
The end of the fourth Book, and of the fourth Part of CASSANDRA.    


TO CALISTA.  
AT last, Calista, at last I am got to the end of that long career, in which I have run by your command. The course perhaps hath been contemptible, nor have I been so little aided by the inspirations you have given me, as to look back upon it with shame, or with discontent. But Calista, where are the Crowns? where is the Prize that should have waited for me at the end of the Race? and where is that repose I thought I had laboured for, in obeying you? and which I thought I should have found, as well as my now fortunate Heroes? They all are in the Haven, Calista, and I remain alone in those fierce storms, from which, I for your sake, delivered them. The compassion you had of their disasters, made me seek for their contentment, by forgetting my own; and you find so great a satisfaction in the end of all their miseries, that you never so much as spend a thought on mine. Can I have this cruel, this tormenting knowledge without accusing you of injustice? and may I not, without offending that respect, which I have never violated, take a liberty to utter some complaints against you? Certainly less reasonable ones have been pardoned, and I have taken pains enough for your diversion, and perchance too for your glory, to hope for some kind of acknowledgement from you. The fair name of Calista (if I may say so with modesty) hath not appeared with any disgrace at the beginning of this Work; and Cassandra hath been so happy in her Afflictions, as to be able to tell you without vanity, she hath added something to your reputation. Though it may be I have unjustly fancied that conceit, it draws me not from belief, much better grounded. I know that all I can possibly do, comes short of what I owe you; and for all I demanded a recompense, I am not ignorant that I receive a perfect one, in the glory of obtaining your Commands.  
Well then Calista, I have nothing to desire of you, and shall be fully satisfied, if I have but succeeded passably in the design of pleasing you. Read this Conclusion you have so much desired of Oroondates his adventures, yet as you read it, make some reflection upon him, that gives it you, and remember with some touch of compassion, That while your faithful 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 put an end to the misfortunes of others, he still continued in his own.   

THE FIFTH AND LAST PART OF CASSANDRA. The First BOOK.  
THe death of many thousand men, which our Princes lost in that Bloody battle, could not damp the general rejoicing for so important a Victory; and the Conquerors retiring from among the slain, to return into their Camp, made all the Field of Babylon resound with shrill cries that echoed to the Heavens. The Princes, though more moderate in their good fortune, could not oppose the motions of so reasonable a joy, nor themselves dissemble the satisfaction they received from that happy success: Yet had they hoped for it before with a marvellous confidence, and by the little order they had taken about their Baggage, in case of a contrary event, and about the conservation of those things, and even of those persons that were dear to them; They sufficiently had testified, that they marched either to Death or Victory. The Princesses, and the other Women of the Camp, who had spent that day at the foot of their Altars, had no sooner learned the issue, but they came forth to meet them, transported with an excess of gladness; and covering their particular fears in the general satisfaction, welcomed them, all bloody, with cheerful acclamations, and would have run on to greater Liberties, if the sight of their Blood had not withheld them, by an apprehension of their Wounds. Though Berenice had not doubted perhaps, where she should bestow her chiefest Wishes, she doubted where she should bestow her first public Expressions; and though she presently fell upon Oroondates his Neck, it was not without fixing her eyes upon Arsaces; yet after she had paid what she thought due to modesty, she also contented her affection: And being no longer in terms, no nor so much as in a resolution to hide it, when it was approved by all those persons, to whom she was to be accountable, she gave all the marks of it to her dear Artaxerxes, which he could have desired from her in that encounter. Alas! How often had she grown pale that day, at the remembrance of those dangers, into which that Prince was gone to precipitate himself? And how often had she frighted herself with mortal apprehensions, That the Arms of the Macedonians might be more cruel, than those of the Scythians? and that he might perchance meet that death amongst their Swords, which he had so many times escaped in the Wars of her Country? But seeing him come off safe from so great a danger, and with him that dear Brother, for whom her fears had been redoubled, she stood in need of all her moderation to contain herself. Arsaces' received those last marks of her Affection with that powerful interest, whereby he had engaged himself so many years, and Oroondates found his satisfaction for that Victory considerably augmented by the tender kindnesses of that dear Sister, and by the ravishing contentments of that worthy Brother. Apamia and Arsinoe, were neither less concerned, nor less officious about their noble Husbands, and their Brothers; and Deidamia seemed to have stopped her tears a while, and to have suspended the remembrance of the dead, to partake in the joy of those Princesses, to whom she was already linked with a very real friendship.  
The first care our Princes took, before they went into their Tents, was that of rendering thanks unto the gods by Sacrifices, which were instantly offered; the next, that of sending to seek out those among the dead, who were yet in a condition to receive their assistance; and the last, that of causing their own wounds to be searched and dressed: The Princesses were present at this action in a terrible fear; and the Surgeons, after the Princes were laid in Bed, performed their office very carefully. Oroondates and Artaxerxes, who with prodigious exploits had sought Death and Wounds among so many thousand Swords, by a kind of miracle had hardly any hurt at all; and the Princesses had scarce power enough over them, to make them keep their B●ds the next day; Lysmachus was almost in the same condition; Ptolomeus his left Arm was run through with a Javelin, and Eumenes his Thigh with a Sword: Th●lestris had three or four wounds, but all slight ones; and the Surgeons, who knew her impatiency, gave her hope of being cured within a few days. De●etrius had received two deep cuts in the right Shoulder; Antigonus and Polyperchon were wounded in the Head; Craterus and Prince Oxyartes not at all; Laomedon and Menander were brought from among the slain with very little hope of life; the condition of Artabasus his two sons was little better: and there were very few of all the m●st considerable Officers, that stood not in need of the Surgeons help. But among those that were most carefully looked to, Seleucus', for all he was an enemy, had the advantage of all the rest; and Prince Artaxerxes, who had caused him to be laid in his own Chamber, and who to leave it to him, meant to retire himself into that of Oroondates, would not suffer his Arms to be taken off, till he had been present at the dressing of his Wounds. Seleucus was hurt in the head, in the body, and in the left arm, but they judged him not to be in danger of death; At which news, Arsaces' showed by all his action, how great an interest he took in the safety of that gallant man. After he had given him all manner of assurance of it, and that Oroondates by his example, had with excessive civilities testified his esteem of him, they left the Chamber free, that he might take his rest, and obeyed the desires of the Princesses, who constrained them to think of their own healths. While they were giving this succour to Seleucus, Lysimachus and Ptolomeus did the same to Leonatus and Nearchus, who were found all wounded among the prisoners; and without doubt had lost their lives, as well as their blood, if they had not been very carefully assisted. Lysimachus forgot nothing that was due unto their quality, and to his ancient acquaintance with them; and laying aside all manner of enmity, he used them rather like his old Friends, then like his prisoners. Craterus, Oxyartes, and the rest that were not hurt, spent part of the night in that employment; and those that were wounded, in that rest which was necessary for them. The next morning, without expecting to be sued to by their enemies, as in probability they might have done, they freely sent them leave to fetch off, or burn the dead of their party; and at the same time Craterus with some of those, who were able to accompany him, went into the Field of Battle to pay the last duty to their Friends. There it was, that Brothers with tears sought the bodies of their Brothers, and that Fathers found their mangled Sons: Those Objects were so lamentable, that they were able to touch the hardest hearts with compassion; and all that day was spent on both sides in mournful employments. The number of the dead, which had already began to be computed by the remainder of the living, was then confirmed with sorrow, and was so great, That the Plain lay covered with heaps of bodies, for the space of threescore Furlongs: Of our Prince's side, there were found above twenty thousand, among which, Philip the Leader of the Hyrcanians, Orestes the Brother of Philotas, Prince of the Cilicians; Cleomenes, Ptolomeus his Lieutenant; Euristeus, Lieutenant to Eumenes; Lamachus, Antisthenes, Leosthenes and Cleobulus; the two valiant Amazons, Clytaemnestra and Amalthea, and many more, whom their quality and virtue made considerable in the Army. But on Perdiccas his side, Fourscore thousand men were slain upon the place, and amongst them, the valiant Python and his son Agenor; Sinus the Commander of the Susians, Scythens; Statanor and Arthius Princes of the Zogdians, Drahe's, Argeans and Pelasgians; Eucrates and Evagoras the sons of Axiarchus, and a great number of others, who were with much grief brought off by their Friends from the Field of Battle. Only the most considerable Officers, or those that had particular Friends, were carried to the Camp, and to Babylon to receive Funeral Honours; and all the rest were with a mutual consent, piled up in several heaps, and burnt with the usual Orders and Ceremonies: While Craterus, Prince Oxyartes, and old Artabasus, were busied in this office, the wounded Princes took their rest in Bed, as they had been enjoined: And because the Prince of Persia could not that day pay his Civilities to Seleucus in person, he sent often into his Chamber to know how he did. Oroondates did the same, and afterward he sent to visit Leonatus and Nearchus, though Lysimachus and Ptolomeus, for all they themselves were wounded, omitted not to take an extraordinary care of them. Berenice that day kept her Brother, and her servant company, who lay both in the same Chamber; and she had thereby the convenience to follow her inclinations without wounding her modesty, and render what she owed to her loved Oroondates, without being separated from her dear Arsaces: Yet before she went to them, she had stayed a great while with Queen Thalestris, to whom she was tied with a very particular affection; and who that day had a throng in her Chamber of all those persons, that were so well as to visit her. The gallant actions she had done in the Battle were loudly extolled by all the World, but she could not think of the death of Amalthea and Clytaemnestra without a great deal of trouble; she had seen those valiant Women slain at her feet for her defence, and remembered she had been killed herself, but for the succour of a Warrior; who by effects of Valour that were quite extraordinary, had saved her from Statanor's Sword, and from a thousand others, which then were turned against her; notwithstanding all the care she had taken to inform herself, she still was ignorant to whom she was engaged for that good service; and though such famous actions might have given their Author occasion enough to publish them, there was no body in the Army that boasted to have done them. When she mused a good while upon that adventure, she in that relief found something very suitable, to what she in former times had received from her lovely Orontes, when she was prisoner to Neobarsanes; she fancied that Warrior to have something in his action, and in his manner of fight, like her dear Orontes; and if she had not believed him then to be a great way off, she had thought it might have been Orontes himself, to whom she was indebted for her life. That thought, which yet she stuck upon but very little, brought all those others strait into her mind, wherewith she was continually perplexed; and having first represented her Orontes constant and lovely, and then her Orontes ingrateful and injurious, it at last set before her eyes her Orontes turned penitent, and her Orontes more passionate than ever; she for some time did all she possibly could to approve the banishment she had condemned him to, but she was not able to keep so firmly to her first resolutions, and repented herself, that she had not yielded to his repentance. Orontes ever loved me (said she) and it was nothing but his love, that made his jealousy commit all the crimes I can accuse him of: If he had ceased to love me, that voyage I made to Alexander, which gave occasion to his cruel suspicions, would have been an indifferent thing to him; and to say truth, He believed nothing, but what our shameful customs made very credible; and what whole Armies and whole Provinces believed, as well as he. This consideration did sometimes appease her, but presently the remembrance of those wrongs and kill injuries, she had received from a man, whom, contrary to her Kingdoms Laws, she had so dearly loved, wakened her resentments afresh, and made her repent that she had given way to a thought of repentance. Berenice, from whom she kept nothing concealed, was made acquainted with her thoughts; nor would she hide them from the fair Deidamia, who charmed, as well as others, with the lovely qualities of that gallant Queen, spent a good part of that day by her Bedside. At last she went away being persuaded by Thalestris herself, who counselled her to visit those great wounded Princes, whose assistance was not unnecessary for the re-establishment of her affairs. Deidamia willingly followed her advice, and after having paid that visit to the Princes of Persia and Scythia, she went thence to the Tents of Antigonus and Demetrius: The Father received her with much civility and respect, but the Son, who had not expected so great a happiness, could not see her come into his Chamber, without having his heart disturbed with extraordinary motions; All the remembrance of Hermione was dissipated in his soul by the charms of Deidamia: And as he had very lightly, and very suddenly loved that former Mistress, the Beauty and Merit of Deidamia, to which all that was most lovely in Hermione bore no proportion, had engaged him again with the same suddenness; and though out of the goodness of his Nature, he still was very much troubled for that Woman's misfortune, he had preserved but little remembrance of her Beauty, or of any thing else that could make his love the companion of his sorrow: Though all that have spoken of his life, accuse him of too great facility in receiving the impressions of love; yet in that he received for Deidamia, he could neither be censured of weakness, nor of inconstancy; and that Princess had so many advantages over Hermione, though she had been alive, that it could not be thought strange, Hermione should yield to her being dead. Demetrius disputed no longer, then whether he should love Deidamia, but he disputed whether he should die without declaring his Passion to her, or undertake a combat against the memory of Agis in her heart. That depth of grief, in which she commonly was buried, did much abate his confidence; and those mournful employments, in which she spent whole days, forbade him any other discourse, then that of Tombs, and such like Subjects. Thus did that young Prince suffer without daring to discover his real sufferings, and as often as he was in company with Deidamia, he left the care to his eyes and sighs, of declaring what he felt, in a season when he believed his mouth could not express it without a violation of respect. He was in this condition, when he saw her come into his Chamber, and if, as she was coming to his Bedside, she had heedfully taken notice of the changes of his countenance, that sight might have spared Demetrius part of the care he owed to the Declaration of his love. His confusion might also have been perceived in his discourse; and he thanked the Princess for the honour she did him, in terms so little coherent, and so little proportionable to the usual fluentness of his expression, That if she had been in a condition to make a judgement thereupon, she might certainly have in part observed, how much he was prepossessed. What can I have done, Madam, (said he) or what shall I ever be able to do while I live, that may merit so great a favour, as this you do me? I should not be worthy of it, though I had spent my whole life in your service; and the share I may have in this our victory, is much less glorious to me then these wounds, to which I owe the honour of this visit. All the world (replied Deidamia) owes to your virtue, and to your quality, what I now pay; and I, above all others, am particularly obliged to your civilities, and to the protection, which you and those of your party, by your example and for your sake, have given to an afflicted Princess, driven out of her Country. After these first passages, she asked him concerning his health, and he, who in all her words found more occasion to discover his love, than confidence to venture upon it, wavered in an irresoluteness, which was visible in his face; and after having stayed a while without answering, Ah Madam! (said he at last with a sigh, and with looks that were sufficient to have revealed his thoughts unto the Princess, if hers had not been wholly taken up with the memory of Agis) How little certainty there is of my health! and how much I ought to fear the wound of my soul, if I recover these of my body! He brought forth these words with so passionate an action, That Deidamia was touched with them, and attributing his discourse to the remembrance of Hermione: Though our souls (replied she) are equally wounded, our forces are unequal to resist our sorrows; and when you give that to the memory of Hermione, which I owe to that of Agis, you ought to remember that you are a man, and that your affection is not grounded as mine, either upon great Services, or great Obligations. Demetrius, who was afraid to discover himself, was not sorry that Deidamia had ill interpreted his words, and yet he could not forbear to answer. The dead no longer make me sigh for any thing but grief, and I think that is as much as we both are obliged to pay them; but if my heart be touched with another passion, the object of it is not among those things that have now no being. I would it pleased the gods, Madam, (continued he with a little more boldness) That my grief were my most violent passion, and that I were not constrained by another power to cross those thoughts which I have reverenced, and perhaps to displease that living person, who banishes the remembrance of the dead out of my soul, and who hath imperiously seized upon this remnant of life, my grief hath left me. Demetrius made a stop at these words, being confounded that he had said so much, and trembling for fear of the effect his discourse might have produced: And without doubt he had said enough, to make that Princess comprehend the truth, if all her thoughts had not been very far from Matters of that nature; and if her sorrow, giving her other employments, had not partly darkened the light of her understanding. She dived not into the meaning of his words, as she would have done in another season; and to let him see she bore a part in his discontents; As long as I believed (said she) that all your misfortunes were known to me, I endeavoured to comfort you by the encounter of a person, touched with an affliction like that of yours; but if you have other sufferings, that are not come unto my knowledge, mine cannot choose but be augmented, by the share which your virtue and your goodness makes me take in your unhappiness. And if you are so generous, and so charitable (replied Demetrius, a little more confident than before) show me some signs of that compassion, which makes you have a sense of my misfortunes. He cast down his eyes at these words with some confusion, and the Princess, in whom they began to cause a suspicion of the truth, was something abashed, as well as he: She could not imagine (so ignorant she was of her own power) that Demetrius from an extremity of grief, should so soon have fallen into another passion; and the little probability she found in it, kept her uncertain what she should believe: And perchance she had been still in doubt, if Demetrius had not recovered courage during her silence, and had not made the utmost attempts upon his fears, to overcome the utmost difficulties. He fixed his eyes again upon her face, and preparing her by his looks, for part of what he had to say: Agis is dead, (said he with a sigh) but Demetrius is dying also; and that which Agis found in her despair, and in the arms of the Macedonians, I find to the full in the charms of Deidamia; therein it is, my destiny is more glorious than that of my Rival, and my Fortune likewise shall be above his, and above all other men's, if by the gift of my life I can obtain but a part of that place in your remembrance, which he till now hath worthily possessed; I would not strive to conquer those inclinations, which some resemblance of Fortune made me to approve, if I were able to resist this power, which hath drawn me away from mine, to give me others more legitimate; nor would I use my endeavours to banish a Prince out of your memory, who merited your affection by the greatness of his Services, if he were in a condition to reap the fruits of it. But Agis is now no longer in the world, Madam, and one may truly say, That you love nothing, since you only love that, which no longer hath a Being; you are as free in your affections, as you were in the earliest years of your life; and if their object cease to be, they neither aught by any reason, nor can by any means continue after it. I have found that truth myself in a fortune like that of yours, and am more to believed then another in this discourse, by the testimony I can give of it in mine own example. Demetrius stopped at these words, seeing the tears run down of a sudden from Deidamia fair eyes, and knowing by her looks that this discourse had sensibly afflicted her, Ah! My dear Agis, (said she sighing with a most tender and passionate action) Ah! My dear Agis, If you were necessitated to receive this offence, should it not rather have been from any other body, than Prince Demetrius? Her tears interrupted her Speech for some few moments, and in the mean time the reflection she made upon this adventure, wakened her grief again, without giving her any resentment against Demetrius. That young Prince was so worthy of affection, and had by all his actions disposed her already to so much acknowledgement, and to so much good will toward him, That if she could then have been capable of a second impression of love, she would have received it sooner in favour of him, then of any other person: So that though she was firm on the resolution of keeping herself wholly to the ashes of her Agis, yet did she suffer Demetrius his Declaration, without breaking forth into anger against him, or without going beyond the bounds of that sweet moderation she had formerly expressed; and turning her eyes upon him with an air that seemed more sorrowful than angry, Let us still weep together (said she) let us weep, Demetrius, as we have done hitherto; or if you think you have shed tears enough for your Hermione, suffer my grief and my affection to have other limits than yours: I owe so much to my dearest Agis, that your example would not be sufficient to justify the change you propose to me; and though I disapprove not yours, I am not in a condition to imitate it: Your person is as considerable to me and as dear, as you can in reason desire; I neither am ingrateful to your good offices, nor blind to your good qualities; and the displeasure you now have done me, hath not blotted out of my heart the value I have, and ever will have of you. But for God's sake suffer Agis to continue still master of it, and counsel me not to do an unfitting thing, if you judge me worthy of your esteem: This is a request I most earnestly make to you, and you can give me no better proof of your affection, then by ceasing to combat that, which ought to last as long as my life. As she ended these words, she rose up from her chair, and took leave of Demetrius, without staying for his reply; but it was with a countenance, in which sorrow reigned alone, and in which anger left no mark that could give him cause to fear, his love had made her his enemy.  
Demetrius remained he knew not himself in what condition, and doubted a long time what judgement he should make of his Fortune: At first he had a very ill opinion of it, and believed he found himself utterly rejected by Deidamia Declaration; but afterward he thought he had no reason to expect a more favourable event by the first discovery of his Pa●●ion; and that though the Princess should indeed have inclinations to him, that went beyond esteem and good will, she owed some resistance both to the memory of Agis, and even to modesty itself. In things we desire, we naturally flatter ourselves, and Demetrius finding occasion to do so in Deidamia modest carriage, hoped that by long services, he might shake her resolution; and with what fears soever he was assaulted, he could not repent his having broken through those first difficulties.  
While he was musing thus upon his Fortune, Oroondates was complaining of his, that had suffered Perdiccas to escape from his revenge, and had left him still in a condition, as much conquered as he was, to cross him more, than ever, in his affection; he could not call to mind that Statira was in his power, without yielding much unto his grief, nor without fearing that his rival would revenge the shame of his defeat, by those ways which lay open to him for that purpose. Lysimachus his thoughts were like to his, and those Princes passed the rest of that day in disquiets, which opposed their victory. The next morning Oroondates, and the Prince of Persia, believing their wounds too inconsiderable to make them keep their Beds, called for their clothes, and assoon as they were ready, went together into Seleucus his Chamber, having first sent to know, whether their visit would not be a trouble to him. Seleucus received the honour they did him with a great deal of civility, and considering Arsaces' then both by the greatness of his actions, and by that of his high birth; and looking upon Oroondates, as he of all men living, whose virtue had showed itself by the gallantest marks, and as he, whose forces he had made trial of himself with very little success, he forgot his wounds to render them what he believed their due. They no sooner were set down by his Bedside, but Arsaces' preventing the thanks he was going to return; I could not have taken any rest (said he) if some slight wounds had been able to hinder me from coming myself to see how you do; nor is my health dear enough to me, to keep me longer from a Prince, to whom I owe all manner of respect for his virtue, and to whom I am particularly indebted for my life. If I was so happy, as to give you any assistance (replied Seleucus) I was too fully recompensed by the glory of having served you; and you have since so generously requited it, That the remembrance of that service, which gave me the honour of your friendship, aught to yield to that of the Obligation I have to you. We are all obliged to the Prince my Brother (added the Prince of Scythia) and if he had let the valiant Seleucus perish, he had let us lose the better part of those advantages, the gods have given us. I deserved death (answered Seleucus) since I dared to meet it from your hand; and if I had received it, when I was so bold as to oppose your valour, it would have been so glorious a one, that I should have had no reason to lament my destiny. You defend your life too well (replied the Prince) to let any single man have the glory to take it; and I owe all the advantage I had over you, to the help of my men, and to the routing of yours.  
Seleucus answered this modesty of Oroondates with a perfect submission; and when from those first civilities, they fell into another discourse, Arsaces thrust on by Oroondates his Interests, and by his love to the remainders of his blood; after having embraced Seleucus to win a grant of what he desired:  
Generous Seleucus (said he) if your friendship to Perdiccas can permit you, will you not tell us the truth of the present condition of my Sisters, and will you not freely tell us what estate they are in, and what usage they receive? After the confession Perdiccas himself hath made to you (replied Seleucus) I may give you that satisfaction without betraying him; and withal, may let you see by the little confidence he had in me, the little share I have in your causes of complaint against him.  
I know not whether Perdiccas thought I would disapprove his proceeding, and that the knowledge thereof would hinder me from serving him; or whether indeed he was ashamed to own it to me; but however it were, I may truly protest to you, That before the day of our interview, he had not told me a syllable of it, and that I was ignorant of the true destiny of Cassandra, as well as all other men. In effect I believed, according to the rumour Roxana had spread abroad, That Queen Statira, and the Princess her Sister, had been killed in the night upon their way to Babylon, by some of Meleager's faction: And though in all these passages I found causes of doubt enough for one that had been curious, I ever was one of those that were least inquisitive, and blindly tied myself to serve Perdiccas, as I thought myself obliged by a very near, and a very ancient friendship: But that day of our Parley, after we parted very ill satisfied with one another; the remembrance of your discourse with Perdiccas touching the liberty of the Princesses, and of the confession he had made, caused me after some complaint of the little confidence he had in me, to ask him the truth of all; and then after having often embraced me, to drive away the resentment I might have of his distrust, asked me pardon for having kept that hid from me, which he believed he could not so soon reveal to any body in the world, especially to me, of whose virtue, as he was pleased to say, He stood more in awe then of any body else: He told me at large all that had passed touching the Princess since the death of Alexander; afterward he confessed to me, That he had been in love with the Queen, even in the King's life time; and that he had all that while concealed an affection, which he was then no longer able to dissemble.  
Oroondates having told Seleucus all they had heard by Cleone, concerning the Queen's adventures, obliged him to let them know what they yet were ignorant of, and to that intent he continued thus. After that Perdiccas was fallen upon the ground, by the wounds he had received from Arsaces, and that Arsaces had lost the Queen his Sister, by the encounter of Alcetas; who while Arsaces was fight with his men, caused her to be put by force into his Chariot: Alcetas leaving his party, for fear he should lose what he had in possession, and should disappoint his Brother's intentions, made the Charioteer drive away very swiftly; and keeping the way he had resolved to go, came to a house hard by the Town, where his Brother and he purposed to stay till night, that they might enter into Babylon with less danger of having those persons known, whom they brought along with them. But Alcetas being come to that house, found not Perdiccas there, as he expected (though by his meeting the Queen he was already fallen into suspicions, which he could not clear himself in, by any discourse with her, who avoided all manner of conversation with him) and within a little after, he saw one of his men come in, who had been present at the combat, and who brought him word in what condition he had left him: Alc●tas was almost besides himself at the news, but it will suffice me to tell you, That not knowing how to leave the Princesses, he sent some of his servants to the place, where his Brother had fought, either to succour him, or to fetch him away; and not long after he saw him brought in upon a Hand-barrow, in a condition which made him doubt of his life. Perdiccas had recovered his senses by the way, and Surgeons, which Alcetas had sent for in all haste, having searched his wounds, assured him, That if no ill accident happened, they were not dangerous. If Alcetas was comforted with that news, Perdiccas was so, no less than he, when he saw the Queen again, whom he had lost but a while before, and his joy was so great, That it made him forget all the pain of his wounds; yet could he not persuade her to afford him a word: But assoon as night was come, he needs would leave that house, and making himself be carried away upon his Hand-barrow, he left the care of the Princesses to his Brother; Perdiccas was brought to his own lodging, and the Princesses to that of Alcetas, which was made ready for them; and which, by reason it was partly environed with water, and in a remote, less inhabitated part of the Town, had been judged more proper for their abode. Perdiccas was visited by every body, and even by Roxana herself, as soon as it was heard, he was wounded: But how great confidence soever he had in us, that were his friends, he told not the truth to any body: And those Horsemen of his, that had escaped Arsa●es his sword, were so faithful to him, That they never spoke word to discover the business; He said he had met a company of men, whom he knew not, and whom he suspected to be of deceased Meleager's party; and that it was by them, his men and he had been assaulted; and there being likelihood enough in that encounter, no body enquired any further about it. In the mean time, the Princesses were under the custody of Alcetas, in a private lodging, where they were seen by none, but those that were appointed to wait upon them, and where they were so carefully looked to by them, and by Alcetas, That it was impossible they should escape: When he went abroad himself, he left that charge to such as were of known fidelity; and all this was so secretly carried, (besides that the greatness of the City, and the confusion of Affairs assisted) that we never suspected any thing in the World. Assoon as Perdiccas was cured of his wounds, he began again to give the Queen proofs of his love, and strove to conquer the difficulties he met with, by all the most passionate marks of it she could receive; Alcetas used the same industry to Parisatis, but both to no purpose; and as Perdiccas hath since confessed to me, All their perseverance served for nothing else, but to increase the Princess' aversion. Neither Perdiccas nor his Brother, have ever exceeded the limits of respect toward them, but they have still made them be served by women, they put to them, who stir not out of their Lodgings, and by Eunuches of theirs; whose fidelity they have tried in other occasions, with so much care and diligence, That excepting liberty, they have wanted nothing they could desire. Notwithstanding what you published in your Declarations, Roxana never showed any suspicion of the truth; and her belief, that she had seen them killed before her own eyes (as I since have guessed) kept her mind at quiet, against all the doubts which some would have put into her of their being alive. They have lived on this manner, both before and ever since the first Battle we fought; but as I have already told you, I never knew it, till the day that after our interview, I heard it from Perdiccas his own mouth. My amazement was very great at such strange news, and as I was glad to hear those great Princesses were living, so was I not less surprised at Perdiccas his love, at his secret managing of the business, and at Roxana's cruelty, which caused in me a deadly aversion against her. The gods are my witnesses, I did all I possibly could to bring Perdiccas to more reasonable inclinations, and to make him avoid so many misfortunes, by a just and a virtuous action; but he was so troubled at the request I made him to that effect, and represented to me in such passionate terms, That without certain death to himself, he could neither think of delivering the Queen, nor of losing his pretensions; That I thought in civility I could not press him further: Yet did he resolve the business should continue secret till after the Battle; and he desired me so long, to defer the purpose I had to wait upon the Princesses. This is the condition in which we left them, nor do I believe that Perdiccas being so passionately in love, will restore them till the last extremity; but neither aught you to fear, he will abandon them to Roxana's fury; for I dare say, he will rather give his life, then suffer theirs to be in any hazard; and his Authority is so great with all his party, That he will ever be powerful enough to defend them openly against Roxana. The design he hath had to keep his Forces united with hers, to oppose yours the more powerfully, hath obliged him hitherto to conceal the truth; but when he shall be constrained to publish it, he will still be able to protect them against her malice.  
The two Princes received a great deal of consolation by this discourse of Seleucus, and gave him thanks for his freedom, with words full of acknowledgement and affection; they afterward told him, That he was at liberty, and that it was only to do him service, they detained him amongst them, and that they were well enough assured of the friendship of their companions, to promise, that assoon as his health would suffer him, and that he would stay no longer with them, they would cause him to be convoyed safe to Babylon. Seleucus was not without reply at that noble offer: I will not abuse your generosity (said he) nor will I accept the liberty you offer me, but upon such conditions, as shall not be disadvantageous to you. I will try Perdiccas his friendship by a proof of very great importance; and since Leonatus and Nearchus, who are two of the most considerable men of his party, are your prisoners, as well as I, for our ransom, and for that of many thousands of our men that are in your power; I mean to demand of him the liberty of the Princesses: If he have any virtue, and any friendship toward us, he will overcome his passion to obey his duty; but if his interest have more power over him, than his consideration of us, we shall be dispensed withal for that we owe to him, and shall no longer be engaged by a friendship, which he unworthily shall have neglected. Oroondates could not forbear to embrace Seleucus at these words: Ah! Generous Seleucus (said he) how worthy of you are these thoughts, and how infinitely are we obliged to you for intentions, that are so advantageous to us; it shall not be for the price of your liberty, that we will demand the Princesses, since you are free already, and master here amongst us; but if Perdiccas at your request will give them in exchange for your Companions, How many misfortunes will he avoid, and how highly shall we be indebted to you!  
These discourses were followed by many others; after which the Princes fearing to incommodate Seleucus by too long a conversation, took leave of him, and retired into their Chamber. The rest of that day was employed by them that had the care of it, in making an end of those last duties, they had begun to pay their dead, and in cleansing the Camp of such a number of Bodies, which in a few days might have brought an infection into the Army; and the next morning the Forces were all drawn up to disencamp, and to take up those posts, which the Enemy's Army had quitted before the Walls of Babylon. All the wounded men were left in the old Camp, and Artaxerxes and Oroondates, though they had left their Beds, not being in a condition to get on Horseback for two or three days, stayed also with their Companions, and with the Ladies, keeping Ten thousand men with them for their Guard; and Craterus, Oxyartes, and old Artabasus, advanced with all the rest to block up the Town: The Squadrons marched in gallant order under those three brave Commanders, and the way not being long, they quickly saw the lofty Walls of proud Semiramis; and having saluted them with a threatening cry, they divided themselves into three Bodies, to go and take three several Posts, according as it had been before determined: Some of the Enemy's Cavalry came out to meet Craterus, and to oppose his coming nearer, yet scarce did they sustain the first shock he gave them, but falling into a Rout, forsook the place, and left him at liberty to quarter himself at his ease, where he had resolved to Encamp. It was upon the Bank of the River above the Town toward the East, and just over against certain works that were defended by Twelve hundred Median Archers. Artabasus placed himself below upon the Bank of the River also, toward the West; and Prince Oxyartes between them, toward the North, and near to some Defences guarded by the Drahe's and Argeans'. These Quarters were about Fourscore Furlongs from one another; and for all the distance was so great, they had not been able to block up above half the Town, by reason of the River that runs through it; but they presently began to make Bridges of Boats, to have the Passage of it free, and an easy communication both above and below the City, with an intention to send over some of their Forces to besiege it on all sides, and to hinder the Passage of Victual and relief, that might come in either by Land or by Water.  
¶ The great City of Babylon, the stately Work of valiant Semiramis, and then considered as one of the wonders of the World, is seated on both sides of the Euphrates, which passing between its Buildings, divides the Town into two equal parts; they are joined together by many Bridges, and principally by one very great one of Stone, different in matter from its other Buildings, and considerable for its breadth, height, and marvellous structure; the Banks of the River are kept up with two Brick Walls, and have high large Causies on each side, which yet would not be able to stop the impetuousness of the Stream, when it is swelled with Rain, if there were not deep open places at certain distances, by which the water, before it comes to the Causies, is swallowed up, and lost in huge gulfs under ground, some of it making a great lake at one end of the Town; the Houses were very stately-built of Brick in a well-ordered form, and divided into a great number of large and spacious Streets, in the chief of which stood the gallantest Palace of the Assyrian monarchs; the circuit of it was thirty Furlongs, and as well for the loftiness of its Towers, as the beauty of its several Lodgings, was a House worthy of its Founders, and of the greatness of those Masters, to whom it belongs: There was to be seen that miracle of the Hanging Garden, so cried up by Ancient Writers, where in Earth carried thither with an admirable industry, and sustained by Pillars of Two hundred foot high, there grew Trees whose Branches seemed to touch the Clouds, presenting tufted Forests to the eye of passengers above the tops of the highest Buildings. The whole compass of the City was not filled with Houses, but there were open places of a large extent, whole Fields that were Ploughed and Sown with Corn, reserved against Famine in the extremities of a long siege; which with the Houses were enclosed by the Great Semiramis, with a Wall of Three hundred sixty five Furlongs: Although that was a prodigious compass for a Town, the excessive greatness of it diminished nothing of its perfection, for mankind never saw so exact, nor so beautiful a work; the height of the Walls was of a hundred Cubits, and their breadth was Two and thirty foot, so that many Chariots might easily go a breast upon the top of them: At certain equal distances stood Towers of the same Fabric, Ten foot higher than the Walls, giving them the command of all the neighbouring Fields; and though their strength was exceeding great of themselves, they were fortified with a Mote of Threescore foot deep, and Two hundred broad; there were some Outworks also on the far side of it, but they were of no great defence; and by reason of the little fear they had been in of a siege, they had not taken any pains to better them.  
It was before this stately Town that the Victorious Army encamped, and the frighted Inhabitants from the top of their Walls saw in one day a Thousand Tents pitched, a Thousand Banners displayed, and the whole Field covered with Men and Horses: The order of their encamping was very regular, and in the three several Quarters, all the Soldiers having their places assigned to Hut themselves, fell to work about it with so much diligence and readiness, that within three days one might walk up and down the Camp, in long, straight streets, where symmetry and proportion were most exactly observed; they were separated according to their several Nations, but those Forces that were destined to pass the River, as soon as the Bridges should be finished, were lodged outermost, and took not the pains to fit themselves as the rest, for a stay of so few days. The number of them, taking in those that were left in the old Camp to guard the wounded men, was not less than the other, being they were to lie in the most dangerous places, and to possess that side, where the coming of relief was most apprehended. The third day after, Artaxerxes, Oroondates, Lysimachus, and Ptolomeus, came up to their Companions, fearing some occasion of getting honour should pass, while they were absent, and not being willing tripart, they made their Tents be set up in Prince Oxyartes his Quarter: Bereni●e and Apamia not being able to forsake them, left Polemons house with Deidamia (who would needs keep them company) and went to lodge there with them; and those fair Princesses, whom the accidents of their life had taught not to fear death, were not afraid to draw near their Enemies, nor to expose themselves to the perils of a siege, to go along with persons that were so dear to them. The next day Thalestris, who could not bear their absence, made herself be removed to them, for all she was so wounded. Demetrius, to whom it was an insupportable thing to be parted from Deidamia, despised the counsel of his Physicians to be nearer to her, and within two days after, Eumenes, Antigonus, Laomedon, Menander, the sons of Artabasus, and all the other wounded men dislodged by their example, and neglected their hurts to see the Walls of Babylon. Seleucus also, and his three Companions would stay no longer at Polemons house, where they had been lodged and looked to with a great deal of care; and though they were more wounded than the rest, and in such a condition as would not suffer them to be removed without some danger, Arsaces was constrained to make them be brought upon Hand-Litters, and lodged in a Tent hard by his. Polemons house remained quite empty; and even Alcione, seeing Cleonimus cured of his wounds, and able to serve the Princes in person, placed herself with the Princess Berenice, who received her with much affection; and Cleonimus, to whom the Princes of Persia and Scythia were so highly obliged, one for his Mistress, the other for his Sister, tasted the kindest expressions of their favour, and was taken into the same degree of nearness with Araxes and Criton; who by their admirable fidelity had made themselves very considerable to their Masters: They needs would have him make relation of what they knew not of his Adventures, and at their request he gave them an account of all those voyages, to which his sorrow had engaged him: He told them how after the news of Theanders' death, which was come to his hearing, he in vain had sought for rest and comfort; and that purposing to fly a Country, where he had been so unfortunate, he had traveled about As●a, and all Europe, and had never ended his wander but with his life; if after many years of a most rigorous absence, which had worn out the sharpness of his grief for the loss of Theander, the remembrance of Alcione had not violently recalled him, and made him by force resolve to see the innocent cause of his afflictions once again before he died; but yet without any design, to overthrow the memory of Theander in her heart, or to oblige her by any of his actions, to recede in favour of him, from what she owed to her dear Husband. The Princes, who had heard the first passages of Cleonimus his story from Berenice, admired his virtue; and knowing his passion, and the ardent affection of Alcione, resolved to do that for them, which neither of them durst desire; and to take away by their Authority, all the bashfulness, and all the scruples that hindered them from following their own inclinations. In the mean time the Princes thought fit to make those Works be assaulted, that were defended by the Medians, the Drahe's, and the Argeans; and for that purpose, were commanded out two thousand Macedonians, two thousand Thracians, two thousand Phrygians, one thousand Amazons, and a thousand Cappadocians, under the conduct of Lysimachus to attack the Medes; and a like number of Cilicians, Egyptians, Syrians, Lydians, and Bactrians, under Ptolomeus to fall on against the Drahe's and Argeans'. Prince Oroondates, and the valiant Arsaces would have accompanied their friends in that occasion, but they told them it was not business worthy of their hazard, and prayed them so earnestly to leave them the whole honour of it; that they were fain to let their desire of Action, yield to the importunity of their request. Young Alexander, Menelaus, and divers others of his age, were of that party without Office or Command, and marched on foot at the head of those Squadrons against Enemies, whom their Entrenchments could not preserve from the fear of their approach; and indeed, they came on with an undantedness so little common, that the boldest of them trembled with good reason; and advancing through a thick shower of Arrows, obliged their men by their example to c●●●temn the danger that opposed their passage. That employment could not have been given to any two, that would more generously have discharged it; and the great exploits of Oroondates and Arsaces, having begot a noble emulation in them, carried them on to more than ordinary achievements. The circumstances of all that past in that piece of service would be but troublesome; Lysimachus on his side, and Ptolomeus on his, after a vigorous resistance, and the death of two or three thousand of their men, entered the Enemy's Entrenchments, and had made themselves absolute Masters of those Outworks; when Antigenes with a party of Argyraspides sallied upon Lysimachus; and jolas', the Brother of Cassander against Ptolomeus: That sally retarded the Victory of our two Princes, but was not able to prevent it; and though they were not ignorant, that there were Squadrons drawn forth to second them, they neglected their assistance, and only with their own men encountered those new Enemies with such an extraordinary courage, That after a fight maintained with the death of many of them, they made the rest turn their backs; and having driven them within a Bow-shoot of their Gates, remained peaceable Masters of all the Outworks. In this business they of Babylon lost above Four thousand of their men, nor did the Princes scape at an easier rate, but the advantage was wholly theirs: And after having lodged part of their men in those places, whence they had beaten the Enemy, they returned Victorious to their brave Companions; from whom they received praises due to the gallant actions of that day, and an increase of that reputation they had gained in many such like occasions. The day following was given on both sides to the burial of the dead; and the next morning, as Oroondates and Artaxerxes were rising, there was a Spy of the Enemies brought in to them, who had been taken in the Camp close by their Tent, about which he had been hankering all that morning; with all the appearances of a man that had some ill design, being a very cunning fellow; he had endeavoured to deceive them by his subtleties, and had given them tokens enough to make them believe he was one of their party: But having neither been owned, nor so much as known by the Officers of that Troup which he said he was of; they that had taken him, thought fit to bring him before the Princes, though he showed himself wondrous unwilling to be carried thither, and had desired them rather to kill him. As soon as Oroondates cast his eyes upon his face, he observed Lineaments there, that were not unknown to him; but Araxes and Toxaris no sooner saw him, when instantly they cried out: Ah! It is that false wretch Arbates. At the name of Arbates, Oroondates perfectly remembered him; and at the ●ight of that man, who by his perfidiousness had destroyed his Fortune, and who alone had plunged him into the bottomless Sea of his miseries, a chillness ran through all his Veins, and his Countenance was so changed, that all the company observed the great disturbance of his mind: After this shivering, and this paleness, followed an extraordinary colour, which his anger brought into his face; and not being able in those first motions to master his lawful indignation, or to keep himself within the bounds of his usual moderation: You have brought him me, just gods, (cried he) you have delivered into my hands, this cruel Torturer of my days, this Traitorous servant, who sacrificed his Master to so many painful deaths; and in short, This Monster, by whom I suffer, and by whom I have suffered the whole weight of my afflictions. He made a stop at these first words, and not being able to express himself well enough in the impetuousness of his choler, he fixed his eyes, sparkling with rage, upon the face of that perfidious wretch, who in a mortal terror and confusion kept his fast upon the ground, with an action fully prepared for that death, which in his own conscience he had but too well deserved. Thou shalt die (pursued the furious Prince) thou shalt die in most exquisite torments; and though thy death cannot restore me, what thou hast robbed me of, nor make amends in the finallest degree for those infinite miseries, thou hast made me endure, I will at least give this satisfaction to my grief, and to my love, to sacrifice the cursed instrument of all my misfortunes, and the true cause of the death of so many thousand persons. From these words the transported Prince fell into the remembrance of that happiness, which Arbates his treachery had taken from him, and that reflection touched him so deeply, That all the company saw his face immediately bathed in Tears; and were such partakers in his grief, That they seemed but little different from him, either in the sadness that appeared in their Countenances, or in their Resentments against the disloyal Arbates. His treachery was known to them, and they all instantly judged him worthy of the most rigorous torments that could be invented, and of a destiny, at least, like that of Bessus. Till than Oroondates had continued in the thoughts of an ordinary man, and not being able in those first motions, utterly to divest himself, of what he held from humane Nature, he had let himself be carried away to inclinations that were not unreasonable; but presently after he from mere man, came back again to Oroondates; all whose thoughts had nothing common with those of other men, when they had power to work at liberty: And looking upon trembling Arbates with a scorn, that a few minutes before had anger in it, he judged, That the revenge he could take upon him was too unworthy of himself, and that it was against more noble Enemies, than a vile servant, he ought to pour forth his indignation; wherefore putting on a milder Countenance, he turned toward those that had taken him: Why did you not kill this Traitor (said he) as soon as you discovered him to be an Enemy, instead of bringing him before us? Do you not know that the sight of Princes is favourable to Criminals, and that Artaxerxes, Lysimachus, and Ptolomeus, are too generous to approve a base and a shameful revenge? The Soldiers had reasons enough to allege for themselves, and they were not unknown to him, but he gave them not the leisure; and looking upon Arbates, who at these last words began to resettle his fears: Live disloyal Wretch (said he) live, since thou art unworthy of the death, which I could give thee; and that without doubt thou art destined to a more ignominious end, then that thou shouldst receive from Oroondates. Live, but go live among our Enemies, and tell Roxana and Cassander, I envy them not the service of a man fit for none, but such a Mistress, and such a Master. With these words he turned away his eyes, not being able to behold him longer without repugnance, and Arbates not knowing where to find words to excuse his crime, nor to thank the Prince for the mercy he showed him, only fell upon his Knees, testifying by his gestures, and by his Tears, some kind of Acknowledgement, and some kind of Repentance. If the Princes that were present at this action, had not been generous enough themselves to do the same in a like encounter, they without doubt would have admired it: But being they had Souls made up all of nobleness, and that they were accustomed to the gallant deeds of Oroondates, they did not wonder at this last; only Prince Lysimachus turning to Arbates, who was going to make use of the liberty that was given him; Think not to escape so (said he) for though the Prince have pardoned thee his particular offence, thou oughtest at least to give us account of the design, that brought thee into our Camp. Tell us truly in what condition our Princesses are; the intentions of Roxana, whose Governor and whose confident thou art; and the continuation of Cassander's loves, which thou began'st to Toxaris and Loncates: But disguise not the truth in this recital, and endeavour by some light effect of freedom, to deserve the mercy thou hast received. Arbates, who by that time had taken heart: I would it pleased the gods, Sir, (said he) that for the expiation of my crimes, you desired something of greater importance, that were but in my power, and you should find, I would little consider the loss of my life, if thereby I could but hope for pardon: But since I am not able to do you greater service, then that you now demand of me, I will be more faithful in obeying you, than I was in serving my Master; and will give you an exact account of such things, as are come unto my knowledge. Arbates making a stop at these words, the Princes prepared to give him attention; but Oroondates, who was not able to endure him, found it so much against his stomach▪ That he desired his Friends to dismiss him, and not suffer him to stay any longer amongst them; yet Artaxerxes and Lysimachus did so represent the interest he had, in the relation they had demanded of him, and he understood it so well himself, that in the end he yielded to give him audience with them. After they were set down, Arbates who had had time to recover confidence of Speech, since his fears were dissipated, when he had recalled those things into his memory, which he had to relate, began on this manner.  

The Continuation of the History of ROXANA.  
MY LORDS,  
TO tell the things you desire to know, in order, it is necessary I begin with Cassander's Love; the first effects whereof, I related to Toxaris and Loncates, from whom without doubt you have heard them; and then I will freely give you an account of those things I have been able to learn, and which fall within the employment I have under Queen Roxana.  
THe Gods are my Witnesses, that I used all the power I had with the Queen, to dissuade the cruel resolution she had taken against Toxaris and Loncates, when she saw them obstinate in concealing their Prince's abode; but she was so incensed against them, that my importunity in their Favour was like to have put me in disgrace: She commanded they should be carried out of the Town, to the end, that Action might be the more secret; but when she heard by him that had escaped the hand of their deliverers, that they were rescued out of their hands, before they had been able to draw that confession from their mouths which she desired; she was extremely troubled and displeased at it, but was the more confirmed in her opinion, That Prince Oroondates was in this Country: In this belief, casting her eyes upon me, who happened to be then in her Chamber, Arbates (said she) all things run contrary to my desires, and the gods, whom the folly of my love hath exasperated against me, will not suffer them to be satisfied; but either I am the most deceived of any Woman in the World, or cruel Oroondates is in these parts. Let him hide himself, the ungrateful man, (pursued she a while after) let him be insensible of my love, or rather let him persist to hate me as he hath done hitherto; I at least have this advantage, that in flying me, he flies his Fortune; and that he shall never enjoy the happiness, for which he disdains, that I have offered him: He shall not make himself sport with my rival, by scoffing at the mean spirited affections of Roxana. And though I be miserable, I shall not have the discontent to see her triumph over my miseries, who hath been the cause of them. Yet Arbates (continued she, having paused a little) I cannot disavow, but that I still have those first inclinations that have brought me so much trouble, and I mean to employ all the affection thou hast to my service, in seeking some redress for my disquiets: Set all thy wits a work to inform thyself if he be not in Babylon, where we took his servants; the greatness of the Town, and the confusion of our affairs, that make us receive so many unknown persons into it, might permit him to lie long concealed here; but he cannot be so to thy vigilance, if thou wilt take the pains to employ it, and after such a service, there is no recompense that will not be below thee. By these words the Queen discovered to me the continuation of her love, and strove to confirm me in the design I really had to serve her. And I believed, Sir, (added Arbates, addressing himself to Oroondates) that I might safely comply with her, without doing you any hurt, considering the quality of her Fortune, and the general opinion of Queen Statira's death; therefore I protested to her, with so many Oaths, that I would use my utmost care to obey her commands, that she drew some consolation from my promises, and then being desirous to avoid Cassander's anger, which I feared, after I had disposed her to hearken to me patiently. Madam, (said I) Cassander persecutes me to serve him in his affection to your Majesty, and not many days ago he forced me by his threats to take a Letter, which he had written to you; but I neither had the boldness, nor so much as an intention to deliver it; but having torn it in pieces, I have put him off ever since, as often as he asked me any thing about it, by saying that I had not yet found a fit opportunity to present it to you. You did very well (answered the Queen) and to keep fair with him, you may say I tore it myself. That insolent man raises my anger to the extremity, and if in the present condition of my affairs, I had not need of him, I would give him such proofs of it, as should cool him perhaps for all the rest of his life. Take heed in the mean time, that you never receive either Letter or Message from him any more; and let him know, that I have expressly forbidden you. I promised to do as she commanded me with a design to follow her Orders; and that very day having met Cassander, Sir, (said I) my desire to serve you, hath perhaps ruined my Fortune, and your Letter hath been like to make me be banished for ever out of the Queen's service; she tore it without reading it, and hath protested, That at the first employment I shall take again of that nature, she will cause me to be exemplarily punished. Cassander, who by many other encounters had known the Queen's intentions, easily gave credit to what I said; but he flew into a violent passion, and uttered many words both against the modesty, and against the respect he owed her. The Queen's too blame (said he afterward) to drive a man into despair, who as her affairs now stand; is not unuseful to her; and who with the peril of his life, against a great number of Enemies, struck the main stroke perchance in settling her in the place she now possesses. Tell her Arbates, that among all Alexander's Successors, she shall find none more powerful in Europe, nor in Asia, than the Son of Antipater; nor among all men living, a more faithful or a more passionate Servant then Cassander. I prayed him to excuse me, that I could not undertake that Message, alleging the Queen's absolute charge to the contrary; and the fear I was in, of being utterly undone, if I disobeyed her Commands. This kind of usage from the Queen, was not able to repulse him; and seeing himself then in a condition not to fear her power; as he had done in Alexander's life time, he no longer was so careful to hide his passion as he had been before▪ and governed himself with so little discretion, that it was unknown to no body. Roxana's aversion to him was but the more redoubled thereby; but being she was cunning and politic, she partly dissembled it, or at least through the necessity of her Affairs, suffered without taking revenge, what in another season she would have resented in another manner. Cassander's credit amongst his Companions, and Antipater's in Europe, were well enough known to her to make her judge, That she should not do well to make a powerful Enemy, of a passionate Lover; and of a lover, who in her present troubles might do her good service, and had done so already: That consideration kept her from following the incitements of her anger, but not from letting Cassander see by all her words, and by all her actions, that his passion was very unpleasing to her. The liberty of coming into her Chamber, was permitted him as well as others, for the Reasons I have given you; and being there one day with Leonatus, and two or three more of his Friends, I think it was with a purpose to oblige him, that the rest withdrew, and left him alone with the Queen, Hesione, some other of her Maids, and myself, who chanced to be there at that time, and to be witness of that Conversation. When Cassander found that opportunity, which he seldom met with, he resolved to lay hold of it; and putting himself into a very beseeching posture, gave the Queen notice, that he was preparing to entertain her with his love, but she afforded him not the time; and assoon as he opened his mouth to begin his discourse, I forbid you (said she) to talk to me of your follies, and enjoin you to consider the offences I have received from you, as they ought to be considered by a Subject of the King, my Husband. Cassander, who was prepared for such like usage, never seemed daunted at it, but answered with a confident look. I did not think my passion could have given you any cause of offence; For if I was a Subject of the King, your Husband, I do not believe I cast off that subjection, by letting you know that I am yet more powerfully yours: None of those homages you receive, from those that once were under his Dominion, are paid you with more respect, nor with more submission, then mine; and if I may be permitted to speak the truth of myself, They are not more advantageous to you, than those of a Prince, who holds not a contemptible rank among the greatest, that are now alive. I know what I am, (replied the Queen, with a very disdainful action) nor am I ignorant what you are, I see nothing that should hinder us from living together, as we have done hitherto; and when you shall look upon me, as the Wife of Alexander, I will look upon you, as the Son of Antipater. These scornful slighting words, wrought such a spite in Cassander, who by nature is the most impatient man in the World, that he lost all respect and discretion, and not being able to dissemble how ill he took them: I confess (said he) that Alexander was above Cassander; but since Alexander is dead, the Daughter of Cohortanus is not above the Son of Antipater. He brought forth these words very briskly, and judging that he ought to expect nothing from the Queen but some biting reproach, he intended not to stay for it, but went out of the Chamber with a very troubled action. The Queen was highly offended at his discourse, but being she is very cunning, she dissembled it in part, and drew some satisfaction from his anger, in that she hoped it might free her from his importunities for the time to come, but she was much deceived in those hopes; For though Cassander was easily moved, by reason of his sudden impetuous humour, he came back again presently after, more mild and more submissive than before, and asked her pardon, with all manner of signs of his Repentance. But about that time there came Copies into the Town of your Manifest, wherein you accused him of having poisoned the King: The Queen, and diverse others, had already suspicions of it grounded, upon some conjectures, and receiving this Confirmation, though it was not sufficient to convince him, especially coming from his Enemies, the Queen abhorred to behold him, and believed it not fit for her so much as to suffer him to speak, till he had justified himself. She neither could, nor would dissemble that thought from him; and the first time he would have come near her, with an intent to speak, Purge yourself (said she) of the accusation that is laid upon you of having poisoned your King, if you would have his Wife to hear you; and put her out of the opinion she may have of that horrible parricide, if you would have her look upon you without detestation. Cassander seemed enraged at this discourse, and beholding the Queen with eyes that sparkled with anger; They are your enemy's Madam, (replied he) they are your enemies, and not mine, that slander me with these Calumnies; which I will clear myself of to their confusion: But if I were less faithful to you, they would be my friends, and you would have no occasion to use a reproach to me so full of ingratitude. It was not from you I should have received it, since your Interests procure me this disgrace; but I will wash it off with so much blood, that my Enemies shall repent it, and you shall be satisfied. I know not whether Cassander dissembled in this impression, which he desired to give of his resentments, or whether he indeed was innocent: But however it were, he bore that accusation with such an impatience, as caused many persons to make different judgements of it. If the accusation, you published against Cassander in your Manifest, wrought some effect upon Roxana; that which you said concerning Queen Statira, and the Princess her Sister, whom you demanded, as being alive, wrought almost none at all; and though you alleged particularities, that were enough to have given her sound suspicion, when she remembered what she had seen with her own eyes, she could not lend any belief to it, nor contradict her sight in a matter that was so fresh in memory; yet did she say something to Perdiccas concerning it, and desired some kind of clearing in the business (as I have heard by Hesione) but Perdiccas shrunk up his shoulders at that demand, and answering her with a great deal of coldness, Madam (said he) I need tell you nothing of that adventure, the truth is well enough known to you; and your own eyes were witnesses of an action that makes me odious to Heaven, and detestable to all the Earth. Roxana was satisfied with that reply, and in the interim solicited me every day to search out Prince Oroondates; and, I confess, I employed all my care to see, if I could learn any news of him: About that time Prince Arsaces was in Babylon, but though he was unknown to all the World, I was the only man that was not ignorant of the truth; and I had the means to advance myself very much with Roxana, by discovering him, if, as wicked as I am, I had not had some good motions, that withheld me from doing it. In the voyage I made into Scythia, by her Command, I had learned the truth of all that had passed, and knew that Prince Artaxerxes, the Son of Darius, was alive, under the name of Arsaces': But for all I am so false, I reverenced the remainders of the Blood of my King, and the virtue of that Prince, which in his earliest years had so powerfully gained the hearts of all the Persians: I believed with Reason, That they, who could not suffer Darius his Daughters to live, for fear they should dispute the Empire with them, would strive by all manner of means to make away that Prince, who had more lawful pretensions to it, and who could better defend them; and this belief hindered me from saying any thing of it to the Queen at my return, and afterward, when the Prince was come to Babylon: The secrecy I had kept till then, hindered me also from making any mention of it to Toxaris and Loncates, when I told them of the journey I had made into Scythia. It is certain, That nothing stopped my mouth, but the fear of destroying that great Prince: And if you will do me the favour to believe, My Lords, That though I was so faithless, as to do my Master ill offices in his love, I was not so errand a Villain, as to sell the Blood of my lawful Prince, and to deliver him up to Enemies, who had so great an interest in his ruin, that they never would have spared him. I will not relate any of those things, that have passed in Babylon touching the War, you have been informed of them, both by Prince Artaxerxes, and by others, who knew more than I; but will only tell you what you are ignorant of, and which cannot be come unto your knowledge, being passed since the last Battle.;;;;  
After that bloody defeat of our Army, the remnants of it, as you know, retired into the Town; and of above A hundred thousand men, there scarce came back Eighteen or twenty thousand, and even of them a great many sore wounded: Among the Commanders, there was hardly one that had escaped without hurt; and scarce were there any of them in a condition to gather up the scattered relics of our Forces, and to present themselves at the Gates to oppose the pursuit of yours, in case they should have prosecuted their Victory into the City. Alcetas much less wounded than his Brother Antigenes, Nearchus his Father, and some others, did all they possibly could to that purpose; and while they were so employed, Perdiccas, Cassander, Neoptolemus, and the rest who had not come off so well, went to their Beds to seek repose, and remedy for their wounds. All things were then in a very lamentable form in Babylon; the streets rung with the cries of many thousands, who then finding their losses, enquired for their Sons, their Fathers, or their Husbands, with tears and mournful groans; the mangled Soldiers begged with cries to have their wounds dressed: To this grief, and to this disorder, was also added the fear of timorous women, and feeble old men, who being utterly dismayed by so great a defeat, imagined every moment, that they saw the Enemies within their Gates, and who with mortal terrors expected the taking and sacking of their City. Alcetas and his Companions took the best course they were able in that confusion, they showed a great deal of care in quartering the Soldiers, who by reason of the vastness of the Town, found all room enough; they looked to set such Guards, as were necessary within, and to Man the Outworks, which they meant to keep; nor did they forget any thing belonging to their charge in so pressing an exigency. You may guests at Roxana's sorrow by her interest, it was so violent, That of all the rest of that day, she was not capable of any thing that was said to comfort her; and the Physicians, who had care of her health, told her, but in vain, That being so far gone with child, she did herself a great deal of harm by such an excess of grief. Her disquiets were augmented by the news she heard that day; for she was told by those, that had escaped from the Battle, that Prince Oroondates, that●rtaxerxes ●rtaxerxes, the son of Darius, who had been thought dead so many years, was alive in the same party; and that it was he himself that had served on her side in the former Battle; and who, under the name of Arsaces, had gained so high a reputation. Roxana was as sensible of these news, as one can possibly imagine; there was no doubt but she was infinitely troubled to know that Artaxerxes was alive, who thereby frustrated the cruelty she had used against his Sisters; and who much more potently, than those Princesses, could disturb her in the possession of her Dominions; but yet she was more sensible of Oroondates his return: The knowledge of his hatred was a terrible discontent to her, finding it so great, that it had made him side with her Enemies, and fight every day against her: And though she was not ignorant how just cause he had, nor could in reason condemn his resentments; she could not choose but be much afflicted at them, since they crossed the design she had of drawing him to her affection, and that by those expressions of his hatred, he showed the small inclination he had to love her; yet was it some comfort to her to know he was so near her, for all he was an Enemy; and in this satisfaction, and some remaining spark of hope, not yet extinguished in her heart, she found at last cause to be as much contented, as if she had not heard of him at all. She passed the night in distractions, which according to Hesione's report, would not suffer her to sleep a moment; and the next morning, as soon as she was ready, she went to visit Perdiccas, whose wounds kept him in his Bed. Their first discourse was of the unsuccessful issue of the Battle, and they both bewailed the loss of so many thousand men slain for their Interests, especially of many brave Commanders, who were either dead or prisoners; among which, Seleucus held the first place, and then Leonatus, Nearchus, and their Companions, of whom they had then heard no news at all. After some talk upon that subject, Perdiccas, who either could not, or would not any longer dissemble the truth, which in the estate of his Affairs, was not possible to be still kept secret, seeing no body with Roxana, but such persons as he suspected not, spoke to her on this manner. We might have reason, Madam, to complain of the ill success the gods have sent to our Affairs, if we were not conscious by what crimes we have provoked them against us; And if the blood of those great and innocent Princesses, which you needs would shed for your own Interests, did not call upon them for a revenge, which they in justice cannot refuse. In brief Madam, That crime which makes us odious to all the World, hath been as unprofitable to us, as it is detestable in itself; and you have vainly desired to secure the Throne to yourself, and to the child you go withal, by the death of Darius his Daughters, since the gods have preserved the life of his Son, Prince Artaxerxes: It is he, that may trouble your reign a great deal more powerfully, than his Sisters; and all the advantage we can reap by that horrid cruelty, will be nothing but the stings of a guilty Conscience, that will torture us for ever. Perdiccas made a stop at these words, and the Queen replied. I was persuaded to that cruelty against mine own inclination, by the example of many persons that have done the same, in a like condition: And though the advantages I desired to procure to Alexander's Son, made me conquer my natural pity; I have not nevertheless been without a great deal of Sorrow and Repentance for it. It is true, the return of Artaxerxes, whom the gods have miraculously raised again, hath overthrown all our Policy; but it is as true, that I would revoke what's passed, if it were in the power of mankind; and that I now could wish, with all my heart, those Princesses were alive. They are alive, Madam, (answered Perdiccas instantly) and the gods have n●t permitted, That the most Illustrious Blood in the World should be so cruelly shed. Are they alive? (cried Roxana, in admiration:) Yes Madam (added Perdiccas) they are so: And he, whom deceased Alexander honoured with the last marks of his affection, was not so base, is to destroy what was dearest to him in all the World; it was by the death of certain condemned Slaves, that your eyes were deceived, and your passion satisfied: But neither my compliance with you, nor the consideration of my Interests, were able to make me forget, what I owed to my King, and to the quality of Prince, in which I was born. You required too inhuman, and too shameful effects of Perdiccas his Obedience; and if you were to have employed his hand to do you service, it should have been in an action more worthy of him, and against other Enemies, than those great and innocent Princesses. While Perdiccas spoke on this manner, Roxana harkened to him with so much astonishment, That of a long time she was not able to reply; and that strange news surprised her in such sort, that she knew not which way she should receive it. The return of Artaxerxes, which thwarted the security she thought she had established in her Dominions, by the death of his Sisters, might have made her content they were alive; but that of Oroondates bringing to mind the interest of her love, incensed her so against her rival, whom she saw coming into the World again, to deprive her of a happiness, upon which she had settled some flattering hopes, That she strait repented the wish she had made in her Favour, but a minute before. What? Perdiccas, (said she, looking upon him with an angry eye) Have you then deceived a Princess, that trusted no body but yourself, and that put all her Interests into your hand so freely? I have deceived you (replied Perdiccas) as I should have deceived all the most Sovereign Powers upon Earth; And though my action stand not in need of any justification, know, To the end you may be better satisfied, That to the Interest of my honour, and to that of Alexander's memory, I also joined that of my love, which alone was able to overturn all my Resolutions. I love, Madam, since it is no longer time to disavow it; I love Queen Statira, and for that love, instead of attempting against her life, I would have given my own: She hath no Enemies, against whom I would not have defended her at the price of my Blood; and I have done a great deal more to content you, than I ought to have done, since I put her in fear of death, since I kept her concealed, to avoid your anger, though she were all manner of ways the greatest Princess of the World; and since I made her lay aside the name of Statira, peculiar to the Royalty, to take again that of Cassandra, the Daughter of Codoman: She is now in Babylon, and if hitherto my respect to you hath obliged me to conceal from you, both her being alive, and the place of her abode, I think that now I may declare them to you, by reason of Artaxerxes his return, of the belief I have, that her misfortunes may have appeased you; and of the hope, that you will have some regard to the love of Perdiccas, who hath blindly tied himself to run your fortune, and who hath endeavoured to comply with you, even to the prejudice of his honour. Roxana was so troubled, during this discourse, that she knew not in what terms to express her sense of it; and after she had long beheld Perdiccas with an eye that seemed to tax him for deceiving her; I should never have believed (said she) that you would so craftily have deluded me, me, who would have depended upon you, for whatsoever was most precious to me. I am not troubled, that Statira and Parisatis are alive, they were other motives, than the ambition of reigning, that made me to desire their death; and in the extremity, I will make known, that which may justify my crimes, as well as you allege the cause of your subtle artifice. I will not tell you that I will employ all the power I have, to destroy those you have saved, to the falsifying of your word; and that perhaps, I am potent enough over the hearts of the Macedonians to do it, though you should undertake to protect them: It is not out of inclination, that I am led to cruelty, and I consider you more, than you have considered me: The love you bear Statira, may justify in part, what you have done; but I can tell you, you shall profit little by her being alive, and that it is not for yourself, you have preserved her; It is for Oroondates, the Prince of Scythia, (the most dreadful of all your Enemies; and he himself, whom you saw yesterday died in the blood of your Sold●ers, and also of your own) that you have plotted; and Statira is so totally his, even before she was Alexander's, That nothing, but death alone, can possibly take her from him: You have that puissant rival at our Gates, you shall have him to fight with all without, and her constancy to assault within our Walls; it is by them, without doubt, that I shall be revenged of you, and that I shall see you repent the Service you have done, for your most cruel Enemy. This threat of the Queens, made Perdiccas grow pale, but he recovered himself presently again, and desiring to let her see his resoluteness; I do not doubt (said he) but that Queen Statira is prepossessed with some powerful inclination, that makes her to disdain my affection; nor am I ignorant, but the Prince you speak of, is a valiant and a terrible Enemy; I have already tried his Forces in two set battles, and I have had a discourse with him, which hath sufficiently made me understand his intentions; but neither the knowledge of Cassandra's engagement can repulse me, nor is that of my rivals power able to affright me; I should have satisfied him before now, if I could have feared his threatenings; but if in the open Field he saw me not avoid to encounter him, he shall not make me tremble behind Walls, which are strong enough to resist the greatest Army in the World: And though Fortune should favour him against me, he shall see me perish in the resolution I have taken, and defend that against him to my latest gasp, which I have too lawfully acquired, to deliver it up but with my life. Well, we shall see (replied the Queen, extremely vexed) which way you will behave yourself, and I will also think how I shall behave myself in this new face of my Affairs. I hope (said Perdiccas) you will have some regard to my being tied to your Interests, from which, the consideration of mine own shall never be able to separate me; and that you will not do any thing against a life▪ which no body can attempt, without aiming directly at mine. The Queen returned Perdiccas no answer, being uncertain both what she should say, and what resolution she should take; but parting from him very coldly, she went out of his Chamber, and returned to the Palace in a great deal of trouble. Then did her cruel disquiets set her on the rack, and her love and her ambition, tortured her by turns, but with unequal force; the life of Artaxerxes made her but little sensible of that discontent, which out of reason of State, she might else have received for that of his Sisters, whose sorrowful destiny had indeed moved her to compassion; but she could not know Statira was alive, and in Babylon, and Oroondates at the Gates of it, demanding her with an Armed power, and in a condition, to obtain her shortly in spite of her, without falling into an extremity of grief, and without giving herself over to the rage of her jealousy. She caused me to to be sent for, as him of all her Servants, who was best instructed in that affection; and having called me to her Bedside, where she was laid down, Thou seest Arbates (said she) how the gods overthrow the Proposals of men, and by what ways they advance their own, inspite of our resolutions. I have laboured, but in vain, to separate Oroondates and Statira, by so many different means, since neither the disunion I had wrought between them, nor that death, whereby wine own eyes were deluded, have been able to oppose the course of the destinies, which will join them together again, in spite of all my endeavours, and which will bring me to the sorrow of seeing them triumph over me, by those ways that are the most glorious to them; That ingrateful man fights at our Gates against us, and is upon the point of taking her away by strength of Arms, whom I by force and policy have vainly disputed with him; but rather let death put an end to my afflictions, different from that I had promised to myself, then that I should suffer my rival to have the advantage, and my ingrateful Scythian to obtain his utmost satisfaction before my face: I will yet put in practice, whatsoever love and anger can inspire into a Queen, animated with those mighty passions; nor will I leave any thing unattempted, either to destroy the felicity, they propose unto themselves, or to make them perish, when I am at the end of all my hopes. It is but in vain, that Perdiccas undertakes the protection of my rival; for though cunning, he should not be able to effect it, I am powerful enough to ruin her by open force: Notwithstanding all the credit he hath among the Macedonians, they are more at my devotion, then at his; and they with veneration, expect the birth of a Son of Alexander: All the Carians, Lycians, Parthians, Susians, and Bactrians, we have left; obey my Orders without repugnance; and if we must take Arms amongst ourselves, my party will not be weaker, then that of Perdiccas. Only help me, Arbates, with thy Counsels, and with thy Assistance, in a passion which I have trusted to none but thee; seek some invention to satisfy me, before I be compelled to fly to extremities against Perdiccas, and hope for nothing from me, but recompenses worthy of such an acceptable service. The Queen ended with these words, and seeing that she expected my answer, I replied immediately in these terms. Madam, The gods can testify, that I have devoted my life entirely to your Majesty, and that I shall never value peril, nor difficulty in the occasions of serving you: I will strive, with all the wit the gods have given me, to procure your satisfaction; but if your Majesty will give me leave to tell you my opinion, and to descent from yours, I will take the liberty to say, That in the condition of your Affairs, violent ways are not the best, or rather, That you cannot make use of any such, without ruining them. If you attempt against Queen Statira's life, and if you raise a party within the City against Perdiccas, you divide the Forces, which are necessary to defend you against your Foes without, and make a Prince your Enemy, who is really affectionate to your Interests, and without whom, you cannot subsist against those that are at our Gates: Rather take a contrary resolution, Madam, and instead of thinking how to kill Statira, endeavour to give her to Perdiccas, thereby you will avoid the shame, and the remorse you would have by her death; you will preserve yourself, and you will highly oblige a Friend and a Servant, without whom, to speak the truth, it is impossible you should stand; and by depriving Oroondates, of the hopes he may have in the possession of Statira, you will invite him to turn all his thoughts upon you: If you succeed in this design, you will be satisfied all manner of ways; and if this course prove ineffectital, I see none other you can probably make use of. The Queen gave ear to me attentively, and found so much reason, and likelihood in what I said, That after having struggled a while with her resentment, against Perdiccas, for having deluded her, she resolved to follow my advice: And when by very obliging words, she had testified how much she approved it, she determined to do all she could to join Statira with Perdiccas, and to take away all Prince Oroondates his pretensions to her. If in this counsel, Sir, (pursued Arbates, and addressing himself to Oroondates) I did you an ill office, by persuading the Queen to assist Perdiccas against you, I did you no small service on the other side, in diverting her from the design she had to seek the death of her rival, as she might have done many several ways, though that of force had not taken effect. The next day, the Queen being fully resolved to follow the counsel I had given her, and having banished, or at least feigning to banish all the sharpness she had conceived against Perdiccas, she sent me to his lodging to see how he did, and to assure him from her, That how great Interest soever she had, in the death of the Princesses of Persia, she would not thwart his inclination; nor prefer the security she found in their destruction, before the contentment; and the advantages of a Prince, to whom she owed the better part of her own, and from whom, in regard of the Obligations she had to him, she would never disunite herself. Perdiccas' received this compliment of the Queens, with a great deal of civility; and after I had also protested to him from her, That instead of doing him harm, she would favour his passion, as much as possibly she could. Dear Arbates (said he) you may tell the Queen, That since she hath so generously conquered her resentments, in favour of me, there is no consideration in the World, that can separate me from her service; and that I will spend my Blood, to the last drop, for her quarrel, with more passion then for my own. He sent me back with this answer, and presently after, being visited by Alcetas, he gave him the order he desired, to have observed for the service of the two Princesses: From that very day Alcetas left them the whole House, caused the Lodgings to be furnished according to their quality, gave them a great many Women to wait upon them, with Officers, little different from what they had had in former times; and settled their Household in such a manner, That Queen Statira was attended in all points, as Alexander's Widow; and the Princess Parisatis, as the Daughter of Darius. Nothing but liberty was refused them; the passage out of the House, being forbidden by a great number of Soldiers, who kept Guards there, as at the Palace of a Queen, and who detained them as prisoners. They have their Chambers free, but the Guard lie at the door; they continually have Sentinels under their Windows; and when they walk in the Garden, which they have the liberty to do, they follow them always, but in such a manner, That they seem rather to be there to do them honour, then to restrain them. Perdiccas did not resolve to use them on that fashion, without being well assured; That all the Forces of Babylon were at his devotion, and Roxana's; and that those, in whom the love of their natural Princesses, might stir up a desire to give them liberty, or a sorrow for their captivity; were too weak in the City, to dare to show themselves, or to undertake any thing against his Authority. In the mean time, though he was forced to keep his Bed, he provided, with a great deal of care and diligence, for all businesses, and for the defence of the Town. Alcetas, who never stayed within doors for his wounds, assisted by Andiagoras, Antigenes, jolas', and many other Commanders, who by practice, have attained an exact knowledge in matters of War, forgot none of the duties of a perfect Captain, for the defence of the City: He lodged the Soldiers, according to the Quarters that were assigned them, and according to the order of the Assaults, you might make, disposed the Guards, as well for the Outworks, as for the Walls; over-looked the Arms, visited the Stores of Victual that were in the Town, and caused Provisions to be put into the Magazines, set men at work to make Arrows, employed others about Boats, to make sallies upon the River, if it were necessary; and to oppose the Works, you should make there, and sent Messengers into all the Provinces of their Allies to hasten relief. Perdiccas and Cassander left their Beds the same day, and I think this is the third day since; but Peucestas and Neoptolemus lie by it still, and are not yet so near their cures: Neither did the two first stay for theirs, but out of impatience, to see the Princesses whom they loved, would needs go abroad, contrary to the will of their Physicians. What respect soever Perdiccas meant to pay Roxana, in his first visit he followed his own inclinations, and with one Arm in a Scarf, went to the House and Lodging of Queen Sta●ira; I learned the discourse he had with her, from one of his Servants, with whom I have a particuliar friendship, and by that means am able to tell you something of it. He found that beauteous Queen a little less sad than ordinary; whether it were by reason of the happy success of your Forces, or of the order that had been given to settle her Household; and taking an occasion from thence, to entertain her, after the first civilities; Madam (said he) I should think you rejoiced at our late loss, if I were not acquainted with the excellence of your Nature, that cannot with pleasure look upon the death of so many thousand persons; and if I did not also believe you begin to know, that among those, whom you account your friends, there are none more affectionate to you, than those, to whom you give the title of your Enemies: If the passion I have for you, hath carried me on to any action, from which you have received discontent; and if my fear of losing you, forced me to keep you in a condition, very different from that, in which you ought to be, I will make amends for what is past, by a manner of life, wherein, without doubt, you will find less cause of complaint: Hitherto the apprehension I have been in, for your life, hath obliged me to conceal you from Queen Roxana, whom her Interests have made your enemy; but since her inclinations are changed, since she reputes of what she once attempted against you; and since you are here with all the safety I can desire, you shall be better attended, than you have been till now; and in your House, you shall find all the marks of your former Dignity; Only, Madam, be not offended, I beseech you, If I cannot dispose myself to lose you, and if I do all I possibly can, to shun a death, which I cannot avoid, by restoring you to my Enemies; If I could live in giving you that satisfaction, the gods are my witnesses, I would content you to my own prejudice; but since in letting you go, I should utterly extinguish all my hopes; and since I have a rival at our Gates, whose advantages would establish themselves upon my ruin, Think it not strange, if I defend you against him, and if by all manner of Reasons, I endeavour to make you understand the difference there is between a barbarous Prince, and the chief of Alexander's Successors. Perdiccas held his peace at these words, and the Queen, who had harkened to him with impatience, replied very tartly. Think not Perdiccas, that I find any change in my condition, either by this new order you have taken in settling my House, or by that safety you promise me from Roxana; since my last losses I have so little cared for this state, you cause me to be served with, or for this life you assure me of, That I can find but a very mean consolation in either; nor do I rejoice for the death of so many men, whom you have made to lose their lives in too injust a quarrel: And though I see the justice of the gods in your all success, I could wish nevertheless, they would be contented with a smaller reparation for your faults, and that they would restore me the liberty, which you unworthily have robbed me of, and which you unjustly refuse me, by less cruel, and less bloody means. That affection you bear me, discovers itself by very disobliging signs, and that barbarian Prince, whom you reproach me with, and who now fights my quarrel, hath expressed his to me, by effects very contrary to yours; and by actions, which without doubt, may equal him with any of Alexander's Successors; Yet did I shun the sight of him, both before, and since the death of the King, my Husband: And if by that sacred memory, I have conquered the inclination, which I shall have for him, while I live, and the remembrance of the Obligations I have to him, Judge, what you ought to hope for from me, you, for whom I have no inclination, and to whom I am not at all obliged. I hope (replied Perdiccas) that by my perseverance in loving you, I shall overcome yours in hating me; and that by rendering you, in all the testimonies of your hatred, the same services, which that more happy rival, did in the proofs of your affection, you will find the difference there is between his passion and mine. It is a small matter for a man beloved, and for a man favoured by Queen Statira, to continue constant in his love, and to be for ever faithful to her; but in the disdain, and in the ill usage I receive from you, Fidelity is a great deal more considerable, then in a condition, that were able to keep the most insensible persons firm unto your service: Perhaps, if you had made such a trial of this Oroondates, so worthy of your inclination, you would have lost some part of it, and would soon have thought yourself disengaged of those Obligations, that tie you to him, to the prejudice of the passion I have to serve you. I know not (answered the Queen, with a very serious countenance) who can have instructed you so well in my Affairs; but whatsoever hath been told you of the affection I bore to Oroondates, it is too great a glory to me ever to disown it, while I live. I repent myself of nothing (continued the Queen, with a sigh) but that I loved him not enough; that's all my crime: And if I had not been deceived by the cunning practices of her, who hath given you this information, I was enough indebted to that great Prince, to have preferred my grave, before the honour I received, to be the Wife of Alexander the Great: Yet Oroondates as great, and as worthy to be loved, as he is, hath not begot any design in me, to give myself again to a man, after having been married to the greatest of all men. In short, The Widow of Alexander shall neither be for Oroondates, nor for Perdiccas; but if she were to be for any body, it should be for Oroondates, not only rather then Perdiccas, but rather than all the rest of mankind; though the gods should raise up another, a thousand times more great than Alexander. I hope (added Perdiccas briskly) that if you are not for me, you shall not be for Oroondates; I will defend you against him, with forces that shall not be inferior to his; and if the gods have so decreed that his genius must be above mine, he shall never open his passage to you, till he have laid me dead at the bottom of our Walls. After this discourse, Perdiccas had some talk with the Queen, while Alcetas entertained the Princess Parisatis, upon the same subject, and drew just as much satisfaction as his Brother had done: That brave spirited Princess used him always with so much sharpness and disdain, That if he were not of a very mild and patient nature, he would have fallen into some expressions of anger, and particularly that day; for when Alcetas reproached her, that for all the severity she feigned since Hephestion's death, she had not been insensible of the love of Lysimachus. ay, for my justification (replied the Princess) may call all the Earth to witness, what I have done in favour of Lysimachus, both before, and since the death of Hephestion; but if I had really given my affection to the knowledge of his virtue, and to the remembrance of his services, I were as much excusable, as I should be little, if I should cast my eyes upon Alcetas. I know not what Alcetas answered, because Perdiccas went then out of the Chamber; and he that gave me this account of their conversation, went out with him. From thence Perdiccas went directly to visit Queen Roxana, whom he found retired from all Company, entertaining herself in an Arbour of the Garden, with no body but Hesione; Perdiccas out of respect, came in alone, and the Queen seeing him enter, rose to meet him, and gave him the best reception he could wish. After the first terms of civility, Perdiccas began to thank her, for the force she had used in favour of him, upon her first intentions, and for her complying with his passion; and then he protested to her, That he desired nothing so earnestly, as some occasion, to let her see how sensible he was of those last effects of her goodness. While he was making these protestations, the Queen having prayed him to sit down by her, gave ear without interruption; and when he had done speaking, she, who during his discourse, had had time to confirm herself in the resolution she had taken, looking upon him with an action accompanied with some shame, and some uncertainty: May I have a perfect confidence, Perdiccas (said she) in the Protestations you make me? And may I, upon that hope, make you a confession, whereby, I put both my quiet and my reputation into your hands? You may Madam, with all manner of securirity, answered Perdiccas; and then he confirmed his promises by Oaths, which begot a full assurance in the Queen. I will make no difficulty then (replied she) to trust you absolutely, and to own a thing to you, which I shall not be able to do without blushing: But, Perdiccas, since you have weaknesses yourself, which you have confessed to me, Why should not I confess mine to you? and why should I not hope for some indulgence from you toward them, and even for your assistance, if it be necessary? In brief, Perdiccas (said she, putting her hand before her face) if this Declaration may be permitted from the Widow of Alexander, I love as well as you, I love with an affection, borne many years ago, but with an affection which never injured that which I owed unto the King, my Husband, and which revived again since his death; but not without a violence, which I have not been able to resist; neither the multiplicity of my Affairs, nor the care of my Fortune, have been able to banish a dear remembrance out of my heart, no more than you out of yours; and Queen Statira is not more deeply settled in your thoughts, than Prince Oroondates is in mine. Perdiccas was surprised at this discovery, and looking upon the Queen, with much astonishment: How, Madam (said he) do you love the Prince of Scythia? I love him (answered Roxana) with so strong an affection, that it takes away my repose, and perhaps will also take away my life. Ah! Madam (added Perdiccas, raising his voice) cease to love Oroondates, he must die to secure me the possession of Statira. Statira must die then (replied Roxana) to secure me the possession of Oroondates. They both were mute at these first words, and looked upon one another a good while without speaking; but the Queen breaking silence first, You have no more reason (pursued she) to demand the death of Oroondates, than I have to procure that of Statira; nay, I have more; For whereas Oroondates is only your rival, Statira is both my rival, and my competitor in Empire; and I have no less cause than you, to desire the ruin of the one, and the preservation of the other. If you can give me Oroondates, the obtaining of Statira will be much more easy for you, then if he remain still constant to her; and if I can assist you toward the conquest of Statira, that of Oroondates will not be so difficult, as it now is, in the continuation of his hopes. Instead of destroying one another, let us labour mutually to content one another, and let us join the Interests of our love, as we have already done those of our Fortune. Perdiccas, who had flown out at the beginning of the Queen's discourse, found so much Reason in the rest of it, that he could not possibly disapprove it; and also considering how much easier it was for him to follow the way the Queen proposed, then to execute the resolution of kill Oroondates, he had nothing more to argue against her; and desiring to let her see how he was overcome, You are all powerful, Madam (said he) and they that could resist your will, were unworthy of the honour I receive from you: I will not say a word, to argue against that passion you have imparted to me, but will only serve you in it with all the fidelity, you can desire from a man infinitely obliged; both by offers full of goodness, and by a trust which I have not deserved. Yes Madam, I shall be but too proud to join my Interests with yours, and how much soever I hate Oroondates, as the lover of Statira, he shall be considerable to me, as being beloved of Queen Roxana. They had talked longer, if they had not been interrupted by a man, whose sight struck them into a great deal of confusion. It was the amorous Cassander, who as he was seeking the Queen in the Garden, had come to the Arbour, while they were deepest in discourse; and through the Boughs that grew about it, that jealous lover had overheard the greatest part of their conversation; Although some of the Queen's Servants who were waiting at a distance, saw him stand harkening on that manner, The Authority he had, and their knowledge of his humour, hindered them from troubling him; so that from Roxana's own mouth he heard, but to plainly for his repose, how she was in love with Prince Oroondates. Never did the anger of a man rise to a greater extremity, then that of Cassander's, after this cruel knowledge; it was so violent, that it made him lose all the discretion he had left, and the remembrance of the Authority of those two persons, was not able to make him dissemble it for a minute. He came into the Arbour with a very troubled action, and with so wild a look, that Roxana easily read the truth of that adventure in it: He was so far transported, That he scarce bethought himself to pay the Queen any salute; but beholding her with eyes sparkling with anger, It was not the memory of Alexander then (said he) but the love of Oroondates, that made you an enemy to Cassander; and you feel that passion for a Scythian, and for a Scythian that disdains you, which you could not suffer for a Prince of Macedon. Was this that greatness of courage, Madam, and that brave remembrance of an Illustrious Husband, which made you receive the testimonies of my Affection as mortal injuries: And while the unfortunate Cassander sighs in vain for you, do you sigh for a Scythian, who is an enemy to your party, and your particular enemy? The vehemence of his anger hindered him from saying more, and Roxana was so abashed, that she had so discovered herself, and given those advantages to him, for whom of all the men in the World, she had the least inclination, That she neither knew how to reply, nor with what countenance to look upon him: At last, she recollected her courage, and considering, that in the condition of her Affairs, dissimulation was no longer seasonable; she looked confidently upon him, and resolving to show that her resentments were not less than his; Your indiscretion (answered she) hath been punished, as it deserved to be; and if you had not been so bold, as to hearken to my secret discourses, you had not learned this truth, at which you appear to be so angry; whether I love, or love not, you are he, who of all men living, hath least Interest in it: The Scythian you speak of with so much contempt, is worthy the affection of the greatest Princesses upon Earth, and you deserve the aversion of all the World: You cannot make any comparison with him, without doing him wrong, nor believe that though I should cease to love him, I should also cease to hate and to despise you. You will cease to love him (replied furious Cassander) when he shall cease to live; and the designs you have now made in his Favour, shall not hinder me from carrying death to him, into the midst of all his Army. If you can but use poison for that purpose (answered the Queen in the extremity of her choler) I do not doubt but you may effect it; but I am sure you never can revenge yourself of him by open War; and you are not so ignorant of his force, as to dare to attempt it in the Field; there would need a whole Squadron of such men as you, to kill Prince Oroondates; nor do I think that you have so much courage, but that you tremble even at his very name, though you are within the shelter of our Walls. Cassander was so transported at these offensive words, that without doubt he was going to reply in terms, that would have driven her to extremities, if Perdiccas had not hindered him: Although he disapproved Cassander's carriage, yet was he his friend, he knew he was very much obliged to him; and moreover, he considered the credit his Brother and he had, in Macedonia and in Babylon: These Reasons kept him from declaring against him, and not being willing to suffer matters to pass further between him and Roxana, You are too violent (said he) Cassander, and it is by ways quite contrary to these you practise, that you ought to gain the Queen's affections. Come, let us withdraw from her presence (continued he embracing him, and carrying him out of the Arbour, almost by force) and consider in another manner what you owe to the Wife of Alexander. With these words he pulled him away quite blinded with rage; but he could not make him forbear, as he went, to pour forth a thousand reproaches against the Queen, and a thousand threats against the life of Oroondates. Perdiccas' got him out of the Garden, with much ado, and presently after came back to the Queen, whom he found highly exasperated, and infinitely confounded, for having imprudently discovered the secret of her love to Cassander, which she would not have confessed but to Perdiccas: Yet Perdiccas pacified her a little, by putting her in mind, That she could not hope for any satisfaction in that business, without giving further knowledge of it to the World; and that though Cassander had not learned it by that means, he could not have been much longer ignorant of it. He prayed her also to pardon his hastiness, and the violence of his passion; for though both Cassander's love, and his person, were odious to her, it was best to dissemble her indignation, and not to come to extremities against him, so long as she had need of his assistance. The Queen promised him part of what he desired; but she would not give him any hope, That she would show any kind of favour to a man, whom she with a great deal of appearance suspected for the death of the King, her Husband. From this discourse they fell into that of the resolutions they should take in matters of the War; and after they had talked a while upon that subject, they determined to send one into your Army, to stay some days unknown amongst your men, and bring them intelligence of what passed, both in the Camp, and among the Princes: When they had spent some time in bethinking themselves, whom they should employ, they cast their eyes upon me; as well, because of my readiness in speaking several Languages, and of my being versed among most of those Nations, your Army is composed of; as out of a belief the Queen had, That I would bring her some particular news of Prince Oroondates; yet was she not ignorant of the hazard I ran, of being taken by some of his men, to whom my face was known; but she believed I had cunning enough to avoid their knowledge, or rather (as it is the custom of all great persons) she little considered the danger of a man, provided, she might draw any service from it. I was presently sent for, and the Queen and Perdiccas, having proposed the business they desired I should serve them in, I offered readily enough to undertake it; they instructed me punctually in my Commission, and the Queen commanded me very earnestly to learn something of Oroondates, if it were possible. Why should I trouble you longer, with a discourse of small importance? I came that very day out of the Town, the passages from thence being free, by reason that the Outworks than were ours; and after I had made a little circuit, I went into Craterus his quarter, and lay that night among the Cilicians, my Countrymen, with whom I quickly made acquaintance; and the next morning, which was yesterday, I walked about all the Camp, while part of your men were busy in assaulting our Outworks; I observed the order of your Encamping, the number of your Forces, and the manner of your Guards; but by the loss of our Outworks, I no more had free entrance into the City, as before; yet did I not despair of getting in one way or other: But before I returned, I was desirous to do something in discharge of the Queen's Command, and while I sought means to see Prince Oroondates, without being seen by him, or any of his that could discover me, or at least, to learn something concerning him, that I might carry back to the Queen: My walking hereabout, begot suspicion in those that took notice of it, and made me fall into this danger, wherein I should certainly have perished, for a punishment of many crimes together, if my destiny had not depended upon the greatest and most generous Prince that ever was.  
¶ Arbates made an end of his Relation thus, and casting down his eyes, expected the confirmation of that Pardon that had been granted him; but Ptolomeus not having learned so much by his discourse, as he desired; Tell us (said he) the order of the City Guards, and what number of Soldiers there is in the Town. Besides the Inhabitants (replied Arbates) who most of them bear Arms, there are yet Fifteen or sixteen thousand Soldiers: Alcetas commands that quarter that is opposite to Craterus his post, where he makes Two thousand men go upon the Guard every night, which are relieved every Four and twenty hours: Andiagoras hath the same charge, over against that side where Prince Oxyartes lies, with the same order, and the same number of men; and Antigenes defends those parts towards Artabasus, being there is no more of the Town besieged, but what stands on this side of the River, the greatest force of the Garrison is quartered there; and on the other side, the Guards are very weak, but they intent to strengthen them, as soon as you go about to pass the River. The Town is provided with Victual for four Months, and is in a condition to defend itself till relief come, which they have sent to demand on every side.  
The Princes had some other Questions to ask Arbates, but Oroondates who could not see him, without feeling too sensible renewings of his grief, having till then, endured his presence and his discourse, reasonable patiently. For God's sake (said he to his Companions) dismiss this Fellow, and never expect a true Answer to your Demands, from a man that hath so little Fidelity in him. Go, (continued he, turning toward Arbates) Go back again to Roxana, Perdiccas, and Cassander, thy Illustrious Masters, and my generous Enemies: And since I, by thy mouth, am informed of their designs and threats; let them also hear from the same Mouth, what effect that knowledge hath wrought upon me; Tell Roxana, she hath now too little virtue to make a man in love with her, who did not so much as value her, when she was more innocent; and that the remembrance of her old perfidiousness, and that of her last cruelties, is too deeply engraven in my mind, to leave me other thoughts of her, than those of horror and detestation. Tell Perdiccas, That I neither can endure him as a Friend, nor fear him as an Enemy; that I equally regard his designs against the life of his rival, and his considerations of a Prince, beloved of Roxana; and that if he will deserve Cassandra, he must become more virtuous than he is, and dispute her against me, with more valour, than he hath done hitherto. And tell Cassander, That I willingly yield to him in his pretensions to Roxana; and that I would do him service, if I could possibly, in his design, upon a person worthy of him; That I will not fight with him upon that quarrel, but in the intention I have to serve these Princes, who prosecute him as the poysner of his King. I will make him know, if I meet him in the field, That to take away the life of Oroondates, is no easy enterprise for such a man as Cassander, I give thee no Message to my Princess, for I know thou wouldst perform it with thy usual Fidelity; but if thou hast the honour, and hast yet the face to appear in her presence, I give thee leave to tell her, and the Princess her Sister also, That by the valour of the Prince, their Brother, and that of so many other gallant Princes, as have united themselves for their Interests, Lysimachus and I, hope to see them free ere long, from the persecutions of their Enemies; and in a condition, to punish those cruel persons that have used them so unworthily. After these words, Oroondates could no longer suffer Arbates to stay in his Chamber, but commanded Araxes to make him be safely conducted back to the Gates of the City.   
The End of the First Book.   

THE FIFTH AND LAST PART OF CASSANDRA. The Second BOOK.  
ASsoon as Arbates was gone, and that the Prince of Scythia was resettled from those troubles which the sight of that man had caused in him, all the Princes went together to see Seleucus, and his Companions; Ptolomeus himself, who till then had been his particular enemy, and who had had differences with him, which probably might have dispensed with him for that visit; had so much complacency for his Friends, as to accompany them in it, and so much generosity, as to forget his old quarrel, while Seleucus was not in case to decide it. Seleucus, whose heart was no less great, then his, received that civility with a like magnanimity; and after having rendered what was due from him, to the other Princes, choosing out Ptolomeus amongst them; and putting forth his hand to him, with a countenance that had nothing of an Enemy: You surprise me not (said he) by this effect of your virtue, for I never doubted, but that you were as generous in showing kindness to your Enemies, when they are conquered, wounded, and prisoners, as I have known you valiant in fight with them, while they were in a condition to resist you. The enmity that was between us (replied Ptolomeus) could not exempt me from what all the World owes to your virtue, and what effects soever it hath produced between us for the time past, the consideration of it, aught to yield to the knowledge I have of you. It shall yield itself (answered Seleucus) to this last effect of your generosity, and I hope you will cease to be my Enemy, since I neither can nor will be any longer yours. All the Princes, and particularly Artaxerxes reaped a great satisfaction by Seleucus his words, and Ptolomeus, who desired to receive them handsomely; I find too many advantages (said he) in our reconciliation to accept of it otherwise then as one of my happiest fortunes, and will not only cease to be your Enemy, but in giving you my Friendship entirely, beseech you to restore me all that you honoured me with heretofore. At these words he came close to him, and Seleucus welcoming him with a great deal of joy, those two brave men embraced one another often with much contentment, to all that were present at their reconcilement. After this action, and some other discourses, the Princes went into the Chamber of Nearchus and Leonatus, who would needs be together, they had a conversation with them full of civility; and having proposed the design of Seleucus, touching their exchange, and that of all the prisoners; for the Princesses, they found them very ready to employ all the credit they had with Perdiccas, to that effect.  
When they were returned into Seleucus his Chamber, they began the discourse of that accommodation, although they still excepted him from the number of prisoners; and that they not only offered him his liberty, but with it all manner of Authority, he could desire amongst them. Seleucus, who wished their satisfaction, much more than his own liberty, received their Proposition with a great deal of joy, and prayed them to give him leave to send a man that very day to Perdiccas, with a Letter from him and his Companions. The Princes took him at his word, and calling Araxes to his Bedside, to serve him for a Secretary, because he was not yet able to write with his own hand, Seleucus dictated these words, which he knew his Companions would approve of.  
SELEUCUS, LEONATUS, and NEARCHUS, To PERDICCAS.  
IT is no light effect of Friendship and Virtue, to conquer ones own most violent Passions for their sake; neither durst Friendship alone demand it of you, if Virtue did not join with her, or if we could consider you as our Friend, without looking upon you as virtuous: We are Prisoners to your Enemies, but they disguise our imprisonment so well by their Noble usage of us, that we cannot know it, but by your absence; nor desire liberty, but to recover with it, the occasions of doing you service. Your Enemies have been so generous, as to offer it us, but it is from you alone, that we will, or that we can handsomely receive it: If you love Seleucus, Nearchus, and Leonatus, and if you make any account of the deliverance of Eight thousand of your men, which are in your Enemy's power, you will make no difficulty of recovering them by the exchange of two persons: In short Perdiccas, it is Queen Statira, and the Princess her Sister, whom they demand of you, for the ransom of your best Friends, We have ever held that rank, and give you to day the utmost proofs, you can desire of it; We to any other, but Perdiccas, should represent the hazards, to which we have exposed our lives for his Interests, the loss of our men, and the wounds, wherewith we still are kept in Bed; But he is too grateful, and too generous, to stand in need of being put in remembrance, or of being solicited for an action, to which he is yet more powerfully obliged by his Virtue, then by our consideration. Those Illustrious Princesses, whom you detain, are of too high a condition not to have liberty at least, after those greatnesses they so justly have possessed, as you are too much indebted to the memory of Alexander the Great, to go about to obtain that of the Queen his Wife by violence, which he himself in so absolute an Authority, as that he had, never sought for from her, but by ways of submission. We hope Perdiccas, that out of your love to them, and to yourself, you will open your eyes to the Counsel of your Friends, and pardon the freedom they take to give it you; much less for their consideration, then for your own.  
This Letter was approved of by the Princes, who thought it worthy of a frank and generous spirit, like that of Seleucus; and after he had signed it, and had sent it to his Companions to do the same, the Princes sent for Cleonimus, upon whom they had cast their eyes for that deputation; he had an understanding capable of all manner of Commissions, a great deal of Eloquence to persuade what he desired, and much courage to overcome all the difficulties, and all the dangers, he might meet with in that employment: They in a few words, for he was apprehensive enough, not to need any long discourse, gave him all the instruction that was necessary. Oroondates and Lysimachus could have been glad to have sent Letters by him to their Princesses; but they easily judged, that Perdiccas would not give him permission to see them, and they intended not to ask him. Cleonimus very well pleased, that he had found an occasion to serve those gallant Princes, to whom he had so much devoted himself, after he had protested, That he would faithfully perform the Commission they had given him, took his leave of them, and getting on Horseback, advanced toward the Gates of his Native City; which, the remembrance of former times, and of the deplorable death of his dear Theander, would not suffer him to behold without tears. In the interim, the Princes were gone out of Seleucus his Tent, and were thinking to go wait upon the Princess Berenice; when they heard, that she with Deidamia and Cleone, was gone to visit Apamia and Arsinoe, who were with Prince Artabasus, their Father. Although his Quarter was a good way off, the Princes took that walk without unwillingness; and Arsaces thought all ways ease, that led him to his Princess: They found very good company with that venerable old man, but it was increased presently after, by one of the most welcome additions, it could have received. Scarce had they begun to fall into discourse, when there was seen coming toward the Tent, a Chariot drawn by ten white Horses, guarded by certain Horsemen, and followed by a good number of servants. The equipage showing the quality of the person, to whom it appertained, caused those that were most curious, and least employed, as Oroondates, Lysimachus, and Ptolomeus, to break off their Conversation, and go toward the door of the Tent; whither they were no sooner come, but they saw the Chariot stop there full of Ladies; and Prince Oroondates advancing first to help them to alight, and offering his hand to her, that appeared the chief, knew her to be his good and generous friend, the fair Princess Barsina: But, once in his whole life, had that Prince been touched with a more pleasing surprise; and hardly had he given greater testimonies of it, when from the mouth of Perdiccas he had heard, that his Princess was alive. Of all the persons in the World, only Statira, and Artaxerxes, had any advantage over Barsina in his affection; and the Princess Berenice, did but hardly possess an equal place, to that of hers, in his friendship; neither could he see her, without an extraordinary tenderness, nor without melting into tears, which his Affection, his Joy, and very moving Remembrances drew from his eyes, at that fortunate meeting. Barsina, to whom, by a good will, whereof the virtue of them both had made the strongest engagements, that Prince was dearer, than all the rest of mankind, seemed no less touched, nor less transported, than he, at that encounter; and when she saw herself in his Arms, she made no difficulty to press him between hers, and feared not to offend her modesty, by giving him testimonies of an Affection, not inferior to his. Honoured Barsina (said the Prince) my Protectress, and my Tutelary deity, Are you come to take away the remainder of my Afflictions, by your presence, and to bring me a Fortune again, whereof your goodness hath ever made one of the chiefest parts? Ah! without doubt (continued he, beginning his endearments afresh, which she could not oppose) without doubt, this felicity was to forerun the last I now can hope for; and the gods, after having preserved my Princess, and regiven me my dear Artaxerxes, have thought it necessary to restore me Barsina also; without whom, I could not relish any perfect happiness. He brought forth these words with interruption, and Barsina, after having a while given place to their impetuousness; Sir, (said she at last) The gods bring me to you again, that I may share in those blessings, they have restored you, and in those felicities, they are preparing for you; They know that I am too much interessed in your Fortune, to be separated from it; and they should do me an injustice, if in those good successes, that wait for you, and in those, that have already befallen you, they should not give me as great a part, as I have had in your afflictions. They had gone further into that discourse, if the throng of those, who at the name of Barsina, were run out of the Tent, had not taken them off, and if, as ardent as Oroondates was, he had not been constrained to yield her for a while to those other friends; Her two dear Sisters, Apamia and Arsinoe; her two Illustrious Brothers-in-law, Ptolomeus and Eumenes; and even her Father himself, whose affection had given him a nimbleness to go out to meet her, demanded to possess her in their turns, but all were fain to leave her to Prince Artaxerxes; and Barsina no sooner saw him appear, but getting loose from the Arms of all, she ran to him with an action, that made the company know what love, and what veneration she bore to the remnants of the Blood of Darius. O my Lord! (said she, casting herself into his Arms, which he stretched forth to her) O my Lord! Is it possible, that Barsina should yet be so happy, as to receive the favour of her revived Prince; and of a Prince, to whose death she had given so many tears? Artaxerxes, who dearly loved, and particularly esteemed her, appeared sensible of her Affection, by all the signs he could express of his. I was alive, dear Cousin, (answered he) while you believed, that I was dead, as peradventure I ought to have been; but if my life have something of shameful in it, after the death of my Friends, behold my excuse, Cousin, and pardon my being alive, by considering for whom I have lived. He said these words, showing her the Princess Berenice, whom Oroondates was bringing toward her; and who being informed of the virtues of that Princess, and of the good offices she had done her Brother, ran to her with a spirit of acknowledgement and esteem. Barsina, who already had learned some part of the truth, knew her by many marks, but more than all the rest, by that admirable beauty, which the whole World could hardly parallel; And advancing to her, with an action full of astonishment and submission, would have kissed her Hands with great respect; but the Princess pulled them back, to present her Mouth, and to let her see, That in the esteem and affection she already had conceived toward her, she desired a greater equality in their salutations.  
After a familiarity, very different from that of a first interview, Barsina looking still upon Berenice with admiration, O most worthy Sister (said she) of such a Brother, as Oroondates, and most worthy cause of the life and passions of Prince Artaxerxes! How easy are you to be known, among whatsoever of great and beautiful our eyes can see, and how infinitely is Barsina satisfied, that she now can pay her homage to the worthy Mistress, and worthy Sister of the greatest Princes in the World! The Princess out of countenance at so obliging a discourse, replied with a great deal of modesty; Madam, I shall be extremely glad, if to add to these happinesses, which I have not merited, I may also be worthy of your Friendship; since besides the desire your sight hath produced in me, the report of your goodness had already absolutely gained me, and that among those persons, who are tied to Oroondates by blood or friendship; my affection to you took birth, before I had the honour to know you. After the sefirst civilities, Berenice permitted Barsina to salute the Princess Deidamia, in whose quality she presently was instructed, and after her, the faithful Cleone, whose sight wakened in her the remembrance of her Mistress, with a great sense of her misfortunes. Prince Oxyartes, who chanced also to be with Artabasus, and Prince Lysimachus saluted her after the rest; but in Oxyartes his countenance, Oroondates observed alterations, that were not ordinary, and believed him either to be indisposed, or else particularly interessed in the arrival of that Princess. Assoon as that fair company was entered again into the Tent, some of the persons it was composed of, made their complaints to Barsina of her long abode at Susa, and of the little care she had taken, to give them the contentment, that was then occasioned by her presence. She was desirous to justify herself in that particular, and for that purpose, after she had a while given ear to their reproaches, I am not so faulty, as you believe (answered she) and I hope you will pardon me a stay, which hath been a greater punishment to me, then to any body else. The sickness, Prince Oroondates had at my house, hindered me from waiting upon the Queens, as you certainly have heard; and I was obliged to render that great Prince in my own house, a part of that, which all the World owed to his virtue, and his person: After his recovery and departure, I was preparing to leave Susa within a few days; but scarce had I given order in some affairs, which it was necessary I should provide for, before my journey, when I received news of the King's death, and of the troubles, that were sprung up among his Successors. Within a little after, I heard of the death of our great Princesses, and of the good Queen Sysigambis; and without particularising my lamentations, I will only tell you, that my sorrow was like to have brought me to my grave. When I was able to overcome that grief a little, which had kept me many days in Bed, I bethought myself of taking a retreat, either with my Father, or my Sisters, whom the authority of their Husbands, made considerable among the Successors of Alexander; but I found great difficulties on every side: Artabasus was in Bactria, and to go into that Province, I had others to cross thorough, the passages whereof were very dangerous for a Woman; and my Sisters were at Babylon, where all matters were then in a strange combustion, and where every thing tended to War, Disorder, and Confusion; so that believing I could not then find a more quiet abode than Susa, I resolved not to stir from thence, till I had learned more particular news of my Sisters, and their Husbands: This was it that stayed me there, notwithstanding the impatience I had to see them again; and afterwards, when I heard that all my Friends were met together in this party, and that with a puissant Army they were fight near Babylon, for the revenge of the Princesses, my desire to come hither to them was retarded by a sickness, which kept me long in Bed, and which would not suffer me to take the journey, till very few days ago. Before I departed from Susa, I had heard the success of your former battle; the news of this last, met me upon the way, and yesternight at Laris, where I lay, some persons belonging to the Army, told me, How those great Princesses, whom all the World had thought dead, were still alive, and in Babylon; how Prince Oroondates was amongst you, with the Princess Berenice, his Sister, his Combats with Arsaces; and, which surprised me most of all, how that valiant Warrior was known to be Prince Artaxerxes, whose loss we had so much bewailed, and whom we had with so much appearance, believed dead for many years. I tell you not the effect this news produced in me, I was almost out of my wits for joy, and never was transported with so violent a desire, as that of seeing those dear persons again, who had made me shed so many tears. Ah! my dear Barsina (said Prince Oroondates) How welcome would your sight, and your consolations have been to me, in the miseries I have endured since our separation; and in how much a more deplorable condition, should you have seen me, then that which heretofore made me the object of your compassion. I should have suffered with you in it, (replied Barsina) as I have formerly done, and as I will do, while I live, in whatsoever shall concern you; but I praise the gods, for seeing you now in a different estate, from that which hath made me sigh so often, for your discontents: You have now neither Duty, nor Husband, nor rival to fight against, which both in the Queen's opinion, and in truth, is not infinitely below you; and though your Fortune be not yet complete, I see so happy a progress towards it, That your impatiency alone, will henceforth be the greatest of your sufferings. From this discourse the whole company fell into a conversation, which lasted the better part of the day; and Prince Oroondates, who by a just acknowledgement, took the greatest interest in Barsina 's coming, knowing her curiosity promised her the particular recital of all, that had befallen him, since their parting, and that of the life of Prince Artaxerxes.  
The arrival of Barsina, had so taken up the company, that it had not allowed them time to talk of Cleonimus his deputation; and yet they, that were most concerned in it, ceased not to wait for the event thereof with much impatiency; but the knowledge they had of the humour and passion of Perdiccas, made them fear the success of it: This disquiet was observed in the faces of Oroondates and Lysimachus, and they began already to impart it to their Friends, when they saw Cleonimus arrive: His return surprised them, being more sudden than they expected, and Oroondates, who was most eager to learn the effect of his negotiation, no sooner saw him come in, but rising from his seat, he ran to meet him. Well, Cleonimus (cried he) will they restore us our Princesses? Sir, (answered Cleonimus) they will not be so easily obtained, nor can I hope they will return into your hands, without more effusion of blood. Then we will shed more, (added the impatient Lysimachus) and indeed, we have not yet poured forth enough for reparation of the offence, that have been committed against them. I ever doubted (said the sad Prince of Scythia) that so great a happiness could not be purchased at so cheap a rate; and that those wicked men were too guilty, and too much hated of the gods, to put any other period to their crimes, but that of their lives. It is their life then (went he on) it is their life, rather than our Princesses, that we must have; and Lysimachus and I cannot appease the incensed gods, but by such victim, as Perdiccas and Alcetas. After these word, he turned toward Cleonimus, of whom Prince Artaxerxes demanded the circumstances of his Commission, and he gave him an account of it in these terms. Sir (said he) when I came near the Gates of the City, I sent a Trumpet before, whom I had taken with me, to give them, that were upon the Guard, notice, how I was sent to Perdiccas, by Seleucus and his Companions; and after having stayed a while for their Answer, they came and took me, and without further ceremony, carried me to Perdiccas, who then was in his Closet, with his Brother, and some other of his Friends. The name of Seleucus obliged him to look kindly on me, and coming forward with a civil action; What do my dearest Friends desire of me? (said he) And what service can I do them, that may in part requite the imprisonment, and the wounds they suffer for my Interests? Sir (answered I) you shall see their desires in this Letter, and I have charge from the Princes, to give you all manner of assurances, for the execution of what your friends demand. Perdiccas, without replying, took the Letter, and having opened it, his Brother and he read it both together; which while they were doing, they both changed colour, and made me conjecture by their action, That they were little disposed to give ear to the Propositions of their Friends; they kept silence a while, looking upon one another, and in the end, Perdiccas breaking it first; Ah! Seleucus (cried he) I should never have expected this usage from you; and if it be true, That you are the best of my Friends, my life should have been dearer to you, than it is: You are certain, that without losing it, I cannot abandon Statira; and I had trusted you sufficiently with my passion, to let you know the injustice of what you demand of me. Alcetas spoke something almost to the same effect, and then they both walked up and down a little, without saying a word; at last, Perdiccas began again. Why should our Friends (said he) reduce us to the necessity of a refusal, which they could not but foresee; and if they desired some very difficult proof of our Friendship, why did they not ask our Blood, and not our Princesses? Do they believe, their Friendship ought to carry it above our Passion? And that we can forsake Statira and Parisatis, because we are Friends to Seleucus and Leonatus? Ah! without doubt, if they had loved us, they would have sought for any other accommodation with our Enemies, than this cruel exchange, to which we cannot consent. After these words, the two Brothers having talked softly a while together, commanded me to go out into the next room, and to stay for the answer, they meant to return to Seleucus and his Companions. I obeyed them, and after I walked an hour, with those that had guarded me thither, I saw them come with the answer, I waited for; and Perdiccas having given me the Letter himself, Go (said he) and tell Seleucus, that I will restore him his liberty by other ways, than those he proposes to me; and that it is rather by killing his Enemies, then by doing them service, that I must deliver him out of their hands. That is not the easiest means to procure their liberty (replied I) and if they have no other way to obtain it, they are in danger to continue prisoners a great while. I had said more, by the right of Nations, which permitted me to speak, if Perdiccas had not commanded I should be carried back, without letting me stay any longer in the City. I came out in the same order, as had been observed at my going in; and presently being returned to your Tents, and not having found you there, I went to that of Seleucus, where I had left you, I delivered him Perdiccas his Letter, and the account of my fruitless negotiation: He flew out into anger at that recital, and at the reading of the Letter; and after having inveighed against the ingratitude of Perdiccas, in terms very full of resentment, He gave me back the Letter, and commanded me to bring it to you. Cleonimus then presented it to the Princes, and Arsaces' taking it, read these words aloud to his Companions.  
PERDICCAS To Seleucus, Leonatus, and Nearchus.  
IT is not to prevent the Complaints you will make against me, that I complain first of your want of Friendship; and you will know by your own Consciences, rather than by my words, That you ought to have sought for your Liberty, by ways that had been less fatal to me: If you were more ignorant of my Passion, and knew not that it is for it alone, I have suffered so many thousand men to perish; and that in fine, it is upon it, that all this War is grounded, you would be more excusable for the Proposition, you make to me; But after my having avowed it to Seleucus, and after the bloody proofs of it, yourselves have received, you cannot desire the effect of your demand, but that with inhumanity you must desire the death of Perdiccas. I would it pleased the gods, my cruel Friends, That you had asked the better part of my Blood, and that you had asked me all my Fortune, leaving me nothing but that Princess, for whom I quit you all the rest. Alcetas makes the same complaint of you; and in short, if you are prisoners, you can no longer be ignorant, but that we are so, as well as you, and prisoners to Enemies less compassionate, then yours. If the counsel you give me, does less consider your own Interests, than what I owe to Honour and Virtue, in my want of power to follow it, you will find my justification toward you, and will not think it strange, that I commit some fault against you, by that violence, which makes me fail against Honour and Virtue. It is not, (my credulous Friends) but that with my death, I also meet my shame in the Propositions, you make to me; and consider, that I cannot now without baseness do that, which I should have done (if I had been able) before the death of Two hundred thousand men, who have been slain for my quarrel, and who would yet have been living; if to spare their Blood, and to preserve their lives, I had done, what you would have me do, to free you out of an imprisonment, which by your own confession, you find very easy and supportable. The good usage you receive, ought not to have banished a more ancient Friendship out of your remembrance; and you might have acknowledged the civilities of our Enemies, without seeking their repose, and their advantage by the ruin, and by the destruction of your Friends. After having done so much for us, you should not have changed your inclinations in favour of them, and you should have demanded your Liberty of me, by the same ways, that took it from you; also will I regain it you with the price of my Blood, and with a powerful relief, which we expect; you shall quickly see me in the Field, carrying death for your ransom to your Enemies. This is all, that in the want of power, my passion hath reduced me to, both you and they can now hope for from Perdiccas.  
I would it pleased the gods! (cried Prince Oroondates at the end of this Letter) I would it pleased the gods, Perdiccas! That the fear of thy threatenings were my most sensible affliction, and that these Enemies, to whom thou boasts of bringing death into their Camp, had nothing else to apprehend, but the effects of thy courage. Ah! how little should I fear that valour, which I have tried already, if thou hadst not more potent forces to combat against me; and if thou knewest not, cruel Enemy, and ingrateful Friend, That without drawing Sword, thou hast the better part of my life within thy power. To these words, Lysimachus added others full of threats, but being neither of them had conceived any other, then very faint hopes of that proposal, they were the sooner comforted, and found ease in their discontents, by the hope they had to bring their Enemies quickly to more reasonable terms. The night already drawing on, they went all together from Artabasus his quarter; but Oroondates, who could not leave Barsina, and who found a marvellous consolation in her company, made the Princess Berenice entreat her so earnestly to lodge with her, that she knew not how to refuse it; and leaving her two Sisters, with her wounded Brothers, whom she had been to see, and whose hurts were then reasonably well recovered; she took Prince Oroondates his hand, and went along with that good company. Before they parted, they all together went to the Tent of Seleucus and his Companions, and the Princes were desirous to honour them with the visit of those great Princesses, who at their requests consented to it very willingly. Seleucus, who at that time was mortally afflicted, dissembled part of his sadness, and of his resentment, to render to those Princesses, what was due unto their persons, and to their civility; but after he had thanked them for it, with terms full of acknowledgement and respect, he turned toward the Princes, and being no longer able to contain his thoughts; If I had to do (said he) with men less great, and less generous than yourselves, I should wonder at the continuation of your favours, after the ill success of the Proposition, I made to Perdiccas: My Companions and I, should have a great deal more reason, to fear the effect of your just resentments against our unkind Friend, then to expect this civility from you, and these great Princesses. He would have gone on, when Prince Oroondates interrupting him first, as most concerned; It is enough (said he) and you should have wronged us all, if you had believed, that Perdiccas his ingratitude could have made us lose the esteem we have of you: If we hoped for any fruit of the design you had to our advantage, it was, because we believed that Perdiccas ought not to have refused any thing to such a Friend, as Seleucus; but though by a base consideration of his own Interests, he makes himself unworthy of your friendship, we will not fall from our first inclinations, by the knowledge of his. I tell you not that you are free, since we never reckoned him, as a prisoner, to whom we owe the life of Prince Artaxerxes: But I assure myself, I shall be avowed by my Companions, if I say, that maugre Perdiccas his refusal, you with your own Liberty, may dispose as you, please, of those of Nearchus and Leonatus: We will recover our Princesses by other means, if the gods will favour the justice of our Swords; and perhaps this last satisfaction will be more entire to us, then that we hoped for by your inter-mission. This magnanimity you practise toward us (replied Seleucus) shall not perchance be less disadvantageous to Perdiccas, than the ingratitude he hath showed; and my Companions, and I, will not abuse it so far, as to make the liberty, you offer us, more prejudicial to you, than our imprisonment: I will take those resolutions I ought to take, when once I shall be in a condition to execute them: And though the ungratefulness of my Friend, cannot so suddenly make me pass from an extreme Friendship, to an extremity of hatred, and to designs against him, I protest to you, at least, That I never more will fight for him against you.  
The Princes testified their esteem of Seleucus, by the joy, they made appear, at this Declaration, and Artaxerxes taking him by the hand, and pressing it with much affection; The ingratitude of Perdiccas (said he) will not be disadvantageous to us, if it give us such a friend, as Seleucus, nor can our Enemy's party be more weakened, then by the loss of a man, whose valour alone disputed the Victory against us. After this discourse, all the company went into the Chamber of Nearchus and Leonatus, to whom they had sent Perdiccas his Letter, and to whom the Princes by very obliging words, expressed, That the carriage of their unkind Friend, should be no prejudice at all to them, nor should be able to dissuade them from the intent they had to offer them their liberty. They returned their thanks in very different terms; Nearchus, who was grave and discreet, dissembled part of his resentment; but Leonatus, who was of a hasty impatient nature, could not keep himself from breaking out, and declaring all that lay in his heart. For my part (said he) I not only will never be a Friend to Perdiccas, but will be his Enemy, as long as I live; and if you will receive me amongst you, I will not only serve you in my own person, but also will make, whatsoever is left of my forces, come out of Babylon, and solicit all my Friends, to quit that ingrateful party. We receive you gladly (replied Ptolomeus, for himself, and the other Princes) and this is too obliging an offer, to be accepted without expressions of a great deal of joy.  
After these, and some other discourses, which kept them a while longer in that Chamber, they went out, and retired all together to Oroondates his Tent, there they supped, and spent part of the night in a most pleasing conversation; and there Barsina learned of Oroondates, all that had befallen him, and all he had suffered since their separation, with some part of Artaxerxes his adventures. When the time of night obliged them to withdraw, Berenice took Barsina with her to her Chamber: And considering her, as a near Kinswoman of Prince Artaxerxes, and as the best Friend of the Prince her Brother, she contracted a very strong, and a very particular Friendship with her. This union was not hard to be made between two such virtuous Ladies; and if Berenice had charms, against which, they of her own sex could not defend themselves; Barsina's were little different; for scarce was there in the World a more lovely person.  
The next day was bestowed in visiting those that were wounded, the greatest part whereof drew near their cure: Thalestris had already left her Bed, and Demetrius and his Father were almost well enough to leave their Chambers. They thought to have sent the Prisoners, whose number was about Seven or eight thousand, to some neighbouring Towns, where they should have been distributed to be kept, till the end of the War; but when they heard the little care Perdiccas had to free them, and the resolution of Leonatus to take part with the Enemy, they offered to do the same; and after they had given the Princes to understand the purpose they had to serve on their side, and that they had been promised all manner of good usage, and protection, they put themselves under Leonatus, and increased the Army with a very considerable recruit. It for some days lay idle, staying till the Boats were ready, that were in hand, and also for the finishing of those Engines, which were making, and which were necessary to storm the Walls; they were so thick, that the force of Rams was utterly vain against them, and so high, that without making great elevations on the outside, they seemed impossible to be scaled. All the most industrious Masters of Asia were employed in framing Engines, and most part of the Soldiers were set to work about them. That business required time, nor could it be hoped, they would be fit for service of many days; but the Boats were ready a great deal sooner, and almost at the same time, when Thalestris, Demetrius, Antigonus, Polyperchon, and all the most considerable of those, that had been hurt, were in a condition to bear arms again. Thalestris was cured of her outward wounds, but her inward one was still as bad as ever; and then the absence of Orontes, whom she could not hate, or rather whom she could not cease to love, drew the same sighs from her breast, which a few days before, had been caused by animosity and resentment: The remembrance of that repentance he had showed at their last parting, had dissipated the greater part of her anger; and since then, the persuasions of Oroondates, who had employed himself very carefully in that business, and her own inclination, which had persuaded her yet more powerfully, had so mollified her, That if Orontes had come back to her again, she would easily have been brought to pardon him. The young Demetrius, cured also of the wounds of his body, was in no better estate, than she, for that of his mind; and all that he had suffered for Hermione, was light, in comparison of what he felt for Deidamia. That fair Princess, since the Declaration he had made to her, had been more reserved toward him then before; and though she had visited him afterward, while he kept his Bed, she had ever avoided the occasions of being alone with him; and by all her actions, and discourses, had taken away part of his confidence; yet did she give him signs, but of a moderate resentment, without any show of anger or aversion, and without being carried by the knowledge of his love to any uncivil or disobeying usage: She saw nothing in his person, that was not great and lovely, and she would have had no repugnance to receive a second affection for him, if the memory of Agis had left her the liberty to do so; that also was the thing she endeavoured to make him understand, and it was by the mildest ways she could use, that she strove to divert him from an affection, which she could not, and believed she ought not to approve. Demetrius, in whom all passions imprinted themselves with violence, took all her actions to his disadvantage; and though he knew her love was to be bought with greater and longer services, than those he yet had done her, he could not without trouble, consider the little progress he had made toward the gaining of her heart. This remembrance caused disquiets in him, which would not afford him any rest, altered his looks, and deprived Antigonus and his Friends, of all the consolation, which his forgetting of Hermione had given them. After that he had been able to leave his Chamber, he had shunned all other company, but Deidamia; and not being content to avoid the society of his Friends, during the day time, he bestowed part of the night upon his solitary walks. Many times▪ while all the Camp was fast asleep, flying a repose that fled from him; and not being willing, vainly to seek those slumbers in his Bed, which nothing but weariness drew sometimes into his watchful eyes, he with a slow pace followed the bank of the River, and let his roving thoughts abroad, in a silence which gave them a fuller liberty: The passage to go out, and return into the Camp, was free to him at all hours, among those that were upon the Guard, and he made no difficulty to walk without the Line, and stray a great many furlongs off. The nights were fair and clear, and the Moon, which was then in its perfectest form, imprinted its shining figure upon the stream of Euphrates, and discovered objects distinctly enough through all the Plain. The young Prince, fixing his eyes sometimes upon that fair constellation, which gave light unto his steps, sometimes upon the calm Waters of the River, which rested then in their usual Bed, without the disturbance of the least murmur, and sometimes upon a Wood, whose gloomy obscurity could not at such an hour present itself to the sight, without a kind of horror, found in all manner of objects, fresh matter for his passionate thoughts.  
All Creatures (said he) both upon the Earth, and in the Waters, do now enjoy a peaceable repose, while Demetrius alone watches with the Stars, his eyes are open to sources of tears, which never must be dried up, they are not to be closed by sleep; and he wages a more cruel War with his own disquiets, then with the Enemies of his Party. It is in brief, The woeful destiny of the infortunate Demetrius, that all things should contribute to his ruin, and that, as if the living were not sufficient for his destruction, even the dead themselves should take up arms against him. It is enough (pursued he) that love should have tormented me, for what no longer hath a being, and that remorse should torture me, for having been the death of what I loved; but my hard fortune must stir up Hell itself against me; and to revenge the dead, raiseth the dead against my happiness: If I had living Enemies to combat with, I should make use of the little valour, the gods have given me; but against Agis, who no longer is, but in the memory of Deidamia, What Arms, and what Forces can I possibly employ? Ah! Fortunate Agis (went he on) How blessed is thy condition, and how glorious should I reckon mine, if in the other world, like thee, I were daily wept for by the fair eyes of Deidamia? Ah! How infinitely is such a death, as thine; to be preferred before such a life, as this of Demetrius? and how much more advantageous is it to be dead in all the rest, and for all the rest of the World, and to live in Deidamia remembrance, then to be living among men, and not to be able to live within her thoughts? Demetrius entertained himself on this manner, and in these like employments passed away part of the nights, declaring to insensible witnesses, what his respect would not suffer him to declare with confidence to Deidamia.  
Whilst he led this kind of life, he saw an occasion arrive of making himself remarkable; the Army was preparing for an action, which every body judged could not be performed without blood; and for that purpose, the Princes disposed their Forces with all the orders, that were necessary: It was the making of those Bridges, they intended to cast over the Euphrates, on both sides the Town; and though peradventure, they might have avoided fight, by making them further from the City; The Princes, who shunned not the occasions of coming to blows with the Enemy, and who in this distance found more convenience, then in a greater, chose rather to hazard a few men with them, then to let their Enemies believe, that fear had diverted them from any of their resolutions. The Boats were ready upon the Banks of the River, and besides them, that were necessary for the building of the two Bridges, there were a great number of others that were to be filled with Soldiers, to sustain the Workmen, and to oppose the sally, which the Enemies might make upon the River. That day the Army was commanded by Artaxerxes, and he for his post, took the Bridge, that was to be made on the Westside, leaving that on the East, to Prince Oroondates. The Forces destined to sustain the Workmen, were drawn out equally, and with the very same orders on both sides of the Town; and because the Princes would not do that day, as they had done, in storming the Outworks, the glory whereof they had left wholly to Ptolomeus and Lysimachus; Oxyartes, Antigonus, Demetrius, Alexander, and many others, went a long with Prince Artaxerxes; and Lysimachus, Ptolomeus, Eumenes, and the valiant Amazon Queen followed Prince Oroondates; Craterus and Artabasus stayed to defend the Camp, with the Body of the Army; and Polyperchon advanced as near to the Mote, as he could lie, from the Enemy's Arrows. The Battalions stood firm upon the Bank of the River, while the first Boats were placed, and the Work was begun on both sides, continuing a good part of the day without any hindrance; but when they began to extend themselves a great way upon the River, the other Bank became overspread with many of the Enemy's Squadrons; and from within the Town, they saw come forth on either side a hundred Boats well man'd, who through the stream advanced in good order, toward those that were at work. That being no more than the Princes had foreseen, they were not at all affrighted at it, but presently according to the order that had been taken, they went into the Boats, that stood ready by the shore, little different in number from those of the Enemy. Oroondates took one for himself with thirty Soldiers, Lysimachus, Thalestris, Ptolomeus, and Eumenes did the same; and so every Boat had its Commander, and its Soldiers, according as had been assigned them by the Princes. The same order was observed on the other side, where Prince Artaxerxes was, and both prepared with a great deal of cheerfulness for that extraordinary kind of combat: Alcetas commanded the sally against Prince Artaxerxes, and Cassander that against Oroondates.  
These two little Fleets were seen to draw near to one another, by force of Oars; and those of Alcetas and Cassander were already within Bow-shoot of the Workmen, and by a thick shower of Arrows, began to put an obstacle in their design; when they were compelled to turn head toward those of their Enemies, which cutting the waves with an incredible swiftness, got the passage of them, and coming between, sheltered their men that were at work. That sight, though like to be bloody, was for all that very gallant to look upon; and they, who from the Bank beheld what was done upon the River, if they could have considered it without interest, might have found a very pleasing divertisement. The Princes that day were but lightly armed, that they might be able to swim, in case they should be put to that extremity; and most of them had nothing on their Heads, but little Morions. Those of the Enemies, who then could look upon Prince Oroondates at the Prow of his little Vessel, one foot set forward upon the edge of it, his left Arm covered with his Shield, and his right armed with that glittering Sword, which had already shed so much of their Blood, felt a chillness, which running over all their Bodies, took away part of their former boldness: The Boats of Lysimachus and Thalestris, through a generous emulation, were advanced by the side of his; and those of Ptolomeus and Eumenes, came at the head of all the rest. Before they were able to join, many Soldiers of either Party fell, by each others shafts within their Boats, or into the River; but Prince Oroondates opposing his broad Shield against those Arrows, that were aimed at him, and commanding them, that steered his Boat, to close and grapple with those of the Enemies, to engage them to another kind of fight, advanced through the thickest of their Darts, with as much confidence, as if his body had been of some impenetrable matter. At last his desires were accomplished, and his Enemies not avoiding the combat, he quickly saw himself in their Front, and had means to let loose part of his valour, and part of his fury against them: His generous Companions seconded him with a resoluteness, little inferior to his; and their Enemies received them, like men of courage, and like men, that were determined to fight stoutly. Those, who with Cassander commanded the foremost Boats, were ●olas his Brother, Ariston head of the Peonians, who the day before was come into Town with a supply of Six thousand men, a Captain, who was very considerable under Alexander, for having slain Stratopaces, and done many gallant actions; Evander his Brother, a valiant man, and of a greater strength of body, than any one, that fought at that time in Perdiccas his Party: And Andiagoras, Prince of the Parthians, who for all he was a Persian, considered not the memory of Darius, in the person of the Prince his Son, nor in the Interest of the Princesses his Daughters.  
These Warlike-men withstood the fury of our Princes, and stopped their impetuousness for a long time by their courageous resistance: The Soldiers by the example of their Commanders, stuck undantedly to the fight, and the Water of Euphrates began quickly to change colour, by the Blood of each party, that was mingled with it. The service was as hot on the other side with Prince Artaxerxes, and his Companions, and he with Alcetas, had encountered Neoptolemus, Antigenes and Teutamus, and many other famous Warriors, who received them, and assailed them with a great deal of fierceness. Arsaces' appeared Arsaces, in the first blows he gave, Antigonus and Oxyartes, did things worthy of their high reputatation; and young Demetrius made himself renowned by a thousand marvellous actions. Arsaces' closed presently with Alcetas, but their forces were unequal; and if he had not been speedily succoured by his men, that Prince's hand had put an end to his passion for his Sister. Arsaces' seeing him saved from his resentment, turned his anger upon divers others, and many lives were then cut off by the edge of his Sword. Demetrius was fight with Neoptolemus, and Antigonus and Oxyartes, with the two Commanders of the Argyraspides; all the other Boats were mingled by the example of their Leaders, and the combat was obstinately disputed in every place. In the interim, on Oroondates his side, there passed actions, that were very memorable, and that Prince having given death to all, that presented themselves upon the edge of their Boats, was hooked to that of Cassander, and having known him by the means of many of his men, who showed him to him, and by the Enemy's cries, which often named him, was kindled with an extraordinary fury at the sight of that man, who had sworn his death, and whom, besides the suspicion of his crime, made him to hate in a particular manner; he praised the gods for that encounter, and seeing Cassander upon the edge of his Boat, in the posture of a resolute man, Cassander (cried he) behold the Scythian, whom thou wouldst kill; and behold this innocent rival, who deprives thee of Roxana 's affections, whether he will or no: Effect thy threats against my life, and try, if thou hast chosen a trivial enterprise in attempting the death of Oroondates. Cassander, whom that Prince's actions had terrified already, grew pale at these words; and if he could have found any handsome way to avoid the combat, would willingly have been excused; but having so many witnesses of his actions, he dissembled his fear, and holding forth his shield against the first blows of his Enemy, he armed himself with his despair, and with the assistance of those about him; they were both of them very necessary for his safety, and the furious Prince of Scythia laid at him so forcibly with his Sword, that he staggered, retiring amongst his men, being ready to fall; and he no sooner had quitted the edge of his Boat, but Oroondates leapt into it, and many of his men by that open way got in after him; his aim being chiefly at Cassander, he closed with him in the midst of all the rest, and seizing upon him with a puissant arm, lifted him up with that force, which was not to be parallelled. Go thy ways (said he) cool those flames, that make thee so audacious; and with these words he plunged him into the River; neither the resistance of all his men, nor that he made by struggling in his arms, being able to hinder him. Cassander sunk under the Water, but he presently came up again, and sought his safety by swimming among those of his party: Oroondates could have opposed it, if he had pleased, but he despised him; and turning his arms toward them, that made head against him in the Boat, gave him the leisure to save himself in one of those, that advanced to his relief. Lysimachus and Ptolomeus, who were engaged with Ariston and jolas', had forced their first resistance with an admirable valour; but when with a great deal of probability they were in hope of the victory, they had been assaulted by two other Boats, which had not only retarded their design, but had also put them into a manifest danger. Eumenes was fight with Andiagoras, and by a happy beginning, made him already fear the issue of the combat; and strong Evander had assailed the valiant Amazon: That man, the fiercest of all his Party, disputed the advantage long against the furious Thalestris, and leaning upon the side of his Boat, hindered her entrance with blows, given by a very puissant hand; but the high spirited Queen, whose choler was raised, to the extremity, by that resistance, grew so terribly animated, That after, having made Evanders' arms red, with the blood she drew from him, by two several wounds, she set her left foot upon the edge of his Boat; and her Enemy having striven in vain to stop her with his Sword, opposed her passage by the strength of his arm. Thalestris coming to close with him, they fell to a very dangerous wrestling; Evanders' forces were not inferior to the Queens, but his wounds had weakened him; and when he believed he could no longer dispute the Victory, he drew as near to the edge, as possibly he could, and holding her fast embraced, let himself fall with her into the River; though they were so firmly locked in falling, the Water made them soon let go their hold; and though they sunk together, they came up again asunder, and at some distance from one another: Evander raised up his head, as he swom, and had no sooner espied his Enemy, but he advanced toward her, to finish the combat; but in that, the advantage was not equal, and Evander had it as much in the Water, as Thalestris could have had by Land: He was a very expert swimmer, and the Queen being ignorant of that skill, struggled with the waves, in which, she was like quickly to be overwhelmed, though she had had no other Enemy to fight with; she already had swallowed a great deal of Water, when cruel Evander being got to her by strength of arms, plunged her overhead and ears, and hasting to her again, as soon as he saw her come up, thrust her head under Water a second time, and without doubt, had an intention to have drowned her: That poor Princess, instead of being able to resist him, having lost all knowledge, and despairing of any succour from those of her Boat, who in the mean time had been assaulted by two others; from which, notwithstanding Hippolyta's lamentable cries, it could not possibly disengage itself. She was at the extremity of her life, and pitiless Evander, who saw the Water stained with his blood, was going to make an end of sacrificing her to his revenge; when from one of the Boats, a man threw himself into the Water, holding a Dagger in his right hand; Stay cruel man (cried he to Evander) stay: And in pronouncing these words, he swom toward him so swiftly, that he over took him, before he was able to accomplish his design; and scarce had he had the leisure to turn about, when that stranger being got up to him, seized upon the cr●st of his Cask with his left hand, and pulling him toward him, with an exceeding great strength, struck the Dagger with his right, up to the very hilt in his throat. Evander with that blow lost his Forces, and sinking into the Water, which overwhelmed him, vomited out his blood and his life together; his Conqueror thinking no more of him, turned his eyes upon poor Thalestris, who would not have been in a condition to receive his help, if it had been deferred but a few minutes longer; she was striving, yet faintly, with that little strength she had left; when the stranger, raising her up with a vigorous arm, laid her upon his shoulders, and with that burden swom, though with much ado, toward his Boat; he had perished himself, undoubtedly if it had been much further off; But the Boat rowing that way, at his cries, they that were in it, received the Princess from his arms; and assoon as they had drawn her into the Boat, he got up after her: Presently he commanded them to make off from the fight, and to gain the Bank by tugging hard at the Oar, to set the Queen on Land; and the consideration every one had of that Princess, having made him find a great deal of obedience among them, they put away to the shore, with all the haste that was possible. In the mean while, the Stranger having taken the Queen into his arms again, and lifting her up with her head downward, made her void most part of the water, she had drunk, and gave her so much ease, That having opened her eyes, within a little after, she recovered her senses and understanding perfectly, when she was upon the Bank.  
The danger she had ran, coming immediately into her mind, she turned toward those, that were about her, and asked them, by whom, and in what manner she had been saved; they told her the truth, in a few words, and let her know the Obligation she had unto that Stranger: And where is he (said she, turning her eyes on every side) where is he, that hath defended my life, with so much valour and goodness? Madam, (answered they) As soon as ever he saw you open your eyes, and begin to come to yourself, he went away; and praying us to have a care of you, since you no longer needed his succour, he vanished from our eyes, like lightning. Ah! (cried the Queen, at that reply) Without doubt, he is the very same, that saved my life at the last Battle; it is either my good angel, or some man sent from the gods, for my preservation: But the gods forbid, he should so often escape the acknowledgement, I owe him, and that I should be longer ignorant, to whom I am so often indebted for my life: I will follow thee, My miraculous and flying Defender; and whether thou be'st, god or man, I will do all that possibly I can, to render thee, either the Sacrifices, or the Thanks, that are due to thy relief. With these words, rising from the plac● where she sat, after having learned that he could not be very far off, and having enquired which way he went, she got upon the first Horse she met with, and galloped away, to seek him by that direction.  
In this interim, the Victory declared itself on both sides, in favour of our Princes; Artaxerxes on his, entered Alcetas his Boat, had thrown most part of the Soldiers overboard, and their Commander himself had not escaped death, or imprisonment; if, while his men held that furious Conqueror in play, he had not got into Neoptolemus his Boat, which passed near his with a very few Soldiers in it, and which, with much ado, had saved itself by flight, from the valour of Demetrius. Antigenes and Teuramus, at the same time, fled before Oxyartes; and Antigonus, and the other Boats, by their example, ●ought not any longer; for they that were left in them, seeking nothing but their safety, rowed, as hard as ever they were able, toward the City. Oroondates and his Companions, had reduced their Enemies to the like condition; Cassander having felt his fury, durst not stand him any more; and after, having from the Boat, in which he had saved himself, continued for a while some kind of opposition, without coming near that dreadful Enemy, he had at last turned his Prow toward the Town, leaving his Party to the mercy of the Conquerors. Oroondates, who saw him fly at too great a distance, to hope to overtake him, made him hear his voice, to redouble his terror: Stay (cried he) stay Cassander, return not to Roxana, without having executed, at least, some part of thy threats: Dost thou leave Oroondates alive, thou that shouldst have slain him in the midst of a thousand Swords? dost thou now shamefully fly before him? Cassander, whom this voice froze with a thousand deadly fears, heard some of these words plainly enough, but he had not the confidence to reply, and contenting himself with saying, to those that were with him, That Fortune was contrary to him at that present, and that another time she perhaps would be more favourable; he made them row so hard, That he saw himself quickly in a place of safety: Lysimachus and Ptolomeus, were then giving chase to Andiagoras and Ariston, and jolas' had followed his Brother, from the beginning of his flight. There was a great deal of blood shed in that defeat; and if the conquering Princes had not been merciful in their victory, it would have been far more bloody, than it was: Yet was it not so light, but that in both places there were slain above Fifteen hundred of the Enemies; whose bodies were seen floating upon the River, and whose blood had altered the colour of the water, for many Furlongs.  
The Conquerors attempted not to enter the Town, after the Fugitives, knowing well, That they could not possibly land, that the Cau●ies, which bordered the River, and which were bordered with Soldiers, were of a height, little different from that of the Walls; and that besides, their number was too small to go and engage themselves, among so many thousand men, wherewith the City was defended. They returned out of Bow-shot, toward their Workmen, who had already done a great deal of work; and according to the notice, the Princes gave each other of their success, it was found, That they had conquered both, almost at the same time, and with an event but little different; yet did the victory cost them Five or six hundred of their men; But of all the considerable Commanders, there was none wounded, except Antigonus in the left arm, and Eumenes in the shoulder.  
The Bridges were in a very good forwardness, but the rest of the day was not enough to finish them, and they were confident, That the Enemy's Forces, who had not stirred from the other Bank, would not suffer them to be made an end of, without fight; yet did not the Princes judge it necessary, to stay longer upon the River; and so leaving certain Boats for a Guard, between the Town and the Workmen, to keep them from being assaulted in the night, which they were to spend wholly in continuing their work, They went a shore to rest themselves, after the labour they had undergone that painful day. Berenice received her Brother, and her lover, with the transports of her ordinary affection: Deidamia, Barsina, and her Sisters, appeared no less joyful, than she, for that good success; and all the Camp welcomed the Victorious Princes, with acclamations and rejoicings: They gave order to have the bodies sought of the principal men, that had been slain in that service, to give them another burial, then that of Fish's bellies; they caused those that were wounded to be dressed, and by some sacrifices, returned thanks unto the gods for so favourable an event. Then they commanded out Forces to make the descent, when the Bridges should be finished, under the conduct of Demetrius, Alexander, and Menelaus', young Princes, who desired that occasion, to make themselves famous, and it was granted them; not having thought it necessary, That all the Princes should return thither, as they had done then, unless the issue should oblige them to it: Only Thalestris was wanting in that brave assembly; Hippolita, Menalippa, and the rest of her women enquired for her, with great earnestness, and great apprehensions; and Oroondates and Berenice, were no less troubled than they, to know what was become of her; at last there were Soldiers found, who told them of her adventure, and having related all that passed, and with what hast she was run after the tract of that Stranger, to whom she was indebted for her life, delivered them from their fears, and caused many to take Horse to follow her.  
In the mean while, that fair Princess road with great disquiets in quest of her valiant defender, and ask news of him, from all she met, by the tok●ns that had been given her, she learned, as she went out of the Camp, That he had been seen to get upon a Horse, which a man held ready for him without the Line, and that he went cross the Fields toward a Wood, that appeared about Thirty or forty Furlongs off on the left hand: The Queen observed some tract of Horses on that side, that was shown her, and resolved to follow it, with some hope of success, in the search she went about. Must my ill fortune (said she) make me owe my life to a man so often, without being able to testify some acknowledgement for my safety? But (said she again) perchance it is not a man, whom I am obliged to for it: This succour, I have twice received in so great a necessity, hath something in it that is miraculous, and I ought rather to believe, that it is a god, that it is the protecting angel of the Amazons, come down from Heaven to save my life in those extremities: The suddenness, of what he did in my favour, and the suddenness, wherewith he twice hath vanished from our eyes, marks out something of divinity; And if it had been a man, he neither would have shunned my thanks, nor the praises due to him for such gallant actions. Although she spoke these words, she was not without some suspicion it might be Orontes, and that was it, rather than any other motive, that made her so eager to find him out. But (continued she with a sigh) what if it should be, my cruel, my ingrateful, my injurious Orontes? And, what if that repenting Prince, for the expiation of his crimes, should have sought occasion to satisfy me by services, which he hath so usually rendered me? What kind of fortune would mine be? and, what resolution should I take? Should I pardon him, that cruel man, who hath used me so unworthily, and so outrageously? Who, after having had the possession of my heart, forsook me, is a person not worthy of his affection? and who by his Letters, and his Words, hath endeavoured to fix an everlasting infamy upon my reputation? But (went she on presently after) should I not pardon my lovely Orithia, who gave me so brave, and so dear assurances of her first affection? who was faulty only by error? who offended me only by an excess of love? and who gave so great and so important reparations for her offence? She had some other discourses with herself, full of irresolution, when she entered into the Wood, that had been showed her, and there upon the green swarth she lost that tract, she had followed, and wandered about a great while among the Trees: That Wood had something more wild and savage in it than others, and was more suitable than ordinary, to a melancholy, solitary humour: The Trees were of an excessive height, and with age were almost covered with Moss and Ivy; their tufted Branches cast a shade, which even at high noon, defended a great part of the ground, from the Suns most piercing Beams: Among the Trees, one might see many pieces of Rock overgrown also with Moss, and for the most part dropping with a clear Water, which moistened the Grass round about them, and which, with the help of certain little Springs, turned insensibly into a little Rivulet: The place was rugged and unfit for walking, as well by reason of the Rocks, as of thick Briers and Bushes, that stopped the passage, and showed, it was but very little frequented. The Princess roved about a while, where it was passable, with least inconveniency; and though she was almost out of hope, she found some pleasure nevertheless in visiting a place so unfrequented, and so conformable to that pensive humour, she had long been in. The Wood was of a large extent, and she spent some time in searching through a good part of it; at last, she came to a little Brook, where her weariness and some incommodity she felt, by the wetness of her clothes, and the Water she had swallowed that day, constrained her to alight, and to take a little rest upon the Grass: Her deep muse kept her there so taken up, that she spent almost an hour, ere she was aware; at last, remembering the design, that had brought her into that Wood, and looking on which side she should continue her search, she perceived a thing, she had not taken notice of before; she from the edge of the Brook, a good way into the Wood, on that side where she had not been, observed that the Grass was trampled down by the treading of Men and Horses, which seemed to have worn a kind of path, and thereby she suspected, that place to be inhabited by some body, who for the use of that Rivulet, had beaten that little way, by having often gone it. She began to settle in that belief, when she heard a noise, and looking round about, saw a Horse come trotting down that path; he had a Saddle on his back, but was without either Bridle or Halter, and tossing up his head, and neighing at sight of the Amazons Horse; he came unto the Brook, where he drunk quietly of the Water, that rolled along certain little Flints, and when his thirst was quenched, he took the same path again, as a way that was usual to him. At this sight, the fair Amazon no longer doubted, but that she in that place might find, what she was seeking for; but she felt beat at her heart, and inward disturbances, that presaged some extraordinary encounter. She was already upon her legs, and when she saw the Horse go away, Ah! Glorious beast (cried she) if it be true, That thou servest my valiant deliverer, stay for me, and be my guide to bring me to thy Master. Saying these words, she took her own, and getting hastily upon him, passed over the Rivulet, and road along the path, after the Horse she saw before her: She had the better conveniency to do so, because that Horse hearing hers to follow him, according to the nature of those Creatures, stayed his coming up, and came so near the Queen, as gave her means to observe his colour, stature, and the Saddle that was upon him; it was black, as he himself was; his size was large and tall, but he was lean, and very ill dressed, and by the condition he was in, showed plainly enough, That he served a Master taken up with other cares, then that he ought to have had of him. The Queen having looked on him a while, after two or three sighs forced from her Breast, by certain thoughts, wherewith she was then assaulted; Could it be possible (said she) that thou shouldest belong to my ingrateful, and my lovely Orontes? She durst say no more at that time, being uncertain what to wish; but putting him on before her, she went after him in the way he led her, full of doubt, hope, fear, and confusion. He never strayed out of his little path, and the Queen having followed it two or three hundred paces, saw it end at the foot of a Rock, hidden in the most gloomy and desert part of the Wood, and encompassed with many Brambles, and craggy Stones, which made the access to it very rough and difficult. The Princess having gone a little about it, perceived through certain Branches, a hole at the foot of the Rock; and seeing that it was just there, the path was lost, she doubted not but it was the retreat of him she sought, or at least, that of the master of the Horse, which had guided her, and which having no further to go, fed there at liberty without wandering. Assoon as the Queen judged, that so hideous a place, and a Cave, which ought only to have been the Den of Beasts, was at that time the dwelling of a man, she believed, that either he must necessarily be in some strange misfortune, or dejected with some excessive grief; but when from that thought, she passed to a belief, that that solitary man was her Orontes, she fell into a sense of pity that mollified her, and made her receive those first marks of his repentance, for a full reparation. Ah! (said she) if it were true, that the remorse of his fault, had reduced Orontes to this lamentable manner of life, I should be harder than this Rock, under which, he hath chosen his abode, if by these effects of his repentance, I should not be perfectly satisfied. She wavered then a few moments in the resolution she should take; her resentment, against Orontes, made her fear to meet him in the person of him she sought for, and the remainders of her love, made her to desire it; In the end, whether it were a motion of gratitude toward the person, to whom she was indebted for her life, or a motion of love and pity toward Orontes, she resolved to clear her doubts of that adventure, and to seek even into his Grot for him; who, either for some great misfortune, or peradventure for the love of her, had chosen such a dismal retirement. She was afraid, that he, who twice already had fled so suddenly from her presence, should get away the third time, unless she could surprise him: And in this conceit, desiring to make as little noise, as could be possible, she went to alight a good way off, and having tied her Horse to certain Boughs, she walked on foot toward the entrance of that Cave: There she beheld the Grass so trodden, that she no longer doubted, but it was inhabited; and after having yet disputed with herself a while, she entered, full of fear, into that sad abode; she was fain to stoop at the going in, but after she had gone not many steps, she found that the Vault enlarged itself, and growing wider, by little and little, made at last a reasonable spacious hollowness. Through the top of the Rock, there was a Cliff, that gave light enough into the Cave, to discern all objects, and by it the Amazon taking heart, and casting her eyes on every side, saw that there was no body in it; but she perceived things, that made her know it was inhabited: the first that presented itself unto her sight, was, a suit of Arms hung upon a snag of the Rock, and having her hands upon them, as soon as her eyes, she took them down from the place where they were, to look upon them by a greater light; they were all black, except in certain places, where they were spotted with blood, and the Plume of the Cask seemed to have been lately wet. When the Queen saw that, she doubted no more, whether they were the Arms of her Defender; but after she had eyed them, for some time, with very confused thoughts, she put them in their place again, to visit the other parts of that silent Grot, which might give her a more certain knowledge of what she sought. In one of the corners she saw two little Beds, which could not be accused of delicacy, and which by their form, and matter, made appear how little love they bore unto themselves, who took their rest in such a lodging; they were of Leaves and Turf, and the sides were partly made of Osier, and partly of several Boughs interwoven in a careless fashion; upon a flat of the Rock, there lay certain wild fruits, which probably served for the nourishment of the inhabitants of that Cave, some of them one might see were lately gathered, and thereby the Queen conjectured, That they that brought them thither, could not be far off; but when she cast her eyes once more upon those fruits, and upon those uneasy Beds, and that she imagined they were the Lodging and the Food of poor Orontes, it was impossible for her to withhold her tears, which presently forcing the resistance she made against them, bedewed her Cheeks with a plentiful shower. Ah! (said she) If for me, Orontes hath chosen this abode; if he lie but upon such a Bed; if he live but on such homely fare; and in short, if for me, he suffers all, that these signs make me conjecture he does, I never should be pardonable, for having reduced him to so deplorable an extremity. But (said she again) I have undergone as considerable sufferings for him; I have run through Europe and Asia; I for him have exposed myself to a thousand dangers; and for him I have passed many as restless nights as his: But (added she) that which my hatred made me suffer for him, his love makes him suffer now for me; and if I sought him, to take away his life, he seeks me only, that he might save mine, and flies me only, for fear of offending me. Dear marks of the repentance and fidelity of poor Orontes (continued she, turning towards those objects, that had softened her) If you be witnesses of his constancy, and of his remorse, you are so likewise of my grief, and of the resolution I take before you, to restore him, With the pardon of his offence, the possession of whatsoever he had lost in my affection. Scarce had she said these words, when she was sorry she had engaged herself so far, but when she was going to recall them, she was crossed by another thought that made her alter her discourse. And, who hath told me (cried she again) that he I seek, and that he I think I have found, is Orontes? What assurance, and what testimony have I received of it? Is it because, he came twice to my relief? Is it because, he fled from me, by reason of my having forbidden him to see me any more? Is it because, by this sad and austere manner of life, he expresses the affliction of his heart? Ah! Thalestris, How light are these conjectures? are there not other men besides Orontes, and even in thine own party, generous enough to have succoured thee? Modest enough to fly the glory of those noble Actions? And perhaps afflicted enough to have chosen this retreat? If by thy first conjectures, thou were't afraid to meet him, fear now, that thou wert afraid to no purpose, and believe, that thy ill fortune, will be but too careful to keep that from thee, which thou though●st had been too near. She spoke on this manner, and began to be disquieted by this last conceit: when she heard two men talking near the entrance of the Cave, she started at that noise; but though, she doubted not, but they were the inhabiters of that sorrowful place, she was not willing to show herself, till she had observed them a little, if possibly she could; and with that intent, casting her eye toward the hollowest part of the Rock, she saw a cleft wide enough to receive her, in which, by reason of the darkness of the place, she might stay some time without being discovered; She no sooner had found it, but she stepped in, and had hardly taken her station, when she saw enter two men, and two men, whom by the little light that obscure Grot afforded, she instantly knew to be really Orontes, and his faithful Lascaris. She shivered at that fight, though she was almost prepared for it, and was not able to judge of a long time, whether she should be glad or sorry for her fortune; if she had followed the motions of her love, she had run with open arms to her dear Orontes, to assure him of pardon, before she gave him time to ask it; and if she had harkened to her resentments, she had gone to him with reproaches; but she than was mistress of them both; and whether, it were, that her silence and unmoveableness, was caused by her astonishment, or by the design of clearing her knowledge further, that she might regulate her actions by the things she should see, she kept herself exactly without noise or motion.  
In the interim, Orontes was no sooner in his Cave, but he threw himself upon his Bed, and Lascaris being set down upon the side of his, after he had a while beheld the action of his Master, who tumbled himself in his leaves, with sighs, which sufficiently testified his cruel disquiets: Sir (said he) after having received those favours of the gods, which they have done you, you cannot without incensing them against you, persevere in a life so different from that of men; and the complacency I have showed to your commands, aught to cease now, by the reasons I have to allege against them: So long as your offences were without reparation, and that you had reason to believe the Queen was not satisfied, I adhered in all things to your will, though it brought you to such strange extremities; and knowing the nature of your love, I never wondered at the things you do, after those I have seen you do in former times; but now, that by most particular, and as it were miraculous favours, the Heavens have permitted you twice to give that Princess her life, whom you had offended, only by your error, and that by so great and so important a reparation, you have undoubtedly appeased her; Why do we not forsake this life, which is unworthy of you, to go and receive a pardon, which you have so well deserved, and which will easily be granted you? Do you think the Queen is less sensible of such Obligations, than she was of injuries? And that being prepossessed, as she is with so powerful an inclination to you, she can behold you, as him that offended her, by an excess of jealousy and love, without beholding you, as that Orithia, that was so dear to her, as that Orontes, that hath done her so many services, and as that Orontes, to whom, since his last misfortune, she is doubly indebted for her life? Lascaris spoke on this manner, and perchance would have continued his discourse, if his Master, after many sighs, had not interrupted him. Ah! Lascaris (said he) How blind does thy affection make thee in my affairs, and how little dost thou know the condition of my present fortune; thou art no less deceived, than I have been, if thou believest that my crimes can be expiated by light reparations, and that I may hope for pardon from my Queen, because I have done something for her safety; My offences are above all satisfactions, and that which Thalestris owes to her honour unworthily defamed, ought never to suffer her to remember Orontes, but to hate and to detest him; some smaller fault might perhaps have been repaired by the things I have done to serve her; but after the extremities I have flown into against her, though Thalestris would pardon me, I could never pardon myself: My crimes were worthy of a thousand deaths, and I should certainly have sought by death, to ease the torments of my conscience, if I had not thought that in the occasions of war, in which my Princess hazards herself every day, I might find some means to do her service: I have been so happy as to effect what I desired, by the favour the gods, have granted me, and by the care I had to tie myself to her conservation, the only thing, for which I lived: Now, that by these fortunate encounters, I am a little more at quiet, I shall die with less affliction, then if my crimes had been the latest actions of my life; It hath pleased Heaven, that these last days of it, have not been useless to my Princess; and since she hath drawn all the service she could hope for, from it, I shall give it up now without other trouble, then that of having rendered it unworthy of the fortune, to which she once had destined it. What Sir, (replied the sorrowful Lascaris) after what you have done for Thalestris, will you not have the confidence to cast yourself at her feet, to ask her a pardon, which you have so well deserved, and to let her know, That since you were criminal toward her, you have saved her life, both by Land and by Water? He made a stop at these words, as to expect an answer, but seeing that his Master, in stead of replying, contented himself, to testify by shaking his head, that he was not in a condition to make use of his advice; At least, Sir, (went he on) if you want courage in this occasion, you that never wanted it in any other, of the greatest danger; if you have not boldness enough to present yourself, before exasperated Thalestris, and to labour in your own behalf, for a reconciliation with her, give me Commission to do it, I may perhaps perform the business with more dexterity, than you believe; I will address myself to Hippolita, who was ever very affectionate to you; I will address myself to Prince Oroondates, who hath promised you his assistance, and who is obliged by nearness of alliance, and many other considerations, to give it you; and in fine, I will manage your Interest in such sort, that your fortune shall perchance be better than ever it was, and that you shall joyfully dispose yourself to quit this dismal habitation, where we seem to have laid aside humanity, and live like savage Beasts: This strange life, and this strange diet you feed upon, hath changed you so already, that you are hardly to be known: You have lost all the freshness of your colour, your healthful looks, and the better part of your strength; and if in this last combat, you had enough to execute the things you did there, it was from your love you drew it, rather than from that lean and weakened Body, which falls away, and decays every moment, and which tends most visibly to the grave. Lascaris brought forth these words with tears, wherewith Orontes was touched; but it was not on the fashion he desired, as he quickly made appear by his discourse. Thou canst not, O Lascaris, (said he) tell me any news, more pleasing, then that I have now received from thee, nor give me notice, that I am near my grave, without giving me a great deal of contentment; How great soever my crime hath been, it makes my destiny glorious, since in dying for its expiation, I have the glory to die also for Thalestris; that is the aim, I ever proposed unto myself, through the whole course of my life, and in my utmost misery, I shall attain to that advantage, which I aspired to in my greatest fortune: My soul is but too fast united to this wretched body, which it would fain abandon, and no longer suffers but with shame, the company of this accomplice of its crimes; it is true, That in this desert, we lead a life exceeding different from other men, but also I ought no longer to be counted amongst men, I who have made myself unworthy of that name, and who no longer can without horror endure the light of the Sun, which they rejoice in: All that I find most strange, and most troublesome to me, in my condition, is, That I have thee for a Companion in my afflictions, and that I make thee bear thy part of my punishment; thee, who hadst no part at all in my offence, and who hast been faulty in nothing, but in having too obstinately tied thyself to the fortune of a miserable man, and of a man that is hated of the gods; but Lascaris, thou knowest that nothing but thine own wilfulness, hath reduced thee to this misery, and that I have solicited thee a thousand times, to quit this hideous dwelling, and to retire thyself, where thou mightst spend thy days more pleasingly. That which comforts me for thee, in the sad condition of our life, is, That thy sufferings will not now last much longer, I have but few more days to linger out; and after thou hast closed mine eyes, and covered my body with a little Earth, thou mayest go home with a perfect satisfaction, and with a perfect glory, for having served thy master to the end, with an inviolable fidelity; yet does there remain one service for thee to do me, after my death; and than it is that I consent, nay, and desire, thou shouldst present thyself unto Thalestris, and that thou shouldst endeavour to obtain that pardon from her, which then I may handsomely demand; she then will hearken to thee by the intercession of Hippolita, and by that of Prince Oroondates, and perhaps will not be so obdurate, but that the recital of my death, may make her cast away some part of her just resentments. Orontes brought forth these words in so doleful a manner, that a heart of Adamant would have been touched with compassion; and that of Thalestris was so mollified, that after having permitted her tears to overflow with violence, her constancy was utterly at an end, and coming hastily out of her dark station, You shall not die (cried she) you shall not die, my dear Orithia; Thalestris pardons you, without dying, and Thalestris will not have your death, for the reparation of your faults. Orontes quite besides himself, at these words, at the tone of the voice, and at the sight of his Princess, started suddenly from his Bed, and at so unexpected an adventure, fell into so strange an astonishment, That his soul lost the greatest part of its functions, and of a long time he was not in a condition to know, what he should believe, or what resolution he should take; yet did he look unmovedly upon Thalestris, and finding in her face those lineaments, which were deeply graven within his heart, his surprise and his amazement, made him absolutely uncapable of doing any thing: At last, he threw himself down before her, while she strove to stop a torrent of tears, that had deprived her of the use of speech, and lying prostrate at her very feet, without daring to lift his eyes up to her face; If you be some god (said he) whom my sorrowful fortune hath drawn from Heaven, into this dismal habitation, your pity is unworthily bestowed upon the most criminal of all men living; and if you are the divine Thalestris, to whom I offered my adorations, while I was less guilty, I now am altogether unworthy to behold you. The Queen, who had recovered herself a little by the violence she had used, and who no longer wavered in the resolution she was to take, put forth her hands to have helped him up, and looking upon him with a countenance quite appeased; I am Thalestris (said she) but Thalestris, who was less sensible of the wrongs you did me, than I am of your last services, and of the marks of your repentance: If I sought you heretofore, to give you a death, which in my opinion you had merited, I seek you now to give you a life, which you have gained unto yourself, by having preserved it: I live by your assistance, and you shall live by my desire, since your death would now be mine, and that you have but too much satisfied me without dying. These words penetrated so far into Orontes, and produced such sudden, and such powerful effects in him, That in a happiness so little expected, his joy was like to have done that in a moment, which his grief had not been able to do in many days. He with all his force, resisted the vehemence of those motions, that transported him beyond himself, and embracing the knees of that fair Queen, with raptures which she easily understood; Ah! (said he) you are my divine Thalestris, I know you now by these miraculous marks, and no body, but Thalestris, could have made me pass, in an instant from the grave, to this supreme felicity: Ungrateful Orontes does now sufficiently understand the excess of his ingratitude, and that of your celestial goodness; but since, that without horror, you can endure this Monster, such as he is, and that compassion is stronger in your heart then justice, What punishment will you ordain this guilty man, to settle him again in that estate, from which, his crimes have thrown him? Where will you find torments, that can expiate a part of them? In short, as full of goodness as you are, Where will you find enough to blot out their remembrance? Orontes brought forth these words, keeping still upon his knees, whatsoever power the Queen could use to make him to rise; but in fine, being resolved to draw him out of that woeful condition, and to take all matters of affliction away from him; I command you (said she) to forget your faults, since I have lost the memory of them, and that you have made amends for them, but too fully, by your last actions: I command you to leave this abode, unworthy of you, to seek a more delightful company among the Princes, who esteem you: And finally, I command you to take that place again, which you heretofore possessed in my affection, and with it, all those hopes which you had lost. As she ended these words, she constrained him to rise, and fortunate Orontes taking then the liberty to kiss one of her fair hands: How unjust are you (said he) to show such favour to so guilty a person! And how my sufferings ought to be envied, since they end in so glorious a conclusion! Such was the reconciliation of these two lovers, whom too violent resentments had separated for so many years; and this reunion was so sweet to them, that it seemed, as if Heaven had consented to that breach, for no other end, but that after such sensible afflictions, their happiness might be the more perfect, and entire. Orontes, who saw his fortune so different, from what it had been a few moments before, had much ado to comprehend that admirable change: Thalestris, who saw herself delivered, from those torturing disquiets, which had so long made war against her, and who found in her dear Orontes, as great a fidelity as she could wish, was in an ecstasy of joy, little inferior to his; and even Lascaris, who with his Master's condition, saw his own so advantageously changed, could not contain the excess of his gladness; and having cast himself at the Queen's feet, assoon as his Master allowed him to do so, received from her, the acknowledgements that were due to so faithful a servant.  
The Queen would not suffer Orontes to tarry longer in that melancholy Cave, but commanding Lascaris to go and make ready Horses, she needs would have Orontes put on his Arms immediately in her presence. Never had Lascaris received any command more joyfully than that, nor ever did Captive, that had languished ten years in Irons, receive the news of his liberty, with a more perfect contentment. Orontes was armed, and the Horses ready in a little time, and the fair Queen leading that solitary lover, by the hand, out of his gloomy Cave, appeared in that action, not much different from Hercules, when he drew his dearest Theseus out of the black and horrid Dungeons of Hell. Although Orontes left his Grot, without unwillingness, yet could he not go away, without looking back upon it with some affection: If it were in my power (said he) favourable Cave, I would consecrate thee to the goddess of Love, as the place where the most passionate of all Lovers, hath received the greatest and the most glorious of all fortunes: May it please the gods, thou never serve for a Den of Lions and Tigers; and mayest thou never be polluted nor profaned, after having been the temple of those Adorations, which I have paid to my divine Thalestris. The Queen accused Orontes of impiety for these last words, but she pardoned all, in regard of his passion; and at the same time, getting on Horseback, they crossed through the Wood, by a way well known to Orontes, and road toward the Camp, when the Sun was upon the point of setting; but before they were out of the Wood, Thalestris, who knew not in what manner, and in what Country Orontes had passed his life, since his departure out of Cappadocia, being desirous to learn something of it; It is not just (said she) that I should be ignorant, on what fashion you have lived, since you forsook us; let me entreat you therefore, to give me some account of it, during the way we have to go. Madam (answered Orontes) since you are pleased to desire it, and that you have already pardoned my faults, I will refresh the memory of them, by a brief recital of my life, which I shall give you in a few words, as well because there hath befallen me nothing of great importance, as because in so short a way, we have but little time to spend in it; but being I shall have happiness to be near you, I will recount the particularities of it more at large, whensoever you shall be pleased to command me.  

The History of ORONTES.  
I Was in Cappadocia, where I had the honour to command your Army, under the name and habit of Orithia, and where by some fortunate successes, I had already secured the tranquillity of your Frontier, when Arethusa, one of the principal among those women, that had command in the Army, and one of those whom you most esteemed, being one day come into my Chamber, with more haste then ordinary: Madam (said she) I mean to be the first that shall tell you a pleasing news, unless perhaps some other body have prevented me. I opened my ears at these first words, and natural curiosity having moved me to press her, that I might hear the business; We have hitherto been ignorant (pursued she) for what design our Queen was gone from Themiscira, in so gallant an equipage; but I come now from learning the truth of it, and you shall know, that being obliged by our Laws to give us a Queen, that may succeed after her death, and not being willing to bring into the world a Daughter, that should be unworthy of her, she disdained all her Neighbours, to cast her thoughts upon the greatest man in the World; And hearing that Alexander, the Conqueror of all the Earth, was come near unto Hyrcania, she is gone to meet him, there to demand an Inheritrix, who according to the greatness of both Father and Mother, cannot choose but be a marvellous person. Although I ought not to have given credit so lightly to that report, yet was I so touched with it, that my face became exceeding pale; and Arethusa perceiving it, asked me presently the reason; I find myself a little ill (said I, endeavouring to dissemble my thoughts, as well as possibly I could) but that need not hinder you, from telling me, from whom you had this news, and what certainty you have of it. Two friends of mine (replied Arethusa) that are come unto the Camp, not above two hours ago, assured me of it, and it is a thing so fully confirmed in Themiscira, that no body any longer, doubts of such a truth. It is enough (answered I) I bear as great a share in your contentment, as it is possible for me; but, I pray you, give me leave to take a little rest. Arethusa astonished, that I received a news so coldly, which did so rejoice all her Companions, went out of my Chamber, and only Lascaris continued with me. You may judge, Madam, if you please, into what estate I was reduced by that cruel opinion, and since that, Memory is an Enemy to me; you will be pleased to dispense with me, for repeating the discourses my jealousy made me utter; neither should I be able to do it, without awaking your just indignation, nor without giving you new causes to condemn my ingratitude.  
I passed the rest of that day in a mortal disquiet, the night, that succeeded it, was not spent in the repose of a mind, that no longer was capable of any; yet methought your humour, according to the knowledge I had of it, and the promises you had given me, agreed but little with that horrible change, and that was it, that kept me in the beginning, from lending Faith to that report; but within a while after I considered, that you were a Woman, that you were young, and that you might possibly be persuaded by the Counsel of those about you, and flattered by the reputation of Alexander: These reflections made me, in the end, incline to that belief, which I resisted, as much as possibly I could; but not being willing to settle it upon the bare report of Arethusa, I commanded Lascaris to inquire more particularly among the other Amazons, he did it but too much for my repose, every one he spoke with, confirmed that cruel news; And to complete my ruin, there arrived certain women from Themiscira, within a few days after, who redoubled that belief by their testimony, and who told us, That at their departure they had left all their Country, in the expectation of their Queen, who was to come back within a few days, and had sent word by some of her women, who were come before, That she returned very well satisfied with the happy success of her voyage, and that she had obtained of Alexander whatsoever she had desired. The Queen blushiing at this discourse, interrupted Orontes: The women, who spread that rumour abroad (said she) and who were neither those of quality, nor any that had access near my person, had some occasion to take the Message I sent, in the sense that they received it. Before I departed from Themiscira, they assembled themselves, and knowing that I was going to Alexander, they begged of me altogether, To give them a Queen of the Race of that great King, and not to return from that voyage, without bringing back a fruit, which I could not so nobly hope for, from any other part of the Earth: Being I saw myself reduced by our ignominious custom, to endure that request without expressing any anger, I heard it without showing my dislike of what they demanded, and that was it that made them believe, before my arrival, that I had followed their Counsel; but after my return, they were quickly undeceived. I would to Heaven (continued the Prince of the Massageteses) that I had been so too, and that by my too great facility in persuading myself of my disaster, I had not fallen into that cruel error, which hath since, in a short space of my life, made me undergo a thousand tedious deaths. In brief, Madam, I believed (and I make you this confession, how shameful so ever it be) I believed to my misfortune, what I never ought to have believed; and by that inhuman credulity, I drank the poison, that infected the soundest parts of my heart: Assoon as I had received that impression, all things contributed to settle it in me; and in the end, I was so fully persuaded of it, That I thought, without being blind, I could no longer doubt of a thing, which no body called in question, but myself. The first effect this error produced in me, was a desire to make an end of my life, with my own hand; and I know not what good genius, took part with Lascaris, to divert me from that design, or at least to defer it for a few days; after which, I fell into a quite different intention. I will not tell you, Madam (to spare myself the shame I sold suffer in relating them) the discourses I used, or rather the reproaches I poured forth against you; as I believed I had received an offence, which took away all the respect I bore unto your person, and even unto your sex, I found nothing in the most bitter invectives, which seemed not too mild to my resentments: I flew out so far, as even to wish your death, and to make designs myself against your life. Those irresolutions, full of mortal agonies, held me for some days, during which, I suffered no body to see me; but when I had long deliberated, I believed I could not without meanness of spirit, persist in the thought of dying for you: The gods can witness, that it was not love of life, that gave me those reflections, and that though it had been dear to me before, it was then grown odious enough, to sacrifice it a thousand times unto my grief, if my blind spite had not represented, That she, who had so shamefully abandoned me, to abandon herself to a man she knew not, was unworthy of all the marks of love, that I could give her. I am compelled, Madam, against my resolution, to let escape some criminal words, else it would be hard for me, to let you know the sense I had of that imagined injury: My last determination, was that, of absenting myself for ever from you, and from your Territories, and of banishing you for ever out of my memory: I executed one part of this resolution suddenly enough, and have laboured in vain to do the other; during some years, which have seemed to me of an extraordinary length. I left your Army then, without taking leave of your Women, after having dispatched that fatal Messenger, that gave you the first knowledge of my crime, and began my wander with Lascaris alone, not so much as thinking, whether I would go; all Countries were indifferent to me, provided, I might be but far enough from you, and from all places, where I might hear speak of you; and methought, that in flying from you, I fled from my ill fortune; yet did I turn my steps toward Hyrcania, that fatal Country, where I thought I had lost you, and from which, Alexander was then departed: I arrived there, but too soon for my quiet, at least, if I had any left, and intending to inform myself of my misfortune, by people of those parts, and inquire of them, concerning the voyage, which the Amazon Queen had made into that Province, my evil destiny had so ordained, That I addressed myself to none, but such as were ill instructed; and vulgar people, who being ignorant of what passes near the persons of Kings, make judgements upon gross appearances, according to the reach of their understanding; I therefore received from them, the most cruel confirmations I could expect, and with them a heavy addition to my despair. From Hyrcania, I went into Parthia, and like an Orestes, driven about by furies, not being able to find any rest in all the places I visited, flying mine own Country, and all others, where I might meet persons of my acquaintance, I resolved to go into the Indies, and to seek to the utmost parts of the World, for remedy against the rage that tormented me, and for some sanctuary against that evil spirit, that persecuted me in every place: Assoon as I had resolved it, I put it in execution; after a long and painful voyage, I entered into the Kingdom of good King Taxiles, with whom Alexander contracted a near friendship afterward; and I confess, that if my soul had been capable of any tranquillity, I might have found it in the Court of that Prince, whose virtues are admirable, and whose Politick-government, might serve for a rule, to that of all other Monarches; but my tormentor never forsook me, and whithersoever I turned, my furious pa●●on racked me with a pitiless War. I did all that possibly I could, to banish you out of my mind, and a thousand times a day represented to myself, the injury, I believed, I had received from you, with all the blackest colours, wherein it could be painted, to find by that remembrance, the means either to forget you, or to hate you: But in what fashion soever you then appeared to me, you were still Thalestris; and my most violent resenting, could not raze out that deep-graven characer of love, you had made within my heart; How defiled soever you appeared to me, with Alexander's embraces, you still came into my mind with an Empire, which I could not overthrow: And though among the thoughts of Love, those of Hatred crept in sometimes, Indifferency could never find a room there; and whether sleeping or waking, you still were present with me: It was to little purpose I changed Climates, for I never changed my condition; and as a wounded Hind carries the deadly Arrow along with her, I in the midst of my heart, carried that poisoned shaft, which made me find what I fled away from, in all those places where I sought for refuge. Alas! How often, not being able to resist that implacable Enemy, did I offer it a more absolute victory, by demanding death? And how often, when I thought to have given it to myself, was my hand withheld by the Prayers and Tears of Lascaris, whose fidelity having made him considerable to me, had gained him a great Authority over my inclination? When I left the Kingdom of Taxiles, I passed through a great many barbarous Provinces, and at last came into that of the Phasiaces, which obeyed the great King Porus; he, who afterwards disputed the glory against Alexander, with so much valour, and who in his defeat, acquired so brave a reputation: Certainly, all that hath been said to the advantage of that Prince, is published of him, but with a great deal of Justice; and, if he had but as much politeness in his manner of living, as he hath greatness of courage, he might well be reckoned one of the worthiest persons of our age. I served him two or three months, in a war he then had against his Neighbours, and having made myself remarkable fortunately enough in some encounters, I received favours from him, that were infinitely above my services; and if I could have been stayed there, by his urgent entreaties, he would have showed me the Noblest usage, I could have hoped for from a magnanimous King. There are few Languages, in which I have not an imperfect knowledge, and that gave me the greater facility, in so long a voyage. From the service of Porus, which I quitted, assoon as he forsook the war; and a little before the arrival of Alexander, I went on toward the Bactriaces, and the Seres, and prosecuted my course, as far as the Caspian Ports. I crossed through deserts full of Serpents, and dreadful Monsters, amongst which, I should have met with death a thousand times, if I had not desired it; but amongst all the fellest Monsters, I found nothing so cruel to me as the memory of Thalestris. I overrun all the Indies, that lie on this side the Ganges; that River bounded my wander that way, and not finding the passage easy, because of its excessive breadth, which is of two and thirty Furlongs, and because of the little communication, the Indians on this side have with those on that, I was fain to take my way along the Banks of it, to return into these Provinces: I saw the Country of the Sacans, where I heard of the fortune of Roxana, and of the progress Alexander made already in those Countries, out of which I was come; the advantage I thought he had obtained to my destruction, having made me hate him, I was sorry I had left the Indies, and the service of Porus, against whom he then was making war. Coming from the Sacans, I saw the Naura, the Xanippa, and the Country of Maracanda: You will be content, Madam, that I speak of my voyages but cursorily for the present, referring to entertain you more at large, when your curiosity shall move you to demand the particularities of them; I will therefore tell you nothing else, but that after my return from the Indies, I wandered above a year in Asia, without any other design, then that of lingering out my miserable life, till I should be so happy, as to meet the end of it. Never had I any desire of returning into my Country, though Lascaris solicited me perpetually; but as I avoided nothing so much, as persons of my acquaintance, and those that might oblige me to change, that solitariness into a more sociable life, I never would give ear to his entreaties: True it is, That what he suffered by my occasion, touched me sometimes very sensibly, and that I did all that was possible, to persuade him, to forsake me, and to go and take a retreat, which I offered him amongst my friends, and which I could have procured him by Letters, I would have given him; but as I rejected his Counsels, he rejected my offers, and I could never win him to do what I desired. If you ask me, how you then stood in my thoughts, I will tell you, That you were as a Monster, to which a tyrannical power kept me in slavery; and as the thing, which in all the World, I endeavoured most to hate, nay, which I did hate, and yet for all my hatred, could not hinder myself from loving it a thousand times more dearly, than myself: Hatred, Grief, Anger, and Jealousy, those imperious passions, tore my heart, like Promethean Vultures, and that was it, that then caused me to take that device of the heart, torn by Vultures, under which I found you, and under which I lifted my sacrilegious arms against you. I was come to Susa, when I heard the news of Alexander's death, and I had been gone from thence, but a little while, when I heard speak of contestations amongst his Successors, and preparations that were making for a War: My grief had not extinguished the inclinations I had ever had to Arms, and being I sought for death, I thought I could not meet with it more honourably, then in the occasions Fortune offered me: I therefore took my journey toward Babylon, and arrived there, as you may have heard, the day your Army made its general muster; but before I came within a days riding of this place, I in a Town of your party, learned the names of those persons, that were most interessed in this War: I was told that Craterus, Lysimachus, Ptolomeus, and Antigonus, were of the one party; and on the other, Perdiccas, Cassander, Seleucus, and many more, that were named to me. I then called to mind, the friendship I had formerly had with Cassander, and his Brother jolas', when I had served Antipater in the War against the valiant Agis, King of the Lacedæmonians, it had not been so light, but that the remembrance of it, was still very dear to me; and since I was necessarily obliged to take one party, the justice of both being unknown to me, I had reason to prefer that of my ancient Friends, before the other, of such as were mere strangers. I was travelling toward Babylon with this design, when I was stopped by some Horsemen of your Army, and when upon the Bank of the Euphrates, I ran some carriers with reasonable good success, against a great many gallant men: You know what the issue of them was, and how by the frank civility of those worthy persons, I was conducted to the Gates of the City; and you shall learn, that assoon as I had made myself known to Cassander, and that I had told him, how desirous I was to serve him, he received me with acclamations of joy and transport, and gave me the most affectionate welcome, I could expect from my most passionate Friend: He presented me to Roxana, Perdiccas, Seleucus, and other the most considerable men of their party; and at his recommendation, I was received by them all, with civilities which I had not merited. Cassander made an absolute confidence with me, and would needs have me share the command with him in all places; that was a thing that rendered me most perfectly criminal, by giving me occasion to draw my Sword against my Princess, in the first encounter that passed: You know that our combat, after having been obstinately disputed, was interrupted by Cassander, who judging, that against so terrible an Enemy, I stood in need of his assistance, came rushing upon you, behind, with his Horse. I have a great deal of cause (said the Queen, interrupting Orontes) to remember that encounter, since by an action full of generosity, you testified the greatness of your courage, in opposing the fury of Cassander; who, but for your hindrance, would have made me end my life, under his Horse's feet. I rendered you what was due unto your valour (replied Orontes) but by that action of Cassander's, I lost part of the esteem and friendship I had born him; It was much diminished, a few days after, by the accusation that was published against him, of having poisoned his King; whereof he did not clear himself so well, but that I entered into great suspicions of it; and if afterward I shared in command with him at the Battle, it was rather by the engagement of my Honour, then by that of the affection I still had left to him. About that time, I had a desire to see the great Arsaces, and though he showed himself to very few, and that he avoided society out of a sad melancholy humour, like that of mine, he was pleased not to disdain my visit; and when he had learned who I was, he made extraordinary much of me, and gave me marks of a particular affection; yet could he not hear my name, without testifying by some alteration that appeared in his face, that he was concerned in it, some way or other: The cause was still unknown to me, but by the kindnesses I received from that great man, and by the inclination which his high virtue, and the admirable qualities of his person bred in me, I was so firmly tied to him, that from thence forward, it was his consideration, more than that of Cassander, that kept me in the party I had chosen: I happened to be with him, when a Trumpet came to speak with him from Lysimachus; and then remembering that I had begun a combat against that Prince, upon the Banks of Euphrates, I was glad to take that occasion to see him again, being he had a Companion with him, and that I might thereupon take the pretence to wait upon Arsaces, likewise. He opposed not the intention I had to do so, and it was in that interview, my fair Queen, that I came to know you, that you also knew me; that I saw marks of your just displeasure, and that you saw the effects of that ingratitude, my error had caused. O gods! What were my thoughts, when I had escaped your lawful indignation? And, in what manner, did I receive that blow of Fortune, which by so unlooked for, an encounter, made me find that person, whose very memory I had fled from, to the utmost parts of all the World? I fell into a confusion, which all the words of the World are not able to express, and I continued the rest of that day, almost quite deprived of reason and understanding: Assoon as I began to open my eyes, upon that effect of my destiny, I fell into discourses, as strange, as that adventure seemed to be. After I had long complained of my ill fortune, which yet presented me that cruel Enemy, whose sight I thought I had escaped, for all the remainder of my days; I reflected upon the anger you had showed, which had made you attempt that against me, which in probability I should have attempted against you, if the respect of your Sex, and the remnants of my passion had not opposed it. How is it possible (said I) that being so guilty, she should make, as if she were so much offended? Can one single Letter (for it is only from that Letter, her choler can proceed) have kindled so excessive a fury in her, who by so black an infidelity, had given me so great cause to write it? Could I take a more gentle revenge upon such a perfidiousness, as hers? And in banishing myself for ever from her sight, did I not do a good office to a person, who in her last affections, had reserved nothing but Hatred or Indifferency for me? By what actions then have I provoked her to these extremities of rage against me? Ah! without doubt (said I again) she would give me my death, to dispatch out of the World, this witness of her infidelity; she will not suffer him to continue amongst men, who before the eyes of all men, can blast her with so many black reproaches; and since, the bloody injury she hath done him, hath not been sufficient to drive him to his Grave, she resolves to send him thither with her own hands: Let us give her then this satisfaction, and let us glut her with this blood, whereof she appears to be so thirsty: Let us offer to the point of her sharp Sword, this mean-spirited heart, which as unworthy as she is, hath still preserved her Image: Let us make her kill this Thalestris, which we conserve there, whether we will or no; and let us by her own arms, destroy this unworthy remembrance, which so legitimate resentments have not been able to extinguish. But why? (added I a little after) why should I give such a contentment to my mortal Enemy? By what right can I owe it, either to her, or to some new-come lover, that hath taken up my place in her affection? Ah! Let us be satisfied, with having suffered, without revenge, the horrid usage we have received; and if we cannot resolve to oppose our Arms against her violence, let us dispose ourselves, to fly from her afresh, and to fly from her, as far as there is day. This was my resolution, and I should instantly have put it in execution, if I had not seen a Battle so near, which I could not go away from, without infamy; I was at it therefore, as you know, I saw you there, I fled before you, and saved my life from your fury, as I had done at the first encounter; but this last confirmed me in the purpose of getting me gone, fearing in the occasions, in which, I might happen to be every day against you, not to die by your hand, but perchance to wound you with mine, without knowing you, which would have been the utmost effect of my ill fortune. With this intention, I left the Camp of your Enemies, not taking leave of any body; and it was, the day you found me, by the side of that Fountain, where I was fallen asleep, and where I stayed for Lascaris, whom I had left behind, to dispatch some little business, that concerned our journey; There it was, Madam, that your goodness, and my crime, were made manifest; there it was, that you spared me a life, which I ought to have lost a thousand times; there it was, that I ceased to be innocent, by coming to know, that you were so; and there it was, in fine, that my resentments vanished, to give way to my repentance. The testimony of that Prince, whereby you were but too fully justified, added to the means he gave me, of clearing my doubts, with your very Enemies; that fainting wherewith, you were seized out of an excess of grief, for the bloody and injurious reproach I used against you; and that coldness, into which, by a great tranquillity of Conscience, you pressed within a minute after, opened my eyes sufficiently, to make me know, That I alone was criminal, and that I was unworthy of this life, which you had left me merely out of contempt; and I had taken it away, with my own hands, if by an oath, inviolable among the Scythians, Prince Oroondates had not engaged me to live. Scarce was I gone from him Five or six hundred paces, when I met Lascaris, he found a disturbance in my face, and being I loved him dearly, I made him acquainted with the cause, and gave him a true relation of all that adventure. After he had considered that event, in stead of being afflicted for my crimes, he found matter of consolation for me in it, and would needs persuade me, That my fortune was a great deal better in my Princess' innocence, then in mine own: He argued, That since nothing but the opinion I had had to your disadvantage, had been the cause of all my miseries, I by losing that, lost also all the occasion I had had to account myself miseraable; and that if by an error, grounded upon appearances, that were great enough, I had offended you, I might hope for your pardon, by the assistance Prince Oroondates had promised me, and by the services I might render you. I found some reason in his discourse, and could not without a marvellous comfort, imagine, that my Queen was innocent of that infidelity, whereof I had accused her: But that satisfaction was quickly counter-balanced by my remorse, and I was no more gently handled by it, than I had been before, by my Anger and my Jealousy. My love, being returned with all ●●s powers, represented my crime so horrible, that I could not look upon myself, but as a Monster, unworthy of the light, nor could I longer endure it, but with grief; and from that moment, I began to fly it, and to seek out darkness, as more agreeable to the condition of my soul. That Wood, from whence you now have drawn me, presenting it self unto my sight, I turned my steps that way, and seeking the most remote and gloomy parts of it; I found that place so suitable to my humour, that I spent the rest of the day there, and the whole night, Lascaris not being able to draw me out of it; the next morning, I accidentaly light upon that Cave, where I since have made my abode; and having, with my Sword, cut away some Branches, that stopped the entrance of it, I no sooner had set foot within it, but I found it very proper for my habitation; all things were conformable, to the horror, that settled itself in my soul; and that place was so desert, and so out of the way of humane society, That I believed the gods had miraculously guided me thither; yet was it not, that reason alone, that stayed me there; for what commodiousness soever I found in that retreat, I should, without doubt, have fled further from you, if I had not been retained by another consideration. I thought that in the occasions you hazarded yourself in, every day, you might fall into danger of your life; and I believed, that being near you, I might watch an opportunity to preserve it, for an expiation of some part of my offences, and that peradventure, the gods would afford me means of doing something profitably for your service. Lascaris did not disapprove that thought, and from that time, having saluted that favourable Cave, as the place of my future dwelling, I began to take possession of it; Lascaris, behind it, made a kind of a Hovel for our Horses; and we fell to work together to make Beds, upon which we since have lain. The second day, I sent Lascaris to a little Town, not far off, to get the device of my Shield wiped out, and the colour of my Arms changed, by which I might have been known; He also brought back some provisions; but I made little use of them, and have lived for the most part of wild fruits, which we gathered in the Wood There passed few days, that I sent not Lascaris to your Camp, to learn if there were any occasion, in which, you might be employed; and it was by the intelligence he gave me, that I came to the Battle; and that keeping myself, concealed under Arms, in which, I was not known, I had the means to be near you, to fight for your defence, and to retire with the same facility: I did the same to day, by the news he brought me yesterday, of what was to be done in your Army; and in these two encounters, the ardent prayers I made unto the gods, won them to be so favourable to me, That they guided me miraculously for your deliverance. To tell you now, in what fashion I lived in my solitude, were but superfluous, since you to day have seen enough to inform you of it, and that you may partly guests it, by the alteration of my face. I have passed days and nights, there that were sufficiently cruel to me, but yet too gentle for a reparation of so heinous crimes, and for so glorious a recompense. I fed almost altogether upon those wild fruits, though Lascaris, sometimes brought other provisions from the Camp: I often talked of you, to insensible witnesses; I sighed, and poured forth tears, that were enough, perhaps, to have washed away the guilt of any other fault, but mine.   
The End of the Second Book.   

CASSANDRA. The last Part. The third Book.  
ORontes had something more to say for the conclusion of his Discourse, but they were then come to the entrance of the Camp, and he seemed to have justly measured the length of his recital with that of the way: The Queen would also have replied many things upon his last words, if she could have expressed her thoughts to him without a great number of witnesses▪ she therefore contented herself with discovering part of them by glances that were full of sweetness, and with giving him her hand once more in token of an eternal reconciliation; they alighted at Prince Oroondates his Tent when darkness began to overspread the Earth, and there with the Princes of Persia and Scythia, they found Lysimachus, Ptolomeus, Oxyatres, Eumen●s, Demetrius, and Polyperchon, and with them the Princess Berenice, Deidamia, Barsina, and Cleone. Assoon as Thalestris appeared, the Princes rose to meet her, as well to pay her their Civilities, as to testify the disquiet her sudden departure had caused in them; but when they saw Orontes whom she had led in by the hand▪ they lost some part of the intentiveness, where with they looked upon the Queen, to fix it particularly upon that Prince. He was presently known by Artaxerxes and Oroondates, but they were so surprised to see him with that fair Queen who a few days before had showed so violent a hatred against him, that they knew not what they should conjecture of that Adventure, nor in what manner they should aboard him. Thalestris who perceived their astonishment, having a mind to put them quickly out of it, and striving to overcome the bashfulness that broke forth in her blushes. This is not, said she, that injurious Enemy, against whom you have seen me animated with so vehement an indignation; but 'tis the Defender of my life, who in the last Battle, and in the Combat to day appeared miraculously to succour me; I believed that these Obligations added to a repentance capable to wash out greater faults than his, might countervail the offences he had done me, and thereupon I forgot my own interests for yours, and have conquered my resentments to bring a man into your party, whose Valour is not to be despised. There was no need of saying more to the Princes, to make them know the truth of that Adventure▪ and the Queen had hardly ended these words, when Prince Oroondates running to Orontes with open arms: Cousin, said he, I praise the Gods for your return, and rejoice at your happy success, as much as if it were my own. Orontes receiving those endearments with a great deal of respect, was going to reply, when Prince Artaxerxes prevented him, and pulling him out of Oroondates his arms: That friendship, said he, which was granted me among our Enemies, must not be refused me from the Kinsman of my Princess, and from him who so worthily bears that first Name, under which I came acquainted with my dearest Brother. Orontes who knew Arsaces to be Artaxerxes, and who during the abode he had made in his Grot had learned the truth of his Story by the Report of Lascaris, answered his kindnesses with much submission, but they were interrupted by Lysimachus, who demanded his part as well as the rest in the friendship of that valiant man, whose Forces he had already tried, and whose Virtue he infinitely esteemed, as well by the recital he had heard of his life, as by what he knew of it himself, Ptolomeus, Demetrius, Eumenes, Oxyatres, and Polyperchon, to whom that Famous Stranger (who under the terrible Ensign of the Vultures had done such gallant Actions against them) was already very well known, came pressing about him, to begin a more particular acquaintance, and embraced him one after another with marks of a marvellous esteem. The Princess Berenice, to whom the first years of their lives, and their nearness of Kindred gave particular inclinations of good will, and who besides was very affectionately concerned in the Affairs of Queen Thalestris, opening herself a passage among the Princes: What Cousin, said she, and shall not I have my share in the common satisfaction? I who amongst my nearest Kinsmen have ever very especially esteemed you, and who love you still more for the inclinations you have had, then for the services you have done to this fair Queen, to whom I have given a part of myself: By the example of Berenice, Deidamia, Barsina, and Cleone saluted Orontes very civilly, and when he was got Free of those first Receptions, coming back to the Princes of Scythia and Persia: Great Princes, said he to them, I am unworthy of the Honour you do me, and should be confounded at it, if I did not know that this day to me is full of glorious events, and that this same fortune which draws me out of the Grave to restore me to life again, and to regive me my Princess, gives me also in the esteem of such Eminent Persons, a Glory that may establish my highest felicity. You ever desrved it, replied Oroondates, but you have made yourself more worthy of it by your last actions then by those which made you be condemned of your best Friends; and that which makes you merit Thalestris, may justly make you merit the affections of virtuous persons▪ For my part, dear Cousin, (went he on embracing him) I confess I had very great resentments against you, but that repentance which has obtained the pardon of this fair Queen, and the obligation we have to you in what you have done for her safety, restore you my affection entirely. The remorse I have felt, answered Orontes, for the offences I had committed against my Queen, have been accompanied with a sorrow for having born Arms against the party of my Prince; but as I may excuse my error of the faults I did against my Love, my ignorance also was the cause of those I did against my duty, and from the very minute I was cured of both, I passed from my crime into a sudden and severe repentance. Let's talk no longer of your faults, added Prince Artaxerxes, since she who therein has the principal interest is willing to forget them, and since the Noble Actions you have done in her favour, ought more justly, and more worthily to possess your remembrance. Orontes never wants the power (interrupted the fair Queen) to save the life of Thalestris, he has done but that twice or thrice in your presence which he had done before upon the walls of Phriney, and in the Prison of Neobarzanes. Alas! (said Orontes, not suffering her to proceed) how happy am I in having done these petty services for so good and so grateful a Princess, and how different would my destiny be from what it is, if you should judge me with severity? They had enlarged themselves further in this conversation, if every body had not passionately desired to hear the truth of that Encounter from the Queen, and if the Princess Berenice, seconded by her Brother, and by her Servant had not pressed her to it very earnestly. Thalestris disposed herself to obey them, and though she could not do it without blushing▪ nor without making appear some inward disturbance in many places of her discourse, she made them a full recital of that Adventure, and by relating the words of Orontes, the place of his abode, and the condition she had found him in, drew tears from the eyes of the most hard hearted. She was making an end of her Discourse, when Araxes, Hyppolita, Menalippa, and some other Amazons, who had been abroad to seek her, came into the Tent; if Hyppolita was ashonished to meet Orontes there, Menalippa and her Companions were so a great deal more, when in his face they saw all the feature of Orithia's, and when they found a man in the person of that valiant Lady, who had lived so long amongst them; not but that they had heard some rumour of it, both in their Country after their Queen's departure, and in the Camp since their arrival there; but they had found some little probability in that adventure, that they stood in need of such a confirmation as that, to lend a perfect belief to that Report. They knew not at first how they should receive such a Metamorphosis; but in the end, being they bore a great deal of affection, and respect unto their Queen, they submitted to her inclinations, and not judging that her love to Orontes reached to the destroying of their Laws and Customs, they approved it without discontent, not being able to condemn any thing in it, if it were Platonic, and if it went beyond those limits, they had as little cause to dislike that she should give them a Queen to succeed her of the blood of a Prince, whose virtue was very well known, and whose person had ever been very dear to them; although they concealed part of their thoughts before that illustrious Company, they declared the rest by endearments full of affection, which they gave to their ancient Companion.  
And Orontes knowing Menalippa, and with her some other women, whom formerly she had cherished and esteemed, embraced them with motions full of tenderness, and showed them great expressions of his first affection. Valiant Menalippa, said he, to what will you condemn this deceitful Orithia, who under false appearances abused your friendship? we will condemn her, answered Menalippa, to love us as she has done heretofore, and that's all the punishment we can impose upon this generous imposter, to whom we owe the safety of our Queen. Hippolita had her full share in the kindnesses of Orontes, and Lassaris renewed his friendships and his acquaintance among the Amazons. The arrival of Orontes, and the satisfaction of Thalestris, being very considerable to that illustrious company, made that whole evenings entertainment, and after having spent it in a conversation which afforded them matter enough; they all retired into their Chambers to take their usual rest. Orontes was lodged in Prince Oroondates his Tents, Artaxerxes would have no other quarter, but being the Tents were very spacious, they had their Chambers apart with good conveniency; the Princesses lay near them within the same enclosure, though their lodgings were separated, only Apamia, and Arsionoe were retired to their Husbands, and even Thalestris leaving Menalippa to command in the Amazons quarter, would not forsake Berenice, Deidamia, and Barsina, with whom she laid aside her Warlike Humour, to live in a society more conformable to their Sex.  
During that night and the beginning of the next day, the workmen who were in hand with the Bridges, hastened their business with such diligence, that two hours before Noon they drew near the other bank, and only stayed for the forces that were to sustain them, and that were to land, to place the last Boats, and to finish the work. Demetrius who remembered the employment he was to have that day, had begun it in the duties of a Captain experienced above his Age, and using the clear lights of his understanding, had begun to put that in practice, which afterward he executed with so much reputation, he took a careful review of those forces that had been assigned him, and having drawn them up in Battalia upon the bank of the river, he divided those that were to pass over to the other side in Boats, from those that were to go upon the Bridge, at the head of which he meant to fight himself against those that should oppose his descent. Alexander and Menelaus to whom the other Bridge was assigned, laboured on their side with the same Care; but when Demetrius had taken such order as was necessary upon the bank, he resolved to bestow the time he had left, before there was matter to employ him, in visiting Deidamia; the remembrance of that fair Princess never forsook him for a moment, and considering that the chance of war might make him fall in the peril to which he was going to expose himself, he demanded of his Love a little more courage then ordinary, that he might be able to make protestations to his Princess, which peradventure were to be the last of his life: in this resolution completely armed, he turned his steps towards the Tent where she was, but not without being much more afraid of that occasion, then of the other to which he was destined. Being no reason had obliged him to conceal his passion, it was then unknown to very few, every body approved of it, all the Princes and Princesses favoured him in it, and Antigonus who with much joy had seen the memory of Hermione die in his thoughts, had not opposed the birth of a more lawful affection, and condemned nothing but the violences that troubled his repose, and were prejudicial to his health. When Demetrius came into Deidamia Chamber, Barsina and Ptolomeus were with her, and were witnesses of their salutation, and of their first words; but as they were two very discreet persons, and who knew Demetrius his passion, they quickly took a pretence to withdraw, and left him alone with the Princess and her M●ds, who out of respect kept at the further end of the Room. Demetrius had then all manner of liberty to entertain her, if his profound respect, and the fear of displeasing her, had not taken away some part of his confidence; yet being he had broken through the first difficulties, and knew the goodness of that Princess, which made him judge she had no aversion against him, and that nothing but the remembrance of Agis forbade him access unto her heart, he recollected a little boldness, and looking upon her with eyes in which his thoughts were painted; Madam, (said he) I were unworthy of the employment that has been given me for this day, if to discharge it I should not seek all that may contribute to the advantage of my party: to make me conquer, 'tis not enough for me to command valiant men, to be inspired with glorious examples, and to have myself some little courage, and valour; all this may be amongst our enemies, and by the same advantages they may dispute the victory against me: But how valiant soever they are, they will but vainly oppose our forces, if in this occasion I be avowed by Deidamia, and if I may march on to the encounter with some belief, that in favour of me, you will take some interest in the success of it. Give me (my adored Princess) a victory that depends on you, and suffer me to make my Companions hope▪ that if Demetrius be yours by your owning him, he'll hew them out a passage to day, both to the other side of Euphrates, and even into the gates of Babylon; I am constrained, Madam, to touch you by the consideration of our whole party, because by my own alone, I cannot lawfully hope for these effects of your goodness. The Princess harkened with trouble to this discourse of Demetrius, and if she had not been prepossessed with a great deal of esteem, nay, and even with a great deal of goodwill toward him, she had not lent him so quiet an attention; she sighed assoon as he had made an end of speaking, and beholding him with an eye in which through some resentment he observed a great deal of gentleness. How cruel you are (said she) to persist in the design of afflicting me! and what an unjust violence you use upon me, in constraining me to complain of a Prince whose person I infinitely esteem, and whose compassion was most obliging to me, while it appeared to be without interest; that gift you make me of yourself, would be a very considerable one to me, if I were in a condition to receive it, and you ought not to demand that of me by the consideration of your party, which your own alone might make you worthily to hope for from a heart less prepossessed than mine. Content yourself, my Lord Demetrius, with this Declaration, and that I only style that in you an unjust perseverance, which from any other man but yourself, I should receive as a cruel persecution; you have no need of my favour to overcome your enemies, it would be fatal to you in the Combat, and Fortune my cruel enemy would undoubtedly make you perish, if you were owned by Deidamia. That glory (replied Demetrius) would be more advantageous to me then victory, and I account Agis more glorious, and more fortunate in his death, than he was in the whole course of his life; Alas! (continued he with a sigh) how much reason he has to be pleased in the lower shades with that perseverance which perchance with more justice than you, I might call more unjust than mine, if I were not withheld by my respect, and by my submission to to all your thoughts, 'tis by that strange prepossession that my fortune is the more deplorable, and my destiny would be much more supportable; if that affection you oppose me with had a reasonable foundation, if it had a true and real Object, an Object that could take it up, and an Object that could make use of the advantages which are refused me. You complain unjustly, answered Deidamia, of a thing wherein you ought to find your consolation, and your fortune (if you confine it to the thoughts I have of you) would be a great deal worse than it is, if that precedency which I only give to what is now no more, were granted to living persons; you have at least this satisfaction, that there is no man in the World more favoured, nor more esteemed by me then Prince Demetrius; and you will yet have a more perfect one, when I shall tell you that there is none before whom I would not prefer you, if the Gods had left me in a condition to have still the liberty of making a choice, and of giving a precedence; the little power I have to deal more favourably with you, obliges me to make you this confession freely, which perchance does injure Decency and Modesty; but you may be pleased to content yourself with it, and never to desire any thing more from her, of whom without mortality afflicting her, you can ask nothing further. I will desire death then, replied the amorous Prince, and in this combat I am going to, I'll seek for death by the example of happy Agis, instead of that Victory I had demanded of you: you alone had interrupted the purpose had to die for Hermione, and I never resolved to live, till I resolved to live for you; but since you abandon that life to despair, which I had rescued from the arms of death to offer you, I'll go and give it to that perseverance you oppose against me, and make a sacrifice of 〈◊〉 ●●ppy Agis, that I may complete the glory of his destiny. 'Tis with that intention alone I now go from you, and in giving you the last farewell, I protest to you that this day shall be the last wherein you shall see yourself exposed to my cruel persecutions.  
Demetrius uttered these words with so sorrowful a countenance, and accompanied them with an action so little common, that Deidamia was troubled at them, and remembering the woeful adieu she had received from the unfortunate Agis, which according to his promise had really proved the last, she found so much conformity in the action, and in the words of those two Princes, that she was afraid for Demetrius of the same success and of the same effects of despair which had deprived her of the other, and which had made her weep away so many tedious days. In this apprehension, being mollified even to the shedding some tears at that fatal remembrance, she stayed Demetrius who was already going from her, and eyeing him with a look something more concerned then ordinary. Whether you feign, said she, or speak really, I will not have you die: and I have causes of grief already, without your giving of me new ones by your death. I without doubt say something more than I should, but to complete my fault, if it be true that I have any power over you, I employ it all in commanding you to live, that you may give me the assistances you have promised me. The sorrow which before was painted in Demetrius his face, was partly dissipated by these words, and 'twas not with a light alteration he found by the discourse, and by the countenance of his Princess▪ that his life was not indifferent to her. He showed many signs of that sudden effect of his hopes, and bowing to the Princess in a very submissive manner: My life replied he, is not worth one of your tears, and by so rich a price it would be too highly paid for; but though I were not obliged to obedience by the Empire you have over me, certainly I owe to these marks of your good nature, the conservation of a life, from which by an excess of goodness, you are pleased to draw some service. I will live then, Madam, if the Gods will have it so, since you command me, but it shall be no longer than I can do it without troubling, and without displeasing you. After these words he took his leave of her, and having again observed that she was not without fear for his safety, he went out of the Chamber with some kind of hopes wherewith he suffered himself to be pleasingly flattered. He was going to the place where he was expected by his men, when he met the Prince of the Massagetes, who remembering with trouble that he had done nothing but harm to a party for which he believed all he could be able to do was less than he was obliged to, had from the Princess, and from Queen Thalestris obtained permission to fight that day in company with Demetrius. That Prince received him with an exceeding great joy, and though he considered perhaps with some emulation, that the presence of so valiant a man would eclipse part of his glory, yet did he give him no knowledge of it that was not very obliging. These two brave warriors placed themselves at the head of those soldiers that were to follow them; Alexander and Menelaus did the same on their side, and all the Princes being come upon the bank of the River, set the forces in a readiness to second them, and without stirring from the shore, saw them partly upon the Bridge, and part in Boats, draw near to the other, which was guarded by their Enemies.  
The too great number of our combats will not permit an account of the circumstances of this, the particulars whereof after so many such like narrations would perchance be of a tedious length; it will suffice to say that Orontes and Demetrius being come near to the other bank without any hindrance, found it overspread with enemies, who disputed the descent with a stout opposition; but being that they were valiant among the valiantest, that Love made them act with extraordinary forces, and that they were generously seconded, they opened their passage at last by the death of a great many men, and made it clear for the soldiers wherewith the shore was quickly covered; as soon as they could fight against their enemies with more equality than before, they broke into them with a marvellous vigour, and scattered so many dead bodies about the field, that Peucestas who commanded on that side as he had done the day before, seeing that Fortune was contrary, and believing that if he should stay the arrival of all those forces which were coming against him, and under which the Bridge seemed to groan in every place, he should not have a free return unto the Town, made his retreat as well as he could possibly, and leaving a good part of his men either killed or taken prisoners, got to the gates of Babylon with reasonable haste. The two conquering Princes not being satisfied with that brave success, advanced within sight of the walls, toward the other side where Alexander and Menelaus fought, and marching round that part of the City which stood beyond the River, they prepared to go and fall upon the Rear of them that disputed the victory against their companions. That relief came to them very seasonably, for they had found so stiff a resistance on their side, that they were in doubt with reason of the success of the day, although they had done a thousand valiant actions; but Ariston who commanded their Enemies, had no sooner seen Demetrius his Van appear, but fearing to be charged on both sides, he quitted the field, and leaving them a free descent, retired toward the City as Peucestas had done. In that rout many of his men lost their lives, either fight or flying, and the victorious Princes pursued the runaway to the very gates of Babylon. As soon as the passage was clear the forces destined to encamp on that side passed over quietly, and before sunset the Army was equally divided on both banks. That part that had crossed the River, took three several posts opposite to those on the other side, and observed the very same order. Antigonus commanded that toward the East over against Craterus, Eumenes that toward the North over against Oxyatres, and Polyperchon toward the West within sight of that of Artabasus. All the other Princes remained in their former quarters, but having free passage over the Bridges, they visited one another every day, and went to each several post according as their presence was necessary. The young Demetrius, and the valiant Prince of the Massagetes, received the praises that were due to them from the whole Army, and if Thalestris openly took interest in the reputation of Orontes, Deidamia could not choose but be secretly concerned in that of Demetrius. The Princesses were lodged together, and though they had their Chambers apart, their whole quarter was encompassed with a wall of Canvas, and that little enclosure was defended by a very strong guard which kept watch continually for their safety. There was the usual randevouzes of the Princes, and there it was they passed the greatest part of those days they had free from action. Arsaces' at Berenice's feet enjoyed the felicity that had been interrupted by his absence, and by his jealousy; Orontes at those of Thalestris, endeavoured to repair his former faults, and his former sufferings; Demetrius with very great assiduity combated against the fatal thoughts of Deidamia; and Barsina who in appearance was in a different condition from those of her companions, failed not among so great a number of Princes to find illustrious adorers. That beauty attended with all the graces that could set it off, had been but a little while among persons capable of sense and understanding, without producing its ordinary effects, and many of those gallant men were already touched for her with a pain, the expression whereof respect made them leave to their looks and sighs. Amongst them all Prince Oroondates who was no less interessed in Barsina's affairs then in his own, took particular notice of Prince Oxyatres, and observing part of what he had done in his presence since Barsina's arrival, discovered that his inclinations to that Princess were far from indifferency, he neither came near her, nor spoke to her without changing colour, but that effect had been so sudden, that it was easy to judge this last sight had rather revived his ancient flames, then kindled new ones in him. This imagination made the Prince of Scythia call old remembrances to mind, and by little and little brought into his memory the discourses he had heard before Barsina's marriage, concerning Oxyatres his affection to her, but being in those days he took no particular interest in her fortune, he had been ignorant of those passages, or had heard them but very lightly. He therefore had then a desire to inform himself more fully of that business, and he believed he had credit enough with Bar●●●a, to demand some trust in what concerned her, and to oblige her to tell him freely all he had a mind to know. Prince Oxyatres for all he was Darius his Brother, was but ten years older than his Nephew Prince Artaxerxes: he was then hardly above six and thirty; there were few men in the World that were of a fairer statute, of a more pleasing countenance, or of a braver, and more magestick fashion; in his garb and in all his actions, there appeared something extremely suitable to the greatness of his birth, and that show of a Royal dignity that was to be observed in his person, extended itself into his manners, and might easily be discovered in all the actions of his life: his valour had made itself known sufficiently, to hearken without envy to the recital of that of his companions, and would have been more famous without doubt, if it had not been obscured, partly by the fortune of Alexander, and partly by the destiny of the house of Persia: if Oxyatres was valiant, he was also liberal▪ generous, and without self interest, and by all these noble qualities had gained the affection and respect of all those Princes that shared in the command with him. Oroondates to whom for his virtue, and for many other reasons, he was more considerable then to the rest, looked upon him also with a stricter eye, and he no sooner believed him to be in love with Barsina, but he entertained the desire of doing him service if it were possible, in a design which could nor choose but be extremely honourable to his good friends. The more he settled in that thought, the more he recalled into his mind the remembrance of those old rumours which time and the importance of his affairs had blotted out of it; but desiring a more particular assurance from Barsina's own mouth, he sought an occasion to discourse with her of it particularly; it was not hard for him to find one▪ and the next morning being gone betimes to the Princess Berenice's Chamber, he met Barsina at the door, who earlier than the custom of her sex, was coming to give her the good morrow.  
Berenice was in Bed, and her Chamber with respect forbade Arsaces, as well as other men, to enter at that time of the day, was open to the Prince her Brother, and to Barsina. Assoon as they had given and returned their mutual salutations, and asked each other the first questions that affection put into their mouths, Oroondates prayed his sister to lie a little longer to, thereby to hinder the visits that might disturb their conversation, and afterward being set down by her bedside with Barsina, he took that Princess' hands between his, and looking upon her with a smile: If you had known, said he, the design I have to persecute you to day, perchance you would have avoided meeting me more carefully than you have done; but if I be indiscreet in that enterprise, you without doubt have forced me to this indiscretion, by the little trust, and the little friendship you have showed me. I will ever trust you (replied Barsina, with an action like his) with whatsoever is most secret, and most important to me, nor do I think I have reserved any thing from you, that you desired I should make you acquainted with. You persist, answered Oroondates, in a dissimulation, for which you shall suffer punishment before we part; and since you have judged me unworthy to be your Confident, which I should value more than I do my life, I will introduce myself into that Honour, and to drive my indiscretion to the utmost, I'll make my Sister partaker in it, as well to punish your reservations, as to oblige you to give her proofs of the friendship which you have promised her. But what do you accuse me of? (interrupted Barsina) and what is't you would now have of me? I would have your mouth (added the Prince) confirm that to us, which Prince Oxyatres his actions have already declared; I was too much versed in matters of that nature, to behold the actions of a Prince in love, with as much ignorance as others, and that which may deceive them, cannot escape the knowledge of a man too well instructed, and too much interressed in what concerns Barsina; that Oxyatres loves you, and that he has loved you, is a thing in which I find nothing to surprise me, but that I should be more ignorant in it then other men, and that you should have concealed it from him, who would open his heart to you with his own hands, if there were any thought in it that would hide itself from you, that's it which I will never pardon you without a great reparation. Ah! Brother (added the Princess Berenice) I protest to you, you have prevented me, and that I from Prince Oxyatres his actions had drawn a knowledge like that of yours▪ I was not yet familiar enough with this fair Princess, to tell her what I thought, but if for your sake I may be received into this confidence which you demand, I promise her that I will never abuse it while I live. Barsina had not been able to hear Oroondates his words without blushing, nor see herself exposed to his reproaches, without some alteration of countenance, but she quickly settled it, and breaking her silence with a most pleasing smile: I shall never be angry (said she to the Prince) at any knowledge you shall have in my Affairs, in which nothing but your goodness makes you take an interest, and if I never entertained you with what passed between Prince Oxyatres and me before I had the honour to know you, 'twas because you never asked me of it, and that the occasion never offered itself; I know not (continued she with the same action) whether these miserable remnants of beauty have been able to rekindle an affection, which I thought had been extiguished ten whole years? but how ever it be, I have no intention to make a secret of it to you, nor to refuse the punishment you will in join me. It is easy for you to guess it, said the Prince, and you well may judge we desire nothing else of you now, but the recital of what we have been ignorant of, and of both the old and new passions of Prince Oxyatres. I will hearken to you with a more than ordinary attension, and shall not be less touched with the discourse of your Adventures, then with those of Statira and Oroondates. You are going, replied Barsina, to waken remembrances by your curiosity, of which I am extremely sensible; but what can I refuse to two so dear, and considerable Persons? Barsina made a stop at these words, and fixing her eyes upon the Ground, kept silence a while, which she broke at last in these terms.  

The History of BARSINA.  
I Will not entertain you with the first years of my life, nor with the first testimonies I received of the love of my dear Memnon, Prince Oroondates has learned part of them formerly, and the divertisement the Princess his Sister would find in them, could not equal the wearisomeness she would receive by the length of my Narration. I will content myself with telling you, Madam, that Memnon was considerable, by the greatness of his Birth, which made him hold one of the first Ranks in Persia, by the lovely Qualities of his Person, and by that high Reputation which in very early years he had acquired in Arms, having made himself famous above the other Persians in a thousand glorious Encounters; he also was raised to the highest Military Charges in an Age, when others do but begin to make themselves be taken notice of, and before he was three and twenty he had commanded the King's Armies in Person. This high Renown making all Asia set their eyes upon him, and rendering him dear to Prince Artabasus my Father, and to all those persons that had any power over me, was the cause that he found great facilities in his design of serving me; but if by Public Virtues he had merited the general esteem, he in particular had Qualities that wrought a greater effect upon me, than the glorious success of his Armies, or his high Reputation in War, and to say the truth, he never fought with so much dexterity against his Enemies, as he showed in making himself Master of my heart, and all that the most expert, and the most passionate persons ever used to make themselves be loved, was put in practice so gracefully by that Prince, that perhaps a more obdurate heart than mine would have been won by his addresses. I'll make no difficulty to confess that I yielded to them, nor is this confession shameful to me, since that affection which a due acknowledgement made me give, was authorized by the will of all my Friends, and by that of the King himself, who was pleased to interresse himself particularly in the Affairs of our House as being nearest to the Crown, and that which then held the first Rank in all Persia. Memnon having gained the affection's of the whole Court the King upheld him in it openly, and Prince Oxyatres himself before he was blinded by this indifferent Beauty, did him very good offices in the beginning; he was one of the forwardest in recommending his person to me by the recital of his gallant actions, and in that design he had the favour of him, found better success than he would afterward have wished: I know not why the Gods would have that Prince to cast his eyes upon me, among so great a number of persons much more lovely; but what ever it were, he began to love me when I was no longer in a condition to requite his affection & when by the will of my Friends, and by mine own inclination, Memnon was already Master of the place he assaulted; had it not been for that preengagement, Prince Oxyatres without doubt had qualities capable to make him be considered by the greatest Princesses of the Earth and besides the greatness of his Birth, and the price of his Valour which had made itself known through all Asia, there could no excellent parts be wished, either for the mind or body wherewith he was not very abundantly stored. I should say more if you had not a perfect knowledge of him; this Prince when he began to love me, or at least to let me see it, was about five or six and twenty; I was ten years younger, and came into the World the same year, and almost the same day with Prince Artaxerxes. Oxyatres continued some time without discovering his affection to me, not being able to find a handsome way to destroy what he had built himself nor to fall off fairly from what he had done in the behalf of Memnon: Being he was virtuous, he could not but consider the Virtue of his Rival, who at his Age had by force of Arms added Provinces to the Persian Empire; and being he was prudent he feared to cross the King's intentions, who had declared himself in his favour. These considerations withheld him a few Months, and would perchance have done so longer, if Memnon's absence had not given him both opportunity and confidence to discover himself. Memnon was sent about that time with a flying Camp into Susiana, where certain Cities had bred some jealousies of a Revolt, and I remained at Persepolis with a great deal of trouble for his departure. Prince Oxyatres began then to make his thoughts appear to me by many of his actions; if I had carefully observed them, and reflecting upon them since, I judged that if I had not been taken up with other Cards, I might have guessed at part of his intentions, without putting to the trouble of declaring them more plainly. He rendered me all petty services with a great deal of watchfulness, and took such cares in all things that concerned me, as nothing but love alone could be the cause of; but I ascribed them to another motive and received them as proceeding from that civility he had ever used, and from the good will which the nearness wherewith I had the honour to be allied to him, might breed in him toward me, or even from the esteem he had of Memnon, whom he loved and honoured in my person, while he was fight for the service of the King his Brother: In brief he was fain to explain himself openly to make me comprehend the truth, and a declaration from his own mouth was necessary, to give me an opinion which I was very far from having at that time.  
I was one Evening on the Queen's side with the Princesses, and a good number of the Court Ladies, when the Prince seeing me at a Window a good distance from the rest, and with something of sadness in my countenance, came thither to me, and Asparia, and Rhaesaces, with whom I was talking, having left him their place out of respect, when he saw he was neither overheard, nor observed by any body. Cousin, said he, may I ask you if it be Memnon's absence that makes you so sad, and so solitary? Sir, answered I, I know not what sadness you can have observed in my face; but how ever it be, perhaps I should not be condemned by you, though Memnon's absence should have been able to give me some discontent. In the terms I then stood with Memnon by my Father's express command, I well might take the liberty to speak on that manner, without fearing that my freedom would be blamed by Oxyatres, neither had it been so if he had not taken an interest in it. He looked upon me with an eye in which I perceived something extraordinary, and pressing one of my hands which he held between his. Memnon, said he, is worthy of a very good fortune, but that you have now raised him to, is above all he could lawfully hope for: I should account myself most happy (answered I with my former innocence) if I could contribute to the fortune of a man, whom the King, whom yourself, and whom the whole Court judges worthy of affection and esteem. If you could contribute to it? (replied the Prince) Ah! Cousin, never doubt but that you may make the whole Fortune not only of Memnon, but of all persons that see you; I say of all, and if I should except any, it must be none but those that are either blind, or insensible. I thought this discourse very strange, from the mouth of a Prince who had been wont to entertain me in other terms, and when I was going to testify my astonishment; I see well (pursued he) that my last words have surprised you, I spoke them rather before I was aware, then with a set intention, and I should have continued to conceal that of my real thoughts which you wonder at, if I could have kept power enough over myself to do it; you would not understand the language whereby by my eyes have long expressed themselves, and you have at last reduced me to the necessity of declaring to you with my mouth, that Memnon indeed is the most happy, and the most favoured, but not the most zealous, and the most passionate of Barsina's servants: I confess to you, Madam, that in all my life, I had never heard words that were more unwelcome to me then these, and that they put me into a confusion, which my silence and my blushing made manifest to Prince Oxyatres; my being out of countenance made him partly so too, and for all his confidence he cast down his eyes by my example, and disposed himself to hear what I was going to reply. That was it that caused my greatest trouble, and though perchance I should not have stood considering whether I should follow what my resentment would have inspired against another, I could not judge suddenly enough, which way I should proceed with the Brother of my King, and with a Prince to whom our whole Family bore very particular respects. I was in the disquiets which this irresolution gave me, when I was eased, or to say better relieved by Prince Artaxerxes, and the young Princess Parisatis who coming near us with a cheerful action broke off our conversation for that time: When I was retired into my Chamber, and that I was at liberty to reflect upon that Adventure, I found in it great causes of affliction, and that which would have made some others glad of this new Conquest▪ was that which moved me to detest it. If Oxyatres had been less great, and l●sse potent in the Court, the Authority of Memnon and of my Friends might have maintained us against the power of a Rival, and our Fortune seemed then to be crossed by the sole person that could possibly cross it. The best consolation I found in this displeasure, was in the belief I had that peradventure the Prince had only had a mind to divert himself, or that if he had felt some moments of affection to me, 'twas nothing but a passing affection, and a complacency which I should hear no more of. I remained some few days in this opinion, but within a while after I was constrained to lose it, and Prince Oxyatres having conquered the first difficulties, was easily carried on to continue what he had begun He came to visit me one day in my Chamber, where he found me taken up in the reading of a Letter I had newly received from Memnon; his coming in was so sudden, that I had not time to put it up, and when I would have done it he would not suffer me, but laying his hand upon it, prayed me to give him leave to see it, in such terms that I could not civilly refuse a thing of so small importance; especially being that I was not unwilling he should be confirmed in the opinion he had that I loved Memnon, and that I believed that confirmation would serve to dissuade him from the design I apprehended; he took the Letter then out of my hand, and casting his eyes upon it, found these Words.  
MEMNON, to the Princess BARSINA.  
THE marks of your remembrance, my fair Princess, make my absence too glorious to have any cause to complain of it, and all the pains it makes me suffer are too fully recompensed by that goodness which lets fortunate Memnon know you have not forgotten him: But yet these happinesses though they might satisfy a reasonable ambition, cannot oppose the desire I have to see you again, and this impatience would perhaps be prejudicial to the service of the King my Master, if it were not fatal to his enemies, and if it did not make me hasten their defeat, thereby to hasten my return. I will see you again, my adored Princess, with the hope you give me that my absence shall not have changed my fortune, and that after the combats I have sought far from you, I shall have nothing to combat with when I am near you.  
I knew that Oxyatres read these words with discontent, and when he had ended them, he could not so well contain himself, but that lifting up his eyes to Heaven he cried out; O Memnon! Must I in your good fortune find the ruin of Oxyatres? These words troubled me very sensibly, but I was so a great deal more, when turning toward me, after he had given me my Letter. Cousin said he, Memnon has reason to be satisfied, and I know no reasonable man that would not with the better part of his blood buy a felicity like his: I would it pleased the Gods, went he on, that either Memnon had not prevented me in the design of serving Barsina, or that death might prevent my fear of serving her unprofitably. This discourse struck to the bottom of my heart, where it pierced me with mortal stings, and though my confusions made me silent for a time, a trouble which I was not mistress of, made me break it, and looking upon Oxyatres with a resenting eye. Sir, said I, your discourse amazes me, and I had thought for divertisements of this nature, you would have taken another object than Barsina. My divertisements? Replied Oxyatres. Ah! Madam, give another name to the most material employments of my life. No indeed, 'tis not Barsina that ought be the object of my divertisements, but 'tis Barsina who but too much for my repose is the object of all my thoughts, and of all my affections: this is a declaration that displeases you, but 'tis a declaration I am forced to by a most tyrannical power. Sir, said I, (interrupting him) I am unworthy of the honour you do me, but though I should deserve it, the good offices you did for Memnon are too fresh in your memory to have a thought so soon of destroying them. I served Memnon in his suit to you, answered the Prince, as long as I could without destroying myself; I would serve him yet with the hazard of my life, and you may thereby judge how great the violence of that passion is, which makes me cross the fortune of a man whom I have so dearly esteemed; I have often told you, and told you truly, that Memnon was very worthy of love; but I never told you, neither did I ever believe, that his good qualities should forbid all others access to Barsina, unless they could take away their sight, and their judgement for the knowledge of beauty: I will never contradict what I have said to his advantage, but you will not think it strange if I be as industrious for myself, as I have showed myself for a friend: I will speak to you more modestly of Oxyatres, than I did of Memnon; and if I praised him to you for his valour, and his good qualities, it shall be by nothing but my passion that I'll endeavour to recommend myself. You are recommendable, replied I, both by your birth and virtue, and by many excellent parts, and you shall ever be so to Barsina, both as the King's brother, and as one of the persons whom in all the world I ought most to honour; if I must answer seriously to your words, you'll give me leave to say that your change astonishes, and afflicts me both together, and that I cannot consider these different proceedings without having reason to complain of one of them: in the former you conformed yourself to the King's intention, to that of my friends, and if I dare say so, ever to mine own inclination, and in the later you thwart all that you before had favoured. Hitherto, said he, I have carried myself either as a man without passion, or as a man that was master of it, and now I do like a man that is not only passionate, but like a man that is a slave to his passion; I for the reasons you allege, have resisted this affection which displeaseth you, as innocent and as full of respect as it is; but all my resistance has served for nothing else but to render it more violent, and more imperious: In short, fair Barsina, it is no longer in my power to hinder myself from loving you, though to the consideration of Memnon, you should join all those that aught to be strongest in me: and if by them you make me comprehend that I have done amiss, and make me know the greatness of my pain, yet can you neither cure me of it, nor make me to repent my fault. But Sir, replied I infinitely perplexed, what can you hope for from a person whose engagement is not unknown to you? And how great a glory soever it be to me to be loved by the brother of my King, why do you reduce me to the necessity of being ingrateful to your affection? I do not pretend, answered he, to be considered by Basina as the brother of Darius, and should be unworthy of the honour to serve her, if I thought to make use of other advantages, than those my services can give me; my birth has nothing that can exempt me from servitude, and I now protest before you, that I will never combat Memnon's felicity, but by the testimonies of my passion. Give way to this design, since it cannot be diverted, and if I cannot be loved by you, suffer me at least to love you, without making the effect of it to be your aversion. I must be fain to suffer all, said I, from a person to whom I owe all, but I cannot without a very sensible grief, acknowledge the honour you do me, in a season when I cannot receive it without being the most faithless woman in the world. To these words I added many others to dissuade him from his resolution, but he still continued firm, and by the rest of our conversation made me sufficiently understand that he would very hardly be withdrawn from it. After that day he let slip no occasion of expressing his love to me, and entertained me with it every time he had opportunity; 'twas always with as much respect as I could have exacted from the meanest Persian, and with so good a grace that a person less preengaged would have found it very difficult to defend herself against him; but being I was really possessed with an affection to Memnon, which he had extremely well deserved, and that besides that tie, I was many ways obliged by my honour, to keep the constancy I owed to him, I could not receive the proofs of Prince Oxyatres love as other than causes of a very just affliction I had lived some time in these discontents, when to bring me some consolation in them Memnon returned to Persepolis, after having done the King marvellous good service in his Commission, and brought the Rebels of Susiana under a perfect obedience: The King received him with great demonstrations of friendship, all the Court welcomed him with a great deal of honour, and I did all that modesty and decency permitted me to testify that his absence had not altered my inclinations. He had determined in his return, to demand from my Father and from the King himself, the last effects of their good wills, but at his arrival he found the Court in preparations for the voyage that was thought upon for Scythia, whither the King, exasperated by the loss of certain troops that had been cut in pieces upon the frontiers, resolved to go in person, and to take all the Royal family along with him. 'Twas partly for that reason that the King had made him hasten his return, and having discoursed with him in private touching his designs for that intended war, obliged him to defer that of his marriage; the little desire I had to engage myself under that yoke so suddenly, made me approve of his considerations, nor did I think it strange that so warlike a spirit should give itself wholly to an Expedition of such consequence. He forgot nothing in the mean while, that could make appear the greatness of his love, and expressed the troubles our separation had caused in him, in terms that made me think him yet more lovely than he had seemed to me before his departure. I would not entertain him so quickly with the love of Prince Oxyatres, and believed he would know it but too soon, without my being hasty to tell him of a thing which he could not hear without discontent; neither was it needful I should take that care upon me, for the third day after his coming home Prince Oxyatres himself saved me that labour, he was confident it could not be long ere he would learn the truth, and therefore he resolved to declare it to him himself in a fashion something extraordinary.  
Having found him at the Kings rising in the Morning▪ he made much of him as he had been accustomed to do, though in his face a suspicious body might have discovered the alteration of his heart, and having intimated that he had a mind to talk with him in private, he led him out of the Chamber into a Gallery close by; there they took three or four turns discoursing only of indifferent matters, but when Prince Oxyatres saw there was no company near, and believed he might speak without being overheard, after having looked in Memnon's face with an action that was not ordinary, he began thus: You would be strucken, brave Memnon, at the discourse I have to make to you, if you had not a courage great enough to hear stanger Novelties without being daunted; and yet perchance, for all you are so accustomed to all manner of Events, you will not be able to hear the confession I am going to make without being surprised; I was willing it should be rather from my own mouth then any other bodies, that you should be informed of the offence I have done you, since in avowing it, I may represent my weakness to you better than another, and allege the power that has made me faulty toward you▪ In a word, Valiant Memnon, I love Barsina, and 'tis only by the loss of my liberty I have offended you. The Gods are my witnesses, that for your consideration I defended myself a long time, and that the remembrance of what I owed to you, to our friendship, and to the services you have done the Persian Empire, made me for a great while oppose the violence of a passion, which is become too imperious to be resisted any longer: I love Barsina, and if without dying I could keep myself from loving her, I would certainly do it for your sake; but since 'tis an attempt I cannot hope for over myself, being so far engaged, suffer what my destiny has ordained in spite of me and suffer him to be your Rival, who has ever been your Friend, and whose ancient affection is not alienated by the birth of this new one. Oxyatres perhaps would have said more, if the sadness he observed in Memnon's face at so unexpected a discourse, had not hindered him from going on; in effect he was so surprised, and so afflicted together, that as he afterward confessed to me, he in all the accidents of his life, had never been in so strange a perplexity. He had always born a great respect, and even a great affection to the person of Prince Oxyatres; but he had so great a zeal and so great a love to the King, to whom he believed he owed all that was possible, that he held whatsoever concerned him, in a most sacred veneration; that was it that caused his most sensible discontent, and he made it sufficiently known to the Prince by his silence, and by the alteration that appeared in his countenance; yet having a mighty courage, he strove to receive it with dejection, and lifting up his eyes from the ground, where he long had kept them fixed, to turn them upon Oxyatres face, he answered him in these terms: With what greatness of courage soever you are pleased to flatter me, you ought not to think it strange, Sir, that in the confession you have made me, I find much matter of grief, and of astonishment; I am astonished that a Prince to whom I am indebted for a part of my happiness, and whom by a zeal not inconsiderable, I thought I had obliged to my protection, rather than to my ruin, should have changed his inclinations for my destruction, and should go about to take that from me with inhumanity, which I believed I held from the King, and from himself, rather than from the merit of my person, or that of my services; and I am afflicted that Fortune having a will to raise me up a Rival, should have raised me up the only man that I could fear, and the only man that could triumph over me by all manner of advantages; if among all the Persians, or perhaps among all the Inhabitants of Asia, any other but Prince Oxyatres, should unjustly assault my Fortune, I would without doubt defend it, and defend it perhaps to his confusion; I would make use of those Arms which are daily employed for the service of your House, I would make use of a good number of generous Friends, and for my greatest advantage I would make use of that friendship wherewith you heretofore have honoured me; but being to dispute it against Prince Oxyatres, I can draw no manner of assistance, neither from those Arms I wear to fight for him and his, nor from that friendship which his passion has cruelly extinguished: I cannot Sir, I cannot dispute any thing against you, and you may take Barsina from me, both by the greatness of your Birth and Authority, and by the merit of your person: I know that I ought to yield to you in all things yet can I not yield Barsina without giving my life up to you with her; the respect I owe you has not that Empire upon my love, but if my life be contrary to your satisfaction, I know how to give it you with the same courage, that makes hazard it every day for the service of all that has relation to you. Oxyatres was touched with these words, but they wrought no effect upon his passion, and being willing to express his intentions to Memnon: I do not pretend, said he, that my Birth, and the Rank I hold in Persia, should give me any advantages over you, and for the Conquest of Barsina. I'll make no use of that which I account to be below her, and below your Virtue; if you can fear me for a Rival, 'tis only as the Lover of Barsina, and not as the Brother of Darius, for I mean not to dispute her against you by the King's Authority, nor by that I may have myself in his Dominions, but only by my services, and by the proofs of my affection▪ You have yet an absolute advantage over me, and you see me undertake that with very little hope, which you have justly, and happily obtained: The Victory is yours when I do but begin to fight, and Barsina's heart which I assault with feeble forces, is quite o'ercome already by the merit, and by the love of Memnon; 'tis in this point that my condition is as much to be implored as yours is glorious, and that if you ought to look upon a Rival who ever was your Friend, 'tis rather with compassion then with resentment. Memnon was a little flattered with these words, but they were not able to satisfy him, and he was going to reply with a countenance discontented enough, when the King who was gotten ready, while they were talking, broke off their conversation by coming into the Gallery with a great deal of company. Memnon who was seized with an extraordinary sadness, and who felt himself uncapable of any pleasing entertainment, would not stay near the King in that humour, but finding means to slip away in the crowd, went out of the Palace, and came into my Chamber just as I was dressed, to make me acquainted with his trouble. I presently saw it in his face, and guested the cause, when he declared it to me himself in such passionate terms, that he exceedingly redoubled my affliction by the knowledge of his; he at first made some complaints for my having concealed a thing of such importance from him, but I contented him by saying, that my care of his quiet had obliged me to it, and that since it was an unwelcome News. I had desired he should hear it rather from the mouth of another, then from mine. He could not keep himself that day from going a little beyond the limits of that moderation which was very natural to him, and after having complained of his Fortune, and of Prince Oxyatres who came to cross him so unjustly. Madam, said he, if Prince Oxyatres will contest with me only by his love, and by his services, ought I to fear he can deprive me by those ways, of what I hold from your goodness alone? and aught I to fear that you will look upon the advantages he has over me, to my destruction? Ah! if this fear be lawful, as you desire the favour of the Gods give me some knowledge of it, and suffer me not to conserve my life a minute after the loss of my hopes. In another reason, replied I, I would not easily have pardoned this discourse, nor do I think that by any of my actions I have given you any just cause to suspect me of inconstancy: I shall know how to render unto Prince Oxyatres what I owe to the King's Brother, without forgetting that I owe all to Memnon; and though with his love and services, he should also employ his Authority, and that of the King his Brother, he should not be able to deprive you of what you have so lawfully acquired. If it prove so (said Memnon, better satisfied then before) as without doubt it will, since my fair Princess promises it me, I will no more lament my destiny, but shall account Prince Oxyatres his love, rather an effect of Barsina's merit, then of my ill fortune. He was comforted on this manner by the promises I reitterated to prefer him while I lived, before all the persons in the World. He was many times upon the point to hasten our Marriage, thereby to break Oxyatres his pretensions, but then he believed he could not do it handsomely, after he himself had declared to the King, that he would stay till the return of that Voyage, for which all the Court was making preparations, and he judged that by that precipitation contrary to his former design, he should exasperate Prince Oxyatres whom he infinitely considered, and incite him to go beyond the terms he had proposed; these Reasons retarded it, and in the mean time he suffered the visits Prince Oxyatres made me, by the assurances I gave him every day, that he could not draw any lawful cause of fear from them; they often met in my company, and I used Oxyatres still with great respect, and Memnon as I had been wont to do before Oxyatres was concerned. Oxyatres showed very much discontent at it, and expressed it in most passionate complaints, when he was alone with me, but his resentments never made him fly out against Memnon, nor against me; he kept still in the resolution he had taken to employ nothing to his advantage, but his love and his services: In the Interim he carried not his passion so secretly, but that it was quickly taken notice of by the whole Court, and came also to the King's Knowledge.  
That great Prince who cherished Memnon, both through a strong inclination, and through a just acknowledgement of his services, who had particularly favoured him in his design upon me, and who had moreover engaged himself to support him in it to the uttermost, heard this news with some displeasure, and as soon as he saw Prince Oxyatres, testified to him by reasonable sharp words, that he had disobliged him, by by crossing the affections of a person that was so dear and so considerable to him as Memnon. Prince Oxyatres who had prepared himself for that event, harkened to the King's reproof without interruption, and when he had done speaking; Sir, said he, if my love to Barsina were an effect of my will, I should be faulty in thwarting the intentions you have in favour of Memnon; but since it is by constraint I yield, you can only accuse Barsina's char●es for their violence upon me; If I could cease to love her, I would do so to please you, but since that effect of the complacency I owe to your Majesty's desires, can never be in my power; permit me, Sir, to suffer a pain, for which I will use no remedy that Memnon himself can justly disapprove. You will thereby be better served than you were formerly, Memnon to maintain himself in your affection and in your esteem to the prejudice of Oxyatres, will second the first actions he hath done for your service, by others greater, and of more importance; and Prince Oxyatres whom the glory and fortune of Memnon have pricked with emulation, will seek the occasions of making himself as considerable by his valour, as he is by the honour of being brother to Darius; we shall strive who can be forwardest to fight for you in the war to which we are going to march, and if Barsina can yet be disputed against Memnon, we shall both of us endeavour to purchase her with our blood, and with that of your Majesty's enemies. You have no need of that motive, replied the King, to actions of valour which are ordinary to you, and the Persians consider you no less for your virtues, then for your birth; but neither of them can dispense with me for what I owe to Memnon, and without ingratitude, I cannot for the passions of my brother, no nor for my own, lose the remembrance of his services, nor that of the promise I have made to favour him in his love to Barsina: if after this knowledge of my intentions, any other but my brother should go about to cross them, I would oppose his with all my authority, and would perchance make him repent his little consideration of my will; but since 'tis from a brother, and from a brother who is very dear to me, that I receive this disrespect. I will content myself with praying him as his brother, to lay aside so unjust a passion, if he can possibly, and if he persist in it, not to hope for any support or assistance from me, to the prejudice of what I owe to Memnon and to my word. No Sir, answered the Prince, I demand nothing of your Majesty but the permission to serve Barsina, and I protest to you that that favour shall never produce any effect you can have cause to disapprove. I have already told you, said the King, that I would not use my authority to force your inclinations; but neither will you think it strange, that I leave Barsina in the liberty of hers, and that I grant Memnon, so long as he shall carry himself as he hath done hitherto, all the testimonies of my affection he can in reason demand. Such was the discourse between the King and the Prince his brother, which Oxyatres was not overmuch satisfied, but he dissembled his trouble the best he could, and that very day being come to visit me, he told me part of that conversation.  
While these things passed on this manner, there were great preparations for the Scythian Expedition, in which the King resolved to take the Royal family with him, and by his example, the chief of those that went the voyage took their wives and daughters with them, to wait upon the Queens and Princesses, who for all they were so young, were exposed to the hardship of that journey. True it is, that the magnificence and commodiousness of their Tents, and of their Chariots made it almost as easy as the abode in Towns, and the King believed it no small mark of his Greatness, to be able to remove whithersoever he went, a Court as full of pomp, as that he had at Persepolis. My mother, my sisters, and myself, were of the number of those that made that voyage, and with us Roxana, Ispatia, the daughters of Mentor, and many other of the fairest, and most principal Ladies of Persia, whom you since have known. Oxyatres and Memnon expressed an equal satisfaction, when they knew they should go to the war without being parted from me, and that I should be in a manner present at the Actions they meant to do in emulation, to make themselves worthy of my affection. Those were the terms they were pleased to use; and when the day of our setting forward was come, Oxyatres addressing himself to Memnon in my presence: Memnon, said he, the time draws near when we shall dispute for Barsina, by the ways that are permitted me: you have acquired a brave and a just reputation, which is it that flatters Barsina in your favour, and she believes with a great deal of reason, that a man less valiant, or at least less famous than Memnon, is not worthy of her affection: perhaps I pass in her opinion for a man of little valour, but I hope fortune will now give me the occasions to make her know that I am not born without courage. I know I have not undertaken an easy enterprise, in proposing to myself to win a fame in this Expedition equal to that of yours; but I must either die, or be accounted by Barsina to be as valiant as Memnon. we'll charge the Enemy together, we'll strive who shall hazard himself furthest in seeking glory, and he that can make most Scythians perish under his sword, shall be called most worthy of Barsina: so it is we ought to contest for her, and he that shall gain her by his sword, may boast that he hath more gloriously acquired her, then if she were his only by the King's favour, or by the favour of Artabasus. Oxyatres spoke on this manner, and Memnon replied with a great deal of modesty: Sir, I neither ought nor will dispute any thing against you, and I reckon both my valour and my reputation much inferior to yours; it shall not be with an intention to equal you, that I'll assault the Scythians in your company, but since you are pleased I should wait upon you, perchance I shall go on far enough to conserve that glory Fortune has given me, and shall do it without other design then that of continuing to the King and yourself, those services whereby I had hoped for Barsina, by his approbation and by yours. You are more modest than I answered Oxyatres, but you suffer your actions to speak, when mine are silent, and the satisfaction of your mind renders you free from those fits of passion, which carry me, without doubt beyond myself▪ but be it how it may, I'll do my best either to execute my propositions, or to deliver you quickly of a Rival. They had some other discourses in my presence, and within a little after took horse with the whole Court, which departed that day from Persepolis: I will not talk to you of the magnificence of our troops, and of the King's equipage, of the number of his guards, and of his Chariots; you know, Sir, in what manner he was wont to march, and you since have heard that it was with a pomp worthy of the greatest King in the World, and with two hundred thousand fight men, that we advanced toward the Araxis. It was in that Expedition that Prince Artaxerxes first bore Arms, and 'twas in the same field that Prince Oroondates made his glorious Apprenticeship both in Love and War. We took long matches toward the Araxis, where our passage was prepared, and during all the voyage neither Oxyatres nor Memnon were ever from me, but at those times they were forced to spend in their several charges. Oxyatres who had a desire to make himself remarkable in emulation of Memnon, prayed the King his brother, to give them equal employments, to the end that with forces and commands alike, they might make their valour known without advantage; and though Memnon very modestly refused that equality with Oxyatres, yet did he accept of it at the desire of that Prince, and peradventure what respect soever he testified toward him, he had no great repugnance against it. The King divided all his Cavalry into two parts, each of which consisted of seven or eight and twenty thousand horse, and set those two valiant Commanders at the head of them with an equal authority. Mazeus had the Command of all the Infantry, and Prince Artabasus my Father was the King's Lieutenant General of the whole Army; the little knowledge I have, even in the terms of war, hinders me from speaking of the march of our Army, and of our first successes. After a great many of days we came to the bank of the Araxis, and upon Bridges of Boats that were prepared, our Forces passed that River, and encamped in the Territories that obeyed the King of Scythia. The King and the chief Commanders would have had the Ladies stay on this side the River, but they all together opposed that motion, and the Queens protested that since the King had brought them so far, they would follow him whither so ever he went. You know, Sir, all that passed of any consequence at that time, and I will only tell you and the Princess your sister, who is much less instructed in them, those matters wherein I have some interest. We hardly were beyond the River, when we heard that the King your Father with all the forces of Scythia, was coming to meet us, and the next day after our Scouts discovered your foremost Troops, who came to encamp within half a days march of ours. You are not ignorant, Sir, of all the skirmishes that happened in those beginnings, and as you made yourself renowned by a thousand gallant actions on your side, on ours young Artaxerxes in those first trials of his Arms, acquired a marvellous reputation: but Oxyatres and Memnon pricked with emulation, and engaged by the propositions they had made, ran on mutually to extraordinary exploits, and by the report of those that came off those services, did actions that were altogether wonderful. Perchance you may remember one encounter, which was the most bloody of all that passed beyond the Araxis, and which might deserve the name of a Battle, though the whole Armies fought not in it, since on both sides there were above twenty thousand men left dead upon the place. I remember it very well, (said Oroontes interrupting Barsina) it was to gain a rising ground which was of advantage to each party, that the Cavalry was insensibly engaged; we contested for it with a great deal of blood, and there it was I received my first wound. The Troops, went on Barsina, were already mingled, and slaughter had brought disorder amongst them, when Prince Oxyatres seeing Memnon, who bloody all over, hewed open his passage with his sword amongst your men, came up to him with a loud cry, and placing himself by his side; Memnon, said he, do you see yond red Standard, about which the greatest force of the Scythians appears, and where without doubt their most considerable Captains fight in person? Memnon having cast his eye that way where Oxyatres pointed; I see it, answered he, and if I be not deceived 'tis the King of Scithia's own Standard, since there are so great a number of men that defend it. There it is, replied Oxyatres, that we must seek for Barsina, or for death; we must either perish, or bring off that glorious mark of valour. Le's on Memnon, and see to which of us Fortune will give that advantage. Saying these words he flew with his sword in his hand into the midst of the Scythians, and Memnon excited with some resentment for seeing himself pricked with honour in such an occasion, in stead of answering, ran whither glory called him with an impetuousness like his; I have heard them say who were present at this action that never two men fought more generously; that emulation had like to have been fatal to both of them, and they rushed headlong into dangers▪ where in all probability they should have met with death; but Fortune was more favourable to them, and those that followed them were so animated by their example▪ that they bro●k the Scythian Squadron in that place, and the thrung of those that environed the Standard, upon which they had set their aim, being opened by their fury, they that defended it nearer were either routed or cut in pieces, and he that bore it, was beaten down with two blows given him at the same time by Memnon and Oxyatres▪ they both ceased upon it at the same instant, but as soon as Memnon cast his eye upon Oxyatres, he pulled back his hand which he had thrust forth, and being willing to yield him the glory of that action; The Standard, Sir, said he, is yours, and mine the honour of having seconded you. No Memnon, replied Oxyatres, I will not rob you of your part in a glory which is equal between us, and I am not ill satisfied to divide it with you: With these words he gave the Standard into the hand of those that followed them, and turning another way, carried new marks of his Valour thither. Here Oroondates interrupting Barsina: That which you tell me, said he, is very true, 'twas indeed the King's Standard which we lost in that encounter, and 'twas a Nephew of Arsacomes that carried it; but the King my Father was not in the field that day, and he comforted himself for the loss of his Standard by the gaining of that piece of ground, for which we had fought.  
In all other occasions (pursued Barsina) Prince Oxyatres did almost on the same fashion, and he hardly ever saw any danger into which he invited not Memnon, and into which he did not precipitate himself with him: Memnon sought not those occasions, but being stung to the quick, neither did he avoid them, and though in his discourse he yielded all to Oxyatres, yet he disputed all with him by his actions; this manner of proceeding had like often to have been their destruction, and was the cause that they sometimes committed faults in point of their commands, by fixing themselves too eagerly upon particular actions. The King himself blamed them for it many times, but it was hard to convert Oxyatres, who had undertaken either to eclipse the glory of Memnon by the lustre of his own, or make him perish in the dangers to which he exposed him daily, or force him to quit his pretensions to me by the difficulties he raised him up. In the mean while they both saw me every day, and Prince Oxyatres expressed his passion to me by such obliging, and such pleasing marks, that if indeed I had not been prepossessed, and prepossessed with a great deal of justice, I should not have been unsensible of it. He chanced to be one day alone with me, and taking his time to entertain me with more liberty than he did in company: Shall I never bend you? (said he to me) and will you see me languish eternally at your feet, without testifying at least that my pains are not unpleasing to you? Any other body but yourself, if they were not sensible of love, would yet be touched with compassion, and not let herself be so far dazzled with a first affection, but that she would still have eyes to judge of those that love and serve her: Is my passion, or my person the more despicable, because another loved you before me? and may I not repair for the time to come, what I lost in times past, by having employed some years of my life in other occasions, than those of your service? Must Memnon's Genius have so great advantages over that of Oxyatres? And finally, must I be born to be his slave, and he to be my conqueror and my Master? You are born, Sir, answered I, for greater matters than those in which you now employ yourself; and I am born with all manner of inclinations to honour you as I ought to do. Do not believe, Sir, that I am unsensible of the proofs of your affection, I receive them with much acknowledgement and respect, and the advantages I give to Memnon, proceed from an ancient and a lawful Engagement, and not a preferring of his passion before yours; if I were tied to you in the same manner, and that among men there could one be found, who by Birth, or by the Qualities of his Person might be accounted above you, I would undoubtedly disdain him, to keep myself exactly within the constancy I should owe to you; and perchance I should not have those thoughts of acknowledgement and respect for him, which I have for you. Ah! cried the Prince, how cruel are those thoughts of respect to Oxyatres? and how little is it by them that his love ought to be requited, in the condition to which it has now subjected him? cast but your eyes upon that I bear to you, and do not kill those hopes to which my life is fastened, by an unsensibleness which in vain you would disguise; I might be satisfied with the Reasons you allege, if I were upon other terms, and if I were wounded with a light affection, but in the state I am reduced to by the violence of mine, I can live by nothing but the hope of being loved by the Princess Barsina. As he ended these words, he took one of my hands which was more than he used to do, and keeping it by force, put his mouth upon it, and held it there so long, that Memnon coming then into my Chamber, found him in that posture. Although I believe that Memnon was confident enough of my affection, to draw no jealousy from that action, yet was I so out of countenance, and so vexed together for having been surprised in that condition, that I could not dissemble my astonishment, nor my trouble; the two Princes easily observed it by the colour that came into my face, but Memnon stung to the quick at that unpleasing sight, and taking that colour to be an effect of shame for his coming in, could not so well contain himself, but that he showed some part of his resentment. B●ush not Madam, said he to me, Prince Oxyatres does well deserve to have that granted in the beginning of his love, which is not due to Memnon after a service of many years: These words, in which I found a great deal of sharpness, coming out of Memnon's mouth▪ touched me very deeply, and being desirous to let him know it was not with my consent that Oxyatres had obtained that freedom. That which I grant not to Memnon, replied I, I grant to no body, and 'tis by other marks I would testify my respect to Prince Oxyatres, then by liberties he has taken against my will. Memnon found some satisfaction in these words, but Oxyatres was terribly nettled by them, and could not see the care I took to justify myself to Memnon in his presence, without a great deal of trouble; I saw his countenance alter, and a●ter he had stayed a while to make himself Master of his resentments: Memnon, said he, is worthy of the Empire he has over your mind, and his fortune would not be great enough, if you were not so careful to make him see your innocence. Yes Memnon, 'twas by force that indiscreet Oxyatres kissed Barsina's hand, and to repair my fault I am obliged to endeavour her justification: With these words he went out of my Chamber not staying for any reply, and left me in a greater confusion than I was before; although! took no pains to hide from him my inclinations to Memnon, yet was I extremely troubled, that Oxyatres had taken my care to justify myself, proceeding from my complacency for him; and indeed to take it so, that carriage had something that was disobliging to Oxyatres, but he took it so ill from me, that of many days he saw me not again, and by an effect of anger, and of jealousy, he began then to hate Memnon, with whom till that time had ever kept in terms of esteem, and in some remainders of good will; by little and little he grew more cold to him, and in the end hardly spoke to him at all. This came to the knowledge of the King, and of the whole Court and the King used his utmost power to settle the mind of Oxyatres, but he was not able, and that jealous Prince could not without a violent indignation behold a Rival that had so great advantages over him. His anger against me was quickly dissipated, and he paid me my visits again more constantly than ever: 'Twas about that time, Sir, that our Army was infected with a Disease which destroyed a great part of it beyond the Araxis, and took away Darius his hopes of the progress he thought to have made in Scythia; we thereupon repassed that River, leaving your fields covered with many thousand Persians, and returned into our own Territories, whither you followed us presently after, and encamped within a little distance of our Army: There it was that many memorable actions passed, there it was that you assaulted our Camp by night, and there it was that I began to be indebted to you, since I was one of the number of those Ladies that happened to be in the Queen's Tent, when both your fortune and ours brought you thither to save us from the violence of the Scythians, and to make you fall yourself into the power of our fair Princess. There it was that I first saw you in a condition, that could charm and terrify both together, and that among all those to whom your sight was so favourable, I perhaps was she who had the most grateful thoughts for so considerable a service; I will not say any thing more to you of that encounter, nor of the effects it produced in us, since that's not the thing you desire from my discourse, and that I ought only to tie myself to my particular Adventures.  
Oxyatres and Memnon strove who should spend most of the time with me, which they had free from employments of the War; but with a different success, for all that I saw really great, and really lovely in the Person of Prince Oxyatres, was never capable to make me forget what I owed to my former affection▪ yet I confess I was not insensible of that he bore to me, and that it was not without some discontent I saw him so ill satisfied, but I could do no more than pity him, and entreat him as much as possibly I was able, to give over a design in which he could not persevere, if he had a good opinion of me; he would fly into passion at those requests instead of disposing himself to grant them, and in the mean time he was so exasperated against Memnon, that he could no longer suffer him but as an Enemy; yet would he never make use of those advantages his Birth afforded him, and though he met him with me every day, his respect to me kept him still within his former terms, and hindered him from showing his alteration otherwise then by his coldness and his silence; but at Court, and in other places he took a greater liberty, and gave Memnon causes of complaint, which he never would have endured from any body but Darius his Brother, he could not suffer his Valour to be spoken of with those praises that were wont to be given it, and when occasion of that discourse happened in his presence he lessened the worth of it as much as possibly he could. The King was talking one day upon that subject with the Queens and a great many other persons, and after that upon some encounter which had passed a few days before, he had said all to Memnon's advantage, that truth, and the affection wherewith he honoured him very especially could put into his mouth, the Prince jealous and impatient, not being able to hear the continuation of that discourse, wherein he seemed to be particularly concerned▪ Memnon (said he to the King) is valiant, but there are a great many of your Subjects whose valour is not inferior to his; if there be any service done Memnon goes neither further, nor more boldly on then we; but though a good part of the danger be ours, the glory is entirely his, and perchance it would be sought for with more hazard, if it were distributed with more justice. The glory of Memnon, replied the King, does no injury to yours, and so long as you had no other interest, you never went about to oppose it; 'tis nothing but your own change that makes you unjust yourself, while you accuse others of injustice, and that makes you commit a fault, which you would have judged unworthy of you when you had your reason undisturbed. Oxyatres blushed at this Answer of the Kings, but respect hindered him from replying, as without doubt he would have done to any other body. This discourse was related to Memnon, who heard it without being moved, out of the respect and love he bore to the King's Person, and as often as they told him any such passages, or that he received any new proof of Oxyatres his hatred, I am very unfortunate (would he say) to be hated by the Brother of my King, but though Oxyatres should kill me with his own hand, I will never hate the Brother of Darius. This character of respect and love was graven so deeply in his heart, that he scarce so much as murmured before me against his Persecutor, and he was yet more strongly confirmed in that humour, by a very odd event which Fortune sent him. He was abroad with five or six hundred Horse upon some design he had, when he met a Party of Scythians much greater than his, and having with less prudence than he was wont to show in other Encounters, engaged himself in fight, while by his valour he counterballanced the inequality of number, he was charged and surrounded by another Squadron of the Enemy, whereby the first was seconded, and though for the Victory, or for his safety he did extraordinary exploits, his life had been in manifest danger, if the Gods had not brought Prince Oxyatres thither, who was gone forth that morning with a thousand Horse. The Prince having a while beheld that unequal combat, from a higher ground, presently learned the truth from a Horseman, that was running away to save himself, and when he knew that Fortune working to his advantage was going to free him of a Rival, in the defeat of a small body of those of his party, he was at the same time assaulted with very different thoughts; that pressing disquiet put him instantly in a sweat, and he by his action made those that were about him see in how great a conflict he was. Let's stay (said he to himself) till Memnon be killed, before we give our Party the relief we are bound to do, when my Rival is dead, I'll save those that are left, and will do that for his revenge, which my love forbids to do for his rescue. This was his first suggestion, but his Virtue, and the urgent necessity would not suffer him to continue long in it. O Fortune my Enemy! cried he, why didst thou not guide me to some other place? and since I was to succour my Rival, why didst thou not make him perish before he was in a condition to be the better for it? Saying these words, he commanded to sound a charge, and fall upon the Scythians with a fury which they were not able to sustain; in short they were quickly routed, and after having lost a great many of their men, they left the Field and the Victory to Prince Oxyatres, and to Memnon his life, and the means to know his Deliverer: 'Twas not without grief that he saw himself indebted to his Rival for his life; but being he had neither ingratitude nor pride, he was willing to appear sensible of that obligation, as he was bound to be, and turning toward the Prince with an action accompanied with all signs of acknowledgement: Sir, said he, my life is yours, and I should say you had gained it by this last effect of your generosity, if by all manner of rights you were not in possession of it before; but in offering it I offer you nothing that was not yours already, and nothing which you and yours might not ever dispose of with most absolute Empire.  
The Prince who had done an action which he could not rejoice at, though his virtue forbade him to repent it, seemed little sensible of Memnon's acknowledgement, not so much as giving heed to his words; I have done nothing, said he, out of generosity, or out of friendship to you, nor had I any other design then that of fight with our Enemies, and relieving our Party. Having spoke these words he turned about from Memnon, and road away without giving him leisure to entertain him longer. Memnon that very day made me the recital of that Adventure, and by that augmentation of esteem he gave me for Oxyatres, did but redouble my discontent to see him persist in a design whereby he was like to reap so little satisfaction. For Memnon, he was so nearly touched with that obligation, that if Oxyatres had desired any thing else of him but what he did, he would have given it up to him without reluctance: he praised his action before the King, in terms that made the whole Court know how great a sense he had of that good turn; but Oxyatres was neither moved with his acknowledgement, nor with his praises, and expressed to all the World that he accounted himself most unfortunate, in having been forced by his duty, to fight for the preservation of a life, which was opposite to the repose and to the felicity of his; he dissembled not his thoughts to any body, and when I would have praised him for it as well as others, and have testified that I had some part in the obligation, he received my discourse with a great deal of coldness. I did not hope, said he, to have thanks from you, which are not advantageous to me, nor did I think to do you a service worthy of these brave acknowledgements in exposing the life of Oxyatres for the defence of Memnon's; I had no other intention but that I fight against the Scythians our Enemies, and if in the execution of that design I have been so happy as to do you a good office in the preservation of my Rival. I wish with all my heart I had done it you to the full, in losing for his greater security, and for his repose, that life whereof you make so little reckoning. Ah Sir, replied I, lose that opinion if you have it, and do not believe I can make little reckoning of your life, nor of your person, I consider them both as I ought to do, and I have thoughts of you, which nothing but my ill fortune hinders you from being contented with. I will content myself, answered the Prince, when my passion shall be the thing you consider most in me, and when in Barsina's heart which can establish all my felicity, I shall see no body more happy nor more favoured than myself. If that could be, said I, you should have no cause of complaint against a person who is every way disposed to honour you. That may be, added he with an extraordinary tone, that may be perhaps by means we have not yet made trial of, and in the despair into which you cast me, and the shame of seeing my Rival triumph over me so easily, I shall be capable of all things I can attempt, without exceeding the terms I proposed unto myself when I began to serve you. As he ended these words he went out of my Chamber with an action that had many signs of anger in it, and was hardly gone twenty or thirty paces from the Tent when he chanced to meet with Memnon; he changed colour at that encounter, as Memnon told me afterward, but he quickly recovered himself, and having returned Memnon's salute, he put forth his hand to him, with a more open countenance then for some time before he had been wont to show him. Will you give me leave, said he, to have a little discourse with you, to ask your counsel and assistance, about a business I lately had notice of? Memnon was surprised at this demand, but he dissembled his astonishment, and receiving the Prince's words with a cheerful countenance. Could I be so happy, replied he, as to believe my Prince would employ for his service this life which I hold from him? and saying these words, he followed him that way he led; after having by Oxyatres example commanded his attendants to leave him, they walked together awhile without speaking, or if they spoke 'twas only of indifferent matters, but when they were a good way from their servants, and that by the interposition of a little hill, they were out of sight of the Tents, Prince Oxyatres made a stand, and turning toward Memnon, after he had looked awhile silently upon him: You shall know now (said he) the subject of the discourse I desired to have with you, and shall learn to what use I reserved that life for which I fought to the prejudice of mine own; when I undertook to serve Barsina with you, or rather when I was forced to it by a passion, which for your sake I had long resisted, I promised you I would never help myself against you by the authority of the King my Brother, nor by that which my rank might give me amongst the Persians, and that I would dispute Barsina with you only by my services. I think I have kept myself exactly enough within these limits, I have used no kind of credit, nor power to hurt you, and in the employments we have had to make ourselves worthy of her esteem, I have ever sought for an equality between us; I will continue to the end in this manner of carriage toward you▪ and since I have loved Barsina unprofitably, and that by the victory you bear away from me, my hopes are quite extinguished, as you triumph over my repose, you must also triumph over my life, or defend your own with arms equal to mine; I fly not to this resolution against you, but at the extremity wherein my life has no other foundation but the loss of yours, and wherein the repose of yours depends on nothing but my death alone; this is the last action we will do for Barsina, she shall be the Prize of the Conqueror, and the victory shall give that to the more valiant, or to the more fortunate, which during the life of his Rival, his services never could secure him of. In ending these words Oxyatres drew his sword, and presented himself before Memnon in the posture of a man ready to fight, but Memnon did not the same; but after having harkened to his discourse, and beheld his action without showing any sign of astonishment, or of being moved, he answered him with a settled countenance, and with an absolute coldness; you have reason Sir, to go to take away a life which I hold from you, and a life hurtful to your pretensions; but I should not have reason, if I went about to defend it against you, who have acquired it by its preservation, and who are the brother of my King; neither shall it be said, I drew my sword against him to whom I owe my safety, or against the brother of Darius to whom I owe all, and I would rather turn it against my own breast, then against a Prince whom those two considerations shall ever make me reverence; If my life be odious to you, and if by the obstacle I have been to your pretensions I deserve to die by your hand, content your desire, pierce this heart proud of Barsina's image, and this heart which draws your hatred by its ambition; but do not strive to blast me at my death with an ingratitude whereof I never can be capable. What? (replied Oxyatres) does Memnon see his mortal enemy defy him to fight, and if he be that same Memnon who passes for valiant among the Persians, has he not the heart to defend his life against him? I never wanted heart (answered Memnon) in dangers that perhaps were greater than this I have now before my eyes, and my reputation is well enough established not to fear the fall of it by this action; I should not have been prevented if fortune had given me other enemies, and I had already received offences from you, which any other man but Prince Oxyatres, and the Brother of Darius should perchance have washed away with his blood. You are dispensed with for all those considerations, (said Oxyatres interrupting him) both by the equality I resolved to keep with you in the birth of my affection, and by the declaration I make, that 'twas not with any design to oblige you or to serve you, that I succoured you against the Scythians; the King will not be displeased with you for this action when he shall know the truth of it; you owe more to your honour, and to the defence of your life, then to your respect for him; and 'tis in short by no other way that can be repaid for the obligation you believe you have to me. Then I will be eternally in your debt, replied Memnon, and 'tis by my own blood I acquit myself, and not by a blood which is sacred to Memnon, and a blood for the conservation whereof I will shed mine own to the very last drop. If neither the love of life, added furious Oxyatres, nor that of honour touches you any longer, and if you fear not to die by my hands, or to live with infamy among the Persians, at least endeavour to defend Barsina▪ whom I am resolved to take away from you, or dispose yourself to yield her to me, if you dare not dispute her against me. I yield you Barsina, said Memnon▪ in yielding you my life; but if my life be left me, I'll never leave my Love, nor my pretensions to Barsina.  
O Gods! cried Prince Oxyatres quite transported, with what an unworthy Rival and with what an unworthy Enemy do you oppose me? And dost thou not fear continued he turning toward Memnon, dost thou not fear I should dishonour thee among the Persians, whom thou hast abused with a false gloss of valour? and that this cowardice should make thee lose that fame thou hast unjustly got, and which thou holdest from fortune rather than thy courage? I should fear it, answered patient Memnon; and I should believe I were guilty of cowardice, if in the injuries you do me, I did not find (better then in all the combats I have fought for him) an occasion to testify my true respects unto my King, and the true affection I bear him; this is the highest proof of it he could ever desire, and with what cowardice soever you would blemish me, you know me well enough yourself, to think that the fear of a single man can ever make me avoid the combat; you often in as dangerous occasions have seen me outbrave death without terror, and give my blood liberally enough for you and yours; 'twas by that remembrance I had hoped for an usage from you very different from this you make me suffer, and that I had expected any thing else from Prince Oxyatres, rather than these cruel threatenings, in a love whose beginnings he himself upheld, rather than bloody outrages against my reputation, and rather than a cruel and violent design against a life which was never spared for the interests of his House. While Memnon spoke on this manner, Oxyatres looked upon him intentively, and in these last words found something that softened him, and made him repent his design: the more he reflected upon it, the more he found it violent, and in the end after having well examined it, he absolutely condemned it. I have done too much perhaps, said he to Memnon▪ but I have not been Master of my passions, and for the time to come I will endeavour to regulate them better if it be possible. As he brought forth these words he put up his sword, and turning his back to Memnon, went from him and returned to the Tents. Memnon agitated with cruel disquiets retired to his, not meaning to visit me in that condition, lest I should take notice of his ill humour. Yet had he so much discretion, and so much respect to Prince Oxyatres, that he would not discover his proceeding to any body, for fear the King should take it amiss, and testify some displeasure against him for it; he would not speak of it so much as to me, doubting I might find some matter of affliction in it, and I never heard any thing of it till a long while after. In the mean time Prince Oxyatres, whether it were by the anger wherewith he had been transported to see a man preferred before him whose birth was inferior to his, and who surpassed him not in good parts, or by the love which he blindly bore to me, was no sooner at his Tent but he was seized with a violent Fever, and it increased with so much vehemence, that within three days the Physicians began to doubt of his recovery. Being that Prince was infinitely esteemed by the whole Court, his sickness caused a general sorrow, and the King to whom his virtue made him dearer than nearness of blood, fell into a sensible grief; I was particularly afflicted at it, and Memnon took it not ill that I expressed my trouble to him. In the fits of his Fever he sometimes fell into rave, and while reason was dispossessed of her government, he talked of nothing but Barsina, and by all his actions made those that were about him judge, that nothing but his love had caused his sickness. This knowledge redoubled the King's affliction, and he gave himself over to his sorrow in an excessive manner, when he believed he could not succour his Brother without destroying Memnon whom he loved very dearly, and to whose services he believed himself as much indebted, as to his own word, whereby he was engaged to him. Yet was he not so dear to him, as to have that affection ruin that he bore his Brother, and he could have desired if it had been possible, that Memnon of his own good will should contribute to his cure; but he would never speak to him of it, and would rather have run to any other extremity, then that of employing his authority to oblige him; I was one of the first that visited him with my Mother, but as soon as I came near his bed, he was moved in such manner as confirmed all that were present in the belief they had of the cause of his sickness▪ Till than he had lived with me in a discretion that had hindered him from entertaining me in company, with a passion which he knew I disapproved, but seeing himself then in a condition that seemed to afford him a greater liberty, he made no difficulty to take it, and looking upon me with languishing eyes. Fair Barsina, said he, I die for you, and by my death I abandon a happiness to Memnon, which by the greatness of my love, I peradventure had deserved as well as he. Saying these words he turned away his eyes from my face, and by his action touched me so that I hardly was able to retain my tears; Sir, answered I, you shall not die for Barsina, and it had been better she had never come into the world, then to cause so great a damage to her Country. My death is little considerable, replied the Prince, and I receive it willingly, since it is favourable to you in delivering you from my importunities. I never received any from you, said I, which I would be delivered of by the least of your discontents, and if your life depended on my wishes, I would make as many for your health as for mine own. You have more goodness in appearance, replied he, then in effect, and when you saw me in another condition, you contributed nothing to hinder me from falling into this, in which you see me for the love of you. Yet 'tis not, continued he with a sigh, to reproach you that I tell you this, you are too just in all your actions to find any reason to condemn them, and being I punish no body but myself of the faults I have committed, I ought also to accuse no body but myself of the advantages you give my rival. He had said more without doubt, if the Physicians had not entreated him to keep silence, and if the Queen's accompanied by the two Princesses and Prince Artaxerxes their Brother, had not entered then into the Chamber, and coming to his bed side had not broken off that conversation. If I omitted not to visit him, Memnon for all he was his rival, and for all he was so ill satisfied with him, was not one of the last in offering to perform that duty, but the Prince expressed a repugnance for his visits, and when he was told that he meant to come and see him, he made known that he should do him a pleasure to forbear. It sufficeth that I am vanquished (said he) without showing me the face of my Conqueror, and if Memnon be generous, he ought to content himself with his victory, without insulting over me in my misfortune. These words of the Princes which were told Memnon again, hindered him from coming into the Chamber, but not from going every day to the door to inquire how he did; that very care displeased the jealous Prince, and he said to those that brought him word of it, tell Memnon that I have but a few days to live, that he has but a while to exercise his patience, and that he should not labour so much to learn the news of my death. These words struck Memnon very deeply, whose intent was far from Oxyatres suspicions; and in the mean time his sickness grew so dangerous, that the Physicians could no longer dissemble their appehensions. Their did the King's affection to him break forth into greater signs of sorrow than he yet had showed, and then did that good Prince abandon himself unto his grief with more excess than was expected from the greatness of his courage. Memnon who saw him in that estate, who as I have told you, had the strongest love to him that ever subject bore his Prince, and who besides took notice of the admirable goodness he had towards him, in letting a Brother perish whom he loved more dearly than himself, rather than seek his safety to his prejudice, fell into a grief wherein he was like to have been overwhelmed, and considering that he ought no longer to suffer those proofs of his King's affection, without showing the utmost he could hope from his, he resolved rather to die, then to abuse his goodness in an unhandsome manner, and finding him one day deeply buried in his sadness; Sir, said he to him, if I can contribute to the life of Prince Oxyatres, be not in fear of his recovery; 'Tis true, I love Barsina, but I love my King as I ought to do, and to preserve him a Brother worthy of his affection; I shall know how to overcome my passion, and to yield that to Prince Oxyatres, which perhaps I have too much disputed against him. The King life up his head at these words, and after having a while looked upon Memnon, without speaking, he cast his arms of a sudden about his neck, and embracing him with an extraordinary tenderness: My dear Memnonhe, said, I should have let Oxyatres die, and should have died myself, before I would have asked you what you offer me with so much generosity; but if really you can contribute to my Brother's safety without hazarding your own, I shall be indebted to you for all my quiet, and shall never find any recompense worthy of you. Memnon o'ercharged with grief made no reply, but only taking his leave of the King with a low obeisance, went strait to Oxyatres Chamber, and notwithstanding all that they who were at the door could say to hinder him from seeing the Prince, he entered into the Chamber, and came to his bedside. Assoon as the Prince knew him, he turned his head the other way, and by some sighs which he could not retain, made appear that he was touched with his sight, and that he hardly could endure it; but Memnon meant to put him out of that ill humour, and drawing near to him with confidence: Sir, said he, for the love of the Gods, and for the love of Barsina, receive me no longer as an Enemy; I come not here to triumph over you by the advantages Fortune has blindly given me; but I come to deliver them up to you, to abandon all my pretensions, and in short to yield you Barsina, of whom you are more worthy than I. Oxyatres his resentment against Memnon was not so great, but that a good part of it was presently dissipated by these words, and he scarce had heard them, when turning towards him with more suddenness than his weak estate could probably have suffered: What, cried he, Memnon, is it to give me Barsina that you come to visit me? Yes, Sir, replied Memnon▪ 'tis Barsina I resign to you, and you may recover upon the assurance that she shall no more be disputed with you. And what will Memnon do (added the Prince) if he lose Barsina? He'll die (answered Memnon) and it is more just that he should die, then that the life of Prince Oxyatres should be longer in danger. Ah! (cried the Prince) if one must die, I know how to die as well as you, and my spirit will be no more daunted than yours with the Image of Death; I fear it perchance as little as you can do, and if you have no other remedy for my health, I account that worse than the disease you would save me from. If I had e'er a gentler, said Memnon, I would make use of it to content you, without amusing yourself about considerations that are too trivial to oppose the safety of such a Prince as Oxyatres; your death would draw the imprecations of all Persia upon me, and Darius would have just occasion to detest the ingratitude of a man, who by the loss of a thousand lives like his, cannot repay the smallest part of what he owes him. At these words, without staying for a reply he went out of the room in so strange a condition that he could hardly have been known by his most familiar Friends. As he had done that action without making me acquainted, and believed that I would find just cause of complaint against him, for seeing him so lightly quit pretensions in comparison of which he a few days before would have despised the Empire of Asia; he had not the confidence to come into my presence, or perhaps feared he should want resolution in taking leave of me for the departure he had before determined; all that he did to bid me farewell, was to get free of all Company, and shut himself up in his Chamber to write me a Letter, the words whereof I think were these.  
MEMNON, To the Princess BARSINA.  
I Leave you, my dear Princess, since my cruel Destiny ordains it me, and I can no longer dispute you against the Brother of Darius, and the Brother of Darius dying for you; it is not perhaps that I want courage to defend my interests, but I can no longer defend them against the goodness of my King, who could, and peradventure would at last have taken that from me by Authority, which I give up to him by a too just acknowledgement; Yet do not believe I leave you, without also leaving my life: I am going to die, but I will die far from you, that I may not trouble, by my death, the felicities I give unto my Rival, and those to which you are destined with a Prince Worthy of you; I beseech you to have but a moderate sense of my loss, since my Fortune will be glorious if I can establish yours, and never attribute that to any want of love, which is a rigorous effect of duty.  
Memnon gave this Letter to one of his Servants to bring it me, as he got on Horseback to leave the Champ, but the Night was near, and came presently after so extremely dark, that having no light at all to ride that Evening, he could advance his Journey but a little way. You may easily judge of my sorrow at the reading of that Letter, since it is very true that I loved Memnon as much as he ought to desire, and since I never had been shaken in my first affection, by the advantages I might have hoped for in Prince Oxyatres; my grief was so exceeding violent, that it deprived me almost of all sense and understanding, and I think I had sunk under it if I had not been well assisted by the endeavours of those about me; I poured forth my tears with all manner of liberty, before all my Friends, who approved of my affection, and I made them all so far concerned in my grief, that their faces seemed little different from mine. As dark as the Night was, Hydaspes, and Cophes my Brothers, would needs take Horse that very Evening to ride in search of Memnon, but though I was little in a condition to do it, they by all means would have me write two or three Lines to him, believing that they would be more powerful to bring him back then all the persuasions they could use; I satisfied them, and with much ado wrote these few Words, which I gave them for him.  
BARSINA To MEMNON.  
I Never will pardon you the injury you do me, if you repair it not by your return, nor will I ever call that other than an effect of your ingratitude and forgetfulness, which duty never could have exacted from you: Live, and come back again, if you will have me live, and strive not so much to be faithful and acknowledging to Darius, as thereby to become false and ingrateful to Barsina.  
I will not repeat the complaints I made, the discourse of them would without doubt be tedious to you▪ and therefore you shall only know that that night was the most cruel one to me of all that ever I had passed in my whole life: but if it was sharp to me, it was favourable to the health of Prince Oxyatres, and he fell into a sweat at the end of which his Fever was almost quite gone. Before it was day they found so visible an amendment in him, that they doubted no more of his recovery; but as there was a change in the condition of his body, there was also a very great one in that of his mind, and that Prince after a great conflict all that night, had obtained a gallant victory over his passions▪ The carriage of Memnon, who had so generously given up his own life for the preservation of his, had wrought so far upon him, that from that very moment, he had resolved to use his utmost endeavours to make himself Master of that love, wherein he could hope for no satisfaction, but by the ruin of so generous a man. He found it extremely difficult, as he confessed to us afterward, but having a very great courage, he did so effectually represent to himself, what he believed he owed to the action and to the virtue of Memnon, that though he could not dispose his mind to forget me, he brought it to quit me to Memnon, and rather to suffer all things then to cross his pretensions any longer. I know very well, said he to himself, that 'twill be hard for me to lose the love I bear to Barsina, but I will oppose virtue against its power, and peradventure time, and a little absence, may work my perfect cure. Scarce had he taken this resolution, when the King who that day rose extraordinary early, came into his Chamber, and over joyed with the hopes that were given him of his recovery, drew near to his bedside. As soon as the Prince had cast his eyes upon him; Sir, said he, I shall live, nay more, I'll live without Barsina if it please the Gods. Memnon had resigned her to me, out of an excess of love and respect to you, but I am new in condition not to abuse his goodness. The King was transported with contentment at these words, and embracing Oxyatres with a great deal of tenderness. Ah! Brother, said he, if that which you tell me were possible, how much glory would you reap by that action, and how infinitely should I be indebted to you. It is possible, Sir, replied Oxyatres, and you shall quickly see proofs of it. While they were speaking on this manner Artabasus came in, who told them of Memnon's departure, and showed them the Letter he had written to me. The King at the reading of it appeared exceedingly afflicted, and the Prince having heard it; Ah! cried he, let me rather die, than cause the death of noble Memnon. Sir, continued he turning toward the King, for God's sake send after him instantly, and let them assure him that I renounce Barsina, and that I'll renounce her without dying. The King delayed not a moment to execute what the Prince desired, immediately he made a great many men take horse, and to give them an authority which Memnon should not be able to disobey; he would needs have Prince Artaxerxes go forth with them. That Prince full of goodness, was soon on horseback, and having informed himself and those that followed him what way Memnon had taken, he ran to seek him with all possible speed. Good Artabasus came presently after into my Chamber, where he gave me account of all that had passed, and where by the relation he made me of Oxyatres his change, and of the order that was taken to fetch Memnon back, he gave me hopes that drew me partly out of that depth of sorrow wherein I had been buried.  
In the mean while Memnon was gone, but the night that came on presently after his departure, had proved so dark, that not being able to see his way, he had been constrained to alight and stay in a Wood, where he expected the morning with strange disquiets. I will not tell you what his thoughts were, though he made me the recital of them, that discourse would draw out my narration to a troublesome length, and it sufficeth that you know he loved me extremely, to imagine that the action he had done, could not choose but put him into a most sensible discontent, which tormented him so cruelly, that he saw day appear without having slept one moment. As soon as it was light enough to see to travel, he catcht his horse again which had strayed from him in the night, and getting out of the wood road toward a little River, which runs within a few furlongs of it, but when he was going to pass it at a Ford, he saw himself overtaken by my Brothers, whom the darkness of the night had stayed at the side of the wood in which he had passed it. Memnon who had resolved to get away from as as far as he could possibly, and to seek death in the wars of some very remote Country, was surprised and afflicted at that encounter, and if it had been possible for him to shun it, my brothers should have employed their pains to very little purpose. As soon as Hydaspes came up to him: What Memnon, said he, do you leave us on this fashion, and if you loved Barsina could you be capable of so strange a change? It is but because I love her too well, answered Memnon, that I forsake her, and if without dying I could see her in the arms of my Rival, I would not leave my native Country for ever, and friends that are dearer to me then myself. You shall not leave us, replied Hydaspes, or at least we'll follow you whither soever you go, if my sister's earnest entreaties added to ours, cannot have power to get you back. With these words he delivered him the Letter I had written, and Memnon having received it from his hands, read it, bedewing it with his tears, and kissing it a hundred times.  
O Barcina! cried he, how miserable am I, in not being able to enjoy that fortune to which you raised me by your goodness; and how much happier had my condition been, to have died in those dangers to which Oxyatres exposed me for the love of you, then to see myself reduced to the cruel necessity of forsaking you without dying. Then turning toward my Brothers; I did not doubt, pursued he, but that the Princess Barsina had a great deal of goodness, and that she would make some attempt to recall me from the Grave, either by your solicitation, or out of her own generosity; but in the terms I now stand, her pity is unprofitable to me, and though I were not driven by my despair, the engagement of my word will never suffer me to see her more.  
What, (replied Hydaspes impatiently) will you then show so little friendship to us, and so little consideration of Barsina's desires? Alas! (said sorrowful Memnon) there's the misery of my condition, since having obeyed her all my life in the most difficult matters, I am forced to disobey her in those that are most pleasing to me, and most advantageous. Memnon was speaking on this manner, and my Brothers were labouring but in vain to persuade him, when Prince Artaxerxes, and those that attended him came to their assistance. Hydaspes' glad of that encounter, ran to meet the Prince: Ah! Sir, cried he, how necessary to us is your presence and authority, with a man who will no longer know us? I shall have more credit than you, answered the Prince, and without doubt I shall persuade him to return by the News I bring him. Barsina is yours (continued he, turning toward Memnon) she is no longer necessary for the safety of Oxyatres, to whom you generously had given her: After these words he told him what the Prince his Uncle had said, and having acquainted him with the King's pleasure, and the command he had to bring him back, he by the hopes he gave him, and by the marvellous power he had over all hearts, prevailed with him to break his resolution, and return with him to the Camp. Yet did he not know what he ought to hope, having much ado to comprehend the truth of that Adventure. Prince Artaxerxes sent a man before to advertise the King of his good success; and Prince Oxyatres no sooner heard that Memnon was upon his way to come back, but he entreated the King to order it so that I might be in his Tent with him: The King having sent such word to Artabasus, he would needs carry me thither himself, and we chanced to come to the door just as Prince Artaxerxes with Memnon and my Brothers alighted. Assoon as the Prince saw me: Cousin, said he, I bring you home this Fugitive; but 'tis upon a condition you shall pardon him his flight for my sake, and that you shall tie him so fast he may be able to get away from you no more. I was so confounded at that encounter, that I had not the confidence to reply, but I held my peace, partly out of the respect I bore to my Father's presence, and partly out of some resentment I had against Memnon; we went into the Chamber, where we found the King, with the Queen, and a great deal of other Company. Oxyatres could not see me and Memnon (who appeared at the same time) without sighing and changing colour; many took notice of it, but the King taking me by the hand himself led me to his Bedside, and Memnon also came thither. Oxyatres used some violence upon his thoughts to express himself, but dissembling his constraint as well as possibly he could, he spoke on this manner.  
I Have a great deal of reason to complain of you, Memnon, since in all your actions you have sought my shame as much as your own advantage, and that you have not been satisfied with having conquered me all manner of ways, unless you had also the Glory to triumph over me; your Generosity has without doubt gained an entire glory over my ingratitude, over my obstinacy in crossing your pretensions, and over the cruel designs I had against your happiness, and against your life, but also I have endeavoured to repair my unworthy actions, by a force I have used upon my passion, and perhaps you fought not better when you conquered me, than I did when I overcame myself: I will not tell you that Barsina is no longer in my heart, it would have been very difficult to race out such deep Characters in one night, but I promise you she shall never be there to do you any prejudice, and that if by time and reason I am not able to banish her out of it, the place she shall possess there shall never give you any cause of jealousy or complaint against me. Do not by an excess of generosity oppose the resolution I have settled; you would but vainly combat a design which nothing is capable to divert, and to take away all the scruples which compassion for a sick man might cause in you toward me, know that it shall be without dying, I'll quit all my pretensions to you, and that Barsina is no longer necessary to save my life.  
Oxyatres spoke to this effect, and Memnon who had hearkened to him without interruption, answered him in these terms.  
I Never doubted, Sir, but that you had Virtue enough to compass the most difficult erterprises, and the proof you give of it to day, confirms that belief most powerfully to the World: I know, Sir, that without being unworthy, I cannot abuse the favour you do me; but also after your command to the contrary, I cannot without disobedience oppose the will of my Prince, and of my Master; I will therefore shut my eyes, since you enjoin it me, against all the Reasons that argue against my happiness, and will blindly receive the Fortune you give me, since it comes from a hand from which I can refuse nothing.  
Memnon held his peace after these words, and by his action made known to the Prince, that the fear of displeasing him, rather than the consideration of his own interest obliged him to obey. Prince Oxyatres put forth his hand to him, and then turning toward me; Cousin, said he, pardon me the discontents I have made you suffer, and if I no more demand proofs of your affection to Memnon's prejudice, will you not grant me those which nearness of Alliance may yet give me leave to hope for from you? I than looked upon Artabasus, and having by a nod received permission from him to reply: Sir, said I, I while I live will preserve the remembrance of what I owe to your Person, and to your goodness, nor will I ever swerve from the respect to which I am obliged both by birth and by the affection wherewith you have honoured me. Oxyatres appeared satisfied at these words, and then the King mingling himself in our conversation with a great deal of interest, testified an extraordinary joy to see us in so fair a way to our happiness.  
I shall not need to tell you more▪ such were the end of the crosses we had met in our affection, and from that day Prince Oxyatres kept the promise he had made to Memnon most exactly; true it is, that he sought some part of his cure in absence, and as soon as he was well enough to endure a Litter, he departed from the Camp, where by reason of his weakness, he could not exercise his valour, for some time, and took his journey toward Persepolis. Besides, you know, Sir, that we returned thither within a little after; and that the incommodiousness of the season, constrained the King to draw out of the field, and retire. Oxyatres appeared not at the Court at our arrival, but stayed a while longer at one of his own houses in the Country, to obtain by that absence a forgetfulness which he judged necessary for his repose. He came thither again when he believed he had brought his mind in part to what he demanded, and you arrived there, Sir, almost about the very same time. You know all that passed before my Marriage, and there is nothing memorable nor diverting enough to entertain the Princess your sister without wearying of her: it will suffice me to tell her that we received no more trouble in our Loves, that Oxyatres was one of the forwardest to solicit our marriage, and that having been deferred only by reason of a sickness that kept Artabasus long in bed, it was accomplished presently after his recovery, with a great deal of satisfaction to the King, and to the whole Court, that took an interest in Memnon's contentment. Oxyatres never would resolve to marry, but still resisted the King's desires, who would have matched him to one of the Daughters of King Occhus his predecessor, from that time he never gave me any knowledge of the return of his passion, and Memnon never found any occasion of complaint in any of his actions. This is all I have to tell you, and you will give me leave to pass over the great actions poor Memnon did afterward against Alexander, whereby in gaining an immortal reputation, he acquitted himself of what he owed to the goodness of his King. He died full of glory for his service, after having made all Asia judge, with how much justice he merited his affections, and I remained in the world after him to be exposed to those long miseries which the Gods sent me for a punishment for having outlived so amiable, and so illustrious a Husband. Barsina made a stop at these words, to wipe away the tears that ran from her eyes in great abundance, and when she had settled herself a little; You know the rest of my life, pursued she, the abode I made at Damascus after Memnon's death, where I was comforted by your presence, and where I was taken Prisoner with you; you know my long captivity with the Princesses, and all that befell me till your departure from Susa, and till my arrival in this Camp; I will only add that since that time, whether it were by reason of my captivity, during which Oxyatres continued ever with the King his Brother, or of his being taken up with the employments Alexander put upon him afterward, which engaged him to long Voyages, or of the abode he made in those Provinces, which he gave him at his return to Susa, I have seen him but very little, and 'tis only since my arrival in this Camp, that I perceived the renewing of that affection he had born me in former times; he first gave me knowledge of it by his looks, and afterwards by words that show neither an insensibility, nor an indifference toward me.  
Barsina thus ended her discourse, and Prince Oroondates and Berenice, after having heard the conclusion of it, fell upon the praises of those two generous Lovers, and after they had entertained themselves a while upon that subject; You have told us things in order, said Oroondates to Barsina, which I had heard confusedly long ago, nor had I lost the remembrance of them if at the time when I heard them spoken of, I had interressed myself as much in your affairs as I have done since; I now find a fair occasion to employ myself, and I must confess to you that if Prince Oxyatres will make use of me in his design, I shall joyfully embrace the opportunity of doing him good offices toward you; the esteem I have of his person, and the love and respect I bear to the whole family whereof he is descended, will make me undertake the most difficult things that may be for his satisfaction, and I know that in doing him service I shall not offend Barsina: They indeed are worthy of one another, and as among all Princess' Oxyatres can find nothing more lovely than Barsina, she among all Princes cannot find one who deserves better to serve her then Oxyatres, and with whom for the merit of his person, the greatness of his birth, and the remembrance of his ancient passion, she can more worthily match herself. Barsina blushed at these words without replying, and the Prince judged by her action, that perhaps she would have no very great repugnance to hearken to the proposition he made her. They had a little discourse upon that subject, after which Oroondates was willing to give his sister liberty to rise, and to that end leaving Barsina with her, he went out of her Chamber to Lysimachus his Tent, where a good part of his companions were already assembled.    

The CONTINUATION Of the Fifth and Last Part OF CASSANDRA. The Fourth Book.  
THe Princes were met together in Lysimachus his Tent, to deliberate what order they should take about the assault for which the Army was preparing. The Engines, they had stayed for, were now in a readiness, and all the skill of the most industrious workmen of Asia had been employed about them; but amongst all those that were most expert, Demetrius was he that had furnished the rarest inventions. For all he was so young and amorous, he had bestowed some hours in that study, and he there made his experiments in that science, which afterwards gave him the name of Polyorcetes, or taker of Cities. His father & all his friends admired the effects of his inventive wit, and of the inclination he had to those exercises, in which he gave directions, & instructed those he set a work, rather like an old Master, than a young Prince prepossessed with an amorous passion, and fitter in appearance for any other employment. The Princesses themselves took pleasure to be sometimes present at his work, and Deidamia, who in all his actions found motives to recede from her severity in favour of him, did not hearken without some interest to the praises that were given to such hopeful beginnings. Amongst his many several inventions, he caused Engines to be made of a prodigious greatness, to oppose them against the height of the walls, which without that elevation were safe from any scalado. These were certain towers or kind of houses, on the top of which one might place a good number of men, and the under-rooms were filled with Archers, who out at open places made for that purpose, shot arrows securely against the battlements, to favour the approaches of their companions; they were moved upon wheels, which by reason of the excessive weight of the bodies they carried, could be turned but very slowly; the Platform, where the soldiers stood that were commanded out for the scalado, was defended with a good parapet, and in the middle of it engines of battery were raised, which by the force of certain cables stretched and let slip again with violence, cast stones of above an hundred pound weight to the distance of above three hundred paces, and more than two hundred foot in height. Besides these Engines that wereto be rolled into the Moat after having filled up those places with earth, or with brush faggots, where they had meant to set them, they had made others more manageable to batter the gates; for they knew very well, that the strength of the Rams would have been but little considerable against such walls as those of Babylon; the Princes took great care to see them all in order, and intended to make trial of them before they employed them in good earnest. The result of the counsel held in Lysimachus his Tent was, that they ought no longer to defer the assault, since they were in a condition to give it, for fear the courage of the soldiers should slacken by prolonging the siege, and least by the arrival of some relief, which the enemies expected, their difficulties should grow greater than they were at that present, and order was given that at the beginning of that very night they should fallen to work about filling up those parts of the Moat, whither they purposed to roll their Engines, and by which they were to get unto the wall.  
For this end they had provided a great number of Bavins, and the forces appointed for that service, had no sooner received command, but they put themselves in a readiness to execute it. Eumenes and Polyperchon undertook the care of that service, and as soon as night was come, they had their men upon the counterscarp of the Moat, and set them about the business; they that were to work had furnished themselves with all materials that were necessary; they got earth from the counterscarp which they threw down, and took faggots from a great number of Carts which brought them after them. There being twenty several places in which they were to work, Eumen and Polyperchon, who could not be present every where, left a Commander in each place, with certain Officers to oversee the workmen, and a thousand soldiers upon the counterscarp, to sustain them against sallies, and went up and down to all the rest to provide all things needful. The darkness of the night favoured their beginnings against the enemy's arrows; but when it was half spent, they sallied upon them in two several places, commanded on the one side by Ariston, and on the other by Andiagoras.  
They presently made a very great slaughter of the first that happened to be in their passage, and interrupted the work by the death of a great number of Pioners and soldiers; but Eumenes and Polyperchon, having rallied their forces with a marvellous diligence, without calling for relief or giving the alarm to the rest of the Camp, stopped their fury in a little time, and pressed them so vigorously afterward, that having left many of their men slain in the Moat, they were constrained to return into the town. In the mean while the work was so diligently hastened, that before day, the third part of it was done, the workmen lodged, and in some measure sheltered from the arrows that were shot from the top of the walls.  
Next morning the besieged with sorrow discovered the progress of their enemies, and how they had lodged themselves, and would have tried to beat them away from thence, if they had not seen part of the army upon the counterscarp in a posture to withstand their resolution. The day passed without attempting any thing, and the Princes contented themselves with making those parts be kept which they had taken, without engaging their soldiers rashly in too manifest dangers; but as soon as darkness had driven away the light, which had hindered their proceedings, they fell to work again, and continued it with such speed, that by break of day they had carried it within thirty foot of the wall, and needed but another night to bring it to perfection.  
The next ensuing was not quite passed, when there was an alarm given to Antigonus his quarter; some horsemen that had been sent abroad to scour the ways, were beaten back by a stronger party, and being returned into the Camp, after having loft some of their fellows, had brought intelligence, which made all the Princes rise and go to Antigonus his Tent. They said they had met fifty or threescore horse advancing secretly toward the Camp, and that having asked them the word, they had been so suddenly charged, that all the● were able to do was to save themselves by the swiftness of their horses. The Princes doubted not by this report, but that those horsemen, were the forerunners of a greater body that was advancing to relieve their enemies, and being desirous to know the certainty, while they were setting the army in a readiness to receive them, they presently sent forth two hundred horse, under the command of Araxes and Cleonimus, who guided by the Troopers that had given the alarm, departed from the Camp with order to bring in news of the enemy; but scarce were they without the line, when there appeared upon the town walls a lighted torch which was held up, and shaken about for a certain time. Antigonus, who was one of the first that observed it, showed it to his companions, that were gathered together with him before his Tent. Lets doubt no longer (said he to them) but that relief is come to our enemies, behold the signal which they of the town have given, and I am much deceived, if while these supplies strive to get into the City, the besieged make not a sally to favour them and facilitate their passage. All the Princes were of the same opinion, it being grounded upon very great probability, and with that belief they made the whole Camp stand to their arms, sent order to those on the other side of the river to bring over more forces, and gave notice to Eumenes and Polyperchon, that they should keep in their Posts with theirs, and not quit the work they had begun, what noise, or what alarm soever they should hear, unless they received some new order. The valiant Thalestris, who was gotten up as well as the Princes, was entreated to stay with all her women, to guard those of her own sex, and in case it should be necessary, to draw up all her squadrons round their Tents to defend them. The orders were hardly given, when Cleonimus returning with his men brought 3 of the enemy's prisoners unto the Princes. He was presently encompassed with a great number of gallant men, and after that in a few words he had given them an account of the encounter, and of the skirmish he had newly had, Prince Artaxerxes, who was then in command, examined the prisoners, and having put them out of their fear, asked who they were, under what leader, what number, in what order, and with what design they marched? We are led (answered one of the prisoners) by Nabarsanes, who with 12000 horse drawn out of those countries which Alexander left him, & out of those of his neighbours, means to endeavour to get into the town; his Cavalry is well chosen, well armed, well mounted, & with the help of those within, hopes to break through your troops, but we should have had much more confidence of it, if we could have surprised you, as we believed we might have done, if we had come some few hours sooner. This prisoner told other particularities to Ptolomeus and Craterus, who asked him many questions; but he had no sooner named Nabarzanes, but Prince Artaxerxes, Oroondates, and Oxiartes, grew pale and trembled with horror, at the detested name of that abominable parricide. Artaxerxes as most concerned, appeared most strucken, and after having testified his astonishment by a few minute's silence; Is your Commander (said he to the prisoners) that execrable Nabarsanes, who with impious Bessus imbrued his cruel hands in the blood of his King? The prisoners having avowed it by their silence. O Gods (continued the Prince of Persia) how perfect is your justice in bringing this monster to punishment, and in giving Darius his ghost a satisfaction, which Alexander owed it, and which he refused to pay at the solicitation of a vile Eunuch; I was obliged to follow this parricide over all the earth, and he comes now to deliver himself up unto his destiny, without putting me to the trouble to go and seek him. While Artaxerxes spoke thus, Oroondates and Oxiartes, whose resent●ents came little short of his, could not withhold their tears, and rekindled their wrath against the monster by the news of his arrival. They asked their prisoners some other questions touching the order of their march, & the way their troops were coming, and when they had informed themselves sufficiently, Arsaces drew 12000 horse from amongst the best of theirs, and Prince Oxiartes took six thousand others with a design to fetch a greater compass, to surround the enemy, and put them out of hope of flight.  
When these were all on horseback, and that Lysimachus, Orontes, and Demetrius were also mounted with Arsaces, intending to go seek their enemies without the line, they heard a crying, Arm, Arm, towards the gates of the City, and learned from one to another, that the besieged were sallying, and falling upon those that were next them with the better part of their forces. This news did not at all dismay the Princes, nor did it interrupt Arsaces his resolution, he marched with his men out of the Camp, and Prince Oroondates, Ptolomeus, Craterus, and Antigonus with Battalions and Squadrons which were then drawn up in order, turned against Perdiccas, who, followed by Peucestas and Neoptolemus, was come forth in person with eight thousand of his men to favour the passage of his Allies, while the fight was beginning and growing hot, and that Perdiccas by that first resistance found it would be no light difficulty to open away for the relief.  
Arsaces' gone out of the Camp advanced at a large trot towards his enemies, but he was not far without the line, when he heard the noise, and even the neighing of their horses, that were coming up with speed at the signal which was showed them from the walls a second time. He sent forth Criton with a party of horse to discover them, and Nabarzanes, who had heard the same noise Arsaces had done, did the same on his side, and made a halt, not knowing what resolution he should take. Arsaces and Lysimachus with their companions wavered likewise in theirs, thinking it fit to stay till day which was near at hand, for fear lest the enemies and Nabarzanes, whom they sought for more than all the rest, should escape him in the dark, especially seeing by that delay they gave Oxiartes leave to invirone them. With this conceit they sent speedily after Criton; forbidding him to engage, and commanding him only to keep a little before, and to observe the countenance of the enemy, as much as night would suffer him, in case they should advance any further. His design was executed as they had contrived; for Nabarzanes, who saw himself discovered, durst not go on, neither would he retire in disorder, for fear of giving his enemies greater advantages by his retreat. While he was in this irresolution accompanied with deadly apprehensions, the darkness began to vanish, and insensibly, the troops of either party perceived and knew one another. Then it was that Arsaces commanded all his Trumpets to sound a charge, and marched against his halfa conquered enemies as to a certain victory, rather than to a combat, whose success could be disputed with him. Yet Nabarzanes, who saw himself in a manifest danger, and who judged, that nothing but his sword could clear his passage or his return, received them very stoutly, and his soldiers, which were chosen men, quickly made it appear, that the advantage over them was not to be gotten without loss of blood. Arsaces', Lysimachus, Orontes, Demetrius, Alexander, and the sons of Artabasus, flew in amongst them like so many hungry Lions, and the extraordinary fury that transported them at the remembrance of Darius, made them do things beyond the power of men; at first it was not light enough to discern objects distinctly, but when once it was clear day, these valiant Warriors sought their enemies, and hewed out their passage amongst them with more facility than before. Arsac●s, who in that first brunt had died himself all over in blood, and who that day had sacrificed part of merciful inclinations to the memory of the revenge he owed unto his father's Ghost, slaughtered his enemies with pleasure, and seeking for Nabarzanes in all places, made his name resound which way soever he turned, Where art thou Nabarzanes (cried he) where dost thou hide thyself, thou horrible murderer of thy King, behold the remnants of that blood which thou didst so inhumanely and so perfidiously shed.  
Uttering these words, he went about to every part of the field, where he believed he might meet him, and Nabarzanes, who at first had fought in the first ranks, not being then able to resist his fear, and the remorse of his guilty conscience, crowded into the midst of his men, and sought for Sanctuary against the sword of that threatening Warrior. Arsaces not knowing which way to get to him, let fall his anger upon the first that opposed his passage; Lysimachus gave blows little different from his, and in that occasion showed gallant marks both of his usual valour, and of the interest he took in the revenge of Parisatis' father; Orontes made himself remarkable by actions like those which in the Amazons Country, and in all other places where he had drawn his sword, had gained him so brave a Reputation; and young Demetrius pricked with Emulation by the actions of those famous men, did things that were miraculous to equal them; the other Princes that followed did break into the Enemy's ranks with a courage like theirs, and in short they were so vigorously seconded by their men, that Nabarzanes his Troops, not being longer able to withstand them, gave ground first, and within a little after plainly turned their backs.  
Assoon as Artaxerxes saw them in disorder, he rushed into the thickest with a fury which made him find room enough wheresoever he went, and opening a way to the very last ranks, which were the first that fled, he sought Nabarzanes so carefully there, that he no longer could escape his ●ight, and being showed him by some of his own men, whom fear of death had forced to do him that ill office, he ran to him with a cry, which for all his arms froze him with a mortal terror: Thou must die, Nabarzanes, (said he) but thou must die as Bessus did. Saying these words he flew upon him, with his sword in his hand, and in despite of the resistance of a great many of his men that defended him, he charged him so impetuously, that with the first blow he gave, he made his Cask tumble amongst the horses feet; the unarmed head of that horrible parricide appearing to the eyes of Darius his son, awakened his indignation with so much violence, that all the power of mankind would have been too weak to stop the effects of it.  
Nabarzanes his friends seeing his head without defence, would have sheltered him with their bodies: But the famous Prince of Persia quickly made a way with his sword, and sending some of the most zealous of them to gnaw the earth, got up to Nabarzanes just as he was turning his back to run away, and not judging him worthy to die by his sword, he let it hang by a chain, wherewith it was fastened to his arm, and with his right hand, which was then free, seizing upon his hair that hung long upon his shoulders, he spurred on his horse at the same instant, and with that puissant arm pulled the Traitor out of his saddle, and having dragged him a few spaces on that manne●, with an unparalleled force he laid him cross the bow of his own, stretched all at length, and maugre the opposition of all his men, carried him out of the throng in that estate. Wretched Nabarzanes struggled in Arsaces his hand, like some weak bird in the talons of an Eagle or Vulture; but all his striving was to no purpose, for his furious Conqueror brought him off easily from among those of his party, and meeting Criton, who was busy with some other horsemen in pursuit of those that fled; Stay (cried he) and keep this murderer of my father whom I deliver into thy hands. With these words he gave him into his custody, and Criton, who took part in his Master's resentments, received him with a great deal of joy, and causing him to be mounted behind one of his Troupers, he made all the rest ride round about him, using all the caution that was necessary to hinder such a prisoner from escaping.  
In this interim, Lysimachus and his companions had utterly defeated their enemies, and for their absolute destruction, their ill Destiny made those that had gotten the advantage of the rest by flight, to fall into the party led by Prince Oxyartes, who no less animated than his Nephew by the memory of the King his brother, put them almost every man to the sword. This defeat was exceeding bloody, and the Conquerors never gave off till they knew that Nabarzanes was taken, and that an exemplary justice might be done upon the person of that Monster. After they had given quarter to some few that had escaped from their first fury, the Conquerors returned to the Camp with as entire a victory as they could have wished. They found their valiant companions victorious, as well as they over them that had sallied out of the town, and heard, that after a considerable loss on both sides, they had beaten back Perdiccas to his very gates, the work of those that were filling up the Moats having never been interrupted, but by the approach of day, which had made them defer the end of it till the night following. Oroondates welcomed his dear brother with acclamations of victory, and the Princes, who had accompanied him, received from the whole army such honours and praises as were due unto their virtue; but when disloyal Nabarzanes appeared before Oroondates, Artabasus, and those who did yet reverence the memory of Darius, his sight transported them in such manner, that their high virtue could hardly furnish them with moderation enough to contain themselves; all cried out aloud that he should be exposed to the most cruel torments that men were able to invent, and scarce was the authority of the Prince sufficient, to rescue him from the first fury of those that were most passionate. Oroondates turned away his eyes from off his face, not being able to look upon it without horror, nor without tears, which that tragical remembrance made him shed; and Arsaces' being unwilling to condemn him, and being unwilling also to acquit him for a crime which his clemency could not mediate for without making itself detestable, delivered him up to the judgement of Craterus, Antigonus, Ptolomeus, and Poliperchon; none of those that were concerned would have to do in it, and those valiant Captains to be exempt from all blame in the punishments they should ordain for a man that seemed to be a prisoner of war, would needs have Seleucus, who then began to leave his bed, and Nearchus, whose health was in the same condition, to be of the number of his Judges, and that they themselves should pass sentence upon a man of their own party. This consideration was nothing favourable to Nabarzanes, for Seleucus was the first, that without having any respect to the design he had had to serve those of his party, judged him worthy of the most rigorous torments that could be inflicted, Nearchus was of his opinion, and then all the rest of them condemned him to the same kind of death, which Bessus his horrible accomplice in that fact had suffered. This decree, which was yet too gentle for his crime, was executed with great satisfaction to the Persians, who found some comfort in that revenge of their King's death, such was the end of the murderers of much lamented Darius, and the Successors of Alexander did in some measure repair the fault he had committed against the interest of all Kings, and against his usual magnanimity in sparing that Monster's life at the intercession of Bagoas. Order was given to cause the dead of each party to be buried or burned, & the remainder of that day was employed in preparations for the assault, which was intended for the next. These last successes had increased their hopes, and though their enterprise was one of the greatest that men had undertaken, as well in regard of the strength and height of the walls they were to storm; as of the number and valour of the men that defended them; they doubted not of a favourable issue, and made themselves ready joyfully for any action, the thought whereof might have struck terror into the most resolute hearts. All the Engines were carefully surveyed that they might be fit for service, and as soon as it was night, Eumenes and Polyperchon set their men to work again, and plied them in such a manner, that they had made an end an hour before day, and the Moat without the Walls of Babylon, was filled up and made level with the counter-scarp in twenty several places, for the breadth of above threescore foot.  
No sooner did the Sun discover his earliest beams, but through the whole Camp was heard the noise of a thousand warlike instruments, which excited the courages of the soldiers for the important action of that day, one might see them run on all sides, and range themselves under their Standards and Banners with a cheerfulness full of resolution, their valiant Commanders observed it with a great deal of joy, and every one amongst his own endeavoured to confirm them in it, by all the considerations of honour and of interest; the common soldiers in whom the hope of booty produces usually as strong effects as the desire of honour, could not think of the pillage of a City, proud with the spoils of so many Kings, and enriched with the treasures of so many Provinces, without preparing themselves for marvellous exploits, and they, in whose souls more noble considerations were wont to work, promised themselves a more perfect glory in this last effect of their valour, than that they had acquired in their former conquests. The Princes walked about through all the quarters, and incited all the Battalions, which being drawn up in very good order, were advancing already toward the Counterscarp: one part of the Cavalry stood in Battalia in the Plain on both sides of the river, and the other, by order from their Commanders, had changed their quality for that day, and made a body of infantry to march on to the assault as the rest of the foot, those famous Captains having judged that to assault a Town like Babylon, defended with twenty thousand fight men, all their forces were no more than necessary.  
Oxiartes had the command that day, and the renewing of his flames having added something to his natural order, he seemed to be all fire in the duties of his place, and prepared himself to let Barsina see by the actions of that day, that without offending the memory of Memnon, she well might cast her eyes upon so worthy a successor. Artaxerxes, Oroondates, and Orontes, who had no forces to which they were particularly engaged, took part in his cares to give him ease, and all the other Commanders kept themselves at the head of their men to fall on in the places that were assigned them. It was no trivial enterprise to attack that vast extent of walls on every side, and for the exectuion of such a design, the Princes in probability stood in need of a far greater number of men than that they had; but they likewise made a strong diversion of the enemy's forces, and all places were not a little weakened, which were guarded only by men that had a circuit of three hundred and sixty furlongs to defend. When they had implored the assistance of heaven, by the sacrifices that were offered through the whole Camp, and that all the forces were in the readiness that had been ordained, they were made to advance at the sound of divers instruments which struck fear into the hearts of those that defended the walls. Perdiccas nevertheless had forgot nothing that belonged to his charge, and having found by the enemies working, that their design was to give a general assault, he had prepared himself to sustain it, and not contented with the soldiery which he had to man the town, he had caused the better part of the inhabitants to take up arms. Against Craterus his approach he had opposed Cassander; Peucestas against that of Oxiartes; Andiagoras against Artabasus; Antigenes against Antigonus; against that of Eumenes his enemy Neoptolemus; Teutamus against that of Polyperchon. Besides these six principal Posts, he had furnished all those places where his enemies had filled the Moat, with a good number of soldiers and Officers to command them, judging well that there they would employ their greatest force. All things were in good order upon the walls, when those dreadful Engines began to move, which were full of armed men, and in which most part of the Princes had taken their places; they were drawn by cables that were put round many pieces of timber rammed into the earth on the far side of the Moat, even at the very foot of the wall, nor was it without astonishment that those moving houses were seen to approach those lofty walls at the mercy of a storm of arrows, which poured upon them as they came on; the Parapet, wherewith the platform was defended, and their large shields, which the soldiers held forth against them, diverted part of the danger, and the Archers that were placed in a lower story, and that shot under covert against the battlements, favoured those who were above them, and who waited only for an opportunity to plant their scaling ladders, wherewith the platform was provided, they began also to make those engines of Demetrius his invention to play, which threw stones of an extraordinary weight, and they that had the care of them managed their business with such dexterity, that they could scarce have aimed them better with a bow or sling; that strange manner of fight made havoc among them that defended the curtain, and did something terrify them at the first; but their Commanders heartened them, and telling them that the danger was not great enough to be fled from, especially seeing their flight would give their enemies the victory, and deprive them of all hope of safety, they made them stand firm in their places, and expect their destiny with patience. It would be hard for me to describe the particular actions of so many famous Warriors, as made themselves remarkable that memorable day, the number of valiant and considerable men in that army was too great to be able to relate the circumstances of their exploits, and besides, we have enlarged ourselves but too far already in discourses of this nature, the length of which would without doubt be tedious; therefore we will only say, what cannot be omitted without concealing the most important events of this our History.  
Craterus, Polyperchon, Antigonus, Oxiartes, Eumenes, and Laomedon stood upon the edge of the Moat at the head of their men, to lead them on to the assault as soon as their companions had mastered the first difficulties, and Prince Oroondates, Artaxerxes, Lysimachus, Ptolomeus, Demetrius, and the gallant Amazon Queen, followed by Menander, Alexander, Menelaus, and the sons of Artabasus, had placed themselves severally in the Towers, by which they hoped to find a shorter way to come unto their enemies. Their valour did not long remain unprofitable, and they spent part of the day in opposing their shields against the arrows that showered upon them, without finding any other matter to employ themselves; but in the end in spite of all opposition, they got to the bottom of the walls, and then it was that a thousand ladders were lifted up from the top of those Engines towards the battlements, and that the besieged with a firm resolution received them, overthrowed them, and gave a great many different deaths unto their enemies. There it was that the danger came to be known, and that by the fall of their stoutest soldiers, the Princes judged that the City would very hardly be entered by so perilous a way.  
The besieged made use of all things for their defence, and by the advantage they had in the height of the place they were upon, all manner of arms became the more effectual; they cast down stones of a prodigious weight, which never fell without destruction, and darted fireworks skilfully composed, which did considerable execution among the soldiers, and did much mischief to the wood the Engines were made of; above three thousand men lost their lives in less than an hour by that kind of combat, more than four thousand were wounded, and even among the Princes Menander was slain with an arrow, Demetrius shot through the hand, Orontes was laid for dead at Thalestris feet, and Prince Artaxerxes knocked down with a stone, which disabled him for service all the rest of that day, and which had absolutely killed him but for the goodness of his Cask.  
Perdiccas, Cassander, and their companions, who by many tokens found the fruit of their resistance, encouraged their men still more and more, and proud of that good success. 'Tis not a slight attempt (cried they (for Persians and Scythians, to force the walls of Semiramis, when they are defended by the Successors of Alexander; behold the last day of the war, and the day that you shall bury yourselves in our Moat, as in a grave prepared for the funeral of all your army. These words or others to the same effect, which the besieged uttered aloud in many places, were heard by their enemies, and thereupon being animated by shame, they were incited to extraordinary attempts. Oroondates, who had heard part of them, blushed at those reproaches, and was kindled with a fury, against which, the walls of Babylon appeared too weak, for the defence of its inhabitants, he cast his ireful look toward the battlements, and threatening his enemies both with arm and voice, took a ladder in his own hand, and covering himself with his shield, he clapped it up against the wall. Follow me (cried he to those that were near him) here it is we must either seek for fame or burial.  
Saying these words, he began to get up, but scarce had he set his foot upon the lowest staves, when he was met with by a tempest, under which any other man but he would without doubt have been o'erwhelmed, but covering himself with his shield in his left hand, and holding by the ladder with his right, he bore that burden, which would have been insupportable to a lesser strength; many courageous men set up ladders also, and began to go up by his example, but they made not an equal progress, and most of them were thrown down again at the very first steps, The undaunted Prince, maugre all the obstacles, and all the resistance of his enemies, got at last to the top of his ladder, and catching hold of a battlement; was going to throw himself upon the wall, when he found Ariston there, who forbade his passage with so weighty a blow, that but for the help of the battlement which he had already seized upon, he in the posture he then was, had been without doubt overturned on the top of those that followed him; he staggered at it a while, but soon recovered himself, and having taken sure footing, while Ariston prepared to second his former stroke, he prevented him with a back blow which cut off the hand he had lifted up against him, close by the wrist. Ariston losing his courage with his blood and strength, quitted the place unto his enemy, and the fierce Prince of Scythia had no sooner driven him away, but raising himself with a great deal of activity, he sprung to the top of the wall, yet it pleased his destiny that part of the Battlement he held fell down by the force he used in striving to get up, and tumbling upon those that followed him, overthrew them all with their ladder, either killed or wounded, while they that had opposed the others which were planted, cast them down headlong with the same destruction into the Moat, and not only took away the advantages they had gained, but also the courage of attempting to scale them any more.  
Those who defended the place where the Prince of Scythia had gotten up, were immediately scattered to avoid the death they feared to meet in the point of his sword, but when they saw him alone, and that by the cries of their companions, they had learned the fate of those that were coming after him, they recollected their spirits, and getting together again, began to encompass him. He soon perceived the misfortune he was fallen into, and turning his eyes from the top of the walls, toward the Camp, which he could see, all of it from thence, he was unresolved whether he should preciptate himself into the Moat, rather than submit himself to the mercy of his enemies. Must I (said he to himself with a deep sigh) must I give my enemies the joy to triumph to day over my life, or over my liberty.  
This thought afflicted him most infinitely, but he had not the leisure to express it, and they only gave him time to resolve to sell that dearly, which they would have taken from him. With this resolution which he took very suddenly, he rushed like a Lion into the midst of those that assaulted him, and with his two first blows, having laid two of the forwardest of them dead at his feet, he made their companions know that he was not yet their prisoner, though he were shut up within their walls, their breadth at the top which was of two and thirty foot, afforded them room enough to fight in, but it proved oftentimes too narrow, for those, who flying the point of his fatal sword to the very brink, fell down into the streets. and found that death by their fall, which they had in vain endeavoured to avoid. The most terrible objects that ever had been seen, were nothing in comparison of what Oroondates appeared to them that opposed his fury, and some amongst them who called to mind just such another accident, whereby Alexander had been so near his death in the City of the Mallians, thought they saw something far more great, and far more dreadful in this latter; He had already covered the place on which he fought with flaughtered carcases, and such was his fortune, that his enemies had not yet drawn blood of him; but though he had been yet more valiant, if it could have been possible, though he had been invulnerable, there was a necessity of yielding ●o a world of enemies, whose very throng alone was able to have stifled him, and for a last effect of his mishap, that so redoubted sword having been laid with too potent an arm upon a Head-piece of too hard a temper, flew into a great many pieces, and left its Master disarmed in that extremity.  
His rage grew to the highest pitch when he saw himself in that condition, yet his misfortune was not capable to abate his courage, but instantly thinking upon the means to prolong his resistance, after having overturned those with a shock that ran first to seize upon him, he catched at the sword of one of them that were next him, when his enemies surrounding him with less fear than they had done before, came on so thick, that he no longer had the power to stir; He was thrown down at last under a crowd that was like to have smothered him, and it was by order from one of the Commanders, in whom the Princes admirable valour had begot a respect towards his person, that the soldiers endeavoured rather to take than kill him. Before they suffered him to rise again, his hands were bound, and his enemies, who could not look upon him without terror, durst not adventure to leave them free, for all they were unarmed.  
When he beheld himself in that estate, so different from that in which he ought to have been, and in which he had been but a few moments before, he was upon the point of giving himself over to his despair, and casting his eyes on every side, he chose a place from whence he might precipitate himself, and was already striving to get thither with that design, when he was stopped by those that were about him, and reduced to a necessity of following them, and of submitting to their will, than did he look upon his bonds with shame, and turning his eye upon the chief of those that led him; these hands (said he) were destined for other uses than to bear the unworthy bonds thou givest them; take them off therefore, if thou wilt deserve the glory thou hast acquired to day.  
I will take them off (answered the Captain) if you will promise me to follow us without resistance, and that by some action of despair you will not force us to draw our swords once more against you. I promise thee said Oroondates, offering him his hands, and the man having untied them himself, made him go down into the Town, and pass amongst twenty naked swords towards the place where he meant to carry him. In the mean while the assault had been continued for some time very hotly, but after the taking of Oroondates, and the wounding of his friends, fortune seemed to have declared herself in favour of the besieged, and they made so great a number of those that were getting up ladders fall into the Moat, that the soldiers lost courage, and durst attempt it no more; they also broke some of the Engines with the huge stones they rolled down upon them when they were fastened to the wall, put the rest in so ill a condition, that the Commanders and soldiers were constrained to quit them, and retire toward the counterscarp, while by the same invention that had drawn them to the wall, they were pulled back again from thence.  
Oxiatres finding that day was not favourable to his party, & losing hope of a better issue, commanded a retreat to be sounded on all sides, but he left above six thousand dead in the Moat, and brought off above eight thousand wounded. It would not be easy to express the discontent of the Princes for this ill success; they, by the greatness of their courage, dissembled part of it, and comforted themselves by the hope of repairing their loss within a few days; but when they heard the fate of Prince Oroondates, they gave themselves over to their sorrow, and received the news as they would have done that of the utter ruin of their party; they could not judge whether he were dead or prisoner, but whatsoever his fortune were, they could not without a mortal grief, think of the loss of either his life or liberty.  
Lysimachus made complaints more worthy of the greatness of his affection to that Prince, than of the greatness of his courage, Orontes, Oxiatres, Ptolomeus, Queen Thalestris, and the Princess Barsina were all drowned in an immoderate sorrow. Berenice called for death with a sea of tears, and protested to all the world she would not survive the loss of so dear a brother, but when Prince Artaxerxes at his coming to himself again (which was above two hours after his blow) was told that cruel news, he appeared without comparison more sensible of it, than he had been of all the most tragical adventures of his life. He ran blindly to his arms, and would have returned unto the fight, either to perish there, or to rescue, or revenge his dearest brother, it was to no purpose for the Princes to tell him the condition of their affairs; for he could not resolve to continue one minute alive and at liberty, while Oroondates was either dead, or in the power of his enemies; his transports were redoubled by the presence of Berenice, whom he saw pouring down floods of tears, and not being able to find any consolation for her, since he was incapable of it for himself; Madam (said he) I will either quickly restore you Oroondates, if he be living, or follow him to the grave if he be dead. Yet was he fain (after having allowed some time to that first brunt of his passion (to hearken a little to his friends, and recall that fortitude, which had formerly kept him from sinking in such important affairs, and such considerable losses.  
In the mean time Prince Oroondates was led without Sword or Cask along the streets of Babylon, and though most part of the inhabitants were then upon the walls, yet did there happen to be many in his passage, who beholding his brave aspect with admiration, recalled the almost lost Ideas into their minds, and remembered that they had formerly seen that gallant Prince in their City, and adored in the Court of poor Darius; he had gone but a little way, when false Arbates crossing a street, had the chance to see him. He no sooner cast his eyes upon his face, but instantly he knew him, and at that encounter his astonishment was so great, that at first he was not able to speak a word. Yet did he recollect himself, and not having the face to speak to the Prince, he addressed himself to the Officer that led him. Neander (said he) whither do you carry this prisoner? I am going (answered Neander) to put him in a place of safety, till such time as Perdiccas be at leisure to see him. Arbates having bethought himself a while before he replied. It would concern you (added he) to go and present him immediately to the Queen, you will be sure of a considerable reward, and if you do it not after the notice I have given you, you will be in danger of incurring her displeasure.  
Neander needed no other persuasions to carry Oroondates before Roxana, and Arbates invited him to it out of the hope which he himself had of the recompenses he promised him; yet was he desirous the Prince should have another opinion, and drawing near with the respect he owed him. Sir (said he) I do you no ill office in causing you to be led before the Queen, from whom you will receive very different usage, from what you could hope for from Perdiccas. Oroondates understood Arbates his meaning, but he vouchsafed not to reply, and looking upon him with contempt, he made him know that all the good offices he could receive from him were not capable to touch him. Let us go (said he, only to Nenader) whether thou intendest to lead me; Roxana and Perdiccas are equally my enemies, and it is indifferent to me whether I am prisoner to the one, or to the other. Yet was it not without a great deal of trouble that he saw himself carrying before Roxana, but he had no less aversion for the sight of Perdiccas, and he also believed that it was less shame to him to be so abased before a woman, than before a man whom he could not esteem, and whom he considered as his unworthy rival. B●fore he came unto the Palace, Arbates hasted away to tell the Queen the news, and to prepare her for an object, which in probability she could not behold without some inward disturbance; his foresight was no more than necessary, for at a thing so unexpected, the Queen was so strangely surprised, that in the first effects of her astonishment, she scarce had any understanding left; the excess of happiness she found in that adventure, made her for a while incredulous of Arbates his report, but when she thought she could no longer doubt of it, and that she had no more but a few moments to resolve upon the sight of that man whom she had so much loved, and whom she still loved better than herself, she disinherited her own strength for such an action, and turning towards Arbates and Hesione who then was with her; It is not fit (said she) that I should see Oroondates in the condition I now am in, and in the presence of a great many persons, who without doubt will observe my weakness in the changes of my countenance; when I have settled myself a little, I may see him with more confidence, and with more liberty, but in the mean time, I will have him lodged here in the Palace, and guarded by the guard of my own person.  
With these words, she sent for the Captain of the guard, and when he was come to her; Go (said she) receive the prisoner Neander is bringing before us, lodge him in a quarter of the Palace, and stay yourself to guard him with your own company, but keep him in such manner that no body may see him, without my order; I say no body, for I do not mean, that so much as Pe●diccas be excepted. The Captain went away with this command, and after him the Queen sent Arbates, and some of her Officers, to give order about lodging the Prince, whom she desired to have used according to the greatness of his birth, and that of the love she bore him.  
That was all she could do in the trouble she then was in, as well by reason of so unlooked for an accident, as of her fear for the success of the assault; the high interest she had in it caused great disquiets in her mind, and she had men upon the walls which every moment brought her news from thence; within a little while after that of Oroondates his being taken, she heard that the enemies had the worst, and within an hour after she learned that having received a very great loss, they had given over the assault, and were retiring from the Moat; she gave thanks unto the Gods for those two favourable events, and the truth of the latter was presently confirmed to her from Perdiccas his own mouth. He came to her, quite transported with the advantages of that day, not considering the blow they had received the day before, by the defeat of their Allies, and not being able to dissemble his contentment.  
Madam, (said he) we are Conquerors, and our enemies have been so ill handled in this assault, that if I be not deceived they have dearly bought the advantage they had over us yesterday. I hoped for no less from your valour, (replied Roxana) but me thinks, you forget to publish part of your success, and that you might tell me of Oroondates his being taken, as of a news of some importance. Perdiccas had heard a kind of a rumour of that business, but had not been able to learn the truth of it, nor to get any certain information of that prisoners name, though the report of those wonders he had done at his taking, had put him into great suspicions of the truth; but when he heard it from the Queen's mouth, he seemed transported with joy at it, and could not dissemble the fear he had been in of so dreadful a rival, as courageous as he was, the name of Oroondates of late struck terror in him, nor could he fancy him in the posture he had seen him in twice or thrice without trembling, when he rememembred it was against that enemy he disputed his pretensions. Ah Madam, (said he to Roxana) is it possible that Oroondates is a prisoner? He is so (answered the Queen, turning away from those of the company whom she suspected) but he is my prisoner, as Statira is yours; and I pretend to have the same right over your rivals that you have over mine, you will remember our agreements, and as I have not troubled you in your design upon Statira I expect you should trouble me as little in what concerns Oroondates; even out of generosity you must forbear to see him for a few days, for fear you fly into passion against a rival, and against a man whom I cannot keep myself from loving.  
She spoke these words with a smile, and Perdiccas replied with much respect. He that would serve you with the hazard of his life, will never trouble you in your intentions, and the least I owe to her that leaves me Statira with so much goodness, is to give up Oroondates to her absolutely. May the Gods assist you to make a greater progress in his heart, than I have done in the gaining of that ingrateful Princess, and may they dispose things so, that he out of a just sense of the happiness you offer him, may quit that to me, which he can no longer dispute against me without injustice. I will not see him till you shall please to command me, as well to give you this mark of the respect I bear unto your will, as not to insult over the misfortune of a man whom you judge worthy of your affection.  
After this, and some other discourse which they had upon that subject, Perdiccas took his leave of Roxana, and went directly to Queen Statira's lodging, to be himself the bringer of a news upon which he hoped to ground some part of his fortune. That fair Queen and the Princess her sister, had spent all the time of the assault in prayers, and though they had heard part of the event from those that guarded them, yet were they ignorant still of the particulars. Perdiccas was no sooner come into their presence, but with a face in which his joy appeared; Madam, (said he to the Queen) the Gods who find more justice in our prayers than yours, have driven our enemies from our walls to their loss, and to their confusion; I am sorry to be the relater of a news that may afflict you; but perhaps you will be comforted for it, when you hear that Oroondates is in Babylon. Oroondates in Babylon? (cried the Queen) and how can he be there if his party have had the disadvantage? he is a prisoner (replied Perdiccas) and the Gods by his ill fortune, have made known the injustice of his pretensions.  
Ah Perdiccas, (said the Queen) how cunning you are, and how well am I accustomed to your subtleties, to give no credit at all to what you say. I tell you true Madam, (answered Perdiccas) Oroondates is prisoner in Babylon, he was taken upon our walls, where he was the only man of his party ●hat got up, and it is a thing whereof you may have time enough to be informed. But afflict not yourself (continued he seeing her change colour at his words) he is prisoner to a person that loves him, and one for whom perchance ere he get out of prison he will have no aversion; you need not be in fear for the usage he is like to have, and it suffices me to tell you he is in Roxana's hands to make you judge that his condition will not be unhappy.  
The Queen harkened to this discourse with a mortal sadness, though she still doubted whether she should believe it, and she could not learn that her dear Oroondates was in the power of his enemies, without being touched even to the very bottom of her heart with his ill fortune, yet did she dissemble part of her grief before Perdiccas, and looking upon him with a countenance very little moved. If Oroondates be a prisoner (said she) you have reason to be glad, since you were but in little safety while you had such an enemy before your walls; but if he be not, your policy is fruitless, since neither his being taken, nor his liberty can change my thoughts. It is not from his being taken (replied Perdiccas) that I expect your change, but yet I hope for some advantage by it, and if he change first by the favour of Roxana, you will no longer be obliged to the constancy in which you persevere toward him. The change of Oroondates, if he were capable of it (answered the Queen) shall never authorize mine, and though he should become unfaithful, Perdiccas never shall succeed Alexander in Statira's heart. Perdiccas' seeing that the Queen grew sharp, was not willing to press her further, but taking his leave, went whither he was called by the importance of his affairs.  
When the Queen was left at liberty with her sister, she reflected upon Oroondates his captivity, and though she knew not whether she should absolutely believe it, yet did she begin to reason upon that disaster, as if she had been very certain of it. Ah sister (said she) with what a new affliction the Gods overwhelm me, and what offence had innocent Oroondates committed, to make him fall into the power of his enemies; is it that the interest he takes in the miseries of this unfortunate wretch renders him guilty in their esteem, or that having made me feel so many sorts of calamities, they will afflict me now with the only cross which yet remained for me to suffer? In bringing forth these words, the tears fell from her fair eyes, and the Princess Parisatis, for all she herself was so sensible of her grief, used all her utmost endeavours to give her comfort. Peradventure Madam (said she) we ought not to take Oroondates his captivity for an effect of his misfortune and of ours; for it may chance to be more advantageous for us, that he is now shut up within the walls of Babylon, than if he were yet before the Town exposed to all those dangers, which he out-braves too venturously, and in which he might perhaps have met his death. He is in safety of his life, since he is in Roxana's hands, she loves him with too much passion, not to divert all the mischief that can threaten him from his enemies or from his rivals.  
Ah Sister (replied the Queen) is it possible you should be so little acquainted with Roxana's spirit, and that you should not judge by our own fortune, that after having vainly tried all gentle ways with Oroondates, there is no extremity so great to which he is not like to fly. But perhaps (continued she presently after with a sigh, which the remembrance of Perdiccas his threats drew from her breast) perhaps it will not be necessary for Roxana to use violence against him, and that he will give up himself either to the charms of that wicked woman, or to the considerations of his present fortune.  
Ah Madam (answered the Princess) how unjustly do you wrong a Prince, to whom you are so much indebted? and how little do those ingrateful suspicions suit with all the actions of Oroondates his life? Neither do I believe, Madam, that you are much tormented with that apprehension, and after the little care you had to keep Oroondates yours, after the death of Alexander, I cannot think you fear his change as the worst fortune that can befall you. I do not fear it (replied the Queen) because I know his virtue too well, to believe he can over be capable of it; But though it be true, Sister, that after the death of that great and illustrious Husband the Gods had given me, I thought I could not, without doing myself an injury, preserve any design touching Oroondates, it is also true, that his infidelity would be less supportable than his death, and perhaps less than mine own; after having lost the greatest of all men living, I believed I could not make any man his Successor, and in that belief I used a violence upon mine inclinations, which then you did not disapprove, but that consideration was not able to hinder me from loving Oroondates still, nor from desiring to be still loved by him; that's the only happiness fortune hath not robbed me of, and if I were deprived of that only consolation, which hath sweetened all my miseries, I should be deprived of all that could make me love, or that could make me suffer life. After these discourses, the two Princesses had some others upon the same subject, and all the rest of that day they entertained themselves with considerations, which that event brought into their minds.  
In the mean time they had lodged Prince Oroondates in a quarter of the Palace, and by chance it proved the very same, which in another condition, he had formerly lain in, during the stay Darius had made there before the battle of Arbella. That remembrance touched him with some motions of tenderness, and made him bestow a few sighs upon the memory of that great King: His lodgings were richly furnished, and his prison was so sumptuously disguised, that it was not to be known, but by the number of Guards that forbade the going in and out of his chamber, and by a double grate that was put before the windows; in all other things he was used like a King's son, and the will of Roxana, who desired it, was punctually fulfilled.  
When the Prince saw himself deprived of that liberty, which he would have employed for the recovery of his Princess' freedom, and frustrated of the hopes he had to fight for her deliverance, he sunk a little from his ordinary constancy, and bore that beginning of his captivity less patiently than might have been expected from the greatness of his spirit; he made reflection upon the estate of his companions, and remembering that ●e had left them in danger for a quarrel, the greatest interests whereof were his, he gave himself over to an immoderate affliction. What (said he) shall I then be a captive, or rather shut up in a Chamber, where I am in safety from the enemy's sword or javeline, while Artaxerxes, Lysimachus, and their companions fight for Cassandra and Oroondates? Shall those gallant resolutions I had taken, vanish then without any effect? If there be hazard to be run, if there be glory to be gained, shall my companions have it all, and shall Perdiccas and his friends laugh that they have him in their fetters, who had so loudly threatened him? O my fairest Queen, if you were to hope for succour, was it not from your Oroondates, and since by my captivity I lost the means to give it you, ought I not to have prevented it by a death less shameful and more supportable?  
In these unquiet thoughts, wherewith he was cruelly tormented, he found some consolation, by remembering that he was but a very little distance from his Princess, and that he was shut up with her in the compass of the same walls. We are neither separated (said he) by Seas nor Provinces, and only a few houses takes up all the space there is between my Queen and me; but dearest Princess, we both are captives in this City, which was once the King your Fathers, and which was also the King your Husbands, and poor Oroondates for all he is so near you, hath no more means to see you, and discourse with you, than when he was kept in prison by the King of Scythia.  
He had continued two or three hours in this kind of entertainment, when he was told that Queen Roxana was coming to visit him. That hated name made his colour change, and he knew not which way he should prepare himself for the sight of a person, whose very remembrance alone he could not but abhor, yet did he do all he possibly could, to dispose himself to bear it, and scarce had he begun to settle his countenance, when he saw her come into the chamber, attended only by Hesione and another of her maids. Though he was fain to use a great violence upon himself to receive her, yet did he go to meet her, and strove to pay her what he believed due to the Widow of Alexander the Great; but if he were in some confusion, the Queen was in no less than he, and notwithstanding all the preparations wherewith she had armed herself before she came unto that action, she could not see the so beloved face of that man for whom she had suffered so much, & whom she had made so much to suffer, without being in the greatest perplexity of mind, she had ever felt in all her life; she looked a while upon him with eyes which sufficiently discovered the motions of her heart, and if she had followed them, she would without doubt have been transported to give him a reception far beyond the bounds of decency and modesty; but having as much power over herself as any woman in the world, she made use of it in this encounter, and keeping herself within reasonable moderate limits, after she had saluted him according to the ordinary custom, she was the first that broke silence in these words. I am come to render you what the quality of an enemy, and the condition of a prisoner of war, cannot take away from your birth and virtue, and to assure you, that your fortune is not worse by being fallen into our hands, than it was when you fought before our walls.  
Though the Queen spoke these words with a grace that was common to very few persons, and that her beauty was capable to dissipate part of the resentments one might have against her. The Prince was prepossessed with his by such just and powerful motives, that the sense he was obliged to have of her civil offers, was hardly able to suspend that for a moment, which he had of the miseries she had made him undergo; yet did he force himself the best he could, and being he bore a most perfect respect unto that sex, he strove for all he was so much exasperated to observe decency, even with his most bitter enemy.  
Your Majesty takes a care (said he) which I have never merited, and this favour is undeservedly bestowed upon a prisoner, and upon an enemy like me. If you are my enemy, (replied Roxana) I am not yours; our thoughts have still continued in their first estate, and as all the testimonies of affection, which I have given you, have not been able to touch your heart, so all the marks of hatred, which you have made appear against me, both in your former and in your latter actions, have not been able to change my inclinations. Oroondates had no intent to engage in such a like discourse, as desiring to shun all occasions of falling again into the persecutions of Roxana, but when she had put him upon that subject, and by those words revived his sad remembrances and his lawful resentments, he could not be the master of them, but being carried away by their impetuousness. I had thought Madam (said he) I had been in a condition, that would have freed me from hearing or from using reproaches, but since by yours to me, you give me some liberty to justify my actions, I will excuse them no other way but by avowing them; it is true that I have the thoughts of an enemy towards you, nay thoughts of such a violent hatred, as perhaps nothing but your sex alone hath defended you against them, and hindered me of the satisfaction to destroy the cruel cause of all my misfortunes; it is not necessary I should quicken your memory of them, you know well enough that after having a thousand times disturbed my quiet by your subtle plots, you in the end have utterly deprived me of it by a deceit without example, and cruelly torn away my happiness and all my hopes. It is you alone that have thrown me headlong into this gulf of miseries, wherein I have unfortunately languished out my days; it is by your means alone that I lost all, and when you thought heaven was preparing to restore it me, you would have sent it out of the world to put me out of all hope to recover it; you forgot that you were a woman and a Princess, to change yourself into a fury armed against my life, and so you could but make me perish, you never feared the shame you were to receive by such a horrid cruelty, nor the remorse of conscience that would have tortured you; for having shed the remainders of the most illustrious blood in the world, and the remainders of the blood of your own Kings. These Madam, are the gallant marks of your affection, and after this can you think it strange I should have received them with ingratitude, and that I should resent those crafty practices that have been so fatal to me, and abhor that prodigy of cruelty in which I had a greater interest than all Mankind? It is true, Madam, that I have hated, that I have detested you, and that I took up arms against you; but could you think my resentments should be more moderate, and that I could behold the cruel Authors of my deplorable miseries, and the horrible Murderers of Statira, as other than Monsters, and Tormentors of my life?  
The Prince peradventure would have said more, if the Queen, who harkened impatiently, had not interrupted him: I must confess (said she) that I have done all that you reproach me with, but these actions, which are extraordinary to my Sex, and perhaps unto my humour, have been extraordinary marks of my affection, and if you had rightly considered them, they would have drawn your love, or your acknowledgement instead of your aversion: It was for your sake alone, that from openness and sweetness, I fell to subtlety and cruelly, and that dreadful change of mind was nothing but a pure effect of this affection, which you have so ingratefully requited; if at the first I troubled your repose, it was because I thought you should have sought it in none but me alone, since it was for you alone I had rejected mine; if I had recourse to subtlety to get you from my rival, it was because I believed you ought to have been mine, as I was wholly yours, and that having by the knowledge of your ingratitude lost the hope o● acquiring you, I was not willing my rival should triumph over my destruction; and if after the death of the King our husband, I would have dispatched her out of the world, it was Oroondates, and not ambition of Empire, they were the maxims of love, and not the maxims of State that carried me on to such a cruelty; she came again into a condition of taking Oroondates from me, and to endeavour to secure him to myself, I with her would have sacrificed all that next after him was dearest to me in the world▪ imagine something yet more strange than that, I was capable to have done it that I might purchase you; but by these violences which I have done to a nature, that of itself was not inclined to cruelty, and by these blemishes which my actions may have stuck upon my reputation, you ought to judge, Oroondates, of the greatness of my affection, rather than of that of my rival by the slender proofs you have received from her▪ she hated you as soon as she believed you ceased to love her, she banished you injuriously from her presence, when with the price of your blood, and the danger of your life you came to buy her liberty, and I have loved you in your ingratitude, in your scorn, and even in your highest provocations; I loved you when you were armed for our ruin before our gates, and I love you still being newly entered into our City with your sword in your hand, with a design perhaps to turn it against my life.  
Roxana made a stop at these words, and the Prince seeing she expected his answer; I do not deny (said he) but that these proofs of affection which you allege are very different from those I have received from Queen Statira, I never looked for any such from her, and if she had been capable to give me them, I might have been capable to lose the report and the passion I had for her, it was in permitting me to see her and to serve her that she expressed her goodness to me, better than by crimes which could never have come into her thought without horror; and by the knowledge I had of her, I received those favours, as graces that were above a reasonable ambition; I wondered not that she should cease to love him, when she believed him ingrateful and perfidious, who in his greatest fidelity was unworthy of her affection, and by means of your cruel deceit, I was guilty enough in her opinion, to deserve a thousand deaths with the banishment she condemned me to; if she hated me so long as my innocence was unknown to her, if she married Alexander, you alone were guilty of the crime, and if since her marriage she bounded all her affections in the person of the King her Husband, and could neither love me, nor suffer me after my justification: I accused nothing but her virtue only, and did not think it strange that a Princess, who could not commit a fault, would not for my sake go beyond the limits of her duty. In short, Madam, though it were true, that that great Princess had ill requited my passion, she is such an one as merits an eternal service, without the least hope of requital, and I am too proud of the advantage I have had above all other men, to give a moment of my life to the thought of another glory, or of another felicity. These inclinations (replied Roxana) have hitherto been very contrary to your repose, and the miseries wherein you have passed your life, ought perchance to have diverted you from that imprudent perseverance. These miseries (answered Oroondates) shall ever make my most glorious fortune, and that, which I have suffered for my Princess, is above the highest recompenses I could propose unto myself in a design less noble than that of devoting my whole life unto Statira. You might, perhaps, employ it with better fruit, (added Roxana) and though Statira were yet more worthy of it than she is, perchance she may never be in a condition to acknowledge it; she is in the power of a man who will rather perish than abandon her, and you yourself may consider that you are my Prisoner. I am a prisoner, (said Oroondates) but this captivity of the body reaches not unto the soul, or if my soul be a prisoner, it is in a prison, out of which it neither can, nor ever will be set at liberty; thus it is you share Oroondates with Statira; but her part will eternally be hers, and you may happen quickly to lose yours, by the succour of a great number of gallant friends that fight for my deliverance. That succour of your friends (replied Roxana) is not so infallible as you believe, and the success of this day may perchance have cooled them for a great many others; but I hope you will not need it, and that I shall make your prison so pleasing to you, that you no more shall wish for liberty; it is with that design I desired you should be my prisoner particularly, nor would I leave that advantage to enemies you have among us, whose interest in your ruin would perhaps have been more powerful in them, than the consideration which ought to be had of your person.  
After these words, Roxana, who desired first to try gentle ways, not being willing to exasperate Oroondates by a longer conversation, took leave of him, when she once more had promised him all the good usage he could hope for from the person that in all the world was most affectionate to him, and going out of his chamber, left him at liberty to reflect upon that past entertainment, and upon his present condition. A● she retired to her own lodgings with torches, which were already lighted, she in a Gallery met Cassander and Alcetas; they both knew of Oroondates his being taken, which was divulged through the whole town, and they also were not ignorant that the Q. had been to visit him. Alcetas presented his hand to her on that side that hers was free, to lead her back unto her chamber; and Cassander, who by reason of former passages between them had not so easy an access, kept at a farther distance, but he looked upon her with eyes, which the rage of his jealousy had kindled, and not knowing how to dissemble his resentments. Your Majesty (said he) comes from doing an action generous even to excess, and if you had seen your prisoner to day before our walls, in the posture we saw him animating his men by his voice, and by his example, to the ruin of our party, and perhaps even to your own, it may be you would not have made such extraordinary haste to visit him. The Queen who hated both the discourse and person of Cassander, answered him something briskly; I have rendered that without generosity, which I in reason owed to a man of Oroondates his quality, and I have rendered him nothing whereof he is not very worthy both by his birth, and by his virtue. He is yet the more worthy of it (replied the jealous Cassander) by the happiness he hath not to be hated of you, but I will tell your Majesty once more, that he appeared very ingrateful to day to your affection, and that you could not have honoured an enemy with it more fierce and eager to procure your ruin, so generous an enemy as he, (said the Queen, exasperated by that discourse) in what condition soever he can appear is a thousand times more lovely than a cowardly friend, and I should be less ashamed of loving such an enemy as Oroondates, than such a friend as Cassander.  
Cassander would have answered that sharp reply, and perhaps with too much bitterness, if they had not been just then at the Queen's chamber-door, into which he would not enter, so the Queen went in, not staying for his answer, leaving him in furious transports of anger and jealousy: Instantly his thoughts ran all to the death of Oroondates, and he more considered the facility he might have to execute his design in the condition he then was, than the shame he might undergo by killing a prisoner. He shall die, (said he, walking fast up and down the Gallery) he shall die, that proud Usurper of Roxana's affections, he that unjustly robs me of what he himself disdains, though he be unworthy of it; and though by this woman's ingratitude I am little obliged to embrace her interests, I in my revenge will give her hers, and punish this insolent man for his contempt of her: I upon Oroondates will revenge both Cassander and Roxana, and perchance I shall also revenge myself even upon Roxana by giving death to Oroondates; if she be reasonable, she'll think herself beholding to me, in what I shall have done for her reparation, and if she persist in her ingratitude towards me, I shall be satisfied, in having punished her by the death of my enemy.  
He was talking on this manner to himself, when Perdiccas returning from the Town, where he had given all the Orders that were necessary for the guard that night, came into the Gallery; Cassander saluted him with so troubled a countenance, that Perdiccas soon took notice of it, and having asked him what the matter was, Cassander in a few words told him how he had met the Queen, and repeated all the discourse that had passed between them. She uses me (added he afterwards) as a man of no account, and as a man unable to retort the injuries she does me; but she shall find herself deceived, and shall see that I yet am powerful enough to do her a very sensible displeasure. You are the most violent man in the world, (replied Perdiccas) and you take a very wrong course to effect your intentions; this is not the way to gain the affections of a Princess, and the Queen must needs have had strong inclinations towads you, if after the violence of your proceedings, she could suffer you without aversion. I have tried (answered Cassander) all ways of gentleness, and of respect, with as much patience and submission as Roxana could have looked for from the meanest man alive, but that submission, and that patience have been as fruitless to me as these violences you reproach me with. While you kept yourself within those terms (said Perdiccas) the Queen was engaged with a Husband, and with a Husband great enough to take up all her affections, and since his loss you have hardly given her leisure to come to herself. Say rather, (replied the jealous Cassander) and say so with a great deal more truth and reason, that both during the life, and after the death of that Husband, she was prepossessed with the passion she hath for our common enemy, say 'tis her prisoner, or ours with as much justice as hers, that robs me of Roxana, as he does you of Statira, and say in fine, that the only way we have left is to make him perish for the repose of us both. I'll agree with you, (answered Perdiccas) that Oroondates is indeed the greatest obstacle to my designs, and that he is my rival a great deal more than yours, since he hath as strong a passion for Statira, as an aversion against Roxana; and I will also agree with you, that by his death I should find advantages which I can hardly hope for while he is alive, but you must know withal, that I cannot be the author of it, and that I am engaged to Roxana, by a promise that will not suffer me to attempt any thing against him; I must be fain to let Oroondates live, thereby to secure the life of Statira, without which I could not preserve my own, nor can I take arms against my rival, without arming Roxana and all her powers with her, against hers. I know (said Cassander) what plot you both have contrived against my happiness, I am too much concerned in it to have been ignorant thereof till now, and I doubt not but Roxana will leave you Statira, to have Oroondates for herself; but hope not for your satisfaction by those ways, and rather expect it by your rivals death, than by his matching with Roxana, neither indeed is there any probability of seeing a Scythian joined in marriage with the Queen of the Macedonians, and the posture her affairs will be brought into by the birth of a son of Alexander's, will not permit her to think of the alliance of that Barbarian; it were much securer for you, that Oroondates were no longer in the world, than that he should continue in it to be still seen, and still in a condition to be loved by Statira; perhaps I may do something both for you and for myself, and if your promise keeps your hand from serving you in that occasion, mine shall be employed in it without consideration, and without repugnancy. Cassander said many other things of this nature to Perdiccas, who for his own interest could not disapprove that intention, and though he was hindered by the promise he had made to Roxana, from confirming him in it, yet did he not do what he might have done to dissuade him from it. He parted with him presently after to go and see Roxana, to whom he had something to communicate, and Alcetas, whom Cassander had stayed for, came to him then out of her chamber.  
Alcetas would needs go immediately to see the Princess Parisatis, and Cassander, for all he was so much transported, went along to serve him in a design they had laid together to discover how she stood affected towards Lysimachus. They found her not in her own lodging, for all that day she had not stirred from the Queen her sister, with whom she had had matter of discourse enough concerning Oroondates his being taken, they passed on to the Queen's chamber, into which they had free entrance always by their authority; yet the Queen, by reason of the suspicions that were had of Cassander, for the death of the King her husband, could not suffer his presence without horror; nor would she have permitted him to visit her in a place where she had been Mistress; they than had newly supped, but had eaten very little in regard of the disturbance this last accident had caused in them, and they were rising from the table, when Alcetas and Cassander came into their chamber. After some words of civility, which they spoke at their first coming in, Parisatis, who thought she might more handsomely than the Queen ask news concerning Oroondates, prayed Cassander to tell her the truth, and to let her know some particulars of the manner of his taking. Cassander, though he could not hear the name of Oroondates, prayed Cassander to tell her the truth, and to let her know some particulars of the manner of his taking. Cassander though he could not hear the name of Oroondates without trembling, yet did he master himself to satisfy her, and to make the plot take, which Alcetas and he had agreed upon, so after having told her what he knew of the truth; we had not that advantage alone, (continued he) nor are we better pleased with the taking of Oroondates, than we are with having slain and wounded the chief of his companions: Ptolomeus, Eumenes, and Polyperchon have lost their lives in this last action, Antigonus, Craterus, and Demetrius are wounded, and we ourselves saw Lysimachus, who was getting up after Oroondates, hurt with a great many arrows, and thrown down under the ruins of a battlement, with the ladder and all those that followed him into the Moat, from whence he was carried off by some of their soldiers without any sign of life.  
The subtle Cassander spoke on this manner, and his words struck like a Thunderbolt into the soul of Parisatis. Although that virtuous Princess had lived till then with such a prudence and discretion, as hardly suffered those that frequented her most familiarly to judge of the truth of her thoughts, yet was it most certain that she loved Lysimachus, and that she could not remember what he had done for her service, and in what condition he had been with her, even by the will of Queen Sy●igambis herself, without placing him in her esteem above all the rest of mankind; the marvellous power she had over her passions, had made her dissemble her thoughts in a season, when by reason of scruples too full of severity, she believed she could not handsomely discover them; but as soon as without offending the memory of Ephestion she had been able to turn her mind upon the actions & person of Lysimachus, she in them had found so many occasions to love him, that she was of opinion, that she could not without ingratitude, and insensibility defend herself against an affection that was so legitimate, and so much approved by them that had the power over her; any other body but Parisatis would without doubt have showed greater tokens of it, and if Lysimachus had had to do with one whose humour had not been so full of circumspection, he might have conceived more advantageous hopes than those he could draw from the actions of that Princess, but if she loved him before the death of Alexander, and before the revolution of their fortune, her affection was without doubt augmented by the last proofs of his, not being ignorant that it was chiefly for her revenge, and for her liberty, that he had made all his friends take arms, that he fought before the walls of Babylon, and that he exposed himself every day to so many dangers; she had often quaked and grown pale for fear of him, as well as the Queen her sister for Oroondates, at the recital of those battles and combats, wherein he might have met with death for her interests, and though she had disguised the cause of her apprehensions more carefully than she, yet had they been but little less than hers. Till than nevertheless she had maintained herself like Parisatis, but at this cruel relation of Cassander, she showed more weakness than she had done in all the actions of her life, and though she made good the Empire she had over her mind, she lost that she had over her face, and in an instant it was struck with such a paleness, that all they that were near her, believed with a great deal of probability she would fall into a swoon; Alcetas stepped to her to hold her up, and her aversion against him could not defend her at that time from receiving his assistance, nor from sinking in his arms with little sign of life, the Queen running to her received her into hers, and kissing her with much affection, and with words full of tenderness, she touched them in such manner, who by their subtle practices had put her into that condition, that she made them soon repent what they had done.  
Alcetas was not capable of a long dissimulation, and fearing his deceit might produce effects worse than those beginnings, and might bring the Princess into such an estate as would not be in his power to remedy, he drew near to her again, in whom there yet remained some sense and knowledge; Madam (said he) give no credit to Cassander's words, it was at my entreaty he made you this recital, & it was by that device I desired to learn a truth, which I never had been able to draw from your former actions; I have but too well effected my design, and would to God I had still kept myself in my bare suspicions without clearing my doubts any further; we saw nothing, nor heard we any news of Lysimachus his being wounded, or of the death of his companions, all the advantage we had was the taking of Oroondates, and the kill of a great many thousand men that lost their lives under our walls, but my happy rival is alive, and alive but too certainly for my repose, he's safe from all disasters, since he hath the good fortune to be loved by you, both above his merit, and to the prejudice of my life. Believe this truth (continued he, observing by the Princess' action, that she gave little faith to what he said) since you may be certified of it within an hour, and since this second deceit, could not but be useless to me, after having drawn more from the former than I could have wished. To these words Cassander added his confirmation, and Peucestas, in whom the Princesses had more confidence than in them, entering then into the chamber, by his report took away the apprehensions of Parisatis. She recollected all her spirits that were dissipated, but she came to herself again with so much shame and resentment, that it was impossible for her to dissemble either. She turned away her eyes from Alcetas and Cassander, being inflamed with an anger that was not ordinary in her, and by her action made them see they had mortally offended her. Alcetas observed it, but being by the knowledge of his rivals good fortune cast down into an extremity of grief, he was no better able to hide his resentments than Parisatis, but passing over the fear he would have had in another season to exasperate her more against him. Madam (said he) I beg your pardon for our having deceived you, I ought to have contented myself with the former proofs I had of Lysymachus his happiness, without using this trick to seek out what I have but too plainly found: but to deal with a mind like yours, a man is forced to try extraordinary ways. He would have said more, if the Princess, infinitely displeased, had not thus interrupted him. You have very well interpreted an effect of my not being well, rather than of Cassander's discourse, but though it were true that the change you saw in me, proceeded from the grief I might receive by the death or wounds of those valiant men that fight our quarrel, I should find no cause to fear any reproaches for it; and though according to your suspicions it were for Lysimachus alone that I showed those marks of sensibility, I owe enough to the merit of his services, and to that of his person, to remember them without blushing; and I owe so little to Alcetas, that it should never be his interest should make me to repent it. Though my sister should love Lysimachus (added the Queen) she should but follow the Will of the Queen her Mother, that of Alexander your King, and the Counsel of her elder Sister; but if she stood in need to justify that affection to any body living, 'twere less to Alcetas th●● to any other man in the World. I demanded no justification of it (replied Alcetas) hough perhaps I am in a condition to give myself some satisfaction; but I'll demand that assistance from my hand, which it owes me against the fortune of my rival; and peradventure, may make tears be shed for a real death, by them whom a feigned one had so sensibly afflicted. That's the shortest way (added Cassander) and the most reasonable one we both can follow, and I neither can nor will make myself amends for Roxana's contempt of me, by any other means but the death of Oroondates. The Queen, who was touched to the heart with that discourse, lost all consideration of Cassander, and looking at him with an eye kindled with a just indignation; I doubt not (said she) but by the same arms thou madest use of for the death of the King thy master, thou mayest likewise compass the death of a prisoner; but I also know very well, that if he were at liberty thou wouldst fly before him as thou hast shamefully done many times already. At these words, refusing any longer conversation with them, she took her sister by the hand, and entering her closet with her, shut the door. They remained together in the chamber mad with rage at the Queen's replies, especially Cassander, whom the reproach of having poisoned his King drove into extremities of fury; that broke forth into transported words, which Alcetas could not hinder him from uttering. They are the Persians (said he) and the race of Darius not the Princes of Macedon that are guilty of the death of the Macedonian King. They are the Barbarians unworthy of his rule and of his alliance that have taken away the life of their Conqueror and of their master, and perhaps it was Oroondates his rival, and his enemy that made him perish to facilitate his possession of the daughter of Darius; but I will prevent you both well enough from reaping the fruit you pretend to by it, and you shall be punished with Roxana by the death of that Barbarian, whom you both unworthily prefer before the Macedonian Princes. He would have said more to this effect, if Alcetas and Pucestas more moderate than he, had not carried him out of the room almost by force. After their departure, the two Princesses continued yet some hours together; and when they had spent the beginning of them in complaining of that visit of Cassander and Alcetas, they employed the rest in discoursing of Oroondates, whose last accident took up all their thoughts; they reasoned a long while upon what they ought to fear or hope for concerning him, and were not able to judge whether they had more cause to be pleased or displeased with their fortune in that last adventure. In the end, it being grown late, they parted, the Princess retiring to her lodging, and the Queen going to bed, where she passed the night in disquiets, which already were become habitual to her.  
The end of the Fourth Book.   

CASSANDRA. The last Part. The fifth Book.  
BUT if the fair Queen and the Princess her sister, if the Prince of Scythia, if Roxana, if Perdiccas, Alcetas, and Cassander, passed the night in Babylon, with a great deal of care and restlessness; Oroondates his friends in the Camp▪ were tossed with the most cruel disquiets they had ever felt: under that name of Oroondates his friends, one might comprehend all the Commanders of the Army, and as many of the Soldiers as did but know him; among which there were none whom the admirable virtue of that Prince had not gained even to the utmost proofs. Artaxerxes saw day appear without having bestowed one minute of the night in sleep, and as soon as he was out of bed, he sent a Trumpet with Araxes to the Gates of the City, to learn the destiny of his dear Brother. Araxes all whose thoughts had tended to nothing but death▪ since the loss of his Master, undertook that employment with a mortal apprehension, and with a most firm resolution, if he were slain, not to survive the hearing of that fatal news. He advanced toward the Gate, and having by a Parley which he made his Trumpet sound, disposed the Enemies to suffer his approach, and hear his business, he that commanded their Corpse de garde, came upon the Gate to speak to him, and having bidden him propose his desires, poor Araxes trembling for the answer he expected, opened his mouth twice b●fore he had the confidence to get out a word; but in the end being pressed to tell his Message; I come, said he, to ask whether the Prince of Scythia, that got upon your walls yesterday, be dead or living? The Officer who had no order to disguise the truth▪ told it to Araxes without dissimulation; and when he had ●et him know that his Master was alive, without wounds, and used according to the greatness of his quality, and of his virtue, it caused a joy in him very little different from his former affliction. He made it appear by a loud acclamation, and having thanked the Officer, of whom he at that time desired nothing else, he returned to the Princes, and restored them life with that good news. Not but that Oroondates his being a prisoner, was to them one of the greatest misfortunes they could have apprehended, but the fear they had been in of his death, made them consider it as ablessing; and it seemed as if it had been necessary, to make them find consolation in an accident that would have excessively afflicted them. Since my brother is alive, said Artaxerxes, I do not despair of our fortune, and the Gods to whom his virtue is too considerable to let it perish, have delivered him from many dangers as great as this. 'tis a very favourable encounter, added Lysimachus, that he is fallen into Roxana's hands, whose love, and power, will without doubt, secure him from all manner of peril; besides the friendship and the agreement she has made with Perdiccas, do put him yet in greater safety; but though Perdiccas his jealousy should incite him to attempt any thing against him, Roxana as potent enough to defend him by open force. 'twas by this consideration the Princes endeavoured to comfort themselves; but desiring to labour without delay, for the liberty of their friend, they went all together to Seleucus his tent. Seleucus was already cured of his wounds. Nearchus also, and Leonatus were in the same condition; but the last had taken part with the Princes in good earnest, and had only stayed for the recovery of his strength, that he might be able to serve them against Perdiccas. After the first compliments, Prince Artaxerxes addressing himself to Seleucus, by the consent of all his companions; Noble Seleucus, said he, we now have need of your assistance, for the liberty of Prince Oroondates; if the Enemies into whose power he is fallen, were as generous as you are, we should not be in any fear for him, but because their inclinations, and the interest they have in his ruin, may suggest thoughts into them very different from yours; we cannot bear his captivity with a minute's rest; we come not to offer you your liberty and with your own that of Nearchus, they have been long at your own disposing▪ but, we'll beseech you to make use of them to regain us what we have lost; we'll talk no longer to Perdiccas of Exchange, but since your health permits, you may retire if you please to Babylon, and when you are among those of your Party, you'll remember the request we make you, to restore us Prince Oroondates. Seleucus esteemed this motion of Artaxerxes, and this manner of carriage, so obliging, that he knew not where to find words to express the sense he had of it: wherefore he remained a while without reply, considering which way he should receive the civility of the Princes; but having spent some moments in that thought. By the former trial I made, said he at last, of my credit with Perdiccas, I ought to have lost all the hope I had in his friendship, neither will I any more ground a confidence upon it, nor is it for our enlargement that I will promise you that of Prince Oroondates, that exchange would be too unequal, and there is nothing amongst us all, that can pay the value of so precious a liberty; but since you are pleased I should make use of that you offer me, I'll go into the City with Nearchus, where we'll employ our utmost power to get the Prince of Scithias' freedom; and if our endeavours prove ineffectual, I give you my word that we'll return to you, and that we'll bring back with us all the forces we have in Babylon.  
You are free without condition (replied Artaxerxes) and though we should not be able to regain the Prince by your mediation, you are not at all engaged to return to us; but if after that last proof you judge Perdiccas unworthy of your assistance, and of your friendship, we shall receive them both, according to the inclination and esteem we have for your Virtue. Seleucus and his Companion answered these words in terms full of acknowledgement, and after having spent some time in prosecuting that conversation, and in giving order for their departure, they took leave of the Princes with great demonstrations of friendship, and went toward the Gates of Babylon with a Convoy suitable to their Quality. But before they came near unto them, they were overtaken by Araxes, who begged of them to carry him with them into the Town, and to procure if they could possibly that he might continue with his Master, in case he should not be released; they promised him to do the best they could, and having prayed them to request the same favour for Cleone, who desired also to go and wait upon her Mistress, he went along with them, as if he had been one of their retinue▪ The Princes gave in charge to those that convoyed them, that they should propose a Truce for two days, to fetch off the dead that lay in the Moat, and to give them burial, during which time they also permitted them to bury those of Nabarsanes his Party, wherewith the Ground was covered for many furlongs, and they in the interim engaged themselves not to make any attempt, nor do any thing in prosecution of their Worke.  
The Princes being parted from one another, Artaxerxes and Oxyatres went to visit Berenice and Barsina, who at that time, and almost always were together, and to whom as almost equally interressed, they desired to confirm the News they had already sent them of Oroondates his being alive: The Princesses found a great deal of comfort in it, and received such welcome Messengers very favourably. Artaxerxes was not ignorant of his Uncle's passion, and had a purpose to serve him in it as much as possibly he could: Berenice's intentions were the same, as well for the interest of Barsina, as that of Prince Oxyatres, wherefore they both gave him the liberty to entertain her; and he whose passion was really kindled again with more violence than it had been in former years, could not see himself in those terms without discovering by the changes of his countenance, how sensible he was of such opportunities; he began to discourse with that Princess in a way that showed less confidence then in probability he should have had after so long an acquaintance with her, and from that timorousness Barsina drew a just computation of the greatness of his love. They talked a while of Prince Oroondates, whose being taken did then almost wholly possess the thoughts of his friends; but from that discourse Oxyatres took occasion to fall into another. You are very sensible (said he to Barsina) of Oroondates his misfortune, as indeed you ought to be both to acknowledge the esteem he has of you, and to follow that which all the World has of him: I commend a sensibility grounded upon so much reason; but since you are capable of it for another, why do you want it for Oxyatres, whose life has been yours from the earliest years of your own? I never was unsensible (replied Barsina) either of the qualities of your person, or of the affection wherewith you heretofore were pleased to honour me, and you without doubt should receive from my acknowledgement and from my esteem, what I now pay to the misfortune of Oroondates, if you were in the like condition. Ah! Cousin (answered Oxyatres) believe it, I am no more at liberty than Oroondates, and my imprisonment, though it be more glorious and more pleasing than that he suffers amongst our Enemies, is not yet less strict, nor less difficult to be escaped: I stand more in need than he of that compassion you express for his disaster, I need it more than I did in the first years of my affection, and when upon the Frontiers of Scythia I was like to have died for you, I was not so fit an object for your pity, as I am in the present condition my Love has brought me to. I had thought (replied Barsina something out of countenance) that a good number of years had worn a person out of your memory, whom you un justly enough had placed there, and I have more reason than ever to believe it, now that the better part of my Youth is past, and that my years, and my afflictions have taken away what you might have accounted lovely in my face: she could not end these words without a smile, and indeed she had spoken them with a great deal of injustice; she was then but in her seven and twentieth year, and neither her age, nor her many crosses had made her lose any thing of her former Beauty. Oxyatres who with very much reason, thought her handsomer than ever she had been, could not suffer the wrong she did herself, and setting off his discourse exceeding gracefully: If I did not know (said he) that you speak against your own thought, I should call the eyes of a thousand witnesses against you, who will all acknowledge the advantage you have now, above that of your former years; neither the Beauties of your Body, nor the Beauties of your Mind, had ever attained to that degree you now possess, nor did I ever arrive at the perfection of my love till now; think not these years which are run out since I ceased to importune you, to yield you up to Memnon; think not that the miserable fall of our house, or that the multiplicity of great Affairs in which I have been almost always imploy●d, did ever separate you from my thoughts; you have always reigned in my heart with your former Empire, and what occasions soever I have had for the establishment of my fortune, I never have been able to lodge any remembrance there but years: I with an indifferent eye have beheld all the Beauties of Asia, and disdained very advantageous Matches, to which poor Darius, and Alexander after him did often times solicit me; not but that through some resentment, I have laboured to forget a person in whom I had found so little inclination toward me, but all was to no purpose against my Love, and though my strive by the help of a long absence, did something moderate the violences of it, your sight has wakened them again with far greater power than ever: Now therefore fair Princess, that you are in a condition which will not permit you to defend yourself against my love, by those reasons wherewith you were wont to oppose it▪ and that with an absolute liberty, you by considering my late actions can make reflection upon my former ones, suffer me to aspire unto that fortune after which I have sighed above ten years, and give me leave to hope that your goodness, and your acknowledgement will own these services, to which I am recalled by my former destiny, and in which I mean to spend the whole remainder of my days. Oxyatres brought forth these words in such a passionate manner, that Barsina was a little touched with them, and having all her life time had a great inclination to esteem him, she had not any repugnance against his discourse; yet did she not know which way she should reply, for as she had much freedom, and too little affection in her to seek excuses upon the thought of what she owed unto the memory of Memnon, which in probability might have been moderated in a Widowhood of six or seven years; she had also some difficulty to find terms wherewith she might express herself without giving Oxyatres cause of complaint, and without favouring him beyond the limits of decency. This uncertainty made her continue silent, and the Prince having for some time vainly waited for her answer. I see well (pursued he) that I shall be no happier in this second Trial of my fortune, than I was in my first, and that which heretofore was found in the merit of Memnon, will be found now in the defects of Oxyatres. He raised his voice so loud at these last words, that they were overheard by Artaxerxes, and that Prince being much concerned in his Uncle's contentment, was desirous to lend him assistance; and having gotten the Princess Berenice to second him in that design, they both drew near with that intention. By doing so, they much obliged Barsina, who was in some confusion, and who was glad to see herself eased by their approach, but Prince Oxyatres would have been next at that interruption, if it had befallen him by other persons. Uncle, said Artaxerxes, you would not pardon me the discourtesy I do you, if you did not know we come to second you▪ And you Cousin, said he to Barsina, would perhaps oppose the design I have to serve my Uncle, in his love to you, if you did not remember that heretofore I served Memnon in a like occasion to his prejudice, and that it was from me you received him after that banishment, to which he generously had condemned himself.  
I have received my whole life from the favours of your goodness, (replied Barsina) and the memory of that good Office you did poor Memnon, shall never perish in my thoughts. By that remembrance (added the Princess Berenice) Prince Artaxerxes his right to pretend to some credit with you, and to employ it for the Prince his Uncle, as he heretofore did for his rival. Prince Oxyatres (answered Barsina growing serious) stands in no need of any recommendation to obtain from me all the esteem, and all the acknowledgement he in reason can desire; and yours have so much power, that they might draw my mind to greater difficulties. Oxyatres was going to reply, and their conversation had enlarged itself further, if it had not been broke off by a servant that came into the Chamber, to tell them that Lysimachus, Ptolomeus, and many other of the Commanders were at the door of the Tent, and with them a stranger of a very graceful presence, who was newly arrived at the Camp, with the Equipage of a man of quality, and that he asked for Prince Artaxerxes. The Prince was going toward the door, when he saw his friends come in, and in the midst of them the stranger that enquired after him; but the Princess Berenice and he had no sooner cast their eyes upon his face, but they knew him to be Prince Theodates, their faithful, and their generous friend. In the grief Artaxerxes had felt for the taking of his dear Brother▪ he could not receive a greater consolation than the sight of so dear a friend; he solemninized it at the first with a transported cry, and running to him with open arms, he held him long in a strict embrace, without being able through his excess of joy, to find the liberty of expressing it by words. My dear Theodates! (said he at last) the greatest, and the most faithful of all my friends, by what good fortune is it possible that I hold you now between mine arms? By mine Sir, (answered Theodates) since I have established my highest felicities in the honour of your friendship. They were interrupted in this discourse by the Princess Berenice, whom the remembrance of the good Offices she had received from Theodates, had filled with acknowledgement and affection toward him nor did she dissemble it in that noble company, for all her modesty could not hinder her from embracing him, and giving him all the testimonies of good will she could have granted to her nearest Kinsman. Orontes, Queen Thalestris, Demetrius, and many others entered about that time, and amongst them all those to whom by the hearing of Artaxerxes adventures the name of Theodates was already known, looked upon him with a great deal of affection and esteem, and the Prince desiring to confirm them in it: Behold (said he) this gallant Prince, and this generous friend, to whom I am so many ways indebted, both for my happiness, and for my life, he to whom I owe no less then to Darius, and he whom I ought to love more than myself, if I will not be the basest and most ingrateful man in the world. He spoke these words beginning his endearments afresh; but the Princes, who all took interest in his fortune, would needs imitate him in his actions, and drawing near to Theodates one after another, they welcomed him with civilities which put him into confusion, but yet hindered him not from admiring in the majestic garb of those great men what he believed could not be found again in all the rest of the world. Orontes renewed the ancient friendship they had made in the Court of Scythia many years before, and Oxyatres, and Lysimachus, who were more concerned than all the others in the fortune of Artaxerxes, gave his friend a most particular reception. When he was gotten loose from the arms of all, the Princess Berenice began to ask news of the King her Father: but Theodates answered, he could tell none fresh, it being a great while since his coming from Issedon, and having wandered through a great many Provinces, to see if he could find her and the two Princes whom he sought. Berenice sighed at that discourse, calling to mind her Brother's Captivity. Neither you, nor we (said she) receive a perfect contentment in this meeting, and the Prince my Brother, whom without doubt you seek, though he be not far from us, is yet in the power of our Enemies. I heard that news at my coming into the Camp, (replied Theodates with a sadder countenance then usual) and nothing else would comfort me in that misfortune, but the knowledge that you are in a condition, quickly to restore him his liberty▪ After that Theodates had received the welcomes of all those worthy men, to whom his virtue, and the affection of Artaxerxes rendered him considerable, the Prince of Persia desired to possess him more particularly than the rest, and to that end led him out of that Chamber, and went into the next, whither he was followed by none but Orontes, and Lysimachus: he than demanded the occasion of his journey, and Theodates his look becoming more sorrowful than before. When I shall tell you, Sir (said he) that I left Scythia out of an earnest longing to see you again, perchance the passion I honour you withal is well enough known unto you, to procure your belief; but I must confess it is not the only motive of my journey, & that it is accompanied with another, which of itself was sufficient to make me undertake it; I was not willing to declare it before the Princess, and I leave that care either to you, or to the Prince her Brother, who will have more power to prepare her for the hearing of an unpleasing news. The King of Scythia is dead. Is the King dead? interrupted Artaxerxes; Yes, Sir, replied Theodates, he is dead. After he had languished a great while for the absence, or for the loss as he believed of his children, he was taken with a Fever, which finding him weakened, both by his age and grief, deprived the world of him in a matter of eight days. Arsaces could not hear this news without an extraordinary trouble, nor without a most sensible discontent, and though many of that King's actions had in former times given him occasion enough not to be sorry for his death, yet was he so fully reconciled to him by what he had done in his favour afterward, and did so much consider the Father of Berenice and Oroondates, that he could not be a hearer of that fatal news, without being touched to the very bottom of his heart. His sorrow discovered itself presently by his tears, and looking upon Theodates with very sad action; Ah my dear friend! (says he) how much you moderate my joy, to see you by the news you bring? it did not please the Gods I should receive it in a time when I should have taken it with more patience! but they send it me now when I have a great deal of reason to be afflicted at it; Ah how great a fear I am in for the grief of my poor Princess! and how discreetly it was done of you to dissemble it before her! Artaxerxes said many other things, by which he discovered his sense of that loss to his friends, but they comforted him by all manner of reasons, and it was likely he would receive consolation for it, when he remembered that of Darius, of the Queens, his Mother, and Grandmother, and all the rest he had sustained. After he had settled himself a little by the force of his courage, and that he was able to question Theodates touching the estate of Scythia since the death of its King. The affairs of Scythia, answered Theodates, are in the best condition we can desire, and the Scythians now feel no other trouble, but their impatience to see their King Oroondates: they with acclamations and transports of joy, received the proposition I made, of sending the Chief among them to seek for him; and when I began my journey for that purpose, they made many of the principal Scythians set forward also to go in quest of their King by different ways from that I took; but before my departure I had the satisfaction to help to set the State in such order as was necessary, and to see all the people submit themselves voluntarily to Prince Carthasis, whom they declared Regent of the Kingdom till their King's arrival. And for Stratonice, said Artaxerxes, what's become of her? together with the affliction she received for the King's death: replied Theodates, she was assaulted with two others, almost at the same time, which moved her to the resolution she hath taken; the first was, that being some months gone with child, she got a hurt that made her miscarry, and by that accident she lost the hopes she had grounded upon her great belly: and the other was the news of Arsacomes his death, which within three days after the Kings, was brought to Issedon by one of those that had accompanied him. Stratonice had sunk under so many occasions of sorrow; if she had not indeed had a great deal of courage; she bore them so impatiently for some days at first, that she would not be comforted by any means, nor be visited but by very few persons; but when she was again become capable of reason, she resolved to forsake the world, in which she no longer hoped for any satisfaction, and bidding adieu to the Court, she shut herself up in a Cloister amongst Virgins devoted to the Goddess Tellus, which is but a day's journey from Issedon, with a design to spend the rest of her life within those walls; I was of the number of those that visited and took leave of her before her departure, though since the crosses her ambition had caused you, I no longer had any affection for her; but that was the least that could be paid her in that condition of her fortune; she knew very well that amongst all the King's Subjects there was none that had a greater zeal and passion for his service then I, wherefore she addressed herself to me, rather than any of the rest, and before she got up into her Chariot, she said thus to me in the hearing of Prince Carthasis: Theodates, you may tell King Oroondates, that 'tis not any fear of him makes me forsake the Court, and though by my actions I may perhaps have moved him to some resentment; I am too well acquainted with his virtue to fear him, and I know he is too generous to overwhelm her with new afflictions, who has received enough, and those great enough from Fortune, and who had the honour to be Wife to the King his Father; you may carry him this assurance, if you please, and you may tell Prince Artaxerxes, that the affection of a Sister may make him pardon what I did against him in favour of poor Arsacomes, since he is now revenged of him, and since that poor Prince has quitted his pretensions to him with his life. While Theodates repeated these words of Queen Straton●ce, Artaxerxes was so touched with them, that he hardly could refrain from tears, and after having continued a while in the reflection he made upon that change of her Fortune. Stratonice is to be blamed (said he) for having robbed my Brother of the Glory he would have gained in the services, and in the duties he would have paid her; I am confident he would always have honoured her as the Wife of the King his Father, and I for my part have no resentment against her that could have hindered me from looking upon her all my life time with respect, and from comforting her in her misfortunes, as much as I possibly could have done. She departed from Issedon with that belief of you both (replied Theodates) and went to shut herself up in that house which she had enriched with a great many Presents, and which she had taken care to beautify during the King's life. After this discourse, Theodates told the Prince many particularities of the Affairs of Scythia, and answered too many questions he asked him upon that subjuct, and concerning his love, and the health of the Princess Theomiris; but he likewise heard partly from him and partly from his friends, those admirable events that had befallen him since his departure out of Scythia, the cruel effects of his jealousy, his combats against Oroondates, and at last their happy knowledge of one another.  
In the mean while Seleucus and Nearchus followed by Araxes, were gone into the City, where they had been received by those of their Party, with acclamations of joy; the noise of their arrival being run from one to another unto the ears of Perdiccas, he was much surprised at it, being something ashamed to look them in the face, after having neglected their friendship; yet being bold, and having a very ready wit, he was quickly prepared for that reception, and coming to meet them with demonstrations of gladness, he desired by his countenance and by his action to repair the fault he had committed toward them. Assoon as he was near enough to be heard, going forward with his arms stretched out; I welcome you my cruel Friends (said he) with as much affection as if you had not injured that which is between us, by those inhuman propositions which my passion forced me to disobey. Saying these words he embraced them, but they received both his Compliment and his Embraces very seriously, and Seleucus made this Answer; It is not necessary, Perdiccas, to examine the faults against friendship which we may have committed; we desired nothing of you, which reason and honour did not demand as much as it, and we sufficiently express the greatness of it, since after the contempt you have showed of us, we are not become your Enemies, as Leonatus. I confess (replied Perdiccas) that you are very generous, since you have had so much compassion of my misfortune, and that you have been pleased to put a difference, between faults that are caused by a violent constraint, and those that are committed through ingratitude: I will not examine whether my refusal, or your demand offended our friendship most; but I have always thought you might better have asked my life, then that which you desired of me. I confess I was too blame (answered Seleucus) to presume so much upon your affection, and that I ought to have expected none but more common proofs of it; but the Gods be thanked, we now are free merely by the Nobleness of our Enemies, and we have accepted the liberty they have given us, upon condition to repay it by that of Oroondates.  
Perdiccas stood a while without replying to that discourse; but after he had bethought himself a little: It is just, said he, that Oroondates should be given you▪ and though you very well know by the confession I make you of my love, how great an interest I ought to have in detaining him, and what damage I shall receive by his liberty; I'll lay aside the consideration of my own repose, to satisfy you, and conquer my strongest inclinations, to put you out of the opinion you have conceived against a most unshaken friendship. We desire to know the issue of it to day (added Nearchus,) and if you please to call a Counsel, we there will make our Proposition. Perdiccas' protested to them that he would not oppose it, and that he would do as much as possibly he could to persuade all those that had credit there, to grant them that satisfaction. After having made them that promise, he went to Roxana, whither neither Seleucus nor Nearchus would go till the Counsel were assembled. Perdiccas said nothing to the Queen of the intent they had to demand Oroondates, but she soon suspected it, and if possibly she could would have broken the meeting. The Prince and all those of the Counsel, were come together in a Room appointed for that purpose, having had notice given them by Perdiccas, who brought the Queen thither himself, and Seleucus and Nearchus entered within a while after They kissed the Queen's hand, and saluted all their friends, from whom they received endearments full of affection. When they had all taken their places, and were in a readiness to hearken to Seleucus his Proposition; He began to speak, and having first made a complaint against their friends, who had left them to the mercy of their enemies, without having attempted any thing for their liberty, and without having so much as lent an ear to proposals, which other considerations besides theirs, aught to have made them embrace: he told them how Leonatus with eight thousand Prisoners, had taken their enemy's party, and that though Nearchus and he had been sufficiently provoked to follow his example, since their usage had been all alike, yet had they had more regard to their ancient friendship, and had received their liberty from the generosity of their enemies, to come and employ it in the service of their friends as ungrateful as they were; but that they had accepted it only as a ransom for that of Oroondates, and that they had engaged themselves to them by promise, either to send him back in exchange, or to return themselves into their hands: he than prayed them to consider the justice of their demand, and if they still thought them capable to serve them, to set them at liberty to do it by disengaging them of their word. Seleucus having ended his Discourse, the greatest part of the Assembly inclined to grant what he demanded, but they durst not openly discover themselves, till the intentions of Roxana and Perdiccas were made known: neither of them had spoken yet, but when Perdiccas was obliged to give his opinion, he declared that he opposed not the satisfaction of Seleucus and Nearchus, since those two men were considerable enough, to deserve that things less reasonable should be granted them and that if the Queen were so pleased, he willingly consented Oroondates should be set at liberty. While Perdiccas spoke on this manner, Roxana, whom that discourse had raised to an extremity of anger, beheld him with an inflamed eye; and if she had followed her first suggestions, she would have reproached him with transported words, for betraying her on that fashion contrary to the agreements made between them; but she moderated herself as well as possibly she could, yet not so much but that she interrupted him before he had done speaking. If there be a necessity of releasing prisoners, said she, 'tis Statira that must be released, and not Oroondates: Statira is the Daughter of Darius, the wife of Alexander your King, and your Queen with as much justice as myself: Perdiccas has no right at all to keep her; he that is borne a subject to the King her husband, & when he refused her for the exchange of his friends, he violated not only all the laws of friendship, but all other laws both divine and humane: besides she's a woman, as weak without our walls as in our prison; and though she were at liberty, the party of our enemies would be never a jot the stronger; but Oroondates is a Scythian, that has taken Arms for our destruction, and one to whom you owe nothing of what is due from you to the Widow of Alexander: moreover, he is the greatest and most terrible of your enemies, so that you cannot set him at liberty without contributing toward your own ruin: and the chief men of his Party are tied to him by such pressing considerations, that by retaining him, you will always have the means to make an advantageous treaty with them in extremity. Perdiccas who found a great appearance of reason in what the Queen said, and who believed he had done enough in favour of Seleucus, by declaring his first intention, would not second it against Roxana, knowing he could not break with her without making a very great disunion in their party; wherefore turning toward Seleucus; I have paid (said he) what I believed I owed you, and I could have wished with all my heart, that the Queen would have thought fit to satisfy you, but being tied to observe her will, as I am both by respect, and by the whole interest of our party, I cannot tell how to contradict her; you may remain with us, since our Enemies have given you your liberty without condition, and if in the progress of this War we can find any occasion to do so, we'll acknowledge their civility by returning them other Prisoners instead of Oroondates. Seleucus was so transported with choler, both by Roxana's denial, and Perdiccas his change, that he had hardly any power left over himself to moderate his resentments. What (said he, with a louder voice then ordinary) is it thus you use us after what we have done for this party? and have you so soon forgotten that we have preserved the glory of it by our Actions? is it because we were left among the dead all mangled with wounds, while those who now dispose of us sought their safety behind our walls? is it because that I alone did animate and rally our defeated Troops, to make head against a conquering Army, and because that I alone opposed the sword of Arsase's, and the sword of Oroondates, which made the stoutest of our Masters fly? did any amongst you ever see Seleucus turn his back in either of the Battles? or can any of you deny but that he alone made the Victory to waver, and disputed the glory of the last day single against your Enemies? do these wounds he received make him more contemptible than if he had retired with the first into the City? and after this unworthy usage of him, can you think he can continue your Friend against these valiant men amongst whom he hath found so much freedom, and so much generosity? Seleucus' suffered himself to be thus transported to words, that exasperated Roxana and Perdiccas, and Perdiccas was going to reply if the Queen had not prevented him. You have free permission (said she) to do what you have most mind to, and if you are engaged either by promise or inclination to return to our Enemies, your passage to them will be more easy for you to procure, than the exchange you have proposed. Yes, (replied Seleucus, we will return to your Enemies, but we'll return with all our Forces, and with those of Leonatus, we are not so mean spirited as to employ our own Arms, or the Arms of our Soldiers any longer in the service of the most ingrateful persons upon earth, and you shall lose us in a time when our loss will peradventure be of some importance. After these words, and some others which N●archus added with an indignation as great as his, they went both out of the Room, and retired to Seleucus his lodging with a design not to go out of Babylon without all the remainders of their Forces; they were presently visited there by all the Officers that commanded them, and by a good number of the Soldiers, who that day had not much to do, by reason of the Truce which was agreed upon for two days, to bury the dead of either party.  
Araxes during the Counsel had stayed at Seleucus his house, and having found him there at his coming in, he made him quickly see by his countenance, that he had laboured unsuccessefully for his Master's exchange. Araxes (said he) I have not had credit enough to deliver the Prince of Scythia, and they that keep him prisoner, have judged with reason that we had set our liberty at too high a rate; since we would not accept of it, but by the exchange of his, they have refused it us with scorn, but perhaps we shall endeavour to procure it by other ways; in the mean while stay you here with patience for the remainder of this day, and to morrow you shall know the resolution I have taken for you and for your Master. Although Araxes was much afflicted for that ill success, yet did he bear it as patiently as he could, and submitted without reply to Seleucus his pleasure; the house within a minute after was full with all the Officers that were in Babylon, he received them in general with most obliging civilities, but he made his own sure to him particularly, and commanded them to have their men in a readiness to perform the Orders he should be obliged to give them according to the necessity of Affairs. Of fifteen thousand Macedonians that had followed him, there were yet three thousand left, and there were above four thousand Pamphilians and Phrygians remaining of the Forces of Nearchus and Leonatus; they were all at the devotion of those two Chief Commanders, and all protested they would be ever ready to obey them without dispute. They did no more at that time but make themselves sure of their assistance, being yet uncertain what resolution they should take, though they were most fully resolved to be no longer friends to Roxana and Perdiccas, and to serve their Enemies by all the ways they could follow in honour without any other consideration; they determined therefore to spend the rest of that day, and the night following in concluding what course it was best to take. Peucestas, Neoptolemus, and almost all the other Commanders in Chief came to visit them; Perdiccas went not to their lodging, but he sent his Brother Alcetas to excuse him, and to represent the Reasons that hindered him from contesting against the will of Roxana. In effect Roxana and Perdiccas were both afraid of Seleucus his threats, and knowing how able he was to serve, or to disserve their party, they repented their having used him ill, yet neither of them could yield to content him to the prejudice of their love, and all they could do for that time was to pray Alcetas to see him, and to do his utmost endeavours to keep him and to moderate his resentments. Alcetas did the best he possibly could, and forgot nothing that might excuse his Brother, or that might serve for Rosana's justification; but Seleucus was little moved, with all he alleged and after having lent him very quiet attention. Alcetas, (said he) Roxana and Perdiccas have despised our friendship, and they never shall recover it while they live, they have no reason that can justify their ingratitude, and we have a thousand to become their Enemies; we have cause to be humbled by the little account that is made of us, but we'll set ourselves up again, if it please the Gods, and shall perhaps come off with Honour from the Enterprise we have undertaken. This was all that Alcetas could obtain from Seleucus and Nearchus, but Perdiccas was not so repulsed, for considering of how great importance it was to him to keep their friendship, he set all the Commanders a work to flatter and pacify them. In the mean time though Roxana had been offended with him at the first, he had partly appeased her by his carriage afterward, and had not failed to allege all the Reasons to her which had obliged him to that former compliance with Seleucus his Request; but if she were well satisfied with Perdiccas, she was little pleased on the other side with Oroondates, and by a visit she had made him that day, she lost part of the hopes she had conceived since his being taken; she had neglected nothing that might win his love, and after she had often represented the power she had to oblige him, and to change his present condition into a most happy and a most glorious fortune. The only happiness you can give me (said he) and the only one I would now receive from you, should be to grant me the sight of my Princess, and for that only favour, if I could not love you, I at least would pardon you all the mischief you have done me. Roxana thought that demand of Oroondates so contrary to her intentions, that she immediately refused it, but after that, she had not been able to get him so much as to look upon her, and had parted from him so ill satisfied, that her ill humour had not contributed little to the ill usage she had showed Seleucus. She told Perdiccas the passages of that visit, as likewise of the other she had made him the day before; and she no sooner had let him know Oroondates his demand, but Perdiccas gave her notice how that very day he had received the same from Statira, and how that fair Queen had protested to him by the Ghost of Alexander, that if he did not procure that Oroondates might visit her, she never would look upon him while she lived, but as her most mortal Enemy. Ah (cried Roxana) I never will consent that Oroondates should see her, he has seen her but too much already to my misfortune. Nor will I ever suffer (replied Perdiccas) that she should be seen of Oroondates, she has been so but too much for the quiet of my days. And what shall we do then (added Roxana) to content them, and to appease their minds in some degree? I no longer know (answered Perdiccas) how I should carry myself towards Cassandra, and I see myself at last reduced to the necessity of following the last ways that are left me; hitherto I have considered her as a great Princess to whom I owed all manner of respect but she ingratefully has abused it, and in her late usage of me, she has forgot nothing that could make me loss it. After this discourse Perdiccas left the Queen in an Alley of the Garden where she had begun to walk, but as she would have gone into another, she chanced unexpectedly to meet Cassander and Alcetas, who were talking there of their Affairs; if the Queen had followed her inclination, she had turned back again to avoid Cassander, whose sight was insupportable to her; but she forced it in regard of the need she had of his assistance, and seeing herself upon the point of loseing part of her strength with Seleucus and Nearchus, she was afraid that if she drove Cassander utterly into despair she might be left alone, and by consequence too weak to resist her Enemies. These Reasons made her suffer his approach, and he came up to her more confidently than he would have done in another season, thinking he had obliged her that day in the Counsel, by his compliance with her to the prejudice of his own interests, which should have made him desire the sending away of Oroondates. Yet was his heart possessed with rage, at the remembrance of the endeavours she had used to retain him, and perhaps he had seconded her desires in part that he might be the better able to make his Rival feel the effects of his anger, while he was a prisoner; he saw by the Queen's countenance that she took it well he had born her that respect, and that belief having made him bolder than ordinary, he resolved to use it to his advantage. Madam (said he) you have reason to be satisfied that the Princes yielded to day so willingly to your desires, but amongst them all none but Cassander neglected his own interests for yours, and he gave his voice against his own repose, when he gave it according to your inclination. Though the necessity of her Affairs made Roxana dissemble part of her aversion against Cassander, it was wakened in her every moment by the suspicions she had of him for the Death of Alexander; and as the smallest things were sufficient to cast her again into ill humour toward him, she found matter enough in his discourse to do it, and looking upon him with disdain. And what interest had you (said she) that should have persuaded you to oppose my intention? I had as much (answered Cassander) to wish for Oroondates his liberty, as you had to hinder it, and as to keep one near you whom you love, you have used Seleucus ill, whose assistance and whose services are very considerable, I to oblige a Prince that was ever my friend, aught with a great deal more reason to have desired the departure of a Rival whose presence is destructive to me. The presence and the departure of Oroondates ought both to be indifferent to you, and you shall always draw as much advantage from the one as from the other; I love nothing but what I ought to love, but I will not take care to justify myself to you for it, nor will I ever use violence upon my inclinations to content you. What (added Cassander) shall time, the fidelity of my services, and his disdain whom you unjustly prefer before me, work no effect at all upon you? and will you for ever persist in this hard heartedness toward a Prince, who gives himself up wholly to your will, and who finds neither glory nor contentment but in the occasions of doing you service? what reason can you have (if my passion may give me the liberty to speak to you in these terms?) what reason have you to persist in the undeserved usage I receive from you? is my Birth inferior to yours? and if by an effect of your Beauty you were raised unto the Fortune to be the Wife of Alexander, may not I by an effect of my love attain the glory of being suffered by the Daughter of Cohortanus? do you hope to have another Alexander, and in the present state of your Affairs, can you expect a better condition for your repose, then with one of the Chief of his Successors? for in fine you cannot be ignorant that you have lost the right you had to the Universal Empire, it is divided amongst a great number of Princes, who will not restore you the Countries that are fallen to their lot, and though you should bring forth a Son of Alexander's, he will be very happy if he can but keep Macedon alone, and his share without doubt will be less than mine, and less than many of my Companions: Do you hope for the reestablishment of your greatness from some Barbarian King? there is not one amongst them all that can equal himself to us, and though out of the respect we bear to the memory of Alexander, we have not yet taken upon us to wear Crowns, we lack nothing else but that formality, and when we shall have quieted our troubles, we shall undoubtedly attain those qualities, the want of which makes you think there is something despicable in us; pardon this liberty of speech in a man who is no longer in a condition to dissemble with you, and who has too strong a passion for your interests to flatter you unseasonably. Yet I demand nothing of you through these considerations, and pretend that nothing but pity alone should obtain a favour from you, which no manner of reason can oblige you to; I know that Cassander is unworthy of your affection, but all men living are so as well as he, and if any one can merit it, 'tis he without doubt that gives you all the moments of his life, and that limits all his thoughts in you alone; if my presumption deserve punishment, I have suffered a most severe one, nor could you yourself inflict more cruel torments then those I undergo.  
As you desire the favour of the Gods, my adored Queen, have some regard to me out of mere compassion, and suffer me not depart from hence, without having leave to hope for some change in my deplorable condition. As he ended these words, he cast himself at Roxana's feet, she being set down upon one of the seats that were in the Alley, and embraced her knees so ardently, that the Queen much troubled at his action, knew not how to disentangle herself. His Discourse had extremely offended her, as well by reason of the unwelcome truths it contained, as because it had been spoken in the presence of many witnesses, before whom she could not approve that he had entertained her with so little respect: wherefore she testified her ill humour both by her action, and by her answer; and thrusting away Cassander, who still had kept himself in a beseeching posture. Go, said she, and represent their affairs to them that ask your counsel: I hope that I shall always be in a condition to stand in no need of you; and if I cannot hope to have a second Alexander for my husband, either I will never have any, or I will have one whose person is more pleasing to me then yours, and whose life is without blemish: if from the daughter of Cohortanus, I became the wife of Alexander, I had qualities in my person that gave him an affection, and I see none in yours that give not me an aversion: I speak to you with a liberty like your own, and to express myself yet more freely, you force me to tell you, that I should think my condition less shameful with a Barbarian King, nay, or with a private man, then with a man accused of the death of the King his Master, and my Husband: I am constrained to use this reproach once more to you, whether I will or no; but you have defended yourself so ill against that accusation, that you ought not to think it strange, if I cannot suffer you without horror till you have cleared yourself. Roxana as she ended these words rose up from her seat, and Cassander transported with rage, followed her with his face all on fire. 'Tis not for the King's death, cried he, that you hate a man whom you believe to be most innocent of it; I shall justify myself of that crime much better than all those that suspect me for it: but you loved him too little to make his death the motive of this hatred, and you preferred the same man before him during his life, whom you prefer before me now: 'Tis Oroondates that robbed Alexander the Great of the affections of his wife, and that robs Cassander of all his hopes; but I'll revenge those injuries that are common both to my King and me, and if hitherto I have threatened without effect, you now shall hear that in the rage into which you have precipitated me, I am capable to execute the strangest resolutions. As he uttered these words he turned away from the company, and leaving the Queen in a manner besides herself, with anger at his injurious reproaches, and at his cruel threatenings, he went out of the Garden, and being come home to his lodging, in an exceeding great fury, he employed the rest of the day and the night following, in plotting the means he should use both for his revenge, and for his contentment.  
In the mean time Queen Statira, or Cassandra, (for she had retained that name with a purpose never any more to take up that of the Princess of Persia, under which she had been exposed to so many misfortunes) was extremely pressed by Perdiccas his importunities, and he being vexed at the little progress he had made in his design of gaining her affection, and at the ill usage he had received from her in his last visits, went beyond the terms in which he long had kept himself toward her, and flew out to threats which made her fall into strange apprehensions, yet did she not sink at all from the greatness of her courage▪ & when he told her it was not her best way to make him desperate in the condition he then was, nor to drive him to extremities, which could not but bring her cause of discontent. Think not, said she, with your threats to fright a Princess who is not weak enough to fear them, and who by the power she hath over her own life, can secure herself from yours, whensoever you shall go about to abuse it: I know how to die, Perdiccas, to deprive you of the Empire you have over my body, and by my death I shall complete the anger of both Gods and men against you▪ who will not suffer your crimes to go unpunished. The Gods forbid, replied Perdiccas, that I should seek your death, or that I should ever consent to it: 'tis not your life I threaten, for I would rather expose mine own to all manner of disaster, then arm my hand, or those of your Enemies against it. Yes Madam, you are still too dear to me to be able to conceive any violent thought against you; but you may fear lest that in the end my rage be turned against this Oroondates, whom you unjustly prefer before me; and lest I pour upon him whatsoever he can apprehend from a despairing rival, and from an Enemy that hath all manner of power over him: hitherto▪ have spared him for your sake, and for Roxana's who loves him, and out of some sense of generosity; but at last all these considerations will be blown away by my despair; and since the advantages he has over me, make his life and mine to be incompatible I shall undoubtedly sacrifice his either to my repose, or to my revenge. The fair Queen could not hear these cruel threats without growing pale, nor without testifying by the motions of her countenance how deeply they had touched her, and indeed they made her lose part of her constancy, wherefore looking upon him with eyes swelled with tears ready to break forth, which she withheld with a great deal of difficulty: Cruel man (said she) execute then with thine own hand against the unfortunate Cassandra, what thou intendest to do against Oroondates; and since thou art at last fallen upon the only thought that was left thee to conceive for a conclusion of thy crimes; take this wretched life which thou madest show to be willing to spare, and preserve that brave and glorious life of the gallantest man that ever was; the loss of mine is but of small importance, if thou comparest the miseries of it with the wonders of his, and moreover they are tied together with so strong a knot that thou shall never see the separation of them; all the blows thou shalt aim at him will fall directly upon me, and the same wound that shall take away his life, will infallibly send me to my Grave. Ah! my dear Prince, (continued she, not being longer able to retain the motions of her love, nor her tears, which ran down with violence, but breaking forth, through that extraordinary effect of her passion, with as much liberty before Perdiccas as if she had been all alone.) Too lovely Oroondates, must I be now so near thee for no other end but to see thee so cruelly exposed to the rage of thy Enemies, and after having escaped so many dangers into which thou hast thrown thyself for my sake, after so many causes to forsake me for ever, must thou be brought to submit thyself to these barbarous people, who by the fear of one death alone, which they have power to give thee, will make me die a thousand times a day? The Queen had never made the affection she bore to Oroondates so clearly known unto Perdiccas, nor could he hear those words that gave so manifest a Declaration of it, without falling into transports of anger and of grief, which tormented him most vehemently: He remained a long time unable to express his resentments with his tongue, but in the end looking upon the Queen with a more troubled countenance then before. You could not (said he) have done a worse office to the Prince you love, than this of showing such violent proofs of your affection; for though I were sure to perish, and to see the whole World perish with me, I'll never suffer him to live when once my hopes are dead; I for your consideration will defer my revenge till I have tried all my utmost endeavours to mollify you, but when all my submissions shall once prove useless, I'll never let him triumph o'er my ruin, and whether I fall by the anger of Heaven, or by yours, or by that of my Enemies, I will at least have the satisfaction to bury my Rival with me. Thou mayest do (replied the Queen utterly transported) thou mayest do whatsoever thy rage shall inspire thee; but this I declare before the Gods, thou shalt never draw other contentment from the death of Oroondates, save that of seeing me die with him, and I protest to thee moreover, that thou never from this minute shalt have word or look from me any more, till thou hast given me the means to see him, and discourse with him. Perdiccas was struck dumb at that reitteration of a demand which the Queen had already made him, and fixed his eyes upon the ground, deeply musing what answer he should return; he could not consent to give her a satisfaction which could not but be very prejudicial to him; but at last there came a thought into his head, which made him change his opinion, and he no sooner had conceived it, but turning toward the Queen; You shall obtain what you desire, said he, if I can persuade Roxana to it; but hope not that Oroondates shall profit by it, since he shall never be permitted to see you, but to beg his life of you, which depends only upon the usage you shall show to me; if he be wise he'll counsel you to forsake him, and upon the success of his counsels shall follow either his death o● his preservation. After these words he went out of the Chamber, and left the Queen so troubled at his threats, that if she had not been comforted by the hope he gave her of seeing Oroondates, she would have been reduced to a most lamentable condition. The Princess her Sister came into her chamber presently after, and having heard her new causes of affliction, she sought out all the words her affection could put into her mouth to give her consolation; their last hope was in the assistance they expected from Prince Artaxerxes their Brother, and their sorrow was a little moderated by the remembrance of that Great Princes being alive, and by that of the succour they might probably look for from a man of that Reputation, seconded by the Valiant Lysimacus, and by their generous and invincible Companions.  
But Roxana's mind was at no better quiet than those of the two Princesses, and her love made her endure whatsoever was least supportable to them in their captivity, and in the rest of their misfortunes: she saw the most potent Party of the World armed at her Gates for her destruction, and who by the first and most important successes ought in likelihood to hope for the last advantages: she saw Enemies within her walls, not doubting but that Seleucus was sufficiently incensed to harbour thoughts of revenge against her, she had heard of the defeat of her Allies, in whose relief she had grounded part of her hopes; she was persecuted by a brutish man, whom she saw ready every moment to vent his fury in some bloody attempt, and by the testimony of her own conscience, she believed both Heaven and Earth to be her Enemies, yet all this touched her not so deeply as Oroondates his scorn: that cruel remembrance made her neglect all care of her affairs, and hardly left her so much as a minute's rest. When she returned out of the Garden where she had had that unpleasing discourse with Cassander, she went to the lodging of her Prisoner, though she had incited him once that day already, and as she passed by the Guard, she had set upon him, she commanded their Captain to have an exact care of his person, and to defend it to the last gasp, against all those that should attempt to hurt him: She used that caution for his safety, by reason of Cassander's threats, believing him capable to fly upon some violent design. Oroondates who received her visits with a great deal of wearisomeness, had much ado to settle his countenance to what civility seemed to require from him; but Roxana was not repulsed thereby, though it was a mortal grief to her to see those continual marks of his aversion, and drawing near him with a dissembling look. Well, cruel Oroondates, said she, will you for ever be my enemy, and will you not open your eyes at last, to see the faults you commit, both against your own happiness, and against the gratitude you owe to my affection? Do you not consider that I neglect all my interests to preserve you, and that I put both my affairs, and even my very life, in a manifest danger, to defend you from Enemies which your fortune hath stirred up against you? Had it not been for this protection, wherewith I have powerfully sheltered you, both they from whom you take the love of Statira, and they from whom you take Roxana, would ere now have poured upon you whatsoever their jealousy could suggest unto them: will you be insensible of these last obligations, as you have hitherto been of former ones; and if you disdain the happiness and the glory which you might find in the acknowledgement I demand of you, do you not think that even generosity itself obliges you to use some violence upon your inclinations, in favour of a Queen, who is as obstinate in loving you more than herself, as you are in hating her for all her love. But you yourself, Madam, replied the Prince somewhat briskly, do not you believe yourself obliged by that generosity you allege, to leave him at least some liberty of mind, from whom you have taken that of his body? and if it be true that you bear me that good will whereof I acknowledge myself most unworthy, do you think to express it to me by effects so contrary to their cause? Do you believe a heart can be changed by persecutions? and if mine were capable to be so, do you judge it could be by the usage I receive from you? While I was free, I defended myself well enough from those Enemies against whom you have taken my protection, and now I am their Prisoner, or yours, I had rather die by their hands, then by the mischiefs which you make me suffer, and which nevertheless you would have me receive as proofs of your affection. Ah, what do you suffer, ingrateful man, said the Queen, what do you suffer, that might not make all Prisoners of War to envy your condition? I suffer, answered Oroondates, an imprisonment very different from that the Prisoners of your Party found with us: I suffer for the captivity of my Princess; I judge of her torments by mine own, since she is in the power of a man, whose inclinations are suitable to yours: I bear her absence a great deal more impatiently, then when I was far from her; nor can I from this affection to which you would have me think myself so indebted, obtain the liberty to see her, so much as for a moment. No, added Roxana, you shall never obtain it, and I would rather kill my Rival with my own hands, than consent unto that cruel interview which you demand, but to complete the ruining of my hopes. Nor shall you, replied Oroondates, ever obtain one word from me, or one moment of compliance more: Do, kill her, the Daughter of your King, and by that action you will but finish what you had so generously begun: your heart already is enough disposed unto that crime to be the actor of it without reluctancy, and you must never hope, that he who could not love you in a more innocent estate, can cast his eyes upon you, when by your cruelty you shall have drawn upon yourself the imprecations even of those that had no interest in it. The Queen was stung so deeply with these words, that her anger showed itself in the redness of her face; and beholding Oroondates with an offended eye; You are, said she, the most ungrateful man alive, and the most unworthy of this affection which you have so insolently abused, if I could obtain of my heart, what my lawful indignation has reason to demand, you should never see me but as your most cruel, and irreconcilable Enemy: but such as I am, fear to drive me to extremity, and by the remembrance of those cruelties wherewith you reproach me every moment, judge what I may be capable of, when I shall be prompted by despair. I hold you capable of any thing, replied the Prince, except of making Oroondates love you; and neither your threatenings, nor your kindnesses, shall ever work my mind to thoughts which are worthy only of Cassander. Roxana heard not these last words distinctly, for when Oroondates spoke them, she was already gone out of his Chamber. Hardly was she gotten to her own, when Perdiccas came in; they presently read their resentments in each others faces, and being they were accustomed mutually to impart the progress they made in their affections, they gave one another account of the success of the visits they had newly made. Roxana was exceeding angry when Perdiccas told her he had promised the Queen that she should see Oroondates, and protested often that she would never give her consent; but Perdiccas pacified her by many reasons he alleged; representing to her that that interview could not hurt them, since it should be in the presence of many witnesses, which would tell them all the passages of their conversation; and that if it could not serve to their advantage, however it could be no obstacle to their intentions; and praying her to trust it to his managing, since his interest was equal to hers, he brought her in the end to yield to his persuasions: after they had conferred together about the order they should observe for the making of that Visit, Perdiccas bade her good night; and the Queen before she went to bed, having a mind to let Oroondates know her purpose to oblige him in what he had desired, and the conditions upon which she granted him that favour, called for pen and ink, and wrote to him in these words.  
Queen Roxana, to Prince Oroondates.  
YOU are permitted to see my Rival, since you have desired it; but it is not meant you should make use of that favour to the ruin of those that grant it you: 'tis in your power to turn it to your advantage, if you use it as prudence would advise you, and in counselling Statira not to think of you any more; you ought to receive the counsel she will give you to lose all thought of her. This is the way you ought to follow if you love her life, since it shall depend merely upon the success of this interview.  
Oroondates received this Letter that very night before he went to bed, and in spite of all Roxana's threatenings, found causes of joy in it, that made him forget his present miseries; he could not fancy that he should shortly see his Princess, without being transported with an excess of contentment, and he form an Idea of that happiness in his imagination, which placed it above all those that ever he had enjoied. What, said he, shall I see my Princess once again? Death hath not then deprived me of her sight for ever, nor captivity robbed me of that blessing for the whole remainder of my days: I shall behold her with these very eyes, which the first time they saw her, found the glorious loss of my repose and of my liberty. I shall speak to her with this very mouth, which hath so often made her the true protestations of my fidelity, and I shall hear that very voice which hath many times pronounced the sentences of my life and of my death. Ah, my soul, wilt thou be able to resist those violent motions of thy joy, which must in probability put thee besides thyself? After these raptures of delight, followed some effects of his fear; nor could he without trembling, remember her parting from him at Susa, and the humour he had left her in at that cruel separation; his joy nevertheless got the better of his fear, and possessed him then so absolutely, that it hardly suffered him to bestow one hour of the night in sleep, Perdiccas passed it not in such pleasant thoughts as his, and he was so perplexed with the cares of love, and with those of the war, that he had hardly a minute free from the persecutions of the one or of the other. Yet did he give Orders for the defence of the Town with a great deal of understanding, and as much in love as he was, he forgot but few of the Duties of a very expert General, and of a man whom his passion could not make to neglect any thing  
He was tormented nevertheless with an anxiety caused by the ill success of his Affairs, and as he had been afflicted at the loss of the last battle, and at the defeat of Nabarsanes, he also knew with an extraordinary discontent, the danger of the taking of Babylon, and of the utter ruin of his Party which did most visibly threaten him; he was weakened by the loss of part of his men, he was but ill assured of the affections of the rest, and in every thing he found occasions of fear which he thought too important to be slighted. That was it that made him so hot in the prosecution of his design upon Cassandra, when in likelihood it should have been interrupted by cares of so great consequence, but his haste was grounded upon some reason, and his fear of being quickly reduced to some capitulation, or to some disadvantageous Treaty, made him press the Queen so much as he had done, and as he did more eagerly afterward, to engage her while she was in his power, so that after the change of his Affairs, his Rivals might no more pretend to any thing with her; knowing that if he laid not hold of his advantages while she was in his hands, he was never to hope for any thing after. If he passed the Night in such troublesome disquiets, Seleucus was little better at rest with his, and the day appeared before he had fully taken his resolution. Araxes being come at that time to receive his Commands, renewed his discontents, but not being willing to detain him longer, and having drawn him aside, so that no body could overhear him: Araxes, said he, you may return to the Camp when you please; after having succeeded so ill with my faithful Companions in what concerns mine own interests, I will not undertake to speak of yours, and I have considered that your Master's Enemies fear your fidelity too much to suffer you to be near him. I would return along with you, and would not abuse the favour I have received from my generous Friends, if I did not know that I shall be more useful to them here then in their Camp. In brief Araxes, I am resolved to do that by the way of Arms, which I have not been able to compass by my persuasions, and I'll recover your Master's liberty, as I undertook to do, or else I'll perish in that design; give Prince Artaxerxes, and his Friends this assurance from me, and because I have reason to distrust my Forces here, which are not great enough to oppose those of our Enemies, tell them that when I shall have need of their assistance, I'll set up red flags upon the walls, assoon as they see them appear, they may fall on at the Gate which is opposite to Craterus his approach, and I'll facilitate their entrance with my utmost power; but it shall be in the open day, by open force, and by ways which ingrateful Perdiccas shall not be able to accuse of treachery. After he had given him this instruction, he sent him away, and apppointed Officers to accompany him to the Gate, who caused it to be opened by their Authority. Araxes went out of Babylon with a great deal of discontent, but he comforted himself by the hopes Seleucus had given him, that he would attempt something for his Master's liberty; his passage out was the freer by reason of the Truce which continued for that day, which Perdiccas made to be employed in burying those that were slain at the taking of Nabarsanes; he had taken no offence at the punishment of that Parricide, though he was very sorry for the defeat of his men, and neither he nor Roxana were ignorant, that they had put that Monster to death, not as their Friend, but as the murderer of Darius. That morning assoon as Queen Statira was ready. Alcetas came into her Chamber, to tell her that Oroondates was coming to see her as she had desired, but then he prayed her from Perdiccas, that she would use that visit according to his intention, and not make it fatal to Prince Oroondates. The Queen was so pleasingly surprised to hear that News, that she never so much as thought of answering Alcetas, neither indeed could she make him any answer, which according to her thought was not disobliging to his Brother; but assoon as he was gone out, she discovered her contentment, which in his presence she had dissembled as well as possibly she was able; she went into the Chamber of the Princess her Sister, to communicate it to her, and after that she had testified the part she bore in it, and how glad she would be herself to see that Prince again so dear to all their Family, they returned together into her Chamber to receive that welcome visit: In the mean while the same Discourse had been used from Roxana to Oroondates, and that Prince having received it with raptures of joy, which made him forget part of his resentments against her; no sooner heard that the Queen was ready for his coming, but he went out of his Chamber, and out of the Palace, followed by those to whom the charge of guarding him had been committed; yet did he go with an unperfect satisfaction, nor could he without fear remember the cruel command she had laid upon him at Susa, when she had banished him from her presence for ever; nevertheless when he had reflected upon it, he found some cause of better confidence, remembering that she had only forbidden him to present himself before her, till she was in a condition to receive him, and at that time he believed the change of her estate by the death of her Husband, gave him a dispensation against all the Rules that could dissuade him from it; without this consideration he was too religious an observer of her commands, to put himself in danger to infriuge them, though he might have found some encouragement to take a little liberty, by the discourse Cleone had made him of the Queen's thoughts, and of the pains she had taken to visit him herself when he lay wounded at Polemons house. The people in the streets as he passed by, looked all upon him with admiration, and maugre the malice of his Enemies, the fame of his Virtue was sufficiently spread abroad to make all the World respect and reverence his Person; he went to the Queen's Lodging in a Chariot that was apppointed for him, and when he was come thither he made haste up the stairs, and walked toward her Chamber with a countenance in which one might easily read part of his thoughts; his Guard accompanied him thither, and some of them stayed within the door by order from Roxana, to be present at their Actions. As soon as the Queen heard the noise, and was advertised of his being come, she would have risen from her Chair to go and meet him, but her strength forsook her in that occasion, and she was seized in such manner, that without the help of the Princess her Sister she would scarce have had the power to stir; she had already gone three or four steps when she saw him appear at the entrance into the Chamber, and at the same time Oroondates having cast his eyes upon her was so powerfully touched with that ●ight, that he could hardly get forward to present himself at her feet. Perdiccas' having been desirous to use the Queen according to the Greatness of her Quality, to disguise her misery by outward shows, had taken care to have her Chamber hung with black, and all her Furniture made suitable to the condition she was in since the King's death: The Queen's Habit also was black trailing negligently upon the Ground, and her head had been adorned with more curiosity, if her present estate would have let her take the care to dress it; yet as negligent as it was, it took off nothing from her admirable Beauty, and her eyes through that mornfull colour darted a fire at the Prince, which was bright enough to dispel the thickest darkness. O Gods what were the first motions of his heart, and how will my pen be able to express them! here it is indeed that I distrust its forces, and that I must content myself to let imagination supply what I should not know how to represent. Once in his life before had that poor Prince appeared in her sight with the like inward disturbance, but in this last encounter he seemed to have lost part of his courage, and all the resolution wherewith he had strengthened himself, gave place to thoughts of tenderness which at that sight had totally possessed his soul; yet did he advance toward the Queen for all he was so besides himself, and was no sooner near her, but casting himself at her feet, he embraced her knees with so passionate an action as made a deep impression in all that beheld him. The Queen permitted it longer than she would have done, if she had not been in a trouble that hindered her from ordering her actions with a perfect knowledge and liberty: But all she was able to do in a surprise, from which all her preparations had not defended her, was to bow down her head, and stretch forth her arms with so pressing a sign of her affection, that those that observed it, might very well judge, the fear of displeasing Perdiccas had not power enough over her to make her dissemble it. After she had pressed him a while between her arms, she raised up her head, and letting the Company see a face all bathed in tears, she put forth her hand to lift him up, and while the Prince fixed his lips upon it with a transported ardency. Rise, rise, my Prince, said she, and pardon the trouble of my soul, for having left you so long in this unfitting posture. Oroondates who could not disobey her, rose up, and was no sooner upon his feet, but the Princess Parisatis, as severe, and as circumspect as she was, came to embrace him with as much affection as if he had been Artaxerxes. Oroondates received her kindnesses with much respect, and when they gave him leave to return to the Queen, he would have thrown himself at her feet again if she had not forbidden it, and commanded him to sit down by her upon a Chair that stood near her bedside. The Prince's agitation of mind had seized him in such manner, that the Queen was fain to break silence first, and beholding him in his ecstasy with motions full of affection. Am I then permitted to see you again? said she, and has the cruelty of mine Enemies yielded to the only favour I have asked them? I had not hoped for this only satisfaction I was capable to receive, and was disposing myself to die without expecting this sweet consolation in my misfortunes. The Queen spoke to him in these terms, testifying by her looks how dear his sight was to her, and the Prince who recovered courage by his discourse, and who had had a little time to recollect himself replied: Madam, I had not thought this blessing had befallen me by your means, and I had prepared myself for it with fear of displeasing you, remembering how carefully you had shunned the occasions of it while you had the liberty to grant it me, while I was in the same house with you, and while the report of your death had brought me so near unto my Grave: At that time, indeed (if I may be permitted to use some reproach against my Sovereign) you might with more facility than now, Madam, have drawn me out of the deplorable condition I then was in; I was dying for the rumour of your death, and you were alive close by me, to see me die without showing any mark of compassion for my death; my presence was then so odious to you, that you preferred a cruel captivity amongst your most cruel Enemies before it, in a season when you had so much need of the services of all that honour you, and my life was so little dea● to you, that you would not secure it by a bare knowledge of yours. The Prince would have enlarged himself further in these complaints, if the Queen had not thus interrupted him. They that made you this Relation, if they did faithfully recount my life, and if they be of those to whom my thoughts were known, may have told you the Reasons I had to use a cruel violence upon my inclinations, to keep myself within the limits of my duty: Your ●ight was very dear to me, your assistance would have been most welcome, and what you sufferrd for me, found as great a sencibility in my heart as ever you could have desired from it; but I owed so much to the memory of so Great a Husband, who was dead but two days before, that any other remembrance save his would have been criminal in me; and without destroying my reputation, and making myself unworthy of your esteem, I could not cast myself into the arms of a man that had loved me, and that loved me still, when the King my Husband had not so much as received the honours of innterment. It would be harder for me to justify myself to another then to you, my dear Oroondates, in whom virtuous thoughts do easily make impression, and usually weigh down the scale against your interests: No, I could not see you without doing myself an injury, and yet I visited you, I sought you to your very bed, and to give myself that satisfaction, I put my honour in the greatest hazard that ever I had done in all my life. How great repentance soever that action was like in probability to have drawn after it, I passed over all manner of considerations to follow the incitements of my affection, and I was already disposed to let you see me, and to discover myself to you, when the violence of my enemies pulled me away from you, and deprived me of the means of effecting my resolution. If 'twere by Cleone (as I believe it was) that you have been instructed in my life, you heard from her in what manner I b●●e that separation, what your remembrance has made me suffer since, and what tears, and lamentations I bestowed on the memory of what I owed you.  
The Queen pronounced these words in so tender and so passionate a way, that the Prince repented he had so reproached her, and being desirous to express his sorrow for it. I ask you pardon, Madam, said he, for the complaints which were drawn from my mouth by an unjust resentment: you are incapable of erring, and 'twas not by reproaches I should have begun so dear and so desired a conversation. These marks of your goodness, are a full reparation for all that I have suffered hitherto; and though with the years I have spent in serving you, I should have given a thousand such lives as mine. I should be too gloriously recompensed by your remembrance. Since happy Oroondates (continued he, kissing one of her fair hands) has not lost the place he heretofore had in your heart, he has no reason to bewail his fortune; your will shall ever make the better part of it, and that which depends upon the Gods, and upon the chance of war, is too inconsiderable to oppose that which I hold from my Princess goodness. But Madam am not I obliged by this knowledge I have of it, to render you some account of the persecutions I suffer from our cruel Enemy? Would it had pleased the Gods, (pursued he with a sigh) that I had done so in times past, then perhaps by a small fault against discretion, I might have avoided these tedious miseries that have made me shed so many tears. Roxana torments me, if I may say so with modesty; Roxana would have me love her, Roxana would have me cease loving you, nor had she suffered me to see you, but to have me tell you, that I ought only to be hers, and that I never can be yours. And Perdiccas, replied the Queen▪ would not have consented to this interview but that he desired my mouth should let you know that I will never be but his, and that you ought to lose all the hopes you have in my affection. And do you believe, said the Prince, that I can obey Roxana? Or do you think, added the Queen, that I ought to do what Perdiccas would have me? What you ought to do is so perfectly known to you, replied the Prince, that I will never take the liberty to counsel you; this I am sure of, that if I had a thousand lives to lose, I would give them up all to the rage of my enemies, rather than bestow a moment of them upon other thoughts then those of living and dying for you: but I dare not demand a like proof of your affection, as well because I have not deserved it, as because, if we ought to fear our enemy's threats, it would be fatal to you: peradventure I shall never obtain from the care I have of your safety, so much forgetfulness of mine own, as to advise you to love Perdiccas, since he is unworthy of your affection, in regard both of the defects of his person, and of the injuries he has done you; but neither can I persuade you to love this miserable man, since by Roxana's threats, your destruction is tied to the affection you shall express to him. Though I had death before my eyes, answered the Queen, it could not divert me from the resolution I have taken, to render while I live, all that I owe both to the person of Oroondates, and to the memory of Alexander. For all I am a woman, I shall fear it no more than you, when I thereby can assure you better than by the complacencies you have desired, that I am not ingrateful for the long, and for the gallant proofs of your love; and if to preserve what I hold a thousand times more dear than my life, I need but expose it once again to Roxana's cruelty, I'll do it with a resolution, which perhaps shall make appear that my friendship is not inferior to yours; but neither will I oppose the desire you have to keep yourself wholly mine, and since by the perseverance I will show in favour of you, I draw upon you Perdiccas his indignation; I never will wish you should divert the effects of it, by your infidelity. In short, dear Oroondates, I acknowledge my imperfection, and confess I love you not with so unconcernd an affection, as to look upon you with more contentment in the arms of Roxana, then in the arms of death: I wish the same eye shall behold Oroondates dead, and Oroondates inconstant, and I consent in fine either that he live for none but me, or that he cease to live by my example. Ah, Madam, said the Prince transported with joy, what can I have done in my whole life, that is not far below so high a recompense? Yes, my Queen. I will die to keep myself entirely yours, and that consent that you give to so glorious a death, is dearer to me then all the favours you ever granted me. You shall see me dead▪ for certain, a great deal sooner than inconstant; and I cannot choose but infinitely commend a resolution so advantageous to me, although I have more weakness toward you. No, my admired Queen, I should not have the courage to see you die, to avoid the tyranny of Perdiccas for my consideration, but I would willingly die myself that I might never see you in the arms of Perdiccas: 'tis by that remedy I ought to prevent my last misfortune, rather than by the hazard of a life, which a thousand such as mine cannot countervail: that law is not equal between us, nor is my passion the less violent, for not being able to desire that of you, which no manner of right can make me lawfully demand. The Prince and the fair Queen were giving each other these confirmations of their love, when the Princess Parisatis, who was present at their conversation, mingled herself in that entertainment, to ask the Prince some account of the last actions of his life, and of the passages that had happened between him and the Prince her Brother. Oroondates obeyed her in a few words, and by the discourse he made to the Queen of his cruel jealousy, of the strange effects it had produced in him, and of the bloody combats he had fought with Arsaces, he cast her many times into an astonishment, which she knew not how to express, but by the alteration of her countenance. She often accused the Prince in his Discourse, for the opinion he had had of her; but when she remembered the appearances upon which his jealousy was grounded, she was constrained to pardon him, and to receive all the violent resolutions he had taken against her Brother, for the greatest testimonies of his love. The Princesses had been in a great agitation of mind during that recital, but they were quieted by the end of it, and could not hear how those two friends came to know one another again, without receiving a marvellous consolation. Then they desired to learn what they knew not of their Brother's adventures, and the Prince was beginning to recount a little more at large what Arsaces had told the Queen his sister; but in brief, when Roxana and Perdiccas not being able to suffer that their conversation should continue longer, sent order to Oroondates his guard to bring him back. At that cruel command, he sighed twice or thrice, and looking upon the Queen, with an action of grief and anger mixed together. We must obey our Masters, said he, O Gods how hard is this condition! I part from you, Madam, but 'tis with a firm resolution to carry away nothing but my body, and to leave my mind tied to you, with such bonds as all the malice of our enemies will not be able to break. Go, Oroondates, said the Queen, and be most certain that all the violences of Perdiccas and Roxana, shall not divert me so much as for a moment, from the determination I have settled, never to be any bodies if I cannot be yours. These words were heard by all that were in the Room, and told within a while after to Roxana and Perdiccas, but the Prince had not time to give reply, and his severe guard making him go out of the Queen's Chamber, and out of the House, put him again into the chariot to carry him back to his Prison.  
In the mean while, jealous Cassander, after having rolld a thousand furious resolutions in his head, had fixed upon the last which he had taken, to kill him that was the obstacle of his happiness: and though he well enough knew him to be innocent of all his sufferings, and that he contributed nothing willingly to Roxana's aversion against him, his blinded passion stifled all the motions that consideration might have given him, and he fancied such helps to his pretensions by the death of his Rival, and such sweetnesses in his revenge, as got an absolute victory in his heart, over all that honour and virtue could represent; yet did he see some difficulties in his design, and the Prince of Scythia was at once both guarded and defended, by men whom Roxana had placed about him for his custody, and for his preservation: 'twas in the Palace where he was kept, where in probability all the Queen's household, would take arms for the interests of their Mistress, and without coming to a great combat, the advantage whereof could not in likelihood be his, he knew not how he should be able to execute his design. He was beating his brains to find out the means that were least dangerous, when he heard that the Prince was gone to Queen Statira, and that all his guard being commanded along with him, there remained no body in his lodging, but some few Officers who were appointed for his service, not for his defence, and who likewise might perhaps be ignorant of the Order the Queen had given to forbid his entrance. He thought he could not light upon a more favourable opportunity, to get into his enemy's chamber without difficulty, and though to have argued the matter calmly, he might have found some danger in it, he in the condition to which his passion had reduced him, was too little in love with his life, to seek for all the cautions which might secure it in that action. He only took seven or eight of those men, in whom he had most confidence, and without any greater train, went to Oroondates Quarter; going up the back stairs he found the doors of it open, and they that were there, had not the boldness to oppose a man of so great authority as Cassander. He retired with his men into an inner Room that was at the further end of the Lodging, and there he resolved to expect the Prince's return, well knowing that his Guard, came not into his chamber without necessity, and that commonly they waited in the Hall next to it. He had stayed but a little while in fears which the greatness of his enterprise brought into his mind, when the Prince returned; his Guard according to their custom, only conducted him into his chamber, and having shut the door left him alone.  
His ill fortune seemed willing to give Cassander a greater conveniency to effect his purpose, for the Prince not staying in his Chamber, went on into the inner Room, which was far more pleasant by having the prospect of the Garden. No sooner was he entered, but Cassander in spite of all the fears that assaulted him, drew his sword, and they that were with him making good the door to hinder his going out, he came toward him with an action that sufficiently witnessed his intent. That object did a little surprise Oroondates, but he was not daunted at it, and the greatness of his courage making him look upon that danger with the same contempt he had showed in so many others, suffered him not so much as to testify by an alteration of his countenance that he was testified at it, only darting a furious look upon Cassander. Coward, said he, darest thou attempt the death of Oroondates? These words pronounced with an impetuousness like that of thunder produced a like effect, and the Majesty of the Prince that uttered them, appeared in so sublime a degree that the affrighted Cassander thought he saw fire in his eyes, and marks of Divinity in his face. And indeed he was so much dismayed, that his arm which he had lifted up, sunk down without effect, and he stood with his heart frozen by a thousand terrors, in the posture of a man that knows not where he is; all his followers held their hands by his example, and if he had not been so well accompanied, Oroondates might have made use of the confusion he was in, to seize upon his sword, and to make the effects of his cruel intention fall upon himself; but whether it were that he knew the impossibility of saving himself without Arms amongst a great many men, the points of whose swords were turned against his breast, or that he disdained a life accompanied with so many misfortunes he never went about to attempt any thing for his safety; but only looking upon Cassander with as resolute a countenance as if he had been out of danger: Why dost thou delay, said he, to dispatch an Enemy whom his destiny delivers up to thee without resistance? Lay hold of this brave occasion to triumph over his life, and though he never had a thought to dispute the possession of Roxana with thee, endeavour to acquire it by the death of a Prince whom she prefers before thee, and by the death of a Prince to whom thou canst not give it but by these ways: Why dost thou tremble? See, I am alone, and without Arms, and remember that 'tis only in this condition thou darest come near an Enemy, who while he had his liberty struck thee pale even within thy walls. In the time while Oroondates spoke these words, Cassander had had the leisure to settle some part of his amazement, and considering the truth of what the Prince told him, instead of being touched by the greatness of his courage, he was confirmed in his resolution, and in the belief that he should not do well to let slip an opportunity, which perchance he never might recover while he lived; he quickly made it appear, and looking upon the Prince with more boldness than before. It is not fear, said he, that has hindered me from effecting my design, but the repugnance I have against this Action, and if it had been possible for me to acquire Roxana without thy death, I would have left thee a life which I am forced to sacrifice to my resentments, and to my repose: With these words he stepped forward again to the Prince, from whom he had retired a little, and raising the point of his sword▪ he was preparing himself to thrust it into his breast, when after a confused noise which he heard in the Chamber, he saw Roxana enter into that Room, crying, Hold, hold thy hand cruel man: These words, and the sight of the Queen, for whom, as furious as he was▪ his passion gave him both fear and respect, made him fall into such a confusion, that he no longer had either strength, or understanding, and Roxana throwing herself at the same time before Oroondates, made him see that he had no other way but through her body to find a passage to that of his Enemy. Cassander knew himself then to be frustrated of his hopes, and seeing that the Guard came running in at the Queen's cries, and that if more of them should follow, his life might be in the same danger into which he had put his Enemies, he got out of the Room, and though the Queen called out to have him stayed, he made his passage with his men, who with their swords in their hands endeavoured to facilitate his escape, and they that could have hindered it were afraid of his Authority, and had not interest enough in his taking, nor in his death, to purchase either with the peril of their lives. Assoon as he was gotten forth with his men, and that Roxana had recovered the fright she had been in, she gave order for the doubling of Oroondates his Guards, and then going towards him: Well now ingrateful man, said she, will you put this obligation in the rank of those offences wherewith you reproach me every day? and are you not once more indebted to me for this life, which you unjustly destiny to my Enemy? Have I not saved it with the hazard or mine own? and did I not present my breast against Cassander's sword, to divert the stroke from yours? Did you ever receive so good Offices from my Rival? and can you compare a few fair words, wherewith she may have flattered you▪ to proofs of love of so high a nature? I confess, answered the Prince, that if my life were dear to me, I should have a considerable obligation to you, but be it what it will, I am not so little sensible of the care you have taken for its defence, but that I would hazard it without repugnance for the preservation of yours. I desire other effects of your acknowledgement, replied Roxana, than those that are ordinary to your generosity, and I desire you should do that through Love, which you would do through the mere incitement of your Virtue. Your desires are so little reasonable, said the Prince, and the performance of them is so little in my power, nay and even so little in my will, that I shall never be in a capacity to satisfy you. No, unthankful man, added Roxana, thou wilt not long be in capacity to satisfy me, for when I shall have given thee up to the rage of thy Enemies; if thou canst content me in any particular, 'twill only be in my revenge; perhaps I may see thee reduced to the necessity of imploring this goodness which thou unworthily abusest; and if thou art obdurate enough to behold thy own death without grief, or without repentance, perchance thou wilt be sensible of that of this Rival, for whom thou disdainest me with so much obstinacy and imprudence; 'tis by the favour I have showed thee that thou art hardened in thy cruelty, and thou hast made no other use of the permission I gave thee to see mine Enemy, but to confirm thyself with her in thy ingrateful resolutions; but know that she shall have little joy in thy undiscreet perseverance, and that thou mayest assure thyself thou too day hast had thy last sight of her, nor shall she live to receive another visit. As she ended these words she went away from Oroondates, and left him so terrified with that threat, that his heart which in all the greatest dangers had seemed incapable of fear, could find nothing in his courage wherewith he might secure himself against his mortal apprehensions. Roxana was no sooner gone out of his Lodging, but as she was passing to her own, she met Perdiccas, and presently in his face she espied all the marks of an anger as great as hers; to say the truth their humours were then alike as well as their conditions, and Perdiccas having been to visit Queen Statira after Oroondates his departure out of her Chamber, had found her so potently confirmed in the resolution of not loving him, and of never enduring him while she lived, that after having flown out before her into the most violent threatenings he could invent, he had given himself over in the end to his last determination. Roxana was opening her mouth to tell him her cruel intention, when he preventing her, said: Madam, I ask your pardon for the displeasure I am compelled to do you; hitherto I contrary to mine own interests, have kept myself within the terms of a complacency that has been fatal to them; but now I am constrained to let you know that for the good of our Party, and for the quiet of my soul, Oroondates must of necessity lose his life. Roxana had hardly patience to hear these last words, but breaking forth with a louder voice then ordinary; Oroondates shall live, said she, as ingrateful as he is, but Statira shall die before this day be at an end; and all the mercies I have had toward her for your consideration, are extinguished now in your ingratitude, and in my despair. Statira shall not die, replied Perdiccas, though Oroondates must, and though by her disdains she hath made herself unworthy of my protection, I'll defend her with my utmost power, to the latest moment of my life. And I'll prosecute her so vigorously with all mine, added Roxana, and will so strongly oppose the design you have against Oroondates, that I'll make even you yourself to perish in one of your resolutions.  
The wrath wherewith they both were transported, hindered them then from going on with their discourse, and after they for some time had looked upon one another without speaking, they were about to go put their designs in execution, when Alcatas and Neoptolemus came in to them; and having comprehended their intention by their last words, and by their action, they resolved to divert the violent effects that cruel division might produce in their party: they represented to them, that they had enemies enough at their gates, and even within their walls, without disuniting themselves in that manner, and without giving such an advantage to those that were armed and fight for their destruction, as they could not hope for from all their forces. Neither Roxana nor Perdiccas, could be brought to moderate their indignation, for all those reasons, and all their friends could obtain, was that they would retard the effects of it, till they saw the issue of a final proof which they intended to make, and which they agreed upon together before they ●parted. All these distractions which Love stirred up in Babylon, hindered not the Commanders that were less passionate, nor even those whom passion tormented, from thinking of the defence of the City: all orders were exactly observed, all guards exactly kept, and yet the besieged rested more securely than before, upon a belief they had, that their enemies would not be in a condition of many days to make a second attempt; and that they needed time to repair their engines, and to seek inventions to assault them by other means, than those that had so ill succeeded. Seleucus and Nearchus meddled not with any thing, nor stirred out of their lodgings, but though their carriage might have begot suspicion in Roxana and Perdiccas, they were still in hope nevertheless to pacify them; and in regard of the need they had of their assistance, as well as of the consideration they had of their persons, they deferred coming to extremities against them, or forcing them to declare themselves, or go out of the Town, as they ought to have done for their greater security, and as without question they would, if their passion had not too strongly prepossessed them.  
The rest of that day being passed, Prince Oroondates the next morning, saw some of his Guard come into his Chamber, who drawing near him without discovering their intention, seized suddenly upon him, and bound his hands; if he had foreseen their purpose, he would undoubtedly have opposed it, but when he saw that he no longer was in a condition to do so: Have you order, said he, to use me on this manner? Yes Sir, answered they, and to carry you to Queen Statira in this posture. In what posture soever I am, replied the Prince, I'll follow you thither without repugnance, nor needed you to use bonds, or any violence, to lead me to a place from which my soul is never absent. The Captain of the Guard returned no answer, because he had not Order, only making him go down the little stairs, he brought him to the Chariot, into which he got up with him, as also a good many of his men, causing the sides of it to be let down, that the people might not see him as he went. The Prince during all the way was not able to settle the fear he was in for his Princess, being strucken with a morta●l apprehension of something fatal to her in that last interview, he was conducted to her Chamber as he had been at his former visit; but he had hardly set his foot within it, when he saw Roxana and Perdiccas come in at other doors, attended by so great a Guard as almost filled the Room. Cassandra looked upon her enemies with very little disturbance, and though thought of Roxana, after what she had attempted; and executed against her, was enough to have touched her, yet did she behold her accompanied as she was, without any trouble that could be taken notice of; but as soon as she cast her eyes upon Oroondates, and that she saw him bound, and led as a sacrifice to the Altar, she could not obtain so much assistance from her constancy, as she would have desired in such an encounter; and though they had resolved to use her that day as they meant to do him, yet had they had so much consideration of her sex, and of her quality, that they had not bound her tender hands, neither did they fear that opposition from them, which they dreaded from Oroondates, if his had been at liberty. She went to meet him infinitely transported, and not caring to constrain herself for enemies whom she neither valued nor feared enough to dissemble her inclinations in their presence. Ah! my dear Prince, cried she, what barbarous hearts can have used you so unworthily, and by what injustice can they bind those hands, that were destined to bear a Sceptre, and those hands that with so much glory have done so many gallant actions? Why do not these Tigers turn their rage against me alone, since only I am cause of the greatest part of their discontents? If Roxana loves you, how can she consent to this inhumanity? and if I be loved by Perdiccas, why will he afflict me with this kill spectacle? Neither Perdiccas, nor Roxana, answered the Prince, can make my destiny more glorious, then in making me to suffer these bonds for my love to you; Those noble bonds wherewith you keep my heart fast tied for ever, make me despise all theirs; and if they could have broken them, they would not have showed this Empire over my body, which neither force nor gentleness, have been able to extend over my mind. The Queen was going to reply, when Roxana, who in their first Discourse found new occasion to exasperate her anger, broke off their conversation; and looking upon Statira with a countenance which her passion had inflamed: Madam, said she, I will make no excuses to you for what is past, nor will I seek out reasons to justify my present actions; I'll only tell you, that for all the double interest I have in your death, I have let you live to the prejudice of my repose, both to satisfy Perdiccas, and to follow the incitements of the compassion I have of you: but now that Oroondates by his ingratitude has driven me to the last extremities, and that by your obstinacy to keep him, you yourself have laboured for your own destruction, I am forced to let you know, that in the end you have armed all my resentments against you, and that you have no other way of safety, but to quit Oroondates to me, and to oblige him by all the considerations he ought to have of your life, to obtain it of me by his repentance, and by the affection I desire from him. And I, added Perdiccas, addressing himself to Oroondates, declare to you, O Prince of Scythia, that you cannot escape the fury of a Rival, whom his ill fortune hath cast into despair, but in yielding up the pretensions you have to Cassandra, and in disposing her yourself to requite my passion. The gallant Queen, and the courageous Prince of Scythia, were equally touched with their Enemy's words; and if they feared their threats, they both feared them for the person beloved, and not for their own danger; yet did there appear an equal scorn in both their faces, and Oroondates his sex gave him no advantage then above that generous Princess; they both were opening their mouths to express their thoughts at the same time, but the Prince who saw the Queen was about to speak, kept silence out of respect, and yielded that liberty first to her. I did not doubt, said she to Roxana, but that after having been stained with crimes wherewith you have dishonoured your sex▪ and the rank you have held, and after having joined in a confederacy against the blood of your Princes, and against the true friends of the King your Husband, with their murderers, and poisoners, you would give yourself over to the extremest cruelties; 'tis a worthy end of your glorious beginnings, and 'twere not fit you should suffer her to continue longer in the world, whom you could never look upon without shame, nor without remorse; but you have been much mistaken, if you believed that by your menaces you could make me lose what I hold a thousand times more dear than all that you can take away from me; your subtleties heretofore succeeded but too prosperously but your cruelties shall not now have the same effect, and by your former actions, you have made my life too little dear to me, to think I can be terrified by your threatening to deprive me of it. The Prince of Scythia, as soon as the Queen had ended these words, took his time to speak, and looking upon Perdiccas with disdain. These ways, said he, whereby thou wouldst rob me of my Princess, are worthy of the greatness of thy courage▪ and without doubt it had not been glorious for thee to dispute her against a Rival, by thy blood, and by thy services; thou wilt now acquire her far more nobly, and thou makest thyself worthy of her in setting forth thy valour against a Prisoner, against a man alone, and bound, yet a man who twice already has made thee fly, and to whom thou art twice indebted for thy life. These words stung Perdiccas in such manner, that he scarce had power to contain himself; but the resolution he had taken to comply with Roxana yet a little longer, made him delay the effects of his indignation. They that know me, answered he, will never believe that I fled before a Barbarian, and I disown those good Offices for which thou wouldst have me be indebted to thee; but this is not a place to decide that question, and thou hast now no time but to think of the proposition I have made thee: If Statira love thy life, she must now resolve upon it, either by thy advice, or of her own accord. And if Oroondates love Statira's, added Roxana, he has but a few moments to determine about the loss or the preservation of it. At these cruel words, these illustrious and unfortunate Lovers saw themselves reduced to most miserable terms, and all the constancy wherewith they had fortified themselves, was not able to defend them against too just a sorrow; they both were absolutely resolved to die, and the love of their own lives was not capable to touch them, but neither could consent to the loss of what they loved, and the resolution they were to take not being able to settle itself in their minds without great contestations, and great violence, kept them for a while both silent and unmoveable; yet did they make their eyes to speak with looks that eloquently enough expressed their thoughts; but when they had remained a while in that condition, the Prince fixing his upon the Queen's face, with a most tender, and a most passionate action: My fair Queen, said he, you for the safety of your life may follow those ways that displease you least, but I for the preservation of mine, will never cease to love you.  
My dear Prince, answered the Queen, you shall live, if you can live without me, but I am firmly resolved to die for you▪ and yet I do not desire you should live for Roxana. No my Princess, replied Oroondates, I will not live for her, and now you set my death in such a degree of felicity, that the most happy life in the World could not be comparable to it; but if you think it unjust that I should live for Roxana, I think it far more unjust that you should die for Oroondates, a thousand lives like his are not of equal value to one moment of yours, and you by the loss of it would make him purchase the glory you give him at too dear a rate. Yet do I not entreat you to live for Perdiccas, he is unworthy of such a Fortune, nor will I die for his advantage; but it may so fall out that the Gods may bless the remainder of your days with a more happy condition, and that by the succour of the Prince your Brother, and that of our valiant Friends, you may recover both your Liberty, and part of your former Dignities. Defend her, Perdiccas, I conjure thee, pursued he, defend her against Roxana's cruelty, thou hast no other way but that for the reparation of thy crimes; by that thou mayest obtain the pardon of those potent Enemies that are at thy Gates, and I most freely forgive thee my death on that condition. Ah, cried the Queen, unjust Oroondates! Why do you envy me the last of my contentments? and why will you oppose the only way that's left me to acquit myself of part of what I owe you, and to put you out of the belief you had that I loved you not enough? You have abandoned Kindred, Empire, Fortune and life itself for me alone; you have exposed all; you have sacrificed all for me, and through the whole course of my life I never till this day was in a condition to let you see how sensible I am of your love and services; my ill fortune, and the calumnies of our Enemies thwarted the first acknowledgements I owed you; those you may have desired from me since have been opposed by my duty, but now nothing hinders these last proofs I mean to give you of my affection, they are permitted me, both by honour, and by the memory of Alexander, and in short I no longer fear to make that known to you by my death, which in times past the state of my condition forbade me to express by favours. The Queen perhaps would have said more, if impatient Perdiccas had not interrupted her, just when Roxana as much transported as he, was about to do the same. What, Madam, said he, with his countenance quite altered, is this then your final resolution? and is this all I at last can hope for, from the indulgence which for your consideration I have showed unto my Enemy? Yes Perdiccas, answered the Queen, this is my final resolution, the greatest cruelty of all thy threatenings can never have the power to shake it, and in fine, 'tis by my death alone that thou canst separate me from Oroondates. 'Tis rather by his, cried Perdiccas, and all the considerations in the World are not able to make me defer it longer. Die, (continued he turning toward the Prince) die Barbarian, whom I have but too much spared, and restore me by thy blood the quiet thou hast robbed me of. As he spoke thus, he drew his sword, and stepping forward to Oroondates, was going to thrust it up to the Hilts in his Body, when Roxana, who by his last words had foreseen his action, catched a Javeline from one of the Guard, and presenting it against Statira's breast. Hold, cried she, hold Perdiccas, Statira's dead if thou touchest Oroondates. This word made Perdiccas pull back his arm to turn his head toward Roxana, and seeing her in that furious posture, and the fair Queen in the utmost peril of her life, he remained suspended between the motions of his anger and of his love. Oroondates despising the death which he had before his eyes, did not so much as take notice of Perdiccas his action, but turning all his thoughts upon that of Roxana, and upon the danger of his Queen. Ah, Perdiccas! cried he, the Queen is dead if thou run not to succour her, deliver her out of Roxana's hands, and then give me my death with confidence. Statira's Constancy was not less then that of Oroondates, for looking upon Roxana with contempt. Strike, said she, thou Daughter of Cohortanus, strike the Daughter of Darius, and the Wife of Alexander, and through this heart pierce the Image of Oroondates, who disdains thee. These words of both were able indeed to work some effect upon their Enemies; but 'twas their love that carried it then above their anger, and they less desired the death of what they hated, than they did the life of what they loved. Perdiccas' quitting Oroondates, cast himself with a great deal of suddenness before Roxana's Javeline, and Roxana leaving her Rival placed herself between him and Oroondates. Thou shalt not die, said she, and as ungrateful as thou art▪ I'll defend thy life as carefully as mine own. I give thee but little thanks for that care, replied Oroondates, and all the succour I can receive from thee cannot but be very odious to me, after having seen thee present that Javeline against the breast of my Princess: I love Perdiccas a great deal better, for all he is so much my Enemy; and for his tenderness of my Queen, I easily pardon all his cruelty toward me; 'tis to him alone I ought to be obliged nor my real safety, since this life which he assaulted is not considerable to me in comparison of that which he defended. Roxana found matter enough in this answer to redouble her anger and her resentment against Oroondates; yet that resentment could not persuade her to give him up to the rage of Perdiccas; nor could Cassandra's scorn incite Perdiccas to expose her to the cruelty of Roxana. They looked upon one another with eyes inflamed with choler, and stood at the head of their Guards in the posture of persons ready to decide their contestations with the blood of their men. They for some time continued unresolved, and perhaps the violence of their wrath would at last have carried them on to the utmost misfortunes, if Alcetas and Peucestas maugre the resistance of those that would have opposed it, had not entered then into the Chamber. Peucestas was very moderate, and Alcetas not of a violent nature; they both were instantly amazed at the spectacle that presented itself unto their eyes, but they cast off their astonishment to remedy that disorder, and laboured so successfully in the business, that though they could not appease Roxana and Perdiccas, they hindered them from coming to greater extremities, and got Roxana to retire to the Palace with Oroondates. She had no sooner taken that resolution, but darting a look at Perdiccas' full of the marks of her indignation: Remember, said she, that thou hast violated our Agreements first, that thou hast lost the respect thou owest me, and that thou hast denounced War against me; defend my Rival with all thy Forces, and assure thyself I'll kill her even in thy very arms, as thou before my eyes wouldst have taken away the life of what I loved. I'll do it yet, replied Perdiccas, nor shall all your Authority be able to divert me. Roxana gave no ear unto these words, but making Oroondates go forth of the Chamber in the midst of her Guard, she carried him back to the Palace in the same manner as he came.  
The End of the fifth Book.   

CASSANDRA. The last Part. The sixth Book.  
AT last the day was come, wherein the fortune of many illustrious persons was to receive a memorable revolution, and the destiny of those of either party, after so many various events was drawing them on to very different ends; till that time heaven had tolerated oppression, and injustice, and seemed to have suspended the course of its usual providence, to give virtue matter to exercise itself in so many great occasions; but than it unveyled itself to see more clearly what was done on Earth, and to change the condition of so many persons whom prosperity, or the adversity of their affairs, had unjustly humbled or exalted. We draw near unto the haven Calista, after a tedious navigation, but not without apprehending that desired Land, nor without fearing that my forces are unequal to the design I now have, to let you know the so much wished for end of the Adventures of my gallant Heroes.  
Roxana was hardly gotten back to the Palace, where she had put Oroondates under his former Guard, and whither for her own defence, and for the purpose she had to assault the life of her Rival, after having taken order to secure that of Oroondates, she was calling the better part of those forces that were at her devotion; when Cassander went to Queen Statira's house, followed by a good number of those in whom he had most assurance. The Queen was retired into her Closet, and Perdiccas with his brother was yet in the Hall so transported with anger, that he had scarce any reason or understanding left. Cassander who as he came in had heard the success of that last Adventure, was no sooner near him, but speaking with an angry tone: What Perdiccas, said he, have you then made so ill use of the fair occasion you had to revenge and satisfy yourself, and have you let scape an enemy who despites you, who braves you to your face, and during whose life you can never hope for any repose, or any contentment in your own? Is it thus you use that authority we have given you amongst us, and do you look upon Roxana as a slave to her greatness, and not as a companion in her authority? Do you hope for Statira from those enemies that are at our Gates, and can you expect that from the uncertain issue of this war, which you do not obtain from a most certain, and a most absolute power? Ah, rather lay down the command you have received amongst us, or else make use of it in such a way as may not draw upon you the scorn of all your party▪ God and require Roxana to deliver up our common and your particular enemy; but require him of her in such manner, that she no longer may be able to refuse: go with all your forces to pull him from the place where she's resolved to defend him against you, and prevent the purpose she has to force this house, that she may take away the life of her Rival: I'll follow you thither with all the strength I can command, or rather I'll lead you on with fire and sword, to enter the Palace where our enemy is shut up▪ you may boldly kill him when you have provided for the safety of the Queen your Love, and that fear which made you now to spare your Rival, will no more be able to retain you, when Roxana shall no longer have any power over hers. Let's march without any further delay, for Roxana is already preparing to assault you; she draws together all the forces she hath in Babylon, and if you give her the time to get a greater strength, you no longer will have any yourself to execute too hardy resolutions. Cassander spoke to him on this manner, and Perdiccas whose passion had driven him to the highest degree of blindness, had already so great an inclination to follow his counsel, that he hardly stayed for the end of his Discourse, to let him know he was quite persuaded. Let's go Cassander, said he, let's go whither our common resentments call us, and if we cannot otherwise then by the blood of our party, let us by that blood gain Statira, and Roxana which are refused us by all other manner of ways. Alcetas disapproved that violent resolution of his Brothers, but durst not oppose his will, and what repugnance soever he had against it, he was determining to go along with them; but Perdiccas desired him to stay there with the men that were under his command, and defend the Princesses, in case Roxana should cause any attempt to be made against them; so he went forth with Cassander, after having given order to some that were about him to gather together those men of whom he was most assured, sending word to Antigenes and Tentamus that they should rally the Argiraspides, in whom he had a greater confidence then in all the rest, and stay for him with Cassander's Carians at an alarm place that was at the end of the great Bridge over which they were to pass to go to Roxana's Palace. Perdiccas' his authority was such, that no body could think strange that he beat up his Drums through the whole Town; nor did any body inquire whether it were to call the soldiers to their arms against Roxana, or against the enemy. Yet Roxana having heard of it, within a little time doubted presently of the truth, and judged of Perdiccas his intention by her own; then all her passions were not strong enough to secure her from fear, and she with a great deal of discontent saw herself constrained to change the purpose she had of assaulting, into that of the defensive; she with all imaginable speed called those she trusted most to her assistance, the Persians, the Parthians, and the Bactrians, were affectionate to her service; and among the Commanders she was confident that Neoptolemus and Andiagoras would take her part: but scarce had she received into the Palace some of those that were necessary for her defence, in the mean time while her friends without drew together the forces that were at their devotion, when she heard that Perdiccas and Cassander followed by a great many thousand men, were marching toward the Palace, along the Key, and were within two hundred paces of her gates: Being desirous to gain time to put herself in a posture of defence, and to make appear that she was unjustly oppressed, she thought best to send one of her servants to Perdiccas▪ to know his intention, and amongst them all she chose the false Arbates, who made himself one of the busiest about her in that occasion: Arbates went out of the Palace, but he was hardly got into the street when he saw the armed bands advance with Perdiccas and Cassander at the head of them. Arbates, though trembling at the Commission he had undertaken, drew near Perdiccas to deliver his Message, but scarce had he opened his mouth when Cassander looking upon him with an angry eye. Ah, said he, see there the worthy confident of Roxana's loves; see the man that serves her in her affection to Oroondates, and that has already betrayed me in employments wherein I have trusted him. Arbates was preparing some excuse for Cassander, but he afforded him not the leisure, for catching him by the throat with his left hand, he with his right sta●d a dagger twice up to the hilt in his body. Behold, said he, the first sacrifice I offer to Roxana's ingratitude. Perfidious Arbates fell dead at the feet of Perdiccas, who had not time to prevent Cassander's sudden execution, and the Gods by a marvellous effect of justice, brought that disloyal wretch to be punished for his treachery to his Master, by his Masters most implacable enemy After that action Cassander not caring to dissemble his intentions, rushed before Perdiccas, and running to the Palace gates, with furious cries, made those that defended them see he meant to open himself a passage by force. Yet being faithful to their Mistress, they courageously resisted his intention, and forming a battalion before the bars, they presently stopped the forwardest with a shower of Arrows: and in the interim Perdiccas sent jolas' Cassander's brother with Tentamuus and Argiraspides to the other gate of the Palace.  
This strange disunion of these Persons who in probability ought to have been inseparably joined together against those potent Enemies, that were before their walls, was undoubtedly a stroke of Divine Justice, and there was little likelihood that love, hatred, or jealousy could so blindly precipitate them into such great extremities. Roxana and Perdiccas in the whole course of their lives had appeared very prudent in their carriage, and without all question it was the Gods, who contrary to all humane appearances shut their eyes against all manner of considerations, and to punish them made themslaves unto their passions, which in another season they would have been able to command. Roxana regardless of the danger that might threaten her by the arrows, was gotten out upon a Belcony over against the Gate, from whence she could distinctly see her Enemies, and at the same time Perdiccas appearing before his men, called out to Roxana's Soldiers to throw down their Arms, and not to oppose his passage, swearing they should receive no harm, and that he demanded nothing but Oroondates; but on the other side they were animated by their Queen, who crying out to them that Perdiccas and Cassander had an intent against her life, made them resolve upon a courageous resistance; many men were slain on both sides with their arrows; but within a while Cassander and Perdiccas trusting to the number of their Forces, closed up to handy strokes with their Enemies, and began another kind of Combat far more dangerous than the former. jolas' with Tentamus and part of the Argiraspides was fight in the same order at the other Gate, where they had found a like resistance.  
Then did Roxana see herself reduced to great extremities, the number of those that defended the Palace was small in comparison of her Enemies, nor had she any Commanders among them that were considerable, since Neoptolemus and Andiagoras who took Arms for her, were in a remote part of the Town, where they were drawing their men together, yet did she endeavour to excite those she had with her by her words, and poured forth all the reproaches against Perdiccas and Cassander, that her rage could bring into her mouth. Base men, cried she, do you turn your Arms against those of your own Party, and against your lawful Queen, instead of using them for the defence of your walls against your mortal Enemies? Hath Perdiccas lost all that sense of Honour and of Virtue, which heretofore made him to be considered? and will Cassander plainly declare to all the World that he is indeed the Murderer and the Poisoner of his King? The exasperated Roxana spoke thus unto them, but they gave her no attention, and did so press upon those with whom they fought, that after having killed part of them, the rest were constrained to seek their safety within the Gate, and some of the Pursuers entered with them. Cassander rushed into the first Court with loud cries, and then Roxana quitted her Belcony. In the troubles that perplexed her, she knew not what resolution it was best to take; she loved Oroondates too well to abandon him to the fury of his Enemies, though she was sure by that means she might quiet all; but she also loved him too well to endanger the losing of him for ever by procuring his liberty. What shall I do? (said she in that cruel agitation of her thoughts) Shall I suffer my dear Oroondates to be slain? and shall I suffer his perfidious Enemies to satisfy themselves by the destruction of what I love most dearly in all the World? But again, shall I give him the means to escape from me for ever, by giving him the means to save himself? and shall I so lightly cast away all the hopes which his Captivity had made me entertain? She wavered for a while in this uncertainty, but within a little time she had none left to employ in such contestations, the whole Court was full of Enemies, her men scarce made resistance any longer, and for a surcharge of misfortune, jolas' with the same success, forced his entrance at the other Gate, and marched to the assistance of his Companions; some trusty men that were placed upon the stairs defended the ascent with a great deal of courage, but their opposition could not be long, and Roxana saw herself reduced at last to take a sudden resolution: Wherefore she then took that which was most reasonable, and most conformable to her love, and leaving the Gallery from whence she beheld the Combat: The Gods forbid, Monsters, said she, that I should give a Prince into your hands, whose life is worth more than a thousand such as yours. Saying thus, she ran immediately to Oroondates his Quarter, which was yet made good by some of those she had set to guard him, and calling for the Arms he had on when he was taken, which then were in his ante-Chamber, she took some of them herself, and giving the rest to Hesione, with a sword which she commanded from one of her Soldiers, she went into her Prisoner's Chamber. He at that time had his hands at liberty, for they were unbound as soon as he came back unto his Lodging, but he was in great trouble at the noise he heard, and partly guessing the cause, was like to die with grief and anger to see himself in a condition that permitted him not to do any thing for the defence of his life: While he was in the midst of these violent disquiets, Roxana came into his Chamber. Oroondates, said she, as ingrateful as thou art▪ I have defended thee hitherto against thine Enemies with the peril of my life; but since my defence is not able to secure thee, go fight thyself for thine own safety; see there thine Armour which I restore thee, march on against these cruel men that would assassinate thee in my protection, and remember that I have made the consideration of my interests stoop to the care I have of thy life. This act of Roxana's gave Oroondates occasion to lose some part of his resentments against her, nor would he have sailed to testify as much to her by words, if she herself would have given him leisure, and if she had not let him know that all the time he had was necessary for the putting on of his Arms. He therefore contented himself with protesting as he received them from her hand, that he would not be unthankful for that obligation, and putting his Cuirasse on his back with the help of Hesione, and even of Roxana herself, who needs would share in that employment, he was quickly in the same estate wherein not many days before he had struck so great a fear into his Enemies. Then did he think himself invincible, and going from Roxana with an action that caused a terror even in her, he ran followed by those of his Guard, whither he was guided by the noise of the fight. After he had crossed the Gallery, he found those on the top of the stairs who yet were making good that passage, and who nevertheless began to yield by little and little to the fury of their Enemies. Before he could get to them, he encouraged them with an exceeding fierce cry, and at the same instant flying in amongst them like a whirlwind, he showed himself at the head of them in a posture which froze the stoutest of their Enemy's hearts with fear. Courage my Friends, cried he, I'll fight with you, as you have fought for me, and if I must die amongst you, I'll die like a man that will not give you cause to repent what you have done for his safety. These words made him presently known to both Parties, but his first Actions gave much better marks to assure them who it was, and to strike the greater terror in his Enemies, he left the Beaver of his Cask half open that they might see his face. Cassander had no sooner cast his eye upon it, but a deadly shivering ran through all his Veins, and Perdiccas himself, though he was Valiant, could not look upon him without growing pale; but their fears were redoubled in them when at his two first blows they saw two men fall dead, who tumbled down the stairs to their very feet, and that at the same time the Prince knowing who they were, threw himself upon them through the midst of all their men, with a furry which nothing was able to oppose. Behold Oroondates, cried he to them, behold Oroondates, whom you have such a mind to kill, come on valiant men, behold him now unbound, coming himself to offer you this life you seek. Cassander not daring to stay for him, was gotten a good way into the throng amongst his Soldiers, and Perdiccas who knew that as valiant as he was, he could not escape him, and that in a more open and less advantageous place, he would not be able to defend himself long against the great number of his men, thought best to employ some of them to receive the first fury of his blows. The Prince flying into the thickest of them, like a man that contemned his life, dispatched them with the greater facility because he fought upon the higher ground, having the advantage of the place; and he was so courageously seconded by those that fell on with him, and by those that had begun the fight, that after having washed the stairs in a stream of blood, he by little and little made his Enemies quit them. They fly, the Cowards (cried he to those of his own Party) they fly from a small handful of men, but their flight shall not serve their turn, for if you follow me like valiant Soldiers, they shall lo●e their lives in this Palace of their Queen, where they have slaughtered your Companions. Saying these words he ran upon Antigenes the Chief Commander of the Argiraspides, whom he observed among the eagerest of them, and brought down his sword upon his head with such a mighty force, that although the Cask could not be cleft by the edge, it was beaten into his skull by the weight thereof. Antigenes as strucken with a thunderbolt, fell without sense or motion at the feet of his Companions, where he lay bleeding at all the passages of his head; his fall took away the courage of his men, and the Prince followed them so close, that after having made them forsake the last steps of the stairs, he drove them on before him into the very Court▪ His fury did precipitate him so that he rushed on thither like a Lion; but there it was Perdiccas desired to have him, and having imprudently engaged himself in a place too spacious to keep his advantage in it, the Enemies began to ●ay hold of theirs, and at the same time jolas' and Tentamus appearing in the Court with the rest of the Argiraspides, he with a small number of those that stuck to him, was presently environed by that multitude. Roxana who from the Gallery beheld that spectacle, found new matter in the Prince's admirable actions to redouble the love she already bore him; but she could not see him in that extremity of danger without giving herself over to her sorrow, nor without repenting that she had so long deferred to give him the means to defend himself. In the interim she by her cries declared the interest she had in his preservation, and by her words encouraged those few that were left with him, to persist in his defence to the last man▪ expecting the arrival of Neoptolemus and Andiagoras, upon whom she had grounded her latest hopes, and whose delay she impatiently accused. Oroondates who looked for help from nothing but his sword, knowing the fault he had committed in quitting the narrow passage, strove to repair it by actions altogether prodigious, and by the greatness of his blows sent such a terror into his Enemies as made them not dare to come within the length of his sword; but in the end some of those that fought in his company being slain at his feet, and the rest hardly longer able to make resistance, he being neither immortal nor invulnerable, was even ready to be overwhelmed with number, when a great noise was heard at the Palace Gate, and presently after Seleucus entered at the head of his Macedonians. That Gallant man having by the care he took heard the Prince's danger, and the horrible violence of Perdiccas and Cassander, had stifled all the remaining consideration he had of them, and was resolved to proceed no longer with them, but as his mortal Enemies. He had found Nearchus his mind suitable to his, and at the same time, having sent Orders to their men who kept themselves in a readiness for their first Command, they quickly were in arms to serve them; but their prudent Leaders well understood that with them alone they could never be able to defend themselves against all the Forces that were in Babylon, and remembering the advertisement they had given Araxes, they had divided their men, and Nearchus was gone with half of them towards that Gate they intended to open to Perdiccas his Enemies, after having placed men with red Ensigns upon the walls to give the Signal they had promised Araxes, while Seleucus marched toward the Palace to succour Oroondates. He was gotten thither just at the time when his assistance was most necessary, having forced the resistance of those that withstood his passage, and having overthrown all them that would have hindered his entrance, he broke into the Court, where with his sword in his hand he hewed out his way to the Prince through the midst of Perdiccas his Soldiers. The fright that seized them at his arrival opened the throng that enclosed the Valiant Prince, and gave him liberty to see him, which he no sooner did, but desiring to make himself known. Courage brave Oroondates, said he, behold Seleucus your obliged Friend is come to rescue you, or die with you. Saying these words he laid about him so furiously that at last he got up to him, and placed himself by his side. Oroondates seeing so powerful a relief, immediately aspired to Victory, and receiving Seleucus with a cry of acknowledgement; we have conquered, said he, since Seleucus takes our part: The place where they were, and the employment that took them up would not permit a longer discourse, but they both fought with such wondrous valour, and Seleucus his men seconded them with such courage, that within a little time those of Perdiccas his side began to quit the place, and even he himself grounded his hopes upon the rest of their Forces that were drawing together, went out of the Court with Cassander, and left it free unto the Conquerors. They drove him into the next Market place, and into the streets thereabouts with an exceeding fierceness, but scarce was he out of the Palace, and gotten upon a Horse that was held ready for him, to go himself and fetch up the rest of the Forces that were at his devotion, when he saw Neoptolemus and Andiagoras, who with four or five thousand Persians, Bactrians, and Parthians, were marching to assist Roxana. Perdiccas knew very well they came not to do him service, but being prudent he found a way to make them change their intention. You come most opportunely to relieve the Queen, said he, Seleucus with his men has forced the Palace; he has freed Oroondates, and now both of them together followed by Seleucus his Macedonians, and the Soldiers of Nearchus and Leonatus, are Masters of the place, which they have made us quit by the death of our Companions: The Town is lost if we take not some speedy course, for certainly this treachery of Seleucus and Nearchus, is not without holding some intelligence with our Enemies. While Perdiccas was speaking on this manner, they saw Peucestas come galloping as fast as possibly he could, who assoon as he was near, cried out to them that the Enemies were falling on at the Gates, and were ready to force them open by the assistance of Nearchus, who with above three thousand men did all he could to facilitate their entrance, and to kill all those that offered to oppose it.  
This news troubled Perdiccas exceedingly, and absolutely changed the intentions of Neoptolemus and Andiagoras, who united themselves immediately with Perdiccas, forgetting the consideration of those petty differences he had with Roxana, to join their forces against their common enemies for the defence of their lives. Neoptolemus went presently away with half their men, to defend the gate which was assaulted by Nearchus within, and by the enemies without. Perdiccas and Andiagoras with the rest, marched against Oroondates and Seleucus; and Peucestas ran up and down through the whole Town to make the Inhabitants take Arms, and to lead them to the defence of their gates and walls. Perdiccas' returned very seasonably to reinforce his men, who at last did nothing but fly before their Conquerors; but that supply changed the form of the combat, and they began to face about, whom the image of death before had terrified. The Prince of Scythia and his valiant Companion lost not courage for that accident, but animating their men by their words and by their example, made them resolve generously to dispute the victory; never did warriors fight with so much resolution, and all that Oroondates and Seleucus had done in the late battle, was not comparable to their actions then. The number of their enemies was greater than theirs, but the valour of Commanders made amends for that defect, and held the combat in much equality; nay they were beginning to have some hope of the better, when Cassander who was gone out of the hurly burly a while before, came to assault them with the Energetes and the Pelasgians. The son of deceased Ariston, (who died the day before of the wound he had received from Oroondates) came at the same time another way with above three thousand men. At the arrival of so considerable a supply, Perdiccas no longer doubted but he should conquer, and the two valiant Princes no longer doubted but they should be slain. Seleucus received that knowledge first, but he received it without changing countenance, and looking upon Oroondates whom that danger had animated, in stead of danting him. Brave Prince, said he, we must die, but I do not grudge my life, since I lose it for the defence of so gallant a man. Oroondates had not time to reply, because he was charged by Cassander and his men, who eager of his death rushed headlong upon him with more resolution than before; jolas' was one of the forwardest, and the Prince knowing who he was, flew so suddenly at him, that his fatal sword finding passage through his body, in a place ill defended by his Arms, appeared all bloody on the other side, and laid Cassander's brother dead at the foot of his companions. Behold, (cried the Prince, seeing him fall) behold a victim which I offer to the Ghost of Alexander, and a just execution of one of his perfidious poisoners. These words, and the death of jolas', pierced so deeply into Cassander, that despi●ng the danger there was in coming near his enemy, he would have run to meet a certain destiny in the point of his Arms, if many of his men had not interposed, who all falling at once upon the Prince, reduced him to the greatest extremities, in which he had ever been. Many of those that fought for him had already lost their lives, and the rest forced by the abundance of their enemies, gave ground apace defending themselves, and compelled their valiant leaders, either to retire with them, or let their enemies have the satisfaction of taking away their lives too easily. Seleucus who had yet some hope in Nearchus, counselled the Prince to yield a little to the multitude, and by that advice obliged him to retreat before a world of enemies that hotly prosecuted him; he quitted the place to them with a great deal of trouble, but still showing them a fearless countenance, and keeping them at a distance from him by the greatness of his blows; they drove him back on that manner to the end of a street that brought them to the Key, and there having more liberty to enlarge their front, they put them in greater danger than before. He still retired from them with Seleucus, and still the small number of his men made opposition, till they came to the great stone Bridge that divides the Town into two equal parts; that place was something favourable to them, for spreading their soldiers the whole breadth of the Bridge, they put themselves in such a posture, that they could not be charged any where except in front; but weariness began to lessen their strength, though they had yet been so fortunate as to have received but very little hurts, and it was evident that without some speedy succour, they could not protract their fate much longer.  
In the mean while, Roxana had no sooner seen her Palace clear of enemies, but she went down into the Court, where she had rallied all the men she could see in a condition to fight; she yet found three or four hundred, and at the same time saw seven or eight hundred Draches, and Argeans, who were coming up with great affection to serve her, and who among all other Nations were they on whom she had the greatest power; she then resolved to make use of it, to requite Perdiccas in his own kind, and in taking revenge upon a man that had offended her, take also the life of her Rival, deprive her of the means of drawing benefit from the liberty she had given to Oroondates. I have saved my ungrateful Scythian, said she, from the cruelty of Perdiccas, but I do not mean Statira shall be the better for his safety, and if I had not saved him for myself, I will be sure not to have saved him for my Rival. With these words, she placed herself at the head of those men, and after they had loudly protested to her that they would follow her any whither without consideration, she marched in fury toward the house where the two Princesses were kept. Alcetas had stayed to guard it for some time, but when he thought there was nothing more to be feared from Roxana, and that he had heard Seleucus with his men were fight with Perdiccas, and that Nearchus was gone to set the gates open to the enemy, he believed he could no longer stay with honour in that house, while all his Companions were engaged in fight; wherefore leaving three hundred of his men to defend It, he was marched away with the rest to seek in what place his assistance would be most necessary. No sooner was he gone but furious Roxana came, and presently seeing the gate was guarded, she commanded her soldiers to break in, and put all to the sword that made resistance. They found a great deal more than they expected from the small number of their enemies; for being valiant men, and faithful to Alcetas, they with success did long make use of the advantage of the place, to supply the difference in number: they shot arrows exceeding fast from the top of the gate, and from the windows, and kept their enemies a great while in play by that defence; but they at last were so encouraged by Roxana's cries, that in spite of all opposition they got up to the gates, and having beaten them open, entered the Court, and drove Alcetas his soldiers as far as the stairs; there they made head again to win time for the coming of relief, and there they slew a great many of Roxana's men, and stopped their progress a good while longer. The fair Queen Statira, and the Princess her sister, having heard that noise, and partly guessed the cause of it, ran to a window that looked into the Court, and there they saw cruel Roxana, who was come in thither, after her men had made themselves masters of it, and who by inciting words pressed them still forward to an absolute victory. That sight begot not so much fear in those great Princesses, as to make them stoop to any thing unworthy of their great courage; and the illustrious Widow of Alexander, beholding her cruel Rival with disdain: Complete thy crimes, Roxana, cried she, carry them on to the highest degree, and if thou hast abandoned Oroondates to the rage of Perdiccas, wreak thy malice without further delay upon her whom he abandons unto thine; thou never oughtest to hope that Oroondates, if he be alive, can love a Monster, black with so many horrid crimes, and if thou canst reap no other advantage by my death, thou at least mayest thereby revenge the contempt he has of thee. Roxana heard these words distinctly enough, but being they put her to confusion by the knowledge of her faults, she made no answer, and heartened up her men in such a manner, that in the end their enemies were constrained to quit the stairs, and retire disorderly into the Hall. Thither they pursued them with such haste, that they had not time to shut the door, and there despair made them fight a little longer, which was a means to retard, but not divert Roxana's intentions. Then did these two great Princesses no longer doubt but that the end of their life was come, yet in that fear they did not any thing that misbecame their greatness; and if they made show of any grief, 'twas only out of a sense wherewith nearness of blood and affection inspired them mutually. The Queen embracing the Princess her sister, and bathing her face with tears shed out of love to her. Dear sister, said she, if it please the Gods that you survive me, as there is some likelihood you may, since Roxana has no cause at all to desire your death, and if they also permit Oroondates to outlive me, assure him, dear sister, that my last thought was that of keeping myself his by my death, and that this death is dearer to me receiving it for his sake, than the Empire of the whole World with any other than. Give him this assurance, dearest sister, if you love me, and for that of my friendship, receive this latest kiss. The fair Parisatis whom her own danger had but little affrighted, was not able to hear the Queen's words, nor to behold her action, without falling from her constancy of mind, and receiving her embraces with a tenderness which she testified by pressing her closely between her arms; Madam, said she, lay no command upon me to be performed after your death, since the resolution I have taken not to survive you a moment, dispenses with me for all the obedience I owe you. As she had ended these words, they both heard a greater noise than the former, and then it was they believed for certain, that all those who had fought for their defence, were utterly defeated, and that they had nothing more to do but to offer up their breasts to the enemy's sword.  
That which passed in the heart of the Town, hath hindered us from relating what was done upon the skirts of it, and what an alteration the affairs of Babylon then received. Nearchus with his men was gone down to the gate which Craterus was to assault; and at the same time had caused Ensigns to be set upon the Walls, and by the sound of many Trumpets roused the Camp, which with marvellous impatiency expected so desired a signal. The first that spied it had carried the news with loud cries to their Commanders, and all those famous warriors had received it with an extraordinary joy. The valiant Prince of Persia, Lysimachus, and all the rest of their Companions, had in a moment put on their Arms, and in almost as little time their forces who waited for that command, were in a readiness to march. Prince Artaxerxes followed by Lysimachus, Ptolomeus, Orontes, the brave Thalestris, young Demetrius, and Theodates▪ was advanced with fifteen thousand Macedonians Thracians, and Egyptians, to Craterus his gate where the signal was set up; and to make a diversion to facilitate their design, Oxyatres, Antigonus, Eumenes, and Polyperchon fell on at other four. Never did great Arsaces' appear so fierce and terrible as that day, at the gates of Babylon, nor ever did Lysimachus employ his valour with greater satisfaction, nor with greater hope, then at that time for the liberty of Parisatis. Nearchus' fought on the inside against those that defended the gate, and though their number was little different from his, he pressed them in such manner, as made them soon despair of victory. Artaxerxes and his Companions battered the gates in the mean time with their Rams, and the small resistance they found, by reason their enemies were so employed within, suffered them quickly to make a breach large enough to be entered. Lysimachus was the first that broke in at it, and would needs expose himself to the first danger before Prince Artaxerxes, who rushed in next; they two were presently followed by all the rest, and Nearches no sooner saw them appear, but discovering himself to them by a joyful cry, he drove the terror of their enemies to the utmost extremity. They that first opposed the fury of the Prince of Persia and his Companions, lost their lives gloriously by the hands of those renowned men, and in the mean while their Soldiers entered rushing after them; and when they were absolute masters of the gate, they let down the Bridge, and opened a large passage to their squadrons.  
All they that had opposed Nearchus were either killed or taken flight, when N●optolemus with his men came up to their relief, but he came only to lead them on to slaughter, for the conquering Princes falling furiously upon them, covered the streets with mangled bodies, and made the channels run with blood Neoptolemus was one of the first that charged Prince Artaxerxes, but he found his strength to be far unequal, and though he lost not his life by that unresistable hand, he received so weighty a blow, that not being able to sustain it, he fell among the slain with all the signs of a dying person; his men no longer made opposition, and they that could escape the Conqueror's hands, sought the preservation of their lives by flight. The Son of Darius had no sooner gotten to join with Nearchus, and testified his acknowledgements at that meeting, but he learned from him the danger Oroondates was in, and not being able then to give way to other thoughts save those of succouring his dear Brother, he advanced with part of his Forces toward the Palace, and left others the care of opening the Gates that were assaulted by Antigonus, Oxyatres, Eumenes, and Polyperchon. Such was the destiny of Babylon, and the division of those that commanded in that stately City, having drawn all the Soldiers to their Factions, left almost none at all for the defence of the Gates and Walls, and then the Conquerors roved all about with as much liberty as if they had had no Enemies to fight with. Artaxerxes had marched part of the way which led toward the Palace, when by some Soldiers that cast themselves at his feet, he heard how Roxana was then employed, and in what danger the Queen, and the Princess her Sister were, unless they had some speedy succour: This News troubled the Prince extremely, but Lysimachus had no sooner heard it, but transported with the fury which his passion inspired, he parted from him, taking some of his men along, and marching with a marvellous haste to relieve his Princess, left him at liberty to assist his Brother. He was not a little comforted by Lysimachus his resolution, knowing the Valour of that Prince, and judging well that his Sisters could not desire a more generous Champion, and prosecuting his former design with a great deal of diligence, he came to the end of the Bridge, where the Prince of Scythia, and brave Seleucus defended their lives with very little hope of safety. They were already so exceeding weary, that they were hardly able to lift their swords, and their weakness having redoubled the courage of Perdiccas and Cassander, made them a great deal bolder in assailing them. They were going to summon their utmost Forces together, that they might finish the combat with their death, when casting an eye to the other end of the Bridge, they heard the cries of their Enemies, and saw them appear at the same instant. Artaxerxes running up toward Oroondates with an incomparable swiftness: Courage, cried he, dear Brother, you are a Conqueror, and your Enemies are defeated. He had hardly ended these words when he was gotten to his side, and with him Orontes, Demetrius, Thalestris, and the faithful Theodates followed by many thousand Soldiers. As Oroondates and Seleucus recovered strength by that relief which was then so necessary to them, their Enemies were so terrified by the knowledge of their misfortune of the loss of their City, and of the ruin of their Party, that they were almost quite defeated without the trouble of fight. Yet did their Offices labour to encourage them, though not to such a degree, but that they presently quitted the Bridge, and retired to a more open place, where they gave the Princes a greater liberty of defeating them. The slaughter than was such, that in many places the blood ran down the Key into the Euphrates, and the resentment of those Warriors whose lives a while before were in so great an extremity, made itself known then by most bloody tokens. O Statira! O Prince of Scythia! how fully were your wrongs revenged, and how many lives were sacrificed to their reparation? The Son of Ariston who to revenge his Father's Death, had appeared most eager in seeking that of Prince Oroondates, lost his resentments with his life, which was gloriously cut off by the sword of Great Arsaces. The Prince of the Massagetes, and the Son of Antigonus slew a very great number of them, the fair Amazon Queen made herself remarkable by a thousand valiant Actions, and Theodates plainly showed by his how worthy he was of Arsaces' his affection; but Oroondates in whose remembrance the cruelties of Perdiccas and Cassander was very fresh, sought them every where amongst their men, and made those hated names resound which way soever he turned. Where are your Valiant men? cried he, is the hot desire you had to take my life, so quickly cooled? and do you fly so soon from those whom but a few minutes before you had condemned to death? have you forgot I am your Rival? and do you so easily resign Statira and Roxana to me? Scarce had he said these words, but he repented that he had spoken them, as thinking them contrary to modesty, and judging that a soul like his, ought not to have grown proud upon the change of his Fortune: Yet were they over heard by Perdiccas and Cassander, though they had thrust themselves amongst their men, whether it were to prolong their lives, or to seek means to fight yet once again with more advantage. Perdiccas, who indeed was valiant amongst the valiantest, could not without shame hear those reproaches from his Enemy, and at the same time considering the condition he was in, the defeat of his Forces, the taking of the Town, and the loss of those pretensions he had had upon Cassandra, he believed he no longer ought to love his life enough to save it by an act of Cowardice, and in that thought inspired either by his courage, or by his despair, he rushed once more before his men, and calling Oroondates with a loud voice, he drew him presently to meet him; but before they came to blows, Perdiccas demanded a little attention, and having obtained it of the Prince by the power he had amongst his Soldiers. Behold Perdiccas whom thou seekest, said he, if he had killed thee when he could have done it, he needed not have feared he should have been slain by the hands of those about thee; but if thou art truly generous, and truly worthy of Statira, whom ill fortune forces me to abandon to thee, thou wilt endeavour either to take my life, or to defend thine own without advantage: Thy Friends and mine shall be witnesses of the last actions of one of us, and though perhaps the usage thou hast found from me, does not oblige thee to observe the Rules of Generosity toward me, thou mayest remember that I preserved Cassandra for thee, and that but for me she had not now been in the World. The Prince of Scithia's fury was so moderated by these words of his Enemies, that he partly laid aside the design he had against his life, and looking upon him with a milder countenance. It is true, said he, that thy actions might excuse mine well enough, which way soever I should seek to revenge myself: but that which thou hast lately done for the safety of my Princess, breeds in me so great a consideration of thee, that I not only will forbear to assail thy life with odds, but will freely give it thee, if thou wilt receive it from me. No, replied Perdiccas, the Friends and Kinsmen of Alexander the Great do not use to receive their lives from their Enemies, and 'twill suffice to confirm me absolutely in the Opinion I have of thy Virtue, if thou secure me against thy men, and make the conquest of Statira, and the defeat of Perdiccas to be the merit of thy single Valour. Oroondates without further reply, turning toward Arsaces and his Companions. Dear Brother, and you my Generous Friends, said he, you love my glory too well to envy me the occasions to preserve it; I by all your friendship toward me beg the liberty of fight with Perdiccas upon equal terms, and if it please the Gods I die by his hand, let me conjure you by the same friendship, to let him have his life and liberty for the prize of his Victory. Artaxerxes and his Companions who in all Oroondates his Actions admired the greatness of his Courage, yielded to his desires, which perhaps they would not so easily have done, if their confidence in his Valour had not secured them against the fear they might have been in for the success of the Combat. The conquering Part, and all that yet were left of the conquered, stood in a manner unmoveable to be the Spectators of it, and then did those two Enemies precipitate themselves upon each other with an animosity which plainly made appear what the issue of their fight would be. Oroondates was wearied with the toil he had undergone, and wounded though lightly in some few places, yet that of disadvantage was seen but little, and his anger did so stir him up, that Perdiccas as valiant as he was, quickly perceived his blood run down in many parts of his body. Oroondates his friends beheld those happy beginnings with a great deal of joy, but Perdiccas lost not his courage with his blood, for he rushed upon his enemy with a fury, which without doubt would have been fatal to any other man. Yet was he utterly weakened presently after, by a thrust which he received into the body, and the Prince who saw him in such a condition, that he could no longer fear him, took pity of his fortune, and retiring two or three steps. Thou art no longer able, said he, to dispute the victory against me, but receive thy life, which I am willing to leave thee, and of which I will have as great a care as thou couldst desire from a friend. My life, replied Perdiccas, is no longer at thy disposing, nor can I, but with it, give up Statira and the victory. At these words he strove all that possibly he could to fly upon his enemy, but his strength absolutely forsook him; and after having staggered a while, he fell at his feet, where his life and blood ran forth together. Thus died the greatest of all Alexander's successors, and the Gods to give a terrible example of their justice, decreed he should be slain in that same Town wherein he had unworthily abused his power, and by the hands of that same Enemy, whose death he a few moments before had attempted with so much injustice and inhumanity. He was a man of excellent natural parts, but his passions had extinguished them, and the glory of his former actions was much eclipsed by the last minutes of his life. His pride was humbled at the feet of his Conqueror, but the Prince being moved with pity, kneeled down upon one knee close by him, and was putting up the Beaver of his Cask to see if he were yet in a condition to receive assistance, when Cassander, enraged by the loss of his friend, or rather his despair, coming from amongst his men with his sword up, fell upon the compassionate Prince, and while he was in that posture, charged him with so weighty a blow, as made him sink upon the pale dying face of Perdiccas, and but for the goodness of his helmet, would perhaps have put him in the same condition. Oroondates getting up again in very great fury, would have run to take revenge, but he was already prevented; for amongst those many that were animated against Cassander for that base fowl play, the Valiant Thalestris who knew him, and who still was sensible of the injuries he had done her in the first combats against Orontes, made at him with a threatening cry, and with the first stroke she gave having cut the straps of his Cask, his head remained unarmed and bare to the eyes of all his Enemies.  
The fair Queen who remembered with what cruelty he formerly had rushed upon her with his Horse after having thrown her down with a violent shock, was lifting up her arm to give him a death which he had but too justly deserved, when Orontes knowing him, and calling to mind their ancient friendship, received the blow upon his Shield, and stepping before her: Madam, said he, give me Cassander's life I beseech you: And you Cassander, continued he, yield yourself to Orontes who was heretofore your Friend. Orontes obtained his desires from both, the fair Queen conquered her indignation to grant her dear Orontes what he demanded, and Cassander presenting his sword unto Orontes, did by that action stop all those that were already turned against him.  
While these things happened, Lysimachus and Ptolomeus had run with their men to the house where the great Princesses of Persia were reduced to the utmost peril of their lives; and Roxana's Soldiers after having filled the Hall with dead bodies, were ready to break open their Chamber door, when the two Princes came. It would be hard to tell all the particulars of their actions. Lysimachus excited by his passion found no resistance capable to stop him, he made himself way with his sword through the thickest of his Enemies, and the violence of his wrath having for that time suspended part of the pity which was natural to him, he sacrificed those cruel men with pleasure, to the remembrance of those injuries they would have done to Parisatis. After having covered the whole Court with slaughtered carcases, he made himself Master of the stairs, and from thence passing into the Hall, he there prosecuted his Victory, and his revenge with such success, and Ptolomeus with his soldiers seconded him so courageously, that within a little time they were both Conquerors, and revenged of their Enemies, whom they put almost all to the edge of the sword. That sight was horrible, and all that house oreflowed with blood, when Lysimachus finding no more obstacles in his passage, broke open the same doors his Enemies had assaulted, and entered all bloody into the Queen's Chamber. At that object the two great Princesses resolved absolutely for death, and desiring to receive it both together, they locked each other in close embrace which they believed to be their last. In that posture they cast their eyes upon Lysimachus, who out of respect had made a stand as soon as he was come into the Chamber, and the equipage they saw him in having confirmed them in their opinion. Whosoever thou art, said the Queen, that art the minister of Roxana's will, defer not the execution of it longer: come, kill the Wife, and perhaps the Daughter of thy King; but spare the innocent Parisatis, since Roxana has no cause to hate her, and that she hath no pretensions upon Oroondates. Parisatis at these words getting loose from the Queen's embraces: Ah, cried she to Lysimachus, harken not to that discourse, and if any pity can be found in persons that take employments like this of thine, let me conjure thee to dispatch me first: it is not just Hephestions Widow should be spared, when there is no consideration had of Alexander's; and though I have no pretensions upon Oroondates, I shall have some upon the Empire, and I shall have some upon the life of Roxana. This generous contestation would have lasted longer, if Lysimachus could have longer suffered it; it mollified him so, that for all his courage, he was hardly able to retain his tears, but if he was touched with the Queen's words, his love made those of his Princess pierce him so deeply, and in that posture which begged and commanded both at once, he found so much occasion of redoubling his passion, that he had hardly any knowledge left, or any power to moderate himself in that encounter. Yet would he no longer suffer those great Princesses to continue in the cruel opinion they had of him, but throwing his Cask at their feet, and himself likewise at the same time, he by his action, and by the sight of his face, made them find how happily they had been deceived in their belief. I am not, said he, the minister of Roxana's cruelties, and the Gods make use of Lysimachus for more glorious occasions; they for the highest pitch of his felicity, have permitted him to destroy your Enemies, and have made him able now to give you notice that you are free, and Sovereigns in Babylon. The joy of those virtuous Princesses at the knowledge, and at the words of Lysimachus, was such as in probability it ought to be for so great▪ and so sudden an alteration of their fortune. From a cruel, and as they believed, an inevitable death, they saw themselves in a moment brought into security, and into the condition they could have wished; and they received that office from a Prince whom they infinitely esteemed▪ or rather from a Prince whom Parisatis loved as much as she was capable of loving: to say truth, all their moderation hindered them not from testifying their satisfaction, and the Queen knowing the respect her sister bore her, permitted not a free discovery of her sense of that adventure, strove to oblige her to it by her example, and casting her own arm about Lysimachus his neck; 'Twas from you, said she, 'twas from you indeed we were to hope for our deliverance, and 'twas also in your virtue, and in the assistance of the Prince our Brother, that we had grounded our expectations; we owe our lives to you Lysimachus, but besides the general obligation, Parisatis ought to add this last service to those many others whereby you have so well deserved her affection. She pulled him up as she spoke these words, which made the Princess blush, but yet her modesty could not keep her then from testifying her acknowledgement, and she believed that an engagement of such importance, might well dispense with her for her severer rules; she did it by a salute, and an embrace full of affection, which she then bestowed upon that Prince whom she had never favoured so much before, and opposing the intent he had to cast himself once more at her feet, that he might receive her favours, with greater respect. Generous Lysimachus, said she, I am totally your debtor, since besides my own life, I owe you that of the Queen my sister, and this last action is of the same nature with many others which you have done to my advantage; ay most dearly preserve the memory of them, and have as great a sense of this last as you can desire. I am then, replied Lysimachus with a sigh, a great deal more happy than I had hoped to be, and the care you took to conceal yourself from me, and to keep me from the occasions of serving you in a season when the services of all those that had any fidelity toward you were no more than necessary, had put me into a very ill opinion of my fortune. I had reasons, answered the Princess, which would perchance be well approved by any other but yourself; but if ● did amiss in your opinion, I'll make amends for my fault by all the reparations that so virtuous, and so reasonable a Prince as Lysimachus will demand. The glad Lysimachus not being able to express his joy by words, contented himself to testify it by his actions and putting one knee unto the ground, he kissed the Princess' hand, with raptures suitable to all those gallant proofs he formerly had given her of his passion. Ptolomeus came then into the Chamber, and as he took a very great share in the contentment of his friend, he received as great a one himself in the acknowledgement of the two Princesses, and they both assured him with affectionate speeches, that they were extremely sensible of what he had done in favour of them. After that first discourse, the Princesses enquired concerning Artaxerxes, Oroondates, and the general state of their affairs. Lysimachus told them in a few words, and though by the knowledge of that happy event he confirmed them in the joy they had conceived for their own liberty, he left them in some apprehension, for the uncertainty of Oroondates his safety, and for the danger of their Brother. Let's go, said the Queen to Lysimachus, let's go and take our part in the danger which those dear persons still are in for our sake, and let's no longer stay in a house where we have suffered so much and which we have so much reason to detest. At these words she gave her hand to Ptolomeus, and leaving her sisters to Lysimachus, went out of the Chamber, and passed into the Hall, which she found full of dead and dying bodies; and where she quaked with horror at the sight of so dismal a spectacle. The Princesses turned away their eyes, but they met with the same objects upon the stairs, and in the Court, and in all places found new occasions to abhor Roxana's cruelty.  
In the mean time that unfortunate Princess was in a condition very different from theirs, and when Lysimachus and Ptolomeus came to relieve the Princesses, her fear had made her go up the stairs, where she than was, to the highest story of the house; from thence she had heard the noise, from thence she had sometimes looked into the Court, and from thence by the words of the victorious Soldiers, she had learned that it was by ●ysimachus her enemies were rescued, that the Town was taken, and that she was upon the point of falling quickly herself into the power of those persons she had so cruelly injured. She received not that assurance without being cast into despair, and horror, and the solitariness of the place where she was, joined to the remorse of her guilty conscience, inspired her with the most furious thoughts a heart is able to conceive. She could not call to mind the cruelties she had executed upon the Queen, without justly fearing those punishments that were her due; nor could she dispose herself to los● Oroondates for ever, without desiring the death she was afraid of. What shall I do said she in these ●●●●solutions? shall I give my enemies the satisfaction to make me suffer a death I have so well deserved? and shall I undergo the shame they are preparing to reward my cruelties? Shall I implore the mercy of those I have so unworthily abused, and shall I beg my life of my Rival, after having assaulted hers with so much inhumanity? Ah! no Roxana▪ think not upon that utmost baseness, after so many others that d●shonour thee: if thy Rival should be generous enough to grant thee a pardon which thou hast so little merited, wouldst thou receive it from her by giving up Oroondates? Wouldst thou live without that ingrateful cause of all thy crimes, and couldst thou see them both conquerors over those crimes that have so little profited thee? Ah Roxana! this thought's unworthy of the wife of Alexander, and if thou hast made thyself unworthy of that quality by thy shameful actions, blot out the shame of thy life, by a death full of resolution. Die, miserable woman, but die by thine own assistance, without standing in need to beg that of thy enemies. She than began to consider which way she might kill herself▪ not having any weapon that could serve her for that purpose: she was in a high Gallery that looked into the Court, which she saw full of men slain for her quarrel, and 'twas from thence she thought she might easily find her death, by throwing herself headlong into the Court, where in regard of the height, and the hardness of the pavement, she must needs in probability be dashed in pieces. Already had she given herself over to that resolution, and was preparing to execute it, when she remembered her great belly, and the Child of so great a Father which she carried in her womb. That consideration stayed her at the first, and drew tears immediately after from her eyes. Ah! wretched mother, cried she, wilt thou destroy a son of Alexander's, and shall this only pledge thou hast left of the affection of the greatest man that ever was, perish for the expiation of thy offences? This unfortunate Child of so glorious a Father, is innocent of all thy crimes, and thou wert more cruel than Medea, if thou thyself shouldst sacrifice him to thy ill fortune. This thought bred such a tenderness in her heart, that she remained a good while unable to get out a word, and expressed her compassionate yearning only by her tears. At last, by the force of her despair, she banished those irresolutions, which seemed to precipitate her a fresh into her miseries, and breaking forth again in sighs. Ah! my poor Child, continued she, why cannot I divide my life from thine, and give death to guilty Roxana▪ without killing the innocent son of Alexander? Pardon me, most precious blood of the Gods, the inhumanity which my cruel fate compels me to commit against thee▪ peradventure also thy life would have been very different from thy Fathers, and that thou wouldst have less inherited his virtues, than thy Mother's vices. Then did she again draw near that fatal window, which she had destined for the execution of her despair; and casting her eyes into the Court, she upon the lowest steps of the stairs without, saw the fair Queen her Rival, who with the Princess her sister, Lysimachus and Ptolomeus, were going away from that detested house. That sight redoubled her transported fury, and not being able to master it. Statira, cried she, Statira, harken to the last words, and behold the last actions of Roxana. The Queen and those that were in her company cast up their eyes toward that call, and Roxana no sooner perceived that she was seen and heard, but raising her voice according to the distance; I will not ask thee pardon, went she on, for the wrongs I have done thee, they are of a nature not to hope for any & I have been too bold in committing crimes, to be so meanly spirited as to repent them. I desire no mercy of thee for my l●fe, triumph therefore both over it and over my ill fortune, since the Gods permit thee so to do; enjoy those felicities with Oroondates, which I in vain have so much opposed: I will not envy them, being I shall not see them, and that now I am upon the point by throwing myself headlong at thy feet, to give thee as full a revenge upon thine enemy, as thou thyself knowest how to wish. For thy more perfect satisfaction, I sacrifice to thee ●his son of Alexander's, but by the memory of that great man who was our common husband, and who ought to be held in veneration by us both, defend my body from the abuses that may be offered it; afford it the honour of Burial; and if I may be suffered to demand it after the injuries I have done his memory, give leave that it may rest in the same Tomb with Alexander's. As Roxana ended these words, she put her hands upon the window, and was getting up to cast herself down into the Court; when the Queen whom that pitiful adventure had very deeply touched, desiring to oppose that cruel effect of her despair, cried, Hold Roxana, hold, I conjure thee by the memory of Alexander▪ Roxana who by reason of the height of the window and her own unweldiness, had much ado to raise herself for the execution of her design, deferred it a w●i●e at these words, and was content to prolong her life for a few moments, to hear what her Rival had to say to her. When the Queen saw she lent her some attention; Roxana, continued she, as thou desirest the mercy of the Gods, envy me not the glory which they grant me, if thou oppose it not by a last effect of cruelty; 'tis true, thou hast done me many injuries, but I forgive them all in consideration of thy love, and of thy present estate; and though neither were sufficient to plead for them, remember that I owe thee the life of Oroondates, and that what thou didst for his preservation, is of power enough in me to efface the memory of far more cruel wrongs: if thou wi●t give me any reparation, do nothing else but live to satisfy me; that's all I now desire of thee, neither do I pretend to any right over thy liberty, or over the Empire of that Son whom thou wouldst murder with thyself, nor shalt thou receive so much as a reproach from me that can disoblige thee. These Testimonies of Statira's goodness touched Roxana with a true repentance; but then she found herself more guilty than before, and remorse of conscience tormented her with greater violence, confirmed her more and more in the resolution of dying. I am unworthy, cried she, of the mercy thou offerest me, and thou redoublest my despair by this knowledge of thy goodness; but thou shalt not see that I'll abuse it, nor will I receive my life from thee, after having persecuted thine with cruelties which make my death most dreadful to me. As she ended these words, she strove to get upon the Window, and raised herself with so much force, that one part of her being already without would have pulled the other after it by its weight, if at the same instant she had not been seized upon behind, and seized with so strong a hand, that her body which before was equally balanced, came back again into the Gallery.  
'Twas Ptolomeus that did her that good Office; he at the sign the Queen had made him during their discourse, was gone from her with that intention, and had run so fast up stairs, that he came time enough to save the life of that desperate Princess. She turned about to him much afflicted and surprised, and having known him. Ah! Ptolomeus, said she, how cruel are you to hinder my repose? I should be far more cruel, replied Ptolomeus, if I consented to the cruelty you would exercise against yourself, and to the offence you commit against a Queen, who desires nothing now with so much passion as your safety. Roxana looked upon Ptolomeus with eyes in which her fatal thoughts had imprinted something extraordinary, and yet for all she was so troubled, and had so wild a countenance, she was still so extremely handsome, that nothing but the beauty of her Rival, could defend the most insensible hearts from being charmed with hers. That loveliness being a powerful incitement to compassion, imprinted it so deeply in Ptolomeus, that he omitted nothing that could serve to drive the despair out of her soul, which had so totally possessed it; and he endeavoured it with so much care and so much success, that in the end he overcame her to see her Rival, and to suffer the expressions of her goodness. Before they were half way down the stairs, they m●● the Queen▪ who was come back into the house to receive her with as much gentleness as if their former friendship had not been interrupted by any accident. Roxana could not bear her reproach without a great deal of confusion; but when she saw her stretch forth her arms with a face all bathed in tears which compassion had made her shed, she drew near to her a little more confidently, but yet she cast down her eyes with shame, and knew not how to sustain the looks of her whom she had so little obliged to afford her that noble usage. Statira embraced her tenderly, an● beholding her with eyes that had nothing in them of an Enemy. You have wronged me more, said she, by the opinion you had of my cruelty, then by all your former actions; and if you were not enough afflicted already, I should complain of the injury you have done me, in preferring death before my friendship: Live, Madam, to testify that you cease to hate me, and never fear any thing from me nor mine that can any way trouble your repose. Roxana by this confirmation of the Queen's goodness, was absolutely brought to a hearty repentance, and receiving her kindnesses with more assurance than before. You are worthy, answered she, of the care the Gods have had of your preservation, and I have but too justly merited my unhappynesse; in my present estate, Madam, death without doubt would be my most fortunate condition, but yet I'll live for to obey you; nor can I better testify my repentance, then by receiving my life from you, and in living at your command, notwithstanding the many reasons I have to wish for death. Statira's resentment, and Roxana's despair were appeased in this manner, and they were upon these terms, when a great noise was heard in the streets, and at the same time some of the Soldiers brought notice that Alcetas was returned with part of his men, and had again begun the sight against those of Lysimachus and Ptolomeus. Lysimachus started at the name of his Rival, and praying Prolomeus to stay for the defence of the Princesses, he went from them, and ran to his men with as much haste as could be imagined. It was true that Alcetas with some Soldiers as desperate as himself, had already charged in amongst them. He had run in vain to all the Gates, which were seized upon by his Enemies, and after having lost part of his men against them, he had been up and down at many other places, and every where had found his Foes Victorious. He had seen death wand'ring about on every side, confusion, disorder, and cruelty reigning in all the streets of Babylon. He had heard the groans of dying men, the cries and lamentations of tender Mothers, Children, and weak old men, and every where had met with dreadful pictures of horrible desolation. He often had broke in upon his Enemies, but had still come off again with loss, till he arrived at the place where the unfortunate Perdiccas had lost his life: Then by the knowledge of his Brother's death he had banished all the desire he before had had to live, and seeking nothing but an occasion of dying honourably, he believed he could not do it better than in the presence of his Princess whom he had abandoned, and to whom he thought he owed the latest moments of his life. With this belief, forcing all the obstacles that were in his passage, he was come back again to that house, where he had fallen so fiercely upon Lysimachus his Soldiers, that at the first he had laid many of them dead upon the ground. Lysimachus being come to their relief, no sooner knew him, but desiring to discover who he was. Alcetas, cried he, behold Lysimachus, turn thy sword against him alone, and let's dispute this last time for Parisatis. Alcetas stayed not for a second challenge, but receiving his Rival with a furious cry, he ran to meet him with an impetuousness as great as his; all their men afforded them passage, and they closed in sight of either party, though so unluckyly for Alcetas, that having hurt Lysimachus but lightly in the left hand, Lysimachus his sword found the defect of his Arms, and ran through his body to the very Hilt. Alcetas fell dead with that single thrust, and yielded up Parisatis with his life unto his Rival. All his soldiers sought death by his example, and were going perhaps to find it amongst Enemies grown cruel by blood and slaughter, when Prince Oroondates, Artaxerxes, Orontes, and Thalestris with their Companions came altogether to that place. They had cut in pieces whatsoever had made them any resistance, and at the same time Oxyatres, Craterus, Antigonus. Leonatus, Eumenes, and Polyperchon had made themselves Masters of all the several quarters of the Town; all those that had been obstinate in making opposition, were put every man to the sword, and Peucestas who had gotten some of the Citizens to take arms, having seen a good number of them slain, was constrained to ask quarter for the the rest, and to yield himself to the discretion of Prince Oxyatres. The conquerors had promised the Inhabitants their lives, but they had found it very difficult to take off the Soldiers, whom desire of Pillage precipitated thronging into every house, and at first they met with very little obedience amongst them, but in the end they had so carefully endeavoured it, knowing how much they should oblige Prince Artaxerxes by sparing the blood of the old Subjects of his Family, that they had saved all them that had escaped from the first fury of their men, and after having made themselves M●sters of all places, where they could suspect any resistance, they had drawn up a great part of their Forces under their several Standards and Colours. Thus the most stately Town in all the World was taken, and that proud City which might have held out whole years against a world of Enemies, saw itself (contrary to all humane appearance) brought in subjection in half a day, by the imprudent and blind dissension of its Defendants: Yet was it happy in its misfortune, since the Conquerors used their Victory with moderation, not defacing any of its Beauties, and washing of the faults of its Commanders a great deal more with the blood of strangers, then of its Citizens. While some of these great Princes were busy in that employment, they in whom the interests of love were the most powerful, had affairs of a different nature to take them up. Alcetas was no sooner killed with part of his men, and the rest fled quitting the place and Victory to their Enemies, but Oroondates drawing near to conquering Lysimachus▪ testified by his joy, and by his endearments, how much he was concerned in his good success, and Lysimachus having at the same time told him of the liberty of their Princesses of Roxana's repentance, and of the Queen's goodness toward her, ravished his heart with an excess of contentment. He hardly stayed the end of his discourse (while his Companions appeased the rest of the disorder, and saved the lives of those miserable Wretches that implored their mercy) but burning with impatiency to see his Princess free, he ran immediately to that house, and went to find her in her Chamber, whither she was retired with the Princess her Sister, and Queen Roxana, under the Guard of Ptolomeus, with a good number of Soldiers. Oroondates had no sooner cast his eyes upon her, but unarming his head, he threw himself at her feet, and embraced her knees with transports that were peculiar only to his passion. The Queen who was seized with joy as much as he, embraced him also with motions little different from his, and Roxana during that action not being able to conquer hers, notwithstanding all the violence she used to do so, was like to have fallen dead through an extremity of grief and jealousy. Yet had she this advantage at least, that her actions were but little taken notice of, and all the persons there present were sufficiently employed, without suffering their thoughts to come beyond the limits of their particular interests, or beyond the expressions of their own satisfaction. You are at liberty my adored Queen, said glad Oroondates, and I am now permitted to see you out of Perdiccas his power. You have triumphed over your misfortunes by your Virtue alone, and have made Oroondates triumph over his miseries by your goodness. How glorious is he now, and how great an obligation he has to all these crosses, by which he has been able to find you had not forgotten him? all the afflictions he hath suffered, ought in his esteem to be accounted blessings, since by their means he had obtained this knowledge of your goodness. He uttered many other such like Speeches, disjointed through the excess of his contentment, and the Queen answered him with a sweetness full of Majesty. Yes, my dear Prince, I now at last am free after having endured so many miseries, but by your example my sufferings are dearer to me then my liberty, since you by them have seen that I was not ingrateful to your affection; yet set not too high a value upon a Fortune you have well deserved; I owed you a great deal more than one single life, and if the Gods had given me many, I would have sacrificed them all to so precious a remembrance. They had said more to one another if Oroondates having espied Roxana, had not thought himself obliged in generosity to give her some consolation; but before he went to do so, he commended the Queen's goodness to her, and thanked her for it in terms that made Roxana see how much he was interessed in her safety. She was withdrawn to a window with Ptolomeus, where holding a Handkerchief at her eyes, she wiped away the tears her sorrow caused her to shed, and Oroondates going to her had no sooner opened his mouth to comfort her, but she prevented him, and looking upon him with eyes which for all they were watery sources, might have shot fire into any other heart but his: Remember, said she, that you have received your life from me to day, as well as I received mine from the Queen, and that you ought not to aggravate my sorrows by your presence, nor by your discourse, seeing fate hath happened contrary to expectation: As you respect the Gods permit me to avoid them, and it not being possible for me to hate you, be pleased that I may never see you more. The Prince was touched a little with these words, and being unwilling to trouble her, he only said as he retired: It is not my intention, Madam, to redouble your discontents, nor to disavow the obligation I have to you; I should have perished had it not been for your assistance, but I am no way insensible of that good turn, and instead of aggravating your sorrows, I wish I were able with part of my life to contribute toward your consolation: In the mean while if my presence be troublesome to you I'll withdraw myself, and if all these objects be unpleasing, I'll tell you with the Queen's permission, that you may return when you will unto the Palace, and take your Lodging there again, with all the liberty, and all the Authority you were wont to have. The Queen confirmed this offer of the Princes with words full of civility to Roxana, and that afflicted Lady desiring nothing so much as retirement, and solitariness, accepted the favour that was done her, and after having given the Queen thanks for it, went out of the Chamber, and so out of the House, under the conduct of P●olomeus, who took the care to wait upon her▪ She was but newly gone away when Prince Artaxerxes, Lysimachus, Seleucus, the fair Thalestris, Orontes, and Demetrius came in together. At sight of that dear Brother the Great Princesses of Persia ran to him quite transported, and throwing themselves into his Arms bedewed his face with tears, which a tender affection drew from their lovely eyes immediately. After having bewailed him eight whole years, during which all the accidents of their lives, had scarce been able to divert them now and them from the sorrow they had felt for his supposed death, they had recovered him contrary to all their hopes, and though they saw him devested of the Titles he had lost with his Father's Empire, they considered him as a Prince of as fair a Reputation as any in the World, and one whose gallant Actions might repair his losses with advantage. At their former encounter, when upon the banks of Euphrates he had rescued the Queen out of Perdiccas his hands, and fought against his men for the liberty of Parisatis, the Queen had had the happiness to embrace him, and to enjoy his conversation a few moments, but Parisatis had not seen his face till then, and 'twas only by the Queen's discourse and the relation of Oroondates that she had learned he was alive, and heard some part of his adventures; wherefore she now engrossed him from the Queen, and held him in her arms so long as if she meant to repair that disadvantage.  
None of the Company could behold the illustrious family of Darius in that condition without an extraordinary tenderness, nor was there one of all those that were present but appeared most sensibly concerned in that alteration of their fortune. The Queen was hardly gotten loose from her Brother's arms, when with astonishment she saw herself in the chase of an armed man, who embracing and kissing her, surprised her and made her blush at his familiarity; but Prince Oroondates took away her scruples, by making known that warrior to be the fair Amazon Queen, whose sex allowed her privileges that were denied unto her habit. The Queen was not ignorant of Thalestriss' reputation, and having heard she fought her quarrel, had bred a very great affection toward her, wherefore she then gave all the testimonies of it that could be desired; and after having held her long between her arms, she praised her virtue, and returned thanks for the assistance wherewith she had favoured her, in such noble and obliging terms, that she instantly won the heart of the fair Amazon, and made her to approve of all those pains Oroondates had undergone for a Princess so worthy of his affection. Oro●tes whom the Prince of Scythia presented to the Queen, was received by her with those kindnesses that were due to his virtue, and to his near alliance to Oroondates; and the Queen could not remember that name of Orontes, under which her Prince had lived so long in her Father's Court, without calling to mind the former actions of his life. When these persons who were before unknown, had received from the two Princesses what they believed their due after that knowledge, they turned all together toward Seleucus, and called him their Deliverer, with acclamations full of acknowledgement. Oroondates offered him his life, which he confessed he owed to him; the Queen and the Princess her sister professed themselves indebted to him for theirs, Artaxerxes interessed by the safety of his dear brother, and by that of his dear sisters, and Lysimachus by that of his Princess, could not worthily enough express their sense of so high an obligation, and all of them extolled it, and the virtue of their defender, with praises which his modesty could not suffer. He disengaged himself as well as possibly he could from those civilities wherewith he was in a manner overwhelmed, and desirous to stop the current of them; Nearchus and I, said he▪ have done nothing to which we were not too powerfully obliged; the usage we had received from our friends and from our enemies, did with a great deal of justice make them change those qualities in our opinions, and unless we would have been the basest men in the world, we could not suffer the greatest and most considerable persons of it to perish so unjustly.  
That which gave the liberty of this conversation to those illustrious Princes, was the confidence they had in their Companions, who in the mean while appeased the slaughter, pillage, and disorder, and settled all parts of the Town in as much quietness as could be possible; but that day wherein so many memorable things had happened, was now ready to give place to darkness, and the Princes thought not fit that the Queen should stay any longer in that house all full of blood and of dead bodies. The Palace which was of receipt sufficient to lodge them all commodiously, though they left Roxana her quartet free, was likewise in a horrible condition, and while the bodies were removed and the blood washed away, they resolved to pass that night at Seleucus his house, which was fair and spacious, and had very convenient lodgings. In the mean time they took care to fetch the Princess Berenice, Deidamia, Barsina, and their companions who had stayed in the Camp under the guard of Artabasus and his sons, with six thousand men, and four thousand Amazons, and the Queen who had a longing impatience to see them, and who knew what was due to their quality, would needs have gone to the Gates to meet them, but Prince Oroondates hindered her for doing that honour to his sister, by representing that in the condition the City was at that time, it could not but be very incommodious to her, and that she might lawfully be dispensed with for so great a trouble. Prince Artaxerxes envying that any other should have the glory to serve Berenice, would by all means take that employment himself, and went thither accompanied by the Prince of the Massagetes, and by Demetrius, who gladly did the same office to Deidamia. The Queen having crossed the streets where she found the same objects of p●ty she had seen in her own lodging, came to that of Seleucus, and he paying her those honours he was obliged to in that place, waited upon her with a great deal of civility to a very fair Chamber, causing others to be made ready for the Princesses, and for the Princes of Persia and Scythia, being they also had room enough to lie there without incommodating the Ladies; all the other Princes went either to their former lodgings, or else to those of their several friends. The Queen was hardly in her Chamber when she was visited by Oxyatres, Eumenes, Antigonus, Nearchus, Craterus, Leonatus, and Polyperchon; she rendered to the Prince her Uncle whatsoever the consideration of his nearness in blood, of his virtue, and of his services, could require from her in a like occasion, she received those that came in his company with all the acknowledgement and civility she owed them, but she forgot not to show the same sense of her obligation to Nearchus, she had done before to Seleucus, since her engagement to them both was equal, and in that action Prince Oroondates seconded her, protesting to Nearchus that for his service he would be ever ready to lay down that life which he had acquired to himself by having so valiantly preserved it.  
Darkness had already begun to overspread the face of the Earth, when by the light of many torches, the fair Princess of Scythia under the conduct of her dear Arsaces, the Princess of Epi●us under that of amorous Demetrius, Barsina and her Sisters under that of their Father and Brothers, with Cleone and the other Ladies, came all together to Seleucus his house. The Queen who had notice of it, went out of her Chamber with the Princess her sister, and met them upon the top of the stairs; Statira and Berenice were both inflamed with an equal desire to see the sisters of Oroondates and Artaxerxes; to both these Princesses their brothers were so dear, that they could not without a most affectionate impatiency expect the sight of what they loved, and in the persons of those their brothers loved, they also met the sisters of those they loved themselves. They found this double satisfaction in that interview, which was lighted with torches enough to discover their admirable beauty mutually to one another; it instantly produced a reciprocal effect in the minds of those two great Princesses, and they beheld each other a good while with an intentiveness that suspended both their action and their discourse. In Berenice's face there was more sweetness, but more majesty in Statira's: yet in that difference Statira's majesty was so sweet, and Berenice's sweetness, and majestic, that all the other beauties in the world could not have shown so great a sweetness, and so great a majesty together. After they had spent some minutes in their equal astonishment. O Gods! cried Berenice first, how gloriously has my brother employed his life? And how happily, added the Queen, did mine recover his since he recovered it for you? They had not spoke these words ere they were closely linked in most affectionate embraces, in which they could have continued whole hours together, if Parisatis as sister to Artaxerxes, had not claimed her share in Berenice, and if Barsina had not interrupted Berenice to have her part in the kindnesses of that virtuous Queen whom she so extremely loved, and to whom she was so dear. They were neither of them frustrated of their desires, for while Berenice and Parisatis expressed their endearments to one another as sisters, in whom friendship had been long confirmed, Barsina was in the Queen's arms, who forgot not any thing that could make her see she had preserved her friendship to her most entirely. Ah my dear Barsina, said she, and where were you during all these misfortunes wherewith the Gods have afflicted me since our separtion, and why did you forsake me in a time when your consolations would have been so sweet? Barsina harkened to these words with tears of joy, and was going to make reply, when Deidamia hindered her: The Queen and her sister rendered to that fair Princess (who was already known to them by the report of Oroondates) whatsoever was due to her Birth, and to the merit of her Person, and after her Cleone casting herself at the feet of her good Mistress was very much made of by her in a most dear and obliging manner; the Princes of Persia and Scythia, who were present at the actions of their Sisters, and of their Mistresses, looked on with ravishments of joy, and with the most perfect satisfactions they had ever wished. But Oroondates whose captivity had cost Berenice and Barsina so many tears, challenged his place next after the Princesses, and in the arms of that dear Sister, and of that dear Friend, received the testimonies of an excessive gladness, which succeeded a most violent sorrow. It would be hard to repeat all the discourses which passed at the same time amongst so many fair and illustrious Persons; all that ever friendship, or civility had at any time suggested, was put in practice then in that Assembly, and in the end after a contestation full of mutual respect, the Princess Berenice was constrained to suffer the Queen to conduct her to the Lodging that was prepared for her, while Parisatis did the same to Deidamia. Being come into Berenice's Chamber, these two Princesses fell afresh into Discourses and Actions, that favoured more of an ancient friendship, then of an affection then taking birth.  
But Prince Oroondates seeing them in the condition he had so much desired, began to think of some light wounds he had received, which did a little pain him, and being retired privately to his Chamber, he went to bed by the advice of the Physicians, while Seleucus who was in the like condition did the same; of all the other Princes, only Craterus and Antigonus were wounded, but their hurts were very inconsiderable. Those of Oroondates would have disturbed the joy of the Princesses, if they that searched them had not presently brought word, that they were neither so dangerous, nor so great as to keep him in bed above two days. All that good Company passed the Evening in his Chamber, and there it was that by the counsel of Artaxerxes the Queen was persuaded to present Theodates to him, and inform him of the King his Father's death. The Prince of Persia took the same care with Berenice, and though that news plunged her at first into an extremity of sorrow▪ it began by little and little to receive some abatement by that Prince's consolations. Oroondates received Theodates rather as his Brother then his Subject, and the remembrance of what he had done for Artaxerxes made his presence so dear to him, that he knew not how sufficiently to express his affection toward him: But when he asked him the cause of his coming, the Queen after having prepared him by her discourse for the news she meant to tell him, did at last acquit herself, of the Commission the Company had given her. Oroondates was as deeply touched as could be expected from so excellent a nature, and the remembrance of the ill usage he had received from his Father, was not capable to blot out that of his Birth and Education, nor those Characters of affection which necessity of blood had engraven in his heart. He wept upon so joyful a day, and made complaints that mollified those that were least concerned in all the company; but in fine he had too great a courage to sink under that affliction, after having supported so many others, too much moderation not to give ear to reason in that action, and too perfect a resignation to the Queen's will to receive her consolations without effect; when the first violonce of his grief was appeased, that fair Company leaving him to the care of his faithful Araxes, went out of his Chamber, and withdrew to their several Lodgings to take the repose that was necessary for them, after a day of so great toil and danger.  
The next morning by the endeavours of Oxyatres, Ptolomeus, Eumenes, Nearchus▪ and Polyperchon, all things were fully quieted in Babylon, the Citizens were settled again in their Houses, the wounded of each party received all needful assistance, and the dead bodies were carried in a great number of Carts out of the City to be burnt, except those whom their Kindred or Friends had fetched away to give them burial. The bodies of Perdiccas, Alcetas, jolas', Ariston, and his Son, were taken up with Honour, and among the dead were also found Neoptolemus. Antigenes, and T●utamus grievously wounded, yet did not the Chirurgeons despair of their recovery. Cassander, Peucestas, and Andiagoras were P●isoners, and kept with a strong Guard▪ The obligation which they who were most concerned had to Seleucus and Nearchus, had wrought so far upon them, that they left not only the Princesses, but even all Babylon to their absolute disposal, and though they with much submission resigned all up to the Queen, and upon her refusal to the Princes of Persia and Scythia, they pressed it back upon him so earnestly, that Seleucus was at last constrained to submit unto their will, rather to ease them of the trouble that care would have obliged them to, then to draw any advantage by it to himself: Yet did he not do any thing but by the motion of all the rest; and as for what concerned the Prisoners, he presently freed Peucestas, whom he had known to be an honest man, and far from having the ill intentions of those to whom he had adhered. Andiagoras also had his liberty, yet because he was a Persian, and that without any reason he had followed the party of strangers against the Children of Darius, to whom he was born a Subject, and from whom he had received many preferments▪ neither the Princes, nor the Princesses would see him, and Arsaces swore, that as soon as he was in a condition to attempt the recovery of part of what he had lost he should be the first man whose Territories he would invade. They promised liberty to Neoptolemus, Antigenes, and Teutamus, assoon as they should be able to make use of it; but Antigenes and Teutamus by the Queen's command were used like Andiagoras, for having followed Perdic●●s in his intention to kill Oroondates. Only Castander was still in hold, and the Widow of Alexander the Great, notwithstanding all her goodness and generosity, could not handsomely consent he should be set at liberty, after the accusations that had been cast upon him of having poisoned the King her Husband. Her resentment was approved by all the World, but by good chance for Cas●ander, Antigonus his two Soldiers that were his Accusers had been slain before that time, and they had nothing left against him but conjectures, which were not sufficient to prove him guilty. This was it that did the more encourage Orontes who had been his Friend, and upon whose promise he had yielded, to intercede in his behalf: The Amazon Queen out of compliance used all her power to second him, and they both of them had so much with those Persons who had greatest interest in the business, that Seleucus in consideration of his ancient friendship with Cassander, being joined with them at last in the same request, and having helped them to solicit those who had too fresh an obligation to refuse him any thing, they in the end obtainned the pardon of that unworthy man, upon condition he should not come into their ●ight, and that he should depart that very day from Babylon with all his retinue, not ●●aying a minute in those Countries where they had any power. Thus did Cassander receive his liberty, and went from Babylon with this satisfaction, that Oroondates would not take Roxana from him, and that by the troubles he would raise in Greece, he might bring her more than ever, into a condition either to desire his friendship, or to fear his power. In the mean while by the care of Peucestas, and of Seleucus himself, Perdiccas and his Brother were interred with Honours suitable to their Quality; but Queen Statira who had not yet had time to pay those Funeral Rites she owed unto the King her Husband, did then perform them with as many tears as his Ghost could require from her affection, and with all the pomp that could be imagined: All the Princes assisted in that solemn action, and after that memorable Ceremony was over, the Queen took order to have the Body of that Great King removed according to his last ●ention, and the last commands he had given, unto the New City of Alexandria, which was under the Dominion of P●olomeus.  
Four or five days were spent in these general employments, which have diverted us from the recital of particular ones, during which Oroondates was cured of his wounds, and Babylon was settled again in a condition little different from that it was in before the siege. The Forces were drawn out of it by order from the Commanders in Chief, and none kept in the Town but those that were necessary, the rest marching away toward their several Countries. Roxana had obtained from the Queen that none should visit her but those she was desirous to see; and though many would have gone to her out of curiosity, yet did they bear her so much respect, as not to make her suffer visits which she would have been troubled to receive, and she had passed that time in a melancholy and discontented solitariness. When she saw all things peaceable in Babylon, and that the Queen to whom all the Princes submitted themselves as to their Sovereign, had time to hearken to her proposition, she entreated Ptolomeus who had been always very ready to serve her, that he would do her the favour to speak to her, and know if she would not permit her to retire to Queen Olimpias her Mother in Law into Macedonia, which of right belonged to the Child that should be born of her, if it pleased the Gods to let her see that day.  
Ptolomeus made that motion to the Queen, who after she had lent him favourable attention, and demanded time to ask advice of all the Princes before she gave her answer. You may tell Roxana, if you please, said she, that I will not dispute for Macedonia against the child she now goes with by Alexander, and that I quit all the pretensions to her, which with some appearance I might have upon that Kingdom; that she may go and take possession of it when she will; and that in stead of hindering her in that design, we shall be ready to assist her in whatsoever she shall desire of us; but I could wish she would stay to lie in here, and that she would not go in a condition wherein she cannot without a great deal of danger expose herself to so long a journey. Roxana by this message from Statira, and the care she took of her health, came to a perfect knowledge of her admirable goodness, and absolutely lost all those resentments she might have had against a Rival that deprived her of all her joy, yet could she not be persuaded to expect her utmost discontent in Babylon, and the rather chose to hazard her child's life and her own also, then to stay longer in a place where she believed she should shortly see Oroondates married to the Queen. That thought alone made her heart to tremble, and she would certainly have killed herself, if she had had no other way to avoid that unpleasing spectacle. She therefore got the Queen to be again entreated to give way that she might depart the next morning; whereupon that obliging Princess who was unwilling to constrain her, sent her word she had full liberty to do what she pleased herself. Roxana being no longer able to look upon Babylon but with horror, after having once prayed Ptolomeus to ask the Queen pardon, if the fear she had to present herself again before her whom she had so cruelly offended, made her depart without seeing her; and to testify in her behalf that the sense she had of her goodness, obliged her to wish her all manner of prosperity, began her journey the day following, and took her way toward Macedonia, under the conduct of Peucestas and Andiagoras, who would needs wait upon her with three thousand men that were left of those they had commanded, and two thousand Macedonians, whom Seleucus permitted to return into their Country.  
The last actions of Roxana had caused so general an aversion against her, that very few were sorry for her departure, and King Oroondates who was better satisfied with it then all the rest, began to breath with greater liberty. All things being then settled peaceably in Babylon, 'twas only Love that made war there; and the wounds which he had given were not healed up like those that had been received in the late occasions. Oroondates languished in flames at the Queen's feet, not knowing how to be secured against her scruples, after the cause she had given him to fear them, in all that had befallen him since the death of Alexander. Arsaces' lived in a little better assurance with Berenice, and was hardly in any doubt at all of establishing his fortune. Lysimachus was more uncertain by reason of Parisatis' humour, though he began to find by many signs that she really loved him. Orontes was the best satisfied of them all, and knowing his fair Queen's affection, his impatiency alone caused the greatest part of his discontents. Oxyatres was as in good hope of Barsina, and finding no repugnance in the inclinations of that fair Princess, he expected his felicity with that of his friends, by the assistance he believed they would afford him. Young Demetrius was the least advanced in his suit, and though by his services, and by his power to make himself be loved, he had gained much upon the heart of Deidamia, yet had he not been able to banish the memory of Agis, which was too deeply rooted in it. Though in the hopes of all these illustrious Lovers there was some difference, their sufferings yet were equal, and all of them sighed equally, either through fear, or through desire. Chance brought them all together one day in the Queen's Chamber, with their Princesses, and it seemed as if it had been for the decision of their fortunes. Oroondates who could no longer live in his cruel uncertainties, resolved to put them to a period, and trusting with very good reason to the greatness of his services, and to the marks of acknowledgement he discovered every day in the Queen's actions, he had a mind to draw a final assurance from her. Artaxerxes and he were by the Bed side with the Queen and the Princess Berenice; Lysimachus, Oxyatres, Orontes, and Demetrius, were at the other end of the Room conversing with their Princesses, when the King of Scythia not being longer able to master his passion, fell suddenly upon his knees before the Queen. His action was very unconfident, and never in all the greatest dangers had that fear appeared in his countenance which then was easily to be seen in it by whosoever observed him. At length he strove to conquer it, and dispelling all show of it by the greatness of his courage, he began to speak, fixing his eyes upon her face, but in so submissive and so dependent a manner, that the Queen did not less discover the force of his love by that last action, then by the most important ones of his whole life.  
I Go about a business, Madam, said he, which truly I cannot venture upon without trembling, and that which I have now to beg of you, it so infinitely above my services, that the memory of them is not able to secure me against my fears and my distrusts; yet am I forced to make use of them, having nothing else so powerful to strengthen my pretensions; and if you will pardon me for it, I'll call to your remembrance that after some light actions which my fortune in Persia, the Prince your Brother laid the first foundations of it by his goodness, you approved of them by yours, and the deceased King your Father established my highest felicity by his: He was pleased to suffer that Oroondates should be yours, and if I may be permitted to use that term, he engaged himself by his word to give you to Prince Oroondates; you were afterward taken from me by the treachery of our enemies, and by the violence of a Conqueror. I had not, (if I may say so) pulled that misfortune upon myself by any of my actions, and if I bore it without dying, 'twas because the Gods had destined me to live still for you: I consented without complaining to the banishment you ordained me, and if I since returned to you, 'twas not ●ill according to your own terms, you were in a condition to receive me. Before you were so, I desired nothing from you, nor did I so much as murmur against that duty the Enemy you opposed against my happiness. But Madam, may I not now be suffered to raise my thoughts to what I lost by nothing but my ill fortune, and may I not look upon my Queen as she whom the Prince her Brother, and whom the King her Father had given me, nay as she who had given herself unto my love? Though I cannot be worthy to succeed in the place of Alexander by greatness of power, by victories, nor by the qualities of my person, may I not supply all these defects by the greatness of my love, and by my services? May I not believe with some show of reason, that never man loved better than myself, and if in my own interest I may speak it with modesty, that never Princess was better served than Queen Statira has been by Prince Oroondates? All my life is known to you, all my thoughts are clearly discovered, and it is needless for me to put you in mind of what the accidents of your life cannot have suffered you to forget. I have endured all that a man could possibly undergo, and by those sufferings which have not been the less sensible for being glorious, have I not some reason to aspire unto the highest pitch of my felicity? Have I not cause to seek the haven after so many storms wherewith you have seen me tossed for the space of ten whole years? And is there any thing left for me to do, or to suffer for my Princess? As you desire the favour of the Gods, (continued he embracing her knees) consider the miseries of my life with pity, deliver me out of so many torments, which I bore with patience, while they depended upon fortune, and not upon your will, and dispose with compassion, of a life which is now in no other hands but yours alone, and which now no longer depends upon any thing, but what you shall ordain for its preservation, or destruction.  
The Prince as he ended these words, (to which all the Company lent an attention that diverted them from their own affairs) fixed his eyes upon the ground, fearing to behold some presage of his misfortune in the Queen's face; She remained for a good while in the like posture, and then if Oroondates was tortured by his fears, Artaxerxes was not less disquieted than he, and looking upon his sister with eyes that condemned her irresolution, he sufficiently made appear how great an interest he took in the happiness of his friend. At last the Queen lifted up her head, and with a very serious countenance spoke on this manner.  
I Owe too much, Sir, to your services, to lose their remembrance, or ever to diminish the value of them: if I were capable of such an ingratitude, I were too worthy of those miseries wherein I have spent my life. I know I am often indebted to you for my friends, my liberty, my life, and my honour, and that all that ever the most generous men, and the most faithful, the most passionate Lovers have undertaken for the persons they have loved, comes infinitely short of what you have done for me. It is also true that I was yours, both by the will of my Brother, by that of my Father, and by my own. I indeed was yours by inclination, and by a most lawful acknowledgement, and when to my misfortune I ceased to be so, 'twas not out of any inconstancy, or change of humour, Treachery, and sovereign power took me from you, and when your innocence was known to me, 'twas only duty that opposed the affection I had for you. 'Tis that alone, dear Prince, that represents unto me now, that I was Wife to the greatest and most fortunate man in the world, I say most fortunate, because I very well know that nothing but fortune could give any man an advantage over you. In fine, I was the Wife, and am the Widow of him, who but a few months since, was master of the greatest part of the Earth. This consideration ties me to much severer rules, then if I had been in another condition, and all my engagements to your love, and to your services, cannot hinder Alexander's Widow from being accused of lightness, if after the loss, and the so late loss of such a Husband, she can consent to give herself unto another. All the world that was concerned in his life, and in his death, looks with another eye upon my actions, then if I were only the Daughter of Darius, and all the world could not choose but wonder, that I should turn my thoughts upon any man after the loss of him that extended his Dominion over all others; of him who by his glory had obscured all those that went before him, and perhaps all those that shall live after him, and who had seated me in the most considerable place of the whole Universe.  
While the Queen spoke thus, Oroondates his face grew pale, but Artaxerxes was inflamed with an excessive colour, and the different motions of those two Princes, seemed to precipitate one of them into the grave, and transport the other into a violent anger and resentment. What sister, (cried the impatient Artaxerxes) is it with these scruples you mean to repay the services of Oroondates, and will you kill us both by your ingratitude? 'Tis I alone will die (added the King of Scythia with a feeble voice) and I'll die without complaining, if my Queen pronounce the sentence of my death. You shall not die, my dear Oroondates, said the Queen falling upon him with open arms, and I myself will die a great deal rather than give you any reason to accuse me. I have represented to you all the considerations that might cross the happiness I wish for you. I have told you what the world would censure in this you desire of me; but now I tell you that to satisfy what I owe you, and to follow my inclination, I'll pass over all these maxims, and over all the considerations of people's discourse, to give myself wholly to you. I had rather be accounted light and imprudent, by them that know you not, then faithless and ingrateful in your opinion. I am yours by too powerful reasons to be ever able to retire, and would it pleased the Gods that in giving myself to you, I could give you something more worthy of you, and of your love. I do not wrong the memory of Alexander by bestowing myself on a successor not inferior to him either in birth or virtue, and one who might have extended his conquests as far as he, if his passion for me had not given him other employments, then that of invading his neighbour's territories. Live then with an assurence, (continued she offering him her hand) not only that Statira will never be another's, for that's a thing whereof you are already certain, but that she will be yours by lawful ways whensoever you shall desire it. This answer was solemnised with an acclamation of the whole Company, who with an extraordinary joy saw the conclusion of a fortune in which their own seemed to be involved. Oroondates could not find words that were able to express the height of his contentment, and showed it only by embracing the Queen's knees, and by doing many other actions full of transport and ecstasy. His happy success made all the rest to think at the same time which way they might bring their pains to the like conclusion. Artaxerxes was not disquieted with any doubt, and having often had assurance from his Princess' mouth, that she would give herself to him as soon as the King her Brother should desire it, he was too confident of Oroondates his friendship, to enter into any distrust of his happiness. And indeed he then received very potent considerations of it, for the King of Scythia turning toward him after having spent some time in the expressions of his joy; Brother, said he, now that by my Queen's goodness, and by yours, I have attained the top of my felicity, I cannot but desire our satisfactions should be equal, and since you judge my sister worthy of your affections, she shall be yours the same day the Queen shall vouchsafe to consummate my happiness. I wish that with her I could restore you the Empires you have lost, but I know your virtue disdains them, or can recover them by that sword which may make you aspire to the most glorious conquests; and in the interim dear Brother, give me leave to resign one half of a reasonable spacious Empire, which the Gods have left me.  
It is equally divided you know, one part in Asia, the other in Europe, and Mount Imaus makes the separation of them. You if you please shall have the Asiatic Scythia, where you shall reign with the Authority that I shall have in Europe; I offer you that as being nea●er to those Countries upon which you may have some design, and with it I offer you not only all the other, not only the strength of all my Dominions to assist you for the recovery of yours, but even the lives of myself, and of all my Subjects, which you may dispose of with a most absolute power. Oroondates spoke on this manner, and the Prince of Persia having hearkened to him with attention: Brother, replied he, after the Gift of Berenice, there is no Empire that I can consider, and I prefer my Princess not only before that which was the King my Fathers, but before the Monarchy of all the Earth; yet do I not refuse the effect of your generous Friendship, and if I accept not of that part of your Kingdom which you offer ●e, 'tis because I shall believe I reign in all places wheresoever my dear Brother shall command and that I will not possess any thing that can be separated from your Dominion. I'll retire into Scythia with you, and when I shall have breathed there a while in the felicity you allow me; I'll make use of those Forces you offer me to re-establish myself, if it be possible, in part of those Territories that were ours, and to give my Princess a Crown that may not suffer her to fall beneath her Dignity. I'll begin the War upon the Parthians, upon the Hyrcanians, and their Neighbours, and 'tis on that side I hope with your assistance, and that of the Gods, to establish a Monarchy over the Countries our Enemies possess, without pretending to the recovery of those which Fortune has bestowed upon our Friends. Artaxerxes declaed his intentions thus, and Oroondates protested to him once more, that if he would not accept of half his Kingdom, he should have it all, and that he would not exercise any Authority that should not be common to them both. Lysimachus was then at the ●eet of Parisatis, where by the Queen's example he endeavoured to draw assurances of his happiness from her mouth. She had no repugnance in her heart to grant him them, and she was so much indebted to Lysimachus his services, and had so great an esteem of him, and even so great an inclination to his Person, that she could not think of settling herself any way more to her contentment, but her severe humour had much ado to declare itself, and perhaps she would not have done it of a long time, if the Queen her Sister, and the Prince her Brother, who were much obliged to Lysimachus, and who considered him infinitely had not joined with him, and had not in his favour employed all that interest which friendship and nearness of blood allowed them with their Sisters. Parisatis believed she could not err in following the example, and the counsel of Persons who then had some lawful Authority over her, and giving Lysimachus her hand, and promised him that she would always be ready to follow the advice of the Prince her Brother, and of the Queen her Sister. After having taken this order about Lysimachus his affairs they altogether began to think of theirs that yet remained. Orontes had no need of their assistance, and he by promise from his Queen was assured of a felicity which nothing was able to disturb: He received a most pleasing confirmation of it in that Illustious Company, and Thalestris freely declared that his happiness should not be deferred longer than that of his Friends. Oxyatres had no great difficulties to conquer in Barsina's heart, and that fair Princess remembering his former services, and considering his h●gh extraction, and the qualities of his person, was already so far disposed to receive him, that King Oroondates, the Queen, and Prince Artaxerxes mediating in his behalf. overcame her with as much ease as they could wish. Only Demetrius believed himself unfortunate amidst the happiness of all the rest, and when he saw them all contented: Shall I then be the only miserable man▪ cried he, and while you all abandon yourselves to joy, shall I alone abandon myself to despair? Cannot the example of so many virtuous Princesses move unsensible Deidamia? and shall not I vainly have fought in your behalf against our living Enemies, if the dead make War against me, and if I am conquered by the dead? Must that which no longer has a being triumph over me with so great advantages? or must I cease to have a being myself, to touch her in my death, in whom during my life I cannot stir up any sense of pity? Ah! how willingly would I precipitate myself into my Grave, if I believed that by my death I might render my destiny equal to that of fortunate Agis, and how freely would I pour forth all my blood, if by it I could hope to merit the tears of Deidamia? Demetrius spoke on this manner with so passionate an action, that all the Company was touched with it. Deidamia was so as well as the rest; and the excellent qualities of that Young Prince had not wrought so little upon her, but that they had produced a great deal of affection toward him. She began indeed to love him, but the memory of Agis fought still against her affection, and even the fear she had of being accused of inconstancy would not suffer her to declare it. She remained without reply to Demetriu's words, and keeping her eyes fixed upon the Ground, discovered by her action that she was unresolved. All the Princesses whom Demetrius had moved to compassion, and who also desired to advance Deidamia settlement, came to her, and represented that she alone ought not to oppose the public rejoicing. They set before her eyes the little reason she had to persist so obstinately in her passion for a man that had so long been dead▪ and who though he were able to observe her actions in the lower shades, could not complain of her after having spent three or four years in lamenting continually for his loss▪ they told her that in her present condition, being so young as she was, deprived of her Friends, and of all her Fortune, she could not live in the World without settling herself some way or other, and they made appear to her, that among the most potent Princes of the Earth, she could not find any one whose support was more considerable, or whose Alliance more important for her then that of Demetrius, who by the power of Antigonus and his own▪ might not only restore her to all the Honours she had lost, but recover even that Crown that was usurped from her little Brother Pyrthus, who being then but three or four years old, stood in need of the assistance of a powerful Alley to protect him against his Enemies, as well as of the pity of King Glaucus with whom he was brought up To all these Arguments those Great Princesses added whatsoever they thought capable to persuade Deidamia, the Princes endeavoured it likewise with their utmost power, and when she was already shaken, Antigonus being come into the Chamber, and desiring the contentment of his Son, as much as his own life, joined his Entreaties to the Reasons of so many Illustrious Mediators, with such success, that Deidamia not being longer able to defend herself against so many Adversaries, nor against so many motives which she understood, and which she could not dispute against without obstinacy, yielded at last either to love, or to importunity, or to the consideration of her affairs. At a confession so desired by Demetrius, his joy broke forth with great excess, and he did many actions which nothing but his youth and passion could excuse. Deidamia appeared for a good while out of countenance at her change, and begged pardon for it of Agis with a great many tears, but in the end she was so well encouraged by the examples, and by the discourses of the Queen and of the Princesses, that she approved what she had done with a little more confidence than before, and no longer had any thought of repenting herself. That little company made up of the greatest persons of the Earth, was then in so perfect a contentment, that all the words in the World would not be sufficient to express it, and the six Princes being no longer able to moderate themselves in their felicity, solicited their Princesses so earnestly, that in the end they were fain to promise them their happiness should be deferred no longer then till the next day following. More time would in probability have been requisite to prepare for those Pompes which seemed due to the Marriages of the Chief Persons in the World; but their delights were far more solid, and they found too much conten●ment in the possession of what they desired, to seek for any in unprofitable Magnificences. Yet was the remnant of that day employed by Ptolomeus, Seleucus, Antigonus, and the rest of their Friends in necessary preparations, and the young Princes made themselves ready for Courses, and Combats of pleasure, to which they did not think it fit to call the Elder, and more Famous Captains.  
This remarkable Day which was to be dedicated to so solemn and so memorable an action, did no sooner begin to appear, but Queen Thalestris got herself made ready, and taking Horse with Orontes, Ptolomeus, Eumenes, and Hippolita, she road to the Amazons quarter, having sent before to Menalippa to draw them together; when the rest of the Forces were dismissed, they had been kept behind for the design the Queen intended to effect that day, and she no sooner was come thither, but she found them all in the readiness she had commanded: When she saw she might be heard by all her Women, and that she had prepared them to give her a quiet audience, she began to explain her intentions to them with a great deal of Eloquence and Facility. First, she represented to them the shame and misery of their condition, and with it the error of their Predecessors, who having thought by the institution of their Laws, to free themselves from the Tyranny of men, had submitted themselves unto it with infamy, and had reduced themselves to run after them over all the Earth, and to prostitute themselves unto them in a most ignominious manner, instead of having preserved that Empire amongst them, which their Sex in all other places had maintained. She exaggerated whatsoever was most odious in that Custom, in terms that were capable to make them abhor it, and in spite of that confidence their institution had bred in them, she made some of them blush at the remembrance of things which they had done. When she perceived that that discourse which had always been most odious amongst the Amazons, was harkened too with attention, she excited them to take a generous resolution for the recovery of their Honour, and either to cast off men for ever, or to suffer them only by lawful means, and such as were approved through all the world. She told them that their institution had proceeded only from the despair of certain women, not from any reasonable motive; and that in the condition the affairs of Asia were reduced to since the death of Alexander, they could no longer hope their Monarchy should subsist. Then she promised them the alliance of their neighbours, who would receive them with open arms, (as Eumenes who at that time was absolute over Cappadocia, and who was present at her discourse to confirm it to them) and with their alliance an eternal repose in all their families, and a sweetness in employments more conformable to their sex. She at last declared how she was resolved to marry Orontes, aswell in regard of the services he had done her, and of the love she bore his person, as of the shame she had discovered in those Laws to which she would no more submit herself. Yet did she protest she had undertaken nothing to the prejudice of what she owed them, and that if by her example they could not oblige themselves to abolish their customs, she was ready to deliver up the Crown to them, and retiring with Orontes, into his Country, leave them the liberty of choosing a Queen▪ under whom they might live in their ancient Privileges. She said a great deal more to them which they harkened to very favourably, and when she had done speaking they deliberated a good while what resolution they should take. Some amongst the most zealous of them opposed that alteration, but those that were less passionate found so much reason in it, and the Queen had already so well gained the Chief of them, amongst whom she was esteemed as a person altogether Divine, that her party in the end was found the strongest, and by little and little the desire of Novelty easily imprinting itself in in the minds of Women, added to the imagination of many delights which they fancied to themselves in that change of life, in a short time drew them all to yield to her desires. When they were confirmed in that intent, they all cried out aloud that they would obey their Queen, that they had rather change their custom by her example, then submit themselves to the Authority of another, and that they would with joy receive him for their Prince, whom they formerly had loved and honoured as Orithia. The fair Thalestris found marvellous cause of satisfaction in this event, and after having promised her Women a sweetness and tranquillity of life very different from that they had enjoyed, she alighted from her Horse, and embraced them almost every one, with testimonies of a very tender affection. After that they gave her new assurances of the desire they had to obey her punctually, and to make all the rest of them that were in Themiscira follow their example, and when the Queen had settled them in that determination as firmly as was possible, she returned into the City and before the Queen and the Princesses were quite dressed, she arrived at the Palace, where they had all been lodged since Roxana's departure.  
That Day the lovely Daughters of Darius having cast off all the grief in which they long had languished, did also lay aside that mournful colour, and that sad attire which had accompanied their sorrow, and to appear to the eyes of their illustrious Lovers in the highest splendour of their Beauty, they set it forth at their request, by all those embellishments which the misfortunes of their life had made them to neglect. Then Gold and Jewels of inestimable value glittered with a Magnificence suitable to the Quality of those Great Princesses, and their Beauty receiving its former lustre by those exterior Ornaments, after having been a long time buried in afflictions, showed itself like the Sun, when after tedious Storms, and foggy Mists, it breaks forth of the Cloud that had obscured it, and appears to our eyes again with it usual brightness. Berenice by reason of the late death of the King her Father, clothed herself in a much graver habit, but her eyes shot Rays surpassing those of Diamonds, and her natural dress had far more comeliness than all that the power of Art could have added to it. Thalestris having quitted her Martial Apparel, conformed herself to that of her own Sex, and appeared no less charming in that estate, than she had before been terrible in Battle. Deidamia and Barsina decked themselves at the entreaty of their Lovers, and both of them discovered such Beauties, as out of that fair Company could find no parallels. When all of them were ready to come forth, they were conducted together to Juno's Temple, where that memorable Ceremony was to be performed, and where the people flocked with so great a crowd as cost the lives of many persons. Those that had been the Subjects of Darius, could not behold his Son and Daughters in that condition without sending forth loud cries and shouts that pierced the Heavens, accompanied with tears of joy and tenderness, and whether it were among the Soldiers, or amongst the Citizens, there was a general rejoicing observed, little different from that of those who were most concerned. The fair Widow of Alexander was led by Seleucus, Berenice by Antigonus, Parisatis by Ptolomeus, Thalestris by Eumenes, Deidamia by Craterus, and Barsina by Leonatus: The six Princes having left that glory to their Friends, were gone altogether to the Temple before, and had themselves forgotten nothing in their clothes, that without effeminacy, or a too affected curiosity, could please the eyes of their admired Princesses. After having expected them there a few moments, which to their impatience seemed as many hours, they saw them enter with a Pomp that brought new light into the Temple. Berenice, Deidamia, and Thalestris as valiant as she was, walked with more fear and bashfulness than their Companions; but the Queen, the Princess her Sister, and Barsina who had already been in the same condition, went up toward the Altar with more confidence. Why should this Narration be drawn out to a greater length? There it was that in the sight of many thousand people, and in the presence of the Gods, who by Prayers and Sacrifices were called to behold that action; the greatest Persons in the World of either Sex, were by the usual Ceremonies joined together with Bonds which could not be untied, which never were broken but by death, and which through the whole course of their lives kept them as closely united as they were that day. There it was that by such famous and important Nuptials, Virtue saw itself triumphant over so many misfortunes that had vainly fought against it, and that seemed to have crossed it for no other end, but that it might shine forth with more lustre and glory. Those glad and fortunate Bridegrooms having delivered back their Brides into the hands of those that had led them thither, followed them home again to the Palace, where all things were most stately and magnificent. O! how tedious did that day seem to them? and how little pleasure did they find in the Games, Courses, and Combats which the young Princes made with infinite Pomp to honour so solemn an Action? The Son of Polyperchon, Menelaus and brave Ilyoneus made themselves remarkable in them by their dexterity, but after long contestation 'twas young Alexander that bore away the Prize. After the Courses and Combats, followed most graceful Dances, and admirable Music, and after all those entertainments came the most delightful, and most glorious Night that ever was. Never had the brightest day showed any thing comparable to it in the judgement of O●oondates, and his Companions, and those that might boast to be most memorable by the winning of battles, and by the conquest of Empires, were obscure and gloomy in respect of that pleasing darkness which triumphed over light with so great an advantage. Then were the greatest Beauties in the World delivered as a Prey to the passions of the merciless Conquerors, who revenged themselves for the torments they had made them to endure, with resentments which for all they were so violent they could not justly disapprove. To say the truth they were in some sort pardonable, and it was but reason that they whose sufferings had been so long and cruel, should make themselves equivalent reparations. Never had the God of Love been present at so solemn a Festival, and in all the Sacrifices that had been offered to him at Paphos, or at Cythera, he never had received such honour as he did that Night in Babylon. But I am afraid to say too much of it, and to go beyond the bounds of respect and modesty with my Princes, who exceeded them a little that night of liberty. They without all question thought it a great deal too short, and one might perchance have doubted in what employments they had passed it, if the blushes that appeared next morning in the cheeks of Berenice, Thalestris, and Deidamia, had not given the Company great suspicions. Yet did they pardon their Lovers the offences they had committed, by the example of their Companions, who had born them with more moderation. Those constant fires were not extinguished of many years, and the love of those virtuous Persons was placed upon too sure foundations, to find any thing in possession that could abate it; on the contrary it grew far more ardent by a more perfect knowledge of those Beauties and rare qualities that had given it birth, and time which ruins all things had never power to slacken the first violence of their flames.  
Many days were spent in these contentments, which cannot possibly be imagined, and the happy Princes took plentiful draughts of th●se delights after which they had so long impatiently thirsted. When they had nothing more to wish, they began to think of retiring. King Oroondates was recalled into Scythia by his Subjects, and he himself had a desire to go thither that he might give his Queen the Crown of his Dominions. Arsaces' also had a mind to see those Countries again, where he had passed some years, and where he had so powerfully gained the people's hearts: All the other Princes were obliged to return into their several Provinces, to be crowned themselves in the Kingdoms which their valour had won, and which Arsaces freely left them in consideration of the good Offices they had done for him and his▪ and in the hope he had to recover others from them that had not merited his friendship. They all prepared themselves for that separation, but not without a great deal of trouble to every one of them: Before they went away they thought fit to take order in what remained to be done, and because Babylon, and all Assyria belonged to them by the right of Arms, they all offered it to Seleucus, as to their valiant Deliverer and Benefactor; but he refused it, and protested openly that not having had any other aim in what he had done, then to succour Virtue unworthily oppressed, he would not give his Enemy's cause to make an ill interpretation of his intent, and to judge that he had quitted his Party out of a shameful interest, and vile hope of recompense. All the World esteemed that thought to be worthy of Seleucus his Generosity, and when they saw him so firm in his resolution, that it was impossible to shake him, they altogether cast their eyes upon Oxyatres, who did not then possess a Territory suitable to the greatness of his Quality, and pressed it so urgently upon him, that in the end he was constrained to accept the Sovereignty of Babylon, and there to settle his abode. Seleucus had Armenia & Mesopotamia, which the death of Phrataphernes and Archesilaus' had left vacant, and because Cylicia was so likewise by the death of Philotas, all the Princes would needs have Eumenes take it, and give that part of Cappadocia he possessed, in exchange to Queen Thalestris, leaving that Kingdom entire to Prince Orontes, who also quitted the Province of the Massagetes, because it was one of those that composed the Asiatic Scythia, which King Oroondates had destined for Artaxerxes. After having ordered the Provinces on this manner, they all prepared for their departure, and when they had bestowed a few days more in the confirmation of their Alliance, and in the tears that were shed at that separation, they all of them went from Babylon the same day. Oroondates, and the Great Arsaces with their Brides, and an Equipage befitting their Quality, took the way toward Scythia with Lysimachus and Parisatis, who would accompany them as far as Byzantium▪ where they were to keep their Court, it being the Metropolis of Thrace, and where Parisatis hoped for a great deal of comfort in the Neighbourhood of the Queen her Sister, since their Kingdoms bordered upon one another. Orontes and Thalestris went toward Cappadocia, which was to obey them totally by the agreement they had made with Eumenes, who with the fair Arsinoe his Wife kept them company the greatest part of their Journey. Ptolomeus traveled towards Egypt, which much desired to receive him: Antigonus and his Son with the fair Deidamia toward Phrygia▪ Seleucus marched towards Armenia with Forces to make himself Master of it, in case he should find any difficulty to be admitted: Nearchus and Leonatus went home into their own Provinces, and no body remained at Babylon but Prince Oxyatres, who with his dear Barsina did there establish his Dominion. Cleonimus and Alcione, with good old Polemon stayed there also with him, as in their Native Country, and that Prince remembering the request Berenice and Statira had made to him in favour of that, laboured all he could for their satisfaction, and having taken away those scruples that opposed it in Alcione's mind; he married her at last to Cleonimus whom he settled in all the Wealth of Theander, and Bagistanes, and whom for his Virtue (and for the consideration of Polemon, who had done all his Friends so many good services) he honoured with the most important Offices of his State▪  
THe Design to which I regularly enough have tied myself not to wander from the Banks of the Euphrates, and the Walls of Babylon, hinders me from following my Heroes in their Voyages: I will not therefore relate their fortunate successes, their arrival in their Kingdoms, and the crowning of so many Gallant Princes, who established a brave and happy Sovereignty, which they enjoyed through the whole course of very long and prosperous Reigns. You may learn the end of their Lives from Historians Famous in Antiquity who have written them: From me you shall only know that the Great Arsaces stayed not long in his Brother's Kingdom; but having received such an Army from him as he desired, he marched into the Province of the Parthians, where he defeated and killed Andiagoras in a pitched Battle; from thence, when he had made himself Master of that Province, and had won many other Victories over them that opposed his Conquests, he subdued Hyrcania, Bactria, Zogdia, the Country of the Mardes, and a great number of other Provinces, of which he composed that Famous Empire of the Parthians, which was called the Empire of the East, and which was the most potent of the World till the time of ●●lius Caesar, under whom it fell into the power of the Romans; the Founder of it still retained that Great Name of Arsaces, under which he had gained his first reputation▪ and that Renowned Name descended to his Successors, who to render that homage to his Virtue, made themselves all be called Arsaces, and made the whole World talk of the illustrious Blood of the Arsacides. He died not till he was exceeding old, having by the report of all Historians, left as great a veneration of his Name in the East, as that of Alexander amongst the greeks, of Cyrus amongst the Persians, or of Rumulus amongst the Romans; they are the very words of the Historians, though amongst many of them the Birth of that Great Emperor was not known▪ Oroondates if he had would might have enlarged his Conquests as far as his Brother, but he kept himself to the Religious Custom of his Ancestors, and believed according to their example, that he could not without injustice divest a Lawful Prince of his Dominions: Yet did he make himself so terrible in his own, that all his Neighbours trembled at his Name, and desired nothing so much as his Alliance. He gave himself wholly to the love of his fair Queen, and that Great Princess for ever laid aside the Name of Statira affected by the Queens of Persia, and passed the rest of her life under that of Cassandra; that was it that made Plutarch believe she was killed indeed after the Death of Alexander, she having lived from that time forward in far Countries, and under a Name he knew not. That Virtuous Queen and the King her Husband, requited the affection of Theodates, and that of faithful Araxes, by the Gift of Theomiris and Cleone, and by that of many Provinces, and places of importance in Scythia; nor was Criton less rewarded by his Master the Great Arsaces. Lysimachus with his dear Parisatis, passed his life in so great Glory, that after having conquered most of the Kingdoms that had been Alexander's, he was slain in the last Battle that was fought amongst his Successors, being then fourscore years of Age. The life of Demetrius was so remarkable, that it gave the greatest Authors of those Time's occasion to write it: Macedonia and many other Kingdoms obeyed him, and little Pyrrhus his Brother in Law being come to years acquired the reputation of the Valiantest man in all the World. Orontes reigned very peaceably in Cappadocia with Thalestris, and all the Laws of the Amazons were so utterly abolished, that there never was any mention of them afterwards. Ptolomeus governed Egypt with so much Glory, that his Name, as that of Arsaces, remained to his Posterity, and Seleucus made himself so Great, that before his Death he became the most Potent of all Alexander's Successors. Cassander still persisted in his Crimes, and his passion for Roxana turned into so violent a Rage, that in the end he put her to death, with the Son she had by Alexander, and also Queen Olimpias, the Mother of the Great King. He by their death usurped Macedonia, and after his Demetrius took it from his Children. Eumenes' perished in the War he had against Antigonus, after having killed his Enemy Neoptolemus with his own hand, and by many Gallant Victories, acquired the reputation of one of the greatest Captains in the World. And Prince Oxyatres passed his life most happily with Barsina. I should perhaps say more of every one, if all Famous Historians did not amply relate their Actions; particularly Justin, and Plutarch in the Lives of Pyrrhus, Demetrius, and Eumenes: If I were not out of my Scene, which I have limited within the Confines of Babylon, and if it were not just that after such a long wound piece of Work, I myself should seek that repose which I now have given to others.   
The End of CASSANDRA.   

THere is newly published in English an excellent new Romance, called IBRAHIM, or the Illustrious BASSA. The whole work in four parts, written in French by Monsieur de SCUDERY; Author of ARTAMENE, or the Grand CYRUS.  
LONDON, Printed for HUMPHREY MOSELY, at the Prince's Arms in S. Paul's Churchyard, WILLIAM BENTLEY, and THOMAS HEATH, in Covent-Garden. 1652.   

To the Reader.  
YOu will have the patience I hope to read these few Lines I am obliged to add, that I may justify part of those things which I have written. I have been bound up in many passages of this Conclusion by the truth of History, though perhaps I have altered it in some places, where it is least known. If I make Statira and her Sister live again contrary to the report of Plutarch, who says she was killed by Roxana's cruelty; I have followed the Opinion of many Historians, and I make her pass the rest of her life in Countries very remote from ●●ose where she spent her younger years, and under a different name from that by ●●ich she was known to Plutarch. I well might give Darius a Son without contradicting the Historians that write of Alexander, who only mention his Daughters; I make him dead in the opinion of the World before Alexander entered upon his Father's Territories, he comes thither no more till after his death, and therefore those Authors might well have been ignorant of Artaxerxes his life, he having passed it in very far Countries, and under another name, after he had lost it in the general belief. I with the same licence might make him to be that Great Arsaces, who founded the Empire of the Parthians, and Historians not ●aving given him any certain birth, have offered me the liberty to make him be born of Darius: I should undoubtedly have made him recover his Father's Empire, if I could have done it without falsifying truths which are known to all the World, and which have not left me a free disposing of my Adventures: I should have changed something in the destiny of Roxana and Cassander, if I might have been permitted, and if I had pardoned Roxana in consideration of her Sex, I should have killed Cassander to show the punishment of Vice, as well as the recompense of Virtue; but the rest of his life was too well known by his crimes, and by his ruling in Greece, I have been freer in those of perdiccas and his Brother; 'tis certain they were slain within a while after Alexander's death, by a Sedition amongst their Forces, and there is so little spoken of the particulars of their death, that I believed I might lawfully frame it to my History.  
FINIS.