Parthenissa, that most fam'd romance the six volumes compleat / composed by ... the Earl of Orrery.

The sequel of Parthenissa's and Artabbane's Story.

AFter that for the recovery of your health, and the extenuating your grief for the loss of a Father, which but too justly merited it, you had retir'd for a few days to Ventidius's Palace, and that my Prince was assur'd by the Chyrurgeons, his wounds were in such unfor∣tunate places, that for at least two Moons he should be unable to travel: To oblige the generous Sillaces, who was then perfectly recover'd; and to silence those fears, which so long an absence had doubtless contracted in the fair Parthenissa, but especially in Lyndadorie, he conjur'd him to begin his journey into Parthia, and to leave his cure to the help of time, and of the Chyrurgeons. Sillaces, though he were too much a Lover, not to esteem a separation from his Mistress a misfortune; yet he was also too much a friend, to leave one that was so to him, in so dan∣gerous a place and condition; and besides, fearing Artabbanes had made him that request, more to satisfie him, than himself, he absolutely declin'd it; but when by many pressing protestations my Prince had remov'd those doubts, it was not long after, that Sillaces (taking the benefit of a Roman Galley, which was bound from Ostia to Tyre) left Artabbanes, having first concluded amongst themselves of what he should say and do in Parthia; and having receiv'd from him a Letter to the

fair Lyndadory, so fill'd with approbations, and extolments of her election, and of implorings in his favour, and advantage, that had she but only lov'd her Brother, she could not but have done the like to her Servant. 'Twas by my Princes command that I waited on the generous Sillaces to Ostia, where having seen him aboard, I return'd to Rome the same day, and passing by the Capitol to go to Artabbane's lodging, I perceiv'd at the gate of it, a great confluence of people; my curiosity led me to enquire the cause of it from one who told me, it was from a Salapian Lord, who had begg'd of the Senate the head of Spartacus, which he was then taking down. This information made me imagine 'twas the generous Perolla, who I soon after perceiv'd all in Mourning, in a Chariot that was so, and near him the fair Izadora, in the same Li∣vory, like the Sun in a cloud: I must confess, I had a thousand pains to abstain from running to acquaint them with a Truth, their ignorance of which, produced such sad, and noble effects; but the belief that the discovery of it was fitter to proceed from my obedience, than me, and would in that quality be better relish'd by them, I went hastily to my Prince, and having given him an account of what I have you; with all the impatience which so just a concern could inspire, he immediately commanded me to go and acquaint the generous Lovers where he was, and assure them, that had his wounds permitted him to pay them a visit, no other impediment should have suspended him from that duty. As soon as I had received this order, I went to obey it; and though I came immediately after to the place where I had left them, I learnt, that having taken down the Senate's grant, they were return'd with it to their Lodging; which having inquir'd out, I went thither, and sent up one of their Domesticks to let them know a stranger desir'd the honour of seeing them, who had something of importance to acquaint them with. I stay'd not long for an answer, or admittance; and as soon as I came into the Chamber, I perceiv'd the generous Lovers weeping many real tears over the counterfeit head of my Prince; but after that by the little noise I made, they had turn'd their sight towards me, and perceiv'd who I was; the fair Izadora by some shrieks, and a more violent weeping, de∣monstrated, that her seeing of me, brought some fresh, and more sensible reflections into her memory, than a disfigur'd and unknowable part of Spartacus had done; but Perolla, whose Sex dispenc'd him from a pro∣portionate excess in those effeminacies, came towards me, and told me, You see Symander, that the cruel gods having allow'd us no other way but this, to evince our gratitude to your generous Master, we have not declin'd it; we have now nothing but this part of him, and his memory left us, which we will cherish at a rate, that those which know it, shall be convinc'd by what we do, what we would have done, had our powers of gratitude proportionated our cause, or our desires of it; which last we cannot more highly, or justly illustrate, than by assuring you they equal the first; and in our transcendent loss we should receive some little relaxation, if one who Spartacus did so much esteem of as Symander, would so much esteem of us, as to pass his life with those, who during their own, will eternally deplore the loss of his generous Ma∣ster's. Sir, (I reply'd) I should be too unworthy so noble an offer, had I surviv'd him in whose consideration 'tis made; No, generous Perolla, Spartacus lives, and does so, so much the more happily, by how much he knows his life is considerable to you, and will put a period to a grief

nothing can repair, or equal, but his, when I shall acquaint him with yours, and the fair Izadora's.

Thereupon I made them that complement my Prince had commanded me; which they no sooner heard, than in raptures as far transcending repetition, as imitation, they both conjur'd me to bring them to a person, who by the obligations of gratitude, and virtue, they acknow∣ledg'd themselves equally confin'd to admire and esteem. 'Twas by this time, about the close of the Evening, so that without any hazard they might give my Prince a visit; which when I had told them, they imme∣diately went in their Chariot (taking me only with them) to my Prince's Lodging, where the generous Lovers continued their tears, though for a contrary cause to that for which they had usually shed them. 'Twas in this interview (continued Symander) that Perolla acquainted Artab∣banes, how that having heard of his fatal loss at the Battel of the Trenches, and that a Head as replenish'd with the gifts of the Mind, as of Nature, was ignominiously fixt on the Capitol; both he and Izadora dressing their Bodies in the livery of their Minds, came purposely from Salapia, and had begg'd from the Senate the remainder of a person, who could not be more an Enemy to Rome, than a friend to Salapia and them. The Senate, who always esteem'd of Gratitude, as knowing they had the greatest power to create it in any; and believing those that had it for their Enemies, would not want it for them; in one action, to reward and create ours, granted our request; with which we intended to return, and to have rais'd such a Trophy to this part of the dead Spartacus, as should have evinced the just and vast esteem we had of the Living. Perolla further told him, That since his leaving of Salapia, their Fathers had as much admir'd at their past differences and cruelties, as others did at their present friendship, which was so settl'd and perfect, that it relish'd not a little of what had caus'd it; and that already virtue was so habi∣tual to them, that it appear'd rather an effect of their nature, than their change. Artabbanes by many embraces to the generous Perolla, and retributions to the fair Izadora, acknowledg'd their virtue and good∣ness, and protested he was more satisfy'd with their Father's friendship to them, than with theirs to him; since he was more concern'd in their satisfaction than his own; which they could not suspect, since he evinc'd it in the most pregnant testimony.

But after some other discourses of this nature, Artabbanes, who re∣member'd the pressing desire the generous Lovers had demonstrated to learn his quality and life, and that by the discovery of the fair Parthe∣nissa's Constancy, he esteem'd himself disoblig'd from any longer silence, he acquainted them with it; who no sooner heard of a Concession his formal denial, and nothing else, had suppress'd their imploring, by fresh impatiencies they invited my Prince to satisfie their longing. This he did, by telling them exactly all his Adventures, in which they so justly sympathiz'd, that it invited him to do the like, in the joy they assum'd at that happy intelligence he had so miraculously receiv'd from the gene∣rous Sillaces: Neither did they after the knowledg of my Prince's quality, pay him any more respect, or affection; for their Gratitude and Virtue, had render'd them uncapable of any accessions of that nature.

I will not (said Symander) so unnecessarily intrench on your atten∣tions, as to inform you how constantly every day the virtuous Salapians

visited Artabbanes, nor of the excellent entertainment their conversa∣tion gave him: for 'tis high time we should leave that Italy, which had been the Scene of such discrepant events. To effect this the sooner, I will inform you, that the generous Ventidius being return'd from the Gulph of Tarentum, came to my dear Master, and there acquainted him of what depriv'd him of the honour of your Company, which his Friendship for you, made him esteem a greater misfortune, than the deprivation it self; and indeed, Ventidius, to render your precipitate departure the more excusable, render'd it so dangerously necessary, that Artabbanes had esteem'd the Misfortune of your having left him without cause, a less one. The generous Roman upon your score, or that of virtue, so assiduously visited, and serv'd my Prince, that his obligations had no unfruitful return, if their design was to acquire him really his Friendship. At length after two Moons, my dear Master's wounds were well-enough clos'd, to permit him to think of Parthia, and the Night before his design'd departure, Perolla (who apprehended, in a strange Country he might not be sufficiently provided) came and brought me the richest Jewels I had ever seen, and desir'd me to carry them with me, to remedy any misadventure. I was much more satisfy'd with his care, than he was with my assurance, that Artabbanes had enough of them to supply his necessities, and with my protestations (after he had earnestly press'd me to accept them for my self), that I would carry away nothing of his, but the memory of his virtue. Perolla immediately after went to Artabbanes, with whom he had left the fair Izadora, where he conjur'd him before her to permit his waiting on him into Parthia, since he and the gods had left him no other way to demon∣strate his Gratitude, and affection. Artabbanes absolutely refus'd this offer, ` and was much more troubled at the making it, than ever Izadora was.

My memory not serving me to repeat the generous Lovers final Civilities, I will not so much wrong their excellence, as to dress them in my own expressions: The next day after this separation, they return'd to Salapia with the false Spartacus's head, which (either to disguise the Truth, or in honour to any thing which bore that name) they caus'd magnificently to be buried, and ever after liv'd in the unimitable joys of a virtuous Love; and that those cannot be transcended by any others, is not a greater Truth than it is, that never any more justly deserv'd them. The same morning my Prince left Rome, he went to Ostia, where the obliging Ventidius expected him, not daring, because of his eminent quality, to wait on him thither, lest it might have prov'd a dangerous Civility. There my Prince by Ventidius's favour found an excellent Gally, well fitted and Man'd, ready to receive him, and his Commands.

'Twas aboard, that these two great Men took leave, and 'twas in that separation I discovered charms in the generous Roman's Person and Discourse, which could be no more resisted, than sufficiently ad∣mir'd: At length having mutually vow'd a friendship as unalterable, as that they had for virtue, and confirm'd it by many strict embraces, Ventidius returned privately to Rome, and the whole Ginge immediately with chearful shouts and vigorous stroaks, made the Galley run faster than that River it had so lately abandon'd; but the Wind blowing a sted∣dy gale at West, exempted the Slaves from much labour, and so facili∣tated our intended Voyage, that in twenty days we cast Anchor in the

River Orontes, which washes the Walls of Antioch; whither the same night my Prince went; having largely rewarded the Slaves, the Mari∣ners and the Officers of Ventidius's Gally. At Antioch having furnish'd our selves with two excellent Arabian Horses, and having learnt that the ways through Syria and Mesopotamia, were much obstructed by Crassus's Army, which possess'd all the Bridges, and other considerable Passes, Artabbanes to avoid any probable impediments, determin'd to leave those two Provinces on the South, and so by the way of Armenia and Media to get into Parthia. This was by much the more secure course, and not very much the longer. We had already performed so much of our Journey, as to the Banks of the River Corindas, which runs through Arsacca, one of the noblest Cities in Media, and were not past eight Furlongs from it, when from the height of a little Hill, we discover'd a fight; which though not very considerable for the number of the Com∣batants, yet it was for those of the dead; for of above forty, two only remain'd alive; which by the richness and beauty of their Arms, but much more by their Courages, demonstrated themselves to be the Chief of either Party. Not far from the Scene where this Tragedy was acting, stood a Chariot, whose Horses either by design or accident, were running up and down the field with their Harnesses broken, and in it was a Lady, who we thought was the Judg, or Reward of the Victory; and who by what we could discern of her, when we came nearer (for she was vail'd) seem'd too to be a worthy cause of so ge∣nerous a Dispute. My Prince extreamly taken with such courages, and believing to permit them to destroy each other, would be as great a Crime in him, as in those which endeavour'd it; pulling down the sight of his Helmet, he rid up and thrust himself between them, where ha∣ving received on his Shield some blows, which their fury intended for each other, he conjur'd them both, by what they valu'd most, and by those lives which, by what he had seen of them, were too considerable to be fruitlesly lost; That unless the Cause of their Quarrel were mortal, they would desist from a fight, which would give both, or one of them wounds, which would prove so. He that wore the green Arms, either inraged to lose that dawning advantage he had over his Enemy, or to be interrupted from acting a Revenge he was very intent upon, told my Prince in a furious Tone, Whoever thou beest, that art so over-officious, know, that did I not believe thy care of my Enemy proceeded from thy ignorance of his Crimes, I should by thy defending a Person so reple∣nish'd with them, leave the punishment of his, for the punishment of thine; which out of that belief, I will now omit; but if this declara∣tion be not sufficient to restrain thy Assistance, thou shalt find thy Death in thy mistaken Charity. Then clapping Spurs to his Horse, and strik∣ing my Prince's with the flat of his Sword, he joyn'd again his Adver∣sary, and so incessantly prest him, that before my Prince could come to punish the Conquerour, or defend the vanquish'd, the former had pass'd his Sword through the latter; who by that fatal thrust, let fall his own and his Bridle, employing both those hands which had held them, to hold himself in his Saddle: The Horse finding nothing to restrain him, ran with his wounded Rider up and down the Field. He in the green Armour had doubtless made the Death of his Enemy, the end of his victory, had not Artabbanes run after him to hinder it; which so in∣cens'd the Stranger; that leaving his old Enemy for his new, he only

said, Since by undertaking my Adversaries defence, thou wilt partake of his Crimes, prepare thy self to do the like of his punishment; and then with an active rage, he discharg'd some furious blows on Artabbanes, who moved by this fresh accession to his former affront, receiv'd him so briskly, that the Stranger found he had undertaken a Quarrel far more difficult than that he had so advantageously and lately decided. I knew too much the Laws of Honour and my Prince's Courage, to offer him any assistance from Mine, and therefore only continued a Spectator of a Combat, which though replenish'd with many admirable things, yet none appear'd so justly so to me, as that Artabbanes was so long a conquering. I must confess, his Adversary's courage gave me inclinations for him, that the way in which he imploy'd it, might justly have exempted me from; and I had longer continued my admiration, had not I by chance, casting my Eye on the South-side of the little Plain we were in, perceived Ten Horse-men which came out of a Wood which confin'd it on that side; two of them having observed the dangerous condition the wounded Gentleman was in, ran to his Assistance; one of them vaulting up behind him, upheld his tottering Body in his Arms, and the other leading his Horse by the Head, retook (with their charge) the way they had come; but the remaining Eight came a-gallop towards that place where my Prince and the Stranger were prodigally employing their Valours against each other, which united were hardly able to secure them: Their be∣ing so intent on each others ruine, made them not consider how near their own was; which to prevent, I rid up and acquainted them with what their Eyes immediately did; wherefore the Stranger more concern'd in the Ladies safety, than in his Revenge or hopes of Victory, immediately told Artabbanes, Valiant Stranger, The difference betwixt us, is not of so high a concernment, but another time may serve to decide it, and having found in your Sword a virtue worthy to serve so great a Beauty as these are coming to ravish from me, I shall not scruple to desire your assistance, or at least your neutrality; but to invite you to the former, I protest, I present you with a higher glory by the honour of serving her, than your victory over me can afford you; and perhaps by this concession you will conquer me a more certain and a more facile way, than that you have now undertaken. My Prince extreamly satisfied with this generous pro∣ceeding, told him, If I receive any trouble from what you motion, 'tis only left you might think I grant that to your desire which I would to your condition, or to the Beauty you so resolutely defend; neither can you doubt by the cause of our present Dispute, that I would not practice for you, what I did against you. Artabbanes had not time to give him any other assurances than what his Sword did; and finding it necessary and just to joyn with my Prince, I did it; our Enemies, though they lost at the first charge two of their resolutest Companions, were not near so much surpriz'd thereat, as to see so strange and sudden an union against them; but this mysterie some of them had not Life enough left to unriddle; yet the others made so vigorous a resistance, that the Stranger had lost his Life, if my Prince by the death of one of his Enemies (which was come behind him) had not hinder'd it; I had my share in the danger, and the victory; the first by receiving some slight wounds, and the last by killing him which gave them me: In brief, our Enemies survived not their defeat, for the Combat ended not but with their Lives. The Stran∣ger had no sooner done acting towards, and observed this Truce, than he

came to my Prince, and lifting up his Helmet, told him, Generous Stran∣ger, since I hold my Sword from you, the gods forbid I should employ it against you; if I have now any designs upon you, they are not only by imitating you, to preserve your Life by the hazard of mine; but, if the oc∣casion were offered, by the absolute loss of it. The Stranger had scarce finish'd these words, when he found himself in my Prince's Arms, who by repeating twice or thrice the Name of Sillaces, made me know 'twas that generous Prince whom he so passionately embrac'd. You may believe (continued Symander) this accident produc'd no small admiration in Artabbanes, which was rais'd to a higher degree when Sillaces after know∣ing my Prince, told him, 'twas upon his score he had then been fighting, and that it was against Surena, When Artabbanes consider'd he fought against his Friend for his Enemy, it rais'd in him some just repinings against the strangeness of his destiny; but as soon as he reflected on his Enemie's being the fair Zephalinda's Brother, they were immediately silenc'd; and if any thing in this encounter afficted him, 'twas, that he had drawn his Sword against Sillaces, and not that he had done it for Surena. My Prince assur'd his generous Friend of this, who could not sufficiently ad∣mire at a Friendship so efficacious, as that it ran in a Blood; when even one of it had acted as much to create his hatred, as the other was capable of, for the raising his affection and esteem. But Artabbanes, who was im∣patient of all discourses, but those which tended to the learning of his destiny in the fair Parthenissa's condition, earnestly implor'd from Sillaces an account of what he knew concerning it: Who replyed, that his absence in his search, had made him but from second hands, and confusedly learn it; but that the Beauty his Sword had so much injur'd, and so much serv'd, could give him an exact relation of all. My generous Master, who was confirm'd by that Zeal with which Sillaces had embrac'd her Service, that it was Lyndadorie (though he could not fancy by what strange adven∣tures she had left Parthia and needed his Sword) went with Sillaces to the Chariot: But great Gods! what was his surprize when he found the Beau∣ty in it was the fair Parthenissa! I cannot tell you with how many tremb∣lings and prostrations he express'd his joy and wonder, before he could do either by his words; nor can I tell you with what emotions the admirable Parthenissa found her Deliverer was a more transcendent felicity than her Deliverance. Never (continued Symander) never did any mortal appear so like those that are not; so that if the gods had not reserv'd adoration for what only was a Deity, and not for what merited to be one, my Prince must have converted a flame of Love into one of Devotion. His Three years absence had so perfected those morning-Beauties, that the light which sees every thing, never saw any so exactly accomplish'd; insomuch that had the gods given eternity to her then Beauty, they could have given it no other accession. Artabbanes who receiv'd her Flames as fast as her Eyes inspir'd them, was so entirely taken up with that employ∣ment, that he continued silent as long almost as I have been speaking; but no sooner had his words the liberty of utterance, than he told the fair Par∣thenissa, You see (Madam) prostrate at your feet, the unfortunate, and happy Artabbanes; the last of these, in having obtain'd your Pardon; and the first, in having needed it; you cannot (Madam) doubt of your power, when as an effect of it, after my Crime, I dare present my self before my injur'd Princess: But may I not fear I receiv'd this command from your Revenge, and not your Mercy, since to behold the Virtue and Beauty I

have wrong'd, is one of the most sensible punishments could be inflicted on me for having done it; and it had been more just (if you had not esteem'd it otherwise, because it was more easie for me) to have executed your Revenge, than obey'd your Mercy; Neither is it a small Misfortune, that by a Crime I come to implore it for one; but yet by having fought against your Deliverance, you may discover my Sins against the divine Parthenissa, are not my Elections, but my Fate; for nothing but so unre∣sistable an impulsion, could have made me either doubt her professions and constancy, or fought against her Interests.

If (said Parthenissa) the generous Artabbanes hazarded my Delive∣rance by his Sword, he has establish'd it by the same weapon, and abun∣dantly repair'd a small injury by what acted it; and if he doubted my professions and constancy, he was so excellently deluded into that mistake, that it had been a greater Miracle he had avoided those thoughts, than that he assum'd them. I may profess too with the same Truth, that I fear'd as much the disclosing of my Innocency, as he detested my seeming want of it; for I knew the discovery of his errour would but too∣abundantly punish it: and I was more concern'd in his felicity than esteem, the latter being an advantage I wholly appropriated to my self, which also I could not but by his extream prejudice. Ah Madam, (the ravish'd Artabbanes reply'd) the more you disclose your Virtue, the more you manifest my Sin in having doubted it; and you increase the punish∣ment thereof, by endeavouring to extenuate it: 'Tis upon that score only, that I receive with joy what you now deliver, as I shall do any thing of that quality with the same reception, that contributes to a suffering I cannot more deserve, than I am ambitious to embrace: Yes, fair Parthe∣nissa, if I have languish'd so long a Life after the evincement of my Crime, 'twas because I esteem'd Death rather a Reward, than a Punish∣ment of it, and because you commanded me to return; which the more zealously I obey'd, because in that obedience I evidenc'd I would de∣cline no other penance could be inflicted on me, this transcending all others, as much as my offences does. But now, Madam, that I have effected that command, let your next be to become the Executioner of your Jnstice; you will prove your Mercy greater in such an imposition, than in a Pardon, since the first will end a Life which has lost those hopes which only gave it a relish; and the last, by permitting me to see that blessing I have lost, and which I can no more aspire unto without com∣mitting as high a Sin by my presumption, as by my doubts will involve me in torments, that but to reflect on will transcend the actual operations of all others. If (said Parthenissa) I am satisfy'd that you believe your self so great a Criminal, it proceeds only that by my passing by your offences, you have the greater obligation to me; I am too-much concern'd in your Life to continue it in Torment, and the gods have render'd me uncapable of that Injustice, without equally participating in the effects of it: I do therefore with your Pardon, return you your hopes, and give you an assurance that mine cannot have a more pleasing object, than that you will believe your Life is so undissolubly ty'd to mine, that the cares or negligence you have of your own, must produce resembling opera∣tions on Parthenissa's. Great gods! (reply'd Artabbanes) you are not so infinite as my Joy, or the Mercy which has created it; neither of those know any limits, and your Power does, by being uncapable but by them to make me value, or cherish my Life: Yes, my Princess (he continued, embracing her knees, and printing a thousand burning kisses on her

hand), you have by so obliging a declaration, invited the happy Artab∣banes, almost to approve his Sin, in rendring it the efficient cause of so transcendent an evincement of your favour; and made him as much in love with his Life, as with you, or as you are with virtue; and if ever he employs one moment of it but to celebrate your Mercy, may he re∣peat that Crime which has so abundantly prov'd the vastness of it; or into higher punishments, if the gods were capable of inflicting on him any that were so. It was (continu'd Symander) by an infinite Number of such expressions that these generous Lovers gave each other assurances of their being so; which being finish'd, the Princess, who till then had been so intent upon this admirable Adventure, that she had omitted to cast her Eyes on Sillaces, (who so prodigally had hazarded his Life to revenge and break her imprisonment) then did it, and being convinc'd 'twas he, by his having lifted up his Helmet, she made him retributions worthy what created them; which fill'd Artabbanes with new admirations, for he hitherto had thought that his Friend, and his Princess (especially by the former having address'd him to the latter) had seen and convers'd with one another before (which by a rare accident they had not): but during the Combat, my generous Master had receiv'd some wounds, which by the emotions of so passionate a conversation, were so inflam'd, and had so much bled, that he began to give some symptom of fainting, which cast Parthenissa into one; the care of whose recovery, created Artabbanes's: but as soon as she was restor'd to her self because of Silla∣ces wounds as well as my Prince's, and that it was late, we resolved to go to Arsacia, which we esteem'd a Place of security against the attempts of Surena's Partizans, should they have any desires of revenge, whilst Sil∣laces and Artabbanes wounds facilitated their acting it; I omit (said Symander) purposely, those favours the fair Parthenissa honoured me withal; which I had no sooner received and acknowledged, than I went to a Countrey-house in sight of the place where all that I have told you happened, and there by good fortune lighted on a young fellow, who by often driving a Waggon, had some little skill in driving a Chariot; with his help we got together the Horses, and mended their Traces; but because my Prince's and his Friend's wounds made it dange∣rous and painful to ride, by Parthenissa's reiterated invitations, they went into her Chariot, and in that manner came in the close of the evening to Arsacia, where by the help of our young Peasant (who was liberally rewarded) we got into a private House, the Gates being already lock'd; and because my wounds were so favourable as to permit me to pay my duty to those my condition and inclination owed it, I went and got a Chyrurgeon who lived in the Suburbs, from whom I understood that the then Governour of Arsacia, was Zenophon, which was no small satis∣faction to Artabbanes, whom he had learnt from Moneses, had ever been a faithful servant to all his Family. I must acknowledg my satisfaction at it was not inferiour to his, for my Father and Zenophon were Cousin∣Germanes, and yet had been more united by Friendship, than by Blood; which obligation never ended but with my Father's life. But before my Prince would permit his wounds to be drest, he waited on Parthenissa to her Chamber.

'Twas there, by a world of reiterated and passionate expressions that he acknowledged his Crime, and the Mercy that had produced it; which latter gave him a less ill opinion of the former, by finding experimentally there could be something that transcended it, which till so obliging an

evincement, had never entered into his Faith. Artabbanes and Sillaces were no sooner retir'd, than they went to the woman of the House, who they found had been bless'd with an education different to her present quality, and of no common Beauty; they were not a little pleas'd with both, as knowing they rendered her the fitter for a Service which she joy∣fully went to pay the fair Parthenissa. 'Twas after this, that the two Friends made use of the Chyrurgeon, who found how great an Enemy their civilities had prov'd to their healths, and that the paying of their's (unseasonably) two hours, would render them uncapable for many to do the like. Artabbanes was much more troubled at this assurance, than at the danger which caus'd it. The Chyrurgeon being retir'd, I told the two generous Friends (who lay both in one Chamber) that perhaps it were not amiss, if the next morning I went to Zenophon, and acquainted him with their being in his Government, which obligation of Trust would not only in some good degree recompence his past fidelity, but invite his future, and thereby procure a powerful Assistant, in case Surena's being alive, should thrust him into desires of revenge, and of recovery of Parthenissa; or if dead, should infuse resembling ones into his Friends and Partizans. Artabbanes, though he knew exactly the merit of Zeno∣phon's fidelity, yet he consented as much to what I motion'd upon the score that his Princess would be thereby removed to a place, and Atten∣dance less unfit for her, as upon any other. This resolve being assum'd, they endeavoured to take their rest, which the joy of Artabbanes, and the sympathy Sillaces had in it as much hindered, as the pain and incon∣venience of their wounds. The day at length appeared, and I had no sooner informed my generous Master, that the Princess was awake, than he sent me to the woman of the House to enquire of her Health, who returned me word from Parthenissa, that he might know hers by his own. Artabbanes found a misfortune in so much kindness, by finding himself in a feaver. This made me hasten to Zenophon, whose power and care I fear'd my Prince's sickness would need; as soon as I came to his Palace, I desired one of his Domesticks to bring me where he was; who being my Guide, I pass'd unexamined through his Guards, and came into a large Hall, where I found him invironed by a throng of his Officers, and though with Moneses I had left Media in a very green Age, yet I had still some impressions of Zenophon, which the seeing him revived; 'twas with some difficulty I got near-enough to be observed by him; which when I perceived I was, I looked on him so fixtly, that perhaps it made him the more hastily dismiss the greater part of his Officers; who were no sooner gone, than presenting my self to him, I desired to know if he were at leisure to hear a Stranger, who had some things of moment to inform him of, and which it was not improbable but he might be satisfied with? I know not whether he read something in my Face which made him guess or suspect who I was, or whether the Times which then began to be strangely confused, made him believe I came to give him some important advice; but whatever was the Cause, without any ballancing, he com∣manded me to follow him into a Cabbinet, which was contiguous to the Hall we then were in; whither being come, and the Dore lock'd, I ask'd him, if he had never seen any thing that resembled me? After having considered me narrowly, he replyed he had, but that he could not sud∣denly recollect where it had been. I thereupon told him my name, which he had scarcely heard, but I found my self in his Arms, as a reward of that discovery; and though by many testimonies of joy he acquainted

me with his, yet they were infinitely short of those demonstrations of that Passion with which he celebrated the news I told him of my Prince's being so near him, and in a place under his Power; after I had convinced his belief of that Truth by many protestations he necessitated me to make him of it, lifting up his eyes and his hands to Heaven, he cryed out, Great Gods! you could not create my acknowledgments in a way I should more willingly pay them, than by granting me the happi∣ness of serving any of Monese's blood; and if to this blessing you will add that, of permitting me to see his Son seated in the Throne of Me∣dia, I shall esteem my self abundantly satisfied for your having deny'd me one. 'Twas by many resembling expressious that the generous Zeno∣phon evinc'd to me his fidelity to Artabbane's Family, was not at all im∣paired; neither did his desire to the gods in my Prince's favour relish any thing of an ill subject; since Tygranes the then King of Media, either by Nature or choice, was so averse to the fair Sex, that Artabbane's Passion for one of them, could hardly transcend his aversion for all. Zenophon having put a period to the evincements of his joy and grati∣tude, conjur'd me pressingly to conduct him, to him which had raised them; This I obeyed, having first desired him it might be with privacy, for that my Prince's condition if it did not already need circumspection, yet it might; it was therefore by water that we went to his Lodging, which (as the Governour's Palace) stood upon the River Corindas. 'Tis as impossible as needless, to repeat all that past between them of civility; it is sufficient you know, Artabbanes received him with all the demon∣strations of satisfaction and respect, a person so replenish'd with virtue and fidelity could either desire or hope; and Zenophon's joy at the recep∣tion was nothing inferiour to the greatness of what created it. My Prince afterwards informed him of the quality of Sillaces, whom he saluted, and complemented with much humility: Those ceremonies finish'd, Artabbanes, who could not but admire at any man's possessing so high a Government as that of Arsacia, who was so declared a Parti∣zan of his Father's, as Zenophon informed him of it. To which Zenophon replyed, Though you are (Sir) ignorant of this present Government, yet you are not, that the past was so unequal and Tyrannical, that your generous Father quitted not only his interest in it, but in the Kingdom; and not to be an Enemy to Tygrane's Quiet and his own, voluntarily con∣fined himself in Parthia. It was long before we knew what created such ungrounded jealousies in our King, and so strange a way of sup∣pressing them in his Uncle; but now the Mystery is as visible as his dis∣sembling that has so long hindered it from being so. Merinzor, the first Prince of the Blood (after Moneses) aspired by Art and Sin, to acquire that preheminence which Nature had denied him; and having by admi∣rable insinuations made Tygranes as much his Subject by inclination, as he was his by duty; he so successfully represented to him the danger of having the next and certain Heir (by Tygrane's aversion, or disability for Women) to be in the Government or Kingdom; that at length the King by some usages which neither were consistent with Monese's quality or disposition, necessitated your generous Father to an Exilement: This was no sooner effected on which Merinzor's designs were founded, than he appears publickly the Favourite of his King, yet so artificially, that many believed his condition but from thence bore date; whereas some others (though indeed but very few) concluded Monese's Banishment was an effect of his having been so before. Merinzor (as Tygranes has

since told me) assured him he might now Reign by no Law but his Will, since the discontented had no head to give their Body; and that Mo∣neses by being kept out of Media, would be deprived of anticipating his Title to the Crown of it; but to leave as little to Fortune as the nature of humane things would admit, he humbly begged his King's permission to allow him in publick to be an earnest Solicitor for your Father's return, which (as he said) would insinuate him in all the De∣signs that would be laid to effect it, and consequently enable him to prevent them. The deluded Tygranes condescended to this; by which concession, Merinzor not only cast the odium of Monese's Banishment entirely on the King; but also acquired to himself those of your Fa∣ther's Friends, who had not wit enough to discover Merinzor was his Enemy; whereby many designs for his restauration became unfruitful, and by the frequent Execution of the Conspirators, so weakened his Party, that now there are scarcely enough left to act a design, though not prevented by Intelligence. My Fortune, or my suspitions, kept me out of all those unsuccessful Plots, and thereby I find my self (and some few Friends, who I had acquainted with, and made approve of my jea∣lousies) in a posture able to serve our generous Prince; for not only this City, but Ecbatan, Cyrapolis and Europus, are in the power of those, who are resolved, they cannot more justly employ theirs, than against Merin∣zor, and for Moneses and Artabbanes. But Sir (continued Zenophon), Tygranes being convinc'd that your Father being removed, all causes of his Fears were so too, abandoned himself so absolutely to those vices which unlimited power is aptest to inspire, that partly those exorbitant disor∣ders, but more particularly his assuming to himself Monese's Banishment, from whence all our miseries took their original, has so alienated his Sub∣jects Affections, that Merinzor by obliging all, by permitting Tygranes to oblige none, and by a seemingly soliciting your Father's return, having gained those Hearts he made his King lose, began lately so much to un∣vizard his designs, that I discovered and disclosed them to Tygranes; but I had much difficulty to free my self from being thought dishonest, for endeavouring to evince Merinzor was so; which I had not effected, had not the gods (concerned in the discovery of so black an ingratitude), miraculously evidenced it: For the Court being then at Ecbatan, there came a Packet to Merinzor out of Parthia; but the day before he was gone to a House of Pleasure not above 200 Furlongs off; where under a pretence of passing away his Time, he employed it in gaining of Partizans, and in establishing a fortune for himself, which should ruine his King's. The belief I had, that in that Packet there was something of concern∣ment; and the knowledg I had, that it lay not in the Power of inferences, but of demonstrations, to make Tygranes revoke that unlimited Autho∣rity he had so fatally trusted his Favourite with, made me determine to hazard my own ruine to prevent my King's: I say, hazard my own ruine; for if in that Packet I resolved to open, there had been nothing which might have apologiz'd for my doing it, by my inclinations to your Fa∣mily, and Merinzor's Power, I could not have avoided resenting the most violent effects of it. In brief, I seiz'd upon those letters, and hav∣ing by the admirable Art of a Secretary of mine decypher'd them, I found they came from Surena, and discovered palpably a strong and dangerous conspiracy, which was partly to be acted by some Parthian Forces that Prince had promised him. I believe Sir (continued Zeno∣phon) you are not ignorant of Surena's Person, and Power with Arsaces,

which hinders me from giving you a Character of either. Alas (reply'd Artabbanes) I am but too-perfectly instructed in the latter, which has cost me so many troubles, that 'tis no small one to remember them; but I will another time give you their relation, in the mean while I shall be∣seech you to continue yours. After (said Zenophon) I had so success∣fully disclos'd what Tygranes, not I, disbeliev'd, immediately I presented him with what he found a misfortune then to know, but had found it a greater to have longer ignor'd. Never did I see so sudden and so strange an alteration; that in his looks was much inferiour to that in his Go∣vernment, for he perceived 'twas not now by the Title, but the Virtues of a King that he must continue one; and that Merinzor had but for a time cast away his fears, that afterwards he might eternally cast him out of his Throne. Tygranes in Tears told me this truth and many an other, and by great favours convinc'd me his gratitude for my faithfulness and vigilance, was proportionate to them; I told him 'twas not enough to discover Merinzor's infidelity, but he must prevent it; that nothing was more conducive to that end, than without any respite to place men of high fidelity, and no less resolution, in the principal Towns, which would not only hinder Merinzor's possessing them, but deter his Parti∣zans from a conjunction with him, by so prejudicial and pregnant an evincement, that his Conspiracy was disclosed, and partly prevented; that if yet the despair of Merinzor's Faction flung them into Arms, yet the possession of the Towns would so protract the time, that before all of them were lost, He might raise an Army not only to recover them again, but to punish those that necessitated him to do it. That one of the best advantages in a Civil War, was to secure the Cities, they being not only Sanctuaries for small Numbers against great, but the Banks and Magazines of a Kingdom, and without which the Countrey cannot sub∣sist; for 'tis those which take off the fruits of the Earth, and return to the Countrey those of Industry and Art; that possessing them, he would gain the ablest men, which commonly make their residence there, or at least hinder the Enemy from that advantage, which is one of the highest in a Domestick War. I told him many things of this quality which he approved; and because by what I had done, he was also confident of my fidelity, he instantly gave me Commissions to place such Governours in the four chief Cities, for whose Honesty I would answer. In Ecbatan (which you know is Metropolis of this Kingdom) I plac'd Patafernes, Symander's Uncle; Arsacia I elected for my self; and for the other two, Men of whose inclinations I am satisfied, and for whose abilities I will more answer for, than my own. This I did with that celerity which accompanies those actions we embrace with duty and inclination. Ec∣batan by reason of the King's presence and Guards, we secured without delay or hazard, and thrust out Merinzor's Governour and Creatures: the other Three with some little difficulty we effected; but the first thing of all that we attempted, was the seizing on Merinzor's Person, whose intelligence of my taking his Pocket, came immediately to his knowledg, and so he scap'd me; but so narrowly, that had he been as much hurt as fear'd, he had not now been in so promising a condition. I believe (con∣tinued Zenophon) you may think it strange that in the heat of Tygrane's apprehensions, and of his hatred to his late Favourite, I did not embrace so obliging a conjuncture for soliciting your Father's return; I do con∣fess, I was a thousand times upon the point of motioning it; but that which suspended my doing so, was, left it might create some jealousies of

me, and in them, recall the power he had conferred on me, which I intended to make use of, to place Partizans of your Family in the most important Governments; which once being effected, would probably render my solicitation less unsuccessful, by rendring it more dangerous to deny, than to grant my request. This reasoning of mine, the event but too evidently evinc'd was not groundless; for after I had secured the chief Cities with Governours, declared Servants to Moneses, which I palliated to Tygranes, by assuring him I knew none but your Father's Friends that were Enemies to Merinzor; I implored of him by many reasons and reiterated Prayers, to invite Moneses to return; from whose Courage and Judgment, he would doubtless derive those good Services, which by Merinzor's infidelity he needed, and which thereby he had been so long hindered from receiving: I added to this, that had Merin∣zor's infusions of your Father's designs of aspiring to the Crown, been as true, as they were false; yet by his loss of Artabbanes (for alas (Sir) we then were confident of that misfortune, by your being so long concealed to the world) there was no danger of any attempts, since by the course of Nature, Moneses was much nearer his Grave than he, and by the course of the Median Laws, the Princess Lyndadory was excluded from the Crown. But though Tygranes had cast off his affection for Merin∣zor, yet he still retained those impressions he had planted in him when he possess'd it; and consequently either as a Complement to our fidelities upon his own score, or as an unremovable maxime he had establish'd, not to admit of your Father's return, (for if guilty, he must thereby invest him with too ample a power to act his designs; and if innocent, to act his revenge) he not only positively denied me my request, but enjoyned me never to revive it; and in expressions so violent, that instead of making him Monese's friend, I once apprehended he was no longer mine. Judg, Sir (said Zenophon), if to motives of justice, having added that of his interest and fear, I could not prevail; how much more certain I had been of that misfortune, if I had attempted my request upon the score only of the former: I was necessitated notwithstanding so sensible a repulse, to make no publick demonstration of it; yet I was often deter∣mining to betray my King into his advantage, by sending for your Fa∣ther; but the apprehension I then had, that such a proceeding before the effect was evidenced for which I acted it, might cast Tygranes into an eternal ruine, by occasioning him to cast himself into Merinzor's power, hindered me from it; which latter was but too probable: for what Me∣rinzor did perform, he was resolved Moneses would, had he but the Force; and of two Enemies, 'twas a rational faith, he would elect him whom he had so recently honoured with his favour, than him, who had never had any share in it. 'Twas upon many as pregnant reasons as these, that I determined to expect the leisure of the gods, for the restoration of your Family, and in the mean time to act what I could for the ruine of the greatest Enemy of it, which I esteemed much conducive to that end. In pursuance whereof, the King having honoured me with the title of his Lieutenant-General, reserving to himself the Superiority over all (as a King that desires and merits victory, determining to Court her in Per∣son) I came by his Command to this City, to raise such forces as volun∣tarily would fight under the Royal Ensigns; Merinzor too, having already so far advanc'd his preparations, as to have marching out of the Northern parts of this Kingdom, a Body of 30000 Men, which daily increases and with which he hopes to settle, what my successful doubts has so much shaken and indangered.

Zenophon had no sooner done speaking, than Artabbanes by many fresh Civilities congratulated his Command, and his deserving of it; and by particular expressions, made him many signal retributions for the care he had of Moneses, and his Family. My Prince then let Zenophon know that Surena was in Media, and near Arsacia, how miraculously he had avoided the generous Sillace's Sword; and at last, that the fair Parthe∣nissa, the Authoress of his sufferings and desires, was in the same House with him. Zenophon was much amazed at the intelligence of Surena's being in Media; but he was much more satisfied to learn his Prince's Mistress was in a place where he might serve her, and where he might see a Perfection, which he concluded could not be but transcendent, by making so generous a Captive; he went therefore with Artabbanes's and her permission, to the Chamber of that excellent Beauty, which he saw with admirations and confessions, that my Prince's desires and sufferings could not equal in degrees that perfection which had occa∣sioned them. After Zenophon by a silent wonder had complemented her Beauty, by many pressing and humble implorings, he invited her to his Palace, which he said would be less unworthy of her, than the Chamber she was in. Parthenissa acknowledged this civility in expressions which acquainted him with hers; and after the Chyrurgeons had assured her, that the two Princes might without any danger, be removed by Boat to Zenophon's, she condescended to accompany them thither, where they arrived undiscovered; which my Prince was much intent upon, lest his accidental coming into Media, might by the conjuncture of Affairs, relish more of Design than Chance, and consequently prejudice Zeno∣phon, who by the Laws of Hospitality and Gratitude, he was confined to oblige. As soon as the Princess was retired to her Appartment, Ze∣nophon presented her with the fair Emilia, his Daughter and only Child, who he begged her to accept till she could recover one that was more capable to serve her; or if she esteemed none could be so, then he con∣jured her to accept of her for ever. Parthenissa was exceedingly satis∣fied with so obliging a Present; and though Emilia at first sight abso∣lutely gave her self up to the Princess, yet she could not more do so to Parthenissa, than I did the like to her. I cannot, Sir (continued Sy∣mander), but acknowledg a Truth, which if you saw the cause of, you would perhaps upon her account excuse this digression, whose Character I would give you, did I not know that in such attempts, either the Lover thinks he speaks too little, or is thought to speak too much. There is no doubt, had not Artavasdes been too deeply concerned in the hearing of his Friends Loves, and in the infelicities of his own, to act any thing of mirth or suspension; he had at Symander's cost, given himself no small divertisement; for that faithful servant had been so little one to Love, and so contemned the two Princes assurances, that it was a Fate as certain as Death, that now this acknowledgment had furnished his generous Hearer with an ample Theam for Raillery, had not those former considerations silenced all thoughts of that quality. Symander in expectation of this little war, had continued a while silent; but at length perceiving, and troubled at the cause that he mist it, thus pro∣secuted his Narration.

Zenophon leaving Parthenissa in her Appartment, went to see the two Princes's in theirs; who, though his Palace was capacious enough to afford them distinct ones had determined their Lodgings, as their Friend∣ships, should admit of no division. The residue of that day and the

night, was dedicated to Rest; but Artabbanes took so little, that the next morning his Princess being informed of it, came to visit him; and perceiving by his indisposition, and the loss of so much blood, that he was very pale, she became so too, and what misfortune had created in Artabbanes, Sympathy did in his Mistriss, who by the eloquence of her words as well as looks, acquainted him with her sufferings, which she said, recived no small accession, that his proceeded from the service he had done her. If (Madam, said my Prince) my present condition ought to produce any operations in you, they should be of a contrary quality to those you ascribe them to; for my Crime upon its own score abundantly merited a higher punishment than these unconsiderable wounds; I have therefore much more cause to rejoyce than repine, that what I should have suffered as an expiatory Penance for my Sin, I do, for the duty of serving you; your goodness having rendered my punishment needless, 'twas just my services should impose on me what your Mercy declined the doing; and that a part of that blood should be shed for your safety, which was all preserved by your forgiveness; but Madam, (continued Artabbanes) may I not again stand in need of it, when I have taken the confidence humbly to beg the knowledg of your Adventures, till my wound permit me to acquaint you with mine? This entertainment will be the best Charm against their Pain; for whil'st I can hear and see the fair Parthenissa, my other Senses will resign their functions to those. If (she replyed) the relation of my Story can produce so ambition'd an effect, I shall find in it an ample recompence for all my sufferings; which the sooner to receive, I will obey you.