Aretina; or, The serious romance Written originally in English. Part first.

ARETINA; OR, The Serious Romance. (Book 1)

MELANCHOLY having lodged it self in the generous breast of Mo∣nanthropus (lately Chancellour of Egypt) did, by the chain of its Charms, so fetter the feet of his Reason, that nothing pleased him now but that whereby he might please that passion; think∣ing all time mispent which was not spent in its service, frequenting more Woods than Men, deeming them the only fit grove to sacrifice in, the choicest of his thoughts to the worst of passions. Wherefore, having one day wandred abroad in a neighbouring Desert, he came at last to a deep Valley, fruitfull of nothing but Trees, and Trees fruitfull of nothing but Me∣lancholy, overlookt by Rocks, in whose wrink∣••ed faces, aged Time had plowed thousands of deep furrows, whose gloomy brows threatned

perpetually to smother the subjacent Valleys; a place fit only to be (as it was presently) the hermitage of Melancholy and stage of Cruelty: He had not long stayed, when his admiration was arrested by a noise blown in his ears (as he thought) by the bellows of Death, yet se∣conded by a sight yet more horrid: for, he saw at some distance two Ladies, loaded with Iron sheckles, which chained them together, stript of their cloaths above the middle, and strypt by two cruel Rascals, who (albeit torture made the Ladies run) yet equalled the number of their lashes to that of their paces; and not far from them, were ten Gentlemen (as they seem∣ed by their habits) fighting against two Knights followed only by one Esquire; where courage seemed to combat against number, valour ma∣king the ten seem but three, and fear making the three seem ten; yet courage shew at last that it might be resisted by number, but could not be overcome by it; for, the death of six, forewarned the other four, that it was not time to stay: fear having left them only so much reason as to conclude, that seing they could not resist them, being ten, how could they re∣sist when they were but four? wherefore, leaving flouds of bloud to witnesse the gallan∣try of their conquering adversaries, they posted away: The Knights willing to pursue these

run-awayes (who had now added cowardis∣nesse to their former crimes) yet more willing to rescue the miserable Ladies, left these Ras∣cals to be punished by a torturing conscience, and the just gods, and spurred after the Ladies, who were presently abandoned by these Hang∣men; but Providence (which had borrowed their swiftnesse to lend it to their adversar••es) delivered these Villains into the hands of the pursuing Knights, who brought them back where the Ladies were, bathing themselves in their own innocent bloud: who having fallen on their feeble knees, the eldest of them weep∣ing, spoke thus; O noble Gentlemen, surely Providence had never created such silly crea∣tures as weak women, if they had not likewise provided such noble Champions as ye are to be guardians to their weak innocencie, and inno∣cent weaknesse: We acknowledge we are yours (if bloud be a price able to buy things of small value) neither can those to whom we belonged formerly pretend right any longer to us, no more than the first owners can pretend right to their goods, which being robbed from them by unjust Pirats, are after some time and dan∣ger regained by other true Conquerours; or Land taken by Vsurpers, is to be restored by a third Conquerour to its first masters: Hap∣pie we, who cannot by any postliminius right,

return to our former liberty, seing to be slaves to such masters is to be no slaves at all. But seing our tears are no fit recompence, for those tears of bloud which your bodies both have shed, and yet do shed for us, we shall cease to trouble you, whom we cannot requite.

But whilest they were admiring what was already spoken (wherein she shewed much Learning from whom no Learning could be ex∣pected) and whilst she was about to add more, Monanthropus, by his coming, interrupted, both the admiration of the one, and the discourse of the other, who, puzled whether to congra∣tulate the good fortune of the Knights, to re∣grate the misery of the Ladies, or to accuse the cruelty of those Rascals (with whom the Knights had made them to exchange fetters) who were now standing accused by their own roguish looks, yet at last he accosted the Knights thus: Gentlemen, albeit I might accuse you as strangers, for exercing any jurisdiction, much more the highest jurisdiction, in a stranger Na∣tion, yet your valour, your successe, and your cause, obligeth me to believe, that ye are com∣missionated by the immortal gods, to punish these Rascals, and to liberate these noble Ladies: for, seing such extraordinary feats as ye have done, are above the reach of such ordinary means as is mans strength, we must believe that

they are either perpetrated immediatly by su∣pernal or infernal powers; and seing the infer∣nal furies are not so much friends to innocency, as to help it, or so much enemies to cruelty, as to punish it, we must think, that ye have been aided by some divine power; therefore I shall rather admire than challenge you; for, to no purpose is the admirative faculty bestowed up∣on man, if it be not exercised in such cases as this: therfore let me beg of you to lodge with me this night, seing the condition of these La∣dies pleads for good accommodation, and there is none to be had for persons of either your or their quality, besides my house, whose best accommodation is, its nearnesse to this place. To which the tallest of these two Knights (named Megistus) replyed thus; Courteous Sir, neither ye, nor these Ladies, have reason to extol so much our courage, as to admire these fellows cowardishnesse, and to think that their guiltinesse was their strongest enemy, and that the veriest Coward could not but be stout in such a quarrel: but as to your proffer, albe∣it we thank you extreamly for it, yet we will wait upon these Ladies to shelter them from any future inconveniencie, and to see them be∣ginning to return from the region of death, wherein they seem now to enter; for, seing providence hath given them us for attenders, it

were a breach of trust to desert them. But the poor Ladies, (who were about not only to accept the proffered accommodation, but like∣wise to beg it before it was proffered) thanked Monanthropus for his kindnesse, and intreated the Knights to go alongst with them: which when they had accorded to, after much re∣luctancy, he mounted the Ladies behind the Knights, and whilst they paced slowly, both to case the Ladies, and to keep company with Mo∣nanthropus, who refused to ride upon Kalo∣dulus his horse (for so was he who served the Knights named) both Monanthropus, and the two Knights, joyned in a suit to the Ladies, that they would inform them both of the rise and tract of their so lamentable misfortune; especially Monanthropus, whose Melancholy appetite rellished nothing so well as what was sauced with novelty, to which the sweet Ladies easily condiscended; grief being like a Mine, which the greater vent it gets is the lesse noisome, as also knowing that the vil∣lany of their enemies would conciliat respect to their innocency; so the Lady who spoke formerly, broke off thus: Gentlemen, our fa∣ther (who was a Nobleman in Thracia) was one, who lived rather to study, than studied how to live; and who endeavoured more to treasure up Learning in himself, than Money

for his posterity, yet who never stained his blotlesse fame with either negligence, or pro∣digality; yet it was rather his fortune, than his merit, to be misconstrued by most of his neighbours, and mainly for his retirednesse; some thinking that he conversed not with them because he thought them unworthy to be con∣versed with; others thought his retirednesse flowed from his being conscious to some im∣perfection in himself, which made him unfit for conversation; So that as the one hated him for his supposed pride, so the other undervalu∣ed him for his supposed unworthinesse: Nei∣ther was there a third sort wanting, who judg∣ed that it was peavishnesse, which confined him at home, fearing lest he should be induced to spend when he came abroad: Thus he lived, educating his children, me especially, in ordi∣nary Learning, scorning alwayes those who thought knowledge rather a burden, than a qualification to those of our sex, and that it was enough to a woman to know how to bring forth children: for, said he, seing nature hath been more a step-mother to women, than to men, giving them shallower judgments than to men, It appears to have been natures mean∣ing, and it should be their endeavours, to sup∣ply by pains that natural imperfection: and seing they are given as helpers to men, how

can they help him, except they understand how to do it? and also, seing they should recreate man in his solitarinesse, how can they do that without some knowledge? Having spent thus his short life, he was at last invited by death, to go and receive the reward of his vertue. After his death, two Gentlemen (even those two, who first assaulted these worthy Gentlemen) whom conversation rather than affection (for they were not capable of any such impression) had made rather comrades than friends, and who conversed together rather out of necessi∣ty than choice, because others hated them so as that they would not converse with them; or else, they fearing to be checked for their escapes, would converse with none but with themselves, whose mutual escapes pleaded for mutual pardon. These two came in suit of us two, who were two sisters, the only daughters of our father; but their spotted same before they came, and their imperious carriage after, made us not only not love their persons, but even abhor their very names: which they, af∣ter some time, perceiving, intended to extort by compulsion, what they could not willingly obtain from us; whereupon, our only bro∣ther being sick, and hearing that our mother resolved to consult a neighbouring Astrologer, bribed so his corrupt judgement, as that he

promised to tell her, that nothing could ransom our brothers life, but our pilgrimage to Del∣phus, there to sacrifice two Turtles for him to Apollo. We, who thought nothing too dear for us, when compared with our dear brother, resolved to undertake the journey, and being dismist, loaded both with our mothers tears and jewels, we had not travelled twelve miles, waited upon only by two Gentlemen, our cou∣sins, and two maids, when at the entry of a Wood we were assaulted, or rather surprised, by ten Gentlemen, masked, our cousins assoon slain as seen, and poor we, taken captives by those of whom we knew nothing, save only that by their masks we might know that they intended some villany which they durst not avow; our maids being sent away we knew not where, and our selves captives we knew not to whom, amazement seized so on us, as that we feared we knew not what: but to screw up our misfortunes to the highest pin, our two Lovers unmasked themselves, O what torment was it to us, to behold our Tormen∣tors! and especially in a place where none could either pity, or relieve us; and we became now like fools and children, who think it a great happinesse not to see the authors of their un∣happinesse, which makes them, when they are assaulted by any fear, cover their heads; but

they who hasted to enjoy that, which when they had enjoyed, would doubtlesse have sligh∣ted, began to unmask their minds aswell as their faces, and told us plainly, that we behoved either to love, or die; a word as strange as cruel: For, how can the chill coldnesse of con∣straint kindle the real flames of true love? And seing force is able to make those who formerly loved, thereafter hate, how can it make those who once hated, therafter love? but they who understood as little true love, as they practised true modesty, did most impertinently impor∣tune us to accept them for our husbands, swea∣ring, when they could not perswade us by threats, that we were the maddest women breathing who refused to bewives to such gal∣lant Gentlemen, and Mistrisses of so large for∣tunes; recounting to us sometime their valiant acts, and sometime questioning their prepared servants anent the state of their thriving af∣fairs, not forgetting to number hundreds of Mistrisles whom they had slighted for us, and how many sighed for them, albeit they sighed for us. This discourse, albeit unpleasant in it self, yet seemed more unpleasant because of the discoursers gestures and antick modes, which could have perswaded strangers, that they er∣red purposly to make us laugh; at last they led us to a Cave in the bosome of a Rock, which

seemed to be Deaths chamber of presence, pa∣ved with mire, and tapistred with slime and cobwebs: here we were welcomed by an old Hag (the Nurse of my Lover) whose face I thought at first, had been masked with some terrible mask, but at last I perceived, that Na∣ture had conjoyned swarthy colours with ugly shapes, to shew that Art could not outstrip her in making an horrid face; her words, ecchoed by the hiddeous Rock, seemed to be the cryes of the damned spirits, when they are punished in Hell for their misdemeanours.

Our accommodation could only brag of its suitablenesse for ugly things, so corresponded with ugly things, as ye would have sworn, that every thing contended which should be most ugly: a sheep was eaten half alive, and sent bleating to their bellies, and their bread which seemed to be knead gravel, was eaten as gree∣dily as if it had been the finest flowre; at sup∣per she began to accuse the Courtiers for nice∣••y, in imploying knives and napkins, and swore by her black kirtle, that the reason why Ladies did eat so little at Table, was, because they did eat so largely in their Chambers. Thus having spent the night lying on the ground (a Bed never made since the Creation) we longed for the morning, which came no sooner than we wished it had been past, and thought that the

Sun by its slow motion, intended likewayes to conspire with our other Tormentors: Yet af∣ter some four dayes stay, the immortal Gods, who knew our innocency, decreed our delivery, by a way as unexpected as the delivery it self: for, the fore-named Mathematician, who be∣gan now in his solitude to consult the Stars, whereas he had formerly in his poverty con∣sulted his Purse, did one morning acquaint the Lovers that he did read their ruine in the Face of Heaven, if they dismist us not: this Diur∣nal, from such a place, and such a person, did so allarm their already frighted consciences, that they resolved to quit us, meerly, because they found they could not keep us: wherefore fearing lest our return to our own Countrey, should be a mean to banish them from theirs, they resolved to bring us over here to Egypt with our faces covered, that our punishment might be the greater, and our return the more uncertain: after that fashion did they lead us three dayes (never considering that Heaven saw us, albeit we saw not it) till at last, like Serpents, who carry their sting in their tails, they resolved to make the last act of their cru∣elty the worst, making our Tragedy like all other Tragedies, whose most deplorable event is represented in the last Scene: Wherefore, finding this Wood correspond with their de∣sires,

they committed us to these cruel Tygres, who had avenged their masters affronts, and ended our miseries, if the arrival of those Gen∣tlemen had not prevented both.

This story and their journey ended both equally, and they were as much solaced by the one, as wearied by the other: and now they began to descry the top of the much longed-for Castle, and being entered in a sweet Alley, which was guarded on both sides by Walnut, Chesnut, and Cipress trees, which decored ex∣treamly the Avenues to the Castle, they were saluted by four Gentlemen cloathed in blue Sattin, who were attending Monanthropus's▪ return, which was later that night than ordi∣nary; the Knights and Ladies finding their re∣spect betrayed formerly, by the meannesse of Monanthropus exteriour garb, did, in a most submissive manner, crave him pardon, and be∣stowed upon him now, with its interest, what respects they had ignorantly detained from him formerly, and the younger of the two Knights (called Philarites) commissionated, by the assenting looks of his Companions, spoke thus:

My Lord, nature having levelled all men as to what can be seen, and strangers knowing no∣thing more of one another, than what instru∣ction nature bestows on them, their ignorance deserves pardon, if they homologate not their

first errours, by their after continuance in them▪ and we see Magistrates carry before them the Ensigns of their Offices, Gentlemen followed by their Liveries, and Knights of Orders carry the Badges of their Honours, as beacons to warn strangers not to split upon the rocks of either disrespect, or incivility: which shews, by the rule of contraries, that strangers may be pardoned, albeit they deny respect to those who wear not Honours Livery; and albeit we might have seen in your Honours face and car∣riage, the impression of more than ordinary majesty, yet the confusion wherein we were, may plead our innocency. Monanthropus, whose humour and age made him averse from ceremony, told them, that their generous car∣riage did oblige him too much, and that their Apologie had prevented his; for albeit they had cunningly vailed their Births, yet their Ge∣nerosity did somewhat draw aside the curtain, and did let the most undiscerning eye see some∣what more of Nobility, than their modesty did discover by discourse.

The Knights and he having skirmished a little thus in complement, he intreated the Knights to hand up stairs the weary Ladies; for their age and pains had merited better their hand, than he had done or could do. At the top of the stairs, they entered an Antiparlour,

richly tapestred with hangings, representing Paris choice when he bestowed the Apple up∣on the fairest (which seemed to be not only a relation of what was past, but also a prophecy of what was to be acted shortly upon that stage) there they were welcomed by a Lady, rather grave than old, followed by a troup of rare Beauties; where (notwithstanding the rest seemed only to be black patches to set off with the greater advantage the beauty of a young Lady who was Monanthropus his daughter, a Lady so accomplished, as if Nature in her, had like that old Painter, borrowed a tra••te from the greatest Beauties in the world to adorn one) Philarites, after Megistus and the La∣dies had saluted all, and after as he himself had saluted the mother, coming to salute the daughter, and bowing as low as the verge of her garment, being deserted by strength, and over∣powered by admiration, did Fali dead at her feet. The wounded Ladies, surprized by his fall, did shout, and by that shout astonished more than formerly, the already commiserating by-standers, who began already to sacrifice thousands of tears to his departed ghost, and were sending their sad cryes to accompany to the Elisian fields his lovely soul; mean while, his admiration which had intimated to his in∣ternal bloud and spirits the admirable beauty

of ARETINA (so was the young Lady called) sent his bloud gushing out at his veins, every drop striving with its fellow which should first see that hyerogliphick of comlinesse; but he, poor Gentleman, lay as if his soul and body had been divorced in the Court of Heaven, for it refused to return to its old lodging, notwith∣standing of the many invitations given it, both by the skill of the Physician, and care of the Ladies: at last some blushes began to appear as the avantcurriers of life, which did somewhat animate the company, whose faces reflected formerly the paleness that appeared in his, each being willing even to wear deaths livery for his sake; at last he began by groans, to vomit up his Melancholy, and to stretch his arms, which when Megistus perceived, he caused carry him to his chamber, where they put him in bed, not fully yet recovered. Thereafter Monan∣thropus and his Lady waited first upon the un∣known Ladies, and thereafter upon Megistus to their Chambers, where Supper was dressed up for them, and two maids were allowed the Ladies for attendants: but Megistus, fearing that Philarites grief might prove desperate, (great Spirits producing nothing which is not great, and as the greatest fires have the grea∣test flames) resolved, by his wit to assist his friends patience; wherefore calling for Kalo∣dulus

his servant, he commanded him to con∣vey himself secretly up to the Seiling of the Chamber, and to take a hollow tree with him, through which he should (after he found Phi∣larites awake, and beginning to complain) cry with a counterfeit voice, Philarites, the gods, as a reward of thy vertue, have allowed thee ARETINA for thy Wife; and, to confirm thee in this truth, have desired thee to send to morrow to that great Oak, which is sacred to Iupiter, and there thou shalt find a Ring, with this inscription, Believe the Gods (for Megi∣stus had gotten such a Ring from one of his fathers Magicians, who had foretold him many fortunat events, and at his departure had be∣stowed this Ring upon him) Kalodulus, whose love to Philarites made him both willing to undertake, and cunning in the accomplishment, of this enterprise, did secretly climb up where he was desired, and where he could not be dis∣covered because of the darkness of the night; and after half an hours stay, Philarites began to groan, and to second his groans thus: O unfortunate Philarites! hath passion cut the throat of thy reason, or hast thou lost thy wit with thy bloud? wilt thou willingly enter the lists, where stronger spirits have been defeated by weaker enemies, than that lovely object thou saw this evening? wilt thou render thy

self uncapable to be Megistus friend, and thy fathers heir, for a fancy which is unpracticable? Yea, which is more, Wilt thou derogate from that Ladies worth, by daring to stile thy self her Lover? Either thou must conceal thy pas∣sion, and then why lovest thou? else thou must vent it, and then declare thy self distracted. Kalodulus, who waited this opportunity, spoke as he was taught, and that so cunningly, as that Kalodulus passed really for Mercury (the trunche-man of the Gods) in Philarites conceit: whereupon, falling in an extasie of re∣spect to the Gods, and of joy for the message, he gave Kalodulus leasure to retire himself to his bed, where feigning that he was asleep, Philarites called for him, asking if he heard any thing? who answered, No, sure, for he was asleep: but the other pressing an answer, Kalodulus said, that it was only the effects of his distemper. The night being past, Phila∣rites entreated Kalodulus, to go and dig under the root of the sacred Oak, to see what he could find. But Kalodulus, after some faint disswasion, was at last willing to go: where having gone, he seemed to dig, and at last found the Ring (which he could not miss, seing it was in his pocket) with which he returned to his master, telling him, to aggrage the matter, that he found it wrapt up in an Oaken Leaf.

This trick of Leg••rdemain was proven by Phi∣larites, his hope to be a vision, and did so ani∣mate him, that he was in greater danger to have died for joy now, than he was to have died for grief formerly, like a Lamp extingui∣shed by too much Oyl, the soul in that resem∣bling the body, which is soonest surfeted by the best of viands.

Whilst they were canvassing this strange bu∣sinesse, Megistus (who being anxious of the event, had risen timously) knocked at the door, and being entered, he began to enquire how he had rested. Philarites commanding Kalodu∣lus to retire, imbracing Megistus, said, Dear Comrade, since the soul of two friends seems to be but one soul bilocated, and lodged in two bodies, which is notwithstanding, not a whit the lesse one soul, no more than the same soul ceaseth to be the same, because it is altogether in the arms, altogether in the head, and in other distinct members: seing then we are ani∣mated by the same soul (whereof yours is the nobler part) how can, or why should, we be strangers to one anothers joyes or griefs? My extasie yesternight told you all I can tell you this morning; but albeit it had concealed it, yet I would not. Ye saw how ARETINA'S face disarmed my courage, and forced me to render before I could put my self in a posture

of defence; I am love and hers martyr, at which word he trembled. Megistus, who resolved to solace his friends Melancholy, an∣swered: It cannot be you love; for else loves flames would never suffer you to tremble, which is the ordinary effect of cold.

Alas, said Philarites, seing none can be∣hold ARETINA, and not love her, I fear we are Rivals. Truly, replyed Megistus, I love her also; but the difference is, that it ap∣pears ye love her as your Mistris, and I love her as a compleat Lady; and albeit I loved her as my Mistris, yet the love I carried to her would strike sail to the respect I bear to Philarites. Alas, said Philarites, the ••irst part of your discourse makes me think, that you have not remarked ARETINA, and the second part makes me think, that ye who knows every thing else, knows not what it is to love. No, no, replyed Megistus, as my eyes cannot be so far mistaken, as to mistake the Case for the Watch, so neither can my judgement be so hallucinated as to love the Body in stead of the Soul: it is not beauty that I admire either in her or you (albeit both be lovely) no, it is your vertue, which seing I know to be real in you, whereas it is but presumptive in her, I cannot chuse but love you better: But, Philarites, ye jest, when ye say ye love; can it be that your

courage, which hath resisted so many men, is not able to resist one woman? stain not your wisdom by loving, before ye know the object to be lovely: stain not your birth, by loving a subject, ye who are born a Prince; stain not your duty, by chusing a Wife before you con∣sult your Father, take a Wife from his hands from whom ye have received every thing else: for, it is not just that he should not chuse her, who is to be Princess of his Kingdoms, and Mother to his Heirs; and seing by the Law of Nations an Heir cannot marry without the Su∣periours consent, why shovld it be lawfull to you to marry without the consent of your Father, who being your Prince, is your Supe∣riour.

Philarites was about to answer, but was interrupted by Monanthropus, his Lady, and his Daughter, who were entring the Chamber; Salutations being mutually exchanged, and the Ladies seated, Megistus craved the Lady par∣don for their yesternights trouble: for, said he, Madam, if your modest looks, and the ex∣perience we have of your civilities, made us not expect that your goodnesse would seal us a pardon, we might think our selves as unfor∣tunate, as now we have reason to extoll our good fortune, which hath given us your Ladish. to be our physitian, and your house to be our

hospital; the gods, whose service ye respect principally, must be your paymasters: and as for us, all we can do, is to imploy in your ser∣vice all that remnant of bloud which ye have conserved in our veins. Sir, replyed the noble Lady, the protection of these noble Ladies is a debt which all our sex is not able to requite, and it were an unpardonable sin against the im∣mortal gods, to abandon two Gentlemen, whom they look upon as their Minions; Gentlemen, pardon ye your bad entertainment, and your complementary guilt shall be easily pardoned. Having thus ended, she asked how Philarites rested, and what he needed? But Megistus fearing lest ARETINA'S presence should re∣inflame him, and knowing that they who were in feavers should not sit so near the fire, en∣treated the Ladies and Monanthropus to leave him to the care of Doctor Diet, and Doctor Quiet, healths ordinary Physicians, which they did, and went away, accompanied by Megistus, to visit the unknown Ladies; where they found them, entertaining themselves with two Lutes, lent them by their attenders: their Lutes and their Voices strove for preference, yet the Voice carried the applause; and no wonder, seing it is the instrument which the gods them∣selves have fabricated. Their musick joyned to the description Monanthrop. had made of them

to his Lady and Daughter, did so indear the Ladies to them as that still thereafter during their aboad it was hard to separate them, Mon∣anthropus desiring to satisfie his curiosity, and curious to know a person he so much admired, desired Megistus to fetch a walk, leaving the Ladies to their private entertainments.

So going abroad, he conducted him to a Gar∣den, all enamelled with Flowers, chequered all alongst according to their several colours; and thereafter to an Aviary, wherein grew many fragrant odoriferous Trees, wherein Birds of all Nations, and of all colours, nested, and withall shadowed a Walk, wherein one would hear their dissonant voices conspiring to make one melodious harmony, which seemed to be Natures Lute, and which shewed how hard it is for Art to imitate Dame Natures perfection; here Monanthropus used every morning and evening to recreate both his ears and eyes, with variety both of notes and colours, contrariety here producing as pleasant effects, as it useth to produce unpleasant elsewhere: from this they went to a Mount, whose ascent was facilitated by stairs of Marble, and whose stairs was sha∣ded with Orange trees, budding continually, betwixt each two whereof stood a Basin of Marble, whence issued waters of divers colours, receiving their tinctures from Minerals, pur∣posly

concealed; upon the top of this Mount stood a house of pleasure, gilded above, and all struck out in windows, the residue of the wall being strong Cristal, whose reflections upon the gilding, did cast a curious lustre; there stood a pair of Organs, moved with a Water-work, with which three cages of Birds, made a melo∣dious consort; above this was a Closet, re∣pleat with Mathematical Engins, whence Mo∣nanthropus observed all the heavenly motions: thence they were called to Dinner, where at the entry of the Palace they perceived a young Pedant, who was seating a Lady on horsback, and would needs have the Gentleman who was in the saddle turn the right side of the horse; for, said he, the noblest side should be given to a Lady: but so it is that the right side is the noblest, Ergo. This forced Monan∣thropus against his inclination to laugh mer∣rily.

After Dinner, Monanthropus and Megistus walked to the Bibliothick, which was richly tapestred with Books, each Science having its own division, and the chief Authors, drawn by a most exquisite Pencil, standing above; the floor paved with Marble, cut out in the shapes of Globes and Spheres: They had scarce fetcht two or three turns here, when Monanthropus (whose Melancholy hungred to be fed with the

Legend of Megistus Life) smiling, said; Sir, it is somewhat unmannerly, yet most ordinary, amongst strangers to inquire after one anothers extraction, and the more it is concealed, the more our curiosity is set on edge; men think∣ing every thing that is hid, like to the hidden Minerals, which the deeper they are concealed in the bowels of the Earth, are so much the more precious; and man hunting happiness (a prey which he shall never catch in this world) and not finding it in what he knows, concludes that it lurks in that which is concealed from him; and man concluding that each desires to reserve for himself what he finds most excel∣lent, imagines that every thing which his neighbour conceals, must be excellent, because he reserves that for himself; others enquire after mens secrets, because they dream, that once having known anothers secrets, they have the revealer at their devotion; Yet, Sir, I hope, that as your generosity will not jealouse me, so your goodnesse will satisfie my enquiry. Megistus who found it an obligation he owed to Monanthropus's civilities, replyed thus: My Lord, albeit my reason did at first, and my experience hath since, taught me the expedi∣ency of masking my condition, yet your fa∣vours have prevailed against both; wherefore, Sir, ye shall know that I am Son to the King

of Ethiopia, and that whilst I lived at my Fa∣thers Court, I began to reflect upon the great advantages that did accrue to Princes by their travels; for these are the mirrours wherein Princes may see their own blemishes, which their own subjects may sometimes laugh at, but will never discover to them: as also the want of foreign languages (which they learn in their travels) obliges them to reveal to In∣terpreters the most mysterious affairs of State, when they treat with strangers Ambassadors, and makes them unfit to pry into their scope; likewise their travels acquaints them with the humours and interests of other Nations, wher∣in homebred Princes are sometimes cheated, and often mistaken; by these Princes are obliged to moderate their passions, to inure themselves to hardship, and to converse with men of all con∣ditions: Another advantage they have like∣wise, which is, that by travelling whilest they are young, they conceal many imperfections, which, to their great losse, their youth would have discovered, if they had lived at home. These and many such considerations, prompted me to travel, and to disguise my name and birth, which, as it forced me to spend lesse, so it capacitated me to learn more than else I could have done. So having come over to Athens, the general rendezvous of all great Spirits, I

did there meet Philarites, whose fame and excellent qualities made me cull him out for my intimate Comrade: but, Sir, I will reserve this story for his own narration, that so he may have somewhat to gratifie your Lordship with, his and my condition having robbed us of all other opportunities of doing your Lordship the least pleasure. Monanthropus glad of this discovery, but sorry for his former mistake, did intreat Megistus to remember the Apologie he had made the other day, whereat Megistus smiling, said, That all the reparation of ho∣nour which he required, was his Lordships se∣cresie in a matter of such importance, and that he desired likewise, rather out of custom than out of fear, and desired that his Lordsh. should not think it detracted from the confidence he placed on his ingenuity, seing the most intire, and the least jealous friends will desire the like, meerly to signifie that they look upon what is related as a thing wherein they desire secresie, which their friends would else take for matters of no such moment; and withall he intreated, That his Lordship would acquaint him with the true state of affairs, as they stood for the time in that Nation wherin he now sojourned, Seing Intelligence was the soul of Policy, by which it was animated, and without which Statesmen could neither foresee nor shun in∣conveniences;

and of all intelligence that was to be preferred, which was had by one who had been an actor, as his Lordship was; To which Monanthropus courteously replyed, Your Highness (which title Megistus conjured him not to make use of, lest by it he should be deci∣phered) by your command compells me to do what none but ye could gain from me, for that discourse will reflect upon and detract from my native country, of whose honour I would be as tender as of my Mothers (for seing I am come out of its bowels, I do in a manner esteem it my Mother) as also my narration may seem to receive a false tincture from my discontent∣ment, neither is it fit to make such relations to strangers, who may glean from it some of the hidden Maximes of our State, the concealment of which would make the discourse seem emp∣ty, and would leave you, Sir, (seing I must term you so) most unsatisfied; yet seing that same providence which hath sent you thither, perswades me that it hath singled you out, as a Physician to cure our maladies, I shall conceal none of our infirmities from you. Wherefore, Sir, ye shall know, that this Kingdom, (which is one of the first Lodgings given to poor mor∣tals by the immortal gods) was governed al∣wayes by Kings, and to abridge my story (lea∣ving to history what may be learned from it)

Plistus, father to our present Monarch, was a good, but a simple Prince, whereof his Nobles taking advantage, sought to settle the Govern∣ment really in their persons, that they might imploy the publick treasure, to repair the brea∣ches which their profuse luxury had made in their private fortunes, and the power and ho∣nour of the State to satiate their unsatiable am∣bition: wherupon, first, six, and then moe, com∣bined amongst themselves, and against their Prince, which Plistus, simple in other things, but witty in this, perceiving, became almost distracted with fear, yet providence diverted that blow, which doubtlesse else had murdered both him and his Kingdom; for Mal••hus the Mufty (for so they call our High-Priest) con∣vocating all the Priests (whose number the la∣ziness and superstition of our Nation hath made infinit) to a solemn Assembly, went and secret∣ly proffered his service and assistance to his Prince, whose hatred to the Nobles, and whose fear of the event, had made him willing, not only to accept, but even to desire the aid of his subjects; the King having first thanked, and then condescended to imbrace his proffer, they plotted the extirpation of the complotting Noblemen, which was thus acted: The Noble∣men and the Priests meeting in Alexandria about the same time, Malchus having taken

an oath both of secresie and obedience from all of them, unfolded to them the complot of the Noblemen, and how the King had none to con∣fide in besides them, whose courage might make in one instant, their Countrey and their King eternally happy; he likewise shewed them proof of the Noblemens treason, and of the Kings pleasure: Whereupon, all assenting, he went by way of procession, carrying the Image of Apollo streight to the Lodging where the Noblemen were assembled, where having seized upon them, and upon their papers, which had been shewn him by one of their Secretaries, whom he had bribed, he was presently rescued by the King, who commanded the flocking people to retire home: The King in requitall of this courtesie, advanced presently Malchus to be Chancellour of the Nation, wherein at first he evidenced both so much wit and mode∣ration, as that the gods themselves seemed to be his cabinet counsel; yet at last his ambiti∣on, which he had all this time keeped chained by prudence, did at last break prison, and he treated privately with some of the imprisoned Nobles, to ransom themselves by marrying his Neeces, which they willingly accorded to; he likwise perswaded the King that it would blunt extreamly the edge of the peoples envie, and would strengthen extreamly the Kingdom,

whose noble parts the Nobles were, and con∣sequently whose weaknesse would weaken the body; and that wise Kings should be like wise Physicians, who should never cut off a diseased member, if there be any hopes to cure it; he sent abroad upon foreign imployments all the active Spirits, fomented all the old jea∣lousies, and created new betwixt the Nobles, so that the King by curing himself of one dis∣ease (as it hapneth in the usage of all nimious and vehement cures) fell in another, as (if not more) dangerous, Malchus, finding that one of his own countrymen was unfit to be his Mi∣nion and Successour after his death, did chuse one Sophander a Grecian (who had been resi∣dent at the Court for the Athenian Senate) to be his Favourite: for, he imagined that if he had chosen a Nobleman of his own Nation, he might have supplanted him; and if he had chosen a base and low-born Gentleman, his extraction being notorious to all the Nation, might have rendred him despicable; and a stranger uncertain of any assistance, behoved to rely upon him: besides, wanting both friends and foes in the Nation, he would impartially without either connivance or revenge, execute all his commands. This fellow, became his creature (and he might well be called so, be∣cause he made him of nothing a potent prince)

others alledged, that because the people did belch out so many injuries against Malchus for his avarice (making his private chests the publick treasure) saying, that he was in the politick body, like the spleen in the natural, whose growth did proportionally occasion the leannesse of the other members: therefore he choosed this Sophander (whose avarice was his greatest, if not his only vice) that they might after his death by collationing their lives, ex∣toll his ambition by comparing it with his suc∣cessours avarice.

Now all the Court began to adore Malchus in Sophanders person, each one foreseeing that any imp, ingrafted on such a root, would one day flourish extreamly, and that its shadow should one day be able to shelter those who retired under it, from either the cold chilnesse of poverty, or the scorching flames of envie; yea, the King himself caressed exceedingly this Infant Minion, but so cautiously as that he seemed rather to love him in obedience to Mal∣chus his desire, than out of any secret inclina∣tion to Sophander, or aversion from Malchus, albeit these two passions were really the legs whereon his passion did walk. Thus Malchus did by the hand of his pleasure sway the Scep∣tor of Soveraignity, his fancy being the sole and supream Judge, even in matters of the

greatest importance, from whose sentence the Royal Throne it self durst receive no appeal, and whose smiles were the greatest reward that the proudest Egyptian durst pretend to; the office of Chancellour became too narrow an orb for this great Planet to move in: where∣fore, as an extraordinary person, he must have an extraordinary imployment, and must be ad∣vanced to be first Minister of State, a title not understood by us, and never heard of by our Ancestors, but which suited well with his am∣bition, both being boundless. None durst now dispute his power, seing none could pretend to know it; and seing the King himself was, who could repine against the condition of a subject? Nothing was presented to him now, but what was confected with the sugar of flattery: not a word dropped from his mouth, but was in∣stantly received in Fames most sacred vessels; and the most erroneous of his actions, were canonized as example for posterity; Yet fear (the ordinary Lacquey of greatness) began to tell his conscience in the ear, that he was ra∣ther adored than loved, by those who even lo∣ved him best, which made him resolve by the news of his death, to try whether it was love or fear that made the humours of his Compa∣triots so plyable; in order to this design, feig∣ning himself first sick, and then blazing abroad

his death by the mouth of his Physicians, did by the dissembled closure of his eyes, open the fond mouthes of the unwary Courtiers, who were glad to find an occasion to vomit up that poysonous malice, which had even by its ve∣nom almost destroyed the vessels wherein it was keeped; but the next morning the Physi∣cians told that his soul had but lurked in, and not fled from his apoplectick body, and he him∣self being recovered, did deal death most libe∣rally amongst those who were so liberall of their characters of him, whilest they supposed that he was dead. Yet at last death did show, that the armour of greatness was not proof against its darts, and did hurry him away, cur∣sed by all, and lamented by none, the people supposing they had buried him and their mise∣ries in one tomb, did now coin thousands of hopes in the mint-house of their expectation; but their miseries which had begun to ebb by Malchus death, did now begin to flow afresh by the Succession of Sophander, whom the Queen (fearing that the Nobles who did not obey him who was both their Countryman and their Prince, would far lesse obey her, whose reign was but temporary, and whose sex was but fragile) did after the death of her husband, who survived not long Malchus, choose him for her Confident. The young Kings name

served them for a rampart against all oppositi∣on, and his infancy made the uproars of her enemies be looked upon as a sin greater than Treason, being committed both against the Majesty of a King and the Infancy of a Childe, and rendred them criminal both as men, and subjects. Yet this same innocency which made the opposers so guilty, did likewise give time and life to the far more heinous crimes of the defendants. Sophander having got the Tutory of the young King, acquainted him with all the pleasures which might alienate his mind from affairs of greater importance, but keeped him alwayes a stranger to the Mysteries of State, as things which would certainly disquiet, and might possibly break his spirit: telling him, that it was too soon for him to have his Crown lined with the black Sables of Care, and that he might in his youth commit some Solicismes of State, which might for ever stain his Royall repute: he likewise retarded his Marriage, fea∣ring lest anothers worthiness should fill the room, which he unworthily had gotten in his Princes heart; till at last, overpowered by ne∣cessity, he matched him with a neighbouring Princess, whose pliable humour might rather be subservient than destructive to his greatness, I (who had been promoted to be Chancel∣lour immediatly after Malchus death) became

now the eye-sore of Sophanders avarice, for he thought my charge void, because it was not filled with one of his Partisans, who might at last like small rivers discharge themselves in the ocean of his Treasures: whereupon I, who scorned like those other Asses, to carry Gold to his bottomless Coffers, did resolve rather to shelter my self in the Sanctuary of a private life, than to bow the top-sail of my integrity to the flag of his ambition; wherefore I re∣tired to this place and condition, which I have alwayes since found a harbour able to shelter me from the most violent storms of pride and avarice, wherewith those are shattered, who sail in the ocean of Court-luxury. This dis∣course did extreamly satisfie Megistus judg∣ment, and kindle his courage, and Monan∣thropus perceiving the coals of his courage once kindled, did by the bellows of wit and occasi∣on, endeavour to adde heat to excite the flames which he found already kindled; and it was re∣solved at last that Eudoxa the elder of these two Ladies should go to Alexandria, where she should stay till by Bonaria's intercession (so was Monanthropus Lady called) she might be admitted to be one of Agapeta (the Kings daughters) Ladies of honour, where she might be serviceable to their designs, and a stirrup wherby Megistus might the more easily mount the saddle of preferment.

Let us now return to visit Philarites, whose love had plunged him in the ditch of Melan∣cholly irrecoverably, who loved nothing in himself except the love he carried to ARETI∣NA, whose good fortune he notwithstanding cursed a thousand times, because it had placed her above the reach of his courtesies, the skil∣full pencile of his passion did draw ARETI∣NA'S portracture upon every object that pre∣sented it self to his sight; and his noble heart, which was formerly Mars his shop wherein he forged thousands of heroick thoughts, became now an Altar whereon he sacrificed daily his dearest faculties to his lovely ARETINA, his Reason, which had still been the steersman in all his former courses, did in this tempest of Melancholy abandon its charge, presumption assured him, that providence and foresight in this case, were but cowardishness; for, how could one of his courage, especially engaged in such a quarrel, fear Armies of inconveniences? On the contrary, fear assured him that his hopes were meer presumption; for, how could the divine ARETINA be merited by a stranger, destitute of friends and attenders? and how could he think that she who knew the value of every thing, would bestow her self upon one who did not merit her? Thus passion warred against passion, but all of them conspired against

Philarites, who, deserted by reason, and as∣saulted by passion, was brought to so low a passe, as that neither the skill of the Physician was able to recruit his body, nor the perswa∣sions of Megistus able to settle his confused spirits. But that which afflicted him most, was, that occasion never propined him with an op∣portunity of meeting with ARETINA all alone, till at last occasion repenting of the seve∣rity it had used against him, brought at last Bonaria and ARETINA to his Chamber, whom charity had invited thither to assist by their skill and care his natural strength, which was not able for to combate all alone these troups of diseases which did daily attaque him. Bonaria, being instantly called away, left a fair field for his passion to expatiate it self in Philarites, who intended to be very frugal of his time, insisted thus.

Divine ARETINA, the least sparkle of your acquaintance is able not only to thaw the ice of indifferency, but even to kindle the flames of love in a colder breast than mine. But, Ma∣dam, the great disproportion betwixt your me∣rit and my naughtiness, obliges me to smother my affection, and yet I know that in smother∣ing it, I shall murther a person who might otherwise live to do you service: My death shall be honourable, if I be not buried in the

tomb of your disdain, and yet my life (being imployed in your service) might bud forth in something worthy of your and the worlds no∣ticing: but as for me, I esteem it not, if I re∣ceive it not as a donative from your clemency. Fair Lady, I shall alwayes esteem my self more or lesse fortunate, accordingly as ye frown or smile upon me, and your thoughts are the only stars whereby my horoscope may be casten. He stopped here, perceiving that ARETINA had covered her face with a blush, and fearing to of∣fend her whom he so much adored, he patiently waited for this Answer.

Noble Philarites, I know that such Gal∣lants as you, use, like skilfull Comedians, to act still at home those personages which they are to represent publickly upon the stage; wherefore I am confident that ye are inuring your self with such a Country-maid as I am, to those Civilities and Court-modes, which the Ladies at Courts will expect from you, I know your wit sports it self by such genty re∣creations; and seing it may accomplish your spirit, I pardon you f••eely. She spoke this with so charming a grace, and with so much indifferency, as that neither Philarites fear, or hope, were able to glean any thing from it; at last, rising to bid him adieu, she let a Scarlet Ribband fall, which Philarites secretly (fea∣ring

to be perceived, and being perceived to be frustrated) snatcht up immediately, and kept alwayes afterwards as the Paladium of his good fortune. After two or three weeks were thus spent, Philarites came abroad, rather seeking an opportunity to entertain ARETI∣NA, than out of a desire to meliorat his health, and whilest they were walking after Dinner in the next adjacent Garden, where all the Knights and Ladies had gone to seek the Arbours pro∣tection against the heat of the Sun, they per∣ceived a Gentleman, who in all humility pre∣sented Monanthropus with Letters from So∣phander, entreating his Lady and Daughters presence at his Neeces Nuptials, who was to be espoused to the Prince of Goshan. Monan∣thropus alledged indisposition of health for himself, but promised that his Lady and daugh∣ter should wait upon his Eminence, and his Neece. Telling him that he was sorry that the distance was not greater, and the Solemnity lesse, that their obedience to his Eminencies commands might the better appear. The Gen∣tleman told him, that seing that Complement could hardly be requited by Sophander himself, it were vanity in him to endeavour an answer.

The next morning the Ladies, accompanied by the unknown Knights, did by Coach begin their journey to Alexandria, and it was al∣most

hard to tell, whether Megistus grief in leaving Monanthropus, or Philarites joy in accompanying ARETINA was greatest. The day being fair at their departure, continued not long so, for the Heavens willing to cause the Earth drink healths to their bon-voyage, did by impetuous showers send it water enough to drink: the Sky, which intended to look chearfully at Eliza's Nuptials, did by wind and rain purge it self of all its malignant hu∣mours; Heavens bottles having at last emptied themselves by these furious showers, the Sky did cover its face by a vail of mist, whereby the Coachmans horizon was abridged to the length of two or three paces at most, Providence in∣tending by the hand of this darknesse, to lead them out of that naturall darknesse wherein their ignorance had enveloped them; and now the Coachman did flie fast from the angry face of Heaven, but the faster he drove the m••re he strayed; which he never perceived, till time had dissipated the mist, and then both he, and the other attenders, found themselves in a For∣rest, where they saw no path nor person to di∣rect them what rout to take: at last the La∣dies and Knights, who were walking on foot, (Megistus birth having allowed him Bona∣ria's hand, leaving ARETINA to now happy Philarites) they perceived an old Hermite,

who appeared to have borrowed times beard to cover his wrinkled face and naked breast, who did accost them thus▪ Ladies, it appears that rather errour than intention, hath drawn you hither. The Ladies granted it was so, but told him that they thought themselves most fortunate, in having erred, seing their errour had occasioned such a remarkable rancounter, wherefore they entreated to know his aboade, and the occasion of his solitude.

I am, said he, an Hebrew, who have refuged my self from being a sad witness of the deplo∣rable condition of my Country, whose miseries are mine by adoption. I live here in a Rock, wherein there is nothing worthy of observati∣on. The Ladies entreated they might see it; for, sure (said they) there is nothing worthy of your choice which is not worthy of our ob∣servation. Seeing their eagerness, and coveting an opportunity to confer with him, he con∣ducted them to a Rock, elevate somewhat above the circumjacent Valley: where Nature had been the only Architecture, yet so hand∣somly arched and pended, that it might have passed for one of Arts Master-pieces; within there stood a Table, whereon were some old Volumns, and some of his own Manuscripts; over it hung some Walnut and Fig-trees, which were his only granaries, and which reached

him his food in at his window: two steps be∣low the entry without, was a spring of christal water; where the Rock seemed to gush out tears because it could not afford him better li∣quor: the neighbouring trees seemed to lay their heads together, to skreen his open win∣dows from the scorching heat, and the weary Wildernesse seemed by his dwelling there, to be an house of pleasure. When they were en∣tered and had seated themselves to recreate their wearinesse, and admire his garb and gra∣vity, he began to usher his discourse by some tears (by whose continual streams it appeared he had formerly whitened his snow-white beard) he seconded his tears with this ensuing discourse, in obedience to the Ladies, who de∣sired to be satisfied anent the occasion of his solitude.

Madam, The omnipotent and omniscient God (for I acknowledge but one; for, if there be any God, he must be infinite, and if infi∣nite, he must be one; for, there cannot be moe infinites than one: for else, the one is not in∣finite, seing he wanteth the perfections of his fellows, and so something may be added to his perfection. And the diversity of your gods, shewes not the plurality of the gods, but de∣noteth only the diversity of the true God his Attributes: for, he is wife, and his wisdom is

represented by your Apollo; He is most irre∣sistible, which is figured to you by your god Mars, &c.) I say, the omnipotent God hath created innumerable creatures, whose greatest use is meerly to shew the power of their Crea∣tor; and in every creature there is a masse of mysteries, and each of them is a Volumn too large to be read during a mans whole life: wherefore seing the Court and Conversation sealeth that Book, and trifles away the time, I should and might bestow upon it, I resolved to divorce my self from these adulterating im∣ployments, and retire my self to solitude, which is a hall, wherein through the prospect of me∣ditation, a man may see a compleat muster of all God's creatures; and seing it affordeth a man opportunities to converse with the eter∣nal God, I think it much preferable to the world wherein ye converse most (if not only) with poor mortals, from whom nothing is to be learned, and with whom much may be lost; as also the loud cryes of worldly pleasures will not suffer a man to hear the language of an of∣fended conscience; and the world being sins element, sins seem not heavy whilest one is there, no more than the above-running waters burthens the swimming fishes: There men are affrighted by poverty, and distracted by am∣bition (which albeit it be alwayes mounting,

yet shall never climb to Heaven) every Age seems a season wherein grows a distinct crop of Vices; in infancy, ignorance; in youth, love and vanity; in middle-age, ambition, revenge, and prodigality; in old age, jealousie, dotage, and avarice: yea, the vertues themselves which are to be found there, cannot stand upon their own legs, except they be underpropped by some vice or other; If one love his friend, he will think nothing sin which may gratifie him, and another must maintain his liberality by the op∣pression of his subjects and servants. But these vices will not lodge with those who lodge in Wildernesses, because they find themselves star∣ved by the indigency of their Landlords, and barrennesse of the soil.

But, Madam, these two Skulls, which lye upon my Table (the one whereof is that of Alexanders, and the other Plato's) albeit they be dumb to others, yet they preach to me the vanity of all things under the Sun, and as skilfull Anatomists, discover to me the sillinesse of crawling man; their Skuls shewn so appo∣sitly, did wring tears from the eyes of the be∣holders, neither did the Hermite now weep alone, and his tears seemed to be like a little water imployed by the Mariners to pump up a far greater quantity. Only Philarites (whose breast was so repleat with other meditations,

that there was no room left for such celestiall contemplations) did shed only some few, meer∣ly to accompany those which came in rivers from ARETINA'S eyes. Whilest they were thus drowning the Hermites Cave with their plentifull tears, the rude Coachman told them, that albeit they were staying there, yet the Sun would not stay for them, and therefore in∣treated their hast. At which the Ladies start∣ing up, they were by the Hermite conducted to their Coach, whence shewing them the way to Alexandria he returned, promising to sa∣crifice hundreds of prayers for their erring souls. When he was gone, Philarites be∣holding ARETINA, said, he thought her fair face, mantled with such incomparable colours and charms, did speak as loudly mans excellen∣cie, as the ugliest of those skuls spoke his in∣firmity. Alas, said Bonaria, fourty years hence the disproportion will not be great, when all these colours shall be hidden in the wrinkles of an old face, and when the frost of age shall have nipped all these flourishes, and the cold wind of time shall have blown away these blos∣soms which now appear. Certainly, said Phi∣larites, the soul must be an excellent creature, which, as the Sun, produceth imaginary co∣lours in optick prismes and doves necks, so it in a more noble way doth produce really those

admirable colours which appeareth in that and other excellent faces; neither can it be thought a disparagement to the soul, that it suffereth these to fade in age, seing in exchange of these it bestoweth upon the body then the real ad∣vantages of prudence and experience; which cannot be said to be the least worth, because they are the least beautifull: no more than the Autumn can be called the worst season, because in lieu of the Springs flourishes, it bestows upon us the real fruits which have been knotted in it: and, no doubt, the soul must be a noble Artist, which makes all these veins, muscles, nerves, and noble parts of mans body move so regularly, whose number and varity, albeit they shew the excellency of our fabrick, yet do infallibly oc∣casion our weaknesse; for any one of these ma∣ny parts can lodge death with all its train: and the finger, or toe, albeit they are most of all others, remote from the heart, yet can they de∣liver up that citadel of life, the heart, into the hands of death its mortal enemy. Sure, said ARETINA, seing the body is in it self so frail, they are much to blame who are so enamoured with these colours which are so fading. I am confident, replyed Philarites, that none is so mad as to become enamoured of the body in any other sence, but meerly as it is the shell wherein such a rare pearl as the soul is keeped,

and as many love the son, because he is son to such a father; even so many love these colours, and that vivacity whereof it can only brag, as they are the effects of the within residing soul; and to confirm us in this, we may conceive that no man is so distracted, as to love that which cannot requite his love nor be sensible of it, and consequently seing it is not the body which is sensible, or which requites love, we may con∣clude that it is not the body, but the soul, which men dote so much upon (if true vertue may be called dotage) and both history and ex∣perience tels us, that men have continued to love those whose beautie had thereafter been murdered by accidents. Philarites was by this discourse so lulled over in an extasie of pleasure, as that he became insensible what plea∣sure was; or, as it happeneth in all other plea∣sures, the fear of its short continuance, made him dissatisfied with the present enjoyment; and albeit he called oft to the Coachman to drive slowly, alledging that the nimious moti∣on of the Coach troubled the Ladies delicate complexions, yet in spight of his wishes, and of the bribed Coachmans obedience, they arri∣ved at Alexandria sooner than either he wish∣ed or expected. The Ladies retired to their own Lodgings, which were still furnished, expecting them, but the Knights lodged as near as con∣venience

could suffer them. After Supper came Eudoxa, masked, to wait upon the Ladies (for she had been now a fortnight at Court) and acquainted them how all things went there.

The next morning the Knights went to wait upon Sophander, and finding his Secretary in the outer Court, they entreated him to shew his Eminency that there were two strangers who desired to kiss his hands. Sophander con∣cluding that either they had some notable bu∣sinesse to impart to him, or else, that they were men of extraordinary extracts or endowments (which is the happy lot of all confident per∣sons) else they durst not so confidently address themselves to one of his quality and humour, desired they might advance. Philarites, after mutual salutations, harrangued him after this manner.

Eminent Sir, Fame, who in obedience to the gods decree, hath trumpeted your praises in all Nations, especially in ours; hath invited▪ us to come and serve the Apprentisage of our youth, under the eye of such an expert Artist in all humane policy, as your Eminency is; where∣fore, Sir, seing ye are the tutelary Angel of all other strangers, we expect a share in your protection as well as others, and our lives shall still be stages, whereon we shall act the person∣ages of your humble servants.

Sophander, who had by their equipage per∣swaded himself of their extraordinary birth, and by their discourse did discover the prompt∣nesse of their spirits, did caress them as persons capable and worthy of the highest Imploy∣ments, and proffered not only his protection, but even his service to them. The Knights in∣treated that he might path a way for them to the Kings presence, and that their first appea∣rance might be under his conduct; which he soon accorded to, desiring them to accompany him, who was then going to salute his Majesty, and to go a hunting with him. Sophander asked their names and extractions; but they craved him pardon for their disobedience in that particular, seing their disobedience might capacitate them the more to do his Eminency service; they went thus discoursing till they entered a Garden where the King was, seeing his Huntsman prepare all things for his Maje∣sties sport. At Sophander's entrance, each strove who might appear most submissive, and a stran∣ger would scarce have known which of the two was the King; and Nature seemed to have given each Courtier two eyes, that he might by them observe both their motions, and two ears, to receive both their commands. Sophan∣der presented the two Knights to his Majesty, whose noble deportments, albeit they had not

been presented by Sophander, and whose being presented by him, albeit they had not been of so majestick a deportment, was sufficient to recommend them highly to the Kings eye, but both being joyned, made him confer double re∣spect upon them. Megistus seemed the more martial, but Philarites the more courtly, yet so, as that neither Megistus warlikeness wan∣ted courtiness, nor Philarites courtiness some∣what of a martial behaviour; and as, if Phila∣rites had not been present, Megistus would have seemed the most courtly Gentleman that eye could have lookt upon; so, if Megistus had not been present, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 would have thought Philarites the most warlike Gallant that Na∣ture could have framed. Megistus was the more learned, but Philarites was the more eloquent; yet so, as Megistus learning sup∣plyed his small want of eloquence, and Phila∣rites eloquence made his inequality in learning with Megistus undiscernable. Thus Nature seemed to teach mortals that she could cast perfection in severall moulds, and that her Grammar did admit two Superlatives.

Megistus, whose vice it was to be Master-speaker (for they did all things by vices) after he and Philarites both had kist his Majesties hands upon their knees, spoke thus:

Sir, it is not to be admired why we come,

but it is rather to be admired why all the Gal∣lants in the world come not to spend their best years in your Majesties Court, which is incom∣parably the best of places; We are come, Sir, to list our selves amongst your Majesties Ser∣vants; not that we are so vain as to think that your Majesty needs such servants, but because we stand in need of such a Soveraign as your Majesty, and of such breeding as your Court can afford us; suffer us, like young plants, to grow under the sunshine of your protection, and challenge the fruits when they come to maturity, as properly due to none but to your Majesty. This discou••se delivered so accom∣plishedly, made all the hearers imagine that the speaker was surely Mercury, come there to make parade of his eloquence; and as their deportment, so their personages and equipage made them very conspicuous. Megistus was cloathed in black, which was a pure scarlet dyed black (and seemed to be as if a black curle had been drawn over a cloath of gold) richly em∣broidered; he carried on his cloak a crescent of diamonds, on his hat he carried a hatband of the same fashion, whose beams were reflected by a plummach of black feathers. Philarites was cloathed in white, his cloak doubled with Mertricks furres, and all richly embroidered with gold and scarlet, carrying a plummach of

white feathers, tipped with scarlet. That week seemed to post away, that it might make way for the next, wherein the Nuptials were to be celebrated; and albeit all the three days seem∣ed to run in one, yet the Bridegroom was sorry that Phebus coachman might not be bribed to drive faster; desire, like all other bodies, mo∣ving the faster the nearer it approacheth its center. At last came that week and day so much longed-for, whose bright morning omi∣nated happinesse to the longing couple. At ten a clock appeared the Bride, walking betwixt Agapeta and Aretina, who were the two poles of beauty whereon the sphear of love moved: after them followed a company of beautifull Virgins, all wearing the Brides live∣ry, which was white satin, enclining as it were to change its colour, and which appeared, when motion raised its pyle, that it hovered whether it should appear white or not. As they passed alongst a green Alley, to go to Apollo's stately Temple, there stood Mount Parnassus beauti∣fied with grasse and flowers; its top was en∣circled by nine Ladies, each wherof represented one of the nine Muses, and who mingling their voices with the notes of their harmonious, though different instruments, did make the hearers stand motionless, the spirits which for∣merly moved their other members, having then

run all to their ears to recreat themselves with the sweetnesse of that charming musick; the whole Mount lurked a while in the clouds of smoak, which the burning myrrhe, cinamon and frankincense spred over it, which at last eva∣nishing, shewed the by-standers Mercury, who stood upon the top of the Mount, and making a low reverence, delivered thus to the Bride his eloquent Commission.

If any of the gods had been unmatcht, No mortal man should suc•• a prey have catc••t, As fair Eliza, with whom Venus fair, Is willing loves soveraignity to share,

And that in heaven, she shall loves scepter sway, Whilst earths great globe, Eliza, doth obey. A•• her command, her scepter here I break, Whereof one half your snow-white hand must take.

The Bride surprized with joy, and joying in the surprisal, took the one half which Mercury had proffered her, and marched to the Temple, followed by the Bridegroom, walking betwixt Megestus and Philarites, whom Sophander had placed there, both to gratifie them, and to obviate the contests which precedency might have occasioned amongst the native Nobles; the Churches were so richly decked as if the gods had lent all heavens furniture to decore

their Altars, and the magnificence of each thing was such as if Mars and Venus had been the persons to be married.

After Dinner the Gentlemen (whose cou∣rage seemed to them rusted whilst they rested) invited one another (albeit none of them need∣ed any invitation besides what they got from the mouth of honour) to ride at a small Ring, which was presented by the Bride; all rode, but all had neither the same skill nor successe: for as the address and skill of some made the Ring seem greater to them than it was, So the lourdnesse of others represented it to them lesse than really it was; But whilst they were thus busied, a Gentleman, ushered by two Trum∣pets, diverted the Kings eye from being longer the Arbiter of these martial games, who pre∣sented him with a Paper, sent by his Master the Knight of Mars, which was read by the Gen∣tleman (to whom the King indulged that fa∣vour) and repeated by an Herald, whose te∣nour was as followeth.

GEntlemen, when I perceived Venus Al∣tars so much frequented, and the grasse growing about the Altar of Mars, I could not but count this amongst the other fits of the worlds dotage; Neither need mortals dispute any longer the preference betwixt Love and

Courage, seing the gods themselves had deter∣mined it: for they, by chusing a man to be god of Courage, and a woman only to be god of Love, have in a mystical way shewn us, that Courage is as much to be preferred to Love, as man in excellency surpasseth woman; but if Divinity cannot perswade you, consult moral Philosophy, and it will tell you, That Cou∣rage is Captain of Vertues Life-guard: for, who durst be just without Courage? and with∣out Courage what a silly thing were Love? which behoved to lye hidden in the womb of a Lovers brain, if Courage as a skilfull Mid∣wife, helped not to bring it to the world? as also all vertues must be voluntary (for if they were not voluntary, they were not vertues) and consequently the more voluntary they be, they must be the greater vertues; whence it fol∣lows, that seing nothing is so voluntary as Courage (yea, Courage cannot be constrained) and that Love is oft necessitated either by the irresistiblenesse of the object, or the weaknesse of the Lover, that Courage is the more pre∣ferable vertue. And how many miserable creatures are there who would willingly 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Love, as a guest who neither carrieth re∣spect, nor bringeth advantage to his tortured host, So seing they would willingly be rid of it, surely it must be in it self an act altogether

involuntary. Likewise we see, that seing every good is diffusive of it self; surely the more diffusive a vertue is, it must be esteemed so much the more; and of all vertues, Courage extends it self to the advantage of most (no∣thing being either atchieved or accomplished without it) and of all vertues, Love extends it self to fewest; that being the purest Love which is fixt upon one, and the purest Courage which defends all. But if Philosophy cannot perswade, consult Policy, whereof Courage is the darling, being the Army of Common-wealths, and the Walls of Cities; but albeit Love hath been oft their bane, yet it was ne∣ver their protector. But if neither of these can perswade, then let him who is dissatisfied appear to morrow, where my sword shall prove what neither of these can, and let him remem∣ber, that if none appear, Courage shall be de∣clared conquerour; and if any appear, yet Courage must still triumph above Love, to whom it must owe its defence.

After this Cartel was read, the Herald affixt Copies of it upon the Palace gates, and upon a brazen Pillar, purposly fixt in the Royal Bar∣riere, or Lists, where (as the form was amongst the Ancients) he hung up the Knight of Mars his shield, which those who were to fight on

hors-back were to touch on the left side, and those who were to fight on foot (which was reputed the noblest way, as being subject to fewest accidents) behoved to touch on the right side, whence sprang the fashion of carry∣ing shields pendants, so much used in their times; he who triumphed after a ridden com∣bat, carrying his shield thereafter hung by the left corner; and he who triumphed on foot, carrying his shield hung by the corner dex∣tre.

Megistus smiling at the Challenge, asked Philarites, if ever he heard any thing in Athens proven by a sword? No truly, replyed the other, except by argumentum in Caesare, or argumentum ad hominem, be meaned that manner of probation. Megistus and Phila∣rites, who never strove formerly, did now strive who should accept the Challenge, which controversie was at last, by the throw of a dye, decided in Megistus favours; whereupon he took pen and ink, and returned the Gentleman this Answer.

MArtial Knight, Love might have been said never to have erred, if it had not contributed to thy birth, who now like an un∣grateful son spittest in the face of thy peerless parent. Why fightest thou in defence of Cou∣rage?

is it not because thou lovest it? And if so, thou can do nothing in defence of Courage but what Love commands thee to do, whereby thou shewest that Courage is but the arm, and Love the head, and so Love is as far prefe∣rable to Courage as the head is to the arm, or the master to the slave; before the immortal gods created the world, they loved one another, but Courage was not then exerced by them, neither could it be: for where there were no wrongs, no miseries, there neither could nor can be Courage, Courage being bestowed up∣on mortals either to punish wrongs, or endure miseries; and since the world was created, how should the gods be adored if they were not loved? if Love were much imployed, there would be no wrongs, no miseries, and so there should be no need of Courage; And the blessed souls shall no wayes stand in need of it, and yet shall be perfect: which demonstrates that Cou∣rage in it self is no perfection. But, Sir, seing ye have no Love, ye can have little Rea∣son. Wherefore, albeit I love extreamly, I do not, notwithstanding, love to blot paper ide∣ly, in perswading those who are incapable of perswasion; but shall to morrow appear at the place appointed, and (to retort your Epilogue) if ye appear not, Love shall triumph; and if ye appear, it is because ye love to defend Cou∣rage,

and so Courage owes its defence to Love.

This Answer was delivered to the Gentle∣man, who delivered it to his Master; and al∣beit every person at Court longed to see the event, yet their love to Megistus made them fear to see even what they so much desired, whose generous carriage had bragaded them all on his side.

The next morning Philarites came to gird on Megistus armour, and at the time appoin∣ted the Martial Knight (who waited his hour) appeared in the Lists of Honour, which was a large and plain valley, a great part whereof was in the middle pallizaded with stoups of Cipres timber all gilded (as was the custom of old) shewing to the world an emblem of what they were appointed for, which was to be a field where Death was gilded with the speci∣ous pretext of Honour and Valour: within was a Tribunal erected for the Judges, upon whose footstool did sit two Heralds, holding in their hands two Swords crowned, and be∣sides whom stood two Trumpets, from whom the signal was to be expected, and by whom the Conquerour was to be conducted home in triumph: Without, were seats for the Ladies, under whom were ranged the Noblemen and Knights, in the midst of whom sat the King,

under a Pale of State, with a Crown lying up∣on his cushion, wherwith the Conquerour was to be honoured, which, to differe••ce it from the Kings own Crown, was surmounted by a Lyon rampant, holding in his fist a Sword erected.

After him entered (as the mode was) the party challenged, who at his entry touched the point sinistre of the Challenger's Sword, which hung upon the Pillar, telling him in that lan∣guage of formality, that he was to fight on hors-back. The Knight of Mars was mounted on a white horse, whose flanks were stained with red spots, as if they had been dyed with the drops of bloud which seemed to trickle down from the wounds, which an exquisite pencile had made upon his armour, whereon was represented a wounded Knight, crowned with Lawrels. The bosses of his bridle were two little Cupids, in whose faces his martial horse seemed to spit his frothy foam; his shield was decored with this device, Cupid throwing a dart at Mars, which his hand meeting on the way, did break in pieces; his Motto was, NOT LOVE, BVT WEAKNES CONQVERETH. Megistus armour was all white, spangled here and there with bleeding hearts; his shield for its device car∣ried Paris giving the golden Apple to Venus;

The word was, TO THE FAIREST.

Whilst they waited for the signal, the horses did dance to the musick of their own courage, and by champing on their own bits, seemed an∣gry that their masters would not suffer them to decide the quarrel. The Trumpets at last summoning the Riders to begin their carreirs, their horses, who whilst they stood were dam∣ming up their speed, opening now the sluce, did by a speat of speed carry their Masters to a longed-for rencounter, where the Lances pres∣sed forwards by their Masters strength, and pressed backwards by their enemies resistance, did, like weak boats, split in this co••ntertide of courage and resistance, resolving rather to break than to be dyed with the valourous and innocent bloud of such incomparable Combi∣tants. The Knights finding themselves deserted by their Lances, sought assistance from their Swords, which had formerly been grave••makers to so many valourous Knights. Thus fortune (thinking she had done the Martial Knight ho∣nour enough in enabling him to resist so long) inclined to favour Megistus, importuned there∣to by the suits of all the bystanders, who would have surely have favoured the Martial Knight, because of his singular courage, if he had been fighting against any else than against Megistus, and in any other quarrel than that wherein he

was then engaged, the Ladies eying him as an enemy to their sex; and the Gentlemen hating him as an enemy to the Ladies. Whilst they were trying how to conquer, the Martiall Knight thinking that not to overcome instant∣ly, was to be overcome shamefully, lifted up his arm as if he had been sending it to bring fresh assistance from his patron Mars, (which po∣sture, albeit it was against the rules of the Art, yet he thought Megistus tottering condition might licentiate him to use, hoping to remit himself in his old posture, before Megistus re∣gained his saddle) intended to separate at one blow Megistus from his saddle, and his soul from his body, but he was mistaken; for Me∣gistus vaulting aside, suffered not the Sword to fall upon his, but upon disappointments shoulders; but that was not the only incon∣venience of that artless stroke: for the strength imployed being great, and the disappointment yet greater, he had almost been dragged by it out of his saddle, and had almost by his Sword cut the earth, seing he could meet with no∣thing nearer to resist him; like a dog, who bites the stone, because he cannot meet with the caster; which Megistus perceiving, and unwilling to slight such an opportunity (cal∣led by some Masters of that Art, a Tempo) did by a contertemps blow send him posting to the

earth, to which he formerly enclined, but irre∣solvedly; yet albeit he fell, his courage fell not with him, for, in falling, he struck off one of Megistus's horse legs, who not being accu∣stomed to stand upon three feet, fell upon his knees, as if he craved him pardon for the afront his master had done him: The Martial Knight like a ball rebounding by the same strength that threw it to the earth, bolted up immediately. Megistus, who had rid himself of his stirrups, did the like, and now they coaped so furiously as that what formerly they had done, seemed, in respect of what they were now doing, to be but like those essay thrusts, which learners a∣long in a Fencing-school before they put them∣selves in a posture, and seemed to be but the earnest-peny of that great bargain they were now making: At last the Martial Knight, con∣sidering that the bloud which he spent in op∣posing Megistus, would be better imployed if spent in his quarrel, recoyling three steps, called to the Judges, that, for any thing he knew, it was the god Mars against whom he was fight∣ing, and so, to atone his guilt, he was willing to break his sacrilegious Sword, This merry conceit shewed a quaint wit in him, in whom they had spied a strong courage formerly; and now both of them, throwing away their Swords, did imbrace each other, wrestling as it

were who should be kindest. The Judge asked how the Crown should be bestowed? Give me it, said the Martial Knight, and I will place it on the head of this deserving Gentleman. Megistus refused it, and said, that his friend∣ship was too great a prize to remunerate so small a victory. Thus the King and Court re∣turned home, expecting with a long desire the afternoons tilting.

After Dinner, the King, Court and Judges being placed in their respective places, as for∣merly. The first who entered these Lists of death, was a Knight who seemed dead already: his armour was all black, and made him appear to be deaths armour-bearer: his horse, whose counter was suitable to his masters armour, seemed by his prancing to cut up a grave for his dead master; he was discerned at last to be the valiant Terez, who fought in honour of the deceased Lady Tina, once his dear Mistris; He told the Judges he came there, to beg a pasport from some noble hand to post to hea∣ven after her; where seing he resolved to go, he intended to go in the Chariot of Honour. The Judges at first intended to deny him pre∣ference, telling him, That as life, according to the course of nature, preceded death; so in the course of justice, lifes Champions were to be preferred. At which Answer, the black Knight

showed some dissatisfaction: Yet the Judges considering that the Bloud Royal (whereof Terez was one) were exempted by their birth, from such trifling ceremonies, and judging it an inhumane act to adde affliction to the af∣flicted, resolved to authorize his appearance. He carried in his shield a Turtle Dove, sitting upon a leafless Oak; his Motto was, ONLY ONE. Against him appeared two or three Knights successively, who being vanquished, served as steps whereby Terez might the more easily mount Fames theater: At last appeared one Knight, whom the Sun had withered, and seemed to resemble one of those dead bodies whom the Egyptian Mummie had preserved hundreds of years; his shield was beautified with a Dying-man, all withered except one hand, wherein he carried a Scarlet Ribbon: the Motto was, LOVE WORKETH CONTRARIES; meaning, that it could make a fresh body become withered, and a wi∣thered hand become fresh; This was Phila∣rites, and that was ARETINA'S Ribbon; the bosses of his bridle were two Lilly Roots, whose leafless stalks served for the reigns.

These two seemed rather to court, than shun death; and the desire they had to k••ll one an∣other, seemed not to proceed from any desires they had to live (for providence could inflict

no greater punishment as life upon them) but rather, because they desired to have one ano∣thers company in the other world: thus they spent many blows, and shed more bloud than the by-standers imagined their bodies were masters of. ARETINA was told by Phila∣rites heart (which he had depositated in her custody) that the Combatant who wore the Scarlet Ribbon, was Philarites, and that she was the Sun, by whose beams his lovely body had become so parched: whereat she blushed, or rather her bloud, desiring to be judge and witnesse of Philarites courage, came to her cheeks, to try if thence they might descry that noble courage, which it heard all the spectators so much extoll: But Philarites beholding ARETINA (as if her face had been an Arse∣nal from which he was to expect new armour) did by an irresistible stroak, kill that heart, which grief had formerly so sore wounded; being thrown thus to the ground, he threw up his eyes to heaven as if his soul intended from thence to take its flight to paradise. Philari∣tes running to him, did by his tears wash those bleeding wounds which his sword had former∣ly opened, to whom the black Knight gave a Diamond Ring, as a memorial of his true re∣spect, which he had after that same manner received from Pilades (ARETINA'S dear

cousin and friend) whom he had killed the year preceding in combat. Many regrated his losse, and a witty Gentleman at Court dressed him this Epitaph.

It seems the gods to flit from earth intend, Seing their best furniture away they send From this our globe, here in a coffine, Fame Interred lyes embalm'd by Terez name. Let mortals then rear him a Tomb of Tears, Whilst their sad hearts a double mourning wears.

After Supper, whilest Terez ghosts were troubling all their quiet, there entred a fellow, who told his Majesty that he was to shew him a Monster. The King desired he might present it upon a stage, whereon the Commedians used to act, that it might be easily discerned, and the whole Court the better satisfied. Where∣upon the fellow mounting the stage, and re∣moving the sheet that covered his promised Monster, there appeared an old fellow, with a pair of large Harts Horns; at which a merry Gentlewoman snuffing, said, A strange Mon∣ster forsooth, whereof I have such another lying in my bed at home. The fellow having viewed him on all quarters, did thus begin his description.

This Acteon, is by his kind wife called her Hart, and he is so; for she hath made him so.

He came to the world when Capricornus pre∣sided amongst the celestial signs, at which time he received the name of Cornelius; the Man in the Moon was Gossip, who, as a Donative, bestowed upon him the fair Cap which he now wears, which his wife fearing he should lose, hath borrowed needls from her kind neigh∣bours to sow it on faster; and where-ever he enters (such is her pride) that she will have five or six to follow him: at last, she did not fancy the name of Cornelius Tacitus (saying that it was not famous) but she would needs have him called Cornelius Publicus (he being the Publican, and she the Sinner) She having one day offended him (as young women do oft old men) he called her Whore; and she, fearing that neighbours might thereafter upbraid him with the name of a Lyar, hired some pretty Gentlemen, who were her acquaintances, to vindicat his name from that aspersion; where∣at the good old man (finding that he was mi∣staken) did, like the Snails when they are an∣gry, shoot out his Horns.

This description ended, they went all to bed, and with that day they ended the solemnity of these Nuptials.