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

The first Booke.

POlexander seeing two ships of Warre which were in gard at the mouth of the River of Tensiff to weigh anchor, either to fight with him, or to see what he was, commanded his Mariners to strike saile, and his chiefe Squire to goe meet those vessels, and inquire newes of Bajazet. Presently Alcippus tooke a shallop, and observing those ceremonies us'd at sea, in token of Peace and friendship, rowed to the neerest ship to them. She was commanded by a Rover called Cady Ha∣met, to whom Polexander had before-time given his life; assoone as Alcippus saw him he knew the man, and intimating his joy for meeting him, Hamet (said he) the King my Master intreates thee to send him newes of thy Generall. The Pirate overjoyed with seeing a man he extreamely lov'd; Deare Christian (replied he) I am infinitely griev'd that the strictnesse of our Discipline makes me faile in what we owe thee: but if thou lovest me as much as I beleeve, let thy affection sway something as well as the necessity of my charge, and come up hither, that I may imbrace thee and fully informe thee of all which Polexander would know. Alcippus, desirous to satisfie his friend and his Master, tooke hold of the ropen ladder which the Pirate had throwne out, and went straight up to him. The embraces and civilities once done, the Turke led the Christian into his Cabin, and putting every other out; The King thy Master (said he) may be is ignorant of the cause which hath ingaged us in the Siege of Morocco. He is not altogether so (repli'd Alcippus) for being at the Canaries, he understood, how Bajazet falne in love with a slave of the King of Morocco had proclaimed warre against that King to get her out of his hands. This is not altogether false, (said Hamet) but thou must know, that this pretended slave of Hely, is that faire and vertuous Princesse which my Generall lost in the Kingdome of Benin: these three moneths almost hath he bin with all his forces before Morocco, and hath made a solemne vow to put the Towne to fire and sword, if that Princesse be not quickly restored to him. I will not relate to thee the brave incoun∣ters have beene since the beginning of the Siege; Let it suffice I tell thee there is to be one this day, which is to decide the Warre. Not long since there came to the King of Mo∣rocco a Knight, which calls himselfe the Unknowne: 'Tis the most expert, the most courteous, and the most valiant Gentleman, next Polexander, of all those that honour the Crosse. This Knight, and Abdelmelec the Prince, desirous to spare the lives of a great many Innocents, have resolv'd to end the Siege, by a Combate, of two against two. Bajazet and Achomat have accepted their challenge three dayes since, and the conditions of the Duell being agreed on of both sides, we shall this day see for whom fortune hath reserv'd the victory. Assoone as Alcippus had heard of businesse so important, he tooke leave of Hamet, and sail'd on with an extream quicknesse to advertise the King his Master of it: He found him with Melicerta and Cydaria, and by his recitall of Bajazet's Com∣bate, equally astonish'd them all three: Melicerta made openly appeare the feare she had

of her father; Cidaria conceal'd that which she had for her Lover, as inconstant as shee thought him; and Polexander thinking not on feare but how to prevent the mischiefe, 'Tis not fit (said he) nor must it be, that foure such valiant men should hazard their ruine for a thing meerly imaginary. Straight he commanded to set saile, and entring the River with winde and tide, made himselfe knowne to all such as were above∣board in Bajazets ships, to avoid his being stayed. When he saw himselfe in a commo∣dious place for landing, he cast anchor, and whilst they were carrying ashore his armes and horses, he with-drew the two Princesses, and intreated them in that occasion to shew they were exempted from their Sexes weaknesse, They promis'd him to over∣master themselves, and though their feare had a little troubled part of their judge∣ments, yet had they enough left to surmount all those sad imaginations, which throng∣ing on the necke of one another, came to assault their generous resolutions. Polexander left them, and taking none with him but Alcippus and Diceus, landed where his horses and armes were: He there arm'd himselfe, and getting to horse rid on an easie gallop, to the Liues which had been drawne out betweene the Camp and the Towne to inclose the place wherein Bajazet, Achomat, Abdelmelec, and the unknowne Knight were to decide the fortune of Morocco. He intreated those who kept the entrance to let him passe, and to winne them the rather, told who he was; the Pirates did him all honour, and relating their command, humbly besought him not to doe Bajazet so much wrong, as to hinder his Combate. Our Heroë unwilling to offer violence to the Guard, or to make knowne his intention, plac'd himselfe before them, and thought ere they were well heated in the fight, some occasion might present it self to stop the proceeding: it hapned according to his forecast, for he saw two Knights come from the gates of Mo∣rocco, who arm'd at all points, and riding as fast as they could, made all judge, they had aminde to be of the match. Polexander shewed them to the Pirates, and intima∣ting how Bajazet and Achomat ran a hazard if they were not seconded; Friends (said he) 'tis no longer time to deliberate: the order you receiv'd is alter'd by the arrivall of these two Knights; doe not betray your Generall by an indiscreet obedience, but at least permit him to have a third, since there are two more come in to his Enemies. The Rovers perswaded by these few words, open'd the Lists to our Heroë, who fearing he might come too late flew in like lightning among the sixe Knights: He who came to meet him, accosted him in a very warlike manner, and intreating the King fairely to take him to taske. These Knights (said he) are resolv'd to send me backe shamefully to Morocco; judge whether I should not be extreamly sensible of that affront! It lies in your power to free me from it; let me therefore brave Knight be so much obliged to you, and let your friends see, that you came not hither no more then I to be an immo∣vable spectator of their Combate. My intent (repli'd Polexander) is to separate, and not to set them on. I am the most deceiv'dst man of the world (said the Moore) or you are not a person likely to breake off such a match. I should be glad (answered Polexander) the opinion you have of me might be preserv'd without the obliging me to alter my resolution. 'Tis impossible (said the Moore.) Since you then enforce me (added our Heroë) I will satisfie you, but on condition, that he of us two which hath the better of his companion, shall goe part the rest. The foure Princes began to laugh at Polexander's proposition, as thinking it to come from a man who had a great opinion of his owne courage; and being sever'd, assoone as they had sent away Polexander's and Moore's Squires, rid to take the distance behov'd them for a fit careere. Abdelme∣lec's third man, by the furious incounter of our Heroë, receiving a shock as if it had been a blow of thunder, was borne man and horse to the ground. The Prince of Morocco broke his lance on Bajazet's shield, but with more slight then vigour; the illustrious Rover made him otherwise feele his strength, for having pierced his armour, he left a truncheon of his lance in his arme; and had made him flie over his horses crouper, but that he caught hold of the mane. Achomat came against the unknowne night with all the impetuosity which accompanieth hatred and the desire of revenge, and broke his lance to his gantlet. For the strange Knight, he was not a little shaken by his enemies violent incounter, but being restrain'd by some powerfull consideration, in passing by Acho∣mat, he bore up the point of his lance, and made so faire a careere as it could not be

compar'd but with Polexanders. Achomat, incens'd at the courtesie he had receiv'd, re∣turn'd with his Symeter drawn against the unknowne Knight, ayming at his face; Do not think (said he) ingratefull & perfidious Solyman, by thy respects to asswage my just anger. My good deeds, my care, my love should have fill'd thee with these considerati∣ons, & not thy remorse of conscience. But go on disloyall man, go on as thou hast begun; & for fear thy crimes should be imperfect, add (if thou canst) murther to thy ingratitude, to thy rape and treason. The unknowne Knight, in lieu of being offended at his words, 'Tis true my Lord (said he to his Enemy) Solyman is ingratefull, a Ravisher and a Traytor; but he is not sufficiently impudent to maintaine his offences, nor coward enough to feare their punishment. Take from him then that unhappy life, which is the cause of all your afflictions; and hath produc'd all the miseries of your family. What stops you Sir? What hinders your anger so justly provoked? Why is your revenge so slow? Sheathe your sword (my Lord) in the trayterous heart of Solyman; give no eare to your Goodnesse if it speake for him; but call to minde that he hath stuck his po∣niard in the bosomes of Histeria and Melicerta. Whilst the stranger Knight spoake thus, Polexander made his Enemy feele the weight of his arme, and to acknowledge there was no proportion betwixt his courage and his strength. In an instant he put him beside his postures, and a little after (unable for fight) brought him to the extremity of asking his life. Polexander gladly gave it him, and went presently to the unknowne Knight, whom he found continuing his accusations, and intreated Achomat to take his life: Strike, (said he) strike Sir, and suspend that greatnesse of courage which suffers you to assault none but such as defend themselves. You are not here in the quality of a Combatant, but of a Judge, and a Master. Consider then what Justice would have you doe with an offender, and the authority of a Master with a fugitive slave. Polexander interrupting the unknowne Knight, Solyman (said he) either be silent, or speake so as you may cleere Achomat from that error whereinto you have brought him. Make knowne to him by what unfortunate chance he lost Histeria and Melicerta. But I shall do better to speake for you. With that he turn'd to Achomat thus: Generous Basha (said he) Solyman is guilty, but 'tis not of too much love, as you beleeve; 'tis of neglect and insensibility. If he be the Author of the disasters befalne in your family, 'tis as the Sun is the cause of darknesse. I will say he hath ruin'd the Princesses your daughters, in refusing what they requested from him, and if I may say so, in hiding from them that light, without which their young hearts were perswaded there was none at all. But not to hold you any longer in expectation of the cleering a doubt, which must either appease or at least alter the face of your displeasure; I will in few words declare what your daughters affections were, and what the insensibility of the Prince your Slave. Know, that those Princesses, Twins in their affection as well as in their birth, turn'd at once their eyes on Solyman; and though he alwayes insolently neglected them, yet was he so happy as to be desperately belov'd. Some other lesse skill'd in the power of that passion then I am, would justifie Solyman, in telling you, that his duty and respect forbad him to cast his eyes on the daughters of his Master. But I intend not to bring you such excuses. If Solyman were so indiscreet as to make use of them, I should be the first would condemne them either as absolutely false or more criminall then his owne insensibility. In a word, this young Prince hath beene ignorant of what is knowne to beasts and plants; and all Nature which cries out that we must love, and inspires that passion when first our life is breath'd into us, hath found a monster in your Slave, who in the very height of his bloud, in the fire of his youth, and in the midst of all the allurements and beauties of your daughters, hath belied his birth, and made appeare to the shame of his Sexe, that a man might be borne incapable of all love. Histeria and Melicerta could not indure this prodigy. The one died of it with griefe at the siege of Lepanto, and the other is buried alive in a tombe, that she may never more see that unjust heaven which knowes so great a crime and doth not punish it. Achomat, who had diligently hearkened to all that Polexander had said, was a while without answering, as if he was asking himselfe, whether all that which the Prince would perswade him could be true. At last thinking well that this accident was not impossible, he addressed his speech to our Heroe, and interrupting it

with sighes: You have (said hee) judiciously forseene that your narration would change the face of my afflictions; I perceive Solyman is not so guilty as I thought him; but withall I know that I am not lesse miserable then I imagined. Whilst these two Princes were talking thus, the unknowne Knight tooke off his hel∣met, and displaying his admirable countenance which could not bee seen with∣out wonder: You (said hee, coming neerer to Polexander) are not deceived; 'Tis true my Lord, I am that monster, who by my ingratitude and insensibility have vio∣lated the most holy and sweet lawes of nature; and who in stead of acknowledging A∣chomat's favours and goodnesse, have by my excessive contempt hastened the tragicall end of the Princesses his daughters. But by what chance have you come to the knowledge of things so private, and for what cause doth Achomat deferre his revenge? The Basha's in∣dignation seeing it selfe strip'd of all that which had so long time nurs'd it, yeelded at last to Iphidamantus Innocence; and reason taking her place which passion had usurp'd, made Achomats weapons to fall out of his hands. With teares in his eyes he turn'd to Polexander, and witnessing to him his sorrow and noblenesse, Since (said he) at last I know Solyman to be guiltlesse, and that 'tis the cruell destiny of my race which alone hath produc'd my misfortune and shame; tell me, I intreat you Sir, where I shall finde my daughters bodies, that by rendering them to their desolate mother, I may give her that deplorable consolation which she can expect from so sad and lamentable a restituti∣on. Since your equitable love (repli'd Polexander) makes you alike wish for your two daughters, dry from henceforth the halfe of your teares, or let the one part testifie your griefe, and the other be an evidence of your joy. Histeria is dead, but her sister liveth, and were it not for the obstinacy wherewithall she opposeth all that may conduce to her hap∣pinesse and avenge her of Iphidamantus insensibility; she would have, as well as I, the content of seeing her deare father, and that lover who as barbarous as he is, is no lesse wished for. At those words Iphidamantus shew'd well, he had not so hard a heart as Po∣lexander upbraided him withall, but made knowne by his sighes and teares, he knew how to love; and casting himselfe at Polexanders feet, sadly besought him to discover where Melicerta was, and what he was to performe for the freeing her from her miseries. Is it (repli'd our Heroë) an intent to be a spectator of the ills thou hast made her undergoe, that thy curiosity breeds that desire in thee? or to say better, by a humanity too inhu∣mane to sticke thy ponyard in that Innocents breast to free her from her further languish∣ment? Ah (my Lord) said Iphidamantus, be more indulgent to an offender that repents him! And since I had the honour as well as you to have the generous Periander for my father, doe him not that wrong to beleeve he was the Author of producing a creature monstrous in all his qualities: I confesse I have been long incapable of that desire they call Love, and I have laugh'd at Achomat, Bajazet, at the King of Morocco, and at your self, as often as your passion hath made you act something not conformable with my opinion. But if I have been impassible, and (to use your owne words) disdainfull, and without pity; yet have I never beene cruell nor unjust: I have endeavour'd many and many a time to suppresse Melicerta and her sister's madnesse; I offered them all the reme∣dies reason furnished me withall; I have not taken pleasure in their sorrowes, but if I had thought my death could have made them happy, they had long since beene so: I will not yet by these justifications lessen the enormity of my offences; whatsoever I have done, I have deserv'd death, since the misfortune of two the fairest Princesses of the East had their Originall from me; and I would finish before you what Achomat hath begun, if my desire of restoring Melicerta to him did not imperiously command me to live. Acho∣met (interrupting the two brothers discourse) If (said he to Polexander) I could be hap∣py, the sight of you which I have so long wish'd for, would be the end of my misfor∣tunes. The name of Polexander which hath stirr'd in me so much emulation, and that high vertue, which I have propos'd for the Idea of my actions, would fill my soule with such delights as would not be found neither in the favour of Princes, nor the reputation and fame of a great Command, nor the possession of riches. But I am too miserable to taste of any felicity, and therefore 'twas necessary my daughters losse should betide, that the pleasingnesse of meeting with you, might be as it were poysoned by so great a sorrow. I accept your civilities (repli'd Polexander) since they are so many witnesses proclaiming

your generous soule hath preserv'd her purity in the corruption of a Court, where the greatest fortunes are not usually rais'd, but by villanies farre greater. But what doe I•…•… in lieu of contemplating you by what you are, I consider you by what you seeme: Acho∣mat is but the maske under which is hidden Antenor the Prince of Montevera. The fa∣vour nor alliance of the Turkish Emperour have not been able to pervert that incompa∣rable heart which nothing hath been able to conquer but love; and I know well these al∣terations, which some indiscreet man would construe to be ambition or lightnesse, are signes of his moderation and constancy. But since love hath sway'd the father to things so incredible, could he without injustice condemne that, which the same passion had made his daughters undertake? You are just Achomat; doe not then punish that in ano∣ther which you approve in your selfe; and thinke, two young Ladies being but weak∣nesse, ignorance and infirmity, were not able to resist the most sweet and contagious of all maladies: since he could not doe it, who by his valour as well as by his wisdome had infallibly ruin'd the Ottoman's, if the misfortune of Christendome had not arm'd them for their preservation. Attribute therefore to Fortune, or if you will, to Nature the disasters of your house, and bury in eternall oblivion the errours of two young Ladies who could not almost avoid them, since they had the amorous Antenor for their father. Would to heaven, (repli'd Achomat) that Histeria and Melicerta were in case to receive that pardon you intreate for them; you should get it, though nature and bloud would not force me to that indulgence: but death makes your intreaties and my love effectlesse, and (may be) you would have me beleeve Melicerta alive, to accustome me to a misery before I know the greatnesse of it. I have (said Polexander) related to you matters as they are; Melicerta lives, and since my brother is become rationall, I doubt not his re∣deeming her from the hands of that Tyrant who to tire her constancy, puts her daily to new tortures. At those words the fire flew into Iphidamantus face, and his action full of impatiency witness'd sufficiently hee was no more an enemy to love; I shall beleeve (said he to Polexander) you are of intelligence with that insensibility wherewith you upbraid me, if you doe not without delay let me know where Melicerta is: For the Ty∣rant that keeps her his captive, either he is invisible, or I am most certaine that Princesse shall be reveng'd for his wronging her. That Tyrant (repli'd Poleaander) is to be seen, but he is almost invincible: He goes alwayes arm'd, and lives in a place so strong, and so well furnished with resolute Souldiers, that of those which have hitherto assault•…•…d him, some have lost their honour, others their lives or liberties, and generally all have repented their undertaking to vanquish him. The successe (said Iphidamantus) will make it appeare whether I am happier then the rest; but hap what hap may, be confident I will not repent me of my enterprise: The onely griefe that •…•…ickes by me, is, that I have but one life to lose, and out of my poverty, I cannot acquit my selfe to Melicerta, but I must remaine in debt to Histeria. But that faire soule which amongst the etern•…•…ll lights that inviron her, may be penetrates into the obscurity of our hearts, and discovers their se∣cret'st thoughts, knowes Solyman's intention and repentance, and no more accuseth him of his forepast ingratitude; she already receives for a full satisfaction my will, which hath no bounds, nor sees no impossibilities, and considers not my power which is limi∣ted by obstacles too powerfull to be surmounted. Why deferre you Sir? (said he, ad∣dressing him to his brother) Why conceale you Melicerta from me? Are you become jea∣lous assoone as you saw me sensible? And have you not presented me with my happi∣nesse, but then when you thought me incapable of knowing it? No brother (repli'd our Heroë) I am neither jealous nor cunning, but will give you even more then you could hope: Yet shall I but vainly intimate how you may be happy if Achomat consent not to your felicity. My Lord (said Iphidamantus) let not the thought of that hinder you, I thinke not of inriching my selfe, my intent is onely to pay my debt: Let Achomat doe what he pleaseth with me; I owe him all that I owe not to Periander; when he shall use me as his slave, he shall doe nothing unjustly: leave therefore in his hands my good and ill fortune, and let him dispose of either as he pleaseth: whatsoever hee shall deliberate, I can never be unhappy if I but once suppresse Melicerta's miseries. Achomat was about to speake, and may be to testifie to Iphidamantus, that he held him not in the quality of a slave, when Bajazet, who had left Abdelmelec in as ill a case as Polexander had the

Moorish Knight, came to know the cause of so long an interparley, and who the stran∣ger Knight was: but he no sooner look'd on him, then he alighted, and with open arms (astonished and overjoyed) went to imbrace him with all the kindnesse his accustomed noblenesse could cause any to expect from him. A hundred times he kiss'd him, and had not given him over, but that the faire Prince said Polexander was jealous of his imbraces. Straight he left him to salute Polexander, and because he had heard from Hydaspes and Almaid, what that Prince had done for Zabaim and Almanzaira, he c•…•…t himself at his feet, call'd him his protector, and said aloud, he had sav'd his Parents lives, preserv'd his State, and ruin'd the fatall cause of all the disasters befalne his house. Po∣lexander not induring him in that posture, nor to heare him speake so, tooke him in his armes, and willing to make knowne he had heard all his life; Is it possible (said he) that you reserve yet some cause of hatred against Zabaim, and that the love of incom∣parable Almanzaira hath not been more powerfull over your resentments, then the ill nature of the King your father? Had you seen him as I did, ready to expiate by the ef∣fusion of his bloud, those faults which Zelopa had made him perpetrate, you would be more sensible then you are of his repentance, and not deny him the comfort he expe∣cteth in your returne. But what doe you here? Are you not satisfi'd with the death of Nephisus, and (may be) with that of Abdelmelec? Would you have their unfortu∣nate father to be ranged in the number of those sacrifices which Axiamira demands from your amorous anger, and that it shall be deadly for all Princes to have had any af∣fection for that happy infortunate one? Bajazet deeming by this discourse that Pole∣xander knew all his designes, would againe have falne at his feet to have ask'd pardon for the love he bore the Princesse his sister, but Polexander, who look'd on him as on some∣thing more then a King, retain'd him in his armes, and after often calling him brother, If (said he) your discretion had not so long time contested with your quiet, and not given to Iphidamantus and my selfe, thoughts unworthy to be related to you, we had both contributed all we could, and may be more reclaim'd the untractable humour of that Princesse, which sometimes under the name of Axiamira, then under that of Iphi∣damantus, or againe, of Ennoramita, set on fire all the Kingdomes of Africa. Is not she the cause of this warre too? have you not mistaken her brother for her? Bajazet waxing pale at that question; There is no doubt of it (said he) my misfortune is as great as ever, and I know too well for my peace, that Almaid being deceiv'd next the King of Mo∣rocco, tooke Iphidamantus for Axiamira. This discourse had infallibly continued, but the Sentinels seeing a great Troupe of horse sallying out of Morocco gates, advertis'd the Princes they were to be set on. Achomat instantly commanded foure Squadrons of foot to advance, which had stood to their armes since the beginning of the combate; and placing himselfe in the front of a Troup of Cavalry, rid to force the enemy backe againe into the Towne. The three Princes got on horsebacke to assist him, though he had no need of them, and were Spectators of that incomparable valour which had rais'd him to the supreame greatnesse of all the Ottoman Court. Assoou as feare and night had shut up the last Enemy within the walls of Morocco; Polexander and the three other Princes return'd to the place of their Combate, and scorning to intermingle ought of base or cruell with their victory, commanded fires and torches to be lighted, to see in what case Abdelmelec and the Moorish Knight were. Our Heroë found the last sigh∣ing for his misfortune, and cursing the stars which seem'd to affect the dishonour and ruine of the Princes of Grenada: by the same charming humanity he comforted him, wherewithall he was wont to suffer himself to be overcome by such as he had vanquish'd; and without any importunate soliciting, either to tell him his condition, or name, com∣manded some Arabians to take him up, and carry him into Morocco. In the meane while, Bajazet, who found Abdelmelec dead, lamented, that the chance of Warre was not able to make him a vanquisher without depriving so valiant a Prince of his life. Iphidamantus came just as he was bewailing, and seeing his friend all over wounded and drown'd in his blood, was almost at the losse of his judgement and life: at last, reason recollected him, and then his sorrow breaking forth; Unfortunate Prince (said he) how fatall have thy fathers errours been to thee! And what a dangerous Enemy hast thou had of thy great courage! Thou art dead Abdelmelec, and I live and avenge not thy

death! But the same law which seemes to engage, imperiously forbids me to undertake it. My duty is oppos'd by my duty, my friendship by my friendship, and my faith by my faith. I am Polexanders, I am Achomats; I owe my selfe to Bajazet, I cannot be thine. Thou knowest it now deare Abdelmelec, and thy soule which reads my heart, sees well whether I be so perfidious as to faile of my word: I have sworn to thee an amitie not to be terminated but by the one of us; thy misfortune hath disingaged my word, and •…•…y interests ceasing by thy death, give me the libertie on thinking on mine owne; Fare∣well then Abdelmelec, and since 'tis the will of heaven, enjoy for ever the glory thy ver∣tues have deserved. Achomat and the two other Princes were extreamly sorrowfull for the losse of their Enemie, and would not have been so indisconsolate, but onely for ta∣king off Iphidamantus discontent. Bajazet, by the advise of the rest, sent the body of Abdelmelec to the King his father, and intimated by Hydaspes, they had been both de∣ceiv'd, and their errours being equally lamentable, the griefe of the one should not be lesse then that of the other. Hydaspes performed his Commission; but whilst the too amorous, and inraged Hely bewailed the losse of his pretended Ennoramita, more then the death of his son; and ruminated in his long watchings all the tragicall events where∣withall the beautie of one same person had laid waste his Estate: the foure Printes re∣tir'd into the Campe, and without giving themselves any rest after so much travell, me∣ditated on the execution of some new designes. Polexander, that thought on nothing but how to see Alcidiana againe, would not cause Bajazet and Iphidamantus to languish any longer, nor put off till any other time the contentments he was able to give them: But how extreame soever his owne longing was, that of the two other Princes was no lesse. Iphidamantus came and cast himselfe at his feet, and embracing his knees, My Lord (said hee) if without impudence I may dare take the boldnesse of calling you brother, and if any one action of my life, hath made mee worthy that honour, I intreate you even by that, or rather by Alcidiana, not to leave mee any longer in my offence and infamy. Let mee not be guilty even after my repentance, nor let Melicerta continue her reproaching my ingratitude, when I have given over my being ingratefull. Get leave of Achomat (repli'd Polexan∣der) to goe and free that Princesse; and assure your selfe, you shall no sooner have that granted, but you shall obtaine all the rest too. Achomat over-heard what our Heroe spake to his brother, and desirous to witnesse to them both, that hee remitted all his re∣sentments to their merits and his affection: Goe, (said he to Iphidamantus) goe, my deare Solyman, gather up (if it be possible) the remainder of my shipwrack, and assure your selfe, that what you can save of it, you preserve that for your selfe. After this de∣claration, which not onely included the leave Iphidamantus requested, but withall a cleere assurance of enjoying her whom he was to deliver; he tooke Achomat's hands, and moystning them with his teares, My Lord (said hee) is it possible that you will forget those offences which my mishap hath made me commit against your goodnesse; and that in lieu of treating me as malefactors which are not quit for their being peni∣tent, you will daigne to adde your bounty to your mercy, and give me with my life, that which can make it most pleasing unto me? Achomat, having imbrac'd the Prince, Your birth and vertues (said he) are such, that all I can offer you is below what they should make you expect: But were they lesse glorious and eminent, the name of Polexander is to me so venerable, that it alone can oblige me to me more then I doe. Deferre not then Melicerta's deliverance, but give a happy end to those adventures whose beginnings have been so mournfull: No sooner had Achomat ended his speech, but Iphidamantus turn'd to Polexander, and casting himselfe downe againe, besought the Prince to have pity on him. Brother (said our Heroë) you shall have your desire, but I must first return to my ship, and by a Prisoner which I have there in hold, learne what meanes you are to use, for getting the upper hand of that Tyrant which persecuteth faire Melicerta. Iphida∣mantus (to whom his lingring was a new torture) besought our Heroë, not to have so much care for his preservation, but to let him runne the hazards of an enterprise, which must needs be most honourable unto him. No, no, (said Polexander) 'tis fit to keep you now you are growne rationall; give not so absolute trust to a passion which you have not yet had time to know well, and assure your selfe, you shall very quickly be a happy

man, if you will leave to me the disposall of your fortune: Iphidamantus being with this speech silenc'd, cast downe his eyes sighing, and yet he knew him selfe bound to doubt no more of his happinesse, since the King his brother had resolv'd it. Bajazet look∣ing on him with teares in his eyes, O (said he) too happy Iphidamantus, thou hast but scarce wished, and art presently put in possession of what thou desirest: Glory, that thy fortune is particular, and not like other mens, and that Heaven in inspiring thee with life, bound it selfe by an irrevocable oath, to heap on, and accomplish it with all that was of most delight and value. But I, borne in misfortune, and who from my life's first dayes have not beene able to avoid an assured death but by a cruell exile, what can I expect in growing elder, but an increase and growth of my miseries? All prosperities shun me, they are to me but dreames and illusions, and vanish assoone as I am perswaded they are in my full possession. Axiamira, faire Axiamira, that wert propos'd to me by my hopes as the prize for all my dangers and paines in this Siege, thou disappearest in the very instant when I should have seene thee; and Iphidamantus after his long abusing the credulous Hely, tels me that I abuse my selfe. In what corner of the world have mine enemies hid thee? To∣wards what part of the Universe should I turne my hopes and sayles, or how shall I get predominance o're the malignity of those Stars that will not have me fortunate? Polexander staid Bajazets complaints and told him, Fortune was not of those base Ene∣mies who either become reconcil'd to execute more surely their revenge, or have no heart but for hatred or to love by halfes. She hath not (said he) given you the know∣ledge of your parents, she hath not (as it were) miraculously pluck'd from the throne the person that hindred your rising to it; in a word, she hath not so much further'd your happinesse to leave it imperfect. Call to minde, she hath restor'd to you those things which you had lost, one after another, and by consequence makes ready to render you that Axiamira which onely seemes wanting to fill up all your list of felicities. With that our Heroe intreated that Prince and Achomat too, to permit him to make a turne to his ship for the giving order to such things as concern'd their common satisfaction. The Princes unwilling to offer any troublesome ceremonies, let him goe as he came; and went to entertaine time with Iphidamantus who seem'd to accuse his brother to be (in good earnest) jealous of his contentment. In the meane while our Heroe got to his ship, and finding himselfe divided betwixt the love he bore to Cydaria, and that which he owed Melicerta, he stood some time before them, ere he could resolve to which of the two he should first make knowne the good newes he had learnt. At last he govern'd himselfe by necessity, and began with her that had most need of comfort. Pre∣pare your selfe (said he to Melicerta) for the most incredible and the least to be hoped for adventure you are able to imagine. I am afraid to discover it, so strange doe I finde it; and so greatly doe I feare lest your spirits dissipated at the recitall of so great an accident be not strong enough to support it. Put your selves then to the most tryall you can; and as you have rendred many testimonies of that constancy we ought to have in afflictions; see likewise, and aske of your selves, if you have so much power over the agitations of your minde, that you can receive an extreame joy without running the hazard of your life. The greatest of joyes that can trouble me (replied Melicerta) is the happinesse of seeing once more the insensible Iphidamantus, and then, those which gave me life. Is it possible (replied Polexander) that your joy can extend no farther, and that you conceive nothing whereby it may be augmented? No, (said Melicerta) See the bounds of all my hopes, and by consequence, my joyes cannot be larger extended. What (replied our Heroe) say you had made Iphidamantus sensible, that he were pas∣sionately in love with you, if he were all on fire out of his longing desire to see you, if he would expose himselfe to the extreamest dangers, and give his life for the preser∣vation of yours; would not your joy be infinitely more then that you promise your selfe by his meere sight? The impossibilities you propose (replied Melicerta) being no more able to deceive me, cannot neither make me conceive those prodigious joyes which have heretofore (as some faine) beene the deaths of some mothers and lovers. I feare lest you may be an addition to those examples (said Polexander) and therefore I beseech you againe, by some necessary preparation, to dispose your minde, which

now is familiar with nought but sadnesse and affliction, to welcome a joy which as a remedy too violent, may kill in lieu of curing her. Melicerta not being able to refraine from smiling at Polexanders serious discourse; Feare not (said she) to tell me those good and dangerous newes. I am not in case to dye for joy, and that which you are about to tell me, must be very extraordinary, if it can either diminish or charme my afflictions. Our Heroe, imagining the sad Lady had time enough given to heare with∣out danger the change of her fortune: told her, he had found her father and her love, in such a case as had beene deadly either for the one or the other, and may bee for them both, if obligation and respect had not bound Iphidamantus hands. After∣wards he related in what manner he made himselfe knowne to them, and had drawn the one out of his insensibility, and the other from his errour; notwithstanding all Me∣licerta's extreame strivings, not to be transported with her excesse of joy, yet could she not be Mistresse over her first perturbations. Her spirit forsooke her doe what she could, and made her feele an universall disquiet in all the parts of her body: her tongue was tied up, or at most but fumbling in her mouth, O heaven! said she divers times, that is not possible, and so fell downe in a swoune on her bed; Cydaria and her women ran to her to stay her fainting; but there was no remedy, it must have his course, and Melicerta was not excepted from that rigorous Law, by which Love as well as Nature would never have up passe without danger from one extreame to another. At last she came againe, but so weakened with that fit, that she look'd as she had been long sicke, Polexander laying be∣fore her, her former constancy, and that strength of spirit with which she had dar'd not onely to defie death, but also happinesse, besought her to beleeve him more then she had done, and by degrees to prepare her selfe for the reception of Achomat and Iphidaman∣tus. After that, he left her onely with her women, and that she might be at more free∣dome, tooke Cydaria into his chamber, and being shut up with her; Sister (said he pre∣sently) if I did not approve of that judicious severity in which you have lived to this day, and if I liked not those thoughts which made you feare the service and love of Alman∣zor, farre more then the ill usage and hatred of your enemies; I should have forgotten what the vertue of your Sex ought to be, and how scrupulously a beautie more divine then ordinary, should, (to preserve her from calumny) not onely be rigorous to such as converse with her, but even cruell to her selfe. I commend you therefore for cutting off all hopes wherewith the quality of Almanzor, and your adverse fortune might flatter his young desires; and chose rather to put his life in hazard, then to lay at stake your reputa∣tion. But as in what you have done, you have showne your selfe a worthy inheritrix of Perianders magnanimitie as well as of Axiamira's wisdome; you should now much de∣generate from the vertues of them both, if being no longer in your ill fortune, but on the contrary, able to grant or refuse any thing with that independency which is annexed to the quality of Princes; you doe not conforme your selfe to the laudable intentions of Almanzor. Cydaria, prepossessed by a false opinion, stopped her brother, and having humbly besought him not to goe further on with his discourse: I know my Lord (said she) that since the losse of Periander and Axiamira, Heaven enjoynes me, to look on you as on one that represents them; and to beleeve my intentions are not just, if they be not wholly subjected to yours: this being so, it is forbidden me to have any aversion or li∣king, but as you shall think for my good, that I am obliged to love or no; and how good soever my election might be, it cannot be lawfull without your approbation. Doubt not then (if you please) but (being ruled by these thoughts) I have a blinde obedience for all that you shall prescribe me, but knowing you perfectly just, and truely debonaire, I will take the boldnesse to make my humble remonstrance to you, and say, That if I come once to be in the power of Zabaim's sonne, I runne the hazard of becoming a second Alman∣zaira. Polexander, perceiving that Cydaria's discretion permitted her not to make knowne her truest thoughts; Sister (said he) being so well assured of my love as you are, give me leave to complaine a little of your modesty, and to accuse you for not using me as a brother, but as a stranger. I feare hence forward to speake freely to you, yet I will, since my affection commands me to lay by a while my complying, to tell you without chiding, that what you seeme to feare most, is what you feare least: your foresight ex∣tends not farre enough to make you feare Almanzor's future inconstancy: 'tis the pre∣sent

that affrights you, or to speake more truly, which holds as it were in suspence the resentment which you ought to have of those services which that great Prince hath done you. I remember very well the time and place, when and where your little anger began; an opinion which an ambiguous speech wrought in you of Almanzors sicklenesse begun this spleene: it hath beene fed by such new thoughts as your griefe and jealousie could contribute; and you have beleev'd, that he deserv'd to lose your affection which had neglected it for that of an unfortunate she-slave. Cydaria blushed at the truth of this discourse, and could well have wish'd for strong reasons to repell it; but Polexander giving her no leasure for such injustice; I will (said he) take you out of the errour you are in, and shew you how dangerous it is to give credit to their talke, who relate to us such things as have not been well examined. Know then that Bajazet, understanding by his Spies that you were falne into the King of Morocco's hands, instead of returning to Senega, where he was earnestly wished for, in lieu of satisfying the intreaties and love of Zabaim and Almanzaira, in lieu of going to receive the Crownes of so many Kingdoms assured to him, he left the Pirates Isle, and with all his forces came and besieg'd Morocco. The Combate he was in to day, in making him victorious, hath made him lose all the happinesse he expected by his victory: I let him know that his servants had taken Iphida∣mantus for you; Iphidamantus confirmed him in the same truth, and presently cast him backe into the same griefe he felt when your fained being stolne away, made him go seek for you in the Pirates Island. To speake truth, you must be altogether insensible if you be not moved with the love and perseverance of that Prince, and you have not any rea∣son at all, if for false suspitions, you leave Almanzor in such vexations as the beliefe of your losse casts him into. Though Cydaria was overcome by this remonstrance, yet she would but halfe shew it; and putting on the countenance of a personage that would not grow obstinate against a veritie: Time (said she) and occasions which have not your ob∣sequiousnesse for Almanzor, will teach me what I must thinke of him. As she ended these word, she heard a great noise, and thought it came from Melicerta's cabin, whither she ran and found her falne into a fainting, whence no remedie of theirs could draw her; at last our Heroë gave her of an Essence which Diceus had made him, and she presently recovered her sight and speech. Assoone as she saw the Prince and Cydaria, she made knowne to them by her languishing lookes, and strange sighes, that she was not strong enough alone, to overcome the disorder of her agitations, and that she need•…•…d the pre∣sence of Achomat and Iphidamantus to over-rule their rebellion. If the miseries I indure (said she to Polexander) move you to pity, be a meanes to bring hither my father and Solyman, and though I feare them both alike, winne them to see me in that mournfull case I am brought to; that their presence may at least▪ speedily make an end of killing me, if it have not power enough to preserve my life: with this she grew pale and shut her eyes, but Cydaria kept her from fainting againe, and with her words, as well as by Po∣lexander's cordiall, strengthned her a little, and made her able for the seeing of Achomat and Iphidamantus. Our Heroë went to them, and related to what extremitie Melicerta was brought: those Princes were so overjoyed to see themselves so pleasingly deceiv'd, that they were within a little of running the Princesses fortune. Ah Polexander! (said Acho∣mat) with how much interest do you pay me the care I have taken in the breeding of Iphi∣damantus: he for his part imbraced his brother, and with a good grace upbraiding him for his malice to him; O how rigorously (said he) have you punished me for my contempt of love! y•…•…t can you not execute too cruell a revenge, for my offences are beyond all others. But what doe I? I complaine on you, and yet am indebted to you for my life, since I am for Melicerta's safetie: let us goe quickly and free her from the rest of her miseries: with that he turned to Achomat, and continuing his speech; Doe not (said he) let that sweet Lady die, nor suffer Solymans inhumanitie to be infectious enough to corrupt your good na∣ture. To all this Achomat made no answer, but sent to Bajazets tent, and understanding none knew where he was, got to horse with Polexander and his brother, and rid in all haste to the haven: our Heroë got him into his shallop, with himselfe and his brother, and commanding his mariners to make all haste, they were in a trice at the ship. Acho∣mat went first aboard, and the two brothers followed him; their coming could not be so private but that it caus'd some noise in the ship: Melicerta heard it, and doubting

not whence it sprung, was so violently mov'd with it, that her spirits dispersing againe, she fell into another trance; at that very instant the three Princes entred her cabin, and found her for dead on her bed: Achomat being not with held by any respect, cast him∣selfe on his daughters face, and moistning it with his teares, Melicerta (said he pitiful∣ly) my deare daughter, know thy father and increase not my griefes in renewing, when he thought them ended: Iphidamantus was at the beds foot as immoveable as a statue, and having his eyes fixed on Melicerta: Alas Madam (said he) will you have me beleeve that I am ever deadly to you? My insensibilitie hath oftentimes gone neere to bring you to your grave, and must my love now give a period to your dayes? Thus said Iphida∣mantus, but out of consideration he spoke it so softly that no body heard him. Present∣ly Melicerta came to her selfe, and seeing her selfe in the armes of a man, thought it had been Iphidamantus, and that beliete made her ashamed; she was about to thrust him away, but lifting her eyes up more fixtly, she knew 'twas her father, and so fell backe halfe dead with confusion and joy. My dear daughter, said Achomat, canst thou not indure the end of thy miseries? Must both good and ill make thee alike wretched? Open thine eyes, know thy father, and be not more cruell to thy selfe then either love or fortune: both of them at last accord what thou desirest, and if my consent be necessary for thy contentment, doubt not but it will be conformable with theirs. Melicerta heard one part of this speech, and forcing her selfe to answer it, My Lord (said she very softly to her father) if you will promise me your favour and forget my follie, I have yet courage enough to orecome my weaknesse, and preserve to you the unfortunate Melicerta. I have forgot∣ten all (repli'd Achomat kissing her) and protest thou canst desire nothing from my love which it will not grant thee. If the enjoying of Solyman can contribute ought to thy life's happinesse, I give him thee by that soveraigne Law which permits me to dispose of him. Melicerta blushed at those last words, and not daring to answer, con∣tented her selfe with casting her eyes on Iphidamantus. Achomat got him come neere, and speaking to him with the mildnesse of a father; If you yet (said he) remember, that I bred you as mine owne sonne, shew me I intreate you in the saving of Melicerta, that you have some resentment of my care: kill not him that hath preserv'd your life; and since Melicerta's love is worth more then the most glorious Crownes, make appeare to us now, that your minde is too generous to give an eare to ambition, when it whispers to you against dutie and justice. Melicerta never moved her eyes, but keeping them fix'd on Iphidamantus, expected his an•…•…wer to know what should become of her. Iphida∣mantus imagining there needed something else then words, to answer Achomat's win∣ning propositions, cast himselfe at his feet, and looking on Melicerta, When (said he) I thinke on what I owe to the goodnesse of the father, and the love of the daughter, and besides revolve in my mind the prodigies of my forepassed life, I acknowledge my self un∣worthy the favours which both have afforded me: but since you measure by the great∣nesse of my ingratitude, that of your benefits; and that you propose to me rewards in lieu of the punishments I have deserved, I cannot but stand amazed at my happinesse, and tell you, that as I have lived the most ingratefull of men, I must needs die so too, by the im∣possibilitie (whereto you have reduced me) of acknowledging your incomparable fa∣vours. Melicerta had an extreame desire to speake, but her discretion shut her lips, and her fathers presence permitted her not to take the freedome which her love advised her. Cydaria who judiciously had avoided her being present at these passages, entred Meli∣certa's cabin with an action and habit conformable to the present state of her fortune; and having gracefully done her complements, came to the faire Turke to congratulate with her. Achomat knowing her by Iphidamantus, did to her all the civilities she could expect from a man perplexed as he was, and led her to his daughters beds-head. Then did Cydaria make knowne her excellent ingenuitie, for taking Melicerta for the subject of her discourse; 'Tis a great while since (said she to Achomat) that the Princesse your daughter hath wished for this day, amongst all the torment which that absolute power presiding over us with so much tyrannie hath made her undergoe, she felt none so cruell as to be absent from you. A hundred times in my hearing hath she wished her selfe able to give her whole life for one instant of your sight; and sometimes, when the excesse of sorrowes had reduced her to an extremity: O death (hath she cryed) how sweet

shouldst thou be unto me, so that thou wouldst not take me hence, before I had regain'd the favour of my honour'd Achomat. Cydaria spoke those words in a tone so fit to move compassion, that the Basha could not refraine from teares: but whilst he gave this tribute to nature, Iphidamantus rendred farre greater to love; he was come up to Melicerta, and standing in the posture of an offender, which strives to get pardon for his faults: Faire Princesse (said he in kissing her hand) scorne not this fugitive slave who prosecuted by the remorse of conscience, offers himselfe voluntarily to all that your an∣ger shall denounce against him. 'Tis not the insensible Solyman you see at your feet, that monster hath long agoe been out of the number of things existing: 'tis the repen∣ting and sensible Solyman, he yet intreates you to be lesse good then the Basha your fa∣ther, and not to forget such crimes as would make Mercy it selfe worthy to be punish'd had she sealed them a pardon. Melicerta in lieu of answering to this, incessantly sighed; she tooke Iphidamantus hand, put it to her mouth, and with kisses, or (to speake things as love hath inspired mee) with characters of fire, imprinted on it, the pardon which Iphidamantus beleev'd he had not merited. She contented her selfe with that mute elo∣quence not onely to assure her lover of the extremity of her affection, but to have him beleeve that all the miseries she had indured, were deare and pleasing to her, since they had produc'd such a height of felicity. Achomat interrupted the mysterious interparley of those lovers, and to refresh the spirits of all in Melicerta't cabin; I wonder now no more (said he to Cydaria and Iphidamantus, which stood one before the other) at those errours which have been occasioned by your two faces: The King of Morocco is not so blinde as we beleeve him, and for my owne part I confesse, that were I from you but one quarter of an houre, I should not know which were Solyman. Melicerta desirous to give to Cydaria all that she owed to her affection: This dayes miraculous accidents (said she) command you to give thankes to the King of Morocco's mistakes; you had been as well as I in your discontents, had that Prince been more cleere sighted, or Baja∣zet's spies not lesse deceiv'd then that amorous old man. But fitly (said she, changing her voyce) now I talke of Bajazer, what important reason of State hinders him from coming to taste those sweets for whose fruition be indures so many ills and exposeth himselfe to so many dangers? Achomat repli'd, had not our care of you daughter put by all others, we had either been yet in quest of that Prince, or he here with us. When Polexander came and intimated how extreame ill you were, we sent to Bajazetstents, to let him know the cause of your sudden departure, but our Messenger found him not, nor could any of his guard or slaves tell to what quarter of the Camp he was gone. The haste we made to see you, may be our excuse, if not towards this faire Princesse, (he spoke it, turning to Cydaria) yet at least to others, why we forsooke that Prince in his discontent. As Achomat ended his speech there arose a mighty noise in the midst of the Pirates fleet. The trumpets and other instruments of brasse, which serve to warne the Souldiers what to doe, disturb'd the silence of the night, and the calmnesse of the elements. They cryed, Arme, arme, on all sides, and the mariners whose toile is all in confusion, blended their clamours and cryes with the Souldiers uproare. Polexander not knowing what the cause of this Alarme should be, sent Diceus to inform him, who was no sooner out of the Kings ship but the noise was husht; yet loath to returne with nothing, he got to the place where the Pirates fleet was yet in battalia: he staid the first he met, to know what had happened, some told him the arrivall of the King of Senega, whom they thought friend to the King of Morocco, had engag'd the whole navy to put themselves in order to fight with him; Others told him, but uncertainly, of Bajazets losse, and gave him a great desire of cleering so important a newes: as he was in that trouble, he met with the Rover Hamet, who knowing him in the darke, Hoe, Diceus (said he) if thou lovest Bajazet, bring me quickly to the King thy master: Diceus told him he was in his ship; and for himselfe, he was come by his Masters command to know the cause of the Alarme. 'Tis a strange one (said Hamet sighing) but thou mayest know that Bajazet is dead, if Polexander save not his life. Diceus imagining Hamet to be too much afflicted to speake, got him into his shallop, and so carried him aboard the Kings ship. Assoone as he was in Melicerta's cabin, where Cydaria was with the Prin∣ces her brothers and Achomat, he cast himselfe at the feet of our Heroë, and witnessing

his feare by his faultring speech, Sir (said he) you have gone neere within these two houres to lose Bajazet, and if your company get not the suppressing of his resentments, I verily beleeve he will meet with that death between the armes of Zabaim and Alman∣zaira, which he would have found in the sea. Knowest thou what thou sayest (asked Polexander) in a tone expressing his affright? Yes very well, repli'd the Rover, and know more, that the onely griefe of meeting with Iphidamantus, where he thought to have found Axiamira, hath made him to confine by a quick despaire his vaine and long hopes. Relate that strange resolution (repli'd Polexander) whilst we goe to succour that despe∣rate man; presently he call'd for Diceus, and commanding him softly, to cause his ship to be steer'd neere to Zabaim's, bid him with-draw, and he himselfe shut the dore to Me∣licerta's cabin: whilst he was speaking to Diceus, Cydaria was stolne behinde the sicke Princesses bed, and set her selfe on it, to heare Hamet, and not be seene. Our Heroë thought it so, and beleeving the Pirate's relation might contribute much to his sisters sa∣tisfaction, intreated him to make known very particularly what he knew of his master's misfortune. Hamet being a little recollected, began his discourse thus; Some quarter of an houre after the newes of our General's victory came to our Navy, our Sentinels gave us notice there were a many sailes descri'd at the mouth of this River; this being con∣firmed by the fires on the coast, and by those in guard at the entrance, our Admirall made ready, and put the ships in battalia. But this alarme lasted not long, as you have heard; for presently two ships brought our Admirall newes that the discovered fleet was the King of Senega's, who as Bajazet's friend had for his aid arm'd all the vessels he could make ready. Our Admirall who was absolute in his command, sent not to Baja∣zet for his direction, but presently dispatch'd Telisman and my selfe to Zabaim. We made to him, and coming aboard, perform'd those complements whereto his assistance and quality obliged us; he seem'd very sad, and perceiving we tooke notice of it: Pardon me (said he) if I entertaine you not with all the joy I ought to shew you. As you came, my wife and my selfe were busied about the cleering (to our selves) somewhat which even now makes me not able to speake to you but with some disturbance: the adventure is such, as you must beare a share in it, but that you may the more freely understand it, let us retire to some roome in the place where we are, both more commodious and quieter then here among so many Souldiers and Mariners equally affrighted. Zabaim having received us with these civilities and excuses, brought us into his cabin, and spending not long time in speaking of his forces and the cause of his getting them together: My ship (said he) with some few others, staid at the foot of that dangerous rocke which over∣hangs the entrance into this River, and I attended the Moone rising for my setting saile againe, when I heard a voyce over my head which in words the most lamenting I ever heard, besought heaven and earth, things sensible and insensible, to be witnesses after his death of his faith and constancy. Whilst I was attentive to those complaints, there grew a great bustling among the sailes and ropes of my ship, and running to see what it was, I found a man hung in the tackling: I commanded to have him straight taken downe, and seeing that the height from whence he fell had depriv'd him of his senses, have caus'd him to be brought into a cabin neere to this; no sooner cast I mine eyes on him, but I know not what remembrance fill'd me with feare and horrour; my wife coming in to practise that charity which hath gotten her the name of Mother to the afflicted, earnestly look'd on him, and was no lesse troubled then I. We have for these two houres done all we can to get out of our astonishment, and o'recome the long trance of that unfortunate man, but as effectlesse in the one as in the other; this is the cause you have not been entertain'd as you might expect: When Zabaim had ended, Sir (said I) may 'tis fit our Generall were advertis'd of the accident, therefore we both beseech your Majesty to let us see that de∣sperate person. My thoughts (said the King) which are not yet well setled, made me forget that which particularly I had a desire to tell you; 'tis, that I am much deceiv'd if the man we have succour'd be not one of the principall of your Army. By something he weares he seemes to be a man of command, and if my wife mistake not, it must necessarily be your Generall himselfe. Here Zabaim stopp'd, and we who found no likelihood in this con∣jecture, besought him to let us see the man, and to put him out of the opinion he was in, we related to him what Bajazet had done that very day: but assoone as he shewed him

to us, lying yet stretched out as dead, I knew him and cried out 'twas my Generall. My companion as much afflicted as my selfe, thinking Bajazet had beene dead, cast himselfe on him, and kissing his hands, began to call to him in his eares, as all the Sectaries of Mahomet use to hollow in the eares of their dead. In the meane while whether Nature after it had beene so long time dull'd, awaked suddainely, or the Princes strength recall'd by their applying of remedies had disengaged his spirits which his fall had as 'were suffocated, so it was that Bajazet came to himselfe. The first signes of life he gave us, were his sighes, which being not well perfected pe∣rished in the place of their conception, and were not perceiv'd but by their heavings about the seate of his heart; These halfe-sighes were followed by others, which seem'd to flye headlong to get forth. At last, after he had a while mutter'd what none could understand, yet came he out distinctly with this: I will no more depend on the injustice of fortune, and my soule unloaden of the weight of my body, may freely goe in quest and finde thee faire Axiamira in what corner of the earth soever my cruell de∣stiny hath hidden thee. Almanzaira recovering from her deadly sorrow by degrees as her Son came out of his swoon, ceas'd not to invoake that eternall Pity which had so often and so miraculously redeem'd her out of her afflictions; and to beseech thence with her teares, an end to those miseries which continually travers'd her life. Her prayer ended, she oftentimes kissed Bajazet, whose head she kept on her breast, and cal∣ling him sometimes Almanzor and othertimes Bajazet, intreated him to know her and to come out of his reaveries. To strike his imagination with some name well knowne to him, she intreated him to looke on Almaid and Hydaspes who infinitely grieved for him: At those names he strove to open his eyes, but the brightnesse of the lights for∣cing him to shut them againe; Almaid (said he) and Hidaspes are with me, for their fidelity would not permit them to survive my death. You are welcome, deare Compa∣nions of my many miseries; and since in your life-time you have lov'd nothing more deare then my company and contentment; continue that affection, and joyning for ever your shadowes with mine, let us goe together in quest of faire Axiamira. Whilst Bajazet mov'd all that heard him to compassion, and Zabaim with Almanzaira melted into teares, I came to that incomparable lover, and so talk'd with him as he came out of his musing. Yet no sooner was he come to himselfe but he began to cry out as he had felt some great torture, and afflicting himselfe for being alive: How Bajazet (said he) thou liv'st then, and yet hast for ever lost the hope of finding Axiamira! Ah Polexan∣der! Ah Iphidamantus! what will you say of me? To get him from this new affli∣ction. I said you were in great care and search'd for him every where. With that I came away, and had so good fortune as to meet with Diceus when I was out of hope of finding you. If therefore you regard the friendship of Bajazet, save his life while it is in your power. Here Hamet ended; and Polexander replied (to comfort him) that his Generall should soone have satisfaction. But what doe you the while, faire Cydaria? You sigh in secret, you beare a part in the griefes you conferre on the loyall Almanzor, and repent for suspecting so wonderfull a constancy. I see well your scrupulous vertue growes angry with your disposition, and it is not lesse griev'd then your lover, to be compell'd to receive so sensible a blow, and not have sufficient armes to defend it selfe from it. But let her not believe, that in giving way to so powerfull an Enemy, she les∣sens her reputation. 'Tis true your severities are overcome, and abandoning a place they had so couragiously maintain'd, they would exhibit to your thought, your being accus'd of weakenesse or cunning. But let not your faire soule feare these calumnies. You yeeld way when it is both just and glorious not to defend your selfe. I could not refraine from this exclamation, seeing what transports and anxieties the newes of Ba∣jazets despaire wrought in the faire and discreet Cydaria. Certainely her vertue strove incredibly to hide her resentments, and not let her selfe be overcome by this unlooked for accident, but the weaker part of her soule, suppressed the stronger, and wisdome was enforc'd to give place to love. Polexander who seem'd to be ordain'd by heaven to be the comforter of all afflicted, and the Lovers Mediator betwixt Love and Fortune; understanding his Ship was come up to Zabaim's, left Cydaria with Melicerta, Achomat and Iphidamantus, and went alone to prepare Bajazet for the receiving that happinesse

he came to present him. When Zabaim and Almanzaira knew him, they were so much overjoyed, that they seem'd to have no more thought of the danger wherein their owne sonne yet lay: O my deare deliverer (cry'd Almanzaira) turne your eyes on a miserable mother which hath no life but in the life of her sonne; and now perfect that which you began in the Isle whereinto Fortune had exiled me. Heaven promised me at that very instant you arriv'd there, that the period of my miseries should be the work of your cou∣rage and extreame charity. Perfect a promise which should be infallible, and since you have preserv'd the mother in her selfe, save her againe in her sonne. Madam, reply'd Polexander, the spectacle here is such a wonder to me, that I can scarce beleeve what mine eyes and eares informe me; surely the ill Angell, Enemy to the greatnesse of your race, hath driven Bajazet to a resolution, which in all likelihood was not to be expected, ei∣ther from the vigour of his spirit, or from the power of fortune her selfe. 'Tis not past five or six houres since he came off victorious from a Combate, whereto he had beene challeng'd by the Prince of Morocco; and Achomat, Iphidamantus, and my selfe, were preparing our selves, to see him triumph over his enemies, and the Town he hath besieg'd; when Hamet brought us newes of his despaire: If Madam, I divine right, I know the cause, and can by consequence promise your Majesty to give an end to it. I do not doubt it, (repli'd Almanzaira) and how great soever our afflictions are, I hold them not past re∣medy, if you undertake the cure. A fairer hand then mine (said Polexander) must be imployed in so great a restauration, let it suffice that I know where 'tis to be had; and you have nought to doe but to render the patient capable of receiving what shall be prescribed for the assuring of his recovery. 'Twas thought Bajazet heard these last words, because he presently opened his eyes, and made plainly appeare, he had absolutely forgotten all he had done since his parting from Polexander. He arose, and knowing the Prince a∣mong so many strange faces, You see (said he) how fortune continues the signs of her ha∣tred: Abdelmelec is dead, Morocco is brought to the extremity, I have forced out of her Kings hands, that which made me proclaime warre against him, and yet am I more mise∣rable then I was before my victories: the happinesses I desire not, come head-long tum∣bling in at my pleasure; and that which I wish for, runs from me in what part of sea or land soever I follow it. Put out of your minde (repli'd Polexander) a beliefe which may be was true in times past, but is not now: you shall finde at Morocco, what you seek, there. Hely who deserves not the fruition of Axiamira, could have only her picture, but Almanzor, whose vertue can never be worthily enough recompenc'd, shall when he please possesse Axiamira her selfe. Bajazet, scarce giving Polexander leave to end what he had begunne, and besides not taking notice of one of them that were about him, imbrac'd our Heroë, and calling him often his Lord and Deliverer, Doe not (said he) deferre the execution of your promise: the happinesse you propose to me is so great, that you must give me leave to doubt of it, till mine owne eyes assure me. I refuse not the condition (an∣swered Polexadder) but what will the King your Father say, or the Queen your Mother thinke, if you goe hence without rendring them that to which nature and their good∣nesse bindes you? Bajazet started at those words, and looking about him, he not onely knew Zabaim (for he had often seen him) but beleeving who Almanzaira was, both by Almaids relation, and instinct of bloud, he cast himselfe at their feet, and besought them to pardon his present and forepass'd extravagances? 'Tis I (my sonne) said Zabaim that should aske to be forgiven for mine, and intreate you by my repentance, (which is the onely thing can winne you to a forgetfulnesse of my faults) to blot out of your memory all that I have made you suffer since the day of your birth. And I my sonne, said Alman∣zaira, (casting her selfe on Bajazets necke) beseech you to lay all the accidents of your life on the secrets of that Providence which cannot possibly faile, and to beleeve, that no fi∣nister thing hath betided you but for your better availe. Bajazet had many good things to say, but the imperious object of that beauty he wished for, not permitting him to have a thought for any other then her selfe, made him contract them into submissions and ex∣cuses. Almanzaira, who was incomparable in all her endowments, desirous to conferre a part of her contentment on her sons passion, intreated Polexander to acquit him of his promise, and not deferre a pleasure which might be the ruine of many others. Bajazet shall be satisfi'd (reply'd our Heroë) and his satisfaction shall be the more perfect, in that

for the receiving it he shall not lose the pleasure he takes in the sight of the King his fa∣ther and your selfe. What must I doe to be so happy? (cried Bajazet) with the impa∣tiency of a man truly passionate? nothing (said Polexander) but to goe from this ship into mine. Zabaim, who had at least gotten this advantage over his extreame amo∣rous inclination, to be the most civill of all men, said, That though Almanzor should once againe be jealous of him, he would be the first to see his ancient Mistresse. Pre∣sently there were plankes laid between the two ships, and not onely Zabaim but Al∣manzaira, (whom Polexander led) and the timorous Bajazet, went aboard our Heroe's ship. Achomat and Iphidamantus came to welcome them, and their complements en∣ded brought them into the cabin where Melicerta and Cydaria were. Almanzaira, who went in first, first saluted the two Princesses, and Polexander presenting his sister to her; See here madam (said he) the cause of all your sons discontent, I deliver her into your hands to be punished in a way proportionable to her offences. Almanzaira in stead of answering Polexander, addressed her selfe to Cydaria; I doe not (said she) beleeve you so guilty as your brother would perswade me; nor doe not thinke you are a stranger to me; 'tis long agone since I knew you, and if Polexander call to minde what he saw in my hermitage, he can tell you, how you kept me company there, and your picture was one of my principall ornaments. Cydaria, shewing her vertue by her modesty, and her wisdome by her answer; I was (said she to the Queen) most happy in a time when I esteem'd my self the most unfortunate Maiden alive; and by that which it hath pleas'd your Majesty to let me know, I acknowledge, fortune did justly handle me so cruelly, since in lieu of being thankfull for her favours, I accus'd her for want of pity and justice: I aske her pardon heartily, or rather, to shew my thankfulnesse for the good I have re∣ceived, to the person to whom I owe it, I persever in my continuall contempt of for∣tune, and cast my selfe at your feet to render you my humble acknowledgements for your exceeding favours. Madam (repli'd Almanzaira, having staid her from kneeling) I meane not that you shall so easily be acquitted of the debt you owe me: I desire you would give me the Originall, for the care I tooke in so well preserving the Copy; and that you will contribute somewhat to the safety of him that would have hazarded his life so often for you. Cydaria could not answer the Queene, because Zabaim, Acho∣mat, Bajazet and Iphidamantus, entring the cabin, they were ingag'd to begin new ci∣vilities. The King of Senega blush'd in seeing againe that face which had power to overcome all Zelopa's enchantments: Cydaria grew red too at the remembrance of some former passages; but she presently grew pale, and had much adoe to stand up∣right when she saw Bajazet between Achomat and Iphidamantus. Zabaim, as reform'd as he was, left not to be very pleasant and gamesome, and told Cydaria (after he had saluted her) he repented him not of his former perceptions. I found you faire in Guinea, (said he) I finde you faire in Morocco, and if I may speake it with awaking the jealousie of any that shall hear me, I love you no lesse now then I did then: yet there is this oddes, (he added, smiling) then I lov'd you with an intent to enjoy you my selfe, and now I love you that another may be happy in your fruition; I am certaine the per∣son will not displease you, for if my memory faile me not, I call to minde that you had no great mislike to him I would bestow on you. Cydaria, that had a flexible and pleasant wit, and who gracefully altered her discourse and humour, according to the di∣versity of such personages whom she would oblige, smil'd before she would answer Za∣baim, and casting her eyes downe a little. I do not remember (said she) ought of what your Majesty talkes to me: The accidents which are befalne me since I came out of Guinea, have so wrong'd my memory, that I have scarce enough left to keep me from not knowing my selfe. Zabaim in lieu of answering, went to take Bajazet, and pre∣senting him to Cydaria, Here's one (said he) will put you in minde of those things you have forgotten: I am sure he hath not; and there is nothing that betided you whereof he cannot give you an exact account. Bajazet would faine have borne a part in this franknesse of humour, but he was not master of his fancy: Love which is a severe God would▪ not have him jeast with his mysteries; he appear'd there before Cydaria, overjoy'd, but abashed and confused. If he had hope, he had feare too; no sooner did any heate appeare in his face, but it was called backe to its center, and forc'd to give place to a

chilnesse, which ftoze his bloud and made him as pale as death. Almanzaira did the part of a good mother in her sonnes extremity; she spoke to his Mistresse for him, and said so much, that she must have been farre lesse inclin'd then she was to beleeve it, if she had not been perswaded: after the father, the mother, the brothers and friends had laid the foun∣dation of this easie recomplement, they thought it best to leave the remainder to love. Bajazet had never a Second left to serve him against Cydaria, and Iphidamantus was a∣lone with Melicerta; whilst these foure lovers swumme in such delights which cannot be knowne nor expressed by those that love not; Zabaim, Almanzaira and Achomat equal∣ly satisfi'd, consulted together about the accomplishment of their childrens desires. Po∣lexander's Officers, who well knew their charges, had in the meane time prepar'd a feast worthy the company in their masters ship: the neatnesse and magnificence of it strove for priority, and though the sea have not those commodities which are found on land; the place yet where those Princes were entertain'd, made them see that Polexander was able to master all kinde of difficulties. During the repast, divers discourses were on foot, at last Iphidamantus was intreated by the company, to tell them by what meanes he fell againe (under the habit of a maiden) into the hands of the King of Morocco. Melicerta who had a farre greater desire then the rest to heare her lover, impos'd silence assoone as any one would speake, and shewing an attention even before Iphidamantus began his re∣lation, anticipated the pleasure she was to receive by it. Iphidamantus, loath his Mistresse should stay any longer in expectation of what he desired, began thus the sequele of his adventures.

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:

BAJAZET Generall of the Pirates, to HELY King of Morocco.

HAd I not farre more regard to what I owe my selfe, then I have in considering those violences wherewithall the unrulinesse of thy passions dishonours the later yeares of thy life, I would not solicite thee (as I doe) by Embassadours; but instantly imploy the justice of my armes to compell thee, by a severe chastisement to a repentance of thy crimes. Thou shouldst blush Hely, to have in thine old age those raging agitati∣ons, which are not allowed to young men, but that nature permits them not to be wiser; not that I declare my selfe against love, or by an indiscretion too common, blame that in another, which I thinke honourable in my selfe: I disallow such vices, which to be ap∣proved of, insolently put on the face of vertue: I utterly condemne all impurity, and I abhorre all disordinate affections and violences. In a word, I detest that madnesse by whose intemperance thou treatest like a slave a Princesse, that can raise in armes all Eu∣rope and Africa, for the subversion of thy tyranny. For mine owne part, who am the meanest of those which have dedicated their armes and lives to her service, I here protest to avenge her oppressed innocencie, if my Embassadours have not perswasion sufficient to prevent thine owne destruction, and give liberty to so many Princes as are fetter'd in the same irons wherein the faire Ennoramita is enthralled.

After I had read this Declaration of Bajazet, I cast mine eyes on Hely, and thinking to give him such counsell as he would not neglect; It shall not cost much (said I) the preven∣ting those disasters which threaten you, send me to Bajazet, it may be his affection will make him as cleere sighted as your selfe, and winne him to beleeve he hath found what he sought, when I am once in his hands. Rather cri'd Hely, let our great Mahomet perish from the memorie of the living, let me rather see mine Empire desolate, and the misera∣ble Hely crushed under the ruines of his Palace! With that he left me, and his naturall quicknesse rekindling I know not what remainder of fire in his frozen veines, he call'd for his armes, and denying to heare Bajazet's Embassadours any further, gave command

they should presently depart from Morocco. Those Rovers accustomed to cast forth their andacious threatnings, storm'd & thundred even within Morocco against her own King; and one of them throwing downe his Cymetar in the market place, I vow (said he to those that were about him) never to weare any againe, till I see my selfe and my Companions Masters of this City. This threate affrighted part of the Spectators, and gave the bold Pirate a brave passage through the astonish'd people. Assoone as Bajazet understood how his Embassadors had beene treated, he call'd his Councell, and desirous more and more to engage the Pirates in his designes, 'Tis no more (said hee) my sole interest that obliegeth you to besiege Morocco. 'Tis the honour of your former actions that calls you to its protection. The insolence of this barbarous King hath of a private quarrell made a publique injury. You are all wronged in the persons of your companions. Your honour, of which they were deposi∣taries in the qualities of your Embassadors, complaines of it by me, askes you Justice for Helie's impudency, and accounts you unworthy to live if instantly you run not to be avenged. The Pirates animated by so powerfull a speech, all at once swore the ruine of Morocco, and without delay came in a wonderfull order to land on both sides the towne. The Cavalry which was fallied would have opposed their landing, but the Ro∣vers artillery thundring among the Squadrons, soone left the shoare free. If Bajazet could indure to heare his owne praises, I would tell you how valour and Judgement wholly possessing him, triumph'd both on the power and wiles of Hely. The very first day the City was block'd up, and in lesse then fifteene more, (contrary to the generall opinion) it was so inclos'd, that even the Arabians, which make their way any where, were not cunning enough to get in. I will not relate to you the many brave combats were had during the two first months siege. I will onely speake of what concernes my selfe. The City was hard laid to, and the most part of the Inhabitants wanting what was necessary to maintaine life, murmur'd against Hely's folly, and spoake aloud, that 'twas fit to drive from the towne that secret plague which would quickly wholly ruine them. For my part I besought Hely to bethinke himselfe, to stop the torrent of the publique calamities, and not to hazard his people, his Crown, and his life for an extra∣vagancy. To these remonstrances, he was as deafe as he had beene to others, and said, that if he had not taken armes for my defence, yet would he have done it, to correct a company of theeves, who for sport sake were come to offend him. When I saw I could do no good on the old man, I sent for Abdelmelec, and told him, I held my selfe guilty of his Countries ruine, and the losse of his father, if I conceal'd any longer from him a thing that might put an end to the warre. Know therefore (said I) that I am not Ennoramita or rather Cydaria. I am Iphidamantus her brother; and Nature hath made us so like, that in many places where fortune hath led us, we have beene taken one for another. What I say is so easie to be proved, that you may instantly cleere the doubt. Give me such a habit as I ought to weare, bring me armour and before night I will shew you my actions shall not be those of a maiden. When you shall be so farre assur'd, I will go to Bajazet, and obliege him by my armes, or intreaty to acknowledge his error, and not to doe an injustice out of a desire to resent an injury. Abdelmelec shew'd a great deale of judgement and courage in his answer. I beleeve (said he) that you are Iphidamantus rather then Ennoramita, and aske no other proofes of it then those you gave at Tunis. If the King my father thinke it fit, I am of opinion you should be set at liberty, but shall never consent to your going to the Generall of the Pirates for an end of the siege. We have beene too much wrong'd, to hearken to an accommoda∣tion. We have beene beaten, and are so daily; 'tis fit we should have our turne too on our enemies, and repell by force the insolence of these theeves. I speake not this to hinder you from prosecuting your inclination. If the Generall of the Pirates be your friend, I advise you to do that which friendship expects from you. I will engage my self to give you clothes, armes, and horses, and to conduct you safely into his Campe. But assoone as you shall be there, I will hold you as one of my enemies; and in such occasi∣ons as the warre shall offer us, I thinke we have no consideration of one another. Ab∣delmelec (said I) your generousnesse makes me go from my proposition. I will speake

to you no more of peace or Bajazet; but expect for whom the chance of war will declare it self. For mine owne part, I sweare to you to thinke on no mans interest but yours, to vanquish or die with you; and betide what may, not to forsake you, till the death of one of us dispence with my promise. Assoone as I had made this Declaration, Abdelmelec imbraced me, and witnessing his resentment of my profers, I now (said he) beleeve indeed that you are a man, for your resolution cannot come but from a masculine heart. But keepe this businesse secret, that my fathers humourousnesse crosse it not: The next day Abdelmelec sent me clothes and armes, and both of us making use of the occasions offered by Hely's sudden sicknesse, wee made di∣vers sallies, in all which I went by the name of the unknowne Knight. I should be very vaine-glorious if I told you my presence rais'd againe the affaires of Mo∣rocco; but since you command mee to relate my adventures, I will not conceale my fighting so happily in divers conflicts, that Bajazet was constrained to recall the troupes hee had lodg'd on the side of Fez, and towards mount Atlas, as well to hinder any succour from the Moores, as to oppose the incursions of the Arabi∣ans. Wee seldome sallied but wee brought in prisoners or much incommodated Ba∣jazet's Campe. When a companie is reduced to the like extremitie as those of Mo∣rocco were, there needs no such wonders to be done for the getting a reputation a∣mong them. By this meanes, the unknowne Knight made himselfe so famous in so short a time, that his name came to the eares of the ficke King. He would needs see mee, and Abdelmelec must bring me to him, even with the hazard of being no more unknowne. But sicknesse had so altered the good old Kings senses, that he neither knew me by word or countenance. Many times hee imbraced me, and cal∣ling mee the tutelar Angell of Morocco, sent at need by his great Prophet, intrea∣ted the taking into my protection the safety of his people; and to expect from Abdelmelec those acknowledgements which death might perchance hinder him from rendring mee. I gave him many thankes for his profers and well-wishes, and told him, I hop'd his age would not alwayes be crossed, but that Heaven reser∣ved for him a peacefull and contented issue out of all his troubles: in the meane time I advised Abdelmelec to send to Fez for succour. But Granada's desolation, and the mortalitie or exile of that Kingdomes Subjects (before-time so flourishing) had so abated all the Moores courages, that they were farre more miserable in A∣frica then they had beene in Spaine. Their misfortune was still in their sight; they thought continually Ferdinand and Isabell were imbarking for Africa, and that great name of Cardinall of Spaine was a perpetuall cause of astonishment and feare. They still privately sent us victualls, and in such plenty, that from thence∣forward the Citizens of Morocco beleeved Bajazet would be inforced to raise his Siege. Some little time after, one of our Spies, (ill informed, as most common∣ly are such kinde of people) gave notice, that Bajazet was re-inforced by a migh∣ty succour, under the command of one of the prime Basha's belonging to the Grand-Signior. Thereupon Abdelmelec and my selfe resolved to make a power∣full sally, to discover their new aide, and know whether it were compos'd of Turkes or Africans. There was not in all the Siege so brave a conflict as at that time; we were in fight from morning till night; Abdelmelec incountred Baja∣zet, and I (not knowing him) buckled with my benefactor Achomat. Night onely severed us, after the losse of more then two thousand men on both sides. At last, wearied with the Siege, and perceiving the succours from Fez failing us; we must render our selves to their mercy, I got Abdelmelec to a resolution of determi∣ning all by a Duell. Wee therefore sent our Defye to Bajazet and Achomat, which they accepted; and each party being agreed on the conditions, we waited with equall impatience for the day on which this great difference was to be decided. Two dayes since I sent an intelligent Spy into Bajazet's Campe, and commanded him not to returne till hee knew certainly who the Basha was with whom I was to change blowes: last night he came backe, and related, that being stolne into Achomats Tents, he had learnt who he was, and for what cause he was come to the Siege

of Morocco: This newes so surpris'd me, that when Abdelmelec this morning came into my chamber, to conduct mee to the place appointed for our Combate, he found me still in my bed. He began to chide me for my sloath, and imbracing me with a great deale of love; Deare Iphidamantus (said hee) I have long time wished for this day: 'Twill tell mee what shall be my fortune, and one way or other, I promise to my selfe before night, I shall have no more to long for. Whilst hee talked thus, I got ready, and arm'd me; not for my defence, but to oblige Achomat to take his revenge of mee, and to hide my designe from the Prince of Morocco. You know (without doubt) this daye's successe, and how farre happier it hath beene to mee then Abdelmelec; I will therefore trouble you no further. Thus Iphidamantus ended the relation of his strange and sad Ad∣ventures.

The end of the first Book of the fourth Part of Polexander.