CYNTHIA: WITH THE Tragical Account OF THE UNFORTUNATE LOVES OF Almerin and Desdemona.  
Being A NOVEL.  
ILLUSTRATED With Variety of the Chances of Fortune, Morallized with many useful Observations drawn from thence, whereby the Reader may reap both Pleasure and Profit.  
Done by an English Hand.  
London, Printed by R. Holt, for T. passenger, at the three Bibles on London-Bridge, and R. Fenner Book-seller in Canterbury. 1687.   

TO THE READER.  
READER,  
IF Study be the Soul of Understanding, who would not be Studious? since Knowledge only is the School-Mistriss of sublime and illustrious Spirits, and makes them transcend the Vulgar, as far as the Sun excels the Moon in bright●ess;( for what difference is between a Man, 
Mar. Aur.  presuming to be a Man, not being Learned and a Beast?) What certain Joy, true Honour, or great ●rofit can a Man challenge unto himself, and ●ot look for sudden Vicissitudes, to alter them ●nto a worse State than they were before, through the Inconstancy of our human Con●ition? Where then shall we seek for those ●reat and rare Properties, to find that, ●hich of itself, will be unto us both profitable and pleasant altogether, and that not for a moment, but for ever? Truly in Knowledge, which first is able to mollify Mans Nature, being before Savage and Wild, and to make it capable of Reason. Secondly, frameth and settleth his judgement, that he may pass the Course of his Life in all Tranquillity of Mind, to the Profit of many. Lastly, causes him to die in Honour, with certain assurance of certain Life and Happiness. Contrariwise, 
Anacharsis.  saith the Philosopher, Idleness is a thing like a cankering Rustiness to the Body, and to the Soul; and as an eating Consumption, it wasteth and bringeth to nought both virtue and Strength; it is the Grave of living Men; it is a thing wherein Life dieth, and thereby the Soul of Man is twice butted in him, once in his Body, and next in his sloth.  
I examined and discerned the difference to be vast betwixt 'vice and virtue, between Learning and Ignorance, betwixt sloth and Activeness, between a wise Man and a Fool; and then I approved of that wise Saying of the famous Aristippus, 
Aristippus.  ( better it is to be a Beggar, than a Rich Man without Learning.) I considered the whole Life of Man, that he continues but a small time here, and the moiety of this Moment, he lets pass in sottish Sleep, which is Deaths Cousin German, so that he dies living, and when Death takes him hence, his Memory dies with him, and goes into Oblivion. I contemplated the Misery of Worldly Men, that like Ants, toil and labour for Wealth, and in the midst of their Hopes, go down to the Grave, and go to give an Account for the gathering and using of the same, and that perhaps, to their perpetual Damnation; whiles, in the mean time, other Companions in the World, do live merrily and pleasantly upon that he hath gotten, little remembering, or less caring for him, that perhaps lies burning ●n unquenchable Fire, for those Riches unrighteously heaped, and left unto them. Nor was the Lascivious Man forgotten in my Memory, who leaves no Stratagem unattempted, no crafty Design unacted, nor no Wickness, let it be never so horrid, undone, to accomplish his Lust, which alas vanishes in a moment, and leaves an after Repentance. With what impetuousness such Men pursue their own Shadows, embracing 'vice, while virtue walks along unregarded.  
This caused Antisthenes, 
Antisthenes.  being asked of a Man what was best to learn, he returned him this Answer, To unlearn the Evil thou hast learned; that is to return back from the High-way to Hell, to the School of virtue; that Man travels a long way from Home, that never looks back, and he is in a lost Condition, that never thinks of amending.  
These Considerations agreeing with my vacant Hours, gave Being to this succeeding History; in the Study of which, I found the Treasures of a Soul endued with Reason, which is a Happiness wherein all human Felicity consisteth, and which never breeds Vexation of Spirit: What shall I say? In the continuance of which, I found a pleasing solitary Companion for the tedious Winter Nights. Was I in Love, here I found a mistress to Court, with a clearer Satisfaction and Delight than those Passions that vanish in the fruition. Was I in Adversity, here I found a Comforter. Was I in Prosperity, the knowledge of what I was, made my Joys solid, and so kept me from being arrogant, Was I fortunate, then I considered the Vicissitudes of Fortune; and when I seemed overwhelmed in the gulf of Despair, I could ride securely by the Anchor of Hope, and expect a Calm. Thus, from the Off-spring of my idle Hours, I purchased to myself, both Pleasure and Profit, and that not for a moment, but to Perpetuity; I speak not this in Ostentation, that I exceed the meanest, but the happy Change the imitation of virtue has produced, of which, I hope the Reader will participate with me.  
The Story itself is Romantick Poetry, the issue of my own Genius; the Discourse is Love, a Passion, of all other most lovely, and agreeable to the Fancy; so inviting, and sweetly charming, that Reason itself cannot stand in competition against it; yet so necessary, that a wise Man once said, To see Love banished our Streets, is as to see the Horizon without a Son, or the Year without a Spring. This Labyrinth, wherein wise Men lose themselves, and Fools recover their Wits; where Wisdom runs a Wool-gathering, and Passion guides the Helm, I present unto you as a mirror, that will demonstrate the difference betwixt Love and Lust; wherein virtue is illustrated, in the Persons of Cynthia and Orsamus, and 'vice figured to the Life, in the Person of Almerin; or[ still worse and worse] This is a more full Story, where the Walks are the gloomy Shades of Death, the Discourse is dismal, the Narration lamentable, the Adventures tragical, and the Examples woeful. Wherein are presented the Snares of Love, the Credulity of Innocency, the Heat of Affection, the Fire of Lust, the Fruits of Rashness, and the Reward of Perjury; and may this, you shall hear related, beget Profit as well as pleasure, that by others Harms, we may learn to avoid our own, wisely to shelter ourselves from the threatening Storm, and so grow cautious to shun those Rocks, where others have suffered shipwreck. Let beauteous Maidens here learn to prise their Honour, and set a high Esteem on their Chastity, by the woeful Example of fair Desdemona; and let all Fathers avoid Anger and Passion, by the Example of Artemidorus, who occasioned, by his Folly, the Sanguine Part of this mournful Story. Let all Virgins beware how to bestow their Love, by the Example of poor Artemesia; and let all Parents here behold the Miseries of enforced Marriage, in the Example of Almerin. The whole History being a sweet Summary of bitter Calamities, proceeding only from the same Cause. Thus we may red with delight, the Disasters of others, making their Misfortunes our Advantage, for there is a kind of Voluptuousness in the Rehearsal of past Miseries, a Pleasure even in Misery itself, Experience doth daily teach us. When we consider how the Sea of our Misfortunes doth ebb and flow with the various Shapes of Hope and Despair, how impetuous the Storms, and how wonderful are the Vicissitudes and Changes of this Nature, from thence proceeding; Thus, from this Relation, may be sucked some Honey as well as poison; for, if from the greatest Venom, may be extracted an Antidote to expel the Operation and Force of the strongest poison, then from this Bulk of Misfortunes, judiciously and seriously considered, the ingenious Reader may gather Good and no Harm, by the reading of this lamentable Story.  
Tully 
Tully.  tells us, that in time of old, People were Dull and Barbarous, Rude and Froward, Unsensible and Uncapable of any serious Study; to this end and purpose many of our ancients have written curious Stories, many of which, are yet extant, to reclaim the mind of the Multitude, which are apt and prove enough to hear Folly; witness Diogenes the cynic, who when he had any grave Matter to relate, he would call the People to hear him; which when they regarded not, he would sing merrily; to which, when many resorted, he would say, To hear Foolishness, ye run apace, but to hear any weighty Matter, ye scarce put forth your Foot. From this Cause only, Fables and Romances took their first Original; wise Men endeavouring to make the Vulgar grow wise by their own Folly, drawing them with that Bait they most dearly affencted; for what is a Fable, but a silent Representation of a more weighty Matter? And what is History, but a lively Essence, describing the pleasing Transports of the Soul? By this craft they made 'vice to assist virtue, and satan to be foiled in his own Weapons. Thus, by presenting the Shadow, they caused them to embrace the Substance; so have I seen a careful Mother, first nurse her Child with the Teat, then with a Spoon, and after with stronger Meat: Did not the best of Men speak in Parables? and what is a Parable, but a thing sympathising and agreeing with a Matter of greater Value, helping to explain it more lively to the Capacity of the Auditors, to whom it is related? Indeed, what are the Heavens and the Earth, drawn and presented unto the Eye by Art, but a secret History or Similitude, declaring the Majesty and Power of our great Creator? Like as when we see a small Beam of the Sun, we apprehended in reason, it has its Original from a greater; such indeed has been, and should be still the Intentions of all those that writ Parables, Fables, or Romantick History, to season them with Morals and Observations, so applying them to a virtuous end, that as little rivulets, they may waft the Reader e're he be ware, unto the River of virtue, and Ocean of all Felicity.  
Such I did intend this succeeding History, in which there is no eminent Example, but is illustrated and stored with fruitful Observations, for the Profit and Behoof of the Reader, striking the Iron whilst it is hot; so making use of the Advantage whilst the Example is fresh in Memory: For I believe nothing can demonstrate or represent any thing so lively, as when we have the speaking Example evident before our Eyes. Here is History curiously woven, and intermixed with things Moral and Divine, the Pleasure and the Profit is bound up in one entire Nosegay, and it seems impossible to sever the one, without the ruin of the other; so have I seen a careful Physician mix the bitter Potion with Honey, for the better Digestion of his Patient. Zeno 
Zeno.  being demanded how a Man might become happy, answered, If he drew near unto, and haunted the Dead; meaning thereby, if he red Histories, and endeavoured to learn their good Instructions; and here thou hast no small variety of Presidents out of modern Authors, gathered by my Industry, and replanted, as I found opportunity to place them.  
The total Sum, or Moral of the whole History, is soon cast up, by examining it with that Saying of the Wise Man: That a just Man falls seven times and riseth again, 
Prov. 24.16.  but the Wicked fall into Mischief: That is, the Upright Man is subject to many Dangers, but God delivereth him out of his Distress, making his very Misfortunnes an addition to his Joys. Oh, what Heavenly Comfort,( says an ancient Father) do they inwardly feel, who are delighted with the Remembrance of Sufferings past, with the fruition of Joys present, and with the expectation of Felicities to come! this Happiness is represented in the History of Cynthia and Orsamus. Wicked Men are figured in the Person of Almerin, 
2 Timothy 3. Verse 13. Job 24.18. Psalm 73. ver. 18, 19.  for evil Men and Deceivers shall wax worse and worse, their Portion shall be cursed in the Earth; and as a fall on a Pavement is very sudden, so shall the Fall of the Wicked come hastily; because God strikes not presently, the Wicked are set to do Evil; but although Heaven be slow in Punishment, yet when they strike, they strike sure, for God spares the Wicked not in Mercy, but in Justice. Oh, how suddenly do they consume, perish, and come to a fearful end! yea, even like a Dream, when one awaketh, so shall their Memory vanish. Compare times past, with your daily Experience, and prove them both by this History, and you will find it no new thing, that the virtuous Man is made shotfree against the strongest Batteries of Fortune, by the Assistance he receives from above, while the vicious Person falls from bad to worse; Heaven above pursues him as an Enemy, and Hell below is ready to receive him, so that he is miserable here, and wretched to eternity in the World to come. Examine the whole History by this Touchstone, and you cannot miscarry; let this Moral be the North-pole you would sail by, and you cannot receive a wreck; season it with such Salt, and you may red, and not receive a Surfeit; for History thus used, is Water turned into Wine. If these Considerations on the Lives of just and wicked Men, do but persuade and oblige thee to examine thy own, I have the Fruition of my Wishes, and recompense of my Time.  
Cynthia, 
Cynthia. ( the Title of the Book) a Name of Diana, or the Moon, taken from Cynthus, a Hill in Delos, where Fancies of Poets say she was born; a Planet, as Mathematicians affirm, that takes her Circuit in the lowest Orb; that receives what Light she enjoys from a greater; that in her greatest splendour, is not without Spots. This may serve for a silent Emblem, to excuse the erratas of the whole History, which in the Eyes of many may seem fair; but when an Artist comes to survey it, it will not be found without Faults,( since Nature perfected it, and not Art;) many Faults are in the Orthography, many Errors o'er passed in the engrossing; therefore I accuse myself, to save the curious critic a labour, who finds Faults in others, yet amends not his own: yet to the judicious and partial Man, I submit myself, who knows how to scan and pass by infant Faults. What I have writ, was for my Diversion, not timorousness: for to writ to fear, is to be sick only to be well again, and that I never had intention to be.  
It is Historied of Alexander 
Alexander.  the Great, when he laid Siege to any great City, he set up a Light in the midst of his Army, to signify unto the Besieged, if they submitted themselves before that Light was burnt out, they should receive Mercy; but that being once out, there was nothing to be expected but Fire and Sword. This may be alluded to the Daylight of this Life, which God hath given us to repent in, the Date of which being once at an end, and Death taking hold upon us, there is nothing to be expected, but a certain looking for of judgement. Let this invite thee, thou that readest this Book, to live virtuously, that thou mayst be happy for ever. Thou I say, that art now Lusty and frolic, Jovial and Merry, enriched with Wealth, compassed with Friends; oh consider how soon thy last Minutes may seize upon thee, and the Night approach, wherein no man can work! To come to a Period. Be good betimes, shine like a Diamond amongst a world of Rubbish; there was a good Joseph in egypt, a good Lot in Sodom, a good Job in the Land of Uz; virtue shines most resplendent, when Vices are most abundant. To the Almighty I leave thee, to thy Guardian Angel I commit thee, wishing you may be happy in all things but Unhappiness, that you may be Poor in the World, but Rich in Heaven; that you may not live long, but well, so guiding our Lives here, that we may never be afraid of Death, but embrace him, as being one that transports us from this veil of Woe, to the Heaven of eternal Bliss; unto which happy Place, bring us all, Lord Jesus. Amen.   

CYNTHIA.  
FRom forth a desert and unfrequented Wood, in the East Parts of Albion, abutting to the Sea, issued out a Woman, and seated her self upon a Carpet of sweet Flowers, embroidered there by the Hand of Nature: She resembled Diana, the beautiful Huntress of the Woods; or more fair, if possible: One would have taken her for a Celestial Deity, if the succeed●ng Vicissitudes of Fortune had not strongly persuaded, she was a Mortal Beauty. Indeed, the Purity of her Complexion seemed to excel ●he new fallen Snow, but Sorrow had gathered ●he Carnations of her Cheeks. All the Features ●f her Face had so near a Kindred, and formed ●o so rare a Proportion, that she seemed Na●ure's Master-piece; or rather, sympathiz'd ●omething of that Divinity, whose Name she ●ore. From her Eyes darted a Lustre, min●led with a Vivacity so penetrating, and there●ith so charming, that it was impossible for ●he most confident Soul to make a Resistance. This prodigious Creature, after she had searched every vacant place with her Eye, fearing to be over-heard; with a troubled, and low Voice, she began as followeth:  
O my dear, though absent, Orsamus! to whose Merits, I never yet gave any Reward; whose Complaints, I could never be induced to Pity! When Neptune shipwrecked thee upon this Shore, I little thought thy Presence would beget me such Disquiet, or that thy Absence should produce such Remorse. O Duty! O Love! To what extremes do you hurry me? And what Enemies are you to my Rest? The Birds that live in these unfrequented Woods, on the wild Benefit of Nature, live happier than I: For they may choose their Mates, and carol their sweet Pleasures to the Spring; but by the cruel Commands of a Father, I am forced to neglect the Person I love; and disesteem the Services of one with Disdain, whose Welfare I prise above my Life; who once lost, I would not bid a Welcome to the dearest Good the World can afford me. But, alas! The Time draws near, that will make a perpetual Divorce. Unfortunate, Orsamus, by thy Absence! Miserable, Cynthia, by thy Folly.  
Scarce had these Words took a farewell from her Mouth, when from an adjacent Part of the Wood, issued out a Man, richly appareled, and bent his Steps directly to the place where she sate. Her Eyes had no sooner found him out, but with Excess of Grief, she uttered these Complaints, O cruel Heavens! Do you take a Pleasure in tormenting submitting Innocence, that you conduct this Monster, the Enemy of my Content, and fatal Disturber of my Quiet, so fortunately to the place of my Concealment! Now farewell, my poor Orsamus; I shall only stay here, amongst the Living, to consecrate the relics of a languishing Life to thy dear Memory.  
By this time, the unknown Person had lessened the distance that partend 'em, courting her with many compliments; and seating himself by her Side, he accosted her with this Discourse: Madam, said he, your Father expects you with Ardency, and is in fearful Apprehensions of the Certainty of your Safety. Why, Madam, continued he, at such a Time as this, do you seek out Solitude, and so carefully shun the Person that adores you? Why these Clouds, my dear Princess, on a joyful Day? Wherefore these Tears, too too precious to be thus lavishly cast away? Why are my promising Joys o'er-cast with such fearful Omens, and my sweetest Hopes vanished? Tell me; Oh, tell me! Joy of my Bliss, what may occasion your Disquiet; that with the Peril of my Life, I may procure a Remedy.  
This fair Unknown was preparing for a Reply, when they were disturbed with a Noise from the neighbouring Thicket; and casting their Eyes about, to understand the Cause of that surprisal; when behold, there rushed out a Man, whose unexpected Appearance was quickly become their Astonishment: His Visage was pale, and clouded over with Grief; in all the Regards and Lineaments of his Face, appeared a natural Fierceness; his whole Composure shew'd the Evidence of something so great and noble, that spake him to command others, born to disesteem the whole World, and think it held none sit to be his Rival; his Stature was tall, his Gesture noble, every Action becoming, and all majestic.  
He set his Face, and directed his hasty Steps to the place where they sate; but his Presence put them both into a Confusion. He no sooner presented himself to their Sight, but fixing his Eyes wholly on this fair Unknown, as the Load-stone of his Will, and Centre of all his Happiness; with a Rapture of Joy, he suddenly cast himself at her Feet, embracing her Knees, with a strange Emotion of Spirit: O my divine Princess, said he; Beautiful Cause of all my Misfortunes, and cruel Original of all my Miseries! How careful has Fortune been to make me happy, when I intended to sacrifice the Fragments of this wretched Life to your Severity? I have yet this Comfort left me in Death, to complain to you of your Injustice.  
All this time, a wavering Colour often went and came in her Cheeks, that she became stiffened with Astonishment, as if she had been Planet-struck; but at last, calling back that Assurance, her sudden surprisal had sequestered: Gods! said she, Is this Orsamus himself, I see before me? Yes, replied he, it is Orsamus, if you have not cast the Memory of so poor a Wretch into Oblivion, that is come to offer up the last Remains of a miserable Life at your Feet. This said, he dis-embrac'd himself from her Knees, and with a Look full of terror, he drew his Sword, to pierce his Breast with that fatal Weapon. But Cynthia no sooner saw that glittering Minister of Death unsheathed, but giving a grievous Shriek, she fell into a deadly swoon. When suddenly casting his Eyes about, he saw this first Gallant, sitting like one metamorphosed, or a Statue without Life; and suddenly calling him to remembrance: Oh!( cried he) Have I found you, the only Opposer of my Bliss? Can you think to go safely away with that prise, is only due to my Services? If you know how to own a Good, maintain the Interest you would challenge in this divine Creature, with your Sword. Saying this, he presented his Sword against his Breast; but he never moved from the place where he sate, neither did he endeavour to make any Motion of Defence.  
In this Interim of Time, the Friends and Attendants of this Gallant, whose Name was Cordello, who had been in quest of him in the most secret parts of the Wood, hearing a Disturbance, came up unto him; and seeing Cordello in danger, at that Moment they made in, and rescued him out of his Hands, when, no doubt, he had acted the last Catastrophe and Scene of his Life. They all assaulted him at once; but he, without spending a Thought upon the Number, coaped with all; rushed upon 'em like Lightning, with a Swiftness and Look so terrible and dreadful, that he made the forwardest to repent their Rashness, and them that were further off, to become more cautious. Six lay slain by his Hand; and they had encompassed him about, so that it seemed impossible he could make any long Resistance against such Numbers as surrounded him.  
When lo, Fortune provided a Remedy for this Disaster; yet one that seemed worse than the Disease. Behold, from an adjoining Creek of the Sea, shaded by a little Hill, issued out about sixteen Pirates, lead on by their Captain: They came not to assist either Side, but to make their utmost Advantage of both. No sooner had the Assailants of this brave Cavalier beholded them coming, but they all ran away; only he alone set himself in a posture of Defence, to preserve the Lady, which as yet lay senseless in a Trance. Rashness and Despair made him resolute to sustain their utmost Charge; and he opposed them with so much Bravery, that the Relation would almost seem incredible: But, in fine, over-powered by their Numbers, they forced him to submit unto their Wills; yet not before he had received four desperate Wounds in the Body; in Revenge of which, he had slain four of their best Men belonging to their Vessel. They conveyed Cynthia, with Orsamus, on board the Boat, intending to satisfy the Death of their Companions, with the Author that had occasioned it. They put off from shore, and began to prepare for his intended Execution: Mean while, the fair Cynthia, whose Spirits were newly return'd, to execute their proper Function, sate almost dissolved in Tears; beholding these Preparations for Orsamus Death, fearfully apprehending what she could not as yet know the Cause of, Love and Pity emboldened her to know the worst, that she might so be freed from the present Fear that oppressed her. So that going unto him that seemed Commander of the rest, she demanded of him, to what use those Weapons and Preparations of Death were made. He return'd Answer, For that Cavalier, that in her Defence, had slain four of the best Men belonging unto his Ship. Sir,( replied Cynthia) that young Man is my Brother; and you cannot well blame him, for what he did in the Defence of a dear Sister: And sure, the Course you would take is indirect; since if you fulfil your Resolutions, you can gain nothing by his Death; but by preserving his Life, you may receive a great Ransom.  
The sweet Thought of Gain, delivered from so lovely a Creature, set both his Love and Covetousness on the Rack. In fine, the Hope of Gain turned the Current of their Revenge; in Execution of which, their Choler abated, and they restend satisfied. But it was not so with their Commander; for the Eyes of his fair Prisoner had opened themselves a Passage, and darted their resplendent Rays into the Soul of this fierce Pirate. He found such Charms, as it seemed impossible, and mere folly, to stand in Opposition against them. Here was a Metamorphose wrought by the Force of Love and Beauty, a Barbarian civilized to a milder Temper: For accosting his fair Prey, he composed all that was fierce and rude in his Looks, to Respect and Duty. Madam( replied he) 'tis enough, that you desire your Brother should live: Rest satisfied, he shall live only for your sake; not so much for our Interest, as for your Content: For we could well have dispensed with our Gain, to give our Revenge Precedency: But your Desires have put a Period to our Resentments. Thus you reign triumphant, whilst you esteem yourself a Captive. O Madam, continued he, Cease these Showers; clear up those bright Stars: Have you any Desires? Give 'em a Name, for I find it irresistible to give you a Denial. Retire to yonder cabin, which shall be wholly at your Disposal. Your Menial Servants shall not be more officious, than these my Men, that seem so barbarous, shall be dutiful at your Commands. For myself, I'll pay my Respects with as chased a Zeal, as we pay our Devotions to the offended Deities; at such Times only, when my Visits will not incommode you: For I am not so much Pirate, but I know what Civilities ought to be paid to Ladies of your Quality; which, as you seem to me, is not mean. Rest firm in the Assurance of my Promise, whilst I take care for the speedy dressing of your Brother's Wounds, and for his Accommodation in the Ship. Saying this, he left her with a profound Respect.  
Orsamus, whio was an Auditor, and Spectator of the Discourse, that passed betwixt the Pirate and Cynthia, was transported with Ravishment, when he understood, that she was his Preserver. Nay, said he, since my Life is not indifferent to my fair Divinity, I'll live to free her from this Captivity, or perish in the Attempt. Since she seems to have an Esteem for my Life, I'll endeavour to preserve it; for I cannot but prise what she esteems. These Words overbold, and dangerous to his Life, were overheard by those that guarded him; but being spoken in the British Tongue, were not understood. By their Captain's Command, he was carefully conducted into the Hold; where he had a Lodging assigned him, and Surgeons sent him, that searched his Wounds; which they found dangerous, but not mortal: They carefully dressed 'em, and left him unto his Rest.  
This rude Rabble, that violated all Laws, both Divine and human; yet obeyed their Superior, with a duteous Respect: His Commands were a Law, not to be examined or disputed by 'em, whether just or unjust; but fulfilled with all Obedience, and submitted unto without Repugnancy. So that it became a Law amongst 'em ( He himself spake it:) So there remained nothing behind, but to put it in speedy Execution.  
While things were thus stated, they would have tacked about again for the shore, to have received their expected Ransom for Orsamus; but there arose a cruel Tempest which convoyed them many Leagues from thence, into the main Ocean. The pirate also doubting that there might be some Vessel sent in pursuit of him, drew a small Compass forth his Pocket; and according to the Directions of that Compass, commanded his Men to steer a contrary Course. The Captain not so sorry for disappointing his Men of their Hopes, because he had an Opportunity to oblige Cynthia, with the Stayance of her supposed Brother; as also, to benefit himself, in making him the solicitor of his Love.  
Three days had passed, since this last Disaster befell. Cynthia: Mean time, Orsamus was carefully dressed, and officiously attended, and Cynthia served with much Caution, the Pirate never visiting her without Permission. On the fourth Day, he invited her to take a Walk upon the Deck of the Ship. It was about the time that Sol left watery Neptune's Bed, and newly darted his Rays upon the Face of the Waters. Neptune walked proudly along with his sweet burden, and Zephyrus gently courted their Sails, while the pretty Fishes made pleasant Pastime, sporting themselves in the Ocean.  
Cynthia accorded with his Desire; and kindly presenting him her Hand, they went both forth the cabin. But Oh, what a Mine of Beauties did the tell-tale Light present to his Sight, which Grief, and that dismal Place had detained from his Eye: For the Pain and Fear she suffered for Orsamus, by the Assurance of his Safety, was partly vanished away; so that the Beauty they had put to flight, was almost return'd back again to its usual Lustre; which this Pirate took some time to contemplate and admire. The Increase of her Beauty augmented his Passion; and those Sparks of Love and Pity, that lay hide before, began to blaze into a flamme, as by the Sequel will appear: For after she had sweetly complained unto him, of the detaining of her Freedom, and that, according to his Promise, he had not put her Brother to his Ransom; taking a Hint from these Words, he began as followeth.  
Madam( said he) would I set your Freedom to Sale, a Kingdom were too little to pay the Ransom. If your Brother's Liberty have been deferred, perhaps your Interest was the chief Occasion; when in some sort, to oblige you, I have neglected so great a Gain. For should I accord with you in this one thing, touching your Freedom, possibly I should devorce my Eyes from their dearest Object for ever. Madam, I love you, because 'tis impossible to see you, and be insensible. I have a Passion for you, that nothing can extinguish but Death: But 'tis legitimate, and may be owned by you without a Scruple, were your Condition equal to the Degree of a Princess. My Birth is not ignoble, although the Disasters of my Life have been uncommon; nor because I seem rustic, is my Condition so mean; since the King of Norway, a few days since, proffered me his Niece to Wife: Which, upon my Return to Norway, I did intend to accomplish; and had certainly effected it, had not your prodigious Beauty disappointed my Designs. And for your Liberty, How can you account it a Restraint, when your Jaylor is become your Slave, and your Guardians, your officious Servants? Abate but our Separation, and your Desires cannot name another thing, should meet my Refusal. If once I be so happy, to attain the shore of Norway, whither I intend, in a few days, to go, I'll spend the Residue of this wretched Life at your Feet, and never pass the Dangers of this uncertain Element any longer. Here he continued silent, leaving Cynthia in a Maze at the Discovery of his Passion; yet being obliged to reply, she return'd this Answer. Sir, your respective Usage could not give me more Satisfaction, than your unpleasant Discourse gives me Discontent, since you take away the Hopes of my Liberty, in denying my Ransom. Never think, by Constraint, to gain my Affection; nor by detaining my Liberty, to make me become kind. would I accord to your Will, yet I am at my Brother's Disposal; whom you disable, in denying him his Freedom. But never think, by such rude Ways, to force Love; for your Hopes will all fail you: For my Soul is free, although my Body be your Prisoner; and you shall find, I can die, when I cannot love. Saying this, she left him, and retired to her cabin.  
Mean while, the Pirate stood like one transformed with her Answer. Yet, not minding to despair for the first Repulse, when he had the Person in his Power: So that, recollecting his Spirits, he went immediately to give Orsamus a Visit; whose Wounds, by this time, were reasonable well recovered. After Salutations past, he began almost in the same Form, to reveal his Love, as he had done before to Cynthia; desiring him to be his Assistant to his Sister, who protested, never to dispose of her self, without his Consent; promising him, in recompense, to give him his Freedom; or if he would accompany him to Norway, ample Revenues, wherewithal to subsist during Life. These Offers in Civility must be suited with an agreeable Answer, although his Intentions roved far from the Matter. He promised him, if he would allow him the Freedom to visit his Sister, he would perform the utmost of his Endeavours, to procure his Content: That if his Felicity depended upon his Disposal, he would be no Obstruction to defer it: That seeing he had put him to his Choice, he had rather go to Norway with his Sister, than to return without her into his own Country. Thus he was forced to delude him with Hopes, so to detain him within the Bounds of Reason; since he did but entreat for that, which by force, he might take at pleasure.  
The Pirate was satisfied at the Freedom of his Discourse, giving the Physicians Order, when his Wounds would permit him, to let him have free Access to his Sisters Chamber, and Liberty of Conversation, at such times as he best pleased.  
This past, he left him unto his Rest; but his Transport was too great, to let him mind that necessary Minister of his Health: That which Cynthia had done for him, in preserving his Life, by adopting him with that happy Title of Brother; and lastly, not to dispose of her self without his Consent, was a fit Subject to exercise his Thoughts upon. Now her former Rigours were all vanished to his Memory, and he considered her only as his Benefactor, and Original of his Felicity. Oh!( quoth he, in a Rapture, to which this charming fair One had reduced him) If so rich a mine of Treasure be left to my Disposal, I shall grow too great a Miser, and become too covetous, ever to allow a Partner, or admit a Rival to my Happiness. O happy Orsamus, in the midst of thy Misfortunes! Oh, welcome Disasters, that have engaged my dearest Cynthia to pity me! O unkind Wounds, that detain me from paying my Adorations to so sweet an Object!  
He past away his time in such pleasing Transports, ever fancying the Idea of his fairest Cynthia before his Eyes, that all other Thoughts were hushed in Silence, and his Contentment seemed perfect in the height of his Satisfaction. Whether his Wounds received Addition from the Temperature and Quietness of his Mind, I cannot tell; but in two days time, he found himself in a Capacity to visit his dearest Physician. Which being made known unto the Pirate, the more to oblige Cynthia, he intended to present him unto her himself.  
'twas about the time that Phoebus had climbed unto his Mid-day height, and began to drive his Chariot to the Western Seas, when Orsamus accompanied him to Cynthia's cabin. They found her sitting in the most dismal part of the Room, very disconsolate, accompanied only with a mournful Silence. At their first Entrance, the Pirate saluted her in this manner: Madam( said he) Since the disconcealing of my Love has begotten your Disquiet, I have courted all Opportunities to dissipate your Resentments: Yet I fear, you will not welcome Happiness, because I bring it. rouse yourself from this melancholy Solitude, and let me once more behold the Horizon of my dearest Object clear from Clouds. See here, Madam, your Brother, by my careful Endeavours, in a Capacity to walk abroad, and give you a Visit. If this small Obligation can beget the least Esteem, to pled in my behalf, I am fully satisfied. But lest I should disturb your first Gratulations with my unseasonable Presence, I'll retire a while, and leave you alone. This said, with great Respect, he departed out of the cabin.  
Scarce had he given an Exit by his Absence, shutting the Door after him, but Orsamus, in a Transport, cast himself at Cynthia's Feet so hastily as she had neither time nor power to prevent him. But she, unwilling to let him remain in that Condition, presented him her Hand. Rise Orsamus( said she) this prostrate Action can scarce obtain its Pardon: Your Presence at this time, is not unwelcome, since it has quitted me of some Fears, that pre-possess'd me in your Absence, concerning your Welfare, and the Wounds you received lately in my Defence.  
Them Wounds( replied Orsamus) have been less cruel, than those I receive from your fair Eyes: They would admit of a Cure, but these daily augment, without hope of Remedy. O my dearest Princess! I die daily, and every Moment begets a new Death. If your Anger has prepared me a Condemnation, I will receive the fatal Doom from your Mouth, with a perfect and entire Obedience. Believe it, Orsamus( replied she) you will not obtain that so easily, as your Imagination flatters you; neither, perhaps, has my Severity proceeded from the same Cause, as your Opinion has taken it. No, no; I have not been insensible of your Love, nor regardless of your Merits; but have prized them both at their true value, in my Breast: And, bating the Interest and Obedience, a Father may claim of a Child, there is none, perhaps, amongst the Stock of Mankind, I could have preferred before Orsamus. Make hast to be well then, as soon as possible; and think not of dying, but remember, I bid you live. Vanquish your Malady, disperse those effeminate Passions, until a time more suitable: For if Heaven be so kind, to free us from the hands of this Pirate, I have some Hope still left unstrangl'd, that tells me, Heaven will not always let you be unhappy. More Satisfaction I cannot give you: Nor let not my Condition persuade you to presume to covet greater Advantages, lest you lose them you have already gained in my Esteem.  
Orsamus bowing his Head at this Discourse, with a profound Respect: Then, Madam,( replied he) I am not utterly lost, as my Fear constru'd it: For if my Princess vote me happy, I'll bid Defiance to Fortune's Malice; since she cannot, in all her Stock of Misfortunes, find one Obstruction to make me miserable. But, Madam, What shall this happy Wretch do, whose Life you have preserved with such Excess of Generosity? What Price shall he pay for the least of these divine Bounties? By a Fidelity( replied Cynthia) which I value above my Father's Crown; and by which, till Death, you may preserve that Affection, whereon you establish your Happiness. If that be the Means( replied Orsamus) I will be happy to my Tomb, and all the human Considerations shall not make me waver one Moment in my inviolable Loyalty; Honour, or what else we esteem most dear, or precious, shall all submit, as Trophies to my Love: Neither would I welcome a Happiness, that comes not from you, or for you. But, Madam( continued he, after a small Pause,) If I may have Licence to ask it, How shall we dispose of our Affairs in this Condition, whereinto Fortune hath blindly brought us? The happy Title of Brother, you have conferred on me, hath preserved my Life; and by your Bounty, I begin to prise it at its true Value; so that I can dare the worst Effects of Fate. But for you, my dear Princess, that you should be brought to these extremes, is that which galls my Heart with unexpressible Grief. My Misfortunes are become my chief Felicity, but I am too miserable in yours: You have raised me to the height of human Happiness; then Gratitude calls, that I should purchase your Content. Fortune, spite of her self, shall shortly give you ease, or put a Period to the Cause; since to expect her to be kind, is to involve ourselves into greater Dangers. Desperate Wounds must have desperate Cures: extremes must be thus served. When Bliss and Happiness be in danger of a Wrack; boldly to dare, is bravely to preserve it. Thou wretched Rival, Obstructer of my Bliss( continued he, with a Tone somewhat elevated) I'll give an Exit to thy Love and Life, though guarded with a thousand Swords; nothing shall secure thee from my Arm: If I fail in the Attempt, I shall part with this Satisfaction; I did endeavour your Quiet, though I could not effect it.  
O Sir!( quoth Cynthia, with a timorous Agitation of Spirit) do not, with such a rash Resolution, cast away your Life; but consider, that Stroke that ends your Days, gives a Period to mine. Oh, think, in the Custody of what Villains I shall be left; acquainted with nothing, but what is ill! Then Death may fly me; and that may be forced from me, I esteem far above my Life. I shall have none then to participate in my Sorrows, or revenge my Quarrel, when you are gone. Death, when all Hope is past, will not fail to relieve us: Why should we tempt our Ruin? Fortune is full of Vicissitudes; and being unkind so long a time, must at last be just: That Valour is unconquerable, to which Discretion is joined, when Wisdom directs it for the most Advantage. This Caution will be pardonable, when you remember, I intercede for Cynthia's Safety, in the Welfare of Orsamus. As yet, Respect seems to have the upper Hand in his Thoughts; let us not abuse it, to our own Destruction: In the mean time, seek to attempt nothing, but upon good mature Consideration in each other's Life. We may continue safe, and be good Companions in Adversity. Let your Carriage be circumspectly, that he may not suspect you for other than what you seem; so you may remain secure, whilst I rest firm guarded with my Innocency. Because he has made you the Agent of his Love, you may feed him with Hope; for 'twill be dangerous to lose those Advantages, he hopes from you. My Carriage unto him shall be followed by your Advice; and you may tell him, what your Wisdom and Reason accords to, is convenient; always reserving my Honour entire. And seeing, Orsamus, I repose my Honour in your Trust, look, you do not fail my Confidence. O, Madam!( replied Orsamus) That Life, which you set so high a Price on, is not worth the Care you take to preserve it; but it were no Life, were it not wholly at your Devotion; and being only yours, I shall be careful, not to cast that Life useless away, which is reserved wholly and entire for your Interest. Your Commands shall led me by the Hand; which I will execute, as far as weary Life will go. For your Honour; He that's entrusted with such a Treasure, and safeguards it not, let him live wretched, and detested die. 'twere a Sin( replied Cynthia) to doubt your Fidelity( taking more Kindness into her Eyes, than they expressed before) and the Continuance may not go unrewarded. 'tis not he that runs swiftest, and then faints; but he that continues to the End of the Race, that wins the prise. But let us leave this Discourse, for a Time more agreeable, and consider how to treat the Pirate at his Return, which will not be long. I'll show myself somewhat kinder, that he may conceive, you have prevailed something in his Behalf: And this Kindness, if my Expectations fail me not, shall purchase a Relation of his Life; which will, for a small time, free me from his Importunities, and in some sort, dissipate my Misfortunes, by the History of his Disasters; since we naturally find a Pleasure, in the Rehearsal of past Miseries. His Respect and Behaviour towards us, shows him to be more than what he seems; yet this odious Course makes him seem less than what he is: His Life, in my Apprehension, must be monstrous, that walks in a Way so uncommon.  
In such Discourse they passed away the small Time of the Pirate's Absence; but Fortune soon took Care, they should not surfeit of their Joys, by hastening his Return to the cabin. And having saluted Cynthia with much Respect, as his Mistress; and caressed Orsamus, as her Brother; he seated himself, to participate of their Discourse; which he apprehended, did tend to his Advantage.  
He was opening his Mouth to speak, when the fair Princess prevented him: And taking the Word, with an Air repleat; with a Grace and Behaviour, only peculiar to her self, she began her Discourse thus. Sir, your Kindness used to my Brother, is no small Obligation that I owe you; nor have you failed in your Purpose, when you made him your solicitor; since none can more persuade my Inclinations, or more freely dispose of me, than he: Yet he, I think, will not agree to force my Will to what is repugnant. If I must love, I would have a Subject worth my Affection:( Such may you be) if your Life have been regulated, and guided by that Rule formerly, as in this Time, since we have been your Prisoners. But the fairest Fruit is not always pleasant to the Taste; nor will a wise Merchant purchase Commodities, without a Trial. We may paint the Sun, but not his warm Influence; and the Fire, but not its Heat. With a small Trouble, you may ease me of this Doubt, in relating your Extraction and Birth, and the forepast Adventures of your Life. In according to my Request, may tend to your Advantage: To deny me so small an Obligation, will not profit you; since before I ll enforce my Affections, against my Inclinations for one I know not, I'll sand my Soul to enjoy her Liberty, in you upper Horizon.  
This bold Language of Cynthia put the Pirate to his Dumps; knowing the Relation of his Life would diminish the Esteem, they had already conceived for him: And should he give her a Denial, he began to fear her first Resolution: So that, for a small time, his Thoughts were upon the Rack, and he sate possessed with a deep Silence; but at last, recollecting himself, he made this Reply.  
Madam, cease these horrible Resolutions, for I find it impossible to disobey you: You shall be satisfied with a true Narration of the Disasters of a miserable Wretch, injured by Fortune, and pursued by Fate; the Relation of which, will set my Wounds bleeding afresh; yet, Madam, you shall be obeyed. Then prepare yourselves with Attention, to receive the Satisfaction you desire, whilst I entertain you with the tragic Story of my Life; which, if it cannot beget Love, it may produce Pity.  
When Orsamus and Cynthia had seated themselves with regard, in Expectation of his Discourse; after he had satisfied himself in some particular Niceties, and Scruples of his Discourse, with Sadness in his Looks and Actions, he began as followeth.  

The Tragical History of Almerin and Desdemona.  
IN the Mediterranean Sea, is situate an iceland, called Sicilia; renowned over the World, for the sweet lukewarmness of the Air, and Fertility of the Soil; extolled highly by famed, by that wonderful Mountain Aetna, there fixed; which being always, on the out-side, covered with Snow, yet, by a Sulphurous, or Brimstone-matter, doth continually burn within. Oftentimes the flamme mounting upwards, is so strong, it brings up with it burnt and scorching Stones, and pieces of hard Substances, which seems to be rent out of some Rock; to the great terror, and Danger of the Beholder. Report has not been idle, in proclaiming the known Rareties of this Isle; but above all, that so much famed City of Syracuse, twenty two Miles in Compass, walled about with three strong Walls, for their Strength and Security; watered with many sweet Springs, and Crystal rivulets; adorned with many brave Gardens, and pleasant arbours: the noble Buildings added to its Gallantry, whose lofty Towers and Turrets seemed to support the Skies; retaining a Majesty, and yielding a glorious show to the Eyes of the Beholders. It was the Mart-Town of the iceland, from whence Ships go out, and resort thither, to and from all Parts of the World; which mightily enriches the Inhabitants.  
'twas this City that gave me Being, although my Father had his Original out of Norway, a Kingdom far hence distant, towards the frozen North-Pole; his Inclinations being more to travail strange Countries, than to live a quiet Life in his own; when the one begets nothing but Effeminateness and Sloth, and the other produces Experience and Valour. So that, with his Father's Consent, he took his Journey; having well stored himself with Jewels and Money, Necessaries very needful for such a Voyage, in a few Years he ranged over the greatest part of Africa and Asia; where he saw the famous Cities of grand Cayro in Egypt, the City of Jerusalem in Palestina; where he did behold many rare Monuments, with the lofty Pyramids. Having passed through many large Dominions, at last, he arrived at 
byzantium.  Constantinople, the Imperial City of the graecian Empire. Here he spent some time; and at last, took Shipping there, to visit the Isles of the Mediterranean Sea; so that he came at last, to the famous iceland of Sicilia; where the Pleasantness both invited, and enticed his longer Stay and Abode.  
Where by strange Fortunes, and unheard of Chances, he was made known unto King Sancredus, who at that time, had his Residence in Syracuse; in whose Affection, in a small time, he gained so great Esteem, as he gave him his own Kinswoman in Marriage, enriched him with several Lordships, made him one of his Council, and Governor of the famous City of Syracuse.  
I was his only Son, and in this City I received both Life and Education. I lived with my Father in a Garb befiting a Prince, rather than a Governor's Son: All their Hope and Comfort they seemed to treasure up in me; no Cost seemed dear to 'em, and their best Performances came short of their Wills. Thus I continued, until I arrived to the Age of sixteen Years, and became capable to receive the Impression of Love.  
Small Time had passed away afterwards, before Fortune presented me an Object, to beget Love; and a Subject, wherewithal to continue it. For Fate had so decreed, that in a pleasant Garden belonging to the City, garnished with many private Walks, and adorned with many shady arbours; among which, I had chosen out one for Privacy, to retire myself from the scorching Heat of the Sun, which began to climb to his Mid-day height. Here it was, I went to seek Rest, and found Eternal Disquiet: For by the Bank of a little charet, which had a Thorough-fare, and many Turnings in t●e Garden, sate a most beautiful damsel, who had seated her self, as it were, to observe the decent gliding of the murmuring Stream. The Place where I had retired myself was so ordered by Nature, that I could see, yet remain unseen. I neglected no Time, but took a serious Observation of this fair Unknown: Her Years might be about Fourteen; her Stature, not very tall, but comely; her Face, the perfect Map of Beauty, fresh and blooming; where the Lilies, and the Roses, did seem to surpass in Glory what Dame Nature had ever framed, or Art had ever perfected: her Eyes like two resplendent Diamonds, cast a Lustre, able to enslave the most resolute Beholder. Each part was so amiable, and agreeable, that the most critical and curious surveyor could not find an Error in her whole Composure; each part sympathising in a sweet Harmony; over which, Nature had placed a Charm, which the most senseless and obdurate Hearts could not resist, but of necessity, must submit.  
Thus, Madam( said he, turning to Cynthia) and more fair you may imagine her to be, or think her like yourself, which seem to be the Master-piece of the Gods. And I vow to you, besides the fairest Desdemona( for so I learned afterwards, she was called) I never yet saw any Beauty, I might parallel, or compare with yours. I beholded her with Amazement; for never before did my Eyes behold any thing so lovely: Yet that Amazement was accompanied with a Transport, in beholding so rare a Creature, which brought forth a delicious Ravishment; and a Rapture of unusual Joys began to possess my Senses. So that then, and only then, I began to be wretched; and greedily began to devour that poison, I should have expelled. This fatal Minute was a Prologue to the Catastrophe of my Tragical Misfortunes. I fixed my Eyes on her Face, with a timorous Disturbance of my Spirit; when, raising her Voice, with a bewitching Harmony, and a sweet charming Melody, she chanted this Song.  

O happy Time, when Nature only swayed,  
And all did live in Innocency f●ee:  
When all did seem to rule, yet all obeyed,  
And e'ery one enjoyed his Liberty:  
When simplo Truth was thought the highest Skill;  
And so deceive a Friend, the greatest Ill.   

But all things pass, as they had never been;  
And Nature brings forth Monsters, that rebel.  
Deceit is termed Wit, and not a Sin:  
What once did Heaven seem, is now a Hell.  
Truth stands neglected, scofft at with Disgrace;  
And being dis-esteemed, hides her Face.   

Beauty is no Divinity, I see;  
As falsehood would make silly Souls believe:  
Truth says, it is a Map of Misery,  
That will the Owner suddenly deceive.  
And what, a Goddess, seems to us to day,  
Sickness, or Death, to morrow sweeps away.   

He which admireth Beauty, will confess,  
That 'tis attended with a fatal Charm;  
Which, if not waited op with good Success,  
'twill do the Owner, that enjoys it, harm.  
Riches and Beauty oft are made a prise,  
And robbed by such as call 'em Deities.   
Thus undescry'd, and unperceiv'd, I was conquered by this unknown Beauty; and at that fatal Hour, without Resistance, I became her Slave; and with an unwilling Willingness, resolved to wear her Chains.  
Thus I embraced a Passion, which since, hath proved fatal to my Quiet. Thus, like young Novices in War, that through Rashness, become resolute; and without Consideration, seem to out-face the greatest Dangers; not thinking on the Peril, their Indiscretion may purchase 'em: I embarked thus, in strange Seas, without a Pilot; and began to travail the most intricate and unknown Ways, without a Guide. I never knew what Love was, till now; therefore the Proceedings were Mysteries to me: Yet Nature was so kind, to suggest to me, that in the Affairs of Love, it was a Rule; Where first we receive a Wound, there to endeavour a Remedy: And as Heat extinguishes Heat, and gives present Remedy to the Pain; so a Return of Love gives sudden Ease to the Torment, and a perfect Cure to the Malady. Yet how to make my Addresses unto one, that till then, I never saw, or to talk of Love to her, both seemed gross: The first seemed too full of Confidence, and the other seemed to savour much of Impudence.  
But here Fortune supplied this Want, and at first, seemed to court me, but 'twas only to drill me into greater Miseries; for I no sooner saw her arise from the place where she sate, but I made towards her, from the Place and Covert, where I lay concealed; when, behold, this charming Beauty was surprised by an unknown Stranger; who, with Expressions of Joy, uttered these Words: Fortune, I defy thy further Malice; and dare my Fate, to make a second Relapse in my Desires. So that, by Force, in spite of her Resistance, taking her delicate Body rudely in his Arms, he began, with a more than ordinary place, to convey her to a neighbouring Thicket. My Eyes had never lest her, but were wholly employed, and fixed on this insolent Action, performed on so lovely a Creature. I needed no Solicitors, but her Cries and Innocency, to prepare me for a Revenge: And 'twas but a few Moments betwixt the Resolution, and the Execution; for with my utmost Diligence, I pursued him, by the same tract, I saw him pass. Such Expedition I made, that my hast out-went his Speed; and my Fury overtook him, before I had Time to consult with Reason: So that, without demanding any Questions, I ran him through the Body; and he, not having disburthen'd himself of his fair Prey, fell down, clasping her in his deadly Embraces. The first thing I did, was to free her from his Arms; which, with some Trouble, I performed. After I had set her at liberty from that Danger, and her frighted Spirits return'd to her again, she fell down at my Feet; and embracing my Knee, Sir( said she) this sudden and unexpected Assistance persuades me to esteem of you, as the Genius of my better Fortune, since you have, by a timely Redemption, preserved what is more precious to me, than that which we prise most dear. Seeing there's no Possibility of making Satisfaction, equal to the Obligation, take my Life in lieu for a small recompense; but continue still to preserve my Honour, which you have so bravely defended.  
Her Tears, and sweet charming Speeches, transformed me from my usual Temper; and I could not behold her in that mournful Posture, and distressed Condition, without participating in her Sorrows. So that, taking her up in my Arms, kissing her lovely Cheek, as it was bedewed with pearly Tears; returning her this Answer: Madam, I rejoice, that the Destinies 〈◇〉 made me so fortunate, in making me the happy Cause of preserving you. If I have obliged you in this Action, I have a Satisfaction, above what I could hope; and Fortune has been kind, above my Wishes; since few Minutes have passed, when I was to seek for such an Opportunity, to manifest my Affection. O Madam! Blame me not, when I reveal, I love you: And prove not cruel to one, that adores you. If you think, I have obliged you, Oh! pay it in Love, and I shall soon become the Debtor: And talk not of Death, when the Gods detest the Proposition; but think, lovely Creature, if so much Beauty can be without Pity, and yield no Redress to my Love! See, beauteous Lady, Death will be kinder than you, and yield a Remedy, when you deny it. This said( with an Action, wholly passionate) I set my Sword against my Breast; saying, Here, Madam, is that, will yield Relief in Necessity; and seeing I cannot live without your Love, I'll endeavour, in Death, to gain your Pity: And if my Love be become an Offence, this very Sword shall make Satisfaction, and destroy that Life that gave it Birth. She no sooner did behold this desperate Offer at my Life, but casting an Eye of Pity on my Rashness, Oh, hold( said she) that fatal Weapon, the cruel Disturber of my Quiet! And think, who ere you be, what an Error I must commit, in yielding to love one, that till this Moment, I never saw; and how I shall forget Paternal Duty, to give myself away, without their Knowledge. Consider what an Obligation will lye on you, when I rely upon your Promise of Fidelity, to preserve my Honour entire; and how the Gods will punish you, if you prove perjured. Once more meditate, on what Conditions I must love; and endeavour to recollect your wandring Thoughts, and you will soon perceive, what Folly it is, for any one to enter into Bonds, that may continue free, and at liberty.  
virtuous Lady( replied I) you wrong my Love, to think it base; and my Integrity, to imagine I may prove unconstant. No, no, Madam; your Charms are too strong, to be rivall'd by any o her Object; and my Affection too entire, to be deceived by any other Beauty, since I have beholded yours. Because you shall not be obliged to love one, you know not; and to esteem of one, that till this Minute, you never saw; to disperse these Doubts, Know, my Name is Almerin, the only Son of Artemidorus, Governor of this famous City of Syracuse: Never before unfortunate, if you prove pitiless, nor never before this time happy, if you become kind. If you rely on my Fidelity, nothing but Death shall make me unconstant; but my Affection shall always fl●urish: Nay, should Death itself endeavour to extinguish it, he might well divert it, but not destroy it; when the Remainders of those Sparks of Love, shall keep warm my Ashes in the Grave. If I ever endeavour to violate your Honour, or think to commit so great a Sacrilege on your virtues, let all the Gods rain down Vengeance on my Head, for my Disloyalty. Let the Heavens be Witnesses to what I promise; and with them, this innocent Grove shall witness, and give Evidence, that when I prove false to you, I may not prosper in what I esteem most dear; that my Pleasures may become Torments, and my chiefest Delights, Vexations. Evidence what I have said O ye Powers Divine! By all this, and by your fair self, I swear, a Divinity, too precious to be profaned.  
Oh, hold!( quoth she) Swear not by that: Cankers may eat that Flower on the Stalk; the Scratch of a Pin may soon deface it; Sickness and Mischance may soon ruin it; Age and Time are great Devourers of it: And when in these Cheeks and Lips, which you extol so high, shall not be left read enough, to blushy at Perjury, when you shall make it; What will become of me then?  
O Madam!( replied I) Cease these Doubts, and dissipate such needless Fears: The Sun shall as soon falter in his Career; the Stars drop from their Places, where they have of old been fixed; the Earth shall remove, Nature shall alter her Course, and all Impossibilities shall be performed; when I prove disloyal, and false in my Love.  
These Protestations did give her some Satisfaction; and prevailed so far with her, that she suffered me to enjoy the Privilege, to accompany her to her Parents House, which was within the City. When we came thither, she gave her Friends to understand the timely Assistance, I gave her; as also, my Birth and Quality, and Authority in the City. They no sooner received this Relation from their Daughter, but they bade me Welcome, and caressed me with the greatest Endearments. My Entertainment was extraordinary; but the Kindnesses bestowed on me, was not after the lofty Court-mode, but most familiarly, as if I had been a near Relation unto them; and gave me Thanks, in the most obliging Terms, for the Kindness conferred on their Daughter; which I could not receive, without a blushy. Here it was, I learned, his Name was Philaster, an aged Knight, that had lived there many Years; that his fair Daughter was his only Child, whose Name was Desdemona; in whom, the old Knight, and his Lady, did repose all their Comfort and Joy.  
In several Discourses, we passed away the Time, while Supper lasted; where the chiefest Delicates, I fed on, was Desdemona's Beauty: And indeed, 'twas she alone, made all things seem pleasant, where she came; and fet a Lustre on the greatest Enormities.  
Supper being ended, and the Evening far spent, I began to prepare for my Departure. After I had bade a farewell unto the old Knight, and his Lady, with many acknowledgements for the Civilities, I had received, I began to order myself, to take my Leave of the fairest Desdemona.  
We see by Experience, that the Fire that flames highest, trembles most: So is it in Love; He that loves much, fears most. In this manner did I approach her, with an inward Joy; yet that Joy was disturbed, by a timorous Fear. I accosted her in this manner: Fairest Desdemona, let not Absence beget a Neglect in my Love, but think of the Torments, I endure: And though Necessity enforces me to leave you; yet think, how all Places will seem a Hell, when you are absent; and that you bring a Heaven of Felicities, whenever your fair self doth appear. O Desdemona! I must leave you: Yet, shall I tell you; The poor Prisoner never went to Execution with more Reluctancy, than this cruel Parting seems to me; since I must leave all my Happiness with you, and go away, accompanied only with my Torments and Miseries! I had proceeded further, but I saw some attentive to understand what I said.  
Desdemona return'd me no Answer, but a blushy. And after I had, with an ecstasy, sealed a Kiss on her fair Hand, I took my Leave; yet not before the old Knight, and his Lady, desired me, that I would honour them so much, as to further oblige them, with my Visits. This compliment over, I was conducted, and accompanied by them all to the Door; where stood a Charoch, richly adorned, to convoy me to my Father's House. Here it was, I partend from them, and bade the first farewell to myself. I was no sooner arrived at my Father's House, but I was welcomed with the greatest Kindnesses that might be; my Presence diverting the Fears of any Dangers, that might befall me. They began to inquire, how I past away the Evening so late; but I had a Story ready, that gave them Satisfaction; yet did I keep my Adventure secret to myself. After a while, I gave them the goodnight, and betook myself to my Rest.  
But small Rest, Heaven knows, it was, I could take: My Fancy formed the Idea of fair Desdemona; and 'twas only them Thoughts, that did give a small Cessation to my Torments. If Morpheus had enticed me to a Slumber, immediately, her fair Figure would appear. Here it was, I did, with an ecstasy of Joy, go to embrace this fair Idea of my Misfortunes; when, behold, I clasped the brittle Air: And with my Sleep, would the fair Phantasm vanish. Oh, how willing have I been, to be deceived! And fearing I have dreamed, how fearful have I been to wake, lest Sense should rob me of so delightful a Vision, and take away the Felicity, I seemed then to enjoy! Oh, how often did I wish, I might expire in such pleasing Falshoods! Yet the Gods deemed me not so happy a Lot.  
In this sort, I past away the Time, thinking the Night exceeded its usual Length; exclaiming against Phoebus, for his sluggish Approach; and yet, when he did appear, how often have I wished his Absence! So that Night seemed a Vexation, and Day a Torment. Some two Days passed, and what for want of taking Sustenance in the Day, and for want of Rest in the Night, my Spirits began to decay, and my Body became sore weakened; my Colour faded away, and my youthful Vigour abated: So that, in a few Hours, I became only a Shadow of what I was, and an Emblem of what I had been. My careful Parents wondered at this sudden Alteration, and Change: The Physicians were sent for, but their Conjectures came far short of the Disease: Every one gave his judgement, as Fancy and Opinion gave them Birth; but all came short of the Symptoms of my Disease. My careful Parents never forsook my Pillow; seeking to search out the Cause of this Distemper, that so they might provide a Remedy.  
Perhaps you wonder, I did not reveal my Love to them at such a time, when there was a Possibility of having my Desires granted.  
Fairest Lady( said he, looking upon Cynthia) you will not marvel, nor have Occasion to blame me, when you understand, that about six Weeks before, I was betrothed, by my Parents Consent, to a fair damsel, named Artemesia, second Daughter to the Earl of Palermo. Indeed, I think, she was more noble than fair; yet her Beauty was not so mean, but it might have satisfied my Nicety, had I never beholded the bewitching Charms of fair Desdemona. 'twas to this fatal Marriage, I was destinated a Victim to my Parents Wills, not my Desires. I knew my Father to be a Man too passionate, and rash; firm in his Resolves, and not to be altered by Persuasions, in his Proceedings. Besides, this Marriage seemed to augment, and agree with his Ambition; and his being allied to so great a Lord, no mean Honour. He was obstinate in his Humours, nor could Reason make him reverse what he had decreed; but especially those, he imagined, did tend to further and advance his aspiring Ambition. These were such infallible Truths, as I well knew, by his Consent, would never be revoked. These were the unhappy Causes, that I did not reveal to them, the Affection I had for fair Desdemona.  
As from one extreme, doth issue a second, more dreadful than the first; so from this Fuel of Love, did proceed a burning Fever, more fearful and violent than the former. This was visible to the Eye of Nature; so that the Physicians, by their Skill and Industry, removed the Cause, before it could take any deep Effect; and performed the Cure, before ever the Disease had taken Root.  
As nothing continues always in one State and Condition, so my Distemper began to abate, and my weakened Body began to recover a little Strength; yet in my Mind I received no Comfort, since my dearest Physician was absent. Phoebus had scarce ran his Career thrice in this upper World, and lodged himself in the Western Ocean, but I left my Bed; and although I was extreme feeble, yet I did endeavour to walk: And the first small Journey I made, was secretly, and unseen, to the Habitation of my divine Desdemona. I had no sooner set my Face towards that part of the City, but mark the wonderful Effects of Love; although my Body was weak, yet, me-thought, in every Step I went towards her, I received new Strength; and went that in a few Minutes, might well have required a longer Time: So much did the pleasing Imagination, of seeing Desdemona, dissipate and divert all other Difficulties.  
When I was arrived, and entered the House, which did contain my adored Nymph, my Body became, as if it had been inspired with a new Soul: and well it might, since it was there alone, the Felicity and Content, which was the ecstasy and Rapture of my Soul, did reside. Which Imagination did beget a sweet Ravishment of Pleasures: So that the Want of what I had so long desired, had set the greater Value on what I then enjoyed.  
Such unthought of Alteration had my small Time of Sickness begotten on me, that none in the House could hardly guess, or discern, what I might be; but them Thoughts were silenced, when I revealed myself: So that they seemed to be possessed with Amazement, rather than with Unbelief. In a few Moments, all their Suspicions were vanished; so that I was entertained with their accustomed Kindnesses. In a few Moments, fair Desdemona did appear: and although she was forewarned by some in the House, of this sudden Change in me, yet, in her first Approach, she could not contain from Wonder. She bade me welcome, as a Deliverer, and not as a Lover; yet did her Eyes speak Pity to my Disasters; and them kind Looks seemed a sovereign Balsam, to expel the worst of Miseries. What shall I say? 'twas here, my Sickness took its Birth; and 'twas here, I had the only Remedy to expel it.  
After Dinner, the old Knight and his Lady, with fair Desdemona, that did attend 'em, invited me to take a Walk into a fair Garden, adjoining to their House, beautified with many shady arbours; where Nature was holpen by Art, to make the Work more exquisite: It was adorned with many pleasant Walks, intricate, and turning Labyrinthwise.  
But in the midst of the Garden, was a House of Pleasure situated, the fairest, for Workmanship, that ever I did behold: So that Nature grew envious, that Art should excel her; endeavouring, with fine shady Trees, and what sweet Summers Livery wears, to conceal it from the Eye of the Spectator; when the pretty Birds, that harbour in those Boughs, seem to across her Intents, with their melodious Notes; inviting the Eyes of the Beholder, not to pass by, and leave so rare a Work unseen, and unregarded.  
Into this Garden, the Masterpiece of Art and Nature, I accompanied them in their Walks. We had some Discourse, on different Subjects; which I think impertinent, and nothing relating to the Story of my Life. Thus having passed away some small time, Philaster and his Lady retired themselves into the House of Pleasure, before related, and left Desdemona only, to entertain me. This Opportunity, Fortune did now offer me, fell out above my Thoughts; and being unwilling to lose so fair a Time, as we walked along in the Alleys, I began this Discourse.  
Fairest Desdemona, I cannot tell, whether I should say, you are more kind, than cruel; or whether you are more fair, than I am miserable. See, my divine Lady; behold, I die alive: And what is more cruel, than a living Death? Cannot you pity one, that dies for your Love? Oh, pierce my Heart! It is the nobler way; and let me not live in such Torments, as do exceed the worst of Deaths.  
Sir( said she) I am not insensible to your Love, nor do I take any pleasure in your Torments: I would I could perform the one, as willingly as I can the other; you should not languish for a Remedy, if a Return of Love and Compassion can give you Ease. I can pity: If that be too low, I can grieve: If this will not do, think, Sir, in what Bands you are bound, not to violate my Honour. Oh! Seek not to ruin that, and command all things besides, I am able to perform.  
O Madam!( replied I) Heaven sand all those Punishments on my Head, I so lately did invocate, if I intend Dishonour to your Person. No, Madam; 'tis lawful Marriage, I desire: And what is more honourable? This way you may securely give a Cessation to my Torments, and not injure your Chastity. Oh! think, if you can pity, as you give me to understand, you can; be not cruel, to let me pine away with Sorrow, when you are the only Physician, can give a Remedy.  
I had scarce finished these last Words, but old Philaster, with his Lady, left the place, where they had remained this small Time of our Discourse; and their too sudden Approach, robbed me of Desdemona's Answer. So that we made towards them; and joining our Company and Discourse with theirs, we passed away the Residue of that Time we stayed afterwards in the Garden; Fortune not offering me, that Day, another Opportunity, where I might, with Secrecy, renew our foresaid Discourse. After a while, we left our Diversion; Philaster forsook the Garden, and we attended him in; where we spent the Remainder of that Day, which, my Imaginations  told me, did steal too swiftly away, since I forsook my dearest Happiness, and must be forced to part from my fairest Desdemona. Time, which in her Absence, did seem to have Leaden Feet, did now fly too swiftly away: So that the long-fear'd, unwish'd for Hour of parting approached, when I must take my leave, and be walking to my own Home. After Salutations past with the old Lady, I went and took my leave of my fairest Desdemona: And although my Desires were frustrated, and my Intentions prevented, of speaking unto her, by reason of her Parents being present; yet my Eyes and Countenance silently and secretly spoken the Language of my Heart; and, as far as I could conceive, I did not find, she had any Aversion for my Love; neither could I perceive in her Countenance and Looks, or in any of her Actions, she did bewray any Dislike to my Proceedings: But I found her, not like your lofty Dames, scornful and disdainful; but contrary, her Actions were not imperious, but composed wholly of Mildness, yet therewith wholly charming; sweeter than the blooming Rose, when the Morning Air swells its tender Bud: Innocent in her Carriage, as the harmless Dove, yet with a winning Majesty: So that she did privately undermine, as well as outwardly conquer the Hearts and Eyes of the Beholders.  
With this Hope of my good Fortune, I gave Philaster the goodnight, and return'd secretly home to my Father's; where they all wondered at my long Absence, yet glad to see me recovered so well; wondering from whence the Causes of so sudden a Sickness should arise, as also, at so unordinary a Recovery; both occasioned by two different Times of Absence: But leaving them to surmise on Conjectures, to learn out that which, as yet, they did not know, I went to my Chamber; where I past away the Night in a different manner, from what I had formerly done, my Hopes having now overcome my Despairs, and complied with all things that might jump with my Desires. In such pleasing Thoughts, the Hours past away; yet not so swift, but I could number them, and think them slow in going.  
Titan, by her Absence, gave warning of her Brother's Approach, and Phoebus had scarce saluted the Eastern Parts of the World, with his desired Presence, but I arose, and attired myself with a more than ordinary Curiosity; building many Hopes, in Expectation of what the following Day might bring forth, which now began to grow a little aged, and the Hour approached, wherein Visits are accustomed to be given; so that I took my way to Philaster's House. As my Visits became more common, I was esteemed a less Stranger, and my Entertainment was more familiar and friendly: So that after some Discourse of Use had past by Course, and the Sun, with his warm Beams, began to climb to his Meridian height, I requested the Favour of Philaster, that I might take the Privilege to pass some small Time away in his fair Garden. Which Request was no sooner desired, but it was as kindly granted; himself intending to accompany me; when, behold, just as we were entering the Garden, he was sent for by a Messenger, that informed him, that his Brother( who was an ancient Gentleman, whose Dwelling was about two Leagues from the City) did attend him, desiring some Conference with him, about earnest Occasions, that would not admit of Delay. After he had pleaded Necessity, as his Excuse, for his untimely Parting, craving my Pardon for his Incivility in leaving me alone, promising a speedy Return, he left me.  
Half an Hour had not past, since I entered the Garden, but I saw fair Desdemona; who, as I since have understood, was sent by her Father, to entertain me in his Absence, his Business falling out beyond his Expectations; and his Stayance being longer than he intended, was the Reason he sent Desdemona to accompany me. I made towards her with much Respect, and she accosted me with as kind a Reception, with such Innocency, as might seem to bring in compass the extravagant Thoughts of any but myself; for they yielded Fuel to my unbounded Desires, and every Action of hers became as oil to augment it, till it began to blaze into a flamme; which not extenuated, must needs consume in itself. After I had saluted her, we passed away some Time walking in the Alleys, and exchanged some Discourse, wherein I was so happy, to gain her Consent to be my Wife, so I could get her Parents Consent to seal it.  
Here it was, we betrothed ourselves each to other, and registered our Vows in Heaven, before the divine Deities. Here it was, I could not bound my Joys, and consequently, my Passion; so that I could not refrain from folding her delicate and tender Body in my Arms, giving and receiving many a sweet Kiss on her Ruby Lips. In this Rapture of Ravishment we spent the Time, till Sol, with his scorching Beams, forced us to retire into that pretty House of Pleasure( before-mentioned.) This proved a Defence against the Heat, and a Covert to act our Loves more securely. Here we did double our Kisses and Embraces, while the pretty Birds did seem to participate in my Happiness. These were innocent Pass-times; yet these enticed me to the guilty Possession of greater.  
Like a poor decayed Man, who would think himself happy in the Possession of a small Estate; which when he obtains, he rests not there, but is still aspiring to whatever is above him; and at last climbs to so great a height, that to continue is dangerous, and to fail is a most certain Ruin. This was a lively Similitude of my Condition, wherein I did then remain: Them Favours, she then conferred on me, could not yield Content and Satisfaction to my Desires, but served only to beget a Confidence to presume to purchase greater, and aspire to higher Felicities. So that from this familiar Conversation, I began to request the Fruition of that Love I then enjoyed; and following my Request with such entreaties and Importunities, with a Promise of a never failing Fidelity, urged by such strong persuasions, and resisted with such faint Denials, that I came to the yielding up of that Fort, which the greatest Kings might envy me the Conq●●st of, and enjoyed a Privilege, which the mi●●tiest of Men would have esteemed a Happ●●●●s: In the Enjoyment of which, Imperial Mon●rchs would have accounted it the highest Felicity: All which was wholly prostrated to my raging Passion, and lustful Desires. The Kisses, Embraces and Endearments, were almost numberless, we there exchanged; our Discourse much, yet treating wholly of our Loves, and fervent Affections of the Day of Marriage; when every Day should be such a Feast as this, and every Night beget a fresh Rivalry of Delights, that should never decay, but continue as immortal as our Souls that gave it Birth. Thus we spent our Time, in a Paradise of Pleasures; passing them few Minutes we stayed there, in such Felicity, as might well be termed, the chiefest Happiness of a Lover's Bliss.  
But the sweet blooming Rose is not plucked without a Thorn, nor the dearest Pleasure reaped without a Discontent: They are Honey in the Mouth, but gull in the Belly; sweet in the Taste, but bitter in the Digestion. Such was the Fruition and Enjoyment of my dearest Desdemona to me; a Moment of Happiness, attended by an Age of Sorrow: So that my Pleasure serves only to make my Calamity more mournful and doleful, and the Felicity I have lost, to make me, the Loser, more miserable and wretched.  
Hannibal, the brave African Conqueror, is praised, in that he ●●ew how to gain Victories; but discomm●●●ed, because he could not secure them: Losin● 〈◇〉 Indiscretion, what by Discretion he had ●o bravely gained. Such was my Misfortune: I knew how to purchase Happiness, but not to continue it. Such is the Folly of poor Mortals: One runs after Riches, and with great Care and Pains, obtains the Felicity of his Desires; which is soon forgotten in the Possession. Another follows Honour, as the Elixir of his Hopes, which soon fades in the Enjoyment. A third hunts after Beauty, as the elysian of his Content; which vanishes in the Fruition. Thus we play with Happiness, till it is lost unto us; and feed so greedily on our Pleasures, till being over-cloy'd, we lose our Hopes, and Sense of the Felicity we enjoy; and then too late we repent of our Ignorance and Folly, and prise the worth of that which is lost unto us, above the Esteem we had, when we did enjoy it.  
O fatal Emblem of my Misfortunes, and unfortunate Similitude of my Miseries! To prise too late the Jewel of my Soul, which I have lost by Forgetfulness and Neglect! Repentance comes too late; or if it did not, I could not expect a Pardon. O my dearest Desdemona! which seemest lovely in the Grave! Whose Remembrance must be sweet unto me, though thou liest forgotten in the Dust.  
Here the Sense of Grief put a Stop to his Discourse, while he fixed his Eyes carelessly on the Ground. Orsamus and Cynthia beholded each other with Amazement in their Looks, in Expectation of the Issue of his Discourse, which he ushered in with so sad a Prologue, and so mournful an Action and Gesture.  
By this time, Almerin had recollected his Thoughts; and raising his Eyes from the Ground, where, the time of his ecstasy, they had continued unmoved, and fixing them on Cynthia: Madam( said he) can you pardon this abrupt Failing in my Discourse, occasioned by a Transport of Grief, in the Remembrance of my former Felicities in the Relation I have already given you, compared with what I must now relate unto you? As Hunger makes the meanest Fare sweet and delicious to the Taste, so the Sense of Sorrow produces Felicity more lovely, and makes us prise every petty Happiness at its true Worth. Grief is like the Sun at its going down, which yields our Shadows in the Evening more great and monstrous than they are, which, when Day was in its Glory, did scarce appear. Like a Prospective-glass, which afar off yields the Object at an unusual bigness, which being removed to a nearer distance, we can hardly discern. Such( Madam) will be the residue of my Discourse; which will only serve as a mirror, to make my Loss seem more lonely, and the Griefs I now possess, more fearful and dreadful.  
But to defer your Expectations no longer, I'll go forward in my Discourse, and give you to understand, that after I had requited old Philaster's Hospitality and Kindness, with the Theft of his Daughter's Honour; and against the Vows I had made, by enticements and deceit, I had gotten the fairest Jewel in Desdemona's Ward-robe, we faw him and his Lady enter the Garden. With all Expedition we forsook our Delights, and descended down a private pair of Stairs, unseen of them, being shaded by the friendly Trees, which, the time of our Delights, seemed to stand as Watch-men to defend us; and now, as a screen to secure us. This Way we passed, lest they might suspect what indeed was true, and so prepared to meet 'em; and having passed some secret Alleys, we met 'em, as accidentally. Here we joined Company and Discourse with 'em, and passed away the residue of Time, till Dinner was brought in: Upon which, notice given, we left the Garden, and spent the Remainder of that Day all together, in several sorts of Diversion, till Night began to approach, and require my Absence; so that Necessity urged my Departure; and returning them many Thanks for their Civilities and Kindnesses, wherein I did stand obliged unto 'em, I took my Leave of Philaster and his Lady; and having saluted Desdemona, with a Promise of a sudden Return, to require her in Marriage of her Parents, according to my Vows in the Garden, I left her, and with her all my Joys.  
In my Way homeward, my Spirits began to grow dull and heavy, my Mind became sad and melancholy, I found myself fearful, yet knew no Cause I had to fear: On the sudden, three Drops of Blood destill'd from my Nose, a Hare thwarted my Way, and a Night-Raven came croaking, and with her dismal Note, hovered over my Head. This confirmed me in my Augury, that something ominous and fatal did attend me, yet I knew not from whence it could proceed. I had forgot to look up to Heaven, and consider I stood a Criminal there; but began to consider what might proceed from meaner and lower Causes; not considering, that Heaven makes all things, in this Ball of day, the Earth, serve as Punishments to the Wicked: Sometimes so strange and intricate his divine Working is, that the Punishment is bound up with the Pleasure; as it happened now with me.  
For I no sooner arrived at my Father's House, but I found him inquisitive, above his usual manner, to know where I had past away my Time these three Days past; my Absence having begotten a Suspicion in him, of what indeed was true; and my sudden Sickness, seconded with as quick a Recovery, did confirm him: So that seeing me well recovered, and almost in as good a State of Health, as when I first fell sick, he began his Discourse to me in this manner.  
Son( said he) your sudden Health canno● give me more Joy, than the extraordinary Causes give me Suspicion, lest in your Carriage, which hath been so reserved and shy to me, you should act any thing which should fall contrary to my Intentions and Desires. You know the Time will draw shortly near, when you must mary your contracted Bride, fair Artemesia; one which is as fortunate as fair, and as wise as fortunate: One, my Son, that will raise thee to a high Esteem of high Honours, which is the Mistress, young Gallants court. And by the Alliance of so great a Lord, we shall he made shotfree against the strongest Batteries of Fortune.  
This Discourse, so contrary to my Expectations and Desires, and so fatal to my Love, assured me of the doleful Presages of so unhappy a Beginning: So that these Fore-runners of my Misfortunes did portend and fore-tell some cruel Alteration, and sudden Change in my present Estate of Happiness. Reason could now tell me, though too late, that in all the Vicissitudes and Changes of Fortune, having once arrived at the chief Felicity we fix on, as our only Object, we fairly descend by those Steps, by which first we did ascend: Nay, Fortune is sometimes so cruel, as not to allow 'em that Leisure; but envying them the Felicity they have purchased, throws 'em down headlong from their Happiness, and cruelly breaks the Neck of their Hope. This taught me to know; nay more, to mistrust and fear, That from the Fruition of Desdemona's Beauty and Love, I should reap but a poor Harvest; and that my Promises would exceed my Incomes; not that I could think myself unfortunate in the Enjoyment of my Desdemona's Love, but contrary, I thought myself wretched in the many Stops, Dangers, Casualties, Fears and Accidents, which began to show themselves, as Obstructions, to hinder me from the Continuance of so sweet a Felicity. These things I traversed in my Thoughts; so that at last, I began to dare his utmost Anger, and resolved to stand the Charge of it, rather than conceal my Love; well knowing, if it were once revealed, I should be rid of the Fear that did always wait on the secret concealing of it.  
Having fixed on Thoughts as my last Resolves, putting myself in a Posture and Action, that might rather persuade his Pity than his Anger; Sir( said I) your Suspicions are not grounded amiss, if you suspect, I love; and if I be a Criminal in making it a Secret unto you, forgive and pardon me when I shall make you a real Confession. Yes, Sir, I do love; and with that Ardour and Affection, with that Constancy and Fidelity, as Death cannot divert my Inclinations: And should you make a Separation, or imagine an Alteration; Know, Sir, my Vows are registered in Heaven, with the divine Deities; which if you once endeavour to violate, expect the Punishments may attend your Endeavours. You may command my Life, since you gave it me; but not my Soul, it is a Gift of the Gods. Neither is my Love fixed on so mean an Object, but it may satisfy any Mind that is not ambitious.  
This Discourse, uttered with as much Boldness as Confidence, began to raise a Storm in my Father's Countenance; for the Form of his Visage began to over-cast with Frowns, and all his Actions became clouded over with Anger: So that, casting a frowning Look on me, enough to daunt me, had not my Love made me Proof against his Fury, and confident to sustain his utmost Charge.  
Villain( replied he) and shane to my Blood! Dare you justify and vindicate that which is contrary to my Intentions? Or can your Disobedience own what I have an Aversion against? Shall my Hopes be thwarted by your extravagant Youth, and my Purposes frustrated by your ill-plac'd Love? Curse on your wilful Obstinacy, which puts me into this unusual Passion; and your Boldness, that durst give me this Relation. Ungovern'd young Man! Can you think that giddy-headed Youth, subject to all Passions, and pliable to all Impressions, should better know how to govern his Passions, and direct his Actions, than his aged Sire? Can he better choose for his Good, than one that hath so often been acquainted and concerned with the Vicissitudes and Changes of this Nature? No, no, young Man; You yet want Experience, which is always the best School-master, and the Mistress of Understanding. Your Youth is unruly, and like a head-strong Horse, that will run himself on any Dangers, without he be surely curbed and restrained: So you grow bold and impudent; daring any Precipice, so you may possess your unbounded Desires. But know, I'll kerb you in from these Extravagancies, and restrain you from these wild wandring Thoughts: And if I have been too indulgent, for the future, you shall find me as severe. And so avoid my Sight, that by the Want of Duty, art become a Grief to my Eyes, and a Vexation to my Soul; and see that, at our next Meeting, you show not the least Aversion against your Marriage with Artemesia; but that you bound your Love and Desires in the Compass of my Will, and that you tread no strange Path, but that you reform and recollect yourself first, by taking your Rules from me; and not resolutely to run yourself headlong to Ruin, and me to Dishonour: But if you have any extravagant Love, destroy it whilst it is young in the Bud; and learn to forget it, before you come to the Knowledge of what it is. Return no Answer, to justify what I must condemn, but regulate your Ways and Life by my Directions; and having so sure a Guide, you cannot err, or go astray. But if you continue still obstinate and audacious in your Proceedings, you shall find, I'll dis-inherit you both of my Love and Estate, and make Account of you but as a Stranger, and a Rebel to my Blood.  
Having said this, he left me, and departed. But, alas! How can I describe to you the Grief that did seize on me at that time when Desdemona came to my Remembrance, and my Father's Cruelty was fresh in my Memory! Oh, how was I torn between Love and Duty! Now it was, that Love lead me in a Maze, so difficult and intricate, that my best Endeavours could not keep me from a Ruin. To go forward was dangerous, but to return backward did show more perilous.  
Like a poor Traveller in a desert Wilderderness, pursued by a fearful, hungry, leanjaw'd Beast, who, in most fearful manner, always follows him, to devour him: The poor Man thinks, by his strong travail, to avoid the evil Beast, that still follows him; but being quiter beaten out by long travail and Fear, he stands in a Maze; to go out of his Way is grievous, and to return back is present Death. Affrighted with his Danger, he endeavours by Craft( as his last Remedy) to deceive the Beast in his Pursuit. By Chance he espies a deep Pit by the Way-side, and a little below the Pits Brim grows a Twig; which the poor Man seeing, goes and takes hold of the Twig, thinking thereby to avoid the Beast: But then casting his Eyes down to the Bottom of the Pit, he sees a number of Serpents, Dragons, and other venomous Beasts, waiting for his Fall, to devour him; then casting his Eyes up, he sees the hungry lean-jaw'd Beast gnawing asunder the Twig that he holds by; whereby he is bearest of all Hope and Help, and left to his devouring Enemies.  
Such, Madam, was my desperate Condition: My sweetest Hopes began to leave me, horror and Despair began to possess me, and Fear razed out the Expectation of a more happy Change. This confirmed me in the ominous Presages that did befall me, in my Return homeward from my dearest Desdemona.  
How uncertain is Felicity, that is raised on an uncertain Foundation! It is as soon ras'd as raised, as soon destroyed as founded. Such was mine; who not two Hours before, did imagine, the Destinies could not work a Change in my Happiness, found now by Experience, the Mutability and Alteration of Earthly Felicities, in finding myself miserable, that in so small a Time before, esteemed myself happy above the Reach of Fortune.  
After I had well weighed and considered all the Difficulties on either side, that might befall me, I resolved at last, that my Love should reign supreme, and remain entire to fair Desdemona; but yet withal, that I would show a yielding Consent to my Father's Will, in my Marriage with Artemesia; and like to watermen, that row one Way, and look another, yet bring the Boat to the desired Place; so I did endeavour by this Policy, seemingly to accord with my Father's Desires, when my Inclinations roved a contrary Course; and whilst openly I did comply with him, inwardly I might procure my own Content; flattering myself, that as Fortune had made so sudden a Change in my Happiness, in some small Time she might beget as great an Alteration in my Misfortunes, and at last bring me to the Period of my Desires: Of which, though I had small Cause to hope, yet I did not wholly despair, since I did daily behold as great Mutations and Chances happen.  
I did further resolve, not to acquaint Desdemona with my Father's Resolutions lest it might beget her Discontent; which would more disturb my own Quiet. My Intentions now were quiter altered, and I began to repent my foolish Rashness, in revealing what I should have kept secret. But now I did intend to conceal my Passion for the future, since I ●ad only given Manifestation of my Love, and not of the Person beloved; which I did expound, as one happy Presage of my more fortunate Proceedings. This Way I had fixed on, since I had no other wherein I might walk with more Security. Nor did my Hopes altogether fail me; for by my crafty wil●ss, the next time I accosted my Father, I had set so strange a Face on my former Proceedings, showing myself so dutiful and pliant to all his Intents and Purposes, as begot Wonder in him when he did behold it. He questioned of me, who this Object might be, to whom I did show so great, and seem to have so firm an Affection not long since, which now I did seem to slight, and coldly to neglect?  
I understood very well the Subtileness and Craft he used, and how, like myself, his Actions were working one Way, and his Desires another; but both agreeing to entrap me in my dearest Secrets. But Old Birds are not caught with Chaff; for he could not so closely work his mine to deceive me, but I as privately made my Counter-myne to blow him up: Which I performed in this manner.  
Sir( replied I) you were too passionate in your last Discourse; and what I proposed only to try your Inclinations, how you would have allowed of a Change, if I could have admitted of an Alteration; this you took to be a Verity, and too severely rebuked me for what was only a Fiction; not allowing me one Moment of Time, wherein I might disabuse you in your Error, and ask you Pardon for my overconfident Presumption, in raising so great a Tempest from so small a Cause. Sir, let this satisfy you, that what I did then deliver unto you, was all falsehood; and that I have not, nor never will fix my Affections, without your Approbation and Allowance.  
This Compliance to his Will, so contrary to his Expectations, began to work Wonders in his Mind, when my Artifice had persuaded him, that all my former Discourses and Protestations were mere Deceit: So that instead of continuing so fierce in his Proceedings, he became more mildred; his Choler abated, he left accusing me, and began to excuse himself. I took hold of this Opportunity, aggravating his Mistake, yet by all Ways wherein any likelihood did appear, exempting myself from Blame. And so far did I insinuate myself into his Soul, of my Innocence in the Cause that he suspected me, that my Deceit became approved Verities, and what I could relate in my Defence, received as undoubted Truths: So that I think he never partend from me with a greater show of Love and Satisfaction, than at this time.  
By this you may guess at the over-credulous Belief of Old Age, which is most subject and prove to believe each senseless Story, and Wonder at what is related, although the Sense many times comes far short of Truth, because his Years have been Spectators of Alterations and Accidents as strange; so that he believes what he doth not see, and perhaps never was done, by the Example of some things strange and rare, which in former time he hath seen. So willing are they to believe impossibilities, wherein we see small likelihood of Truth. But if such will so soon be traduced, and drawn to believe Falshoods, how easily will they be brought to embrace a Fiction, adorned in the Robes of Truth; such an one as may jump with their Desires and Wishes! For we all find ourselves apt and ready enough to be deceived, and with Eagerness hug the deceit, when it sweetly holds Correspondency with our Hopes; the Lustre of which blinds us from seeing the falsehood, or else, like a jealous Husband, we fear to discover what we would not know; when the Knowledge of that revealed, may destroy the Happiness we enjoy, and consequently, bring the Disquiet and Displeasure that we fear.  
Whether this occasioned my Father's Enquiry to cease, I cannot tell; but I well know, I deceived him in his own Craft, and overwrought him in his own Device. Neither did I in Words alone confirm him in his Belief, but manifested the same in my Carriage and Actions; so that a Week or ten Days passed in this manner, before I did offer in the least to absent myself from my Father's House. After which time, I did secretly and privately many times visit and converse with my lovely Desdemona, but I made my Visits much shorter; which was soon perceived and taken notice of by Desdemona, who urged a Consummation of our Marriage; fearing, as indeed afterwards it happened, that some unhappy Obstruction might defer it. I comforted her amid these Fears; with my Promise of Loyalty, and with my best Endeavours to procure my Father's Consent; which if I should fail of, I firmly engaged to perform all the Rites of Marriage at the End of one Months time, from thence next ensuing. With this Promise she remained satisfied, and in her Satisfaction I restend highly contented. We agreed, lest my often Resort should beget Jealousies of that which as yet her Parents had no Mistrust, that by a secret Way into the Garden I should have Access, at certain Times, when I might securely enter: Which to perform, either we appointed a Time at our Parting, or else by a certain Token of a Handkerchief, that gave me Assurance I might securely pass.  
By such secret and unmistrusted Paths, I oftentimes visited my dearest Lady; who received me with as kind Endearments, and sweet Embracements; where I oftentimes enjoyed without Control, the happy Felicity and Fruition of her Love. But what Man is possessed of a mine of Wealth, which doth not bring with it Cares and Dangers? As the Bee carries Honey in her Mouth, but a Sting in her Tail; so unlawful Pleasures seem Heaven in the Performance, but Hell in the Continuance.  
In these bitter Sweets, and stolen Pleasures, some three Months had passed since I first saw Desdemona, and almost one since I made her the last Promise of Wedlock. Now the Time began to draw near, to confirm by Marriage what I had already performed by Contract with Artemesia; and now, alas! my dearest Desdemona found her self conceived, and quick with Child. In neglecting the first, I was certain to procure my Father's Displeasure; but in the latter, before Gods and Men, I could not quit myself of grievous Ingratitude. In the first, my Ignorance might excuse me; but to the latter, I could pled no Excuse, since my Vows to Desdemona proceeded from my very Soul, and no doubt, had pierced the Gates of Heaven; when my Contract with Artemesia was performed only of Course, and in Satisfaction of my Father's Humour, and not for any Inclination or Love on my part. So I resolved to continue firm and constant to Desdemona, and procure my own Content, in hazarding my Father's Displeasure, rather than to satisfy his Ambition with my own Torment.  
Had I continued here, I had stood firm; but the bias of Fortune is too feeble for a Man to stand secure on, and too much moving to continue constant; and the Mind of Man is as various, as Fortune is fickle and unconstant. As well may a Man build a spacious Castle on the Ocean, or a strong walled City in the Air, as seek to ground a Foundation, or raise a Building on a weak Resolution.  
This, Madam, you will see verified in me; for the Time approached in sight, wherein I must be married to Artemesia, but not the least Remembrance was given me by my Father, for a Preparation; so that I began to bury the Thoughts of it in Forgetfulness, thinking some Difference had lately happened between my Father and Artemesia's Parents: So that I began to account myself secure as to that.  
But a Change of Fortune soon put me out of that Mind; for one Morning, when I did least suspect such Deceit, my Father desired me to array myself in my best Attire, and wait on him to the great Temple of the City. This I performed with great Willingness, not mistrusting that any Deceit or Treachery had lain hide in his Request: So that I ran headlong to my Ruin; and before I could sound the Depth of his Plot, I found myself Ship-wreck'd on a Rock. I was no sooner ready, but I attended him to Church, only accompanied with my Mother, who was of his Confederacy. We soon arrived at the Temple, yet with more hast than good Speed; for I was no sooner entered, but to my Amazement, I saw the Earl of Palermo, with his Daughter Artemesia, with all his and my Father's Friends attending him, richly attired, and nobly accompanied; and the Priest standing ready to join our Hands. They all came to receive and welcome me with much Respect, but my Amazement would not let me receive their Kindnesses with Endearments and Behaviour, as I ought to have done; for it was such a strange, unexpected and unacceptable Sight, that I could not suddenly recover from my Astonishment; rather thinking it to be a Dream, or a Fiction, or any thing but what indeed it was.  
My Father came and roused me from this Trance: Son( said he) wonder not at what you see; but recollect yourself, and embrace your Fortune. surprises in Love make them of greater value: And this Business was managed by me, that a Blessing that falls on you unlooked for, might be by you more prized and esteemed. Cease your Marvel then, and accost those Friends with Respect, that are ready to receive you.  
His Discourse being ended, and all the Company having drawn themselves together, to hear my Reply; You bid me dissipate my Amazement( said I) but my Wonder grows greater. I must confess, Artemesia is a Fortune above my Hopes, or Deserts; yet such an one as I cannot with Safety possess, nor welcome it with Content; lest by enjoying such a Happiness, I should enforce the Heavenly Deities to make her wretched and miserable for my sake. For to put you out of Doubt, know, I am betrothed already to one that is as virtuous as fair; with whom I have tied such an inviolable Knot, that 'tis past the Art of Man to unloose it, without provoking the Gods to a Revenge: There's no Promise, but I have made it; no Protestation, but I have performed it; no Ceremony, but I have signed it; nor is their any Obligation or Vow, but I have sealed it. Our Loves are entire; and Heaven is our Witness and Evidence, that there rests nothing but this outward Ceremony, to make us One: Heaven hath joined our Hearts; this can only join our Hands. In this, Reason will tell you, I have shown no Disobedience; since, as I lately  told you, Heaven gave me a Soul, and 'tis only that I have disposed of, with its Consent: My Body is yet free, which you gave me; but it may as well survive without a Soul, as revoke the Vows I have lately made. My Affection is so entire, that if all things admit of Change, it cannot be subject to Alteration: And should Death itself approach, I should continue firm in the Grave.  
I had continued my Discourse, but my Father hastily interrupting me, drew his Sword, and presenting it against my Breast, Die then, rebellious Villain( said he;) and enjoy the Fruits of your Affection in the Dust. This Action was no sooner taken notice of by Artemesia, but she freed her self from her Father; and casting her self before my Father's Weapon, Hold( said she) barbarous and unnatural Man, and pierce this Breast; 'twill show less horrid and inhuman. This unexpected Action, with his Friends persuasions and entreaties, made him sheathe his Sword, whilst a Salamander did seem to live in his Eyes, which shot forth Fire, like a murdering Cannon, that lightens e'er it smokes. Wicked Wretch,( said he) I disown thee from this Hour, from being my Son, and revoke all Ties and Privileges that Love or Nature have given thee: I dis-inherit thee of all; and do not dare, from this Minute, to assume the Confidence to appear in my Presence, as thou tender'st thy Life and Safety. Having said this in a chafing Rage, he left me, taking his Walk into the cloisters of the Temple.  
Now, Madam( continued he) suffer me to dilate, and in some sort to express, how the Scope of my Misfortunes received their main Original. Hitherto I only brought Fuel, my Father set it on fire; and by his passionate Rashness, occasioned the mournful Tragedy of this ensuing Story, which I fear, will force Tears from your fair Eyes. For as from one small Spark a great and furious flamme will arise, so from Excess of Passion proceeds uncommon Causes, and strange Effects: For if Nature derogate from its usual Course, no wonder then if it degenerate, and bring forth Monsters. Unhappy is that Man, where Passion reigns supreme; it is destructive to himself and others. The Mind is subject to many Passions, but this most hateful: 'tis like the Fern-Seed, that Men say, buds, blossoms, ripens and shatters, all within an Hour; for what Anger invents, Passion puts into immediate Execution. So Alexander slay his dear Friend, for whom afterwards he bitterly repented: And so a Father had almost become the murderer of his own Son. Any thing in the Use, becomes a second Nature; so doth Passion, where it gains Precedency; 'tis like the Sea raging beyond its Bounds, disturbed by the boisterous Winds. How hard and intricate was the Way I had to go, and how difficult the Choice I had to make! both seemed deadly, and therefore either of 'em fearful. 'tis a great Over-sight in Parents, by their Authority, to procure their Children's Ruin; when to obey 'em, they'll enforce 'em to prove perjured to the Deities; and so by making 'em their Friends, make the Host of Heaven their Enemies; and by giving 'em Content, become their own Disturbers: But sure, the Fault of disobeying Parents in things of this nature, might have been excusable; and there might not have been so much Difficulty in the Choice, if I had prized Eternal Happiness above a Moments Anger. But, alas, alas! Who can retreat, that is predestinated to Destruction?  
Age should be a Pattern for Youth to walk by, Reason should be its Guide; that Reason, being refined by Experience, should be a Helm to direct wild wandring Youth; for Passion is peculiar to Youth, so should Wisdom and Gravity be to Age. Let all Men shun Anger and Passion, as they would shun a Serpent that would devour 'em: It never brings Content, but always begets new Aggravations of Folly; 'twill disturb their whole Body and Frame, asleep or awake: Indeed it will. To give you a small Description of Passion, and what it represents: 'tis like a dry pitchy Matter, which as soon as fired, grows into a flamme. Like a boisterous Tempest to the master, or like an Arrow let fly from the incensed Enemy. He which entertains Passion, makes much of his own Destruction, when his Passions become his Masters; and what was only entertained as a Guest, begins to take free Possession: Then he becomes like an unskilful Conjurer, that having raised a Spirit, knows not how to lay it again without Danger; so passionate Men perform that in Fury and Rashness, which they wish undone, when Reason takes place; repenting of what they have performed out of Passion, and cannot remedy or amend at leisure.  
But to leave off this Discourse, in which I fear I have detained you too long, I'll go forward with my Story. Understand then, my Father was no sooner partend, and gone away, but poor Artemesia received a Check from her Parents and Kindred, for her too much Diligence and Care in preserving me, who did slight and neglect her; and that it had rather pertain'd to my Friends, to have interceded, and diverted the Blow, than her self.  
My Mother, with all my Relations, came and importuned me, not to continue so obstinate, with entreaties and persuasions, urging the Danger I cast myself into, by bringing on my Head my Father's Displeasure and Curse. Then to complete and finish what they had begun, they bring the Priest; who begins me this Discourse.  
Son( said he) the Romans did punish Disobedience in their Children with Death; so your Father had almost committed a Tragedy on you with his own Hands. Obstinacy in a Child is like Rebellion in a Subject, which always sounds horrid and notorious, let the Occasion be never so just. I will not now debate the Justness of your Contract with the second Lady, but in my judgement, the first with Artemesia should have Precedency; being acknowledged by yourself, and allowed by your Parents; and therefore must needs be of greater Force and Authority, than the latter. In saying this, I have given you my Opinion; but now I will give you my Counsel: I must agree with your Friends, to persuade you, that you would not continue so wilful in your Determination, but yield Obedience to your Father's Will: Whatsoever obstructs it, is of no force, if it hinder a Compliance with your Duty. Consider, when a Man is enraged, what he is liable to perform; as in this dreadful Example. Cease then any further Provocations, and comply with your Father's Desires; since that way you may walk securely, when the other cannot be gone without Danger; and doubt not but I will pacify all this Stir, and quell all this Disturbance. I would have replied, but so many did importune me, that I had not Time to answer, or repel their Temptings; but being vanquished by my Mother's Tears, and their entreaties, I agreed to undo myself, to humour them.  
I was hitherto miserable, but I was more wretched in being beloved by Artemesia; for if her Love and Affection had not been so great, there might have been Hope, that my Coldness might have begot an Aversion in her towards me. But like a Merchant o'er-charg'd with Debt, when he begins to fall, all things agree to ruin him; so that he only knows then to be wretched; and them from whom he hopes and expects for Relief, most times conspire and agree to his Ruin. And as the Persians adore the Rising Sun, and curse it again e'er the Day be half spent; so Fortune seems to court the Man that flourishes in Prosperity, and scornfully neglects him when he falls into Adversity.  
This was the last Blow, and I utterly undone: For upon Notice given of my Consent, my Father return'd, with Artemesia and the Earl of Palermo, her Father; where in the midst of a great Throng of People, which this Disturbance had brought together, the Priest joined our Hands, the usual Ceremonies were performed with great State; which being once ended, I was attended by my Friends, with a very great Company, to my Father's House; where with Revels, music, Masking, Dancing and Feasting, they passed away the Residue of that Day; and the Night approached, when my Father, with the Earl of Palermo, conducted us to our Lodging; where they left us, as they imagined, to make a new Banquet of Pleasures. But they were no sooner departed out of the Chamber, but taking her by the Hand, Madam( said I) this Body which you have so virtuously preserved, is but a poor recompense, in Consideration of the Danger you under-went for my sake; and I fear, you will soon grow weary of what lately you did seem to have an Esteem for, since I am become a burden and Torment to myself, and by Consequence, in the Use, may prove so to you. O Artemesia! Thou enjoyest this wretched and miserable part of me, the Body, when my Soul is bestowed elsewhere: Thou hast only the Shadow of what I am, when another enjoys the Substance: Thou hast only Leaves, when another gathers the Fruit. How for your sake only, could I wish, Love were no mathematic Point, but would admit of Division; that in some sort, I might quit the Obligation that I owe you! O cruel Parents! You are too unkind, to procure my Discontent, and give no Medicine to dissipate it.  
Poor Artemesia stood dissolved in Tears at my Discourse; and although the Continuance of my Disasters made my Misfortunes become an Use, so to grow senseless of my Sorrows, yet I could not continue insensible of her Miseries, nor refrain participating in them Griefs, which had their Original from me; and although I could not love, yet I could be pitiful: So that clasping her in my Arms, oftentimes kissing her, Come to Bed, my Love( said I) and let us see, if the Night can yield us as great Felicities, as the Day has begotten us Miseries.  
Oh, how was I wreck'd by my Conscience that ensuing Night, which presented my Ingratitude in lively Colours! The Day approached, but to no other End, but to renew my Miseries, and make my Perfidiousness seem the greater. Artemesia, with her kind and sweet Speeches, and lovely Behaviour, did endeavour to divert these melancholy Discontents: And this seemed as another Dagger to pierce my Breast, since I could make no Return for such a mine of Love. However, I carried myself to the Eyes of all Beholders, contrary to my usual Behaviour; yet to my Wife I would give no Occasion to despair, lest she might find the Calamities she had fallen in too soon.  
Two Days had passed away since my Marriage with Artemesia, and the third approached, wherein I had given my Faith to mary Desdemona. The Remembrance wrought so strongly on my Affections, that I intended to writ and excuse myself; lest she might think, by my Neglect, I performed that willingly, that I was enforced to do by Necessity: So that taking Pen and Ink, I wrote as followeth.  
Almerin to Desdemona.  
My dearest Joy;  
IF Necessity might be permitted to pled my Excuse, I might hope for Pardon; but I know myself too great a Criminal, to pled, Not guilty. I am condemned already, before Sentence is pronounced by your fair self; and I find my Faults too notorious, to hope a Reprieve: Yet should you consider my Cause judiciously, you would pity where you would not forgive. To hold you no longer in suspense, I must relate what indeed you least expect to hear; which, when known, you will wish it had still been kept a Secret. My dearest Love, I am married; and that Word will acquaint thee, I am wedded to my own Ruin. I will not go about to diminish or lessen my Fault, though I might pled some Excuse; but I will rather accuse myself, and aggravate my Crime; for of two Evils, the least is to be chosen, and I have chosen the greatest: I have wilfully sought my own Destruction, when I might have shunned it: And who will pity a Spend-thrift, that willingly makes himself a Bankrupt? I ought to have been constant to thee, and fronted my Father's utmost Displeasure; nor should Anger, Loss of Estate, or that which is more precious, Life itself, have induced me to court my Ruin: But like an unskilful Gamester, that has lost his whole Estate at one Cast, sits down and repents of that which his Wisdom might have prevented; so I repent of my own Folly, and lament what is irrecoverable. I have nothing now to do, but despair; for all Happiness is vanished as to me, and my future Joys are fled away with my Hopes. There is not the dearest Good on Earth, I would entertain or welcome for a Happiness, now I have lost the Felicity of being yours, since all other Happinesses are summed up in that one. My Folly has been my Torment, and my Chastisement shall be equal to my Folly. But, my best Love, seeing my Ingratitude and Perfidiousness is such, that I cannot expect Forgiveness, yet let me carry this Comfort to my Grave, That you did not hate me, and I shall rest quietly in the Dust.  
Almerin.  
I sent this Letter by one that did attend me, of whom I had had often Trial of his Secrecy and Fidelity. To him I revealed all the Particulars which had happened to Desdemona and myself, and of the Continuance of our Loves. It is some Comfort in our Miseries, when we have a Partner in our Sorrows, one that will participate in our Griefs, and to whom with Confidence, we may reveal our closest Secrets. Such an one was this Man, whose Name ought not to be concealed in this Story: Fidelio was his Name, and it well suited with his Nature. I gave him Directions to the Garden-Gate, with a Charge to remain there, till he saw Desdemona enter; with a Description of her Person, and an Excuse in his Mouth in my behalf. Away he went, to execute what I had commanded him, whilst I, with an earnest Expectation, waited his Return. The Day began to grow aged, and Night, with her sable Mantle, began to appear▪ when like a careful Watchman, and true Sentinel, I expected to be relieved: Like a poor Offender, uncondemned, wishes earnestly to know the worst of his Condition; so with a Desire like his, I carefully attended my Sentence from my fairest Desdemona. Fidelio long expected, at last carefully returned: I no sooner saw him, but I endeavoured to red my Destiny in his Looks; but I beholded there a sad Omen to attend me. Yet with an earnest Desire, accompanied with many timorous and suspicious Apprehensions, I thus bespoke him. Fidelio, dost thou intend to make me linger away in Expectation and Silence with that, which being revealed, will kill as soon as known? What is Desdemona's Sentence? Be it Happiness or Misery, Joy or Sorrow, Life or Death; nothing can be bitter or harsh that she commands, but I shall be all Obedience. Like all Men, I am loth to suspect where I love; yet it is not without Pain, I expect your Answer. I am earnest you should reveal what perhaps I would not know; yet I would fain know the worst, that I might be freed from the Fear of worse to come.  
He return'd me no Answer, but drawing a Letter forth his Bosom, Sir( said he) here is that will give you a better Account of your Fortune, than myself; peruse that: After which, I will give you a Relation of all the particular Passages have happened, and fallen out, in this small time of Absence.  
I had no Leisure for a Reply, but kissing the Letter, I hastily opened it, and carefully red these Lines; which while I live, I shall retain, and keep in Memory.  
Desdemona to Almerin.  
Perfidious Man!  
IF I had prized my own Felicity before your Content, I had been as happy as I am now miserable. It grieves me more than my Misfortunes, to see one whom I did esteem as dear as myself, become spotted with that heinous and infamous Sin of Ingratitude, to triumph in the Ruins of a Maid, which did prise you above her Life. I should not have believed it, but I see it confirmed by your own Hand, that your Breast, where I reposed my Life and Honour could harbour any Deceit or falsehood. Barbarous and cruel Man! would you make Necessity an Excuse for your Infidelity, and your Accusations of yourself a salue for my Misery? No such Medicine will cure my Disasters, neither will such Balsam repair the Wounds of my Honour: Both were violated by yourself, but you have now made yourself incapable of such a Restitution, as might perfect the Cure; the Remedy is become as dangerous as the Disease, and both are become hopeless of a Cure. I could accuse you for betraying me. There may be Hopes of conquering and overcoming Difficulties, but there can be none in expecting Impossibilities. It is too late now to exclaim against you, because the Storm is already fallen; so that it is past your Skill, and above your Art to divert it. Your being become your own Accuser, hath quitted me of that Pain; and your Evidence you have given against yourself, has saved me the Labour of convicting you; but it will not quit me of complaining against you, and calling you pitiless: Cruel to yourself, in the Misfortunes of this innocent Babe, the burden of my Womb; and pitiless to me, the unfortunate Mother. O Almerin! If you had studied Fidelity and Constancy, as much as you have Deceit and falsehood, I had not been thus miserable, nor you so wretched as you would make me believe you are. You sue for Pardon; it is no hard matter to have it granted from one that cannot hate you, and in spite of her self, must still love you. I wish the Gods would forget the Vows and Invocations you have registered with 'em, as willingly as I forgive you: But I fear some heavy Curse and Summons is issued out against you, for your sacrilegious Violation of their Deities; which I pray Heaven to divert. If my Blood would make Satisfaction and Atonement for your Crimes, I should willingly sacrifice it for your Offences; that as in my Life, so in Death, I might continue yours more than my Own.  
Desdemona.  
These Words, like Darts, wounded my very Soul; each Line agreeing to make me more miserable and guilty, than before I could imagine myself to be. Her innocent Sweetness made my Infidelity appear more horrid and notorious. Fidelio, to make me more monstrous, and to perfect the Grievousness of my Crimes, at my Request, related these few Particulars.  
Sir ( said he) according to your Order and Directions, I stayed at the Garden-Gate some time, but it was not long before I saw Desdemona enter, and with her Presence, like another Sun, did enliven, and at one time dazzle the Eyes of the Beholders: Her Attire was negligent and careless, her Countenance seemed to be clouded with a sweet melancholy Sadness, fitly suited to her Thoughts; and though all were shadowed and over-cast with a Veil of Grief, yet she seemed lovely charming, since it did only serve, that we might behold her Perfections at a nearer distance, and her virtues more apparent and plain. So we may face the Sun when he is clouded, which in a fair Day we dare not approach with our Eyes. Such was her Grief, it would make one in love with Sadness; and such her Gesture, it would make one welcome Sorrow.  
ravished with this Apparition, I knocked at the Gate; which I had scarce done, but like a Goddess, she appeared, and amazedly fixed her Eyes on my Face, perhaps presaging me to be some harbinger of ill News; but quickly recollecting her self, Sir( said she) are you not mistaken? Have you any Business with any Person here? This is no common Way, and it gives me some Cause of Wonder, how you came here.  
charmed with her Speeches, I return'd this Answer: Madam, it was not a Mistake that brought me hither, nor by Chance that I appear before you; but expressly, and on purpose. I was sent unto you by Almerin, the Governor's Son of Syracuse, with this Letter, with a Charge to deliver it into your own Hands. With the Words, I delivered her your Letter; which I had no sooner done, but I perceived she was possessed with an unusual and strange Agitation, and Emotion of Spirit; sometimes the Roses of her Cheeks were over-cast with a lovely read, and suddenly they vanished, and gave way to the Lilies to possess their places. She kissed the Letter, and earnestly enquired of your Health; to which when I had given her an Answer, she entreated me to walk into the Garden; and so shutting the Door, she retired her self into a private Arbour; where opening the Letter, she began to red it over, whilst I seated myself to behold her.  
When on a sudden, all the former Signs of Joy vanished, and were dispersed; her Visage was over-cast with a fatal Disturbance, her Breast began to pant, and a Shower of Tears began to fall from her fair Eyes, which hung on her Cheeks like Pearly due on a sweet-smelling Rose: Such were her Actions, that they would have induced the wild Satyrs and fierce Beasts to Pity: It is not often I weep, but I could not refrain myself from Tears then, nor can I quit the Remembrance now, but with a mortal Sadness. She shewed nothing of Rashness in her Carriage, as in venting her Complaints or Moans; but mildly and sweetly closing up all in her own Breast, till that Closet began to grow too little, and the Vessel too small to contain her Griefs; so that either it must have vent, or burst.  
I beholded this Alteration with a grievous Trouble of Spirit; when in a Moment she began to be grievous pale; her Eyes, which did shine like two Stars, began to grow dull: In fine, her Spirits being overcharged with Sorrow, and weary of so great a burden, forsook her; so that letting your Letter fall out of her Hands, imperfectly pronouncing these Words, Ah me! she fell into a deadly Trance, without any Motion, or Hopes of Life. I ran hastily to catch her before she fell, but I came too late; so that falling, she had seated her self on a Bed of Violets, which seemed to close, and hang down their Heads at this fatal Misfortune.  
Then it was I cursed you for your Persidiousness to so sweet a Creature, and for your Employment in this fatal Message. Heaven only knows the extremes of Grief I then endured: I could not go out of the Garden, and leave her in that forlorn Condition; yet to stay, was perilous to my life: But in a small Consultation, my Pity overcame my Fear, and the Care of her Safety, the Thoughts of my own Security: So that running to a Fountain which was in the Garden, and taking some could Water in my Hands, I sprinkled it on her Face; and taking her lovely Body in my Arms, I softly began to bow her: So that opening her fair Eyes, and sending two or three Heart-breathing Sighs, as a Token of her Soul's Return to her Body, which was loth, as it seemed, to leave so fair a Habitation Tenantless. When her Senses began to execute their proper Function and Duty, casting her Eyes on me, and taking notice that I had her as yet embraced in my Arms; Sir( said she) I perceive I have been a Trouble unto you, for which I ask your Pardon, and entreat you to assist me to yonder House;( showing me a Place situate in the midst of the Garden.) So that raising her up, I supported her by the Arm;( first taking up your Letter, which lay on the Ground:) I conducted her to the House, where she wrote the Letter that I now delivered unto you; and sealing it, gave it me, with these Words: Sir, deliver this to Almerin; tell him, I wish him much Happiness and Felicity; for myself, tell him, I shall hardly find any, but in the Grave. So descending the Stairs, I attended her to the Gate; and so taking my Leave, I left her with Tears in her Eyes, bewailing your Ingratitude.  
Thus Fidelio ended his Discourse, and continued silent, making the Epilogue of his Discourse a melancholy Representation of the Story he had related; by his Sighs, confirming what he had said, to be nothing but Verity. I could not refrain from participating with him, since if it could produce so much Pity in a Stranger's Breast, that but a few Hours before had but only seen her, without my Breast had been Marble, it must melt into Companion at his Rehearsal, accompanied with so many Actions of Remorse, and Demonstrations of Grief. I could do no less than hate myself, since she continued still to love me; making my Faults more odious, and my Crimes more notorious, for all my Perjury and Infidelity, betraying and abusing so much Innocence. Desdemona sends me word, she loves me still, and shall do so in Death; she forgives me too more than I can forgive myself: Yet this was the same Desdemona, whose Goodness and Kindness I so much abused. Her harmless Innocence began to set a higher Price on her virtues in my Soul, than formerly I had for her Beauties: I began now to know the Worth of the Treasure I had foregone, and found the Value to surmount all Esteem.  
Now all my Thoughts and Desires became wholly engaged, to make my Endeavours suitable to my Mind; which made it its whole Business, in some sort, to tender an ample Satisfaction, in recompense of the Injuries I had occasioned her; but I found my Desires were all fruitless, and that my best Performances would be of no value, whilst Artemesia remained as an Obstacle to obstruct my Intentions. 'twas here the Agents of Hell solicited and assisted me in this Tragical Design, so that her Death was concluded in a Moment; nothing remained, but the Means how to effect it.  
When a Man is once made the Scope of the Miseries of Fortune, he only knows then, what it is to be unhappy: So when a Man begins to be bad, he only knows then how to become more wicked. What at fir●t seems horrid, by Custom becomes an Use, and Use doth metamorphose it into a second Nature. Else could I have so soon consented to add murder to my Perjury, as if one Sin would expiate, and make Satisfaction for another Crime; not having patience to go by degrees, but I must run full speed to my Ruin. One Sin doth seldom go unaccompany'd alone, but is attended by a greater Evil. By Nature we are too prove, forward and eager to be wicked, much more when we make it a Habit. I should have weaned myself from it in time, before it had procured my utter Destruction and Confusion; but I find too late I commiserate my own Folly, and complain of the Faults I might have prevented. So that all the Benefit that proceeds from this lamentable Story, will be a Caution and a Warning to the Ages to come, that by my Harms they may prevent their own Destiny; and carefully taking warning by my Disasters, they may wisely shun the Rock, whereon I was shipwreck'd.  
As formerly I was black with Perjury, now I began to plot how to be read with murder, in taking away the innocent and guiltless Life of one that, not five Days before, had preserved mine: But Reason and Consideration were banished then; no Thought remained, but how to accomplish and finish what I had so barbarously begun. I had thought of many Ways, how to bring it about: First, I thought to have strangled her in her Bed, but that seemed dangerous to perform. poison at last I resolved on, which kills securely and secretly. I was loathe to trust any one with a Secret of so great a Consequence, whereon my Life did depend: So that I went myself to an Apothecary in the City, of whom, for some few Crowns, I purchased the fatal Potion; and enjoining him to Secrecy, I went to perform my fearful Resolutions.  
Being come to my Father's House, I found poor Artemesia indisposed, in her Bed, and going to see and visit her in her Chamber, I sate down by the Bed-side; where casting her Arms about my Neck, and bestowing many a sweet Kiss on me, with Endearments so obliging, that if Hell had not conspired my Ruin, sure it would have turned the Current of my barbarous Design. Much Discourse passed, until she did desire to take a little Rest; so that kissing her, I left her to her Repose; but taking notice of a Posset or Cordial, that was preparing on the Fire, the Maid being busy with her Mistress, and none else being present, like a Fiend of Hell, I hastily and unseen, emptied the poison into it, and so departed away undescry'd. About half an Hour after, this envenomed Drink was administered unto her; which spreading it self by degrees into all parts of her vital Spirits, with its Force, soon made a Separation betwixt the Soul and Body, and left only her breathless Coarse on the Bed.  
This sudden Rumour of her more sudden Death begot an Admiration in them to whom it was related. accompanied with my Father and Mother, I went to see her lifeless Trunk, not without Tears in my Eyes; but I cannot safely say, whether it was in Deceit, the better to over-veil and put a Mask on my villainy; or the woeful Object, which was presented to my Eyes; but for one, or either, or both together, many Signs of Sorrow I did make. Mean while Messengers were sent to my Father-in-Law, the Earl of Palermo, with the heavy Tidings of his Daughter's untimely Death: They arrived at the House about the Evening, but the Lamentations and Moans they made over the untimely Hearse of their dear Child were numberless. They were not without Doubts and Mistrusts about the sudden Occasion of her Death; but having no Light whereon they might build or ground a Suspicion, it vanished as soon as it received Birth. After Nature had paid her Tribute in Parential Tears, her Body was carefully coffined up, and about two Days after, the same Company that attended me in my Bridal Nuptials in State and Triumph, this Day accompanied the Coarse of poor Ariemesia; and her sorrowful and disconsolate Parents, all clothed in Black, as best suiting and agreeing with the mournful Object, they attended. At last, we arrived at the Temple, where the Body was committed to the Earth, after the usual Ceremonies of the Dead were celebrated. And here I cannot be silent, although I shall aggravate my own Crimes.  
When I consider and meditate on the Frailty of poor Mortals, and the Vicissitudes and Alterations they are subject unto. Here was but a seven Days space between a Marriage-Bed and a Grave, betwixt Joy and Sorrow, and a smaller time betwixt Life and Death; but in the space of a few Hours, a Man becomes no Man. Man returns to the Dust, from whence he came, his Remembrance is buried with him; and when two Generations have passed, he is as if he had never been. He comes forth like a pleasant Flower, and is soon plucked by the Hand of Death: If he continue, he soon begins to whither of himself; and Age and Time, like a tedious Winter, soon nips away his Lustre and Glory, and leaves him covered with a hoary Frost. Oh, the Vanity of human Nature! There is no good thing that he enjoys, but it is past, present, or to come: If past, it is nothing; if to come, uncertain; and if present, they are not satisfactory to our Desires. And thus we spend our little Time we continue here, in Hope and Despairs; and having with much Labour and Misery, purchased a Good, we know not how to use it; so frail are our Lives, so uncertain are our Thoughts, so vain our Designs, so beguiled are our Hopes, and so betrayed are our Opinions. Thus we spend a few Years in Doubts, Fears, Despairs, Joys, Sorrows, Felicities, Miseries, Plenty, Want, Adversity, Prosperity; in Malice, Envy, Love, Hate, Jealousies, Wrath, Anger, Mirth, Sadness, Ease, Pain; in Sickness and Gluttony, in Pride and Lust; with Patience and Meekness, to overcome all these Difficulties in this miserable Life: When Death on a sudden, gives us a short Summons, and so we play this last Act on the Theatre of the World, and in a few Moments we return to the Earth, and are no more seen; so that the very Thoughts are butted with us in Oblivion, and our Memory soon rots with our Bodies in the Dust.  
It is virtue alone will raise Pyramids to perpetuate our Memory, that when our Bodies are dissolved, will bud and yield forth Blossoms in the Dust; so that when we are dead, we only then begin to live. Always to be great in this World, is not always to be good; nor always to be mighty, is not always to be happy. If so, Bajazet might have been happy; one of the Race of the Ottomans, Lord of the Turkish Empire, and Master of the greater Part of the World; yet he intimates unto us, they are most wretched: For it is related, when he was in the height of his graecian Conquests, Tamerlain, King of Parthia, with an Army of three hundred thousand Men, like a violent Whirl-wind, marched against him; he put all his Turkish Prisoners to the Sword, and razed his Cities to the Ground. Amongst many that were used thus, the famous City of Sebasta was one, highly prized by Bajazet. Which unpleasant News coming unto him, he raised his Siege from before Constantinople with much Discontent, and with his Army set forward to meet Tamerlain; when in the midst of his March, by the side of a pleasant Hill, sate a poor Shepherd, keeping of his Flocks, and making delightful Melody with his Pipe; which Bajazet hearing, made a sudden Stop, giving attentive Ear to his Rural music. After a serious Contemplation, he uttered these Words, beginning the Prologue with a deep Sigh: O happy Shepherd, that hast no Sebasta to lose! Intimating his Grief for the Loss of so gallant a City, and the Felicity of a contented Mind. And in the Conclusion, he became an Example of this Verity; for in that fatal Battle, he fought with Tamerlain, the greatest Part of his Army being dispersed and slain, the rest fled, and himself taken Prisoner, his Prison being an Iron Cage; and his Pride was abased, being made Tamerlain's Foot-stool. To put a Period to his Ignominy and shane, and finding no other way to perform it with Conveniency, he dashed his Brains out against the Iron Bars of the Cage, and so died a miserable Death.  
Guillimer, that valiant King of the Vandals, that had twice sacked Rome, being overcome by Belisarius, was shown in Triumph before the Emperor; to whom, with a grave, undaunted Countenance, he uttered these Words: Vanity of Vanities! and all is Vanity.  
Belisarius himself, which had gained so many famous Battles over the Persians, Goths and Vandals, and greatly enlarged the Roman Empire by his Valour, through Malice of his Enemies, growing into Dis-like with his Prince, had his Eyes bored out; by which Means, he was forced by Necessity, to beg by the High-Way Side; Date obolum Belisario: For God's sake, give one Half-penny to poor Belisarius.  
What shall I say?( continued Almerin) Are not Kings mortal, as well as meaner Men? Do they not become subject to the same Changes of Misfortune? Does not Death always attend' em? Surely, yes. Else had not Philip, King of Macedon, fearing to be puffed up with his prosperity, and that he should forget the Frailty of his Condition, commanded his page., every Morning to sound this shrill music in his Ear: Remember, Philip, thou art a mortal Man. Which soon proved to be a Verity in him: For as he was solemnizing and celebrating the Nuptials and Coronation of his Son Alexander, in the midst of his Jollity, was stabbed by one Pausianus, to whom formerly he denied Justice.  
Alexander Magnus, Son of Philip, and Monarch of all the then known World, being saluted for a God, had Sacrifices and Adorations used unto him; yet being at the Siege of an Indian City, was sorely wounded with an Arrow; and feeling the Pain of his Wound, passionately uttered these Speeches: They call me Son of Jupiter( said he;) but I find I am subject to Pain, Sickness and Wounds, like other Men. These Words soon took their Effect in himself, and Death found him out, in the height of his Victories, glorying in his triumphant Trophies, when he thought himself invincible, as he was encompassed with his valiant Captains, environed with a numberless Army, in the height of his Pride, in the midst of his Cups, surfeiting in the lascivious inordinate Affections of his Concubines, in the Flower and Prime of his Youth, died of this riotous Excess: Or as other Writers affirm, was poisoned by Cassander, one of his own Captains. They all agree, he died suddenly, that all his Attendants forsook him, his Commanders fled, his Army severed, and that for many Days, his Body lay unbury'd, on the Earth, wanting what meaner People enjoy( a Grave) to inter the offensive Stench of his noisome carcase. So small a Time there was between an Alexander and Nothing.  
Oh, the Frailty and Vanity of poor Mortals, which are made the Tennis-balls of Fortune! So that she will on purpose raise us to the highest Felicities, that our Fall may be the greater. How should we walk then, to shun and avoid these Precipices, but wisely to use this World, as if we did not use it! Like a Traveller going on Pilgrimage to the famous City of Jerusalem; by the Way, visited many goodly Cities, and brave magnificent Buildings; would but behold 'em, and so depart, oftentimes saying these Words; This is not Jerusalem. So must we do in the height of our Felicities; only visit, but not continue; live in the World, but not the World in us; so enjoying it, as of a thing that's lent, that must be restored, and taken away at the Owner's Pleasure: So that we must often remember this Saying; All things are subject to Vicissitudes and Changes: These Pleasures are not permanent.  
Madam( said Almerin, proceeding forward in his Discourse, and fixing his Eyes on Cynthia) no doubt, but you wonder to see me interlace in this my mournful Story, so many various Accidents of Chance and Fortune, of the Frailty of Life, and uncertain Certainty of Death. But these are the only Balsams that sweeten my Misfortunes, and the Antidotes that expel the Venom. For thus in comparing Time present, with the Time that is past, I find there is nothing done now, but hath been done before us: So that it is some Comfort to have so many illustrious Personages, Fellows in our Misfortunes. Like a Man that hath many dangerous Wounds; the Greater dissipates the Pain of the Lesser, and the Torments of the one makes the Pains of the other become familiar. This, Madam, is my Design, to make you acquainted with Death himself, that the latter part of my Story may seem less horrid unto you, and in some sort, to sweeten your Resentments, if you should conceive any to my Disadvantage, by the Relation of this Story.  
But to keep you no longer in suspense, I shall proceed. After Artemesia was interred in her Grave, and the Mourners return'd to their Houses, the Earl of Palermo, with his Lady, came home to my Father's House; where they remained, bewailing the Death of their dear Child, about three Days time: After that was expired, they prepared their Journey for their own Home. With a feigned and Hypocritical Sorrow, I offered my Service to wait and attend 'em: But it seems, being unwilling to be obliged to one that they did suspect( as afterwards they said) of their Daughters Death, with much Thankfulness and Civility, dismissed and bade me farewell.  
Four Days had passed since the Burial of Artemesia, and two since the Departure of her Parents, when to pass away the Summers Evening, and to refresh my drooping Spirits with the sweet Air, and pleasant Shades, I retired myself, only accompanied with Fidelio, into the same Garden, wherein I first was surprised with my fair Desdemona.  
Phoebus now hastened to bathe his sweltry Steeds in the foaming Ocean, and his Sister Luna began to appear, so to expel the usurping Shades of Night, when being comforted by the refreshing Sweetness of her could Influences, so that the Pleasures I then enjoyed, accompanied with the Thoughts of enjoying Desdemona, made the Time seem short in the Contemplation, and the Hours, Minutes in the Imagination: So that the unexpected Hour of Ten arrived. Fidelio's entreaties, with the Lateness of the Evening, could not persuade my Return as yet; my Mind being employed on other Thoughts, more agreeable. After the Clock had strook Eleven, I intended to leave the Garden; but first resolving to visit the happy Place, where I first rescued my dearest Desdemona. It was almost upon the stroke of Twelve, ere I arrived there: The Night continued fair and clear, and this was the most private Retiring of any in the Garden; where I was no sooner arrived, but to my Amazement, Behold, by the glimmering and feeble Light of the Moon, I saw a beautiful Woman; her Countenance was pale and wan, dropping pearly Tears from her fair Eyes; which she wiped off with a Handkerchief. She sate on the Ground, leaning her pretty Head on her fair Hand. She seemed wholly a Map of Sorrow; and gave Demonstrations, by her suited Actions, that her Gesture could not express the least Torment of her Mind. My Curiosity and Pity persuaded me to leave the Place, to learn the Reason of such uncommon Sorrows. I had no sooner approached before her, being near enough to have spoken unto her, but as one surprised unawares, she hastily takes away her Left Hand, that supported her Head; which she had no sooner done, but behold, from her Breast issued a Stream of Crimson gore. My Amazement was greater, when in her Face I beholded the Visage and Features of Desdemona, though over-shadow'd with a Veil of Sorrow. Her Countenance seemed to contend with Grief and Pity, rather than with Wrath and Anger; with Sorrow, rather than with Rage.  
frighted with the horror of this Sight, I stood metamorphosed, like an Image of ston; not being able to go forward, or retire backward; when this woeful Object came nearer unto me, fixing her Eyes steadfastly on my Face: After a while, raising her Right Hand, laid it on her Wound, which seemed all this while, to run in a Purple Flood, down her Breast, sprinkling the Grass where she stood with a Scarlet-Dye. My Amazement was augmented, when unfixing her Eyes from my Face, she lifted 'em up towards Heaven with so pale and moanful a Posture, as would have produced Pity in the most senseless Breasts. This sudden surprisal, accompanied with my Fears, did cowardice all my Spirits; so that I had not the Confidence nor Courage to open my Mouth, to speak to this pitiful Apparition; which once more lifting up her Hand to her Wound, giving me a grievous parting Look, she suddenly vanished out of my Sight. I was in amaze after its Departure, and jealous whether I should believe my Eyes, or no; or whether this were a real Apparition, or a Fiction brought forth by Fancy, and begotten by Imagination, that had left such fresh Impressions in my Soul, and figured such dismal ideas in my Mind. But these Doubts were soon expelled and banished by Reason, and the proceeding Accidents soon confirmed the Effects to be no Illusions; for before I could recollect and rally together my frighted Spirits,  
Behold, from the Thicket hard by me, issued dismal Screeches, horrible and fearful Moans, accompanied with uncommon and confused Voices: The Heavens on a sudden covered themselves with a sable Colour, and the Moon hide her Face under an Eclipse. The Noises became yet more loud and terrible, and the resounding Echo of the horrid Clamour drew nearer and nearer, and so became more fearful and dreadful. The Horizon was clothed with thick dark Clouds, from whence proceeded a stormy Shower of Hail and Rain; the Wind grew tempestuous and boisterous; fearful Flashes of Lightning proceeded, as if the Woods had been on fire; after which, followed and ensued loud and fearful Claps of Thunder. The Storm increased, and became more horrible, when from the neighbouring Thicket rushed out a Woman; who approaching me, I soon knew to be the dead Artemesia. I would have fled from her Sight, but I could not fly my Destiny; when coming yet nearer unto me, with a a weak, feeble and low Voice, she uttered these Words.  
Wretched Man! Now the Reward of thy Wickedness draws near, and thy Punishment is at hand. Heaven is ready to leave thee, and the Earth is prepared to swallow thee. Sentence is pronounced against thee, and Messengers prepared to execute it. My innocent Death will not go unreveng'd, nor your Perjury unpunished. Go, miserable and wretched Man! despair: Think of nothing but horrors, Shrieks, Pains, Torments, Judgments, and everlasting Miseries: Let thy Conscience be a perpetual Hell, and let thy Thoughts have no Object but thy Crimes: Let Content and Felicity henceforth become Strangers unto thee, and let thy Misfortunes become ever worse and worse: Let thy Sleep be short, and disturbed with fearful Visions and Dreams; that when you awake, you may find it a Verity. The Remainder of your Life shall be a living Death: You shall seek for Death, but you shall not find it; and when you desire to live, you shall cruelly be cut off, at a Time when you least expect it. This is the Commission I had to unfold to thee, from the higher Powers; which having revealed, I leave thee to thy Fate.  
This said, she vanished from my Eyes, like Lightning; so soon she disappeared to my Sight, but not to my Thoughts; for the Remembrance was green in my Memory, and the Thoughts so fixed in my Soul, that I think the feigned Phantasm would hardly yield Precedency to the real. My Eyes were yet firmly bent towards that part of the Thicket I saw Artemesia take, and my Body continued as unmovable as my Eyes, when the Storm began to abate. And Fidelio, which the time of this Tempest, had concealed and sheltered himself in a Thicket near at hand, after his Desires and entreaties became fruitless, in requesting me to retire with him; when he came unto me, he found me not removed from the same place where he first left me wondering at this Change, he took me by the Arm: Sir( said he) What occasions these ghastly Looks, and fearful timorous Apprehensions? You seem as if you had met your Sins, or been accosted with your Grandfather's Ghost. What causes you thus to bend your Eyes on Vacancy, and fix your Thoughts on Shadows? Where do you let your Imaginations ramble, your Spirits roam, and your Fancy run at random? Sir, consider where you are, what time of Night it is: Recollect yourself out of these Dumps, and let us repair away from this fatal Place, that has brought you this Disturbance.  
His earnest Importunities brought me to myself; and seeing him expect a Reply, Yes, Fidelio( said I) my Sins have met me full blown, and Ghosts more terrible and fearful than my Grand-father's. By Heaven, Fidelio! Shadows haunt me. Saw you not my dearest Desdemona here, and deceased Artemesia, who just now pronounced the Sentence of horror and Damnation against me? I am impatient of delay, satisfy me with speed, for I consume with Expectation.  
Sir,( replied he) These chimeras be nothing but the delusions of a disturbed Brain, proceeding from the strength of Imagination, which forms to itself wonders, which the Spectators cannot behold; such, no doubt, was yours; for I protest and vow to you, I heard no Voice, nor did I apprehended any such Similitudes as you now question me about: Artemesia lies quiet in her Grave, and I doubt not but Desdemona is sweetly asleep in her Bed; Rest will soon divert these Illusions, and cure this Disquiet. Come Sir, let us walk home, the Night grows aged, the late Storm is past, both call on us to be parting, lest we should be prevented by a second Disaster; your Parents expect you, and your Necessity requires that you change yourself of these wet Cloths, which your absence from your own House will not permit you to perform.  
His Reasons followed by his entreaties, made me accord to leave the Garden, and without returning any Answer, I strait ways accompanied him. We soon came to my Fathers, where they all sat up expecting my Return; but they no sooner beholded me in that condition and ghastly Distemper, but they stood like People charmed, with amazement in their Looks. I spake not to them, but fearfully casting my Eyes on all Objects, piercing every vacant place with terror. I was had to my Chamber by Fidelio and some other Servants, where my wet Cloths were taken off, and I betook myself to my Bed; but oh! the Horrors that accompanied me the latter part of this fearful Night, were numberless; if asleep, Desdemona presented her self to the Eyes of my Soul, though my bodily Eyes were shut, yet suddenly starting from my Trance, methought I saw that Object really, which Fancy formed in my Dreams, so that fearfully calling out to Fidelio, which attended me; Oh Fidelio! Dost thou not see my dearest Desdemona, the Blood streaming from her fair Breast, now standing by my Bed side? behold, now she is going away out of the Door. Oh stay abused Innocence! and tell me the reason thou dost visit me in that dismal Posture! look Fidelio, she is gone, run and call her back again; desire her from me to return; by all the Affection that is between us, conjure her not to deny my Request.  
Here Fidelio, to divert these thoughts, made me this Discourse. Sir,( said he) When Melancholy reigns predominant over a mans Spirits, it causes a disturbance in his Brain, which gives birth to thousands of fantastical and fearful Apprehensions, formed from what his Fear and Fancy most ruminates and contemplates most upon, which once conceived, his Reason is so stupefied, that it cannot prie into the Causes, so that the Cause remaining unremov'd, the Effects continue firm. Many times in such extremes, Men imagine they meet with Ghosts; others, that be amorous Persons, that they court their Mistresses, enjoy all the delicious Reception they could wish, and the most obliging Discourse and sweetest Entertainment pass between them, that they hold themselves the only happy men, yet when they go to embrace the pleasing Apparition, they clasp nothing but the brittle Air; the Spirit is in continual motion, and many times takes a pleasure to deceive the Senses, to play with the Felicity and hope of Man, either to divert or augment them; as for example, one imagines his dearest Friend is dead, that dulls his Happiness; another, that is very poor, dreams he possesses a Mine of Gold, this revives his Spirits; as before, a disconsolate Lover, fancies he enjoys the lovely Object of his Desires, this completes his Felicity; while another, that is rich, thinks he is undone by some Casualty, that makes him miserable; but as the Mist doth vanish before the Sun in a Summers Morning, so do these Phantasms, when a man comes to consult with Reason; it rather increases their Misery, and adds to their Felicity; the one being a bitter Potion to make the Happiness taste the sweeter, and the other a deceitful Sweet, that makes their Miseries relish more bitter; this Sir, I hope, in good time, will be manifested in you, since we that inhabit this Isle, always take such Illusions and Dreams in their Contraries, and apply them accordingly, when a better Consideration takes place; which not to do, were absurd, as the Story that is related of a poor Fisher-man of this iceland, who drying his Nets on a steep Rock, fell asleep, and in his Sleep, dreamed he was a King; overjoyed with so great a Felicity, he rises, and in this Ecstacy of Spirit fell a dancing; but long he had not danced, ere Fortune so ordained it, coming near the side of the Rock, he falls down, and so ends his present Joys and future, in a moment; it is good to take warning by others Harms, and not to let the Suggestion of a feigned Apparition, ruin the Hopes and Expectations of a Real; Desdemona remains entirely Yours, and you may bind her so for ever, by tying that inviolable Knot of Matrimony, which you have already fastened by so many Vows, since Artemesia being dead, there is no Obstruction can hinder you from giving her that Satisfaction, and yourself the Content of being wholly hers.  
Here Fidelio ended his Discourse, when I straightly embraced him in my Arms, saying, Oh my Friend! I am willing to believe whatever thou hast related unto me, could it contain less of Truth; for the only Happiness wretched men receive, is, when pleasantly they deceive themselves, with the Expectation of what ardently they desire; I should wish no greater Happiness, were Desdemona still amongst the Living; nor no greater Felicity, were I reconciled unto her in the Bands of Wedlock: I would cease to expect and aspire to any greater Hope, if I could once more embrace her in my Arms, and repose this weary and disturbed Head in her Bosom, it would prove a Corrosive to the greatest of my Disasters, and a Balsam to my most cruel Torments. To morrow, my Fidelio, I will put thee to the trouble once more, to deliver me a Letter to Desdemona, in the mean time I will endeavour, together with thee, to take a little Rest.  
Night had no sooner fled away at Days approach, and the Sun had given notice of his rising to adorn the Day, but I left my weary Bed, to consider how to writ something wherein I might oblige Desdemona to be less offended with my Infidelity, so that taking Pen, Ink and Paper, I writ to this effect.  
Almerin to Desdemona.  
My Dearest Heart,  
TO put thee out of doubt of the Constancy of my Affections, although necessity compelled me to an enforced Marriage, yet I knew not how to repair the Fault, nor give thee a real Manifestation of my Love, but by destroying the Cause that gave us this Disturbance, know then my Dear, that to enjoy thy Love, and to give thee an Example of the Integrity of my Heart, I have given my Wife Artemesia, a Potion that hath carried her to her long Home, and what rests there now, but that I do thee Right and Equity, according to my Vows so often protested unto thee, if you dare permit me to that Privilege and Felicity, and give new Life to one that daily dies for you. sand my Pardon signed from your fair Mouth, by this Messenger; in the Expectation of which, I shall look to remain miserable or happy. If you burn this Letter, the thought of any future Danger is past, for I would not commit the Secret of my Life to any one but Desdemona, since it is only she alone can dispose of the Life of  
Almerin.  
I had no sooner ended my Letter, and fairly sealed it up, with an Intention to deliver it to Fidelio, but I cannot tell what horrid Fate prompted me to the contrary, to go myself in Person, alleging that my Presence would procure more in Desdemona's Breast, than my Letter could in my Absence; that my Fearfulness of appearing before her, would make me seem more Guilty: many more offered themselves to my thoughts, but we never want for Reasons to persuade what we desire and are forward to perform: In fine, these Thoughts vanquished my former Resolutions. I had scarce ended this Contest in my Spirit, but I heard my Father and Mother coming up to visit me, and inquire of my health; they no sooner knocked at my Chamber Door, but hastily taking up my Letter, I put it up in my Pocket, calling to Fidelio to open the Door, which he had no sooner performed, but they gave me the Good-morrow, intimating how much satisfied these were, to see me in so different a Temper and Condition, from what I was the last Night; they sate down, where we had much Discourse, too long here to relate; amongst the rest, they desired to know where I had spent so large a part of the last Night; to all which I had an Answer provided. That day they dined with me in my Chamber, and after many usual Kindnesses, such as Parents confer on their dear Children, were bestowed on me, they bad me farewell, and so left me; they were scarce out of sight, but I began to make me ready to visit Desdemona. I went away, accompanied with Fidelio, towards her Fathers House; but we had no sooner, with our hasty Steps, lessn'd the Way and Distance which separated us,  
But behold, I saw a Coffin covered with Black, adorned with a Garland of dainty Flowers laid on the top: the Hearse was supported and carried by four young Men, and six beautiful Maidens accompanied 'em, each holding a part of the Hearse Cloth, wherein they did imitate and silently speak their willingness to do something obliging, it being the last Service they could perform to the Body of this poor departed Virgin; the Company were all covered with a Sable Black, their place silent and slow, bent towards the great Temple of the City. This Sight began to frieze and chill my warm Blood; and that which gave suspicion to my Fears, was, because I saw them come out of Philaster's House; to confirm me that I was not in an Error, I saw the Corps followed by the old Knight and his Lady, who bedewed his Snow white Beard with Tears, whilst his Lady did water her aged Cheeks with the same liquour; both paid the Tribute exceeding the Custom men usually pay to Nature; their Tears, Countenance, and Actions suitable, did declare them to be in the bitterness of Sorrow, and plunged in the depth of Wo.  
I had accompanied them to the Temple, had not my earnest Desire I had to be resolved of the worst, prompted me to the contrary, and persuaded me to return to the House to be truly satisfied of my Fears. We soon came to the Door, and having knocked, were met by a Servant of the House, who did know me since I did first use to frequent the House; and being acquainted with the Respect his Lord and Lady usually paid me when I resorted thither, requested me to come in; where being entred, I asked for the Knight and his Lady, not taking notice that I had seen 'em, and also for Desdemona; to which he gave me a piteous Look, letting drop from his Eyes many Tears. Sir, said he, you come in a time to see us buried in Wo, and to behold us o'recharg'd with Sorrow, for about four days ago, after my mistress Desdemona had pined her Body with an inward Grief, and given to Sorrow the full Reins and whole Possession of her Breast, she kept the occasion so secret, that her indulgent Parents knew not how to provide her a Remedy, or to apply a Comfort. Sorrow was printed in her Looks in so lovely a Character, and Grief had so sweet an Impression there, that it would persuade Sadness in the most mirthful and jocund Beholder. She would tell so many pretty Stories of Love, and of the Unconstancy of Men, and pronounce them with so sweet, yet so mournful an Action and Accent of Voice and Gesture, that she never ended but she left her Auditors with Tears in their Eyes.  
This day is five days since, when her Spirits being o'ercome with Grief, and her Sences o'recharg'd with Melancholy, she fell into despair, and walking out, as if she would recreate her self in the Garden, she retires her self into a House of Pleasure, there privately situated, where imitating that Roman Dame Lucretia, with a fatal Dagger, she wounds her self to the Heart.  
She was soon mist by her Parents, but being seen by the Servants to walk into the Garden, she was as soon followed; but after they had preached every private Walk and Alley in the Garden, and sought for her in every secret Thicket and shady Grove, and we could receive no Tidings; one of the Servants bethinks himself, and runs hastily up to this House, where the first Object he cast his Eyes on, was this Spectacle of Pity; he runs down again amazed, making a lamentable Cry( saying) Oh Sirs! Desdemona hath slain her self in the Garden-House, and yet retains the bloody Weapon in her Hand; which was no sooner heard, but they all began to bemoan her, with a loud and grievous Noise, which was soon o'reheard by Philaster and his Lady, who wondering what might occasion such unusual and strange Out-cries, came into the Garden, and understanding by the accent of their Voices, that the cause of their clamours was in that part of the Garden where the House of Pleasure was situated, left off his grave and sober place, and with swifter steps and speed than his Age would permit, ran to the House, being followed as fast by his Lady; but alas, they made so much hast, they came too soon to know that they had better never known, than ever seen that dismal Sight.  
We are like some ignorant Souls which needs will have their future Fortune related and made plain to them; they are most eager, and ardently desire to know the worst that may befall them, when no persuasions will edify them, nor Reasons divert them from their Folly, and their Impatience and importunity hath gotten their Request granted, they soon begin to repined at what they know, and fearfully apprehended that Danger present, that perhaps may never befall them; they repent they were so careful to understand that, which known, begets nothing but Discontent; so that only in expectation of the Miseries that may happen unto them, they daily seem to die alive, so that every hour begets a new Death.  
Such was their unfortunate Speed, that came too late to behold the Object of their Miseries too soon, for in a few moments, they both came into the Room, where we all stood surrounding the Body of their unfortunate Daughter; they soon saw the cause of our Moans, and therefore had no occasion to inquire; and knew it to be, what indeed it was. Although Death had dressed her in his pale Robes, yet could he alter nothing in the sweet and lovely Charms of her Visage, so that she seemed to smile in Death, as having purchased that Rest with him, she could never attain to here; Oh! the Shrieks, the Moans, the Lamentations, the Sighs, the Sobs, the Tears, the Exclamations, the Griefs, the Sorrows, the Kisses, the Caresses, and the Embraces this aged Couple bestowed on the breathless Body of this their only Child, were numberless and pitiful to behold! they were, Sir, such, and so many, so bitter and woeful, that I want words wherein I might express myself, should I go about to relate them, so that I leave it wholly to your Imagination, to conceive what is above my Capacity to describe unto you.  
Here, to give the more Life unto his Discourse, he let fall a shower of Briny Tears, which were no sooner cleared away, but with a Sorrow, suitable to his Subject, he proceeded in this manner. Sir, after they had bathed this breathless Body with a Sea of Tears, and seemed to grieve, that the Conduits of their Eyes were dried up, that they could bestow no more, willing to accompany her in Death, whom they loved so in Life, suddenly the old Lady giving ●rievous Shriek, she swooned away, clasping the lifeless Coarse in her Arms: she seemed as far from Life as the Body she embraced; our Master himself, stood like one transformed, and made up of Sorrow, the Tears hanging on his aged Face and Beard, like frozen Isicles, that in a Winters Day, on the dis-rob'd Trees take their Habitations. In the mean time, the Servants had hastened for some sovereign Remedies, wherewithal to recover their poor departed mistress, which chafing her Temples, and infusing some precious Spirits down her Throat, they, with much difficulty, at last obtained what they desired, her return to Life; yet so amazed, and so ghastly, wanting, as yet, her Sences, that it was a woeful Sight to behold her. Philaster commanded us to bear her in from the sight of the Body, whilst she continued ignorant of what they did, giving Order to others, to remove Desdemona from that fatal Place, into the House; but as they began to take the Body from the Ground, Philaster espied in her Left Hand a Paper, which she had fixed there so fast, as it seemed a difficulty for the Servants to take it away, which Philaster seeing, went himself, and had no sooner touched her Hand, but it opened of its own accord, as being unwilling any should take from her in Death, what in Life she had appointed and reserved for him; he had no sooner opened the Paper, but he found these Lines following, written in ●●●demona's own Character.  

Death cruel seems to timorous Men that fear,  
To such as in this World lay up their Rest,  
But sweet to wretched Souls that do despair,  
To such as are with great Misfortunes prest.   

Death takes us hence, and so expels our Pain,  
Our Miseries and Woes we see no more,  
By Death we nothing lose, he is our Gain;  
For dying makes us happier than before.   

Mourn not, my Friends, for my untimely Death,  
Because, in blooming Years, I die so young;  
The Loss is small I lose, in losing Breath;  
I fall asleep too soon, and lye too long.   

Death is the Balsam to afflicted Minds;  
From falsehood and deceit, it sets us free;  
Only within the Grave, the poor Man finds  
A Harbour from the Rich Mans tyranny.   

No where but here, a Remedy we have;  
When Woe and Sorrow grow unto excess,  
Then we do covet Death, and court the Grave,  
Since Misery only there can find redress.   

I fear not Death, I only fear your Fears,  
Lest when you see me gone, you should lament;  
Let Reason court you to restrain your Tears,  
'tis bootless to spend Tears, when Life is spent.   

To the Elyzian Shades, I go before,  
And in the Walks, Expect you till you come;  
Few Days will pass, and you will be no more,  
And the same Way I go, you then will run.   

Farewell my Father, I have found so kind;  
Farewell my Mother, I do prise so dear;  
Farewell my wretched Life, wherein I find  
Nothing of value that will crave a Tear.   

Farewell the Author of my cruel Woes,  
Who in my Hour of Death I do forgive  
Thy greatest Crimes; but Heaven only knows  
It would go hard to do't, were I to live.   

And welcome Death, that comest to cure my smart,  
No medicine now can cure me but thy Dart;  
Then Death I'll court, 'tis he must bring me, where  
I shall be free from Sorrow, Grief and Care;  
Come, longed for Death, I will not be denied,  
More welcome than the Bride-groom makes his Bride  
Hark how I'll bribe you, prithee Death make hast,  
More welcome than the Spring, when Winter's past;  
Fresher than Air, sweeter than pearly due,  
Which swells the early Rose, and makes it blow;  
Welcome as Joy, because you bring me Bliss,  
For in the Grave of Rest I cannot miss.  
Farewell deceitful World, and weary Breath;  
Adieu all earthly Joys, and welcome Death.   
With this mournful Song, like the Swan, she seemed to chant it, though Death were at hand, and like the lion, seemed most confident, when she was nearest Danger. These Lines might have augmented their Sorrows, if their Griefs would have admitted of an addition, but their Woes being at full, could receive no more. Desdemona was conveyed in, and Surgeons sent for to embalm her Body, whilst her Parents went anew to lament, and afresh began to renew their Tears, uttering grievous Exclamations against the Person, which as they understood by Desdemona, had been the Original Cause of their Sorrows, by being the Author and Occasion of the Death of their Child, vowing a severe Revenge, if ever they came to the Knowledge of the Author: thus they have spent the Day and Night in sorrow, not admitting one Minutes Rest, in permitting the least Cessation to their Griefs, till this day, accompanied with all their Friends, in a solemn manner, they perform her Obsequies, and convey her Body to the Temple, to be set in the Vault of her Ancestors. This, Sir, is the reason they are now from Home, and not here, to give you such Entertainment as befits, and is due to your Worthiness.  
Having ended his Discourse, to my Amaze●ent and Grief, I desired he would conduct me ●to the Garden, to the Place where Desdemona ●cted this last tragic Scene and Catastrophe of her Life; he return'd no Answer, but leading the Way, we followed him, till he brought us to the Place, where so unfortunately she yielded up her last Breath; here my Amazement was above what I can express, when I saw this was the same House, and very Place, where so falsely I first deceived and robbed Desdemona of that Jewel, which had proved the Main and Original Cause of her Death; now the Apparition I saw the last Night, came bleeding fresh in Memory, all my Crimes presented themselves in their own Colours; for which, my Conscience bid me expect no other, but a fulfilling of murdered Artemesia's Sentence; here my Griefs were doubled in the Death of her I prized above my Life. I could not refrain from letting fall a Flood of Tears, to the Remembrance of one I loved so dear; when we left the Room, and began to take a turn or two in the Alleys, where the Memory of Desdemona begot new Griefs in my Soul, and fresh sluices from my Eyes; and fearing the Servant might gather some Suspicion from my too deep Concernments, I privately drew out my Handkerchief, to wipe away those rebellious Tears I could not restrain; and not being willing any longer to remain in so doleful a Place, I took my Farewell of the Servant, desiring him to tell his Master, I would wait on him some other time, when his Sorrows would better admit of a Visit; so I left the House, in such an ill Composure of Body, and Disturbance of Spirit, as ever tormented a poor afflicted Soul; at this time I had given a Period to my Life, had I not been restrained by Fidelio, who, by entreaties, desired me to preserve my Life, yet could give me no Comforts or Reasons, why I should prolong it, unless it were to add to my Miseries.  
When we were arrived Home, I betook me to my Chamber, casting myself on the Bed: And to what end, Fidelio, said I, should I secure this miserable part of Life that remains? Desdemona is dead and who would woe Death, that sees her so much commend and approve of it? Why shall I stay behind, Fidelio? let me go and ask her Pardon, and seek her in the blessed Shades: Now Fidelio, what thinkest thou? were the Apparitions real or feigned, I did behold, or Illusions, or Fancies, as thou wouldst make me believe? now Experience and Reason tells me, it was the lovely Ghost of my dear Desdemona, which came to accuse me of Disloyalty and Perjury; Oh miserable Man! wretched Life! When wilt thou have an End.  
Now I began to grow an Object of Heavens Justice and Punishment, I was defiled with murder and Perjury; the first called for a speedy Revenge; for other Sins only speak, murder shrieks out, the Element of Water moistens the Earth; but Blood flies upwards, and bedews the Heavens, which soon hears, and makes strict Inquiry, and severe Inquisition for Blood, and triumph in their Revenges; their curious Search soon sound me out, to make me an Example of their Vengeance; there is nothing that is done never so privately, that can be hide from their Sight; the darkest Night cannot blind them, nor the craftiest Mortals deceive them; were sin committed in the dark Caverns of the Earth, there they would plainly see them; or in the bottom of the Ocean, there they would behold them; whither then can a poor Sinner fly to avoid their Justice? if they should fly to Heaven, they are there; if to unfrequented deserts, they are there; if to the Vaults below, there will they likewise find 'em out.  
For as I was reposing myself on my Bed, suddenly, and unexpectedly, our House was surrounded with armed Men, my Chamber Doors broken open, my Body seized on, and taken Prisoner; being thus surprised, I demanded the Cause, and by what Authority they did it; to which they return'd me this sharp Answer; their Authority they had from the King, which I must obey, and the Occasion, the Death of your late married Wife Artemesia, Daughter to the Earl of Palermo, supposed to be poisoned by you, with a strong Suspicion which is conceived of you, that you are the chief author and Cause of the Death of Desdemona, Daughter and only Child to an aged Knight of this City, called Philaster; these are the Crimes objected against you, to which you must answer, in the mean time, without resistance, you must yield obedience to our Power and immediately go along with us. This said, they laid hands on me, and speedily hurried me out of my Chamber, to convoy me to Prison; but we had not shortened half the way, between my Fathers House and the City Gaol, but by the Shine of the Moon, which as then gave but a dim and glimmering Light, we might discern a Troop of Horse, and perceive a small Company of Foot, which in a voided place of the City, began to compass us about, which my Guard no sooner descried, but they began to cry out, A Rescue, A Rescue, but their Voices were soon stopped by the Horie-men, which over-ran them, and the Foot-men, that bravely assaulted them; so that in a moment I saw my Guard dispersed and dispatched, myself free and no Prisoner, and bravely mounted on a Fresh Horse; whilst I was wondering and musing at the strangeness of this Rescue, I saw one make towards me, which I presently knew to be Fidelio: Sir, said he to me, cease your Amazement, and follow this Guard with speed, for every moment you stay here will be dangerous, and they will safely convey you to the Water-side, where a Vessel attends you, provided by your Father, from whom, by my timely Notice, came also this Guard, for he now repents him of his Obstinacy, which occasioned these Evils, for which you were accused, fearing you are too much Guilty to stand in justification of yourself and your Crimes, too notorious to abide a trial; and therefore being unwilling to leave you to the Mercies and Severities of the Law, that himself first brought into danger, waits for you now at the Water-side.  
This said, giving him many thanks for his Fidelity, I followed the Guard, and soon came to the Water-side, or Haven, where my Father and Mother were standing, expecting my coming; I no sooner saw them, but I alighted, and having done my Duty, my Mother cast her Arms about my Neck, bathing my Cheeks with Tears, lamenting this so sudden and unexpected Departure; the thought of my Absence produced the same effects in my Fathers Breast, for his Countenance was o'recast with a mortal Sadness.  
But our Gratulations and farewells were soon broken off, by an unlooked for Noise; for casting our Eyes about, we espied a Party of Men make towards us, with much Facility and Speed; this Sight caused my Father to hasten my Departure, so that I partend from them abruptly, hurrying myself, with the Money and Jewels they had brought me, aboard the Vessel, and so speedily put off from Shore; mean while, my Father, with Fidelio, rallied up their Men for defence; this Sight more grieved me than any former Misfortune, to see my Father and Mother, only for my Safety, expose themselves to such certain Perils and Dangers; and to secure my Life, so carelessly to venture their own. Nature would not admit I should leave them so, and my Duty prompted me to their Assistance, so that commanding the Ship-men to put ashore, they would not obey me, telling me, they might so endanger my Life, and all their own, and that it was contrary to the Orders my Father had given them, to return back again; that no doubt, my Father would well defend himself against a greater Force than those he had to cope withal, if he could any ways give notice to the Garrison belonging to the City, which were all at his Devotion.  
Their Discourse did savour of Truth and Likelihood, and therefore made me more apt to believe it; so that yielding to their entreaties and persuasions, agreeing, when Necessity enforced me, to submit, according with that I could not remedy, and hoping the best, I patiently expected the Issue.  
The Wind blew fair, so that we left Syracuse far a stern, and a few hours after, we wholly lost the sight of the iceland of Sicilia; the Gale continuing still fair, we gained a Ken of the Isle of Malto, where we did not land, but continuing our Course almost three days, we gained a View of the main Continent of Africa; and about the Evening of the third Day, we anchored before the mighty City of Carthage, the Rival of the Roman Empire, between whom, as yet, Fortune had left it uncertain and doubtful, which should gain Precedency, and continue Masters of all the then known World, since their Forces were equal, and their Valor not much different, so that Fate had left it to be decided by the various Chance of War.  
Here we landed, and provided ourselves of all Necessaries, as well Offensive as Defensive, and all other things needful, which our so hasty parting from Syracuse would not permit us to provide and furnish ourselves withal; we lay there one whole Day, and then going aboard, we weighed Anchor, and hoist Sail, and so made off to Sea; where our Intentions were to cruse about, in expectation to meet with some Vessel that came lately from Syracuse, of whom we might inquire Tidings, of what we all did so passionately desire to know.  
It was now seven days since we partend from Sicilia, and two since we left the cost of Africa, about the time of the day when the Sun begins to decline towards the West, when a Boy that stood Sentinal on the Top-Mast Head, suddenly cried out, a Sail, a Sail; being demanded from whence She stear'd her Course; he return'd answer, From Sicilia. This began to augment my ardent desire I had to receive News from Syracuse, so that I gave commands to the Pilot, to steer his Course towards Her, which he had no sooner performed, but the Boy called out again, saying, Sirs, prepare for your Defence, for this Vessel bears towards us with full speed; all things being put in a readiness for a present Assault. He had scarce ended these Words, but our Eyes did give us proof they were a Verity, for we discerned it drawing nearer unto us, in all appearance, fitted for a present Fight.  
This sight caused them to forget the concernments of others, and to think on nothing so much, as to provide for their own Safety; yet they agreed with one accord, cheerfully to make good their Defence, and manfully to guard themselves; we had hardly made our Preparation for a Resistance, but we saw this Vessel, with great dexterity and agility, ready to board us on the Weather side; their Ravens in a moment were ready to grapple with our Vessel; in the performance of which, we received a brave Assault, and they as gallant a Repulse; our Archers scarce spent an Arrow in vain, neither did theirs slacken their Duty; the Fight continued sharp while we lay off the one from the other; but when, in spite of our best Endeavours, they grappled our Vessels together, and that we came to Handy Blows, the Fight became dreadful and bloody on both sides; we were hardly fastened the one to the other, but I heard him that seemed to be Captain of the Vessel, utter these Word to his Souldiers. Arm yourselves with Courage, noble Hearts, and let the King of Sicilia know you are Valiant; we are not mistaken; See, Fortune hath presented the murderous Villain, an Object to our Eyes, and brought him a Sacrifice to our just Resentments; now let the innocent Deaths of Artemesia and Desdemona sharpen your Swords for a just Revenge, and let their sorrowful Parents see your Fidelity and Interest you take in their Wrongs, when you present them with the Head of their mortal Enemy.  
When I did hear Artemesia once named, I did guess of their business, but I think the nature of all men is such, that if they be wicked, yet they cannot brook to be exclaimed against; and though I was guilty of all that was bad, yet I could not with patience, receive the Nicknames of Villain and murderer; my Life was a thing so wretched, and by me so little esteemed, that I should not have given one sigh for the loss of that I did not desire to preserve; yet the great Promise this Fellow made of my Head, made me resolve not to part from it tamely to my Enemies, at such a time when I was in a good Capacity to defend it; this raised my anger to make a stout Resistance, and his Oration caused his Souldiers to assail us with greater Courage; now the Fight began to be at highest, and numbers of men lay dead on the Deck, the Living always supplying their places, till our Vessels were covered with the Blood and Carcases of slain men; it was fought obstinately on both sides, till the Sun began to bid a goodnight to our Horizon, leaving this upper World in darkness; yet Fortune had left it doubtful, to which side she would incline; when we were prest by our Enemies, with so much Force and Vigour, that my Men were forced to retire, whilst they furiously mounted our Vessel; here I exposed myself to certain Dangers, very willing to part with Life, so I could have lost it nobly, in resisting my Enemies; but Death flies them that seek him, and intrudes on such as desire his Absence; as I was desperately braving the utmost Dangers, fronting the main Body of my Enemies, I met and engaged with their Commander, so greedily we combated one with another, and with so much desire, endeavoured the ruin of each other, that it was no wonder Fortune made hast to determine of the end; many cruel Blows we exchanged, and many Wounds we received, till at last, I pursued my Enemy so closely, and redoubled my Blows with so much violence, that directing a Blow which fell on his Head, with my greatest force, it partend it in two, so that he fell down sprawling on the Deck; thus he which had so confidently disposed of my Head, could not secure his own from my Sword.  
This sight began to abate the Courage of our Enemies, and to revive the Spirits of my almost vanquished men; for returning upon our despairing Enemies with a greater Force than at first, they made a mighty Slaughter; and having dispatched all those in our own Vessel, with great speed we boarded our Enemies, so that the Offensive were now become the Defensive, and performed their parts so ill in maintaining it, that we soon became Conquerors of the other Ship, committing all the Souls to the places appointed for their Deserts, where the Spirits of all men are rewarded according to their Merits; the dead Bodies of our Men and also of our Enemies, we cast overboard into the Sea.  
The Night became extreme dark, not one Star appeared in the Firmament, as if they had disdained to behold so bloody a Tragedy, so that we were forced to strike up Lights, the better to see to clear our Vessel of the dead Carcases; myself, with a Torch in my Hand, went to behold the Slain in the Enemies Vessel, where the Souldiers, the tempest of their Revenge being not yet stilled, without pity, cast, as well the Wounded, as the Dead out of the Vessel, when their Wounds, Miseries, entreaties, Prayers, nor dismal Moans could persuade them to mercy.  
Among many that were thus used, one of them whom my men had taken up into their Arms, ready to cast him away into the Billows of the raging Ocean, cried out, Oh Sirs! spare me one moment, and bring me to your Commander, to whom I shall relate such Secrets, as he is, as yet, ignorant of; this had not preserved his Life, if I had not given a speedy Command to the Souldiers to hold their Hands, and running with their Lights, I came also with mine, to see if I knew him, but his Blood had so disfeater'd him, as I could gather no certain knowledge that I had ever seen him before; which the wounded man seeing, with a mournful and low Voice, growing faint, through loss of Blood, he uttered these Words, Sir, said he, you knew me better about eight days since, when you came to visit my Master Philaster, when you seemed so much concerned in the Relation I made you of the woeful Death of my Mistris Desdemona; he had scarce ended these words, but through weakness, he sunk down in the Arms of the Men that supported him, I commanded he should be conveyed away to a cabin with speed, and that my own Surgeon should carefully dress his Wounds; all which was as soon performed as commanded: my Gratitude to the poor man required thus much. But I had other sound reasons induced me to preserve his Life, if possible, since it was only from him, now all his Companions were dead, I did look for a true Relation and Intelligence, how my Affairs stood affencted in Syracuse, as my own Interest required his Safety; yet for Desdemona's sake, whose Remembrance I did prefer above my Life, considering he was once hers, I could do no other, but esteem of him highly, and thank Fortune, who had offered me this Opportunity, that I might in some measure express the Kindness I did yet retain for his Mistress, and my dear Desdemona.  
After we had cleansed our Enemies Vessel, we removed all things that were of value out of our own Ship into theirs, it being the strongest and stateliest built, and boring holes in the bottom of the forsaken Vessel, we sunk it in the Sea, which being performed, we hoist Sails, directing our Course towards the City of Algiers, in Barbary, so that it was about the hour of two in the Morning, when I betook myself to my cabin to have my Wounds dressed I had received in the last Fight; when the Surgeon had searched them, he found them all slight; and although I had many, he assured me none of them were Mortal.  
Thus such as desperately seem regardless of their Lives, by a slight of Fortune preserve them; what should occasion it, I cannot tell if it be not that reasonable men fly such as imprudently and lavishly cast away their Lives, esteeming them mad or frantic, that so inconsiderately endanger themselves; or else Fortune and Victory, which be always Friends to bold and resolute Men, and assist resolute Spirits in their confident Enterprizes, have agreed with Nature, who has planted a timorous Fear in the Heart of Man, when he is assaulted above his Expectations, and sees Wonders acted beyond his Capacity or thoughts, is daunted, being so suddenly surprised; their bold Assailer gives them not time to recollect their thoughts; but presses more fierce and desperately on them, that they stand gazing like men metamorphosed, not having the Courage to defend themselves, nor scarce to run away to preserve their Lives; such Advantage seems to wait on resolute Spirits, that their Enemies are charmed, and when they meet with a Spirit above their own, like all men, they yield Precedency, and obey the greater, yielding Obedience to them as to their Superiors; Victory, as it were, hovering her Wings over their Heads, to fright their Enemies, and to preserve them safe.  
But I dare not ascribe my Fortune to such a Cause, I fear just Heavens have preserved me, from such small Dangers, for my greater Misfortunes, to make me a more ample Example of their Justice; for methinks, sleeping or waking, I hear poor Artemesia sounding that dreadful Sentence in my Ears,( That, When I seek Death, it should fly me, and when I should desire to keep it, I should suddenly be cut off) and I greatly fear the Issue, since that after Artemesia's Death, and lastly, of my dearest Desdemona, I did always esteem my Life, as of a thing not worth preserving, being a Commodity I was always willing to part with, since my Heart  told me, I could expect no Comfort, now all my Felicity was vanished away in the Original Cause, from whence it first received its Birth, and afterwards the fuel that did preserve it.  
But now, Madam,( said he) turning his Face towards Cynthia, I begin to find contrary Effects working in my Spirit, since I have been so fortunate to have you in my Custody, so that I begin now to prise my Life at its true Value and Worth, and did never truly desire to live again until this moment; I pray Heaven, my prophetic Fears be not Presages and Fore-runners of the Dangers which are related shall happen unto me.  
Here Almerine proceeded forward, in relating the Misfortunes of his Life, whilst fair Cynthia could not refrain from spending some Tears, out of the Treasury of her own Misfortunes, in pity, to the unfortunate Loss of lovely, yet miserable Desdemona. Madam,( said he) after my Wounds were dressed, I betook myself to my Bed, but not before I had enquired of the Health and Condition the Prisoner was in; the Surgeon having assured me of his Life, I did endeavour myself, to take a little Rest, after so much Pain and Toil.  
Long wished for day at last appeared, and Phoebus with his glorious Rays, cast a resplendent Lustre on the Face of the Waters, whilst Zephyrus, with his sweet and pleasant Gales, courted our Sails, making our Vessel to trip it sweetly away over the Ocean, thereby easing Neptune of his burden, that he might dally with his beloved Thetis; when I arose from my weary Bed, my Wounds permitting me, and my Desires persuading and calling on me to the Chamber of the wounded Man, from whose Mouth, I did now expect to hear the Sentence and Period of my Miseries, or to receive some little Comfort to sweeten my Calamities; after I had been assured by my Surgeon, that he was in a Capacity to be visited, I cannot say whether my Resolutions, or the Performance were soonest put in action, since hardly was the one conceived, but the other received Birth, such speedy Execution always attends on things of this Nature, that nothing can, without repugnance, make a Demur to defer it; I went, but indeed accompanied with such Fears, as forbidden Lovers are possessed with, when they go to pay their unwelcome Oblations to the Goddess they adore, who fear to ask, fearing to be refused; being come to his cabin, and enquiring of his Health, such Gratulations having passed between us, as are common and familiar to be used to one in such Extremity, I bespoke him in this manner: My Friend, you may guess it is something extraordinary, that would not admit of delay, which hath made me so soon venture forth to give you this untimely Visit, which is dangerous to myself, and troublesone to you; Fortune has obliged me, in the midst of all my Miseries, in making me the Preserver of one, which sometime was Desdemona's . Love to her, persuaded me to be thus tender of your welfare; but I have other Business of consequence which drew me hither, and would ill agree to be deferred to a longer time. It is the welfare of my Father and Mother, by whose entreaty, I left Syracuse, leaving them engaged at the moment of my Departure, in a fatal Skirmish with an unknown Party of men, that I would hear Tidings of; Nature persuades, and my Fears thrust me forward, to receive some Satisfaction from your Intelligence, which I desire you would discharge yourself off, so to disperse these Doubts, and procure my Repose.  
The wounded man raising himself up in his Bed, casting his Eyes on me, with a downcast and mournful Look, with a weak Voice, he uttered these Words. Sir, I should ill requited you for the Gratuity of my Life, to give you a Relation that will add to your Torments, and it had been far better your Souldiers had cast me into the Sea, than that the remainders of this woeful Life, being preserved, should endeavour to put a Period to yours; leave this fatal News to be discovered by time, and let not your Curiosity undo you; I feel my Life growing towards an end, and all that is Man about me begins to decay, let not the last Fragments of my Life, be a Medicine to procure your Disquiet, rather than the Repose you expect. Here he continued silent, expecting my Reply, so that I return'd him this Answer. Let not any Concernments of mine, defer your Relation, for Dangers and Misfortunes are become so familiar unto me, that the Strangness is no Novelty, nor the Bug-bears are not horrid enough to fright me; I am armed against the worst Effects of Fortune that you can relate has befallen me; there is nothing now can make me more miserable than I am already, by thy last Discourse, of the lamentable Loss of my dearest Desdemona.  
Sir,( replied he) these be the Effects and Symptoms of a Noble Mind, to bear with Adversity as well as Prosperity; that can welcome Misfortunes as well as Felicities; that is not Ambitious in his Happiness, nor Despairing in his Miseries, but wisely yields to what he cannot shun; seeing I have found you in this Temper, I shall make no farther scruple to satisfy your Request; and lest my Weakness should be a hindrance to my Discourse, I will endeavour to contract all my Relation into a pithy Abstract of the whole, yet not leaving any thing forgotten or omitted, wherein your Interest is concerned; and to delay you no longer, Sir, you may understand, that you had scarcely passed the Threshold of my Masters Door, but he and his Lady came Home, accompanied only with some few of their Friends, the rest having partend from them at the Grave; and these stayed not long, but comforting them in the best wise they might, urging Patience as the best Remedy to cure their Miseries, they soon left them, to return to their several Places of Abode. Now being destitute of all that could disturb them, they became their own Disturbers, and being alone, they had a more ample Opportunity, and clearer and a deeper Insight, to discern and make an Inspection into their Miseries, so to discover the true Value of what they had lost; they began now to consider they had lost, lost the Light of their Eyes, the Staff of their Age, and the Glory of their House in a moment, when they did least expect it; and that she did not die by Age, or Sickness, or any Disease incident to Mankind, but that she was torn away out of their Arms, in the Flower of her Youth and Beauty, when she promised most Felicity and Comfort to their Age.  
Here they let fall a Shower of briny Tears, bedew●ng the Place where they sate, and filling the Room with the Echo of their Complaints, and Aggravations of their Loss. When that Storm of Grief was something allayed, they went Hand in Hand into the Garden, and from thence into the House of Pleasure there situated, and the same where Desdemona performed the last Violence on her self; their Intention, as far as I could guess, being to spend the remainders of those Tears, they had yet left, in the same place where their dearest Daughter had expired her latest Breath; they had newly seated themselves, and began with a greater freedom to vent their Sorrows, which sate so heavy on their Hearts, out of the Flood-gates of their Eyes; the Place well suiting to accompany them in their Woes; as they continued in this grievous excess of Misery, bitterly inveighing against him that had occasioned it, a little Spaniel Dog, which always used to follow him, and in whom, before he was taken up with Sorrow, he used to take great Delight, had been searching and hunting up and down the Walks and young Springs and Thickets in the Garden, and at last came up into the House, and after he had, before them, wantonly played with a Paper, which he had brought in in his Mouth, as his usual Customs were, to carry all things he found to his Master, at last he brought this, where he stood f●isking his Tail, a● willing his Master to receive it, and make much of him for what he had brought him; but because it was common with him daily to do as much, they neglected him, as a thing of no Concernment; when th● Dog saw he had not that Welcome he used to receive● he leaps up with his Paws on his Master, making ● k●nd of a howling Noise, and holding up the Pape● towards him in his Mouth; this Action made my Master something more attentive, and as he would have thrust him from him, looking something nearer on the Paper, that the Dog still held in his Mouth, he discovered it to be a Letter, fairly folded and sealed up, which he no sooner did perceive, but he took it out of his Mouth, and the Dog as willingly partend from it, going his way to his old Trade of busking to and fro in the Garden. After he had looked on the Letter, and saw the Directions to Desdemona, he shew'd it to his Lady, and both of them deferring their Sorrows for a small time, in expectation of what the Contents might contain; they opened the Letter, wherein they found not only Likelihood and Suspicion, but certain Assurance, that you had been the only Cause, and none else beside, of all their Misfortunes; that you had poisoned your Married Wife Artemesia, and although not actually, yet yourself was the chief in the Tragedy of Desdemona; I need not tell you what it contained, since it was written by yourself, and signed with you own Hand, being sealed with your Signet at Arms.  
At the Period of this,( said Almerin to Cynthia, who gave earnest attention to his Discourse) the wounded Man growing faint, deferred his Relation for a small time, whilst I continued butted in astonishment, at what he had related. Now, to my cost, I began to see how Heaven glories in divulging the Faults and Crimes of Offenders; and lest we should ascribe and refer the revealing of them to common Causes, see they make a poor Spaniel Dog the Instrument of my Discovery; thus the most neglected and forgotten things, they many times make Executors of their Will, lest men should say such things came by Fortune, and such by Chance; but in this Example, we may behold the immediate Hand of Heaven made manifest to our Capacity; as for my Letter, since the time my Resolutions were altered, concerning the sending of it, as I have formerly related unto you; my Father and Mother coming in accidentally to visit me the Morning of the same Day, that I saw Desdemona afterwards conveyed to the Temple, fearing then they might have surprised me, in what I did endeavour to make a Secret to them, I put it hastily into my Pocket to conceal it, not once minding or thinking on the securing of that, which did so much concern the Safety of my Life. Afterwards, when I came to Desdemona Father's House, where this Man gave me the whole Particulars of her Death; which when I had heard, leaving Fidelio and him together, I went into one of the most secret Alleys in the Garden, that I might give my Griefs unseen, the greater Current; where I drew out my Handkerchief to wipe of the wandring Tears that issued from my Eyes, and at that fatal moment, as far as I can conceive by Conjectures, with that I drew out the Letter, so that my Repentance and Sorrow, both turned to my greater rebuk and Punishment.  
The Man proceeded forward again in his Relation,( saying) After that they both understood by your Letter, that you were the only Author of all the Calamities that had befallen them, they left off to grieve, and began only now to think of Revenge, thinking your guilty Blood would be more acceptable to the injured Spirit of Desdemona, than their fruitless Tears; I cannot describe the bitter Complaints they made against you, for your Ingratitude, in abusing their Love and Kindnesses, with so shameless a Requital. Now Revenge had only Precedency, and reigned supreme in their Thoughts; my Master, as if his Youth had been renewed, at the Sight of your Letter, leaving his Lady at Home, ran nimbly to the Judges of criminal Causes, then residing in the City; where producing the Letter, they with all diligence, let him have Power and Authority to apprehended you, and secure, and bring you to your Answer; to this end and purpose, the Corrigedor was strongly assisted with many of my Masters Friends, where they seized you in your Fathers House; and by your Fathers Order and Authority, you were again rescued out of their Hands, and convoyed to the Water-side, where you escaped away, your Escape being made good by your Father, a strong Party of men assaulted him, which were Friends to my Master, and he making good his Defence, was there slain; scarce was he fallen, but the Garrison of the City came in, having notice from your Servant, which you left with him, with what unequal Odds he was assaulted; immediately they encompassed them in with their Forces, destroying all of them, leaving not a man alive, so cruelly revenging them for the Death of their Commander, they so dearly affencted; your Servant being over-earnest, and too forward in his Revenge for his Masters Death, unhappily was slain on the Place; your Mother was conveyed in a deadly Trance Home to her own House, where, for very Grief, for the Death of her Husband, and the Loss of you, she, in a few hours, expired her last Breath.  
Day at last appeared, yet blushing to behold the Catastrophe of so fatal a Tragedy, where the Streets lay covered with Blood and dismembered Men; famed soon carried Tidings of this Tumult and Disturbance to King Tancredus, who, sojourned then with the Earl of Palermo; who, from my Master hearing the certain Cause of his Daughters Death, provoked the King to a speedy Revenge, and he soon accorded to his Desires; so that with all expedition he return'd to Syracuse, where his Presence quieted the remainders of any further Stirs; there was diligent inquiry made to discover you, but hearing you were gone, he sent many Vessels in pursuit of you; amongst many that were sent forth, the Earl of Palermo and my Master sent out this we are now in, at their own Charge, Manning it with their own Servants, thinking their Interest would oblige them to revenge their Injuries more fully, promising great Rewards to us all, if we could secure you alive, or if dead, to produce your Head; in the mean time our Vessel was Rigging, and making ready to put forth to Sea, your Father and Mother were both solemnly interred in the great Temple of the City, the King himself accompanying their Bodies to the Grave, not without Tears, for the Loss of two Friends, he always so dearly affencted, vowing a severe Castisement on you, if ever he did get you into his Hands; soon after we put to Sea, and in two days time had the ill Fortune to meet with you; what then happened, is bleeding fresh in Memory, and therefore needs no Rehearsal; all that I know I have related unto you, which will be Caution enough, I hope, to persuade you forth of these narrow Seas, if you do prise your Life, and the Lives of these men that accompany you, since there is no Harbour on the African Shore will secure you; for Sicilia being under the Government of the Carthaginians, the Senate will not deny King Tancredus things of greater consequence, than the delivering of you up into his Hands; and to fly to the Romans, is both dangerous and perilous, since it is difficult, the Seas being so beset for you, that you can't pass without discovery; I find Death taking Possession of my mortal Body, and my Soul, which is but a Tenant at will, ready to leave his Habitation; let not the last remainders of this Life, to which you have shown so much Kindness, be an Occasion to destroy yours; that I may in some sort die freed from the Obligation I stand indebted unto you in, I desire you to live, but I hold it better for me to die, than to see so many Miseries acted over afresh again, as I have been Spectator of; I feel Death seizing on me, Oh! whether am I going? to strange and unknown Shades, from whence none ever yet return'd back again to give a Description; but what ever it be, it is a resting Place for Innocency; then farewell restless World, I shall find that there, I could never find in thee. He pronounced these last Words imperfectly, and giving a grievous Groan, he soon expired and gave up the Ghost. Such was the End of this true and faithful Servant, which though nameless, bears a great part in this tragic Story, and at last sealed it with his Blood.  
I no sooner saw him departed away, but drawing my Sword, intending to have pierced my Heart, so to end my present Misery, and the thought of worse to come; but being perceived by some Officers of the Ship, which were present at this Relation, suddenly they restrained me from being my own murderer, and by force, taking my Sword from me, they conveyed me to my cabin, as a frantic and desperate Man; but first removing from thence all things wherein there lay any thought of Danger; appointing my Physician, and four men beside to attend me; and gathering together in Council, they agreed to steer their Course towards the Kingdom of Norway, which lies near the frozen Zone, the rather, because they had heard that my Grand-father was a man of great repute in those Parts; and for that reason they did all concur, like the Heart of one man, in their Resolves and Opinions of going thither. Away we went forth of the Mediterranean Sea, and passed the Streights of gibraltar, or Hercules Pillars, touching at the Isle of Cadez, and taking in fresh Water and Victuals, needful for so long a Voyage, we left the African Shore a stern, and sailed away due North; when I came something better to myself, I could not much gain-say or disapprove what they had done, since I had nothing could detain, or persuade my Return to Syracuse, since all my Joys were vanished, in the Loss of Desdemona, and my dear Parents.  
It would be too tedious to give you a Relation over what Seas we passed, and how many Dangers we escaped, sailing over mighty Waters, where the Waves, like Mountains, did almost lift us up to the Skies, and then again to cast us into a Valley, like the Jaws of Death, so that the Death we did fly from, did seem to meet us, and that which we would have shunned, began to overtake us; but by Heavens Ordinance, which would not permit my wretched Life should so end, we escaped these fearful and dreadful Dangers, and were preserved free from shipwreck, where every Wave threatened ruin, and every Storm Destruction, so that at last we arrived safely at 〈◇〉 where casting forth our Anchors, and furling our Sails, we went ashore, where we soon found the great alteration of the Climate, and the bad Exchange we had made, in forsaking Sicilia, our native Country; where Flora did keep a never-fading Spring, and Phoebus, with his Rays, a continual Summer; where Bacchus kept his Vintage, and Ceres a perpetual Harvest; the Trees and Ground being always adorned with the sweetest Garb that Summers Livery wears; when here, for a greater Curse and Torment, we found the Earth disrobed of all that we esteem pleasant and rare; and instead of a lovely Green, covered over with Hills of Snow; the Trees, instead of Fruit, bore Isicles; and the Air, instead of a mildred Temperature, was could and piercing, always clouded with Snow, accompanied with the fierce and blustering North Wind; we left a Heaven to purchase a Hell; yet the thought of safety sounded sweet in the midst of all our Disasters. Here we found a secure Retreat, which was freely granted unto us, by the then King of Norway; but that was all we could purchase, for my Grandfather was dead many years before, and hearing no news of my Father, imagining him to be dead, when, by his utmost diligence, he could hear no Tidings of him, bequeathed, and gave his Estate to his nearest Relations and Kinsmen, and they again to their Children, so that it had been possessed by several Persons; the King then Reigning, being very young, never knew my Grandfather, but by report or hearsay, so that the Remembrance of so great a Man, in a few years was quiter forgotten, and almost the Thought extinguished and butted in Oblivion; to so poor effect does Greatness serve to perpetuate our Memory, or Riches and high Titles to preserve our Names alive.  
Man is no sooner born, but Death seeks out to find him, and when he first begins to live, he is onward on his way to die.  
He enters the World with Cries and Groans, and continues them with a painful Pilgrimage.  
His Years are few, and full of Misery, and there is nothing he Louis is permanent.  
His Life is attended by a grievous Sickness, and his Prosperity is waited on by Adversity.  
He follows Pleasures that vanish in the pursuit, and fancies Felicities that are lost in the Possession.  
His Mirth is a Fore-runner of Misery, and his Hopes are but the Harbingers of Despair.  
There is no high Hill, but it is to me some deep Valley; nor no Felicity, but it hath its Vale of Sorrow.  
The Rich Man surfeits in his Riches, while the Poor pines away for want of Bread, yet in Death there is no difference; but who lays this to Heart?  
Here I was accounted of as a Stranger, although I had my Original from hence, and indeed I might well be termed so, since the Country Customs, and Manners of the People, were all strange to me, and rather begot an Admiration, to see a Kingdom so very poor, than a Hope to receive any Sustentation from them; I verily believe, if King Tancredus and the Earl of Palermo had known of my being there, they would scarce have made so long and dangerous a Journey after me, but would rather have accorded to have let me live in this Country, as being a greater Punishment than a sudden Death; so that I need not have given the King of Norway the trouble to protect me in his Dominions; the very Coldness of his Country, and the dangerous Seas that lay betwixt Sicilia and this Place, were of force enough for our Safety.  
But Life alone, without a Livelihood to maintain it, is a continual Death; and I think, in this distraction of Spirit, I should have courted my own ruin, had not my Concernments for my poor men, retarded me from it; I could not, without great Ingratitude, leave these poor men, who had so willingly made themselves Companions in my Misfortunes, and forsaken their own Country for my proper Interest; a Prey to Casualties and Disasters of a strange Country, so to perish in an unknown Land. When I considered their Condition, my Bowels yearn'd, with the Imagination of their future Misery; we stayed there about five months, and all the Wealth I did enjoy, served only to defray our Charges, so that our Condition, as I imagined, was past hope of cure, and Necessity began so much to straitten me, that I had nothing left, wherewithal to maintain almost an hundred men, being all the Remainders of two hundred, the rest perishing in the late Fight. Now nothing remained but the bare and entire Ship. Want enforced me to offer it to Sail; the poor men hanging down their Heads, with the sense of Sorrow, in expectation of their future Condition, which they apprehended was very near at hand; none offered to object against the Proposal I had made, for nature called to be satisfied, and Hunger, more sharp than the Sword, in this could and miserable Country, would not admit of Reason to capitulate of any thing but the time present; many Merchants residing there, offered to buy it, but we could not suddenly agree of the Price, we were unwilling to sell all the Hopes we had now left, at a loss.  
We were in this despairing Condition, when a strange Man, or rather a Monster of men accosted us; his Stature was Tall, his Body Big, proportionable to his height, his Looks very grim and fierce, his Hair dangling in Curls on his Shoulders, like wreathed Snakes; his Beard long and peaked, his Mouth big, his Nostrils wide, his Nose sharp, his Face wrinkled, yet his Eyes darted Fire; his clothing was made of Bears Skins; his Cap was made of a Tigers; after a marvelous deformed manner, he came towards me, with a grave and solid place, and standing still a little time, first viewing me, then casting his Eyes on my Men, after a while he thus bespoke me. Sir, Were there not Graves enough in Sicilia, but you must needs bring these poor Wretches to make their Tombs in the Snow, which covers all this Country? marvel not, that I say Sicilia, for I can relate your deepest Secrets, which occasioned you to abandon your Country, to retire yourself to this miserable Place, where Famine is ready to seize on you all; let your Folly proceed no farther, as to make Sale of your Vessel, for with that you make Sale of your Lives; I know you will pled Necessity as your Excuse, but that shall be suddenly remedied by me; let your Men go aboard your Vessel, and expect the Issue, and about the Hours of Eleven and Twelve at night, fail not to meet me here exactly. This said, away he went, leaving me in amazement at his Discourse, yet hoping the best, and desirous to see the end, I requested my men to go aboard, which accordingly they did.  
The appointed Hour being come, and the Time drawing near, and I accordingly attending at the Place nominated; when after a small stayance, by the glimmering Light of the Stars, which shine very bright in these Northern Parts; I could perceive one making up towards me, and when the Distance began to grow less, between us, I soon discerned it to be the same Man which had ordered my being there at that time, when he cast his Eyes on me, and saw me standing there ready, without speaking one word unto, me he cast a Mantle on the Ground, bidding me remove from the Place where I stood, and stand upon it; his fearful Looks, strange Actions and Gestures, made me fear to abide the Issue, yet having not Courage enough to disobey his Commands, I went and stood upon it accordingly; which I had no sooner done, but he also placed himself by me, and drawing out a Book forth his Bosom, he began to red strange Characters in an unknown Language, which I understood not; with a Wand which he had in his hand, three times he circled the Mantle, then turning himself to the East, then to the West, then to the South, and lastly to the North; when on a sudden, there arose a tempestuous Wind, and in a moment, the Mantle began to remove off from the Ground, and nimbly to mount with us into the Air; in a few moments we were lifted up above the sight of Earth, flying swiftly away on the Wings of the Wind, till about the Hour that Lucifer, that glorious Star, did begin to appear, then the Mantle began to descend towards the Earth, in a strange unknown Place, and softly seated us, hard by the Mouth of a dismal Cave; he beckoned me to follow him, which accordingly I did; being entered the Cave, I did behold many spacious and sumptuous Rooms, richly hanged with Cloth of Arras and Tapestry, the Tables furnished with all sorts of delicious Viands; I still followed him into the midst of the Vault, where hung a bright and shining Carbuncle, which gave a clear Light to the rest of the Rooms; all the living Creatures I did behold passing along, were many ill favoured old Women, deformed above what I can describe, or you Imagine; ill shapen, and more strangely attired; they all yielded a kind of Reverence to this old Man, as to their Chief; we went through many Rooms, till at last we came into an inner Parlour, more dismal and fearful than the rest; on the Walls were painted many strange and monstrous Shapes; in the midst of the Room hung two Lamps, which gave a blew and dim Light, from which issued a sulphurous and stinking Stench of Brimstone, hard by the Lamps, was seated a large round Table, and on the Table lay a very great Book, and by the Table stood a Chair, far above the common Size, where he seated himself, and leaning his Head on his Right Hand about a quarter of an hot. He was very earnest in turning over the Leaves of the Book, and at last, leaving it open on the Table, he turned himself towards me, and bespoke me thus.  
Almerin of Sicilia, that art come to purchase a Habitation in this remote Part of the World; wonder not at what you have seen, nor at what you see, but leave your Admiration entire for the time to come; for the Days draw near at hand, when your Wealth shall exceed the Riches of Norway, when your Name shall become a terror to the Inhabitants of this Northern World; their Kings and Rulers shall tremble for fear of you, and their Ears shall glow to hear your Acts related; Merchants from remote Parts shall hold themselves happy in your Friendship; you shall engross to yourself so many rich Commodities, that the Worth shall not be valued, and you will make the King of Norway Mighty, by reason of your pvissance; great Kings shall request his Alliance for their own Safety, and you shall grow strong, from the ruin of others. The time will come, nay, it is at the Doors, when famed shall sound the Report of you to foreign Nations; so that your Cruelties shall make you famous, for you shall destroy Mothers, and cruelly dash their Children against the Wall; barbarously you will Deslower and Ravish innocent Virgins, destroying whole Villages, with their Inhabitants; since you have delighted in Rape and murder, you shall proceed, and what you have done, shall be nothing, in comparison of what you shall do; yet remember that Saying of Artemesia, for it must be fulfilled,( when you desire to live, you shall be surprised and cut off.) This Country you are now in, is Lapland, this Cave is my Residence; I am Servant to Lucifer, Lord of this World, Prince of the Air, and Arch-duke of the River styx, and chief King of the Infernal Shades; by him I am employed as a Register, to take the Names of all such Persons as will become his Servants, and having notice by my Intelligencers, of the lost Condition you and your Men were in, by Order from my sovereign Lord, I have brought you here, where, before I can give you Remedy, you must, with your own Blood, writ your Name in this Book, and enter yourself a Servant to him, always to be at his Command and Disposal, when-ever he shall require it, only for him, and alone to him; and of these Particulars you are not to fail. This said, he turn d the Book towards me: Look here( said he) and behold this huge volume, filled with the Names of such Servants as I have taken in the behalf of my Lord Lucifer; it is no small Advantage, that he daigns you the Honour to be one of his. This said, he offered me a Pen and Pen-knife, and a small Cup,( saying) What you do, perform it quickly, for the Night begins to grow old, and you have many Miles to return to the Place from whence you came.  
I, who then had not reason to consider of the Circumstances, thinking this Lucifer was some great God that our Fore-fathers and Priests did never know, and that he was pitiful, because he commiserated my woeful Condition, and judging myself happy, in being owned by so great a Deity, I made no scruple to perform what he commanded me; so that taking the Pen-knife, I opened a Vein in my Left-arm, while the old signior held the Cup to receive the Blood, and having bled some small quantity, I stopped the Incision, and wrote according to the Presidents of others there before me, and signed it with my Name; this done, he closed up the Book, and going into a dark Corner or Hole, he took forth a small Bag of Gold, and delivered it into my Hands,( saying) Let this suffice to Victual your Ship, and provide what Necessaries you are in want of; you must now turn Rover, or in a more proper sense, Pirate, and by that means raise your Fortunes on the Sea; here also I will give you a Treasure shall help you in your need, and secure you in the midst of Dangers. Saying this, he shew'd me a small Compass, denominating and showing the four Quarters of the World. Here( continued he) is a Jewel not to be valued; if you want Booty, sail towards the East, and you shall obtain your Desire; if you are pursued, sail towards the West, and you shall secure your Retreat; yet take this Caution with you, that you steer at such times, according to the several Points of this Compass, and not of the known Quarters of the World, for this varies from them Rules; now what remains, but that we sit and eat what is prepared for us, and that you return again to your Vessel. This said, he left that dismal Room, and conducted me to one of the Tables I saw covered at my first coming in, where we seated ourselves, being served and attended by these ill-look'd old Women. Having taken some small Repast, the Cloth was taken away, and for his Diversion, he commanded the old Women to come before him, which was no sooner done, but pronouncing many strange Speeches, from the most secret parts of the Cave, there was heard to proceed a bewitching and delightful Noise of sweet charming music; at the hearing of this, the old deformed Women began to dance, in form, according to the Stops of the music, when in a moment, the sweetness changed, sounding more rude and harsh; and in the turning of a Hand, these old Hags were transformed into the Shape of Wolves, still dancing after a rustic manner; immediately the music altered, and they became all metamorphosed into the Shape of lions, and by the changing of the Notes, into their own Likeness again, and so continuing dancing while the Melody ceased, and then they left off; after which, the old grim Vizzer thus bespoke me. I would detain you with me longer, but the Time is short, and your Journey long, and your Men ardently expect your Return; but before you go, take this Present from my Hand, it is of no small esteem, neither will it be of mean use unto you; by Virtue of this, aeolus shall be your Slave, and Boreas and Zephyrus shall attend you, and Fortune, spite of her self, shall be your Friend. This said, he drew from his Bosom a small Cord, knit with about one hundred Knots: If you be becalmed,( continued he) undo one of these Knots, and you shall have a Gale according to your desire, at all times, and on all occasions; for my own part, I cannot accompany you back to your Vessel, but one of these shall, pointing to the old Women. This said, we arose from the Table and went forth, where one of the Hags spread a Mantle on the Ground. I was ordered, as before, to stand on it, while he placed one of those horrid Monsters by my side, which being done, he takes his Book, as at first, and circling the Mantle with his Wand, he bad me farewell; mean while the Mantle arose from the Ground, and ascended aloft into the Air, so that we soon lost a sight of his Cave, and parting the Air with incredible swiftness, being carried after such a rate, that in a small time we had gained the Kingdom of Norway, and the Mantle began to descend down where it first took me up; I was no sooner gone off it, but immediately it vanished from 〈◇〉 sight, so that I had not one minutes time 〈◇〉 return thanks for those Kindnesses so freely conferred on me.  
The day began now to break in the East, which forced the Shades of Night to retire;( while I stood musing on the strange Passages) Aurora leaped nimbly from watery Neptune. This sight caused me to make means to get aboard, which I soon purchased; where coming, I found my men almost dead with Despair, but my return began to enliven and quicken their Hope, and from my Countenance, they began to presage of their own good Fortune; being unwilling to keep them in suspense, I shew'd them the Gold, and acquainted them on what terms it was given; I gave them a true Rehearsal of all the Accidents that had befallen me from the time I left them, unto that present hour; and also the Discourse of the old Man, touching myself and them; I left nothing unreveal'd of all that happened, but discovered all to a tittle; my Discourse charmed them so, that they all jointly, with one applause, willingly offered to continue subject to my Commands, and freely to spend their Lives in my Defence; I gave them many thanks for their Affection formerly shewed, and their Kindnesses still continued towards me, and distributing to every man a piece of Gold, I kept the residue to provide Necessaries for the Ship; we all went ashore, merrily frolicking out the ensuing day, all of them banishing their Fears, began to grow sprightly and lively, like m●●● Flowers, that in the absence of the Sun, dr●●p their Heads, and at his return, receive new Life and Vigour, flourishing freshly; so these despairing men, from this new Hope, received fresh Courage, and they, that not an hour before, had not Valour enough to defend themselves, with the thought of what they had, and the Hope and Expectation of what they might have, became confident and resolute; so that the greatest impossibilities became easy, and the greatest Difficulties possible to be overcome by them. The next Day, towards the Evening, we weighed Anchor, and loosed our Sails, which had lain a long time furled up; letting fly our Colours, away we went, leaving the City of 〈…〉 at our Backs; and now to make experience of my Compass, we stear'd towards the East accordingly, and being impatient to prove the trial of my Knots, I loosed one, and upon a sudden, there arose a stiff Gale of Wind, which forced our Ship forward with such speed, that with our Canvas Wings, it rather seemed to fly than to sail; thus we spent the greatest part of the Night, thinking it to be long and tedious, because it did so much defer our Expectations of the ensuing Day. Day, long wished for, at last appeared, so that we might discern, on our Larboard-side, a very stately Ship sailing along; at this sight we altered our Course, and made up to it with speed, and stormed it with our Arrows, but found so small resistance, that we soon boarded the Ship, making prise of all, as well Ship as Lading, casting, a● well the Whole as the wounded Men overboard, and leaving some few of my own men to guide and conduct it, we followed the same Course we formerly stear'd by the Directions of the Compass; in a few hours sail, we took two Ships more, both richly laden, and cast all the Souls overboard, as we did the first; this was our Custom a while, least by preserving them, we had ruined ourselves, by the Intelligence they might have given to the Kings of that Country, unto whom they did belong, and persuade them to a Revenge while we were yet in our Infancy of rising, and so soon have rooted us up, and frustrated our Intentions; thus secretly we began to lay our Foundation and Hopes of becoming greater on the ruin of others, till we grew to a Capacity to make opposition against the strongest Enemy that dur'st disturb us. Why, Madam, need I enlarge myself on particulars of this nature, or cloy your Ears with such Discourses as have been too dull and frequent in the Relation I have made you? In short, we began to steer our Course for the cost of Norway, when we discerned a Ship making after us with full Sails, and fearing to loose the Booty we had gotten, I speedily began to undo one of my Knots, and to steer towards the West, according to the Observation of my Compass, when suddenly there arose a contrary Gale of Wind, so that in a moment we lost sight of the other Vessel; and sailing, with a strong Wind, towards the Evening of the next ensuing Day, we discovered the cost of Norway, which we soon gained; we anchored, and landed our Goods, which were very rich, where we made a sudden Sale, but yet reserving what was most precious, to make a Present of it to the King, the more to endear and oblige him to our Interest; the Money I would have shared equally amongst them all, but they would not agree to that, so that by their Importunity, I was forced to receive the one half, with which I redeemed the best part of my Grandfathers Possessions; we put forth to Sea again, and return'd with many rich Prizes, as is almost incredible; I redeemed the residue of my Grandfathers Estate, and in a small time, purchased greater Lordships, yet always reserving a great Stock of Money, ready on all occasions; all the Ships that were fit for War, I set forth to Sea again, making, of my own Men, Officers, which had, as their Servants, many of the Subjects of the King of Norway, that went with them. Thus we dispersed ourselves on the Sea, and became mighty on the Ocean; if we missed of Booty by Water, we sought it on Land, and on the East side of Britain, and the Western Parts of Scotland we went ashore, plundering and sacking whole Towns, and convoying our Prey aboard, we return'd safely Home, so that my famed began to rise in all Parts, and spread abroad in foreign Countries, so that not one tittle of the old Mans Words fell to the Ground unfulfil'd.  
My Wealth growing great, and my Riches daily increasing, the King of Norway honoured me so much, as to offer me his own niece to Wife, willing me to continue in the City Royal with him, and to ordain a Deputy over my Affairs at Sea, that I might take a little Pleasure and Ease after so many past Miseries; I promised to perform all that he desired, after I had been forth one Voyage more, and at my return, to submit to whatsoever he should command me; I gave him many obliging thanks for his Concerns he had for me, and so took my Leave of him, promising a speedy return. Our Ships being ready, and the Wind blowing fair, we quickly left Norway, and sailing about three days, by the Directions of my Compass, Eastwards, and meeting no prise, we severed ourselves to divers Quarters, so that I left myself alone, only with this Admiral Ship we are now in, and cruseing about some time to little purpose, we resolved to put ashore, on the East Parts of Albion( as often times we had done before) to forage for cattle to Victual our Ship; when at our first Landing, lo Fortune presented us with the sight of your Brother, who stood in opposition against a very great number in your Defence; this sight diverted our former Intentions, so that we marched towards them, not to assist either Party, but to make our utmost advantage of both; at the sight of us, those that assaulted your Brother, fled away, and he only keeping his Station, undaunted made his Stand good against us all, till being o'repower'd by Number, we took him Prisoner, and with him, your fair self, Fortune above measure, making me happy for the loss of my dearest Desdemona, so that there rests nothing now, but that I return to Norway, never to trust the Dangers of this Liquid Element any longer, there to offer myself, and what I enjoy, at your Feet, and joyfully to build my whole Felicity in the Hopes I have conceived, one day to be yours.  
This, Madam( continued he) is the Period and end of my dismal Story, which I have truly related, not omitting ought might make me seem less faulty; but rather, I have aggravated my Crimes, and added to my Offences; for I find it impossible to relate Falshoods unto you, or to excuse myself with Untruths; I am before a Judge( your fair Self, Madam) who can judiciously and wisely dilate upon and censure my Offences, which well weighed and considered, will rather enforce Pity than Resentments, that may prove fatal unto me, since none of my Crimes have proceeded from my Inclinations, but from my adverse Fate, did I practise Artemesia's Death? remember that wicked Issue, had a noble Parent Love; was I unconstant to Artemesia? Oh remember my Constancy to Desdemona! think, if I could have been unconstant, I might have been less wretched; if I have obliged you in the Rehearsal, or disobliged myself, I am not able to judge, yet consider how willing I am to court all Opportunities to endear you, and that I hazard my own Interest, for the pettiest occasion to oblige you; there is something due to that; should you hold me guilty, I will not justify myself, or judge me innocent. I would continue silent, and make no reply, but rest satisfied, in granting your Request in this Rehearsal and Relation of the History of my Life.   

The Continuation of the History of Orsamus and Cynthia.  
HEre Almerin ended the Story of the Adventures of his Life, leaving Orsamus and Cynthia in Admiration and Astonishment; they saw he was pursued by a Divine Hand, and that it was impossible for him to fly his Fate, so that they began to look on their own Condition, fearfully apprehending the Calamities that might befall them, in being Prisoner to one, who being followed by Divine Vengeance, made all miserable that were concerned in any thing that appertained unto him; they well knew what they could expect, or receive from the Hands of one, whose Life had been monstrous, but the latter part most fearful and horrid; their Fears almost made them despair, but that they did remember, Heaven doth always assist the virtuous in their greatest Calamities, and is nearest at hand with Remedy and Relief, when our Miseries become most desperate, and past Cure.  
Alexander Magnus, that brave Macedonian Monarch, being by the States of all Grecia, chosen Captain General to pass into Asia, and to make War with the Persians; before he took Ship, he enquired after the Estate of all his Friends, to know what Means they had to follow him; then he distributed and gave to one Lands, to another a Village, to this man the Custom of some Haven, to another the Profit of some Borough Town, bestowing in this manner, the most part of his demesnes and Revenues; and when Perdicus, one of his Lieutenants, asked him what he reserved for himself; he answered,( I leave Hope for Alexander;) so great Confidence had this Noble warrior in his own virtue; nothing in the World is more common than Hope, it abides with the most Prosperous, nor doth it abandon the most Wretched; without Hope, our Life would be insupportable; for as the Winds do not always blow vehemently, so happy Men are not ever Fortunate, nor unhappy Men always Miserable; Hope easeth the burden of Mans Miseries, and it never fails him until he ceases to be; Hope is the best Comforter in the greatest Adversities, because nothing so much dissipates the sharpness of present Calamities, as the hope of future Felicities; there is Vicisitudes in all things, and nothing below continues in one State and Condition; Winter does not continue ever, and the Moon is not always in her Wain; those Fortune frowns on to day, she may smile on to morrow; the Air is not always tempestuous, nor the Sun continues not long clouded; virtuous Persons may fall into Misfortunes, but they be of small durance. These Considerations did something alloy and dissipate the Griefs our disconsolate Lovers endured, else it had been too heavy a burden; for their Condition seemed so desperate, only a Divine Power could relieve them, since human Assistance failed them; the Relation of Almerin's Life, instead of a Divertisement, that Cynthia expected, became an Addition to their own Miseries, and an Augmentation of their Fears; yet in civility, she was enforced to render him thanks for his Narration; after some discourse had passed about some Particulars of it, day left this upper World, and Night began to cloath her self in a sable Black, so putting a period to their Discourse, Orsamus and Almerin, each taking their respective farewells of Cynthia, left her to her Rest; Orsamus retiring to his cabin, and Almerin to give Commands to his Souldiers, concerning the ordering of the Ship. Some days passed away, while they crused about, in expectation of some more prizes, that they might not go Home unloaden for Norway. This Consideration alone, retarded their Voyage.  
In the mean time, Almerin prosecuted his svit to Cynthia with much eagerness, still keeping himself in the bounds of his Respect, until, by the return of Cynthia's Beauty, his Love blew his Lust into a flamme, which could not be extinguished without Peril to either side; Love is a Passion, of all other, most lovely, until Lust takes a Moiety, and becomes his Rival; then it becomes a very Tyrant, and is subject to the greatest villainy, for were Passion bears sway there is no place admitted for Reason to pled; no wonder then if Almerin broken the Laws wherewith he had confined himself, since Reason made them, and Passion is always a Rebel to Reason; sometimes they give him fair hopes, but as often defer him with delays, but delay breeds impatience, and impatience as often begets extremes; this was fully verified in Almerin, although Cynthia forbore as much as possible, to treat him harshly, that she might still keep him in terms of Respect.  
About nine days had passed away, since first they were surprised, when he came very rudely into her cabin, and with much Insolence, treated her in this manner: Madam, I see all my Civilities have been lost upon you, and you provoke me to destroy all the Considerations that have flowed from that Fountain. I have henceforth decreed to seek my Satisfaction by other means, so that I allow you until to morrow to frame a Resolution, and if that fail, to o'ercome your Obstinacy, I shall know how to oblige you unto it, in spite of your Aversion. He confirmed this Menace with many other, and his Actions agreeing thereunto,  told him to have spake nothing, but what he had fully determined before in his Mind; saying this, he left the Ca●bin, without the least respect, and in his going out, he fortuned to meet Orsamus, as then going to pay his usual Visit to Cynthia, and greeting him in this rough Language: Sir( said he) remember, from henceforth you are my Prisoner, and since Fortune is no more kind unto you, and gives you no greater Tie over your Sisters Affections, that she will not suffer you to gain your Freedom, from henceforth you shall be treated like a Slave, or like one that has baffled and deluded me with false hopes; henceforth I shall find other ways to compass my Ends, without your Intercession; until to morrow I have allowed your Sister to veil her Wilfulness to my Desires, which if you can perfect, you may both yet be happy. Saying, this, he left him, not expecting a Reply; which Fortune fell out well for Orsamus, for his Answer, no doubt, would have incensed the Pirate to present Extremities, for Almerin spake to a man, whose Spirit was not capable to be frighted by Bugbears; instead of being amazed at his Change, it began to rouse his Courage for a speedy Revenge: Base Man( said he) Dost think thy villainy shall always remain unpunished, and that there is no Period set to thy Wickedness? Barbarous Man( continued he) thou dost but hasten on thy Fate, which else might have been deferred some small time longer. This said, he entred into Cynthia's cabin, yet composing all that was fierce and terrible in his Looks to a lovely Sweetness, he found the Idea of all his Felicity, bathing that lovely Object in Tears; Love and Pity would have persuaded him to bear her Company in her Sorrows, she made Grief seem so lovely; but better reason taught him to dissipate those Floods of Woes, if possible, that thus oppressed her; when falling at her Feet, embracing her Knees, with a tender emotion of Pity and Compassion: Why these precious Showers, Madam?( said he) wherefore these prophesyings of Grief? is it because this Villain has so confidently set a time to finish his Desires? Alas my dearest Princess! he does but hurry on his own Punishment, and set an end unto his villainy; fear not the Issue, Madam, for if you fear, I shall faint; from your Eyes I shall receive my Destiny; oh! let them not be overcast with clouds, as a certain Omen of my Overthrow; Death itself, could not beget an Effect in my Soul like your Tears. Oh cease to exercise those Cruelties on yourself! and be not so unkind to one that loves you above his Life.  
All the time of this Discourse, Orsamus remained at her Feet, excess of Grief having almost made her insensible; but recollecting her Spirits, taking him by the Hand, Rise Orsamus, ( said she) and blame not my Griefs, since Fortune intends to put no Period to our Misfortunes, nor end to our Miseries; she is become cruel without remorse, and Pitiless without Compassion; if I think of Hope, she soon transforms it into Despair, and if I dare imagine I may be more Happy, she soon curbs me in for that Presumption; if there is no determinate end set to my Misfortunes, why should I expect any longer, and not court Death as the last Remedy? then blame not the Tears I  shed in so woeful a Case, since some fall for Orsamus, and accompany those that drop away for Cynthia. Orsamus ravished at this free and unconstrained Answer of Cynthia, and manifestation of her Pity: Oh! Madam,( said he) how happy do you make me in the midst of my Misfo●tunes, a thousand such Lives as mine spent in your Service, were but poor Arguments to balance, or make a recompense for the least of those precious Tears that you  shed. Oh rest contented, my dearest Princess! I am only safe in your Security, and happy in your Satisfaction: Oh fear not for me! it is impossible I should be thus fortunate and yet be unhappy.  
In such mournful Discourse they past away the Day, till Night approached to accompany them with her dismal Shades; this Night Orsamus continued with Cynthia, a woeful Companion of her Sorrows, nor was it gainsaid by Almerin, since he apprehended it would be a furtherance to his Designs; much Discourse passed between these unfortunate Lovers that ●nsuing Night, so woeful, that my Pen cannot decipher them in their true Colours, and therefore I continue silent.  
Night began to cast off her Sable Mantle, and Luna gave an Exit to this upper World; Darkness was hushed away, and Phoebus newly darted his resplendent Rays from the East, when our disconsolate Lovers prepared themselves for the Disasters that might befall them the succeeding Day. Scarce had the Aurora of the Day given place to that illustrious Planet the Sun, but Almerin, with hasty Steps, made towards the Cabbin-door; which was no sooner perceived by Orsamus, but he made ready for his Entertainment; Cynthia persuaded him from an Attempt upon his Life, but he return'd answer, Cease fair Soul, and let me alone, middle ways to such Enterprizes are dull. By this time Almerin came to the Cabbin-door, which was opened unto him by Orsamus; at his Entrance, he suddenly disarmed him of his Sword, with such an impetuous Fury, that before he could cry for Help, or make the least Resistance, he cast him deadly wounded at his Feet. lye there, thou main Obstructer of my Quiet,( said he) take the Reward of thy villainy in the Grave. Hardly was he fallen on the Deck, but his amazed Spirits return'd, being ready to give a farewell to that old Companion the Body; which Orsamus seeing, made ready to give him another Blow, so to make a sudden End to that fatal Separation, which Almerin perceiving, cried out, Oh hold your Hand! it is enough, I feel my Soul is ready to take her Flight, and my Continuance here will be but for a few moments, when I must go hence, and never return no more. O take a Truth from my Mouth! the last Words of a dying Man, and let them be annexed to the fatal Story of my Life, for the advantage of succeeding Times.  
Yesternight, about the time that the Moon, the fair Ruler of the dismal Shades, began to decline towards the West, t'illume that part of Heaven, the Bell then beating One, as I lay in my cabin upon my Bed, a feeble and low Voice came unto my Ear: Almerin awake, the last Period of thy Life draws near; oh be wise! and endeavour to avoid it. I suddenly started from my Bed at this Summons, but stiffened with amazement, for behold I saw the fair Idea of my dearest Desdemona close by me, in the same Form I have related unto you: Arise, continued this fair Shape, and let me make thee understand things whereof thou art yet Ignorant, for which I have burst the Cerements of my Sepulchre, and the Earth wherein I was hearsed, to give thee a timely Warning: but soft; methinks I scent the Morning Air, I must be brief, and so leave thee. Know Almerin, the utmost Date of thy Life, allotted thee by the Fares, is at an end, since thou desirest to live, and there is no way to avoid it, but by neglecting the Cause: Oh, cease to love this fair Unknown, now in thy Custody! thy Love to me, has made thy Life unpleasant; the continuance of thy Love to her, will make thee miserable to all eternity; set her ashore, on the Land from whence thou ravish'dst her, and make thyself miserable by her Absence, that beginning to loathe thy Life, thou mayst keep it some few moments longer, which spend to pacify the offended Deities, that thou mayst be happy in the Life to come; make use of this Advertisement, from one that must needs love thee in the Grave. About this time, a Cock, I have a long time kept aboard my Vessel, began to crow, at which this fair Spirit started, as a guilty thing. But hark,( continued it) I hear a Summons, that speaks Matins to be near, so that I must depart with speed to my Confinement: Adieu, adieu, make use of my Advice; farewell, and be happy; and so it vanished from my Sight. When I recollected my amazed Spirits, I could not frame a Resolution to prefer my Life before my Love, and indeed my Soul was so racked and disturbed, that much t me passed before I could resolve on anything; but at last, constrained by necessity, I agreed to quit my dearest Object for ever; but alas, alas, many Doubts cast themselves in the way, and my Mind was as yet unstable, unto which side I should incline: so that leaping from my Bed, I girded on my Sword, leaving my cabin to make these Disasters known unto you, to crave your Advice, and see what has fallen out; in my Death I have no more than my Deserts, yet I should die satisfied, could I secure your Safety; but my Breath begins to fail me, so that I cannot perform this last Office to my Love. Oh this gloomy World! in what a Shadow and deep Pit of Darkness do you leave us; into what dismal Place, and abyss of misery must I be conveyed? Where must my fleeting Soul take her Habitation? Oh you Divine Deities, that punish the Errors Mortals commit in this Life, with perpetual Torments! is there no End or Period set, but from Eternity to Eternity? is there no revoking of your Decrees, nor no Cessation of our Torments? Oh no! Alas, alas, none that go to that appointed Place, ever return back again. Oh horrible! Oh fearful! Oh terrible! still beginning, and never ending Eternity; now I desire to live, because I fear to die; yet I would die, because I would be freed from the Fear of worse to come. Oh happy, they that so live, that they may never be afraid to die; to such, Death is a Bed of Rest, eternal Happiness, and their Reward is elysium;— but mine is— another Voyage,— my last minutes are at hand;— I go away in a Mist I know not how;— I can no more,— farewell.— At this Word he gave up the Ghost, to the amazement of Orsamus, and the Terror of Cynthia.  
In a moment, the Glory of the Day was overcast with black Clouds, the Winds grew boisterous, and the Seas turbulent; the resounding Echo of the Thunder-claps were terrible to the Hearer; Flashes of Lightning made the Ship seem on Fire, with Storms of Hail and Rain, so that there began a cruel Tempest; the Waves grew proud, and the Ship disdained to be governed by the Pilots Skill; so that the Men made towards Cynthia's cabin, to give notice to their Captain, to have his Advice; when, behold they were amazed at the dismal Object presented unto their Eyes; they saw him wallowing in his own Blood, at the Entrance of the cabin; this Sight was followed by a loud and bitter Cry, and with the Lamentations of many different Voices; still the Storm continued, and their Confusion increased, until at last, recollecting their Distraction, they agreed with one Consent, to make good their Revenge upon Orsamus, who they doubted not, had been the murderer of their Captain; part they appointed to manage the Ship in that Storm, while the rest went to sacrifice his Blood to the Ghost of their slain Commander; their Resolution was answerable to their Design; for the Loss of their Captain, whom they loved so entirely, and in whom they built their future Fortunes, had raised their Choler to such an height, that nothing could alloy it but his Death; this was made manifest in their fierce Assault, which was by Orsamus as bravely repulsed; for he had gotten this Advantage, that defending himself at the Entrance of the Cabbin-Door, but one at a time could endanger or hurt him, and that Odds seemed not much unequal unto him; the Combat continued hot on both sides, Orsamus for the Safety of his dearest Cynthia, and the pirates for their Revenge; three of the pirates, Orsamus had sent to accompany their Captain, neither did he himself escape without Wounds; things were thus stated, when the Tempest began to assuage, and one from the Fore-castle began to cry out A Sail, a Sail. This Summons persuaded them to defer their Revenge for a small time, so that of that great number that assailed him, six only stayed as a Guard to secure him, fearing, should they engage, he might issue forth, and join with the Enemy, to their no small disadvantage.  
The Ship drew nearer, making towards them with full Sails, and before their Preparations were in a readiness for defence, they were saluted with a shower of Arrows, that seemed to darken the Sky; in a few moments they came to a closer Combat, and grappled with their Ship, then the Fight became bloody and cruel, Despair made the pirates courageous, so that twice they repulsed them, with no small Loss; in the third Assault they were worsted, and their Enemies taking advantage of their Retreat, slay all leaving not a man alive; those that guarded Orsamus were fled away, and escaped his Hands, but it was only to fall by others; some that were forwardest for Plunder and Spoil, would have entred Orsamus's cabin, but their Lives paid the Forfeit of their Folly; this occasioned another bickering, and drew most part of the Conquerors together, to behold a Resistance so bravely maintained by one Man, where eight lay wallowing in their Blood; yet he made good his Defence still, in the Passage he had undertaken to keep; thus he continued triumphing in their Deaths, making himself a Barricado of their Carcases, while the Victorious Captain that had boarded the Ship was a Spectator, and pitying that so much Bravery should whither in the Bud, and be destroyed by rustic Hands, he commanded his Men to leave assailing him: and drawing something nearer: Gallant Man( said he) your Courage has gained an Esteem in the Breast of your Enemy; cease this fatal Contest, and I promise you Safety, both of Life and Liberty.  
Your Offer is Noble,( replied Orsamus) nor could it flow, but from a Breast truly generous; it is not only against your Men I have made this Resistance, but against the whole Strength of the Ship, before your Valour subdued it; the Captain lies here a Sacrifice, slain by my hand, and nothing could have preserved my Life, had not Divine Providence directed you hither; yet being my Preserver, I dare not deliver myself on these Terms; not that I doubt the Performance of your Promise but a small Addition thereunto; here is within this cabin, one, whose Safety if I cannot secure, I shall little value my own; if you please to let us both share alike in your Bounty and Generosity, and promise to include us both in that noble Offer of Life and Liberty you so lately proffered me, I'll submit myself to your Protection; if not, I am ready to make good my Defence, with the Loss of that Life, I shall not esteem, without the entire Performance of these Articles. Saying this, he put himself in a Posture of Defence. Hold,( quoth the Captain) for Curiosities sake, I'll fulfil all thy Request, in the King of Kents Name, my Royal Master, I plight thee my Faith, and before our great God, I vow to keep it entire. Orsamus remained amazed at his Answer, and after some Resolutions in his Spirit,( he replied) Ha, King of Kent said you? come and finish what you have begun, for I'll never live to see that in anothers Power, the Treasure in anothers Custody, that is whole and entirely due to my Merits.  
Scarce had these Words took a farewell from his Mouth, but behold an aged old man, with more hast than his many years would permit him, made through the crowd towards him, and being come something nearer, that he might be heard, with an Ecstacy of Joy, he uttered these Word,( My Noble Lord Orsamus living, and found here! Heavens, you have satisfied my tedious Expectations!) and pausing a while with admiration, he continued his Discourse: Sir, I am not so much lost unto your Memory, but you may remember one Willifrid. At this Orsamus recollecting himself, cried out, My dear Father, Oh come into this fatal Place, that I may have this Happiness in Death, to die in the Defence of two Persons that share my Soul betwixt them! Oh Sir!( replied the old Man) talk not of Death, we came in search of you, only for your Safety; that I may make all this evident unto you, cease your Admiration for a time. This said, and all continuing silent, he proceeded as followeth.  
Oswald, that famous King of the Northumbers, had a Brother name Oswin, the only Successor to that great Kingdom; he was married to a Noble Lady, by whom he had Issue, Egfrid the Elder, and Orsamus one year younger;( so that you are not my Son, as hitherto you have esteemed yourself) when that fatal battle of Masserfield was fought by King Penda, the Tyrant of Mercia, against your Uncle Oswald, King of the Northumbers, in which Field he was slain, so weak were the Hopes of your Family, that I thought it great Wisdom and Thrift, to preserve one alive, in spite of the Vicisitudes of Fortune, that there might not want one of that Family to sway the sceptre of the Northumbers. It was then uncertain, whether Oswin your Father, or your elder Brother Egfride had ended their Lives at that moment; as soon as Tidings were brought of their dismal Overthrow, I fled with you, being as then about ten years old, unto the next Port Town, where I got shipping, and escaped away, to find a more secure Sanctuary in another Country, than in our own; that I kept you from the Knowledge of yourself, your Pardon; it was my Love that erred, for I did conclude it would be prejudicial. While we were sailing on the Ocean, as you well remember, there arose a mighty Tempest, that I imagined we escaped Death on the Land, to receive it from that liquid Element; the Storm increased, and with it our Fears, the Skill of the Mariners was used in vain, so that being left to the mercy of the Sea and Wind, we were convoyed unto unknown Parts; the Storm continued, so that about the dawning of the second Day, we discerned Land, and before ever we had time to recollect upon what Shore we were east, we grounded upon a Rock, so that the Ship burst into a thousand pieces; the little time I had left, I did consider of your Safety, so that tying two Casks together, and securing you safely on, I left you to the mercy of the Sea, while I did provide for my own Security; neither could I find that you did relent so much at the sense of Danger you were exposed unto, as at your parting from me; after much danger of my Life, I secured me on a piece of Timber that came from the broken Ship, but mine was driven a contrary Course unto that which you went, so that we were soon separated a great distance, so that I never saw you since, until this moment. Sometime after your Father recovered, and took Possession of his Brothers Kingdom, and after I had made a strict Inquiry about them Parts, where I conceived you were landed ashore, and not finding you, I imagined you had paid your Life, as a Tribute unto the unmerciful Waves: so that I return'd home sorrowful into my own Country, and made this Relation unto your Father, who bitterly lamented your Loss; but time at last put your Memory into Oblivion, when we considered you were not among the Living.  
Some years had added themselves unto the Age of Time, when famed proclaimed, in our Country, the excellent Beauty of Cynthia, Daughter to the King of Kent; so much did the Report of this fair Unknown, seize your Brother Egfrid's Affections, as he desired his Father to treat of an Alliance with the King of Kent, by a Marriage with his Daughter; his Father, that after the Report of your Death, did prise him as the Apple of his Eye, unwilling to across his Affections in a Cause so just, immediately accorded with his Desires, and choose me for that ambassage; so that well attended, in a few days I arrived at Doroborina, the Regal City of Kent; in a small time I was admitted to a Hearing, where I delivered the sum of my embassage; hardly had I arrived unto the Period of my Commands, but with Tears in his Eyes, he began as followeth.  
Sir, Some few years ago, when my Felicity was more upholden by Fortune than at present, when I enjoyed my dearest Cynthia; for now she is not; or if she be, she is not to me, in a pleasant Morning, e're Sol had cast his Rays from the East on the Mountain tops, she arose to enjoy the Variety of the pleasant Spring, which Flora had clothed in her choiceest Garb; the pearly due did yet hang on the sweet Damask Roses, and the Infant Blossoms cast forth a pleasant Savour; the wild Queristers of the Wood made the valleys ring with the Echo of their delightful Notes; while her Contemplation was taken up on the musing of these Rareties, her Curiosity had brought her to a little Path, which lead towards the Sea, which was not far from the Place where she then was; straying some small way farther, and casting her Eyes on the Ocean, they encountered with an Object, that at once partend her Admiration and Pity; she saw a Youth about her own Age, that had secured himself on two Casks, and with his utmost Skill, endeavoured to gain the Shore, Remorse is never wanting in so tender a Breast, nor was it now absent from hers; she commanded those men that attended, with all expedition, to make off, and save his Life, and bring him unto her, having more timorous apprehensions of his Safety, than at that time needed; her Commands were exactly obeyed, so that by their Industry, in a few moments they had secured him ashore, and weak and feeble as he was, presented him before Cynthia; he stood as one amazed, gazing on her Face a long time, at last breaking silence, he began as followeth. Oh Heavens! Where am I cast? to what happy Shore am I brought? do the Deities transform themselves into the Shape of Mortals, to become my Preservers? Whatever you be,( continued he) with a Grace Magestick, you can never make this Live you have preserved happy, if you divorce it from this sweet Object. This was spoken with an Action so becoming, that it was the Wonder of the Spectators. This Discourse was as innocently taken as it was spoken, and Cynthia answered it only with a Smile, giving Commands they should shift off his whet Cloths, and attire him in New; telling him he should be hers, and wait on her. He took his Leave with a profound Reverence, and she left him to the Guard of her Servants, and return'd to the Palace. The Sun had not run many hours in his Career, before this pretty Youth was again presented unto Cynthia, arrayed according to her desire; the Fear of Death being past, and his feeble Spirits revived by her Servants Care, his vigour returned to its former Lustre; the changing of his Habit made him appear so graceful, that she could hardly persuade her self he was the same, whom, a few hours before, she did behold in that forlorn Condition; so much do Ornaments add to exterior Beauty. These Helps made her discover a new Mine of Masculine Beauties, which before, feem'd to have left their Habitation, so that she suffered him to gain ground in her Affection, and a great hold in her Esteem; I remember I was walking in my Palace Garden, when Cynthia presented him unto me, after her Observations paid, which were never wanting. Look here Sir, said she, taking the Youth by the Hand, with a Smile sweetly innocent: See how fortunate I have been to day by my early rising, to be the Preserver of this pretty Lad, which, with your Consent, I would have to attend on me, since it is his desire to spend his Life, I so happily preserved, in my Service. With this she related where, and how he came unto her Hands; I stayed some time for an Answer, contemplating his Behaviour, and sweet becoming Graces; me-thought I saw something in that Morning of his Age already risen, of majestic and Heroical. I questioned him of his Name, Country, and Friends; he accosted me with a Garb, wherein was nothing of rustic, and with a stately Modesty, he return'd me this Answer. Sir, my Name is Orsamus, my Father an aged old Man, which I fear,( continued he, with a grievous Sigh) perished in the late Storm; my Country is far hence, in Parts unknown to me, for some Reasons, unreveal'd, my Father left it, and being shipwrecked in the late Tempest, he secured my Safety upon two Casks; many hours I continued on the Waves, uncertain of Life, until I was cast on this happy Shore, and rescued from the Jaws of Neptune, by this Fair Divinity, in whose Service I should be too happy, were I assured of my dear Fathers Safety. At the Period of this Discourse, he let fall a shower of Tears, to the memory of so near a Loss; we comforted him with the most agreeable words we could frame, telling him, his mistress would be to him instead of a Father, that if his Father were cast upon our cost, he should have notice given of his Safety; he seemed much satisfied with this Discourse, which Contentment he expressed in his Countenance, for that time he left me, and attended the Princess.  
He was already become the Darling of the whole Court, every day added to the esteem he had already gotten, who all admired such uncommon Graces should bud in years so green; he had a Solidity that o'ertopt his Age, he was never hardly from Cynthia's eye, nor indeed did she desire it, so that he seemed to bound his whole Felicity in her Service; he waited upon her Walks and Recreations, but still kept himself about her with a profound Reverence; his Officiousness was such, that all his Actions bespoke him; he would not prise the dearest Good before the least and smallest occasion to please her; he courted all Opportunities, Times and Places, to make it manifest; if she would retire her self into an Arbour, there would he charm sweet Sleep upon her Eye-lids, with delightful music, in which Art he was very excellent; and while she slept, he would remain a careful Sentinal; the Princess, young as she was, did not bury these Services in oblivion, but ranted them at their true value in her Breast, rewarding all with a grand Esteem, which was received by him, as a Reward far exceeding his Merits; he could so sweeten his Discourse and Actions to so near a Sympathy, his Conversation being so charming and agreeable, that Cynthia was never satisfied when he was absent; as his years increased, he bent his delight to Manly Exercises, so that many times his gallant Deportment in public Spectacles, drew admiration from all that did behold him, and ere he had attained his fifteenth year, he won the prise in all those Exercises wherein Valour or Wit were needful: so that he became rarely skilled in every Undertaking, to which his virtuous Inclinations carried him. Cynthia counted that day happy wherein she found him, and my greatest Nobles became enamoured of his Carriage, calling him the fair Stranger; his Behaviour was so free, sweet, generous, and obliging, that there was not one that envied his Happiness; nor was it a small hold he had gotten in my Esteem.  
His Affairs stood thus in Court, when my Land was suddenly invaded by Cevaline, King of the West-Saxons. I raised an Army to oppose him, as speedily as time would permit me, and set forward to meet him; when this young Novice, fired with Hopes of Action, to make trial of his Valor, taking opportunity, when the Princess was alone, he accosted her in this manner. Madam, I am too happy in the Felicity you have raised me unto, in being your Servant, nor would I prefer my Life, when I cease to be yours. But now opportunity presents, what perchance Fortune may never offer again; your Country is invaded by Enemies, and I would desire your good Leave, to accompany your Royal Father in this Expedition against those Pagans, that dare to commit so great a Sacrilege, where in the Field of Honour, I may purchase some petty Trophies, that may raise me to deserve that Esteem your Goodness has had for me. Cynthia having a while considered of his Request, with an unusual Kindness in her Eyes, made this Reply. Yes Orsamus, you have my free Leave to go, nor can I trust you better, than with my Father; yet shall I tell you, it is not without regret, I give you this Licence. Yet it is no small hopes I promise myself from these early beginnings of your Bravery; go then, and be happy, for you shall never want the Prayers of your mistress. Then,( quoth he) in a Rapture, I dare Fortune to bring the least Obstruction to my Hopes. This said, he attended her to my Chamber, where she made known his Resolution unto me; nor could I disapprove the Gallantry of his Mind, but commending his Forwardness, gave him my Consent, ordering him always to be near my Person; thus I partend from my dearest Cynthia, leaving her rosy Cheeks bedewed with Pearly Tears, for fear of the Dangers I exposed myself unto.  
We marched forward by unusual journeys, to hinder the Enemies foraging of the Country, until at last we encamped upon a large Plain, on the Frontiers of my Kingdom, called Black-Heath; here we took the advantage of our Ground, and bad the Enemy Battle; it was first began by the Forerunners of our Armies, but at last our main Battels engaged, and the Fight became bloody on both sides, Victory as yet remaining doubtful, to which side she would incline, at last, by a violent Charge of the Enemy, my Ranks were broken, and my main Battle disordered, and spite of my Guard, I was taken Prisoner; this was no sooner understood by Orsamus, but like a young Mars, he rushed into the midst of the Throng, dealing Blows with so much Bravery, that instead of making a Defence, his Actions were become the admiration of the Beholders, to see one so young, become so resolute and daring; five lay grovelling on the Earth, and thought of Death made others keep at further distance, thinking themselves happy in avoiding his fatal Sword, which never fell but performed dire Execution, that by their hasty Flight, many times his Blows only partend the brittle Air; he followed this Advantage with such good success, that, spite of their Resistance, before they could secure me in the Body of their Army, he had re-mounted me upon his own Horse, mounting himself upon one he had made Masterless, and by his Valor forced our way, and secured me amongst my own Troops. Upon certainty of my Safety, my men that began to leave the Field, made a brave Retreat, and renewed the Fight with so much Fury, that Victory declared wholly on our side; but it came in bloody colours, with the Loss of twenty thousand men. Cevaline narrowly escaped away, but his Brother was taken Prisoner by Orsamus, and so were many other of his chiefest Captains; so that very few escaped away. When the Fight was ended, I had Orsamus to my Tent, where I saw him disarmed, and some slight Wounds he had received dressed by my own Surgeon; I caressed him with all the Endearments due to an only Son, knighted him in the Head of my Army, conferred Honours on him, I thought Youth might be ambitious off; he received all with a becoming Obedience, and a dutiful Respect; his Fortune did not make arrogant, but rather added to his Humility. After Rites, due to the Dead were performed, we marched Home triumphant, with our Prisoners, the Trophies of our Victory, unto this City; our Entrance was manificent, and this young warrior accompanied me on my Right-hand; their Eyes were wholly fixed on him, their Praises were numberless, the Vows they made in his behalf were many, such as many times raised a fiery blushy in his youthful Cheeks; at last we arrived at the Palace, where we were received by Cynthia with many Expressions of Joy; I took her by the Hand, see here, my dear Cynthia, said I, your Servant returns home safe, the Protector of your Fathers Life, and your Countries Champion. Orsamus( said she) I always expected great matters from your Valor, but those Actions be excessive. Madam( replied Orsamus) could you look for less, from one that has the Honour to be yours? 'tis impossible you should pray, and not receive the fruition of your Wishes. These Words were delivered with an Air repleat, and received by Cynthia with an Action wholly charming; he attended us in, where the residue of that day, I spent in giving Cynthia an exact Relation of the last Fight, all which, begot Orsamus a greater esteem in her Affection. I should be too tedious, should I relate the Discourse then passed, or the Vicissitudes that happened almost a year after, but only tell you, he remained beloved of all, and surely seated in Cynthia's Affections, where he treasured up his whole Felicity.  
But it fortuned soon after, although unknown unto me, I became the Disturber of his Quiet, and chief occasion that he left my Court. It fell out thus; the East-Angles King, my adjoining Neighbour, craved Cynthia in Marriage by his Ambassador, for his Son Cordello; my Council advised me to grant his Request, telling me, that by gaining so near an Alley, I did secure my Kingdom the more firmly from Invasion; I condescended to their Advice, and concluded the Marriage with the said Ambassadors, telling them I would celebrate their Nuptials in Doroborina; the Ambassadors returned Home, and in a few days after Cordello arrived with a great Train. The day was appointed to join their Hands, all Necessaries provided, yet by a sad turn of Fortune, it came to no effect.  
After this Contract of Marriage, Orsamus became possessed with an unusual Melancholy, he sought out Solitary Places wherein to spend his time, a mortal Sadness was charactered in all the Features of his Face, the whole Court concerned themselves in his Misfortunes, and myself was not the least; I oftentimes demanded of him from whence this Change did arise, but he never yielded me any account. This was soon taken notice of by Cynthia, so that being with him alone in the Garden Walks, taking opportunity from those Heart-breathing Sighs, that broke from the Closet of his Breast; How now Orsamus?( said she) why these Sighs? wherefore is your Countenance changed, seeing you are not sick? What, have you let yourself fall into a Distemper below the Knowledge of your mistress? reveal it, that, if possible, I may procure a Remedy. There spake, my Mistris( replied Orsamus) yes, it is only you can yield a Remedy; you made me happy, only to be unfortunate; Oh that I had been butted in the raging Waves, I should have found a resting place in Elezium, and not have died by a second Death, more violent and cruel than the first! Oh, Madam!( continued he) Resolve me, must you be married? Yes,( replied Cynthia, amazed at his Discourse) it is so decreed. Then farewell Hopes,( continued Orsamus) now Madam, you have provided a Remedy, Death and Despair will soon give a Period to my Life; but because I will accord with your Desire, in revealing the Cause of these strange Effects, that your Displeasure may hasten on the Death I so much desire, Know, Madam, from that moment you preserved my Life, until this time, I have nourished a Passion for your virtues, accompanied with such a Zeal, as will follow my Ashes to the Grave; my Resistance and Reason became too weak to turn the Current of it, although I levied all the Power against you, that was likely to present any Fruit to Hope, even in my greener Youth, which you know is apt to take home Objects to the Heart, before it has weighed them; I endeavoured to fortify my Soul against the Force of Nature, with an Opposition, under which I was like to fall your Sacrifice. I saw my Resolutions cowardly turn their Heads in the Combat against you, 
Hymen's Part 3. Pag. 253.  and though I called all the Knowledge that I ought to have of you and myself, to re-inforce them, 
Praefudia, Lib. 4. Line 10.  at last I found an absolute Impossibility to hold up my Arms any longer. It was no blind Presumption that thrust me headlong upon this Attempt, for I never found any thing in my Person or Services that might authorize my Boldness; 'tis a resistless Constraint that only labours to excuse me. Seven long years are now past and fled away, since I have concealed this a Secret to my Bosom; the Summers scorching Heat, nor the tedious Winter Nights, or Icy Frost, could ere work the least Change; it was daily nourished by your Goodness, although innocently, until it came to its full Growth; whilst there was the least Hope it thrived, nor did I ever complain, but to have Hope torn up by the Roots; to be confined never to see you more, is a Cruelty that cannot be born with: I can welcome Death with less repugnance: Here he continued silent,  
While Cynthia remained astonished at his Discourse; but at last recovering that assurance she had lost the time of his Discourse. How now Orsamus,( replied she) Is it thus you Pay your Respects unto me? dare you raise your Ambition to the Daughter of a King? or could you imagine I would ever own your Pretensions? I am sorry my Esteem should be thus lessened by your Folly, or that I should be forced to desire your Absence, because I would not be guilty of a thing I cannot own; or if my Intentions or Inclinations could lean that way, it is impossible my Father should ever consent, whose Displeasure I would not gain, to obtain the dearest Good; to put an end to those Dangers that this may occasion for the future, I desire you from henceforth, to avoid my Presence, since there is only this means left to cure your Malady, while I restrain those innocent Familiarities have disturbed your Quiet. Oh Madam!( quoth Orsamus, falling on his Knees) Mitigate your Displeasure a little, there wanted only this to make me perfectly wretched. It is decreed,( replied Cynthia, with a Voice somewhat elevated, and Eyes beginning to kindle with anger;) and it behoves not you to dispute it. Saying this, she left him, without either Voice to speak, or Strength to follow her; unto so sad a Condition was he reduced: what his Complaints were after her Departure, I cannot tell, but certain I am, upon this occasion, he absented himself from Court, having first indicted these Verses, and conveyed them into her cabinet, which was not hard for him to do, considering the Access and Liberty was always allowed unto him.. Some few hours after his Departure, they came to Cynthia's hands, and I think they spake these words.  
Too cruel Cynthia, for one small amiss,  
To rob me of my better part of Bliss.  
Oh cruel Life! that's never freed from fear,  
preserved by Pity, ruined by Despair.  
I Love, and therefore from your Sight I go,  
Who can behold you, and not love you too?  
'tis all mens Fault, but my too wretched Fate  
Makes only me the Object of your Hate.  
I lose your Presence by too much Respect;  
Others enjoy it only by Neglect.  
Oh dismal Griefs, that harbour in my breast!  
My absent Joys beget me this Unrest.  
He that Louis a Bliss, Louis a across,  
That makes him triple wretched in the Loss.  
When Phoebus to our Sight doth disappear,  
The Night seems darker, cause it once was here.  
Your Doom is past, I'll not dispute it now,  
But to your Sentence with submission bow.  
farewell, my dearest mistress, stubborn Heart,  
Oh break, when I pronounce this word,( Depart.)  
Adieu, my chiefest good, oh let that Breath,  
That bids adieu, give Sentence to my Death!  
I talk of going, yet, I slowly move;  
So weak does Reason to a Lover prove.  
This dullness only speaks the want of Wit;  
I wish you happy, yet would hinder it.  
enjoy your Wishes then, while wretched I,  
Seek out an unfrequented Place to die.  
So in my Death, your Pity I may have,  
To make my Ghost rest quiet in the Grave.  Orsamus. 
The sight of these Lines, and the Absence of Orsamus, produced great effects in the Breast of Cynthia; Discontent seated itself upon her Brow, the Carnations of her Cheeks began to abate, and the Lilies began to possess their Places; having demanded the reasons of these sudden Effects, she made me a Discourse of all the Particulars that had fallen out betwixt Orsamus and her self, and the occasion of his Absence, also showing me these Verses I have rehearsed unto you. Look here Sir,( said she) see the Resolution of this Unfortunate, occasioned by one hasty Word, which I fear will destroy what I so happily preserved, although the audacious revealing of his Love were an Offence, it was not of that degree, to call his Life in question. Shall I tell you,( continued she) from whom I do not conceal my closest Secrets, nor hid my dearest Resentments; had Orsamus Love been authorized by your free Consent, I would have chosen him out of the Stock of Mankind; nor can I much offend, in loving one that has been the Preserver of your Life, and Safeguard of your Kingdom. I could not much gainsay what she had said, for Orsamus's virtues were so well grounded in my Breast, that oftentimes, I have had some thoughts myself to his Advantage, tending that way; but as things were now stated, I durst not make my Concerns known unto Cynthia, lest they might occasion some Demur. The Marriage Day drew near at hand, and Cordello waited the Confirmation of his Nuptials, so that I could not go back from my Promise, without provoking the East-Angles King to be my Enemy. This Consideration caused me to cloud my Countenance over with a Frown. Fie, Cynthia,( replied I) forget this man, one of so mean and low condition, were his Birth any ways correspondent to thine, I think I should have accorded with thy desires, had I known it before this Contract with Cordello; but this has proceeded so far, that the deferring of it would endanger my whole Kingdom. Banish this miserable Man from thy Memory, and obey the Commands imposed on thee by a Father and a King. Cynthia made no reply, but with a low Submission, seemed to consent with what I desired, and so left me, the Conduits of her Eyes being ready to overflow their Banks. After her Departure, I sent secret Spies through all parts of my Kingdom, to search for Orsamus, with Commands, if they found him, to bring him back again; my Discontents came little short of Cynthia's, for his Departure, for I could not so soon bury in Oblivion the Memory of so brave a Man, to whose Valour I was so much obliged; his Absence wrought Effects upon my Soul, and his Merits had gotten such sure footing in my Breast, that had not this fatal Marriage been an Obstruction, I would have offered that into his Arms, he so much desired, and I doubt not, I should have found a clearer Satisfaction in his Person, than in the Possession of Royalties.  
For true Nobility was never begun, but by virtue: nor is it as the vulgar Opinion of Men rate it, but it is only the Praise and Surname of virtue, it is a miserable Folly, to beg esteem of dead men, when we deserve none ourselves; for the true Honour and Worship, saith a Wise Man, is the virtue of the Mind, which Honour, no Monarch can give thee, nor no Flattery or Money can purchase us: This Honour hath in it nothing feigned, nothing painted, nothing hide; of this Honour there is no Successor, no Accuser, no Defiler; this Honour is not varied, nor it esteemeth not the Favour or Dis-favor of Princes; it is only virtue makes a difference betwixt the Vulgar and brave heroic Souls. Nature makes no difference, as these Verses briefly express.  

As little Trees that in the Valley grow,  
shadowed by others of a greater height,  
Whose spreading Branches cover all below,  
Hiding those little Cyons out of sight;  
Replant these Plants unto a Soil more free,  
Each little Shrub will grow a lofty three.   

All men one Mother have, and that is Earth,  
Nature to all Kind, Privileges gave;  
She makes no man Superior in his Birth,  
Nor Death does make no difference in the Grave.  
But Fortunes Darlings, smaller Shrubs do sway,  
That Spirits have, and Souls as good as they.   

Wisdom ennobles not the Royal Womb,  
Good Deeds be laurel Crowns that ever flourish;  
virtues a Pyramid and lasting Tomb,  
Such a Memento as can never Perish.  
This makes brave Souls to soar above the rest,  
As Reason makes a Man excel a Beast.   

Awake my Soul, and fix thy Thoughts above;  
Unto a higher Region take thy Flight;  
Mount like the Morning Lark, or harmless Dove,  
Above the various Change of Fortunes spite.  
Slight such vain Earth-worms, as repose a trust  
In windy Honours, or in fading Dust.   
Princes should be patterns of virtue, to them over whom they Rule, for most People take their Rulers as a Glass to examine themselves by; so let the Prince be Vicious, the People shall not be virtuous over whom he rules, for they think they cannot do better, than to regulate their Actions by their Princes; this Consideration should be of force enough, to induce Princes so to live, that their virtuous Actions may shine in the Eyes of their Subjects, that they should nourish budding virtue, and protect it in a Cottage as well as in a Palace, for the Diamond is of as much value, worn by a poor Man, as upon the Finger of the Rich.  
I have the more enlarged myself on this Subject ( continued he) because I apprehended my Neglect in rewarding virtue, occasioned these Misfortunes that suddenly befell me. But to my Discourse again, from which I fear I have too long detained you: My Spies returned Home again, without bringing the least Intelligence of Orsamus's abode; this being revealed unto Cynthia, added much unto her Grief; as Orsamus before had done, she sought out Solitude, she refrained Company, but when Decency required it, she shunned all Divertisements that might charm her Melancholy, so that she brought her self wholly to an Estate of Pity and Compassion; I beholded this Vicissitude with a mortal Vexation, and gladly would have procured a Remedy, if with safety I could have purchased it.  
Time flew away with exceeding swiftness, and the Sun had but one Career to run, before the Day of Marriage approached; and being unwilling at such a time, she should be a desperate thing, wholly made up of Sorrow, I caused a stately Banquet to be prepared, in a Garden I had abutting to the Sea-side, environed by an unfrequented Wood, so situated, that Nature and Art, both endeavoured to make it a Nonparil; it was here I recreated myself, when my business at Court would permit my Absence; it was illustrated with many spacious Houses of Pleasure, adorned with Flora's fairest Treasury, or what more fair that the Spring could produce, whereunto frequented a melodious Consort of the wild Choristers of the neighbouring Woods. Variety of Objects will dissipate the deepest Sadness, but it produced no Effects in the Soul of Cynthia, for thither I came with her, attended by Cordello, who accompanied us with a great Train. Our Banquet was ended, and the Sun began to decline towards the Western World, when we all betook ourselves, each to those Pleasures the mind best affencted; Cordello remained with me, and Cynthia, accompanied only with her usual Attendance, directed her Walk to that part of the Garden abutting to the Sea; she hardly approached unto the utmost Bounds of the Garden, but she gave a Caution to her Servants, to keep at a distance; these Commands were common with her, when she desired to retire her self from Company, so that she was exactly obeyed; scarce, by the turning of some Alleys, had she concealed her self from their sight, but by a small Passage, that gave entrance into the Wood, she gave an Exit to the Garden, where she strayed the better part of an Hour, before her Attendance would break the bounds of those Commands she had imposed on them; at last, the Care of her Safety had precedency before their Breach of Duty, and they followed the same Path they saw her take, but they could not find what they sought; by the Passage that they found open, they all agreed she had willingly strayed in the Woods; they once resolved to follow her, but better reason dissuaded them; the Turnings were so intricate, that being once entred, it is possible they might sooner lose themselves, than recover their absent mistress; these second Thoughts directed them to give me notice of her Departure; this News seized my Soul like a Thunder-clap, still things became worse and worse, each particular foreshowing an unhappy Augury to ensue; nor did my Apprehensions fail me, for that I was afraid of, soon came unto me, and the thing which I did dread came upon me like a Tempest; upon these Tidings, in a moment we dispersed ourselves into all Parts of the Wood, promised great Rewards to him that could bring me the first Tidings of her Safety; scarce a Thicket in the Wood was left untraced, and as far as we could conceive, all our Labours would become fruitless, when it was Cordello's hap to find her sitting alone, on the out-side of the Wood. He made towards her, and seated himself by her side; hardly had any Discourse passed between them, but there issued out of the adjacent Wood, a man that bent his Steps towards the Water-side, but seeing her sit there, altered the Course of his Design; he cast himself at her Feet, and was soon known to be the absent Orsamus; after many Complaints that she was cruel, seasoned with so many Tears, as would have produced Pity in a barbarians Heart; his Carriage and Actions so desperate amazed Cynthia, that she had not force enough for a Reply: at last, he resolved in desperate manner, to sacrifice the last part of his Life to his Love; he drew his Sword, the Sight and Fear of which, cast Cynthia into a deadly Trance; he had made that Place the tragic Scene of his Revenge on Cordello, if his Attendants had not fortunately made in and rescued him from his Hands, and all at once assaulted him; five had their Passports for the other World, and no doubt, the Company, that continually increased, had put a Period to his Life, had not a strange turn of Fortune preserved him. From forth a small Creek thereunto adjoining, issued out sixteen pirates, at the sight of which, those that assaulted Orsamus fled away, but he made good his Defence against them all, for the Safety of Cynthia. Too late I had News of this, for I made to the Place with what Power I had, but I saw nothing but half a score men lying dead on the Ground. Amongst those that lay wallowing in their gore, there was one that began to recover a little, and was so well followed by my Servants, that his Senses return'd unto him. I promised him his Life, on condition he would give me a true Relation what they were. After a sigh or two as prologue, the wounded man began as followeth.  
My Country is Norway, and the Commander of these Men, with whom I came ashore, is Almerin, the famous Rover of those Northern Parts, and his Protector is the King of Norway; I believe the Name of Almerin is not unknown to the Inhabitants of Albion, but his Robberies keep it always green in Memory; under his Conduct, sixteen of us came ashore, and were bravely repulsed by one single man, who made his Defence good against us all, for the preserving of a Lady that lay Senseless on the Ground; three of my Companions besides myself, lay grovelling in their Blood at his Feet, which sight incensed Almerin to a speedy Revenge, that they rushed upon him on all parts, with such Rage and Force, that it seemed impossible he should make any longer Resistance; in fine, they seized him, and convoyed both him and the Lady aboard our Vessel, which lay in a small Creek not for distant off, from whence, no doubt, they have put off to Sea. This is all the Account I can give you; for your Pardon of my Life, it is of no value, since my Pass is signed for the other World; Kings may take Life away, but they cannot command a Soul to stay when her Date is expired; such is mine, Oh King!( continued he) you cannot give what you dare not promise yourself; I am going the way of all Mortals; in Death there is no difference; my Soul is ready to take her last adieu; Oh let my Death be a Glass to show what I was, and what you must shortly be! Saying this, Life gave an exit indeed, and left his Body breathless on the Ground.  
Scarce had I unfixed my Eyes from this Object of Mortality, and cast them towards the Ocean, but behold I saw the Ship that contained all my worldly Joys, going before the Wind with full Sails, wafting away my Soul; how often did I wish some Remora would retard her hast, or that Aeolus would obstruct its Flight? but my Prayers and Sighs were turned to Air, from whence they were framed, and produced no effects; I gave command to several Vessels to follow this Pirat, but all things agreed to further his Escape. The Night became exceeding dark, and there arose a mighty Storm, so that he was convoyed to unknown Parts, far from my Country; my Ships were dispersed by the Tempest, and most of them are return'd Home without Tidings. This Sir, is one reason I cannot accord with your Masters Desires, and the other is, were she here, I could not without breach of Honour, break my Promise to Cordello; although, shall I tell you, I hold him not fit to enjoy such a Treasure, because he has not Reason to prise the Worth of what he would possess; these be the Causes that enforce me not to agree with his Request, whose Alliance I should otherways court, being far above my Hopes.  
Here Sir,( continued Willifride) the King ended his Story, which I hearkened unto with astonishment; at last, recollecting my Spirits, Sir,( replied I) Your Discourse gives me great Cause of Wonder and Pity, and perhaps my Concernments in your disastrous Story, will not veil or become inferior to your Resentments; I pity poor Orsamus's Misfortunes, with as much Regret as you have Sorrow for your Daughters; but before I proceed, tell me one thing truly, I see you prise Orsamus's virtues at their full Value in your Thoughts, should his Birth be as Illustrious, or more Sublime than his virtues, would you deny him your Daughter in Marriage, if Heaven should be so benevolent to sand them both to your Hands?' would I, ( replied the King, expecting the Period of my Discourse) could I expect Heaven would be so fortunate unto me, his Person and Merits, without addition of Honours, should gain Precedency in my Breast before all men. I was much satisfied at the freeness of his Discourse, and return'd him this Answer. Know Sir, Orsamus is of Royal Blood, second Son to my Master, the mighty King of the Northumbers, by Casualty shipwrecked on your cost, I gave him a Relation of what already you have heard, which augmented his Admiration and Satisfaction, confirming him in his Resolves. This Discourse was about three days after your Departure from the Kentish cost. I comforted him in what measure I might, telling him I would return to my Master, to give him this Intelligence, of those many strange Adventures, from whence, I would set out with a Ship well manned in pursuit of the Pirat, and that if I missed of him, I would go unto the King of Norway, and demand them of him, and if he refused their Delivery, to arm most of the Kingdoms of Albion in his behalf, that had been disadvantaged by his Robberies; he seemed much satisfied with what I had proposed, not making any Demur against any thing I had delivered; for that time we broke off our Discourse, and began to fall to Action; he bestowed many rich Presents on me, fitted out this Ship we are now in; for my better accommodation in my Passage, dispatched this Noble Commander as his Ambassador, with full Power to confirm whatever we had, or for the future should agree upon: for the recovery of you and his Daughter; the Wind blowing fair, we put off from shore, and gave a farewell to the King, bidding him not doubt of good Success. In fine, we had a nimble Passage into our own Country, where I Landed, and gave your Father an account of your Safety, and what else seemed satisfactory to your Discovery; your Father rejoiced much at the Tidings of your Safety, according with the King of Kent in all his Requests, for they were equally concerned in each others Disasters.  
Hardly were Commands issued out for a Preparation, but a Ship that came into our Harbour, brought news that Almerin was off at Sea, and that they narrowly escaped his Hands; this Opportunity would admit of no delays, which this brave Captain conceiving, requested the Command of the Ship we are now in, and had his desire granted; in a moment it was strongly manned with our own Men, who freely offered their Lives to redeem their Prince, with their cheerful Acclamations, foretelling a prosperous Omen; myself, though Age would have excused it, accompanied this Noble Man, the thought of your Welfare extinguishing the imagination of my own Danger; thus we made off to Sea, accompanied with one Ship more, which was severed from us in the late Storm. Four days hath not yet passed away, since I left our own Country, in which time, Heaven has been so kind to make me your Preserver: now what rests there behind, but that we return to your Father and Brother, who thinks himself fortunate enough in your Life, and resigns his unseen mistress unto you, as a Reward only due to your Merits, and from thence unto the King of Kent, to make him happy in a Daughter, as your Father in his Son? for by your Discourse, I understand she is with you in the cabin.  
This is the full End and Period of what I have to reveal unto you, the chief of which, you have been an Actor in yourself, yet I have not been observant to abbreviate what you know, more than that, which, till this Moment, was a Secret unto you; but I have kept such a Method, that in giving you the Relation of what you know not, I have also satisfied those your Preservers, that until this time, have been almost ignorant of the Adventures of your Life, and cleared your Breast of all Scruples and Doubts that might make a Demur against the Verity of what I have related, for which causes only, I did enlarge myself, and to satisfy you why I have made this Digression.  
Here Willifride ended his Discourse, when those that environed Orsamus, casting themselves at his Feet, cried out, Long live our Prince Orsamus! Long live our Prince Orsamus! Orsamus cast away his Weapon, and ran and embraced Willifride, as the chief Author of his Happiness; the Caresses and Endearments that passed between them, were many; the Captain congratulated his Happiness; there was not the meanest soldier in the Ship, but interested themselves in this Fortunate Change. After Orsamus had spent some small time in these Transports, he left Willifride and the Captain, and again entred the cabin, where he found his dearest Cynthia hardly recovered from her former Fears, musing what the Event of so desperate a Beginning might fortune to be; he gave her a brief Relation of all that had passed, from which Cynthia received much delightful Satisfaction; at the Conclusion of which, he cast himself at her Feet; See Madam,( continued he) Gods and Men agree to make me happy, if my dearest Princess do not vote me miserable, for the Knowledge of myself, and my Life so strangely preserved, would become unpleasant, should they not raise me to some esteem in your Affection.  
Rise Orsamus( said she) and believe I ranted your virtues at their full Worth in my Esteem, and this Discovery has added nothing to the Value I always had for you; and since my Father owns your Pretensions, without whose Seal I can make no assurance, if the perfecting of your Felicity depend on my Disposal, the Conquest of my Obstinacy will be but a small Obstruction to your Content. Oh fortunate Orsamus!( replied he) Oh what a Day was here! how wisely does Heaven provide to make me happy; I find my Princess kind, I've found a Life, a Father, a Brother and a Friend! What could Fortune have done more, in the perfecting of my Happiness, or making an addition to my Felicities? Mans Joys never come to perfection, till heightened by a surprise, the Sun shines most clear through a Cloud, and that Joy rises most glorious, that breaks through Fears, for there is nothing more endears a Good, than to contemplate the Difficulty we have to attain it. This Discourse being over, Orsamus and Cynthia left the cabin, whose Beauty was the Admiration of all that did behold her, and claimed Obedience, as Tribute from all Hearts; and the respect there shewed her, was not inferior to those she received in her Fathers Court; the Captain fell at her Feet, paying his duteous Observances to his Princess: they consulted with him and Willifride, what course they should shape for the future; at last it was resolved to steer their Way towards the Kingdom of Northumberland, and it was soon put into execution; the Ships were cleansed of the dead Carcases; Almerin's Body with the rest, was committed unto the Waves, and this was the miserable end of that wretched Man.  
Neptune grew pliant, and Auster with a pleasant Gale did sweetly swell their canvas Wings, that they seemed to fly; with such swiftness did this happy Bottom speed them away, so fortunate were they in their Voyage, as that in less time than they expected, they discovered their own cost, where they soon landed, and bent their Journey to the Regal City, where being arrived, they made themselves known unto the King, who was almost ravished with Joy, in the sight of his long lost Son; his Brother caressed him, his Friends welcomed him, nor could there be a Parallel to his Entertainment; the Relation of which, I abbreviate, and remain silent: words are not full enough to express their Content, for Language is too narrow to cloath great Passions. I shall only give the Reader this Caution, that there was nothing wanting to express their Joy more entire. Cynthia had such Respects paid her, as were peculiar to so rare a Creature; such deep Impressions can virtue and Beauty make in illustrious and high born Spirits; because they would not disturb their Happiness by a sudden Journey, they sent a Messenger express to the King of Kent, to certify him of Daughters his Safety, and to give him advice, that in a few days time, Oswin would be with him in Doroborina, accompanied with his two Sons, and his fair Daughter Cynthia, to celebrate Orsamus's Nuptials; the Messenger was received with all Joy and Respect, and returned well rewarded; Preparations were made on all Parts, for a Triumphant Entrance; at the time limited, Oswin came, and was received with all the Acclamations of Joy could be expressed, the Bells cast their resounding Echo on all Parts of the City, and the bonfires seemed to contest for splendour with the Planet that rules the Night; the Spectators were numberless, that came to behold their lost Princess, and their Welcomes made a thundering Noise on all Parts; never was an Entry made into that City more stately. Thus they were attended to the Palace, where Cynthia cast her self at her Fathers Feet, and was raised by the old King, with excessive Ravishment; the Embraces and Kisses he bestowed on her, were many, nor did they pass unaccompanied without some Tears of Joy.  
These Endearments being passed, he embraced the Northumbers King, who stood ready to receive him; then Egfride, and lastly Orsamus, whom he caressed with Endearments peculiar to an only Son, still calling him his Preserver. Orsamus,( said he) Now the time is come to reward your Merits, with what is most dear and precious unto me, for indeed all other recompenses were inferior to your Deserts. Orsamus would have replied to this obliging Language, but they were disturbed by the Company that approached. Willifride came to kiss his Hand, with that noble Captain of the Ship, that so fortunately rescued Cynthia.  
What shall I say? the Salutations on all parts were numberless, and the Welcomes infinite while Supper lasted, which ended, and their high Flood of Joy being somewhat dissipated, they resolved about Orsamus's Marriage, whose Happiness was deferred no longer than till the next day, which soon arrived, Phoebus hastening his Race with his swiftest speed, unwilling his Absence should defer their Delights, or perhaps longing to behold the Royalties of so glorious a Day.  
Cynthia was attired that day in a Gown resembling the Colour of the Azure Sky, more fair than that Divinity that ravished Endymion; her head was adorned with Jewels, which cast a Lustre on all parts where she went; yet was that splendour darkened by the transcendent Rays that pierced from her Eyes, than which, nothing was more penetrating; she was the only Object of all those eyes that beholded her that Day, and happy did he count himself, that could gain a sight of this surpassing Beauty, for nothing was wanting to make that amiable, which alas, was too lovely of itself.  
Now the hour approached, wherein Hymen must do his Duty, in kniting this happy Knot. Orsamus with his beloved Cynthia, accompanied with the two Kings, and Prince, attended by the Nobility of both Kingdoms, followed by an infinite Number of Spectators; after some small time had pass d away, they arrived at the great Temple of the City, where the Bishop stood ready to join their Hands, which Ceremony performed with great Magnificence, they returned to the Palace. It would ask too long a time to describe the Entertainment they received homeward; many stately Pageants were erected, where the Gods and Goddesses seemed to descend, and in heroic Poems, to describe their strange Adventures: many rich Presents were offered by the Citizens, wherein they did express the Gratefulness of their Hearts. In fine, nothing was left undone, that could speak their Joy more absolute; the residue of that Day, was spent in Masks and Plays, in all the Delights and Merriments the Heart of Man could fancy.  
Phoebus necessitated, gave a farewell to this upper World, yet not before he had charged his Sister Cynthia to attend at Cynthia's Nuptials, which she duly performed; for never was there seen a fairer Night, where the Heavenly Spangles were evident to the Eye, while Diana ran her Career in Glory, perhaps to ●vie splendour with Cynthia, whose Happiness she began to envy. The time drew near when Morpheus with his leaden Mace, approaches, commanding to rest; upon which Notice given, Cynthia was conducted by her Royal Attendance, to her Be●, after whom, followed Orsamus, accompanied by the two Kings, who saw him lodged by her Side; and giving them the good-night, not without the Blushes of Cynthia, left them unto their Rest, or to the Possession of those Pleasures, the Stock of Mankind might envy him; and here I would rest and continue silent, but that my Genius directs me a little further, to give you notice, that so true an Affection might be complete, Heaven was pleased to bestow on their first Year, a Son, and on the second, a Daughter, which heir'd all the Perfections and Features of her Mother; Orsamus and Cynthia loving and living in such Felicity and true Affection, as every Day seemed their Marriage Day, and every Night, a fresh Rivalry of Delight; Cynthia living in Orsamus, and Orsamus bounding his whole Felicity in Cynthia.  
After a Storm, the Sun more bright appears;  
That Joy is greatest, that is raised from Fears,  
And built on Hopes, doth chiefest Comfort bring;  
A cruel Winter makes a lovely Spring.  
Adversity makes Men esteem of Wealth,  
He that hath Sickness had, doth prise his Health.  
The sense of Woe, adds Pleasures to the Joys;  
Still to be happy, Happiness destroys.  
Excess of Dainties soon will glut the taste,  
Felicity were Sorrow, should it last.  
Things that are dearest bought we most do prise,  
And Joys kept down by Sorrows highest rise.  
This is the Comfort virtuous Lovers find,  
Their Hell is first, their Heaven is behind.   
FINIS.   

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