The history of Polexander in five bookes / done into English by VVilliam Browne, Gent. ...

The Mute Almandarin to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 happy 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪

SInce that death, which I have 〈◊◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊◊〉 is shortly to bring 〈◊〉〈◊〉 rejoyne me with the best part of my selfe▪ I 〈◊〉〈◊〉 (〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 enemy of Alman•…•…)

together with his heart, leave thee the History of his fortunes and tell thee that one sad blowe hath freed thee from that noble and worthy Rivall, who, alone, could dispute with thee, the possession of Alcidiana. Accept of these two presents; and if it be a verity that the greatnesse of thy valour, would never triumph over those it had subdu'd, use not Almanzor with lesse humanity then thou hast done others. Be favourable to his Petiti∣ons, hearken to the words of his heart, forget thine own interests, to do an act worthy thy transcendent vertue; and if ever thy good destiny bring thee to the inaccessible Island, present to the too fair Alcidiana, this heart which the enamored Almanzor hath sacrific'd to her, as the worthiest victime by which he could testifie the excesse of his zeal, and pas∣sion to serve her. Almanzor, O! Polexander, was extraordinarily, but surely most justly destinated to succeed the valiant Zabaym, who since forty yeers raign'd in that fair and delightfull country, which in the midst of the heat of the Torrid Zone, conserves a per∣petuall spring and continuall fr•…•…ischeur. Zabaym having (almost to the losse of himself) lov'd the vertuous Almanzaira, who by an admired miracle, (in all Africa) was borne white on the banks of Zaira, forsook her for some considerations of love and jealousie, presently after he married a fair young Lady, who by the powerfull lustre of her eyes, and her enchanting wit, was capable to set the crowns of the whole world on her own head. Of this conjunction came Almanzor, who was bred up on the banks of Senega, with all the care that the love of the father, and ambition of the mother were capable to finde out for his conservation. He was but four yeers old, when Fortune, weary of her long favouring the Queens designes, overthrew the very foundations on which she had built them: She had a strange curiosity to know things to come, and to that end imploi'd her credit, her intreaties and treasure, to draw to her from all parts of Africa those whom she thought fit to content her desire: amongst a great number of deceiving Juglers, that were about her, there was a famous Dervis, which she had against his will enforc'd from his solitarinesse on the Mount Atlas, who being urg'd to tell her the fortune of her self and sonne, one day spoke to her thus: Happy Queen, I see not thy greatnesse threat∣ned, by any of those accidents, by which crownes are often throwne from the heads of Kings. Thou shalt die in thy royall-fortune, and even those who now are jealous and en∣vie at thy glory, shall at last, come and petition thee for thy amity and protection. There is only one thing, without which, thou shouldst be exempted from the generall condition of mankinde; I know how sensible you are in that place where I must now touch you, but I should be ingratefull for all that you have done for me, if I should deal with you, as men do usually with Kings; and if fearing to disquiet you, I should suffer you to run to, and fall down a precipice, which by you may easily be avoyded. Know then, that this sonne, in whom (as lines in a centre) all your thoughts meet and end, and for whom there is nothing you would not undertake, will run the hazard to die by the hand of a woman. Hinder this mishap, and I warrant thee the immutability of thy fortune; so ended this Diviner, and instantly took leave of the Queen. This Princesse aff•…•…ighted with this pre∣diction, had neither regard to the remonstrances, nor prayers; no not to the command∣ments of the King, but from his armes took the young Almanzor, and the fear of losing him, made her consent to a far absence, and by that absence to his ruine; she presently sent for me, and telling me, that I was the only man that could preserve to her her sonne; gave him me with a charge to get me far from any town, or commerce with wo∣men, and to nourish him in the Desarts, till the constellation which threatned him were passed over. My inclination, which from my infancy made me an enemy to a Sex alwayes so cruell, or at least inconstant, found its proper element in the will of the Queen. I made me ready for this long exile, and to make it to me as secure as delightfull, I reserv'd to me of all my slaves, none but my Eunuches; the little Almanzor, and my self, forsook the pleasant banks of Senega, and the stately Palace which Zabaym had built on the decli∣ning of that great rock, to which the Portugals have given the name of Cape Vert: af∣ter a journey of some few dayes, we came into a Forrest, not far from the Sea, where the Queen had prepared a fit place for her sonnes retirement: we pleased our selves there, and liked the place so well, that we did ordinarily talk of the state and magnificence of the Court, with a kinde of contempt; our lodgings were bedewed round with lively and cleer fountains, and every where we found exercise for our courage, against the Li∣on,

Leopards, or other wilde beasts, we abode there above fifteen yeers, and during that time, hunting, or fishing were almost our sole recreations; sometimes meditation and letters tooke the place of their enemies; but the stirring and warlike humour of Alman∣zor, drawing him to labour and action, rarely would suffer him to enjoy the rest and the sedentary life of a Student; yet when the violence of his exercise had brought him to his chamber, he would willingly heare me; and the subtilty of his wit piercing into things the most abstruce, he learn'd almost of himself, that which the most knowing Arabians could not without much labour make me comprehend.

One day, wherein (for our common disaster) I could not follow him a hunting, he was so earnest at it, that leaving behinde him both hounds and hunters, he lost himself in the Forrest, and was there part of the night, I was gotten on hoseback to go after, when I perceiv'd him afar off coming in very slow pace. O, what an alteration saw I in him, and how different from what he was wont to be! instead of that mirthsomenesse which he had usually in his countenance, and of that fire which sparkled in his eyes, when he had killed some Lion; I saw his face all clouded with sadnesse, mingled with anger, and marked how his eyes were all swolne with teares which he had lately shed, I aligh∣ted as soon as he, and embracing him as I was wont to do, I told him I was glad of his sport; and yet withall, found fault that he held my requests in no more esteem. My Master, said he, (for so he called me) I finde my self most unfortunate, for the enjoying of so good a chase; I say, unfortunate, in such a degree, that to free my self from such an horrible mishap, I am resolved to die. I replied, is it to renew my disquiets? or to try the love I bear you, that you talke to me in so sad a language? What dream you on Al∣manzor? or what prodigious melancholy hath made such a change in you in so short a time? He answered, My Master, I shall never be so ingratefull to finde my diversions in your discontents, nor so distrustfull, as to put your affection to any new triall: I know what I owe you, and how well you love me; but to perswade me to live after the mis∣fortunes that are befallen me, were to take pleasure and rejoyce at my shame. What Monster cried I, interrupting him, what herbe, or what Enchanter is there in these For∣rests whose hidden power hath caused so extraordinary an alteration? Almanzor, my deare childe, whither is your reason vanished, which gave you so cleer an insight in all things? Doth there remain no more of it then will serve for our destruction? Will you ruine my hopes, and recompence the pains I have undergone in your breeding, by a dis∣pair, into which your resolutions will plunge me? Live, my deare Master, (answered he without being moved) live content, and let that wretch die, who by one only act hath made it appear that he possest none of those vertues you taught him. You have alwayes advised me to temperance and humility, and I finde my self in the extremity of pride and ambition: you have often told me, that freedome and generosity, were the first qua∣lities of an honest man; and I have comitted an act, the most poor and crafty that can be spoken. What should I say to you? I have shamelesly robb'd a man of his treasure, that could not defend himself; and, as if that theft had made me forget that I come of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…ace, as yet more obscure then the life which I lead in these Desarts; I have not fea∣red to aspire to crownes, and to pretend to a thing yet more precious: But, said he, I waste too much talk and time; hold and marke, see there my booty, and withall, the cause of my boldnesse and dispair: herewith he delivered me this fatall box, which hath cost already so many lives and so much blood: I took it, considered the Diamonds, and the engraving, I open'd it, and by that it was an easie matter for me to explicate the meaning of the hidden discourse of my dear Almanzor. Alas, can I say what I saw with∣out ending my miserable destiny? I saw that picture so fair, and dangerous, whose origi∣nall is not lesse inaccessible then her place of abode, where, it seemes, the gods gave her birth for the destruction of brave men. You are now, (O Polexander) the lawfull pos∣sessor of this portraict; and grant, O Fortune, that it be not so deadly to you, as it hath been to the constant Almanzor. As soon as I knew his griefe, I tried to cure him by con∣temning it: if you love Diamonds, (said I) I have at my command far fairer then those you have found; and if this crowned picture make you affect crownes, I can satisfie your ambition, provided that by your vertue, you will make your self worthy to weare them. Ah my dear Master, (answered he) if my soul be covetous, it is neither of gold nor Dia∣monds;

and if it be ambitious, it is not to possesse indifferently all sorts of crowns; I love them, but tis on the head, or to say better, in the possession of that faire Princesse. What call you a fair Princesse (I replied) with a voyce that signified my displeasure. The picture which you see is nothing but the vaine amusement of some idle man, who joyning his colours to his proportions, would expose to our view, I know not what greable and pleasant fantasie, which never yet had being in nature, doe not continue your cunning (said Almanzor) I now conceive what hath been the end of your lessons and retirement. But my deare Master fortune is more ingenious then you; read this paper and you shall see that this is not the vaine strength of imagination of the pain∣ter. I tooke the paper and found on it verses, which had this superscription: To the incomparable Alcidiana Queene of the inaccessible Island. I read the praise of this Princesse, without the consideration of any thing, save the losse of my paines and time, the ruine of all the preventions of the Queen of Senega, and the sad, but infallible ac∣complishment of those predictions which had driven us into the Forest. I protest that greife and anger, tooke not only my speech from me, but with it my discretion; so that I had not enough, left me to conceale my discontent. Almanzor seeing me so transpor∣ted. What (said he) is this picture so dreadfull to Philosophers, and made-up-men, as to hunters and children? Can the ridiculous fancy of a painter, stagger that great soule, which seem'd to have exhausted all the learning of the Doctors of Fez & Thunis? Would to the Gods, (I answer'd seriously) O Almanzor that you had look'd on this picture, with the same eyes I di•…•…! You had found there both cause of a version and neglect, where∣as now for the generall misfortune, of so many, who expected their safety, from your wisdome and valour; you have met where withall to make you a slave to a brutish passi∣o•…•…, and may be to languish all your life in slavery, sloth, and despaire. I will prevent 〈◊〉〈◊〉 shamefull brutalities, and great disasters, replied Almanzor, and I had already taken t•…•… f•…•…re from you, if (before my death) I had not desired to make use of your fidelity, for the restitution of what I have stolen. But my deare Master, if it be a truth that you 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Alm•…•…zor, trouble not your selfe any furth•…•…r, to make him alter his resolution. He •…•…st love: and because he is unworthy, prepares •…•…imselfe for death. Yes divine Alcidi∣•…•…a, it shall not be spoken •…•…at a barbarous fellow, •…•…orne in the Deserts of Africa, hath (unpunished) dar'd to cast his eyes on your incomparable beauty. The rash Almanzor shall perish, and his bloud shed, for the expi•…•…tion of hi•…•… offence, shall serve for an admo∣nishment to oth•…•…s like •…•…im, that those 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…o have 〈◊〉〈◊〉 enough to avenge the Gods, that have imp•…•…y sufficient •…•…o 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the•…•…. A•…•… ingrat•…•…ll Fortune! Why giv'st thou m•…•… thoug•…•…s •…•…o 〈◊〉〈◊〉 my co•…•…ion, so 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to my apprehension. Since I was borne f•…•… the Wi•…•…sse and wil•…•… •…•…sts, why have I not low desires, and bru∣tish imaginations? The agitations and dis•…•…rse of Almanzor, shewing me evidently that h•…•…s wounds had 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ye•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 enough, to apply the first remedy: I intended to let time w•…•…ke, and to give way to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 which I could not stop, that I might not be altogether •…•…rofitable in desiring to be too rigorous. I therefore began to •…•…tter this y•…•…ung Prince, and told him that love was a passion which might be divers waies considered: That in some it insp•…•…red the greatnesse of actions, and as such she might be justly call'd the Mother of fame and glory; but in others, as the Daughter of idlenesse, she betraied their birth and courage, •…•…often their hardiest inclinations, and breeding in the Heroes themselves desires, weake, and •…•…ffeminate, making them betake •…•…mselves to the needle and the distaffe. My deare Almanzor, (I added) it shall be you•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉, if you make not good use of a matter so proper to all kind of formes. Let her have 〈◊〉〈◊〉 fairest she is capable of; and doe not imitate those cunning but capricious Artisans, which come off in nothing so well 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in making Monsters. My Master (answered Alman∣zor) my passion is of those that inspires high resolutions, and swaies the minde to glori∣ous actions; but what boots it me to have these motions, since I want the power to put th•…•…m in execu•…•…ion, and possesse not those great Fortunes, without which the fairest vir∣tues lie unexercis'd? Almanzor, accompanied his discourse with so many sighes and •…•…eares, that being no longer able to hide what till then he was ignorant of; comfor•…•… your selfe said I, and hope well i•…•… the goodnesse of our Gods. If so be that you will pro∣mise me, banish from your thoughts, 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 wherein your young 〈◊〉〈◊〉 finde•…•…

so many pleasures: I will discover to you such secrets as shall make you acknowledge how infinitely you are obliged to Nature and Fortune. He had scarce heard me, when throwing himselfe at my feet, and embracing my knees, my deare Master said he, I will live, if I may doe it without shame; but doe not abuse my credulity to retard my death; you cannot deceive me long, and in doing so, you will have done nothing but added another death to that I have already prepared me. Almanzor said I, I will never betray you; know then that you are borne to be a King, and are the Son of the victorious Sa∣baym, who by his valour and conquests hath reduc'd almost into one Monarchy, all the estates which are watered by the one, and the other Nyle. At this day he reignes, and happily; and he constrained by the love which he bore you, to hide you in these deserts, he did me the honour to trust you to my fidelity. The generous Almanzor was not tou∣ched with the least pride to heare himselfe in an instant so elevated. He was on his knees when I began this discourse, and remained so after I had ended it▪ and though I entrea∣ted him often to rise, no, no, my deare Master said he, let us be still (if you please) the same that we were. Fortune that hath beene able to change my condition, shall never alter my nature. You have given me documents which are not subject to her inconstan∣cy. I will keepe them till death, and if to be royally borne cause any alteration in my minde, it shall be only such as you will wish for. My dispaire is ended, and hope suc∣ceeds it, since (without too much boldnesse) it is permitted me to raise my thoughts, to contemplate the portraict of Alcidiana: And to put in practise those brave things that you have taught me. With this, he rose and taking me by the hand, my Master said he, two new displeasures trouble the peace and quiet which you give me. The remorse of conscience stings me. I feele, I know not what, that reprocheth me, the basenesse I acted in stealing the Picture of Alcidiana; and a jealousie that freezeth my heart, tells me that the true owner of this Portraict is a Monster, which should not be suffered to li•…•… any longer. I will therefore instantly goe and restore it, and withall submit my selfe to what he pleaseth, for the reparation of the wrong I have done him. But after I •…•…ave given him a full satisfaction, I will regaine by a just combate that which I can neither keepe without a just infamy, nor leave forever, without the giving my selfe over to my first despaire. You (may be) may imagine that my resolutions come from those impetuous and inconstant flyings-out that usuall accompanies youth; beleeve it not my deare Mas∣ter, for I would have you to esteeme me unworthy of your care and instruction; that the hope of ever seeing Alcidiana be taken from me, if I follow not to the death, the execu∣ting of that I have propos'd. The Prince here staying, to let me speake; I told him that in lieu of imputing the altering his intentions to the imprudency and heat of his age, I would give him the title of a discreet man, if considering the greatnesse of his birth and the duties that were linked to it, he would sacrifice his love, his pleasures, and the thought of Alcidiana, to the welfare of so many people, who after the death of Zabaym, ex∣pected their happinesse and support from his wisdome and courage. And it is not because I will now condemne for a vice, that which lately I praised for a virtue; but there meet so many difficulties in what you undertake, that though I approve of the cause, I cannot allow of the effects. I beleeve that Alcidiana may be as faire as this Picture shewes her; nay I will goe farther, and on the faith of the Poet, that hath so much prais'd her, I yeeld that she had an excellent wit, a conversation incomparable, and that there is no lesse sweetnesse then majestie in her eyes; let us now see the reverse of this Medall, and without being too indulgent, or too severe to your passion, let us consider what you would undertake. You aime at a happinesse which none can attaine to: You seeke for a treasure unknowne to your selfe, and to all the world besides; and your enterprise seems to me no lesse unreasonable, then if you went about to make a way up to Heaven, to fetch thence one of the Goddesses we suppose there. Here Almanzor interruptingme, my deare Master I pray (said he) stop there. I conceive what you would say; but know, that, that which doth usually smother the desires of most men, is it, which increaseth mine. The difficulty excites my appetite. I would penetrate further then is permitted to my equals, and have made knowne my courage by the impossibility of those things I under∣take, if I cannot doe it by the felicity of my successe. And now I will tell you by what chance the Picture of Alcidiana came into my hands, and thereby, make you confesse,

that there is a fatality in my adventure. You have heard from my companions the begin∣ning of our chase; I will only tell you what betided me after I was stragled from them.

The Lionesse which we had strook, lead us so quick, and so far, that my company and my dogs being left behind, I spurred on alone after her, and with much eagernesse, I fol∣lowed, till her speed was too good for my horse, and so I lost her; weary then, and ill pleased with the chase, I alighted, and from the middle of that rock, whose trees rang'd one above another, make an admirable Piramis; I stood long considering the vast ex∣tention of the sea, which, by I know not what horror, full of Majesty, at one time, both astonisheth the understanding, and ravisheth the sense: I saw in the road a very great Ship, and afterwards a Shallop, which was run on the sand, curiosity, (which is naturall to me) and a desire to know who was landed on our shores, forcing me to leave the woods and the chase; I tied my horse to a tree, and by divers windings on the mountain came down to that little haven where we are wont to take boat for our fishing; from thence I perceived amongst those trees, which cover the Lions fountain, something extremely shining: At first I thought it had been one of those fair serpents which have their scales, as it were gilded; but the object growing greater, as I drew neerer, I distinctly saw that it was a man armed at all points; when I was some ten or twelve paces from him, I per∣ceived he slept, and that he was unawares fallen asleep, because he had before him the picture of Alcidiana, and held in his hand the paper that I shewed you. I drew neerer to him as softly as I could, and by chance having cast mine eyes upon that divine face, (which henceforward must make my good or bad fortune) I stood so surprized, that it was impossible to take me off; the more I saw it, the more I desired to see it: From the pleasure of seeing, I passed to the desire of possession, and without thinking on the stealth, I was about the act, I was enforced by an Imperious and blind motion, to take from him this fair portaict, with the paper which the Knight had moistned with his teares. It fell out happily for me, that as I was about to take it from him, if fell out of his hands, as soone as I had them both, I fled. I was now gotten far into the Forrest, when my reason, got again into the place whence my transport had thrust her, What dost thou (said she) Almanzor? Hath the wise and valiant Almandarin so carefully bred thee up and tutored thee, that thou shouldest turn thief? consult with, and be advised by thy con∣science, and she will tell thee that she is tormented with a cruell remorse. But thou dost but too well know thy offence, since it compells thee to fly, and makes thee fear, that this great Forrest is neither obscure, nor thick enough to hide thee. I confesse, (my deare Master) this consideration staid me on the sudden, and made me turn backward: but another thought more proude, absolute, and perswading my preoccupated ima∣gination represented to me, my theft, as a conquest, and spake to me so disadvan∣tagiously of the sleeping Knight, that it made me passe for a thief that robs in the sight of all the world, that he may possesse without trouble, a treasure whereof he thinks himself unworthy. It continued on thus; twas for thee only Almanzor, that Love and Fortune ordain'd it; keep it without seruple, as the gods gave it thee with∣out condition; and run and search both by Land and Sea, to find the place where raigneth the miracle which this picture representeth. Whilest this strange Counsellor advised me thus pleasingly, I walked a round pace, and got to the place where I had tied my horse, I leapt on him with haste and feare, that made me sensible enough of my fault, but the violent and delicious poyson, which by the sight of this fair picture had troubled my judgement, would not suffer me to make any reflection upon mine offence; it made me take pleasure in it, even then, when I condemned it, and took from me its hatred, in disguising the foolishnesse of it; I was gotten hither before I discovered it; but your discouse hath unblinded mine eyes, and I now see my action with all his blacknesse and deformities: I likewise make a solemne vow to be my self the avenger of this crime, and to enjoy neither rest nor contentment, till I have restored again this picture into the hands of the Knight from whom I stole it. After he had finished these different discour∣ses, he commanded one of his slaves to bring him a horse, and without lending an eare to any of my reasons, or to tarry till day, he parted from me, and returned to the place where he had found the Knight sleeping. He came thither at day-break, but in vain, for the Knight was gone; and after Almanzor had track'd the footings left in the sand,

he knew that the man he search'd for, was again put to Sea: His sorrow was so much in seeing his ill without a remedy that had it not beene hindred by the strength and force of his slaves, he had then slaine himselfe, and made an end of his mi∣serable destiny. Back he came more sadde, more asham'd, and more deject•…•…ed, then if effect•…•…ually he had beene as guilty as he imagin'd.

Two daies entire he spake to me of nothing but his pretended theft; and if the thought of Alcidiana and her Picture, (on which his eyes were almost alwaies fixed) had not diverted his melancholy imaginations, griefe and shame had infallibly killed him. I knew not what counsell to take neither for himselfe nor me, when happily, what say I? When unhappily, for all Africa, I receiv'd letters from Zabaym and the Queen his wife. They sent me word that the constellation which threatned their Son, had been chang'd by the death of Almanzaira, and therefore to satisfie their mutuall desire and the requests of their Subjects, I should returne to the Court with Almanzor. I shew'd him the letters, and conjured him to suspend his passions and disquiets, that being recollected to himselfe when he should present himselfe to the King his Father, he might not bely the good opi∣nion, which by my letters I had setled in them, of his wit and courage,. My deare Mas∣ter (said he) for your sake, I will strive to hide all my defects, and make appeare the ex∣cellency of the Artizan by the beauty of the worke. But keepe me not long in this con∣straint; and since my love aswell as duty calls me whether you lead me, lets thither with the best haste, and acquit our selves quickly of that which we owe to others, that with∣out more delay, we may doe the like, in those things we owe to our selves. I admir'd the strength of this young wit, and breaking off for ever my savage conversation, tooke leave of our Cottages, and the Forests. I will not stand to tell you with what magnifi∣cence and joy Almanzor was receiv'd of all the Court, nor the ravishing delights that Zabaym and his Queen tasted at the sight of a Son, who (without flattery) for the sweet∣nesse of his aspect, the grace of action, and the beauty of his wit, was not outgone, I will not say by any African, but by the best compos'd of all Europe. Zabaym held him long in his embraces, and jealous of so rare a treasure, would not suffer the Queen to take him from his armes, nor the deare Son to render what he ought to the love, the teares, and impatiencies of so good a Mother. These first agitations being some what calm'd; Zabaym who long before had prepar'd all things to settle Almanzor in possession of his Kingdome, made his will knowne to his Subjects; and a little time after himselfe con∣ducted Almanzor to the famous Temple of Senega, and in the quality of Arch-priest and King, taking the Crowne from his owne head, set it on his Sons. After the applau∣dings, acclamations, and other pleasing disorders of great Assemblies had given place to silence. Zabaym addressing himselfe to his Son, with a high voice made them know his reason for what he had done. Since (said he) I came to this Throne by extraordina∣ry waies, and that the chances and adventures of my life are rather recorded among the miracles of our Gods then with the actions of men; I dare beleeve that my experience is of more value then all the debatements of my Officers, and that I may ranke my parti∣cular opinions before the Maximes of my predecessors. This being so, Almanzor, I am resolv'd to passe ov•…•…r all the distrustfull reasons of my Councellors, and put that in exe∣cution which I have long time deliberated. In the opinion of most men you are yet but an infant, but I know you too well to give so ill a judgement of you, or to beleeve that you have not ability proportionable to the burthen I have laid on you. I therefore give you without feare, that supreme power which my sword and paines have acquired me; and to open you a way to the conquest of all Africa, I resigne to you both my hopes, and Armies. On then (with so faire omens) beyond the one and the other Nyle, subdue the obstacles of our Mountaines and Deserts, penetrate even into Ethiopia, and make Africa which is now divided into so many Kingdomes, to be the inheritance of one sole man. I know you ought to be very fortunate, to bring to a good effect such great execu∣tions: But infallibly you shall be so, provided, that your wisdome be not too cleersigh∣ted, nor your courage too blind. Fortune yeelds to whosoever will violate her, and would have that respect which is borne her to be mixed with boldnesse. Here Zabaym ended; and fixing his eyes on his Son, looked for his answer, that he might judge, whether he were worthy those hopes he had conceived of him. Though Almanzor had

pretentions directly opposite to those of his Father, yet in appearance he seemed to fol∣low his conceptions, and to witnesse it, made him this answer: I know sir, that having the honour to be descended from you, I ought to be of more value then those who have not that advantage. Yet tis not alwaies an infallible necessity, that the excellentest things produce their like. But for feare of offending a judgement which without doubt hath in it something of divine, I renounce all distrust of my selfe, and goe (since it is your pleasure) to learne from time and occasions, if you be as good a prophet, as you are 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Father. Goe my Son said Zabaym in embracing him, goe, boldly, and submit thy selfe to those rigorous trialls; I promise thee henceforward, and if thou beleeve thine owne courage, be assured, that neither the Nyle nor the red Sea shall be any more put in the number of the bounds of Africa. Almanzor at last being freed from these magnificent importunities, thought of nothing more then of the meanes to be rid of the Crowne which Zabaym had set on his head, and to meet with the owner of Alcidianaes Picture-Fortune who is but too favourable where she resolves to doe a mischiefe, offred this young Prince a faire occasion to execute his designe.

Three Portugall Vessels were by a storme forced into the river of Senega, and that being a Nation so covetous and industrious, that they will even make a benefit of their owne misadventures, foure hundred men landed, and made an extreame spoile in some places not far from the royall Pallace. Almanzor, hastned thither forced them to leave their booty, and to take from them for ever after the daring to set foot ashore in any of those territories, beat them home to their shallop•…•…. Some were slaine in attending his fearfull blowes (whereby the King made knowne his extraordinary valour in his first combat) others were drowned in getting to their vessells, and those which got abord, found there but little more safety; for Almanzor getting the mastry of two shallops, shipped in them some of his best souldiers, and himselfe advancing through the fire and smoake of the Canon, gave them not over till he had either killed or forced into the Sea, all that were in the greatest Portugall Ship. His followers borded the other, and after an obstinate fight, gloriously accomplished their Princes intention. These three vessells thus conquered, and many Portugalls taken prisoners, Almanzor called me, and asking me what I thought of this combat, my Master said he, I doe not aske you this question, to the end you should praise me, but to let you see what advantages and opportunitie•…•… the defeate of the Portugalls hath given me. Know that my vowes are accomplished, since I have where withall to find that Island, which in spite of its name and scituation 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be •…•…o me no longer inaccessible. But first it behooves that by a just title I possesse the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 o•…•… Alcidiana; and that I force the Knight from whom I stole it (he blushed in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 so) not only to renounce his right, but for ever to abandon all his hopes in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Lets away then whilst all things are fitting for our departure, and let us not 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 fearfull spirits, who by the protracting of their deliberations, lose the 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 execution. The conceptions of this Prince had many times already asto∣•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉; but this last added horror to my wonder. His discourse was a clap of thunder 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ I was struck downe and sencelesse, yet the present necessity recalling my spirits: My Lor•…•… said I to Almanzor there was a time when it might have been permitted you to take these resolutions, and you might have committed some faults without being questioned; but now, when so many soules live not but by you, and that our Atlas is less•…•… necessary to the supporting the Heavens, then you are to the conservation of Africa, you can no more dispose of your selfe. You owe both your selfe and passions to the ne∣cessity of your Estate; yet the only Alcidiana▪ (who at this time to make search for▪ th•…•…ough all toiles and dangers is your esteemed glory) is the felicity of your Subjects. He answered, my Master if I would make use of that soveraigne aucthority to which you would tie me as a slave, I should take away your liberty of contradicting me, but that we may still be the same we have been, I give you leave to use your freedome of speech, pro∣vided that I find fault with your instruction, since you know that love and a Crowne are incompatible, why have you advised me to joyne them together? Or why would not you have me now to acquit my selfe of a duty which hath a precedency, and is more an∣tient in my soule then that of royalty; no, no, I will never rob me of my selfe to give me to others; or if I must needs be a slave, it shall be only to live under the commands of

Alcidiana. But O faire Princesse can I give eare to a man that talkes to me against your service 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Away, all considerations of greatnesse and vanity: Your chaines are of more value then my Crowne, and the dart wherewith my heart is wounded, more desired of me, then the Scepter they have given me. After this transport, Almanzor stood a while silent, and on the suddaine embracing me, lets on, said he, lets on my deare Master where those felicities calls us which are not to be found in a Throne. Thereupon he called for the most part of the Portugall prisoners and using them as they had been his friends, pro∣mised them all both their lives and liberties, if they would engage themselves to bring him to the Inaccessible •…•…sland. One of the Portugalls speaking for the rest: The condi∣tion saies he that you propose to us, for the regaining our liberties is an absolute deniall of it. Set us on things possible and we will execute them with the hazard of our lives. This bold and wise reply, exceedingly pleased the King, and obliged him to explicate his proposition. I am (said he) far from intending to engage you or your companions in impossibilities, no not so much as to will you to the discovery of a Country yet un∣knowne: You know that the Isle whither I would saile, though it carries the name of Inaccessible, is not so, since it is discovered; and it must needs be true that a vessell which I saw on these coasts came thence not long since. The Portugall answered the King, that he spake nothing that was not most certaine; that the Island mentioned had beene discovered by a Pilot of his Nation, that it was but a hundred leagues from the Canaries, and that comming from Spaine they made it on the North of those Isles. That divers had been by tempests cast on it, or by chance arrived there, and that those which inhabit the Canaries had with all kind of industry and expences tried to make themselves masters of it, but their paines and endeavours had been without any good successe. Almanzor intreated the Portugall to relate to him what he had heard or learnt touching that Island and the Inhabitans there. The Isle, answered the prisoner, is so fertile, that those who have seen it, beleeve, that the ancients in consideration of it only, stiled happy those Islands which now we call the Canaries. The verdure and flowers are there everlast∣ing, the harvests and the fruits, are above the hope and desire of the most covetous, and the inhabitants live there in such a vigour, that at threescore and fourescore yeares old they may passe for young. There are many Townes. The Capitall is one of the mira∣cles of the World, and is inhabited by people, in whom, valour, politenesse, and courte∣sy are inseperable. The Princes which till this time have governed it, finding all abun∣dance, all pleasures and peace at home, have confind all their ambition within the limits of their Island, and have not beleeved that there was any thing else in the world worth their envy. Tis said, that now there reignes there a young Marvell, so full of charmes and virtues that she is the desire of all Princes which have knowne or have heard speake of her. Tis sufficient, said Almanzor, interrupting him; I desire nothing but that you will bring me as neere to that Isle as may. If you can land, the better fortune ours: but if it be impossible, I will have you promise me on your faiths that you will not forsake me for one whole yeare. The Portugall who thought not to be quitted on so easy tearmes, bound himselfe and his companions to serve Almanzor for a yeare in their vessells as faithfully as they had thitherto served the King their Master. Almanzor that would have no other suretie for their promises then their faith, set them at liberty, and from thence∣forward adventured himselfe among them with asmuch confidence as he would have done amongst his owne naturall Subjects. The Portugalls made it appeare to him that they were truely generous, for insteed of resenting any shame of their defeate, they lost the memory of it, and all the time they were with Almanzor, they did interest themselves in all his designes with as much passion as if he had been their owne King. Before he set saile, he sent me for his Jewells which were of an inestimable price, and forbad me abso∣lutely the seeing of Zabaym or the Queen. I did what he commanded me with as much celerity as griefe and vexation, and the same day came back to the ship wherein he was embarqued. When he saw me returned, we want nothing now (said he) but the fa∣vour of love and fortune, let us promise to erect them Temples, that they may not aban∣don us in so faire an occasion: this said, he gave leave to those Portugalls which were not usefull for him to depart, and restored to them their liberty, ship, and goods: And himselfe presently got out of the river Senega and set saile towards the Canaries. We

had now lost sight of the pleasant mountains of Cape-verd, when a vessell of greater bur∣then then ours, saluted us a far off, with the discharge of his Canon, and commanded us to strike sail. Almanzor, instructed by his mariners what that noyse meant: answer him again, sayes he, that we will not, and let every one prepare to fight. This boldnesse no way astonished the Portugals, but contrarily, judging by this beginning, that the pro∣cesse of their voyage would be glorious and profitable, set themselves in an order, as well to take as defend. The greater vessell (as a man of war accustomed to overcome) shewed. I know not what kinde of fiercenesse, in coming neerer to us, and enough to have terrified some timerous spirits: But the Portugals, who were now in possession of making themselves every where terrible, contemn'd the pride of that enemy, and pre∣senting them a broad side, gave them fifteen Canon-shot. Their approaches were more fearfull then they were mortall, although the two vessels, the aire and the sea seem'd all on a flame: After we had we had fought in some distance, we laid one another aboard, and then there began a combat between Almanzor and the Captain of the great vessell, which merits a particular relation. Never strength and addresse were found so equall in two combitants, and never did the greatnesse of courage sustain so long time two bodies so stricken with wearinesse, and infeebled with wounds. But why relate I a combat to thee, that knowest it better then my self; since it was with thee, Polexander, that Al∣manzor contested? As soon as the tempest had made an end of this duell, and that thy ship was carried one way, and Almanzors vessell another. This Prince commanded the Portugals to follow thee, if it were possible; and after this order given, went through all the ship, to see who were wounded, amongst his own, he found one of thy souldiers, that lay, as it were, dead; he had a great care of him, and when he saw him in case to speak, ask'd him what thou wert, and what thou lookest for in those seas. I wonder, said the souldier, that thou art ignorant of that which is known to all the world beside. He whom thou knowst not, is called Polexander, a Prince descended from the greatest Kings of Europe, and himself King of all the kingdomes he will look upon. Many are the causes that make him wander these seas: At this time he is in search of that famous Captain of the pirates, Bajazet, to force him to restore a picture which he hath stolne from him. Almanzor thought at first, that he was that pretended pirate, and that by some false intelligence Polexander had been peswaded that Bajazet had the portraict of Alci∣diana; he therefore drew it out, and shewing it to the souldier, marke, (said he to him) if this be not the picture which Polexander hath lost? The other viewing it well, cried out, see, see the fatall face, that hath been the cause of all that we have indured, and will yet be the subject of all those dangers which we are yet to run through. O! deare work of my hands, why are not we, or rather, why is not Polexander in that place where his love gave me the invention to limne thee, without the knowledge of Alcidiana: Imagine, great Prince, if after this declaration, Almanzor had care of thy souldier or no, truly he was so chary of him, that he caused him to be lodged in his own Cabin, and com∣manding him to be used as himself, entertain'd him continually, either in discoursing of Alcidiana, or of thee. When the souldier recompted to him thy great actions, you might have seen Almanzor stirred with a thousand agitations: sometime he blush'd, as if he had been asham'd of himself, sometime he sighed, as if he had envied so brave a life, some∣time he grew cholerick with his destiny, and then talking, as if thou hadst been present; What Polexander (said he) and is all that is valourous, all that is famous, and all that is happy reserved for thee? O how well hath Alcidiana done, to have chosen so deserving an adorer! But what sayest thou, poor and unfortunate Almanzor? knowest thou not that, that Polexander is the the fatall Demon which crosseth thy intentions; and who without all doubt, will make all thy hopes vain and frivolous? Get out, get out, (infamous creature) from this vessell, where unprofitably thou consumest thy time, and finde out this cruell enemy, in what corner soever of land or sea, that fortune hides him from thee. See, Polexander, the different language that one same passion made thee poor Alman∣zor guilty of. He grew well this while, and love and jealousie giving him suddenly such strength, that in all likelihood, nature could so soon have brought him, he earnestly be∣sought thy souldier to shew him where he might meet with thee. This Prince, said he, is continually at sea, and tries all means to recover the good which he hath lost: some∣times

he imployes the art and experience of Mariners to attaine it, otherwhile he gives himselfe over to fortune and the winds, and is absolutely resolved to perish, if the heavens have doomed that he shall never more see Alcidiana. Wandring thus on the Sea, thinke with thy self if it be possible for me to denote to thee a place where thou maist find him. Tis true, since the day wherein his incomparable valour saved the Canarians from the Portugalls, and for conserving the liberty which he got them, he accepted the title of their King, he hath sometimes come on shoare in the Isle of Teneriffe, and otherwhile in that which he calls Alcidiana. But his new Subjects have been forced to an extraor∣dinary care of his person when he hath been above a day or two on land. I have told thee that one occasion that made him wander so far from the Canaries, was the desire to recover the Picture of Alcidiana. I will relate another to thee, which to him was not lesse considerable: He is in quest of a Pilot of that Queens, who is now at Sea, bound in her name to acquit a vowe, which every yeare the Princes of the Inaccessible Island are obliged to render to some unknowne Gods. When I was in that Kingdome, I learnt a secret touching this ceremony, which to you may seeme fabulous, yet among the Island∣ers passeth for a verity which no man must call in question: Tis, that whosoever is cho∣sen by lot to goe in the name of the King of that Isle to celebrate the yearely Sacrifice, failes not to meet in his returne, a bird as white as a swan, by whose flight steering his ship, he infallibly finds the right course to the Inaccessible Island. Polexander, who hath no other hope then in meeting with these Pilots, waites for them every spring be∣tween the Canaries and the Gorgades. He was so fortunate the last spring that he dis∣cried the vessell of Alcidiana, but that good hap was but to encrease his afflictions, for he lost sight of her by the violence of the winds; and in spite of all industry was carried on the coaste of Guine•…•…. After he had run the hazard of a ship-wrack among so many Shelves and bancks of sand which makes those coasts so dangerous, he found himselfe in the hands and at the mercy of Pirates, and without that prodigious valour, that makes all those enemies fall at his feet, which fortune raiseth against him, he had been now in the number of those brave slaves of whom the famous Bajazet composeth the principall part of his magnificence. Twas in that very place that he thought he had lost the picture of Alcidiana, but seeing it in thy hands, I begin to beleeve that Bajazet is innocent of that theft, whereof we have so often and so injustly accused him. At that word Alman∣zor interrupting him, not only told him by what adventure he got the Protraict, but let him know the reasons which obliged him to follow thee. And since thou hast such a re∣solution said the souldier; I advise thee to stand for the Canaries; thou wilt infallibly find there, what thou searchest, and wilt give no lesse contentment to Polexande•…•… then thou hopest for in the meeting him. Almanzor followed his advise, and steered thy Islands. If I had undertaken to write all the brave acts of the King my Master, I should now tell thee that he fought twice with the valiant Pirat Thalemut, and after he had as often given him his life and liberty, sent him back to Bajazet with this charge, to tell him that his great reputation, wrought in him an excessive desire to see him with his sword in his hand. I passe by the slight skirmish he had with the Moores, and the massacre he made of them when he heard that by the shot of a musket bullet I had lost my tongue and that he saw me all pierced with wounds fall as dead at his feet: I doe not speake of the delivery and freeing the faire blind Indian Lady, and of the bloudy fight he gave, to pro∣tect her from the violence of the Spaniards. I conceale that miracle of judgement and courage, by which he resetled in his Throne the infortunate King of Zanhaga, and come to that sad and glorious day, in which leaving to him the title of conqueror, thou tookest from him that of being invincible. What Heroes have the fables of the Greeks invented, and what Conquerors hath Africk, Asia, or Europe produced, which are not infinitely below Polexander and Almanzor fighting together? Thou Sun which wert witnesse of this dreadfull duell, is it not true that all forgoing ages have not had wherewithall to compare them? And to be a spectator, didest thou not stay longer then thou wert wont on the pl•…•…ines of Teneriff? And thou O valiant and courteous Polexander, who that day by one combate gottest two victories; acknoledge that it was not easy to vanquish Almanzor, and that it was altogether a thing impossible to force that indomptable heart to confesse himselfe overcome. How often before he died hath he remembred thy cour∣tesies,

and how many times taking thy part against himselfe, doe not flatter me, said he, I confesse Almandarin, that Polexander gave me my life. And not to lye, thou didst give it him, and the gift thou gavest was accompanied with civility, sweetnesse, and markes of a high esteeme. When Almanzor covered with bloud and wounds, fell on the earth, and that he saw himselfe in that estate, to lose his life, or to aske it; in lieu of thinking on his conservation, he thought on Alcidiana; and addressing himselfe to her, instead of speaking to thee. Since like the gods, (cryde he) O Alcidiana, thou reignest absolute∣ly over the minds of those who have never seene thee; I perswade my selfe too, that, as they, thou beholdest our actions, and readest our very thoughts. Turne then thine eyes upon Almanzor, and receive as a pledge of his perpetuall fidelity, the life which he leaves without sorrow, since to thee alone it is sacrificed. I beleeve, Polexander, that thou hast forgotten what thou didst after this so high generousnesse of Almanzor. But I can well remember that thou disclaimest an assured victory, and giving the honour to thy enemy, thou art conquerour (said you) since our Duell, having for its ground the service of Alcidiana, he onely must be stiled the victor, that hath witnessed most love and con∣stancy; And having said thus much, thou tookst thy leave of him, and to leave the Spe∣ctators incertaine of the victory, voluntarily forsookst both thy armes and the field. Al∣manzor wronged not this courtesie, but confessed his defeate, and all wounded as he was, caused himselfe to be carryed on shipboard, with an intent to restore thee the pi∣cture of Alcidiana, and to yeeld himselfe thy slave. But his ill Fate casting him on the Isle of Fer, and his wounds much weakening him, he thought of nothing but to dye, and to dye lingring and slowly, that by his more suffering, he might the more satisfie his pas∣sion. And for this, he forbad his Chyrurgions to dresse him, and to leave to posterity a most magnificent and glorious note of his love, rather then of his condition. He caused to be built that brave Monument which thou seest in the Iland of Fer, if ever the remem∣brance of that Prince hath made thee bestow any teares on his ashes. I sold all his Iew∣els to send into France, Spaine and other where, to buy those materials which I was to imploy in the structure of that Tombe. It was not halfe built, when Almanzor (who kept himselfe retyred and hid from the sight of any) came forth of his first abiding, and tooke possession of his last. The workemen wrought night and day, and yet in the opi∣nion of the Prince, they did nothing but lose time. His longings were at last satisfied, for his building was perfected, and his workemen as well as his Mariners sent home with so great rewards, that they filled all Europe with the Name and bounty of Alman∣zor. When he saw us two left alone, he shut himselfe up in his Tombe, and after he had conjured me to conforme my selfe to his conceptions; Almandarin (said he) I can now dispose of my life, and by a new wound free a soule out of bonds, that growes wilfull to persist in a shamefull and cruell servitude. But before I lose the power which our reci∣procall friendship gives me over thy will, I would have thee engage thy selfe to me by that faith which thou hast never violated, and sweare to me, that after my death, thou wilt fulfill two things, whereon depend the comfort and happinesse I seeke after. Tis, that thou pluck out my heart, and take from me the picture of Alcidiana, which I cannot leave as long as I have any sences. Thou shalt carry them both to Polexander, and throwing thy selfe at his feete, petition him by writing, (since thou canst not otherwise) that he love my memory in regard of my love, and that he will forget my theft, and my jealousie; and seeing that he is infallably to repossesse the treasure which he lost, that he would deigne to present the heart which I send him, to that faire Princesse, for whom onely it would live, and for whose sake alone it hath wished to dye. Imagine great Mo∣narch, to what extremities I was driven by so cruell a commandement, and what blasphe∣mies I conceived against Fortune, for depriving me of the use of speech, in a time when I had so much need of it. Notwithstanding it behoved me to resolve, there was no re∣medy, and forced by the teares, prayers, and furies of Almanzor, I promised him by signes to put his will in execution. I assure my selfe (said he) that thou wilt not faile of thy promises. Come neere then now, and embrace yet once more, that deere Son, who would aske thee pardon for the upbraidings of thy life, if he knew thee not too wise to impute those disasters to him, of which Fortune onely is guilty. Farewell my deere Ma∣ster, live, and by undergoing my death with a true constancy, practise that faire doctrine

which thou hast so profitably taught me, and with these words, he pierced himselfe to the heart with his sword, and by so speedy and bold a blow surmounting his haplesse fortune, he got that victory, for which she had so long contested with him. I threw my selfe on him, but too late, and stopping his wound with my hand, strove to stop the bloud which gushed out in great bubbles and clots, he thrust away my hand, and falling on his bed, with a countenance wherein you might behold a mixture of extraordinary joy and death got together, at least (said he) do thou Almandrian keepe thy pro: Hee dyed before he could finish the word, and left me with a powerfull example for the con∣temning of life. I had not heart enought to make use of it, but my cowardise covering it selfe with a specious pretext of my faith, made me beleeve, that I could not kill my selfe, without suffering in hell those tortures which are reserved for the unfaithfull. I resolved then to live till I had fully executed the last will of the King my Master; and though my despaire oftentimes opposed me in it, I am yet so happy, that before my death I see my promises accomplished. There remaines some part of the will of that Prince not performed, but it is from thy noblenesse that Almanzor expects the execution. Be then sensible of his supplications, of his teares, and bloud! Polexander ended not the fluxe of his teares with the period of this sad story; but turning to Iphidamantus, who was no lesse afflicted then himselfe, and wooing him to teares and sorrow. Let us be∣waile (my deare brother, said he) Let us weepe for the losse of Almanzor, and since tis not in our power to restore him his life, let us deerely preserve that which remaines of him. And in thus saying, he tooke the Princes heart, and fixing his eyes on it; As cold as thou art (said he) poore heart, thou yet retaynest thy first fire, and shewest by thy rich prison, that thou wilt still weare the glorious setters of Alcidians: be confident, that if I become fortunate thou shalt have a share of me, that thy vowes shall be accomplished, and that faire Princesse shall know how farre both living and dead thou hast religiously adored her. Polexander finished this promise, just as his trustfull Diceus, (for so they called him of his domestiques whom he best loved) entered his Cabin, and the excesse of his zeale and joy not permitting him to observe all the duties befitting his condition, he stept nimbly to his Master, and, Sir (said he) I am certainely blinde, or just now I have discovered the vessell of Alcidiana. Polexander lost no time in asking him questi∣ons, but comming out of his Cabin, got on the upper deck, and by that propriety which seemes to be fastened to the eyes of all lovers, cast his sight presently on the vessell of Al∣cidiana. He knew her, and seeing her take a course contrary to his: tack about, tack about (cryd he to his Pilots) and at this time let every one testifie how much he affects me. His command, and the execution of it, was one same thing. But the winde that complyed not so well with him as they, changed not, but was the cause why his great ship made but slow way after that belonging to Alcidiana. He was all the rest of the day in wrestling against a North-East winde, and raging for being so neere his happinesse and not obtaining it. The night changed the winde, and gave it him so favourable, that he doubted not the taking of Linceus, though the darkenesse tooke from him the sight of his vessell. He might easily have overcome this difficulty, if a greater and more pow∣erfull had not yet once more envyed his good fortune, in the very instant when he thought himselfe most assured. For at breake of day, instead of the vessell of Alcidiana, he saw a great fleet of Turkish Gallies, and Affrican ships: After he had mused a while, he called his brother, and concealing his resolution from him, we must said he seperate, and by divers courses try to make our way through so many enemies. Iphidamantus appro∣ved of his councell, because his friends and himselfe had mutually bound themselves not to leave one another till they were in a place of safety. Getting then aboard his owne ship, he found all those there in an equall astonishment. His presence heartened them, and the speech he used to them wrought upon their wavering minds the same advantage he got by his first Oration. Hereupon they armed themselves, and despising danger, in confidence of the valiant Iphidamantus, resolved themselves to what sad disaster soever fortune should prepare for them. The Mariners perceiving that the vessell of Polexander plyde to the South-west, took a contrary way, and taking downe the Christian colours which they carryed, put the halfe Moone in the place, to try if in this occasion a little cunning might not be more advantagious then power. The successe of their enterprise

was conformable to their conceived hope. They were taken for Turkes, and, as such, were neither fought withall nor staied, but without any hinderance sailed through the fleet. When they were in the Van, they saw another Army composed of many great Gallions, and of all kind of vessells aswell with oares as sailes, over which waved the Standdards of Castile and Portugall.

Iphia mantus, r•…•…vished with this encounter, tis now said he to his companions that we have no more cause of feare. See the accomplishment of our ordinary prophesies, and the Army which we saw, though far off from the place where we were prisoners, hath without doubt broaken our chaines and finished our slavery. Yet let us not be re∣proched to have seene the enemy so neere without fighting; shew them that we know how to make a retreate, but not how to fly. Whilst he spake thus, his ship got far∣ther off the vanguard of the Turkes, and to tell them that he was none, set up the Crosse upon his vessell, and with his owne hands, in sight of the enemy threw the halfe moone overboord, and commanded to salute them with all his Artillery. The Turkes no sooner knew the trick that had deceived them, but they gave them from their fleet above two hundred Canon shot. Foure Galliots by the command of the Generall were sent out to seise on that Christian Vessell, but all the industry of the Turkes was but to their owne confusion; for Iphidamantus retired fighting behind the vanguard of the Christian fleet. Presently as it he had attended but that signall, they put themselves in Batalia. The Turke made his cressant without stirring from the place he had chosen, and both the one and the other receiving command to fall on, began the fight in a marvelous good order. The wind (as messenger of that absolute power, which almost continually causeth the best successe to follow the best causes) forsooke tha Turkes, and to have part in the victo∣ry, came on the Christian side. This favourable change, was received as a certaine pre∣sage of that daies good fortune, and encouraged the Souldiers to witnesse by their shouts, the impatiency they were in till they were at hand stroakes with their enemies. The great Gallions of Portugall which were in the front of the Christian Armie as so many forts, (whence they ruined the Turkes) began by the noise and smoake of their double Canon, to make the sea open even to the depths, and obscure the aire with enflamed clouds. The enemies grew therewith terrified, lost their order and were flaine unrevenged. At last all mingled, Gallies set on Gallies, Ships boorded Ships, in briefe all vessells little and great, of oares, and sailes, fought either in grosse, or seperated. It was there that the inconstancy of the chances of Warre appeared. Those who were lately Conquerors are now (in their turne) overcome, and such a one who had been made a slave, recovers his liberty by the servitude of those who had put him in fetters. By lit∣tle and little this forest of Masts grew lightsome, the noise lessened, by the death of some, and the wearisomnesse of others, and both the fleets seemed to be but the shadowe of what it was at the beginning of the battell. The Christians were the Victors; and though the Turkes by their obstinacy in fighting, made knowne they knew not what twas to fly, yet at last they were constrained, and without their obduratenesse had confessed, that the power of earth is weake to resist the hands of heaven. The Sun was no sooner set, then the victorious Army content to see their powerfull enemies not dare to appeare before them, would not drive to despaire those they had put to flight, you could see no more of them, then some few scattred vessells from the body of the Army, yet in fight. Amongst others, Iphidamantus ship which had a good share in the glory of this day, was grapsed with a Turke, the combate equally entertained on both sides, left none to doubt of the valour of those that were assaied or those that defended. The Turkes were more in number then the Christians, yet had they been put to the worst without the incredible valour of their Captaine, who alone, made all the assaults of his enemies vaine and boot∣lesse. The valiant Iphidamantus desiring to shew by some remarkable blowe, that there was no pride so high, which he could not abate, nor strength which he could not master, threw himselfe among the armes of the valiant Turke, and let drive at him so surious a blow with his sword, that he sent into the sea all that the other had on his head. The Turkes amazed at the fearfull blow their Captaine had received, resolved, not to stand wilfull in a combate which could but adde a particular shame to the generall. This de∣liberation being as soone executed as taken, the two ships sundred; but Iphidamantus

that would not overcome by halfes, followed the Turkes and boorded them againe. The combate began a fresh, more bitter then before; and the Turkish Captaine, flying after vengeance with an heroike fury; made Iphidamantus see that there is no valour like that which is seconded with choler. After a hundred times trying to finish this duell by some extraordinary blow, Iphidamantus, threw himselfe into the Turkish vessell and made his enemy recoile, but the Moore with a passe on Iphidamantus, stroake him with his Cimiter on the Caske with such a force that he made him fall at his feet. His com∣panions thought him dead, and the affright making them forget their honour and their faith, they left him to the mercy of the Turkes, and saved themselves by the favour of the night. Bajazet (for so was this victorious Turke called) quickly caused Iphidaman∣tus to be taken up by six of his souldiers and carried into his Cabin. Whilst he tooke paines for the ease and solaging of his prisoner, and seemed to have forgotten the gene∣rall routing of the Mahometan Army, a tempest more carefull of his safety then himselfe, tooke him from among the Christians (who pursued their victory) and brought him to one of the Azorez, that he might there recollect those that remaine of his fleet. This place had been appointed before the battle for the Rendezvous of the Pirates of which he was the chiefe. The next day after his arrivall five or six ships came in, the next day eight or ten, and in this sort in lesse then six daies he had made a new Army. Streight he resolved to goe see, whether the Christians had not enterprised somewhat on the place of his usuall retreat. He gave them directions for the order they should keepe, in case they should be forced to fight by the way, and so weigh anchor from the Azorez and came out in the head of his fleet. Though his charge and the humour of those he com∣manded, was capable to take up an entire man, yet this generous Pirate reserved the better part of his time to give it to Iphidamantus. He forgot nothing of whatsoever he judged fit for the healing of his wounds, or for the satisfaction of his minde, and told him oftentimes that so brave a man as he never appeared more glorious then when he was constrained to suffer under a misfortune. That the chance of Warre being never in our power, we are to take it as it falls. That tis true victory was often accompanied with many advantages, but they followed many times without any merit; that he had heard spoken of many Captaines, whose death or captivity had given more cause of en∣vy then of glory, to those who had either killed or made them attend their triumphall Chariots. Iphidamantus that made profession of true generousnesse was ravished with that in Bajazet, and giving himsel•…•…e over to the charmes of his wit aswell as to the strength of his reason, knew not sometim whether it had been advan•…•…agious for him, not to have lost his liberty. He admired the good aspect of this Pirate, the sweetnesse of his wit and converse, his manners directly opposite to others of his condition, and above all his admirable complaica•…•…cy, by which he seemed to make himselfe a slave to them who where already his. So many virtues met he, in a person who in his opini∣on was destitute of all, that at first they made him, his admirer, and soone after so passio∣nate a friend, that for it he would have wronged himselfe, and called backe his affection as if he had committed an injustice in giving it to Bajazet. In the meane while this fa∣mous Pirate, had time so favourable that the fifth day he d•…•…ried the great Rocks which are as so many Bastions and Rampards for the defence of his Island. The next day he came to the entry of his h•…•…ven, and was not there admitted, till he which had the com∣mand of it, had been to know him. I phidamantus was astonished to see what ceremo∣nies Bajazet himselfe was faine to observe ere he set foote on shoare, but he wondred more and was ravished when he drew neere to a Fortresse which was in the midst of the Island. It was a place which nature and arte had equally fortified. On the Easte side there was a Rock which extended it selfe to the sea by precipices and disgorgements of cleare waters. Towards the South the Rocke was extreamely high, and had been cut with the chi•…•…l: It was full of little lodgin•…•…s, where the Pirates Wives dwelt and kept their Children and their goods. At the place where these two Rocks abu•…•…ed almost to∣gether, they left an overture of thir•…•…y or fo•…•…y •…•…home. Over this passage there was a great A•…•…ch which some Arabians had built, and to make themselves immortall by the las∣ting of so marvellous a worke, had eng•…•…n on black marble, their names and Country. This Arch had fifteen fathome o•…•… largenesse on thirty of long, and was divided in three.

The first part was full of little Chambers so industriously built that they seemed to be cut out of the Rock it selfe. From thence you entred into a Fortresse built with stones of that hugenesse, that the imagination of Iphidamantus could not conceive any thing so strong in all the Mechanicall Engines that was not far too weake to remove or raise them. Foure Towers and foure piles of lodgings covered like tarrasses compassed one Court of fifteen fathome in square. In the midst there was a Fountaine which cast out water through the throate of a Lion of brasse which in noise and casting his head to∣wards Heaven made the mettle it selfe terrible. When you had gone through this Ca∣stle, you entred into a Garden, where, on the South side was to be seen a little Wood of Cedars, Palmes and Cipresse, and towards the west, another, of Orenge trees made into a Laborinth. The hedges of all the alleis were of Jessemines, Citrons, and an infinit num∣ber of those sweet trees which give the hotter Countries all the advantage they have over our climate. At the top almost of the Rock which was towards the East, you might see a fall of water of six foot broade, which as a peece of ice fastned on the han∣ging of the Mountaine was received in a great and vast bason. All the water fell into one pipe, and after it had been somewhile underground, was seen againe in this hanging Garden, and spouting out of the trunck of an Elephant which a Rhinoceros had o∣verthrowne, carried his force so high that you lost fight of it before it was mounted to his full height. This place was inaccessible on all sides, but to get to it, there was cut in the Rock towards the West a staire which by a hundred steps came to joyne with one of the corners of the Arch. Within this proude Building the Generalls of those Pirates had alwaies lodged since they became Masters of it, and as such, did Bajazet rest there as often as any tempest or other important consideration kept him in the Island. Under this great Arch there were raised two Platformes, on which twenty field peeces served for a warning to strangers that this place was forbidden them. On the flancke of these Cavaliers, ran out to great Bastions, which were as the two Arcenalls where were kept all the cast peeces and double Canons which could not serve them a shipboord. On this side was seen an artificiall Lake, into which they had on floates cast two pecces to com∣mand the plaine and open Country about it, and by this Lake only was there an entrance into that great enclosure, after the clensing of all the Artillery of these six different de∣fences. When Bajazet was within Canon shot, he staied his fleet, and according to the Maximes of his government, sent to aske permission from the Governour of the place to come in. Iphidamantus who till then had rested as ravished in the consideration of the outside of this Fortresse, was extreamely surprised to heare Bajazet speake thus. The ge∣nerous Rover smiling to see his prisoner so admiring: Know said he, that he who com∣mands these Pirates as I have done this yeare, is the sole man who hath power to put a Governour in that Fort, and who may the first yeare either change him or strangle him without giving an account for it. Assoone as this particular Governour is in full posses∣sion of the place, and that the Generall hath put the armes and command in his hands, he never useth them with so much rigour against any as against his person who gave him the authority. And indeed by this Maxime only he preserves himselfe, for were he sus∣pected to have but the least intelligence with the Generall, an ordinary death were not the greatest punishment he should stand in feare of. But when he hath past his yeare of probation, and can give contentment to the different humours of his companions; then they give him the title of Generall of the Land, that is, he hath an authority within the Fort as absolute, as mine is in the rest of the Island over the Pirates and vessells. Barbe∣roussa, so is he called that now commands in this place, and hath been neere forty yeares, the fortunatest Pirate of the sea, yet hath he but executed the commands of his Cap∣taines, and now is come to the place of Generall by Land, more by the care I tooke not to solicite him to doe ill, then by the affection he had towards his owne party. Leave them to wonder at the permission which I aske, and know that I have no more power in the Fort but what he gives me, who is under charge. And since I have now a minde to goe in, I must doe so, that he must first thinke it fitting. What I now have told you is but the least part of the pollicy of these Pirates. They have their Lawes and their Maxi∣mes as well as the Estates the best governed, and I have noted that whereas, in those, one may often see many virtues degenerate into vices, here have I seen many vices very

much approaching unto vertues. I confesse that honour and honesty are enemies with whom our Pirates are seldome at truce or peace. I know that conscience is the first thing they put off, who would be Citizens of this Common-wealth, and that justice cannot be received among such persons as have no other enriching then by the losse of others, and make it their boasting to possesse nothing that was lawfully gotten. In a word, tis true, that here all morall virtues are condemned; but know, that what in a well governed State is effected by the respect borne to good and holsome Lawes, here, every one is kept within the bounds of his duty by the absolute power of him who is the Mas∣ter. Every mans particular interest, here is insteed of justice, and though there be no recompence for those that live well; yet is there so generall a feare of punishment ap∣pointed for the least faults, that it is the bindrance why every day some murther is not committed, or some treason contrived. You shall by and by see at the entry of the For∣tresse a great many heads not only of meane Souldiers, but of such as have been in the place that now I am; of whom the justice, or to say more properly the mistrust of these Pirates hath made most bloudy and dreadfull examples.

Whilst Bajazet thus entertained his prisoner, those whom he had sent to Barbaroussa returned with the leave they went for. Assoone as he had it, he went on, and comming to the Lake with Iphidamantus, went into a boate which came thither to waft them. Iphidamantus was staid by Barbaroussa at his landing, and could not be received into the Fortresse till Bajazet had bound himselfe on his life to be answerable for him. When Iphidamantus was in the midst of the place, he marked the inside, and admired the in∣credible strength that Art had joyned to Nature. Bajazet undertaking him, You have good cause, said he, to view well this place, for tis such a one, as you may well call it the Master-peece of all the Invention and power of man. These channels full of water which turning one within another, represent a sleeping Serpent, are great proofesof the industry and paynes of those that first contrived them. The Lake by which wee came hither, is onely filled with the water which by little and little comes from those chan∣nels: and what I finde most strange in this worke, is, that by secret conduits and pipes hidden under ground, these Pirates can let flow all these waters over what part soever of the Island they please, and when any necessity requires it. I will shew you when you please the place, where by this devise all the campe of the King of Morocco was drow∣ned, when that Prince thought to have brought the Inhabitants of this Island to the ut∣most extremity. Bajazet ending his discourse to Iphidamantus, and receiving the Ro∣vers which came to tender their duties to him, ascended to his stately Palace. He made an honour to it himselfe, and lead his faire Prisoner to the lodgings he had provided for him. How will my Readers neglect those famous cabinets and proud chambers, where the curiosity and luxury of our Age, have so high and costfully laid open their charmes, after they have seene the description which I am obliged to make of Iphidamantus lodgings. This Prince first came into a chamber hung with tapistry of a cloth of silver, on a ground of gold, the best wrought, and richest that ever the Portugals have brought from Persia or China, the rest of the furniture was of the same stuffe; on this tapistry there were divers Armes of gold and christall, and betweene them pictures, some in tablets of chrystall of the rock with gold, others of rubies of Emeraulds: and glasses, whose borders covered with Diamonds, tooke away the light and lustre of their cleere∣nesse, and were at once both the pleasure and the paine of the eye that beheld them. The roofe and the floore of this chamber had their different beauties; but let the ingenuous Reader supply what I cannot expresse, and imagine what Iphidamantus had over his, when his feet trod on that which Kings weare on their heads. There was no bed in this chamber. Bajazet through this brought him into another, which having nothing of the other, was more magnificent and delightfull. The floore and the wals were covered with a worke-made in compartments of Ebony and Ivory heightned with streakes of gold and silver, and enriched with Moresk-worke, and devices, cut on curious stones. Above the wainescot there were a great number of vessels of Jasper, Chrystall, Agate, Amber and Emeraulds, and of perfume boxes of gold, which made the pleasures of smel∣ling, envy those of the sight. From the foote of these vessels sprung a vine of gold, which ran over a frame of silver, the leaves were of gold, enammelled with greene, and the

bunches (to represent a white grape) were composed of pearels of different greatnesse, and severall beauty. The leaves of the windowes were of the wood of Cedar and Roses, and the panes were of Chrystall. The seeling was of a hollow mirror, made of many Venice glasses, so industriously joyned together, that by a miracle in perspective, you would have thought your selfe to be under a vault of an extreame highnesse. On one side of the chamber there was a bedsted of silver, with Persian coverings, the Cushions were of blew velvet, embroydered with pearles, the Tables and chaires all alike, and the foote-clothes sutable to the bed and seates. Bajazet left Iphidamantus with his Chyrur∣geons, and eight or ten Moorish slaves, who had all carquenets of silver about their necks and legs; but before he left him, he fell into this false Civility, which every Gentle∣man condemnes, and every well-bred man practiseth: He desired his pardon for the in∣commodity he was to receive by so ill a lodging. Iphidamantus made no reply to his Compliment, but made him perceive his admiration of the others prodigious riches. Two or three howres after, Bajazet came to him againe, and after some discourse Iphida∣mantus besought him to relate by what conquest he had got together so great treasures, in comparison of which those of the greatest Kings were not considerable. You see by that (answered Bajazet) smiling, that the life of a Pirate is not altogether unworthy an honest man, since it doth equalize him with Kings. But you wonder at small things. When you have seene the publique magazins, and knowne the riches of particulars, you will be enforced to beleeve, that if we had as much ambition as treasure, wee were ca∣pable to conquer the whole world. Another time I will tell you, how we came by this wealth. For the present, think on your rest, and the end of your cure. This discourse was seconded by many others, and those ended, Bajazet tooke his leave of Iphidamantus and withdrew himselfe. The two or three first dayes, the Pirates much troubled with their ill fortune, abode in a tranquillity not usuall to them. But assoone as the hopes of that which might after betide them, had made them forget the past disaster, they drowned their losses in wine; and to make up their late abstinence, redoubled their feasts and de∣bauches. Bajazet, who was naturally an enemy to these riots, that he might not be a spectator, was almost continually with Iphidamantus. One day as they were talking of the adventures of Polexander, a Pirate called Achaim, came and presented to him, a man, who for his face and habit was taken for a Spaniard. After Bajazet had seen him, A∣chaim intimated, that when the tempest had seperated the rest of his fleet and driven them as far as the Isle of Capevert, he met with this Spaniard. He will tell you, who he is (said the Pirate) and of the new world which a certaine Genuois hath lately discovered for the Kings of Spain. Bajazet very humanely entertained this Spaniard, and promising to send him to his Country, entreated from him the particalars of his voiage. The Spa∣niard finding his fortune beyond his hopes, thus satisfied Bajazets cu•…•…iosity: I am said he of Arragon, and am called Michael Diaz. You have perhaps heard that the bold Christo∣pher Columbus, promising our Kings to discover for them a new world stored with gold and pretious stones, hazarded himselfe, to make a way through the Ocean and after a voyage of threescore daies cast anchor at the Isle of Guana•…•…an. From thence sailing further from the North, he entred into one of the Ports of the Isle of Cuba, and lastly staied in that of Hayty. He there tooke possession of that new world for the Kings, Ferdinand, and Isabella. After he had made a league with the Cacique of the Island, and freighted his ship with gold, pearles, men, and other rarities, he returned into Spaine. I will not relate the honours he received from our Princes, and with what desires he en∣flamed the Spaniards to attend him in the conquering this unknowne Country. I was one of them that accompanied him in his second voyage, and after an abode of eight y•…•…ares in the Land of gold and pearles and being enriched beyond my hopes, and now by the •…•…ury of the winds and hatred of fortune brought to an eternall slavery or shame∣full beggery. God grant those which follow me have better successe, and that so much gold which they have gathered be not all at once swallowed up by the seas. Bajazet •…•…ceiving by the Spaniards discourse, that there came a fleet from the new world, as∣ked him whether his companions had not been shipwracked with himselfe? No said he, I pa•…•…d thence before them to carry the n•…•…wes into Spaine of their comming. Yet I feare that the tempest hath sunck them. For Don Francis Bovadilla who is Generall of

the fleet, would not be advised either by Roldan Ximenez or Antonio de Torrez Cap∣taines of the men of warre, but is put to sea. Bajazet being satisfied in that he desired to know, dismissed the Spaniard, and gave Achaim charge to be very carefull of him. A∣chaim tooke the Spaniard with him and spread through all the Island the newes his prisoner had brought: The Officers, aswell Mariners as Souldiers were so overjoyed with it, as if the extreame desire (they expressed) of possessing those new treasures, had been an infallible assurance of their getting them. Other Pirates giving themselves the liberty of things unworthy the mentioning, ran up and downe the Isle exciting one ano∣ther to the conquest of these riches; and fancied to themselves every Spanish vessell to be a Mountaine of gold, their wise and valorous Generall had more judicious thoughts, for not being able by the relation of the Arragon, to compute, how many faile there were of the Spanish fleet, he would therefore send to discover their number that he might so fight with them, without running the hazard of being beaten: he called for one of his most expect and judicious Captaines, and giving him instructions in those things he intrusted to his prosecution, commanded him to goe aboord and set saile, without suddaine retur∣ning, till he brought him certaine newes of the Spanish fleet. Trust (said he) none but your owne eyes. Number if you possibly can all the ships in their fleet, and by your spee∣dy returne; doe so that we may have time enough to arme so many vessels as we shall need to fight with them. The Captaine failed not instantly to prepare for the execution of his Generalis commands. He first sought out Achaim, to be informed of the course he was to steere, and chusing those he would make use of in his voyage went out of the haven by the favour of a little gale from the Land. Bajazet the very next day assembled the principall Officers of his Estate, and confirming to them the newes Achaim had brought; I doe not thinke said he that we need deliberate long on this affaire. Our Lawes, our Customes, and the examples of all Ages taking from us the liberty of deliberation, reduce us to a necessity of fighting. Nor is it, to know what your thoughts are, that I have caused this meeting, but to agree of the meanes whereby we may atchieve, what we are bound to execute. Thalemut, a contemnor of whatsoever was divine, and the I∣mage of all brutishnesse, (interrupting Bajazet) Providence (said he) and Councell are as unnecessary to great executions, as incense and sacrifices. Only chance makes the successe happy or unfortunate. That, gives victories, and causeth overthrowes; and if we must be once more beaten, tis not all the wisdome in the world that can prevent or warrant us from it. Raiz spake, and advised, that an enemie, to be fought withall is not to be fleighted, but at such an enterprise, to take with you, all that was requisite, both of wisdome and courage, was not to leave to chance all the glory of what should happen, the rest were of his opinion; and after their custome, applauding the valour and con∣duction of their Generall, retired, to provide what was fitting, to revenge themselves of the aff•…•…ont they had received from the Spaniards in their last encounter. Bajazet see∣ing himselfe at leasure for the rest of the day, visited Iphidamantus, and acquainted him what was resolved on. They were together till the night was far spent, anddeaving mat∣ters of warre for more pleasing discourse, fell in talke of their amorous adventures. Ba∣jazet sighing at their remembrance, witnessed how unfortunate he was, and casting his eyes on Iphidamantus, as if he had been the cause of his passion; why is it not permitted me (said he) to lay open to you the woundes, which a too tyrannicall respect, and more violent considerations have hitherto kept hidden from the knowledge of men? Bajazet, could open himselfe no further, for in the same instant he entred whom he had sent to discry the Spanish fleet. He told him that he had not been far to fullfill his Commission, and that he had met with the Spaniards far on this side the Islands of Capevert, and (said he) if now you have a mind to them, there is no more time to be lost. They have the winde good, and their vessells are not so sluggish but that they make good way. For their strength tis not to be thought on, they are but thirty or five and thirty saile, and come on with so much security by a course which they thinke unknowne to all else, that they will trouble us more to find them, then to vanquish them. Bajazet, hearing this newes, would presen•…•…ly have embarqued, if the respect he bore to Iphidamantus had not staid him. He could not leave the Prince, and yet he would not engage him in the voyage, standing sometime without knowing on what to resolve, at last he turned towards his

prisoner, and observing him as he had been his King; be pleased (said he) that I bestow some daies on the necessary occasions of my charge, and that I submit my selfe to a Law, which at the same time that it makes me commit an offence contrary to that respect I owe you, makes me withall doe pennance for it. Yes Iphidamantus, I am forced to leave you, and to content the insatiable avarice of a barbarous multitude, must forsake that su∣preame happinesse, which Fortune had (as it were) miraculously sent me. No, no, re∣plied Iphidamantus, the mishap you feare shall not betide you. I will follow you where∣soever you goe, if it be permitted me during my imprisonment to dispose of my selfe. But my deare Bajazet let not the consideration of my captivity hinder me from part of your glory; and let not your Rovers feare that during the fight I might cast my selfe among the Spaniards and so deprive them of my ransome. I am contented to be bound in the vessell I embarque in, and that I only have so much liberty as will serve me for fighting. Ah generous Iphidamantus, (said Bajazet) why will you out of an alacrity hazard a life that should be to you so estimable? and why will you follow the Fortune of one so un∣happy, that seeing the Heavens too weake or too inexorable for him, hath for his con∣servation been constrained to have recourse to the power of Hell? Iphidamantus stop∣ping him at these words: I cannot dive (said he) into those reasons which oblige you to actuate what you doe, but contemplating Bajazet in himselfe and not in his Fortune, I should esteeme my selfe unworthy to live, should I be so cowardly to forsake you in your danger. I therefore intreat you not to refuse me the liberty I desire, and since the time presseth you, let us spend it better then in unprofitable contestations. You are of a race said Bajazet, to whom it is naturall to overcome, and an indiscreet resistance should not oppose it selfe to your glorious destinies. But let not your generousnesse put you to any trouble, we have more time for it then we need, goe to your bed, and give me leave to walke whether the noise of my companions calls me. Thus left he his faire prisoner and followed by thirty or forty of his black slaves, rid through all the quarters of the Pirates. He made those to march that were yet behinde, and staied on the Key of the Haven till he had seen-them all embarqued.