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

THE ADVENTURES OF IPHIDAMANTUS.

AS soon as the Vice-roy of Argiers had intimated to me the prosperity of Peri∣anders worthy successor, I got to sea again, and with the most diligence I could sail∣ed along the coastes of Barbary: I was like to have been lost in the straights of Gibral∣tar, and but for the extraordinary skill of my pilot, my ship had been split in peeces against the point of an Island in the midst of the straight. At last I got into the open sea, but 'twas to be beaten with new tempests. The second day that I was got into the Ocean, my mariners, who had never sailed but on the Mediterianean sea, were intertained by a winde they knew not, and against which by consequence they could not defend themselves. The billowes went so high, that for three daies we were every foot carried from heaven to hell, and from hell to heaven. At last the winde threw us on the coastes of Morocco. 'Twas there, that the storm redoubling, and that the elements having made a particular combination to punish my offences, turned topsy turvy (if I may say so) the first order of nature, reconciled contrarities which should be everlasting; found nourishment for flames in the water; composed two rights of what should be one day, and made both the land and the sea equally dismall unto us. Ma∣ny leagues on this side Morocco there is seen a rock, on which is built a Castle which they call Guargetsem: the tempest bore me right against it. Twice did my ship strike a∣gainst this fearfull rock, and by the impetuosity of the shock, not only opened it in the mid'st, but was thrust off farre into the sea, that of all those aboard, there was not one who saw not his certain death before him. Every one therefore got hold of what he could, to hinder their sinking with the vessell, but the storme made all their forecast bootlesse, for the justling of the waves, which confounded themselves one within a∣nother, swallowed up all my mariners and souldiers, with that which they had gotten to save themselves. I only (who without doubt had not suffered enough for my many offen∣ces) was frustrated of that quiet which my companions found in the armes of death. Having therefore (without faining) no intent to preserve my miserable life, I was thrown by a wave into a Cavern which time and the surges had digged under the rock of Guargetsem. When the sea is very high, or that there is a violent storme, as there was then, the water enters into the bottom of that Cave, and throwes in what it brings with it; but when the waves retire, or that it is calme, the place is dry; and hath some resem∣blance with those grottes which Art hath invented for the imbellishing of Gardens. For an hour or two I was but ill at ease within that cave, for I was upto the neck in wa∣ter, and knew not where to place my selfe better. At last the sea went out, and then I found I was out of danger. The Sun which inclined towards the West, and was then ve∣ry near to the Tropick of Cancer, suddainly striking through the thicknesse of those cloudes which had been so fatall unto us, enlightened the most obscure corners of my retreat. I set me at the mouth of it, to injoy the suns heat and dry my clothing. A∣bout an houre after I had been there, I perceived some fishermen: who questionlesse

were got out in their boates to gather the remaines of our shipwrack. I will not tell you that surely chance was the Author of the good fortune befell me at that instant, but will let you know, how those fishermen being desirous to get a chest which floted on the waves, and which I knew to be the same wherein my servants put my best habili∣ments) drove right to my Cavern. As they were about to take it in, I cried to them for helpe; and my voice on a suddan comming out of that cave, so affrighted them that they left the chest, and betooke them to their oares. I besought them to take me in, and told them, the chest which they were about being mine, I would freely give it them, if they would bee so charitable as to carry me to the next shore, and tell me on what part of Africk I was shipwracked. My habit and language make∣ing me passe for a Musulman, the fishers believed, that Mahomet had sent them thither to exercise the hospitality which he so strictly recommended to them. They therefore tooke me into one of their boates, set my chest by me, not permitting me to open it for their reward; and betaking them to their oares, brought me to a little-port, which is as the entry of a Suburb by which they ascended to the fortresse of Guargetsem: There the fishers dwelt, and they received me into their Cottages built of clay and straw, with a great deale of humanity; and carried my chest into a place under ground, whereof they gave me the key. I refused it, and to obliege them to the continuation of their affection, tooke out of my chest some chaines of gold, and rings, which I distri∣buted amongst them: They grew ravished at the richnesse of my presents, and judged by them that I was a person of great quality. I thought it not amisse to keepe them in that opinion; and to that end, I went presently to put off my spoyled sea weeds, and take on others of cloth of gold, enriched with buttens of rubies. When I had fitly clad my selfe with the richest cloathes I had, I came in to my fishermen, and astonished them farre more by this second sight, then he had done at first. They lifted up their hands; they whispered together, came and peered me in the face, handled my cloathes, my belt and Cymiter, and asked me often whether I were an Angell, or a man. When all their wonder was over, they told me in what place I was, and assured me, their King would already have sent to entertaine me according to my desert, had he been advertised of my arrivall. I asked them where he was; and after they had by their answer informed me he was come a few dayes besore into the fortresse of Guargetsem, I thought there was no better course for me, then to make my selfe knowne to that Prince. I there∣fore sent one of those fishers to the Castle, and expresly charged him to relate truly how I was shipwracked. He went up, and presently came back againe with Moores. The first that saw me, blinded with the lustre of my Jewels, or surprised with seeing me, stopped on the suddaine, and turning to his companions; Ennoramita (said he to them) Ennoramita. The rest gaz'd on me, and all with one voice cried out, that I was Ennora∣mita. Straight they cast themselves at my feet, kissed my hands, called me their Prin∣cesse, and entreated me to go to their King. They drew me out of my cottage, and causing all the mountaine to ring againe with the name of Ennoramita, carried me whe∣ther I would or no up to the fortresse. Some of them being run before, to advertise Hely of my arrivall, so ravished him with the newes of it, that forcing his weake legs to uphold him, maugre their feeblenesse, he came to meet me, welcomed me with a great many pleasant huggings, repeated a hundred times over the name of Ennoramita, would even adore me, and gave me the title of a Goddesse, and sometimes that of an Angel. He entreated me straight to tell him how I escaped out of the hands of the cruell Nephizus, brought me into a chamber, the best furnished I ever saw next to those of Zelmatida, and Bajazet; and entreating me to take my bath, withdrew, with a great deale of respect. Presently came in diverse white Eunuchs, and seven or eight black. The last fetched all that was necessary for my chamber; and the women having brought me into a great withdrawing roome, shut the doore on us all. If I were wonder-strooke at what I had seene and heard, I was farre more when I saw my picture (done like a wo∣man) hanging under a cloth of Estate, made of cloth of gold. I asked those who would have undressed me whether I would or no; for whom that picture was made. They an∣swered me all at once, twas for the Princesse Iphidamanta. At that word I was like to have falne downe, and certainely believed I was got into the house of some one of those

Enchanters, which every day worke so many prodigies in the townes of Africa. I knew not which way to be cleered of my doubts. In the meane time I was in an extreame perplexity. But perceiving that Hely and his servants had no other intent then to serve me, I said to my selfe, I should be very unwise to dis-obliege them. I went therefore into the bath, but so dextrously, that I discovered not the difference betwixt Iphida∣mantus and Ennoramita. Assoone as I was dried, persumed and clad, Hely reentred the chamber where I was, and shewing me my picture: See (said he) that which hath pre∣served my life in your absence. At that speech I put on a very serious countenance, and told him I had beene in so great an astonishment, by meanes of that which had betided me since I was taken out of the Sea, that I could scarce reserve to my judgement suffi∣cient to know whether I were yet my selfe or no. But let me tell you. I am a man. He∣ly smiled, and shooke his head, hearing me say so; and taking me by the hand, faire En∣noramita Iphidamanta, replied he, do not think to hide your selfe from those eyes which love hath made so clear-sighted. You have now nothing to feare. The traytor Nephizus is not in this countrey, and Abdelmelec hath acknowledged his offences. You are absolute Mistris of me and my Estates. Command solely, and you shall be punctu∣ally obeyed. I grew almost mad to see my selfe treated like a maid, and in that choler, I spoake to the King any thing that came first to minde. At last recollecting my wits: I cannot imagine (said I to Hely) how you came to know my name to be so neere to Iphidamantus. But you may know that that Iphidamantus was born a Prince, and bred up in the Port of the Grand Seignior, by the name of Solyman. I see (said I) you do not beleeve me; but since your credulity is so wilfull, I will make you both an eye and hand witnesse that I am no woman. Presently I unbuttoned my robe, and would have shew∣ed him my brest, that he might know I wore not garments unbefitting my Sex: but he clapped his hands on his eyes, and protested, he had rather dye then engage me in any action which should displease me. No, no, (said I) I will do nothing unseemely. Come, see, and disbeguile your self. That old foole, holding his hands still on his eyes, told me, he was too certaine of who I was to desire new testimonies. Should my eyes (said he) now tell me the contrary, I would say they lied, and hold them for Impostors. Be therefore still (if you please) what you have beene. Be Iphidamanta, be Ennoramita, be a Shepheardesse, be a Princesse; you shall still be that visible Divinity which Hely will adore whilst he lives; and the onely beauty he will enjoy in that Paradise which his great Prophet prepares for him. Nay, Iphidamanta shall be the chiefe part of my beatitude. She shall be the most delicious dish I will taste of in the eternall feastings, and her divine allurements will make me look with contempt on the miraculous Pom∣citrons which our Prophets Angels will give to his believers for the accomplishment of all their pleasures. And to speake truth, how rare soever the beauties of those celestiall fruits are; what is there in them that can be compared to the charmes of Iphidamanta? This discourse, composed partly of that poor Princes errors, and partly from those of the Alcoran, gave me good cause of laughter. Yet I could not hold, but at last grew angry; and had I given way to my first thought, I had made Hely repent him of his ex∣travagancy. But when I called to minde, that I should avenge my selfe on a poore man whom age had deprived of judgement: I said to my selfe, I should be more senselesse then he, if I went about to wrong him. For three months together, I had as much of this as was possible. I patiently endured the Kings highest impertinencies. I coldly re∣ceived his Idolatries; I gave care even with pleasure to his supplications, his idle talke, and his wayanentings. In a word, I almost became the same which that foole tooke me for; and tooke in hand as well the rest, though much against my will, the needle and the spindle. At last, Hely brought me to Morocco, and caused me to be received with an incomparable magnificence. But after I had beene there a while, and was growne of so ridiculous a life; I resolved to beguile, or to bribe the Guard that was night and day set over me; and to take my time, when some strange ship should be ready to set saile. There chanced an excellent combination to perfect my designe. Postes came from Thu∣•…•…is, from Argiers, from Fez, and many other places; who all solicited Hely to bring in∣to the field those troupes which he had promised for the invading of Spaine; and assured him, that within few dayes, the Grand Seigniors fleet would be at the generall Rendez∣vous.

These newes a little suspended my old Dotard's follies; and made him turne his thoughts on more important businesse. Hee sent notice to Abdelmelec hee should be in a readinesse. Who answered him, he staied onely for the ships which the Vice-roy of Argiers had promised him for his troopes. That his Army was brave and very resolute, and that ere long he would send him farre better assurances of that verity, then words and letters. I understood from Hely how the Grand Seignior (offended with the Portugals beginning by their East-Indian Navigations to breake the trade of Spice, which from all times before had beene through his Dominions) was resolved to invade Spaine, and by a continuall warre, take from them the meanes of sayling into the East. Twas for that intent this great preparation was made. You have seene the event in the battaile which the Turks lost; it will be therefore superfluous to relate the particulars. Assoone as Hely had made good his promise, and drawne out of all places all that were fit to carry Armes; he brought me back againe to Guargetsem, that he might be farre enough from the noise of warre, and by a sound repose satisfie his ridi∣culous passion. After we had beene there a month, Abdelmelec sent to the King his Fa∣ther a great Gallion which he had taken from the Portugals, and with that vessell above three hundred Christians of severall Nations. When I saw that vessell, I said to my selfe, the Prince of Morocco had rather sent it to me, then to the King his father, and in that moment, put on my last resolution of freeing my selfe. Hely having extolled to me Abdelmelec's valour, and desirous to let me see the proofes, brought me into a very great roome where he had put all his slaves. I looked on them, and though they were all wounded, yet I found them exceeding constant in their adverse fortunes. I bid them (in Spanish) to be of good heart, and told them I would take care for their safety, and labour for their delivery. They gave me thanks, and one amongst them, of an exceeding good aspect, said softly to me, that if he and his companions could but get weapons, he assured himselfe (as incommodated as they were) to get againe what they had lost, and something more. That mans freenesse was like to have ruined him; for Hely suspecting what he said, gave command he should be presently strangled. I besought him to spare his life for my sake: and I had no sooner requested but it was granted me. From the prison we went to our ordinary diversions; and from that day set my wits on worke for the advancement of my Enterprise. I promised so many things, and gave so much to two of my Eunuchs, that by their industry I secretly got Armes out of the fortresse, and as closely sent them to the Christians. Assoone as they were in case to make use of them, and that they had as many as they needed, they broke open their prison, cut the throats of the small Guard they had, and got aboard their ship in the roade of Guarget∣sem. At the same instant the tumult began, I got to the secret staire that went downe from the fortresse to the Sea, and by which my deare Cydaria saved her selfe as I con∣jectured by the ordinary discourse which Hely had with me. When I was got downe, I found a boate ready for me, and my two Eunuchs in it. We got speedily to the ship, and being aboard, the question was, what way to steere, to avoid the falling againe into the hands of our enemies. All the Christians having chosen me for their Commander, besought me still to be their Releasor. The fafest course for us (said I) is to make off from the coast of Africk, because of the great number of Turkish ships which get thi∣ther. But since our ship hath all the markes of those of Turkey, and that our Armes, our Turbants, and the rest of our cloathes, may make us passe for some of their party, let us not lose sight of these coasts, nor engage our selves in a Sea we know not. This ad∣vise was followed; but had it not beene for the ignorance of our Pilot, who the very first night was run out of the way, it had cost us our lives, or at least our Liberties. For Hely assoone as he heard of my escape, sent forth foure great barkes well armed, which he had for the defence of the place, and commanded those that went aboard them, to follow me to the worlds end, rather then let me scape away. Our Pilots error having preserved us from that danger, cast us into another as great. For, we lost sight of land, and were two or three dayes wandring up and downe the Ocean. At last we descried the high mountaine of Teneriffe, but knew it not; and as we were about to land there, a storme cast us on the sides of a little Isle, where I learnt (said he, addressing himself to Zelmatida) at the cost of my bloud, how fatall Polexanders valour is to those that pro∣voke

it. Our Hero being oblieged to answer to these words, extraordinarily praised Iphidamantus; and related to Zelmatida particularly with what generosity his brother had taken Alcidiana's Pilot into his protection, and with what boldnesse he came alone to assaile his whole fleet. After this discourse was ended; Iphidamantus intreated his brother he would be pleased to let him prosecute a design for which he had left Bajazet; and that taking again the ship which he brought from the Pirats Island, he might make an end of his unhappy destiny. Polexander imagining by his words, he laboured under some great perplexity, and loath to use the authority his age gave him over his brother; told him, he might do what he pleased: though (said he) Zelmatida and my self would gladly enjoy you longer with us. But since you are cal'd otherwhere, go when you please. And, who knows but love may be the cause of so speedy a separation? Iphidamantus fighed at his brothers last words, and having taken leave of them both, caused his men to make towards the mouth of the Straights. Achaim, Hamet and many other Cap∣taines of the Pirats, came likewise to bid adieu to Polexander; and giving him extraor∣dinary thanks for the honour and riches whose acquiring he had beene the chiefe cau∣se, swore to him many times, they would eternally preserve the memory of his benefits, and a desire to merit them by their services. Our Hero having bid them all farewell, had now no other thought (if we except the commanding and perpetuall thought which •…•…nseparably linked him to Alcidiana) but to bring back his victorious fleet into the ha∣vens of the Canaries. This resolution was attended with all the happinesse which ac∣companied him when he tooke paines for the contentment of others; and his returne was such a plentifull sourse of delights, as his Isles, how fortunate soever they have beene alwayes esteemed, were ignorant of knowing any the like till to that day.