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

The Continuation of Iphidamantus History.

THis is the second time the King of Morocco's eyes, (as ill judges of beauty as his old yeares are unfit for love) have taken me for Cydaria. The first was when I left the service of the Grand-Signior: as I was in quest of Polexander, I was ship-wrack'd on the coast of Morocco, but never was shipwrack accompanied with so strange an adven∣ture; for no sooner was I got on shore, but a many Souldiers of Guargetsem Fortresse tooke me up with extraordinary shoutes, and making the places about to resound with the name of Ennoramita, brought me right to their Kings chamber. That Prince over-joyed to see me, a hundred times repeated the same name, cast himselfe at my feet, kissed my hands, us'd me like a Goddesse or an Angell, brought me into a chamber royally a∣dorn'd, and left me among many women and blacke eunuches. To this Iphidamantus added, that which he before related to Polexander; and coming to his departure from the Pirates Island, till this time (said he) no man ever knew, no not Polexander, the true cause that made me forsake Bajazet. I must now declare it to you, and not feare to con∣fesse my faults, since I have so exceeding milde judges; I was enjoying the delights of Ba∣jazet's Isle, and (I confesse it to my shame) never thought on Histeria's death, nor Meli∣certa's miseries, when the quietnesse of my minde, and the mirthsomenesse of my humour forsooke me without any apparent cause. That which till then pleas'd me, began to be distastfull, and the pensivenesse, sighes, and Bajazet's disquiets, which I could hardly in∣dure, became my most pleasing diversions; I found delights in solitude; company was irksome to my melancholy and restlesse thoughts; I learnt to sigh in earnest, and found pleasure in it; sleep left me; and I knew by my long and troublesome watchings, how cruell the nights are to the sicke and unfortunate. Though I grew angry at this new manner of living, yet I found some sweetnesse in it; one night, when certainly I slept, though I thought my selfe awake, a great flash of light dash'd all obscurity from my chamber, and strooke into mine eyes: at first I took it for lightning, but the same lustre having (as it were) dazeled me the second time, I opened my bed-curtaines to see what it was, and perceiv'd walking with an incredible sadnesse and slownesse, a young mayden which had her breast open'd with some blow of a sword: the bloud gush'd out in great clots from the wound, and the faire apparition, inlieu of being terrifi'd, look'd on it run∣ning out, with a great deal of pleasure; holding her eyes thus fix'd on her wound, she drew

neere me, and shewing it to me with the point of her bloudy sword, Looke on it (said she) as well as I, insensible Solyman, we have no lesse contributed to it the one then the other: 'Twas indeed this hand and this sword that made it, but 'twas thy disdaine and inhumanity, which drove both to this desperate action: Make thy selfe drunke with this bloud, since thou hast so thirsted for it, draine out all that rests in my veines, I will in∣dure thy cruelty, so it extend no further, and that my poore sister who languisheth in a desert Island, be not compell'd to have recourse to my violent remedy for the cure of that malady whereof thou art the inflicter. With these reproaches the Ghost vanished, and I awaking found my selfe as cold as ice, and as wet as if I had newly come out of a river. Alas! (cry'd I presently) faire soule, which accusest me of thy death, thou knowest well that I am but a farre distant cause, and though my inclination would have drawne me to love thee, yet my reason must have hindered me from it. I confesse yet that I am guilty, since thou condemnest me, and would to heaven my ruine could restore thy life againe; thou shouldst see me runne to my death with joy and alacrity; but since these wishes and vowes are but bootlesse and vaine, I will make one more just and solid, and from this day engage my selfe, never to be at rest, till I have given Melicerta satisfaction. I cannot tell you whether it were the effect of the vision, or my vow that wrought my alteration; but presently, of impassible, I began to be all passion; and felt all those torments which Po∣lexander and Bajazet had so often described to me: I cast my selfe out of my bed, and scarce having the patience to dresse me, went to Bajazet, not knowing well what I did: Brother (said I, all amazedly) I love, and my desire to finde the worthy object of my affection, will not permit me to stay longer with you. Bajazet will tell you if you please, that hearing me talke thus, he thought me out of my wits, and asked oftentimes to what end I held a discourse with him so out of all appearance? 'Tis very true though, said I, and that you may not doubt of it, hearken to such things as I never yet disclos'd to any. Thereupon I related to him all which had happened to me at Constantinople and Le∣panto; and ending with the vision I had lately seen, I fill'd him with as much astonish∣ment as commiseration: Besides, knowing my sicknesse by his owne experience, Away, away (said he) deferre it no longer, 'tis not justice that you should be exempted from the fate of your family. He gave me a good tall ship, with all such as I would chuse to ac∣company me, and taking his leave; My dear brother (said he) I will quickly follow you; and but for Almaid and Hydaspes whom I daily expect, I would be as well a companion in your voyage as I am in your fortune: thus we parted, and 'twas after our separation that all those accidents betided me which I have recounted. After I had been some while with Polexander, and saw him (as well as my selfe) in a longing to attempt his fortune againe, I left him steering for the inaccessible Island, and bore up for the Straights of Gi∣braltar, to get into the Mediterranean Sea, and enquire after Melicerta either in France or Italy. The winde driving me on the coast of Barbary, I landed in the territory of Argier, and went into the Towne with an intent to see whether Melicerta had not been so unfortunate as to be taken by those Barbarians, and enchained among their slaves: But my search was as effectlesse there as it had been in other places; and for being too curi∣ous in those parts, I lost the hope of seeing Melicerta againe. That Towne being peo∣pled with a many severall Nations, and of all kinde of wits, amongst others feeds a great sort of men and women which make profession of calculating nativities, to divine of things lost, and foretell of what is to come: I went to one of these Cheaters which was of most reputation; 'twas a Marabou called Cid Amatonis, which dwelt without the gates of Argier: after that false Prophet had done a thousand superstitious Ceremonies wherewithall he was wont to deceive poore people; he told me, that which I searched after, was not to be found but among the dead. Polexander interrupting his bro∣ther, Had you (said he) understood the true sense of those words, you would not accuse your Mirabou of ignorance and lying: for 'tis very true (insensible Solyman) that the treasure you look'd for, was shut up among the habitations of the dead, and the con∣stant and generous Melicerta had chosen for her retreate the Tombe of her dead sister. Me∣licerta was a little moved at Polexanders reproving his brother, and therefore speaking with her accustomed sweetnesse; My Lord (said she to our Heroe) you know that Iphi∣damantus hath made his peace, and by consequence we must not revoke to memory things

passed. The company could not heare these milde remonstrances, without admiring the goodnesse of that Lady that made them, and ravish'd with Iphidamantus strange accidents, intreated him to proceed; which he did (from where his brother had inter∣rupted him) thus: I confesse (said he) when Cid Amatonis had made me this fatall re∣ply, I laughed at his art; and told him I was sure the person was alive whom I sought for. My art (said the Mirabou) deceives me not, and however assures me, that personage is inclos'd in a Tombe; and for confirmation of that verity, Know with young man (too faire to be happy) that this face so full of allurements shall quickly finde greater then its owne: there are Sorceresses in this city, that trouble not themselves as those of old did, with drawing the Moone downe from her Spheare, in spoiling with haile their ene∣mies harvests, nor to change the course of Rivers; their imployments are farre more mortall and sad towards such whom nature hath endow'd with any lovelinesse and beautie. Those they binde in unperceiveable chaines, and by their sorcerie, depriving them of all understanding, sell them to rich voluptuous women, who finde no pleasure truly high, if they change them not every day. Looke to thy selfe young man, this misfortune threatens thee; it hangs over thy head; 'tis done; thou art lost. I went (with that) out of Amatonis hermitage in such a choler, that I scarce had any feeling of my miseries; and had not gone a hundred paces into the Town, when a women, covered with a great vaile, and holding a long Chaplet after the Turkish manner, staid me by my arme. What (my sonne, said she) 'twas sure your ill Angell that led you to the Cell of the abominable Amatonis. Bethinke your selfe well (said she) affrightedly; Doe you know what you are? Doe not you take your selfe for some Tiger or Lion, or other such beast? For 'tis the custome of that wretch to trouble the mindes of all that consult with him: I confesse, I was so weak as to stop at the words of that old Phantasm, but finding no alteration in my selfe: Mother, (said I) the man you speake of, is not so good a friend as to deprive me of all reason and knowledge: but on the contrary, hath (for all my life time) made me miserable in conserving it to me, and rob'd me of that little hope which kept me alive. He hath taken nothing from you, but he may be glad to restore it, repli'd the old woman: Beleeve me (my sonne) his predictions are all false, and many times already he hath for his impostures given satisfaction under the cudgell of the hangman to the indignation of the most eminent in this Towne. Ah, Mother, said I, if you would bring me to some one that could tell me newes of the good which I have lost, I promise to make you forget the incommodities of your old age. My sonne (quoth the Sorceresse) 'tis my custome to doe good to every body, and receive no requitall. Come along and assure your selfe how extraordinary soever your affliction be, I will finde a remedy for it. My griefe and passion which made me more senslesse then I have been fince, through that old womans inchantments, wonne me to follow her, to the end I might learne the scituation of that Island where the Ghost of Histeria had shewed me Melicerta. I should be too tedious, if I related to you the richnesse of the house, whereinto the Witch brought me: without it seemed a little one, but with∣in there were stately roomes and lodgings, with furniture of silke and gold, and a gar∣den wherein many fountaines mingled their sweet murmurs with the perfumes of O∣range trees and Jessemines. Assoone as I was in this delightfull lodging, Thou art wel∣come, childe of my heart, said the old Sorceresse; and being thus entertain'd, she led me into a Closet which was all hung with the pictures of the fairest Ladies in Africa. Mother (said I) if that pity which you lately shewed me was not fained, and if ever ano∣thers miseries have sensibly touched you, doe your utmost indeavour to give some com∣fort to the most unfortunate of all men. I extreamly love a Lady, as great by birth as in∣comparable in beauty, and my miserie is such, that I know not to what part of the world she hath betaken her selfe: She is in no lesse care for thee my sonne, (repli'd the Witch) then thou art for her; cheere up then, and assure thy selfe, that ere long you shall both receive the contentment you seeke after. This discourse was a wonder to me, never∣thelesse, since we easily beleeve what we wish, I imagin'd this woman would not have promis'd me a thing so assuredly, if it had not beene in her power. I intreated her to let me see assoone as she could the effect of her promises. How (said she) what? dost thou not see it? I with that turned my head, and saw at the closet dore a young Lady

very lovely and richly clad, whom I thought to have othertimes seen; but I knew it was not Melicerta, and as I would have found fault with the Witch for deceiving me, that Lady cast her selfe about my necke, and moistning me with her teares, Is it possi∣ble (deare Solyman) said she, that thy insensibilitie should continue still? Doest thou not repent thee of the griefes thou hast made me suffer by thy neglect and flight? It is al∣most a yeare that I have sought thee, and neither the thought of my birth, the feare of dangers, nor the duty I owe my father, have been able to detaine me. I have crossed all the Mediterranean, got into the Ocean, and finally not knowing where to finde thee, retir'd to this Towne: For these eight dayes I have enquired diligently after thee, I have imployed all the Sooth sayers and Magicians, to learne what place hid thee from my inquiry, but none could satisfie my passion. This aged woman onely mov'd with my affliction kept me in hope of seeing thee againe; and as one day (to please me) she shewed me thy amiable face in her inchanted glasse, on an instant she snatch'd away that powerfull crystall, and cri'd to me, runne; for at this very time Solyman passeth by the windowes of your chamber. My love making me forget what was seemly, made me run not onely to the window, but into the street to imbrace thee; thou vanishedst from mine eyes, and for all that I could doe from that day hitherto, it hath been out of my power of seeing thee againe: This faithfull companion of my miseries seeing how extreame they were, was willing to mitigate them by her art; and going forth hence this morning, Daughter (said she) give over your teares, and put on againe your former blithenesse; this day thou shalt fee thy insensible faire one; I gave credit to her words, and see they were not frivolous. I hold thee now my deare Solyman, and protest that nothing but death shall separate me from thee. The kindnesses and talke of that Lady had so disturb'd the little sense was left me, that all I could doe was to looke on her with mine eyes, all threatning and full of anger. Shee on the contrary cast her a∣morous glances on me, and beseeching for some pity on her afflictions; Alas (said she) is it possible that the unfortunate Ennoramita must eternally intreate and never be heard? At that name, I remembred that she who spake to me was the same daughter to the King of Tunis, whose young errours I have related to you, and found my selfe extreamly pusled; yet faining not to be so; Rather (said I) Ennoramita is it possible, that so great a Princesse as your selfe, should so abandon the place of her birth, and ta∣king on the trade of a vagabond and lost one, have so little care of her reputation? Let some other then thee (cruell Solyman, repli'd she) upbraid me for that fault: For thine owne part, thou shouldst like it, and canst not with justice deny it a recompence; I confesse, the anger of seeing my intentions cross'd by this fatall meeting, carried me beyond what was fitting; I laid on her a thousand more imputations; I condemn'd her furie and blindnesse, and having often threatned the old Witch, I strove to get my selfe out of the hands of these two enraged creatures. Deare Solyman (said Ennoramita) forsake me not in the estate I am; I have not much longer to live, since thou canst not indure that I should love thee: stay but a little and thou shalt see thy selfe freed from this miserable wretch. The old woman, who as I have heard since, had been the Prin∣cesse nurse, and had made her undertake her voyages with an assurance of finding me; had rather see me perish then not content Ennoramita's passion. I cannot tell you whe∣ther it were by words, by soft feelings, or other witch-craft; but in the very instant that I went out of the closet into the chamber by which I came; I felt my selfe strucken as with the stab of a ponyard, and losing all knowledge, fell in a swoune on the floore. I cannot tell you what Ennoramita and the Sorceresse did during my trance; but when I came to my selfe, I found me in a bed, without any memory of what had passed. I forgot Melicerta, I remembred not my voyage, I had cast mine owne selfe so farre in oblivion, that there remained no more knowledge of it in me, but that me thought I was not the same I had beene. Notwithstanding, Ennoramita' charme had a successe farre differing from that which Dircé (so was her Nurse call'd) had promis'd her. In stead of loving and sighing for her, me thought I saw (when she appear'd) something most horrible; and often times taking her in my visions for the bloudy and mournefull Ghost of Histeria as I had seen her; Alas! (cri'd I) follow me no more! I confesse fair Princesse I am guilty of death; I have stroke that ponyard into thy breast, but be satis∣fied

by my ruine, and expose me no longer to these cruell serpents which continually burne me, but kill me not. Ennoramita grew almost desperate to see how I was, and wish'd every day that her Nurse could breake the charme she had given me: but being lesse able to suppresse the ill then to cause it, she advis'd the Princesse to carry me to Tu∣nis in a maydens habit; to which Ennoramita consenting, and making preparation for all things needfull to the voyage, departed, assoone as she saw a little diminution of my frenzy. By her returne, she restor'd to the King her father, the life she had almost de∣priv'd him of by her flight. That Prince, who without doubt had by his example con∣tributed to his daughters follies, treated her as his companion, rather then as if he had been her father. He was pacified in keeping her more carefully then before times, and to di∣vert her immodest affections resolv'd to visit her every day after dinner. For my selfe, who passed from my former frenzy into so deep a melancholy, that I did nothing but sigh and weep, and made Ennoramita's life so irksome, that she had infallibly slaine her selfe if the Nurse had not at all times assur'd her, that as my frenzy was turn'd into a melancholy, so that melancholy waxing away by little, I would become such a man as she had alwayes wish'd me. In the meane time, the King of Tunis casting his eyes on me, took me for what I was not, and would needs know of his daughter where I was bought: she fitted him a leafing, and said, That seeing me at Argiers in the market where they sold slaves, my comelinesse gave her a minde to buy me; and were it not for the griefe which disquiets her, she were the most pleasing creature in the world. Alas! what ailes•…•… she (ask'd the King her father?) 'Tis a strange griefe repli'd Ennoramita: she hath so passionately loved a Canarian, that losing him by a tragicall accident, she hath never since given over her fighes and lamentations. This melancholy, in lieu of lesning by time, still encreaseth; and from time to time so disquiets the poore mayden, that none without pity can see her actions or heare her complaints. Heare I beseech you a strange example of our fantastik∣nesse; That King who was no more master of his wits then Ennoramita, had seene me divers times, and though he thought me a maiden, and beleev'd me faire, yet had he not intimated any affectation toward me: but no sooner had he heard the tale his daughter invented, but he tooke a particular pleasure to entertaine me, and imploy'd all his best Rhetoricke in the Essaying to sweeten my sorrowes. He spoke to me of my pretended lover, held his condition happy, since it made him receive so great proofes of my love; and protested to me he would not complaine of his fortune, if by his death he could bring me to the like resentment. To this I answered with fighes and teares, and that franticke Prince found lovelinesse in my melancholy: he pleas'd himselfe in it, and stirr'd not from me; at last he was constrain'd to let his passion breake forth, and to satisfie it, to take his Rivall (I would say his daughter) for his confident. Imagine whether I were not happy in having but one part of my reason at that time; and what a redoubling of tor∣tures it had been to me, if being perpetually to oppose the folly of the father and the love of the daughter; I had besides been afflicted with the remembrance of Melicerta. Enno∣ramita's Nurse labour'd on one side to annihilate her former charme by a second, but not being able to doe it without putting me to extreame violences, she so altered the body to comfort the spirit, that I fell ill of a sickness which all the Physicians of Tunis at first held incurable. After a continuall feaver of forty dayes, and a weakning of all parts of my body, so generall, that there was nothing left me but my sight, I beganne to feele some small ease; I then began fully to know my selfe, and ask'd (alone) where I was; since when and how I fell sicke, and why I had given over the quest of Melicerta. By little and little my memory came againe, and though it shew'd me, one after another, the Ide∣a's of such things as had betided me before I fell into the hands of Ennoramita, yet could it not make me call to minde what had befalne me since: As I troubled to know the se∣quele of my adventures, Ennoramita came to see me, and commanded all those that were in my chamber to with-draw. When she was alone, she fell on her knees, and taking my right hand which was out of the bed, By this hand which I kisse, said she, and by this sub∣mission wherewithall I implore thy goodnesse, deare Solyman, pardon me those faults which the excesse of my love have made me commit against thee. I confesse I am unwor∣thy thy love, since I would have purchas'd it by other charmes then those of my affecti∣on and perseveranee: but if I have judges a little more pitifull then thy selfe, I shall finde

mercy. For tell me lovely Soiyman, what faults are pardonable, if that of too much love deserves to be punished? The Princesses speech did renew in my memory, but confusedly, some particularities of my sicknesse, and that reiterating the desire I had to know all: Faire Princesse (said I) the unfortunate Solyman knows too wel theeffects of love, to condemn as criminal the actions to which he enforceth us. Al that his absolute power make us undertake is just, and if some one think otherwise, he knows not what love is. After this, fear not faire Princesse to declare what you have done to me; & know that we never understand better how violent a passion is, but when it puts on such as it possesseth to actions extreamely violent. May I beleeve, replied Ennoramita, that 'tis from thy selfe, and not the vertue of some new charme, which gives thee so favourable thoughts, and makes thee so pitifull? If it be so, let Fate doe its worst, I will never thinke my estate unhappy. Ennoramita, having put on this resolution, related to me all that I have told you, and the meanes she made use of, to try the overcomming my insensibility. Afterwards she acquainted me with the causes of my last sicknesse, and suddainely casting her selfe on me; Deare Solyman (said she) I say not, if thou love me, but if thou hast pity on a Princesse who is even mad for thy love hinder me (since 'tis in thy power) from losing mine honour with my life. Thou hast both in thy hands. Deale with them as a man truly generous, and strive to constraine thy selfe a little, that the King my father may not discover how I have beguil'd him. I aske thee nothing, but that thou faigne thy selfe to be a maiden, and induring the love he beares thee▪ be so noble as to draw me out of a labyrinth whose intricacies thou onely canst winde through.

Instead of answering the Princesse, I began to reflect on her miseries and mine owne; and exclaiming against heaven; Justice eternall (said I) which raignest over us, why intendest thou to inflict such strange punishments on poore miserable crea∣tures, which are but the play-toyes of our passions, and the examples of a deplorable weakenesse? And thou unfortunate Princesse, (then I addressed my selfe to Ennora∣mita) what pretend'st thou by thy obstinate affection? Thou lovest a wretch that can∣not love thee. I must needs confesse it, I love as well as thee, and my love as well as thine, is accompanied with so cruell a destiny that it cannot attaine to what it aspires. Thou follow'st me, and I follow another. I flye from thee, and by another am as fast fled from. Thou intreatest I would have pity on thee, I grant it, provided thou be not unpitifull to me. Let's do the like one for another; and since our diseases are equally dangerous, let us run both to the same remedy. 'Tis fit I should conforme my selfe to your opinion (replied Ennoramita) but 'tis impossible for me. I wish thy peace, and yet I cannot chuse but disturbe it. Yet I am not desperate of being able to please thee, but thou must give me a great deale of time to performe a matter of that difficul∣ty. Grant me that which I request thee, and I will yeeld to what you desire. This last word so seis'd on the Princesses heart, that she was neere suffocated in pronouncing it. The teares fell abundantly from her eyes, and her sighes impetuously driving out one another, resembled the impetuous course of a torrent which had overflowed the damme that oppos'd it. No sooner was she a little resettled, but the King her father came into my chamber, and accosting me with a countenance that witnessed how deare my life was to him: Now (said he) I perceive my prayers have beene heard, and heaven hath granted to my Sacrifices the recovery of faire Philomela, ('twas under that name En∣noramita made me passe for a maid.) And truly (said he) it had beene too rigorous, had it condemned to a precipitated death, or to a perpetuall languishment, a beauty, which for its owne glory, merits not onely to live long on earth, but to be there perpe∣tually happy. Sir (replied I) if ought could give me comfort in my sad fortune, I had met it in the entertainement I receive from your Majesty and the Princesse your daughter. But alas! the misery I am falne in is so great, that not onely it can have no end, but it even deprives me of the capacity of being comforted. Melicerta is dead, and by consequence there is no more happinesse left for me in the world. The deare name of Melicerta renewing within me the sense of those miseries whereunto I had exposed her, drew such abundance of teares from mine eyes, that Muley Hassen could not doubt the truth of my losse. He thought it fit, (seeing me so sensible of my misfortune) not to

discover any griefe of his owne. He therefore contented himselfe in making appeare to me by reasons and examples, that 'twas a thing unheard of among men to love that which had no existence. But (he added) I hope, the same hand which hath redeemed you from the grave, will free you from these mournfull and funerall cogitations which are so fatall to your repose. Many other words he us'd which I will not repeate, and 'twas very late ere he went from me. As long as my extreame weaknesse forced me keep my bed, all the day and part of the night I had with me either the father or the daughter; assoone as the one left me, the other tooke the place, and both of them spea∣king to me of their affection, in lieu of afflicting (as you may imagine) they comfor∣ted me; since they represented to me mine owne. I utter'd boldly before them both, the deare name of Melicerta: I besought her to heare my laments, to thinke how my constancie was assaulted, and to give it the vertue of continuing victorious. When I spoke thus before Ennoramita, Shall I (said she) make my prayers contrary to thine, or implore heaven not to heare thee? In one same instant my affection commands and forbids it, it would have me love thee owne for mine sake, and by the same reason wish the losse of Melicerta: on the other side, it would have me love thee for thy sake, and by consequence pray for Melicerta's safetie. Thus that happie enamour'd Lady is not onely beloved by him she affecteth, but is affected by what she persecuteth: Againe, Solyman in this contestation meets both with his content and glory; he satisfies his passion in resisting what opposeth it, and by the power of her allurements, makes Me∣licerta triumph on her Rivall. Thou art alone, ô infortunate Ennoramita, the person on whom Heaven powres all its choler, and Love hath chosen as a victime which must be sacrific'd for the happinesse of Solyman and Melicerta. The Princesses passion still furnish'd her with so many new thoughts, that I had need of a wonderfull memorie to retaine them: The King her father produc'd no lesse, and seeing in the declining of my sicknesse, that my mirthsomnesse came againe with my strength, he thought Me∣licerta began to be worne out of my memorie. That opinion gave him the boldnesse to discover his love to me, and intimating that he would not treate me as other beauties which he kept shut up for his pleasure; he at first promis'd me the Crowne of Tunis. Your vertue (said he) and beautie which are both extraordinary, exempt you from the Law of indifferent personages. I will suspend the customes of the Kings my Predeces∣sours, to teach all Barbary, that a merit without comparison, may worke something without example. Philomela shall be plac'd in the Throne, without feare of compa∣nions or Rivall; and if her vertue cannot indure in my Palace, any subjects of impuritie, from this houre I breake open the doores of my Seraglio, and give both libertie and ho∣nour to so many faire slaves as the chance of warre hath given me. To all these faire promises I continually oppos'd my inabilitie of accepting them, and the losse of Meli∣certa. 'Twas a great deale worse when I had absolutely recovered my health, and that the beautie (which I will beleeve I had for feare of disobliging Cydaria) taking new vigour, shone in the eyes of Muley Hassen (as he told me) like the Sunne when after his leaving the Tropicke of Capricorne, he ascends towards that of Cancer. But leave we at last these extravagancies of love, and (since 'tis the will of Fate) end this Comedie by a tragicall Catastrophe. Muley Hassen and Ennoramita, meditated on nothing but how to become masters of a place which they had so long and vainly assaulted; when they themselves were set on by the Garrison of Argiers, who had correspondencie with some inhabitants of Tunis: The Towne was instantly wonne, and the Palace be∣set, before Muley could resolve whether he should defend himselfe or flie; the Turkes (who knew his cowardise) urg'd him to yeeld, and after two daies battering wonne it by force. See what love can doe? Muley, fearing more my losse then his owne, no sooner saw the Turkes enter the Court of his Palace, but he ran to my chamber, and staying at the dore with his sword and buckler, made them see, that he who wanted a courage to defend his Crowne and life, had an extraordinarie one to maintaine his passi∣on and protect his pretended Mistresse. The most resolute Turkes gave ground before the blowes of that Prince, and seeing their obstinacie to contest with him, did but serve to ruine them, they talk'd to him of his safetie, and that he should not hazard with his owne person, his daughter, and people. Ah traitours cri'd the Prince, you have not vio∣lated

your faith, and forc'd my City, with an intent to have a care either of me or mine; No, I will die like a King, and not doe as those infamous Princes, who to prolong an unfortunate life, cowardly present their neck and arms to the fetters of your Tyrant. With that he flew among the Turkes, and though they had command not to kill him, yet the necessity of defending themselves, made them neglect that order. Assoone as I saw him fall at the feet of his enemies, I was touched with an extreame shame for counterfeiting so long the maids part. In a rage I flung out of Ennoramita's armes, who besought me, not to hazard my selfe, and seising on a Cymitar and Target which were falne from a dying Turke, I flew on those that were entred my chamber: some of them I slew, and drove out the rest; I thinke verily that the respect to my sexe, bridled the Turkes fury; for exposing my selfe as I did to their arrowes and swords, it had been very easie for them to have given me my pasport with Muley Hassen. Ennoramita, seeing me in that dan∣ger, forgot what she was, and the feare of my losse causing a neglect of her preservation; she ran after me, and as my buckler boldly defi'd death which inviron'd her on all sides. One while the Turkes in respect to of her, retaining their fury, she fell on her knees, and imploring their pity; Take my Crowne (said she) and leave me this companion of my miseries; but as she would have gone on with her petition, an arrow, shot at randome stroke through her tongue, and passing on, so dangerously hurt her, that she fell downe halfe dead: presently she cast her eyes upon me, and calling me with a weake and piti∣full voice, Deare Solyman (said she) what a favourable shot was this, since in depriving me of my life, it hath taken away my feare of losing thee? As she ended these words, the bloud choaked her, and I (who thought I could not live without shame, did I not re∣renge the death of the father and the daughter) so provoked those which would have spar'd me, that they lost all respect, and left me for dead between Muley and Ennoramita. The Basha Aladin who commanded the forces of Argier, hearing that one onely Lady resisted a great many Turkes, sent word, they should beware of wronging me, and pre∣sently after came to see me; but he found me among the dead, and witnessing he was ex∣treame angry at it, would have had all those Souldiers undergoe the edge of the sword, whom he thought authors of my death. He drew neere, to see whether I were absolute∣ly dead, and perceiving in me some remainder of life, commanded his guard to take me up, and brought me into the chamber of the too generous Ennoramita. His extraor∣dinary care of me sav'd my life, and the warinesse wherewithall I conceal'd what I was, thriv'd so happily, that I was alwayes taken for a woman and so look'd after. The Turkes being absolute masters of the Towne, and not weeting from whence any force could come strong enough to trouble them in their conquest, gave themselves over to all kinde of liberty. But when they thought least on it, they were set on by a Cozen to the late King (called as himselfe) Muley Hassen, and whom the jealousies of State had ba∣nished into Mezila, which is on the confines of the Numidian deserts. That Prince understanding the devastation of his countrey, got together a great many Arabians, which usually frequented that Towne, and assembling all the souldier-like of Distef, of Necan, of Thefas, and of Thebessa, fell, unlooked for, into the City of Tunis, cut part of the Turkes in pieces, and compell'd the rest to retire shamefully to Argiers. Thither was I convay'd by the Basha's Eunuches, and so carefully garded, that when I strove to escape, I found all meanes depriv'd me, and all wayes shut up: but love who had brought me to this precipice found a way to draw me out againe. A little while after Aladin's re∣turne to Argier, the same Abdelmelec whom Almanzor lately slew, came thither with a glorious traine, and having treated about divers things with the Basha, acquir'd his love so farre as to live with him like a brother. The Basha desirous to give him an extraor∣dinary testimoniall of it, brought him one night into my chamber, and having given him time enough to looke on me; Her valour (said he) is no lesse rare then her beauty. Abdelmelec presently knew me, not for Iphidamantus, but for Cydaria; I knew him too, and instantly plotted to make use it; neverthelesse I feign'd as I had never seen him, and he did the like by me: We had besides liv'd long enough among the Turkes, to take no∣tice how suspicious they were, and how jealous of what they lov'd. Abdelmelec af∣ter he had dispatch'd all with the Basha, return'd to Morocco, and Aladin being call'd backe to Constantinople, made ready for a voyage that must cost him his life. The very

day Abdelmelec was to goe thence, a Blacke-Moore woman, who went for a foole in the Basha's house, coming (as she was wont to doe) into my chamber for my diversion, as she danc'd about, let fall at my feet a Cane which she held in her hand. By the signe she made to me, I presently understood by her letting it fall, there was somewhat in it; I therefore tooke it up, and keeping it in my hand till I was in bed, I broke it, (when my women were with-drawne) and found a paper with these words:

If the faire Ennoramita preferre not the inglorious servitude wherein she lives, before the honours which are assur'd her in Morocco, she will con∣tribute somewhat to the enterprise now in hand for her deliverance.

Ravisht with this advertisement, I spent the whole night waking, and did nothing but invent meanes to make good use of the occasion was offer'd me; I found no way better then to leave my selfe to be guided by those that labour'd for my liberty. Assoone therefore as it was day, I made this answer to the note I received:

To beleeve that a Captive delights in his irons, and refuseth an honoura∣ble liberty, is to suspect him of folly or stupidity: Who ere ye be chari∣table friends to the distressed, goe on in your designe, and expect from me all the assistance I owe my selfe.

This Ticket I put into one piece of the broken Cane, and when the Black-moore came againe, I threw it at her head: she tooke up both the pieces, and after she had sufficiently rail'd at me, went away. In almost eight dayes I heard no more newes of my foole, nor knew any thing of those which had promis'd to assist me: In the meane time the Basha gave order for his voyage, and so hastned all things, that he was ready to be gone fifteene dayes sooner then was thought on. The day of his departure being come, I leave you to imagine to what passe I was brought, I saw the furniture taken out of my chamber; I noted my being watch'd by almost twenty Eunuches, and seven or eight old women that seldome forsooke me; I perceiv'd my selfe ready to be ship'd and carried to Constan∣tinople. In this extremity, my resolution was (if all other help failed) to throw my selfe headlong into the sea. On the instant, some ill newes the Basha received from his friends at the Port, so astonished him, that he forgot his accustomed care of his Mistresse; and 'twas well seen by his perplexity and disquiet that the Divan made ready a strange wel∣come for him. Every one imbark'd in a hurry; they brought me to the haven, and al∣ready had I one foot in the skiffe that was to carry me to our gally, when some twenty or thirty men coming out of a backe creeke, with their Cymiters in their hands fell on the weake and fearfull troupe that were with me. They quickly dispersed my Eunuches and women, and having taken me, conveyed me into a Galliot, which lay close within the creeke. Presently the alarme was given on shore, and in the Basha's ship; every one cryed that Ennoramita was taken away, but their cryes were in vaine, for the little Gal∣ley wherein I was, sailing with an incomparable swiftnesse, quickly got out of sight of Aladin's ship, and the coast of Argier. I thought on nothing lesse then on my Ne∣gro, when she came and fell on my neck: she asked me whether those of her countrey had any wit, and whether she had not been cunning enough. I repli'd, her service deserv'd a good reward, and that, I did promise, with her liberty, so soone as I could get free my self. She answered me, that she had already in part received what I promised, and then falling to play with finger-knackers, and doing a many more fooleries, she put me off from thinking on matters of more consequence. My Galliot sailed into the straight, and yet I could not learne into whose hands I was falne; but entring the maine Ocean, I descried two ships which made up to ours. At a signe was given our Mariners by a cannon shot, they gave over rowing, and when the greatest was clos'd with us, they cast out a ladder to have me come aboard: I was received by Abdelmelec himselfe, who in his owne name and his fathers, made me such a welcome, and used me with such entertainment, that Cydaria is very unthankfull if she doe not one day acknowledge it. Cydaria, unwilling her bro∣thers jeasting should goe unanswered, You should (said she) have told Bajazet of it, for

(may be) he would then have done so much for my sake and your good friend Abdelme∣lec, that he should not have laine in so ill case as he now is; but be not you so incivill as not to render that Prince the ceremonies he did you. Iphidamantus going on againe: If (said he) I was well entertain'd by the sonne, I was not lesse but better by the father: Assooneas I landed, he came to welcome me with a preparation which might be compa∣red to a little triumph. The name of Ennoramita resounded every where, the flutes, the cymbals, and all other instruments of musicke used by the Africans, invited every bo∣dy to dances and other rejoycings. At first, I was (according to the custome of the coun∣trey) brought into those stately bathes which I have described to you, and put into the hands of some of those women which had before served me. From the bathes, I went into that famous closet, which was as a Temple consecrated to the Portraict of Cydaria. To the Portraict of Cydaria? said Almanzor, red either with jealousie or choler. How! by what meanes came Hely by it? By a way which I will tell you at more leasure replied Cydaria: He shall restore it (said Bajazet) or it shall cost him his life and the ruine of Morocco. All the company not disallowing this amorous agitation, Iphidamantus proceeded thus; Being then in that chamber all inlightned with gold and jewels, Hely, who had put on the habit of a young man, and painted himselfe to regaine what age had rob'd him of, came to see me, and us'd the same language he had done, the first time he mistooke me for Cydaria. In finishing his speech, he turned towards the Princesses picture, and pointing to it, See (said he) what hath preserved my life during your ab∣sence; when my griefe hath spent my spirits, and orecome my resolution, I had recourse to this faire picture, to refresh both the one and the other: I there found wherewithall to resist my longings, to keep my desires in vigour, and even wherewith to passe over your contempt and aversion. Heaven which knowes the innocency of my affection, after its triall by so many crosses, hath at last resolv'd to recompence it; give your consent to so just a decree, and disarming those eyes of their usuall disdaine, which never appeared milde to me but for my ruine, requite at least by some favourable aspect the long torments your beauty hath made me undergoe. The goodnesse of that Prince (which indeed de∣serv'd an acknowledgement) made me resolve to disdeceive him; I therefore besought him to give more credit to my words, then he had before-time, and to suspend a while that passion which had twice almost cost him his life, that he might so the better consult with reason, and no more contradict a knowne truth. He smil'd, and shooke his head when he heard me say so: I am very sorry (said I) that my misfortune in bringing me hither, makes you call to minde againe, a person, that doth but perpetuate your afflictions; could I have found any other way that might have freed me from mine enemies, how irksome soever, I would have attempted it rather then have had recourse to your assistance: Not, but that I am glad to be obliged to so great a Prince as your selfe, but owing you so much already, my conscience upbraides me every moment, that my resolution to cast my selfe againe into your hands, was the most ingratefull part could be acted. The reason is very forcible, I knew (it told me) your errour, and to bring into his sight againe, that fatall face which disturbs the peace of your age, was wittingly to continue you in it: but since it hath not been in my power to divert this inconvenience, I will stop the progresse of the mischiefe it workes, and freely tell you, I am the brother of that Ennoramita who is onely faire for your affliction. Ah (replied Hely) if you love me, I beseech you dis∣semble no more, for it will not worke the successe you hope by it. 'Tis not much lesse then a yeare, since you thought by such a device to cure me of my passion. But dear En∣noramita what got you by that cunning? Nothing but the augmenting my torments and almost the ending my dayes. If in lieu of humbly intreating you as I doe to be somewhat favourable unto me, it were permitted to make you some few upbraidings; in your con∣science should I have not have just cause to blame you for your flight? and being your owne judge, may I not accuse you, for putting your life and honour in hazard, rather then to indure the company of a Prince who hath had no other designe then to bestow both himselfe and his Crowne on you? Reflect (if you please) on all the misfortunes which seconded your flight; thinke on the dangers you have run, the slavery whereinto you have falne, and if your life be not considerable, thinke at least into what hazard you have engaged your honour: after that, (what mislike soever you have towards me) you

will be inforced to confesse that it had been farre more easie to beare with the afflictions of poore Hely. I see well (said I) there needs somewhat else then words to free you from those errours you have no minde to leave, exact from me therefore all that you can imagine most prevalent to give you an absolute manifestation of so important a truth; and at last plucke off the cause of your voluntary blindnesse. Hely lov'd so modestly and so respectfully, that fearing to offend me, he with-drew, and in going out of my chamber, told me, he rather desired to be miserable all his life, then once to contradict me: two or three dayes he left me in quiet, and though all his happinesse consisted in my fight, yet had he rather lose that contentment, then to run the fortune of displeasing me. At three dayes end, (whether he would or no) he returned to his former solicitations, but assoon as I spake of freeing him from his error, he flung away, and saw me not, or if he did, 'twas by some secret chinkes or holes which he had made in the walls of my chamber. In that manner did I live neere three moneths, and indeavoured to winne some one of the slaves which waited on me, to get me the apparell of a man, and some armes, and by his means free me from the hands of the senslesse old King. The Negro woman that came along with me, seemed to be fit for that purpose, but Hely had too much pleas'd her, for fearing the like turne she had plaid the Basha Aladin: I had no sooner then spoke to her of my escape, but she rudely chid me for it; and assuredly by her advertising the King of Moroc∣co, I was more strictly garded then before A few dayes after this milde detention, I under∣stood, that all the Court was in an uprore, and that a great many sail of ships were disco∣vered at the mouth of the River of Tensif: This allarme increasing by the arrivall of some Embassadours, Hely came to me one evening, and delivering me a paper; Read this (said he) and afterward (if you can) perswade me that you are not Ennoramita. I tooke the long Scroll, and if my memory deceive me not, there was written in it, thus: