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

PARTHENISSA.

THE FOURTH PART.

The Third BOOK.

WHilst the Princess was bestowing her Care and Tears on Artabbanes, the fair Emilia stole from her to do the like on me, and found I was not far from the place in which my strength had so injuriously aban∣doned me: For Surena's Soldiers by believing I had lost my Life, took it not away, but contented themselves only with dragging me from that place in which I had prove some little im∣pediment to them. There 'twas that Emilia perceived me; and though it were in so forlorn a condition, yet it was in as good a one as I could have ambitioned, since it equalled my Prince's; for whom my concerns were more transcendent, than for my Passion: Emilia by a faint beating of my Heart, discovered some hopes of Life, at which she assumed as sublime a satisfaction, as mine would have been, had I been capable of seeing hers; which received no small accession by the accidental passing by of one of her Father's Domesticks, whom she knew to be a Chyrur∣geon of as much Fidelity as Art, and who perhaps had derived his own preservation, from the Enemies knowledg of the latter. To his care the fair Emilia committed me; but in terms so pressing, that he found my recovery no indifferent thing unto her. With both their helps I was carried to a Chamber contiguous to hers; where, whilst those Cordials I had received were operating, she returned to Parthenissa, who she found in the continuance of a Charity as perfect, as either her that conferred, or he that received it. She had longer engaged her self in that employment, had not the Chyrurgeons protested to her it was a fruitless one; and that as soon as ever Artabbanes was in a condition to know, or receive the honour she did him, they would bring her advice of it. Parthenissa having had a reiterated assurance of this engage∣ment from those who had made it, immediately went to her Appartment, which was joyning to my Prince's, and was waited on thither by Su∣rena; who more concerned in her Recovery, than her Company, to evince that Truth, immediately retired himself into an out-Chamber, from whence he sent in the Chyrurgeons to dress a Hurt, which though slight to her that had received it, was almost mortal unto two that had not. As soon as they had performed their Duty, Surena came in to perform his, which he did in these terms: If, Madam, the great∣ness

ness of the Crime of shedding your blood, does not sufficiently illustrate I am innocent of it, I do protest before all the gods, that had I known my unfortunate Flame should have had so unfortunate a way of reco∣vering you out of my Rival's Power, I had rather eternally have been denyed that felicity, than purchased it at so criminal a rate: Yes, Madam, my Respect, and my Passion know nothing superiour to them, but the Beauty to which I pay the former, and which does inspire the latter; whose perfections are such, that they necessitate me to things which would be unpardonable, had they a lasser attraction; but my Sins have so ample a one, that none (except you and your Artabbanes) but by seeing the cause of them, will rather commend than excuse their effects. I speak not this, Madam, to invite you by Reason to pardon my un∣happy performance; I had much rather receive mine from you, than from your justice; that what invites your Mercy, may prove a more transcendent blessing than your Mercy it self. I should be (said Par∣thenissa) too unjust, did I esteem you guilty of a Crime which you have so exemplarily punished; but I must tell you, had you been in∣nocent of all others, you could not have suspected your self guilty of this, nor been necessitated to protestations, of whose reality you have yet a more perswasive way to create my belief: For if (as your vows would perswade me) your concerns are more for me than your self, you may obligingly evince it, by restoring both Artabbanes and me to a Freedom, which will make us much more yours, than your force has done or can do; and create those resentments in me, which nothing but such a performance is capable to inspire. Oh gods! (said Surena, lift∣ing up his Eyes to Heaven) you cannot (Madam) be henceforth of∣fended at my Passion, when in spight of your Modesty, you confess you believe the power your perfections give you over me, to be infinite, by making such a Motion: Alas, Madam, was it not enough that you made me save my Rival's life, but that you must command me to ren∣der my self almost as miserable, as I make happy? For to give away my hopes of the fair Partenissa, is almost to be curs'd as much, as to possess her is to be bless'd. I tell you this, Madam, that you may forgive my justifiable disobedience; nothing but such a command could make me give it such a name: and I cannot but esteem my self excu∣sable, if having so truly profess'd an unimmitable passion for you, I de∣cline an obedience, which would but too fatally bring that truth in que∣stion: Do not, Madam, I beseech you, invite me to gain your favour, by what will make me eternally lose the hopes of it; nor condemn a disobedience, in which you may discover a Flame, greater than the Sin which discloses it. If (said Parthenissa) I had that high opinion of my self, that you would infer my request seems to import, I should not then have made it: but the little invitation you have to continue an ill∣plac'd Affection, both for the Choice and the Success, and the great propensity you have to generous things, made me believe, by repre∣senting to you the latter, I might disswade you from the former; and in one performance invite you to act both according to the Dictates of Reason and Gallantry. The first of these, Madam (said Surena), I cannot more indisputably do, than in continuing my adoration for the fair Parthenissa; and the last it may be I have already done, in giving a Life to her satisfaction, which has deprived me of any. But Surena, Who took as little delight in these requests, as Parthenissa did in the condition which rendered her making them necessary, immediately

withdrew himself; and he was searcely gone, when one of Artabbanes's Chyrurgeons came running into her Chamber, to let her know, that his Senses being restored, to indear his Patients preservation, he had told him from whom, and how he derived it; but that had been so far from producing the expected effect, that it had done the Contrary; for immediately after the Information, he had imployed that little stregth he had left, to the tearing off his Plaisters, and to the acting of such ex∣travagancies, that his Companions had been, and were necessitated to hold his Arms by force, till he were run to implore her to do it, by her commands. Parthenissa had hardly the leisure to hear so fatal an in∣formation, for her sudden running to my Prince's Chamber, whom alas she still found violently held by the Chyrurgeons and their Servants. Great gods! (continued Symander) what did not that fair Princess do at so sad a spectacle! she could not see her generous Servant all pale and bloody, and with looks as full of horror as his Thoughts, but she melted into Tears; and kneeling by his Beds-side, she told him, Is Parthenissa then become so odious to Artabbanes, that rathen than not become her Murtherer, he will become his own? Have the gods been so miracu∣lously your Preservers, to make you become as miraculously your own Destroyer? Have I endangered my life to save yours, and is this the return you make me? Are we not miserable enough by our Destinies, but we must make our selves more by our Despair? Cruel Artabbanes! if Death only can give us ease, was there ever any such disproportion in our Judg∣ments, as should induce you now to believe a disproportionate Fate shall create a resembling satisfaction? Or do you detest my Constancy, that you take so sudden and ••atal a Course to avoid beholding it? Great gods! (she continued, raising her voice and her hands) if already my afflictions have not evidenced my fidelity, give me Tryals of it as great as it self; and let the residue of my Life be spent in such sufferings as may manifest that immutability, which it seems my past ones could not. My Prince (said Symander) more wounded with these words, than he was with his Enemies Swords, having first obtain'd from Parthenissa that she would sit upon his Bed, with as many sighs as words, told her, It is time, my Prin∣cess, it is now time, if it had not been before, to act what you are come to interrupt; Can I live but in a higher Crime than to become my own Murtherer, after you interpret a production of my Flame and Care, to be one of my hatred and jealousie? Alas, those are both equal and im∣possible Sins; That I can hate the fair Parthenissa is so egregious a mis∣belief, that but to name, is to confute it; and to doubt her Constancy, is to doubt what by a sad and happy experiment I have found is as transcendent in perfection, as to suspect it is the contrary in an opposite extream. No Madam, what I was doing, proceeded absolutely from my love to my Princess, and from my knowledg of her Constancy: The first of these made me esteem it both just and rational to set a period to an unfortunate Life, which experimentally I found had hitherto rendered hers so; and the last, made me esteem it as just and rational, since her Constancy (by what she had so often and so recently performed) would confine her to a Fate, which the gods had confined to eternal misfortunes, to cut off the cause of their Cruelty, and leave them thereby as little excuse for the continuation of it, as while she so infinitely misplaces the blessing of her affection, she affords them too much. In brief, Madam, I was prectising but what you approved in Surena; for I was but taking away a Life, that had indanger'd yours, which is so great a Duty, that

without a proportionate Injustice you cannot hinder it. Are you then Artabbanes (the Princess replyed) so ignorant of my affection, as to believe I can survive the object of it? the gods by what they do, but indanger our Lives; but you by what you design, will inevitably end them; can an evincement that I love you more, induce you to love me, and your self the less? We are not miserable enough to despair, when we can make our selves more so; and what you so fatally design, will abun∣dantly do it: The gods, as they have hitherto tryed our Constancies, will in the future reward them, if what you intend prevent it not: Do not therefore, my Artabbanes, doubly injure them, by doubting of their Mercy, and by hindering them to act it; I do not tell you this, that I decline bearing you company; no, I am ready to do it: By killing your self, you cannot more certainly go before me to another life, than I will the same moment follow you; neither can you suspect, that she who has been your Companion in the sufferings of Virtue, will decline being so when you go to receive the reward of it. I should never finish my Re∣lation (said Symander) did I particularize all their discourses: I will therefore only tell you their, result, which was, That after many reasons, Parthenissa's prevailed; but then my Prince's retributions had almost proved as fatal as his Despair: for forcing himself to make them in a po∣sture fitting their condition, not his, a great wound he had received in the side, unfortunately opened, out of which there issued such a flux of blood, that the Chyrurgeons could not be more troubled at it, than they were to stop it; and one of the remedies they prescribed for that end, was, that Parthenissa should leave the Chamber; which she obeyed after she had received many reiterated protestations, that Artabbanes did leave off all violent designs against his own Life, and consequently against hers. I will not (continued Symander) any longer usurp upon your patiences, which I fear my just concerns in every particular action of my Prince's, has already made me do too much: you shall therefore only know, that my wounds by the fair Emilia's care, were recovered before my Princes, wherby I was freed (by being enabled to wait on him) from a greater trouble than they themselves had been. Surena not only knew what belonged to a Gentleman, but practised it by a constant visiting of Artabbanes and by demonstrating as much care in his reco∣very, as if it had been to have restored him to hopes, and not to have deprived him of them. And truly, except his Crimes in love, I never knew him guilty of any, nor never act what was unworthy the noble Title of Zephalinda's Brother; but in his Flame, he was as criminal as unsuccessful, though his Partizans alledged, that only therein being so, it was not his Nature, but Passion which offended. During my Prince's danger, Surena permitted Parthenissa unrestrainedly to visit him, either out of Civility, or Revenge; the first, that he might be denyed nothing conducive to his health; and the last, that she might see that he wanted it; but as soon as that was restored, he lost a conversation which made him think it a misfortune; but this was so handsomly carried, that it was only in Surena's absence, who went to the Frontiers to receive his Bro∣ther, and his Army; and perhaps he elected that course to induce Par∣thenissa to with for his return; as also in his absence to hinder an union which had so narrowly been interrupted. The fair Emilia, and I, were the constant Ambassadors between the generous Lovers, and by the ex∣cellent example of their Passion, learned to form our own. Surena having met Vixores, sent him and his Forces to joyn with Merinzor; but being

himself more concerned in Love, than Glory, returned to Arsacia, where he received the intelligence, that Tygranes (before sillaces and Zenophon were joyned with him) being impatient at M••rinzor's, in some manner besieging him, had put his Fate to a Battel which he had lost, and with exceeding difficulty recovered the walls of E••batan, under which it had been fought; that when the king was reduced to the last extremity, the Parthian Ambassador, with 5000 of Zenophon's Army, had forced the Guards of the Camp, and flung himself into the City, which he despaired not to defend, till Zenophon, who with the residue of his Army was retreated to Crisapolis, could so recruit it, as to bring the Destinie of Media to a second Field. Surena acquainted the Princess with this intelligence; but so unconcernedly, as if the dissatisfaction it brought her, suppress'd the contentment it afforded him. But as soon as Parthenissa had desired the permission of visiting Artabbanes, which during his absence had been denyed her, he not only waited on her to his Chamber, but sent for the Governour thither, whom he reprehended for his incivility, and punished also, by discharing him from the Go∣vernment of Arsacia, which made many believe, their separation had been his fault, not Surena's; though at least as many concluded, Surena practised the common Art among Princes, of disgracing Servants for committing of obliging (and sometimes commanded) offences. That too, which almost turn'd this belief into a certainty, was, that he was sent to a command, which was rather a Preferment than a Punishment; and Surena never permitted the Lovers to converse but in his presence; yet so artificially, that none which had not been exceedingly concerned in it, could have taken notice of it. One Evening, when Surena was in Parthenissa's Chamber, there came into it a Gentleman of Merinzor's, who presented him a Letter from his Prince, which he read with often starting, and change of colour, and which he had not sooner perused, then he presented it to Parthenissa's who found in it these words:

Merinzor to the generous Surena.

OVr Rival in Love and Empire must die, both for your security and mine; and that you may enjoy with felicity what I shall with Envy, I have given one the charge of his Execution, who you shall not be acquainted with, but after he has done you an obligation you have hitherto declined conferring on your self, though I am confident you disrelished nothing in the performance, but that you were to act it.

As soon as the fair Parthenissa had received this fatal Letter, he that brought it, and was the Person mentioned in it, went out of her Cham∣ber into Artabbanes's, whom he found all alone, and in so deep a Melan∣choly, that he was almost desiring that Death the other was come to give him: My Prince, who thought him some Gentleman sent from Surena to visit him, ris from the place he sat on, and went to salute him; but the other first locking the Door, drew his Sword, and having told him he was come to revenge his Brother's Death, or to follow him, ran with it at Artabbanes, who by the resemblance this Traytor had to him he had killed in Parthenissa's Chamber, concluded, and that truly, 'twas him he meant. But this as unexpected as dangerous an adventure, which would have disturbed a less Resolution than my generous Master's, raised his; for stepping two or three paces back, he put by as many thrusts, and

snatching up the Chair he had sat on, made use of that as a shield; the noise which this scuffle made was so great, that it was easily heard in Parthenissa's Chamber, which was contiguous to my Prince's; and ob∣serving that he which had brought the Letter was gone out of it, and suspecting the noise she heard proceeded from the cause it did, and which she so much apprehended; immediately with the wings of Fear and Love, she flew towards the scene where this Tragedy was acting, and Suren•• after her; but finding the Door lock'd, the Princess cry'd out, Will you then, Surena, permit Artabbanes to be murthered? You shall derive no advantage from it: for I attest those gods (who cannot be so, if they punish not this Sin) Whatever by my Artabbnes's fate, I will make it mine. Surena heard not these words, for he was then running against the Door, which he did so violently and successfully, that he broke it open, just as Artabbanes was so tyred with his unwieldy shield, that his weak∣ness was giving his Enemy an advantage, which his courage would never have conferred on him. Surena with his naked Sword, and by a great Cry, made the Traytor turn about; who finding by his new Adversarie's Posture, his Design, resolved to prevent it, and by a furious thrust, pass'd his Sword through Surena's body; but not ossending any of the noble parts, he had strength enough left, not only to interpose himself between Artab∣banes (who was fallen down) and his Enemy; but by a happy thrust, to deprive the latter of his Life. I cannot (said Symander) sufficiently exalt this generous performance; for it was as much above description as expectation, and almost equally divided Parthenissa's Tears and Chari∣ty between the generous Rivals, who both by their wounds lay weltering in a sea of blood at her feet: But the Princess, who feared there might be more in the Conspiracy, believing she might defer her Gratitude to act her Care, and thought the latter somewhat express'd the former, ran out to call for assistance: The first she met was Emilia and I, who had been walking in the Palace-Galleries, in a conversation almost as plea∣sing as the action she told us of Surena's, was generous. Emilia instantly ran to call the Chyrurgeons, and the Princess and I, to see what we could do in their absence; we found Surena in a deep swound, and my Prince on his knees by him, neglecting his own danger, and stopping with his hand the orifice of that wound which had cast his Rival into that con∣dition; and which had hindered my Prince from being in no worse a one: Doubtless this Gallantry was the more so, by being conferred on one insensible of it, and who could hardly repine at his being in so dan∣gerous a condition, since it evidenced how precious his Life was to the most accomplish'd of Men. Parthenissa, in expectation of the Chy∣rurgeons arrival, tore all the Linnen she wore, and had the strength to tear, with which she somewhat stop'd the generous Rivals bleeding, in a confidence, that what was Artabbanes's design, could not be his trou∣ble; neither indeed was it: for the first thing for which she had his retri∣bution, was, for her Care of Surena; who suddenly after Emilia's and the Chyrurgeons coming, was carried on Artabbanes's bed, who would not permit his own wounds to be touched till Surena's were dress'd; and then having more strength than he, by the help of some Servants, he exchanged their Appartments. Surena (as I have said) having none of his vitals offended, gave his Chyrurgeons no other trouble than to stop an internal bleeding, who being perfect in their Art, they successfully did it: 'Twas then they acquainted him with my Prince's care in stop∣ping his wound; and protested to him, 'twas from thence he derived

his Life; and that if Artabbanes's ran any hazard of his own, it would proceed from his not having done that to himself, which he had done to him. Surena magnified my Prince's gallantry in such pressing terms, that all those which heard him were convinced, 'twas as much his Truth, as his Civility which spake; and having learn'd he had resigned his Ap∣partment to him, he was almost as much troubled at it, as at the cause of it; and sent to implore his pardon for a fault, he had permitted, and not acted. Neither did Surena's care extend to the formal, but even to the essential parts of it: for out of an apprehension, Merinzor might per∣form what he had but attempted, he commanded his Guard of an hun∣dred Partizans, to become my Prince's, and each of them to answer his Life with their own. It is almost impossible (continued Symander) to tell you how equally Parthenissa divided her visits, and how proportio∣nately gratitude and affection governed her; but it is absolutely so, to express with how much satisfaction Artabbanes observed it, and perhaps as much so, for any which knew him not, to believe it. Some three or four days after this accident, Parthenissa (as she usually did) went to visit Surena, who the Physicians protested might then speak to her with less prejudice than his silence would bring him. 'Twas then after some other usual Civilities, and that Parthenissa began to deplore his condition, that he told her, The gods (Madam) which knew how fit it was you should know that transcendency of my Passion, and how unsit it was you should know it by that fatal way in which you desired to be convinced of it, have (I hope) so demonstrated that Truth, that you can no longer doubt it; which consequently I shall never deplore, since 'twas a mani∣festation I would not only have purchased with the hazard of my Life, but even with the loss of it, had not that loss carried with it a greater; and knowing, Madam, that you are perfect in all your attributes, I can∣not doubt, but the highest Passion may aspire to the highest reward; and that mine is so, cannot be a greater certainty, than your not believing it so, is an injustice. Parthenissa, who expected reproaches instead of re∣quests, listen'd to the latter with satisfaction; and indeed it was the less troublesome of the two; for it is so, to have requests made, than to make them: Her criminal suspitions of Surena's being accessary to, or at least permitting Artabbanes's intended Murther, merited a higher penance than she then suffered; and concluding it better not to discover her offence, than to obtain a forgiveness for it, she elected the first of these, and therefore only answered him, That the generous Surena has as infinitely obliged me, as he has his Rival, cannot be a more indispu∣table Truth, than that the strange way in which he has preserv'd Artab∣banes for Parthenissa, is an evidence how much the gods are concerned in his being so preserved; so that there wants in the obligation to ren∣der it perfect, but that you will make the same construction of the same performance. Oh gods (said Surena)! it is high time to despair, when even those very arguments which evince the height and pureness of my flame, are perverted to inferences that I should extinguish it, or resign my hopes to him that has not so legitimate ones. Parthenissa, who per∣ceived by this reply, that she had touched him in a place he was more sensible of, than of his wounds, began in her subsequent discourses to give him her resolutions in such terms, that though Surena evidently read her intentions, yet he could hardly quarrel at those expressions which acquainted him with them. Whilst affairs were in this condition in Arsacia, those in Ecbatan were strangely altered, since Syllaces had

cast himself into it; that generous Prince by his Courage and Conducts, so raised the Defendant's resolution, that their Fears of preserving the place▪ were much less than Merinzor's of not obtaining it; neither was this the only production of his virtue; for by the unintermitted and visible effects of it, he had won such an Ascendent over the King of Media's inclinations, that neither the affection he had given Merinzor, nor the present hatred he payed him, could in degrees either equal the esteem or Friendship he had so justly contracted for my Prince's Friend; who so well improved this acquisition, that he had no ungrounded hopes to render Artabbanes at least an equal sharer in this good fortune. And though Merinzor, who had learn'd from whence so successful a resistance proceeded, did alledge, That Sillaces by taking up Arms, had violated and infringed the duty of an Ambassador; yet it hindered not Sillaces from proceeding in what he had so far advanced, but induced him to offer Merinzor the Combat for the clearing this aspersion; which he declining, his allegation was answered by a large Manifest; whose effect was, That being imployed from his King to negotiate a League for the mutual destruction of their Rebels, he did nothing against his Commis∣sion or Employment, if he contributed to what he came to treat of. But at length, all the joy of his frequent successes were extinguished in the fatal news of Surena's surprizing Arsacia, which was brought him by a Spy he had sent into the Enemies Camp, who only could assure him of that misfortune, but not of any particulars which succeeded it: Sil∣laces to make his Enemies wear his Livery, by Tygranes consent, drew out all the Forces of Ecbatan, but those which were upon the Guard, and in the dead of Night, made so furious an attempt on Merinzor's Camp, that he sent some Thousands to sleep eternally, and doubtless might have raised the Siege, with the Garison, had not an unfortunate Dart given him so dangerous a wound, that his Soldiers converted their care of victory into one for him; and the former he himself had so far advanced, that the latter, forasmuch as concerned his bringing off, was not difficult; he was met at the Gate by the King, who gave to the Danger of his Protector, as many Tears as to his own, by so fatal a de∣privation. Sillaces, who (as well as his Physician) thought himself in the state of Death, desired that his Chamber might be emptied of all but Tygranes, of whom he implored, That he would confer that high affection he had honoured him with, on Artabbanes (if living) and Lyndadory; for whose resentments, fidelity, and esteem of it, he would give his dying breath for security; and that if he might receive an assu∣rance of this Concession, he should leave the World with as much satis∣faction, as the leaving it in so ill a conjuncture for his affairs, would permit. Tygranes, whom adversity had set into the ways of Virtue by the dictates of it, and by being sensibly touched by the last request of so generous and dying Friend, first granted it by Tears, and then by Protestations; which gave Sillaces a satisfaction his present condition seemed to be uncapable of: But the gods had reduced him to this ex∣tremity, but in order to their acting a double Miracle, that of restoring him to Life, and Moneses's blood to Tygranes's favour and good opi∣nion. I cannot tell whether the joy of that grant contributed to or acted the former; but I am certain from the Minute he received it, as if the body had participated in the satisfaction of the Mind, it began to amend; but yet so slowly, that Tygranes had but too many experienees, that his success, under the gods, was derived from the generous Sillaces:

Neither was the good Fortune of Merinzor's without some Clouds: for as he computed the business, he apprehended before he could reduce Ecbatan to his Power, either Syllaces recovery, or Zenophon's increasing Army, would cast him into the same despair which that generous Prince's performances had involv'd him in already; but when to these appre∣hensions, the intelligence was brought him, that not only his design on Artabbanes was destroy'd, but that it was so too, by Suren••; he was al∣most as much troubl'd at the manner, as at the thing; but yet at the ar∣rival of Vixores, and the Parthian Forces, he began to hope, 'twas out of too••much affection for Parthenissa, and not of too••little for him, that he had saved my Prince; and therefore 'twas, he determin'd no longer to delay an execution which Surena could not well suspend without wronging as much his Ambition, as his own Love. But whilst Merinzor was employing himself to obtain his designs, Artabbanes and Surena did their Healths, and Emilia by a seeming spy to the last of them, but a real one to her Father, had learn'd that Cloriman had only taken those two days respite for the sending for a faithful Priest, but to purchase so much time for his unripe Treachery. But (continu'd Symander) to hasten my relation, I will no more replenish it with any things but those so essenti∣al, that you shall be convinc'd, I am as much concern'd in the speedy fi∣nishing it, as my hearers can be. It was but half a Moon, after the Ry∣vals recoveries, that one day walking in the Palace-Gardens, a Captain of the Guards presented Surena with a Packet, which the better to read, leaving Parthenissa with my Prince, he retir'd himself into another Walk, where opening the Letters, he found the first was directed to him from Merinzor, and contained these words:

Merinzor to the Prince Surena.

WEre not that esteem I pay you, built on a very firm foundation, by having so preserv'd one Enemy, you might have rais'd your self another, and it may be as dangerous a one as him you protected: Neither could I but conclude, if I consulted with reason, not friendship, that I have a very considerable share in yours, since to confer on me the highest disobligation you are capable of, you use your self at that rate. Do not, I conjure you, break with your Friend, to preserve your Ene∣my; nor evidence how little I may expect from you, when to the obliging me, I only desire you to sit still, and cannot obtain it: I have sent those who will infallibly secure and revenge us, if by way of reparation, for having hitherto hinder'd it, you do not undertake it your self; I hope you will not by neither acting, nor permitting this, give me so much rea∣son to be your Enemy, that I must find a Misfortune in the too-much justice of becoming so.

Surena having read this high Letter, open'd the other, and though it were without address or name, yet by some private mark he was not ignorant that it came from Merinzor's Secretary, whom he had corrup∣ted both by large Gifts and hopes; it contained these words:

YOu can no longer have Merinzor, and Artabbanes your Friends: nei∣ther indeed can you undertake to defend the latter from death, but you will more than hazard participating in his Fate by endeavouring to hinder it; for there are so many engaged in the Design, that your

desire of preventing it cannot be greater, than the impossibility: believe it Sir, as a certain truth, that the first attempt you make for your Rivals defence, will be your last; and that he which is Merinzor's Enemy, and he which endeavours to hinder his destruction, will be consider'd under one netion.

Parthenissa and Artabbanes (who concluded by Surena's leaving them alone, that what invited him to so unusual an action, had an unusual mo∣tive) did not walk away from the place he had left them in, but from thence had fixtly consider'd his actions, and gestures, as things in which they might discover his thoughts, which they found were very perplex'd: for having ended his two Letters, he walk'd three or four turns, then read them over again; and after the third time he had done the same, pulling down his Hat over his Eyes, and folding his Arms one within the other, he conntinu'd with as little outward disquiet, as the inward was great. At length, after an hour so spent, he came again to the Prin∣cess and his Rival, and to the first of them presented his Letters, telling her withal, by whom the last was written, and that he had sent it in his Prince's Packet, as the least hazardous conveyance. Parthenissa whilst she was reading, both in her looks and gesture, exprest no small disorder; and Surena as soon as she had ended, having receiv'd his Papers, saluted her with as much humility as sadness; and then went to the Garden door, where his Guards expected him, and where he commanded their Cap∣tain immediately to seize upon Artabbanes, to carry him close prisoner to the Castle, and to keep him there in that quality, 'till he received further orders. Surena having given him these Commands, went imme∣diately to the Cittadel, whither he remov'd his lodgings, and from whence he sent two hundred Soldiers to guard the Place, and to per∣mit none either to enter into it, or to come out of it, without a Pass un∣der his own hand. The Captain who had receiv'd direction make Ar∣tabbanes his Prisoner, being a Parthian, and consequently reverencing the high blood of the Arsacides, came even in tears to do his duty, and protested, he had much rather have lost his own Liberty, than become the Instrument of depriving my Prince of his; who judging by Surena's abrupt departure, and by those of the Guards coming towards him, what their intentions were, went to his weeping Princess, and implor'd her to support her Faith on the many precedent deliverances the gods had sent him; that Surena had so dearly purchas'd her esteem, and so justly valu'd it, that it was improbable he would by any Criminal performance destroy what was so long a perfecting; especially since his fall herein, would be like a Statesmans, which admits not of a second. He saw in his Looks a reluctancy to his action; and that he was too much a Gen∣tleman to be guided by considerations opposite to reason and honour; or for the satisfaction of Merinzor's hopes, to ruin his own. Artabbanes had further enlarg'd himself in consolations of this quality, had he not perceiv'd, that already Parthenissa's colour began to abandon her, as her senses did suddenly after; and by falling in his Arms seem'd to tell him, she expected no consolation but from Death: my Prince, that had given her hopes for his own condition, could give himself none for hers, which lasted not long in that extream: for by that time that he, Emilia and I, had carri'd her in our Arms to those Stairs which lead to her Appartment, her breath, but not her words, were come to her again, so that Artabba∣nes by pressing, and kissing her hands, took, as we all thought, an eternal

leave; and in whispers conjur'd Emilia to hinder her Princess's despair, from making her the sharer of his Fate, as she had but too much been of his Misfortunes. Emilia neither answer'd, nor indeed heard his request, for all the faculties of her Soul had resign'd themselves to grief: My Prince having spoke those few words, with a languishing look took a second farewel from his Princess (who by being then insensible, was more happy than if she had been otherwise), and going to the Guard, return'd them thanks for their Civility, and desir'd them to do their Duty. The Captain mov'd with so sad a separation, told him, Would to the gods, Sir, I durst; for then I should carry you to Liberty, not to Prison. Whilst this little discourse past between them, I had represented to Emilia, that 'twas fit I should wait on my Prince; and had obtain'd not only her per∣mission, but commands to do it. 'Twas therefore that I came to the Cap∣tain, and desir'd his leave for it; which he more readily granted, than my Prince, and accompani'd his Civility with this Protestation, That no∣thing which could be condusive to Artabbanes's satisfaction, and which was not positively forbidden him, but should still find the same return. By this time we were come to the Garden-Gate, where we found a Cha∣riot ready, into which my Prince made me follow him; the same Officers, and the same Guard, brought us to the Castle, which is a place as impreg∣nable as Art and Nature can render any; the Appartment allotted for my generous Master was very large and magnificent, to supply his being deny'd the liberty of the Gardens; and finding he was to be a close Pri∣soner, he commanded me to get a Pallate, and to lie in his Chamber; where he resign'd himself to so transcendent a grief, that I knew by the greatness of it, 'twas not for himself, but Parthenissa, who Emilia told me afterwards, had assum'd a proportionate sorrow, both for the quan∣tity and the cause. My Prince found nothing in his Imprisonment, no not the very end in order to which it was, so intollerable, as the being de∣ny'd the sending to, and hearing from his Princess; who as soon as she had learn'd, she was under a resembling misfortune, concluded Surena's design was exceeding criminal, since rather than permit her to know his actions, he elected to give an exact Lover the fears such a relation un∣avoidably inspires, and thereby contracted a worse opinion of him, than his very worst performance could almost create. Ten days after Artab∣banes's Imprisonment, (during which time, he never saw or spake with any, except the Captain of the Guards and me) finding so long a su∣spence as bad as execution, he earnestly conjur'd him to learn what Su∣rena's intentions were, and if possibly, what his usage was to Parthenissa. The Captain promised to endeavour both; and about four hours after re∣turn'd, but with a Countenance that spake his intelligence, before his words did; which acquainted my Prince, That for the last of his Com∣mands, so strict a watch was kept in the Palace, that thereby all his en∣deavours therein had been fruitless; but as to the first of them, he came into Surena's Chamber, when some of Merinzor's Partizans were dispu∣ting with him, not whether you should be put to Death, but of the way of it; he alledging, that in regard of your quality, especially in Media, you ought to have so much respect, as not to be a publick Spectacle on an infamous Scaffold; and that to execute you in your Chamber, would be of as much advantage, less scandalous, and more secure; for (the Captain continu'd) the Inhabitants of this City are so great Reverencers of either the Arsacian blood, or of Moneses's Family, that Surena has sent for a thousand Parthian Horse out of his Brothers Army, to keep

Arsacia from Tumults, which he apprehends it will fall into, let the exe∣cution be never so private; on the other side Merinzor's servants al∣ledged, that since you were the first Prince of the Blood, the execution ought to be publick, that the Medians might be convinc'd of the reali∣ty of your Death, and thereby cut off their hopes, with your Life: for it has been no unusual thing from the obscure Death of Princes, to set up Counterfeits, which have prov'd as dangerous as the real ones could; that it would look rather like a Murther, than an execution, were it done in private; and that by so covert a proceeding, it might give the Arsacians an opinion we want either Justice, or Power; the former will make them believe 'tis honest to relieve him, and the latter, that it is safe. Though (said the Captain) I heard the debate, yet I was comman∣ded to withdraw when they were to form the result; but yet I learn'd that whatever it were, it would not be put in execution 'till the arrival of the thousand Parthian Horse, who are hourly expected. Any (conti∣nu'd Symander) that had heard this Relation, would have thought he that made it had spoken of himself, not of my Prince, who found more satisfaction in learning his destiny, than trouble in learning 'twas so fa∣tal a one; and doubtless, had not his just apprehensions of the fair Par∣thenissa's despair, or at least excessive grief, ty'd his hands, he had by one generous stroke, exempted himself from the infamy of d••ing on a Scaffold, or composing a publick Trophy for his Enemies: but that Parthenissa might be convinc'd his Life was dear to him, since it was to her, he determin'd, if it were his fortune to be put to Death, not to act it himself, that she might not condemn, but deplore his Fall. To the Captain he gave such eloquent and admirable consolations, that he went away full of satisfaction, but I cannot say whether it proceeded from an assurance he thereby received of his going into a better world, or that the brightness of his virtues render'd him any longer unfit for this. We had not been two hours alone, which we heard all the Streets of Arsacia eccho with Trumpets, which we knew proceeded from the arrival of the Parthian Horse, who were immediately distributed into several ad∣vantageous Posts in the City, the better to suppress all disorders. Ar∣tabbanes was advertis'd of this by his former Intelligencer, who told him withal, that a Scaffold was erected before the Palace-window; and though some said it was for his execution, and that Parthenissa might be a Wit∣ness of it, yet he had been assur'd in private, the execution should not be so, and that the Scaffold being rais'd there, was but the more, artifi∣cially to delude the people; and that Surena's opinion of doing the busi∣ness obscurely, had at length been assented to. My Prince was a little surpriz'd at the first part of this intelligence, not upon his own score, but on his Princess's, whose grief and despair he apprehended would re∣ceive no little accession, by becoming a Witness, or a hearer of his suf∣fering: neither could he in so sad an exigent have told how to have be∣hav'd himself; for if he had di'd without emotions, as on the one side it had eclips'd his Enemies revenge, so on the other it had done the same to the evincement of his resentments for so sad and fatal a deprivation: and should he manifest the latter, he could not but have contributed to a satisfaction, the greatness of which would have proportionately crea∣ted his own trouble; but the Captain's assurance was so probable, that he believ'd it: for though he esteem'd Surena would be vindicative, yet he could not think he would be barbarously so. The Commander of the Guards knowing how little Time Artabbanes had left, thought it unfit by *

his Company, to rob him of any part of it, and therefore withdrew himself, but he made me a sign to follow him into the next room, which I did; where he told me, that for certain the following Night was destin'd for my Prince's Death, and that he had declin'd acquain∣ting him with it himself, as believing it an information fitter for my discovering; I had only words enough to thank his care, for my grief stifl'd the rest in the very birth. My generous Master at my return in∣to the Chamber, knew some new Misfortune was come to my know∣ledg, and constrain'd me, though in as many sighs, as words, to ac∣quaint him with it, which I did; and which I had no sooner done, than he only told me, I had obligingly deluded him; since by the excess of my sorrow, he thought I had assum'd it for some fresh danger of the Princess's. Whilst things were in this posture in the Castle, those in the Palace were in as sad a one; for Parthenissa's ignorance of my Prince's condition was more deplorable to her, than the knowledg of it was to him: she expected every minute the Messenger of her Death in the mes∣senger of his; and her affection was so high, and perfect, that it needed not the help of her resolution, to follow his fate; and though Emilia gave her very pregnant consolations, yet they were too weak for so strong a Melancholy, which necessitated her to keep her Bed, whereby she was ignorant of that fatal Theater which was erecting within sight of her Window, out of which Emilia unfortunately looking, discover'd it, and in the consequences that sight inspir'd her with, she sell into a fainting; the noise of her fall made the Princess look what was the cause of it, which when she had discover'd, she call'd some of the Servants to her assistance, which proved so effectual, that it gave her strength e∣nough to tell Parthenissa what depriv'd her absolutely of hers. Emilia soon repented what she had said, and had much more cause to do so, when after an hours trial of her prescriptions for ending a swound, she found them all fruitless. But Nature at length did what Art could not: and the first sign the Princess gave of her recovery, was a sign of her affection to my Prince, of whose condition she pressingly askt the igno∣rant hearers; their silence was not ascrib'd to that cause, but to a more dangerous one, out of which faith Emilia remov'd her, by protesting they knew nothing of what she demanded, neither of the cause of ere∣cting the Scaffold, which none of those were about it could tell; and therein she spoke the truth, for though she often askt out of the Win∣dow for what end those Men were set a work, yet she could never lear•• it. Artabbanes in the mean time had taken me into a Closet contiguous to his Chamber, whereby the pressingest conjurations he was capable of, he enjoin'd me not to give him so pregnant an evincement of my disa••∣fection to him, as to deplore his going to a better place. That I would co••cern'dly endeavour to console the fair Parthenissa for the like grief, on the same cause; and that whilst she would do me the honour of re∣taining me near her person, that I would not decline it. 'Twas only in Tears that I answer'd these impossible commands: and if he thought I promis'd to observe them, he deriv'd that belief from my silence, not me. The hour of rest being come, Artabbanes laid himself down on his Bed with as little disorder, as if he had been as near his ordinary, as eternal sleep; only the fair name of Parthenissa stole sometimes out of his mouth, but never unaccompani'd with some sighs, to demonstrate for whom he breath'd them: Oh gods! (said Symander) it were almost as hard to describe the fears I was in that fatal Night, as to believe how

free my Prince was from any; who about the dawn of day was awa∣kened by the noise of some who open'd the doors; and guessing at their design by what I had acquainted him with, he rose up and told me, Come Symander we must part; but this one Testimony of my Enemies power and malice will eternally free me from resenting another; let the rememberance of so high an advantage extinguish all repinings the pur∣chase of it may inspire: Do me too, I conjure thee, this last obligation, as to tell my Princess, I di'd with Parthenissa in my Mouth; and that my breath expir'd in repeating the fair name of her, for whom only I drew it. These words were hardly spoken, when Surena (waited on by some of his Guards) came into the Chamber, whom he commanded out again, and then came to my Prince and told him: Artabbanes, I must ac∣knowledg I have twice receiv'd my Life at your hands; the first, when you had taken from me the Victory; and the second, when you had ta∣ken from me what I valu'd a thousand times more; and though some have represented to me, that the former proceeded from your Revenge, and the latter from your Ignorance; yet I hold it fit to make my acknow∣ledgment, the giving you both your Life and Liberty: I am confin'd unto this, if that information be true, by the dictates of virtue; and if false, by those of gratitude. I know you are not only my Rival, but even successfully so; and I know how vast a prejudice this will bring both to my passion, and my affairs. I tell you thus much, that you may be convinc'd I am not ignorant of what I do: and I tell you no more, lest I might lessen the merit of the action, by repeating it. Great gods! (continu'd Symander) you only know my joy at so unheard-of a Gallan∣try; and you do consequently know, that it was greater than his on whom it was confer'd. The time, and the strangeness of the thing, made me suspect I did dream; but it was so pleasing a one, that I apprehen∣ded the doing of any thing which might tell me whether I did so, or no; I esteem'd it too great to be real, yet was loth to interrupt what gave me more satisfaction than ever any receiv'd in that which is the foun∣dation of dreams. You will pardon (said the faithful Servant to Arta∣vasdes and Callimmachus) my transports, when you remember what gives them a being; but not to need your pardon a second time, I will break off what I hope has made me as much deserve, as need it. Artab∣banes as soon as Surena had done speaking, with a look which seem'd to be as much pleas'd with the manner of the obligation, as with the obligation it self, told his Rival, Surena is too generous to give me my Life and Liberty, thereby to confine me from employing either in a service, for which only they are considerable to me; if that were to be my Ransome, 'twere such a one as I would never pay: for 'tis a more pleasing fate to die for the fair Parthenissa, than to purchase my Life at the rate of being ty'd from serving her. I speak this (said my Prince) not that I have so low an opinion of Surena, as to believe he is capable of selling a generous performance at any price; or that he could think I would buy it so; but only that those who hereafter un∣derstanding from whom I derive my Life and Liberty, and how I employ them, may not condemn my so doing, since I declare when I am in your power, what I intend when I am out of it. 'Tis no ill pay∣ment to acquaint you, I can make you none, since thereby I publish the belief I have of your virtue, whose highest operation is to con∣fer obligations not only where there is no hopes of a return, but even where there is a certainty of none; my condition makes me more

grateful, than any other way my fancy could, and were I to judg who has the happiest share in this performance, I should conclude, the Giver has. In what I do (repli'd Surena) I never expected so much as I have already receiv'd; to have made what you mention'd the pur∣chase of my performance, had not been to have given your Life and Liberty to you, but to me: no, Artabbanes, if I confine you unto any thing, it is only to believe my action is as free from design, as it is; and if to that obligation you will add this other, of excusing my disputing Parthenissa with the Arms of Honour, as I will not disrelish your doing the like, I shall receive a satisfaction my condition any other way cannot afford me. Your performance (said my Prince) can∣not be more generous than I believe it; and what you mention, should be rather my desire, than my grant; and if in it I resent any trouble, it it proceeds from a latitude I thence receive, of drawing my Sword against one, for whom when Parthenissa comes not in competition, I would as joyfully employ it, as for her. These Rivals (said Symander) by several passages of this quality, gave each other but too pregnant evincements how unfortunate they were in being so; and spent so much time in this employment, that the Sun found them in it. Artabbanes doubtless had interrupted it sooner, to beg a permission of kissing his Princess's hands before his departure, had he not apprehended, his Ri∣val would have esteem'd the increasing of obligations, an uncivil way of paying them. Surena, who it may be knew my Prince's impatiences by his own (for he had been as long depriv'd of seeing Parthenissa, as Artabbanes had been; and knew how unwelcome his visits would prove, did not he accompany him in them) made that overture to my gene∣rous Master, which he would not to him: The transports in which he receiv'd it, were much greater than those with which he receiv'd the late gift of Surena's, which evidenc'd he was more concern'd in his pas∣sion, than in his Liberty and Life; which it may be invited Surena to commend what he dislik'd. Artabbanes suddenly after went out of the Castle with Surena, and in a Chariot from thence to the Palace, where he sent in a Page to Parthenissa's Appartment, to beg the honour of see∣ing her: She was much surpriz'd at the request, but much more when having granted it, she found her fears so obligingly deluded; Surena, whilst her joy confin'd her to silence, broke his own, by telling her; If Madam, I have been seemingly faulty, 'twas only to avoid being re∣ally so; and if I have hitherto occasion'd your hate, 'twas but to avoid deserving it. I was, Madam, by Merinzor's Partizans, so narrowly ob∣serv'd, and so much over-power'd, that had they but suspected my de∣sign, they had both punish'd and prevented it. You cannot doubt but to counterfeit was absolutely necessary, when I made your sufferings my disguise; I know that you were too-too much concern'd in Artabba∣nes's safety, to let you know I resolv'd it: That might have prov'd too dangerous a discovery; and your not being sad enough, might have given you cause to have been so; but as soon as I procur'd a power to resist Merinzor's, I acted that which only the want of it has hither∣to hinder'd; and I was necessitated to secure the happy Artabbanes's li∣berty, with that with which I pretended to secure his Execution: Yes, fair Parthenissa, such power the gods have given you over me, that when my satisfaction and yours come in competition, I consider the loss of the first, to be the acting of the last; and find I cannot quarrel with them for rendering me unfortunate, since thereby they make me

preserve you from becoming so; but (Madam) I am too injurious to intrench on that little time your Artabbanes has to entertain you in; which that he may the more unconstrainedly, I shall leave him to a liberty I believe you do as much desire as he. Surena having ended speaking, withdrew himself, and that so suddenly, that Parthenissa in the operations of her joy and wonder, could make no returns to him that had created them: but when that eloquent silence was expir'd, she told my Prince, Surena may attribute that to one civility, which I consider as intended to another; for the pretence of his withdraw∣ing, was to give us the liberty of discourse: but I believe the real cause is, that he knew mine (if he had stay'd to hear it) would have come as short of what it ought to be, as this performance excels all his others. But Artabbanes who knew how little time was allotted him, and how much was allotted Surena, acquainted his Princess with all those particulars I have so largely deduced and magnifi'd his Rivals Gallantry, in terms which resented their truth in their delivery. This just duty being finish'd, he told her: This (Madam) is the first time that I thought I could leave you without regreet; the hopes, that by going from you now, I shall be the sooner uncapable of repeating the like misfortune, is my consolation in it; neither can you doubt your de∣liverance is less my ambition than duty, when in order to the acting of it, I can without reluctancy employ my Life and Liberty against the Bestower of them. The world must be convinc'd your freedom is more dear unto me than both those, by making it a higher consideration; yet in that action of ingratitude I shall evidence my self grateful, by pro∣ving I decline the lesser obligation, but to satisfie the greater. Alas (said the Princess) are you so low reduc'd, that an act of unkindness must be an argument of your Love? must I endure a real misfortune, for an ima∣ginary good? when I consider those innumerable dangers my condition will engage you in, and those many more which your courage and im∣patience will, I could esteem Surena more obliging, if he were less; and if he converted your liberty into an imprisonment, my trouble then would extend but to pity, now it does to fear, it may be to despair. Believe me, my Artabbanes, I find more subject for sorrow in the way you undertake my liberty, than if I had eternally lost it: that misfor∣tune would but relate to Parthenissa, but the other does to Artabbanes, who is much more precious to her, than she is to her self. Ah Madam! (my Prince repli'd) can you then believe, whilst I have an existence, that your perpetual imprisonment would but relate unto your self? And can you think the gods have so miraculously given me the Power to use my sword, to render the Will a sin? No my Princess, these strange and intricate obstructions, are not to suppress, but try our Faith; neither can we think them what they are, and believe we shall continue as we are. I go with a belief of success proportionate to my desire of it; and if I have any doubts, 'tis not of your deliverance, but that I may be thought unworthy the acting it; if I be, I will find my Martyrdom where I expect my felicity; and die in that service, in which I ambiti∣on'd to live. These words made Parthenissa look pale, and drew some tears into her eyes, which to take him from considering, she repli'd: If the gods should esteem Artabbanes unworthy the title of my Deli∣verer, I will assume it my self; my hand shall act my liberty, if in so fatal a way it be deni'd to his: Do not think I shall need any invitation to follow you, but the knowing you are gone before, and therefore

flatter not your self with a belief, that the breaking my imprisonment can be reserved for any other; for 'tis like my inclinations, and conse∣quently intirely for Artabbanes. Madam (said my Prince) I, consider not this declaration is to make me less hazardous in your service, but to in∣vite the gods that I may perform it: I have now an internal assurance of that blessing; for since your liberty cannot be acted but by me, and since not to have it acted, were too great a sin to be believ'd, I must be as confident of the way, as of the end. 'Twas above half an hour (con∣tinu'd Symander) that these generous Lovers entertain'd themselves in resembling-discourses, which had not so soon receiv'd a period, but that they consider'd Surena was in an anti-Chamber expecting their se∣paration, which was so passionate, and sad, that the relation of it would rather prove your trouble, than the omission. My Prince in the same Room he found his Rival in, would there have taken leave of him; but he did not permit it, and accompani'd him to a Pass some 20 Furlongs from Arsacia, lest the Treachery of Merinzor's Partizans might have render'd that place the Scene of a Tragedy he was so concern'd to prevent. After many Embraces and Civilities, Artabbanes told his Rival, If the employing my Life and Liberty against the generous Surena for Parthenissa, may be excus'd, by my employing them for him, where her service comes not in competition, I dare truly profess, I shall deserve to be so: For I will out of Gratitude repeat dangers as high as those ob∣ligations which confine me to mine: neither can I but be convinc'd by what you do to Parthenissa, of what you will do to Artabbanes; for your Passion makes you think it sit (at least pardonable) to act against your Inclination; and your Love for the Princess, makes you do things which might even call that Love in question, did not the knowledg of the cause seemingly apologize for the effect. That Adoration I have for the fair Parthenissa, has the same production in me: I know I should give you that Life and Liberty I receive from you, but I have no con∣cerns above my flame, and the inspirer of it: that which causes my fault, does yours; neither can you consider what I must do in the future, but if you reflect upon what you do at the present, you will acknowledg, we are both innocent, or both excusable. This is all (continu'd my Prince) that I beg of Surena, unless it be to furnish me with an occasion of ser∣ving him, though as full of danger as my resolution is of contemning all; which may evidence a gratitude, whose greatness hardly knows any thing equal, but my desires of manifesting it. Surena was ready to give my Prince a reply, when about two hundred Horse came a full Trot to∣wards the Rivals, as they were in each others Arms. This unexpected accident broke off their Civilities, and made them gallop to the head of a hundred Parthian Horse, who were Surena's Guard; his Servants, and some of my Prince's (for then I was not come up, having stay'd sometime to kiss the fair Emilia's hands, and to settle a course for a fu∣ture Correspondency) made themselves a reserve to this little Body, which resolutely advanc'd to give those a Charge who were coming precipitately to give them one. Surena as they march'd, told Artabba∣nes, I have too good an opinion of you and of my self, to think it fit to give you an assurance that I am innocent of this Infidelity; but if what I have done, has not rais'd in you that belief, what I am going to do will. My Prince had only leisure to tell him, that what he had really done was of so clear a quality, that what he was now going to do, would not ju∣stifie, but increase his obligations: For the Enemy was come so near, that one

of those Two which lead them, cri'd out, 'Tis not Surena, but Artabbanes we seek. To which Surena repli'd; Traytor, in seeking the one, thou seekest both; and in attempting the one, thou shalt find the revenge, or act the death of both; and thereupon piercing like Thunder through a Battalion of the Enemies, he made so lage a passage for those which follow'd him, that they found it as easie, as others found it strange. My Prince made a proportionate charge, for the resolution and the success; and twice that day saved a Life, which had not been hazarded but for him, nor preserv'd but by him. The inequality of the numbers render'd the Dispute equal; but by my continuing behind to kiss the fair Emilia's hands, I had weaken'd our Party of a small force, on whose arrival with me, the Enemy that were then wavering, fled; and found that death in their flight which they had endeavour'd to avoid by it. The two gener∣ous Friends and Rivals celebrated their victory and deliverance by many embraces, which were given with so good grace, that it created a general quarrel to Fortune, for having so long defer'd it, and which in the future was to break it again: One would have guest by my Prince's retributions, that his Life had been precious to him; but those that knew Parthenissa was in Surena's hands, knew withal, that it was to his Gallantry, not his own safety, that he paid them. I amuse not my self to particularize those signal expressions those two generous Enemies made one another before their separation, which was perform'd by ei∣thers contracting too good an opinion of his Rival for their unfortu∣nate condition: But Surena's was at least silenc'd, if not supprest, by his return that day to Parthenissa, to whom my Prince by a private Messen∣ger gave so ample and handsome an account of that days proceeding, that his reception relish'd more of having assum'd Artabbanes's felicity, than of having been his Protector; and his ignorance from whence so obliging an usage was deriv'd, inspir'd him with hopes which could not have a more flattering than false foundation. My Prince in the mean time, with a Guard Surena had fore'd him to take for his Defence, con∣tinu'd his journey by a hasty Travel towards Chrisapolis, where he heard Zenophon was levying Forces to relieve his King, and to bring the Fate of Media to a more equal dispute, than Tygranes's precipitation had al∣ready allow'd it. Artabbanes was no sooner arriv'd at Chrisapolis, than he discharg'd Surena's Convoy, with rewards more proportionate to the Giver, than Receivers. He made his entry into the City by night, only waited upon by me; and having taken up a retir'd lodging, enquir'd of the Master of it, the News that was then stirring: who told him, That Zenophon but six days before had receiv'd an express from Tygranes, which told him, their chiefest Magazine of Victuals in Ecbatan, had been destroy'd by a Traytor that had the Care of it; which had reduc'd him to such extremity, that if not immediately relieved, his hopes were not to live, but die a King; that he despair'd not but by a small accessi∣onal relief, to revenge his former disgrace in the same place in which it had befallen him; and that therefore Zenophon with whatever Force he could make on the place, should advance by incessant Marches towards Ecbatan. This was so true and pressing an Intelligence, that Zenophon having formerly appointed a general Rendezvous, too late for this ne∣cessity, took of his Army about Eight thousand Horse and Foot, which were the nearest and readiest Forces, and with those two days since ad∣vanced to the relief of his King, having left order that the residue should follow with an expedition, which might evidence the cause from whence

it proceeded. My Prince was very pensive at this information, and much more sorry the destiny of Media should be decided without him, he be∣ing in it. Whilst he was engag'd in such thoughts, mine were employ'd how to remove their cause; and at last resolving that in so emergent a necessity, he ought publickly to avow himself to see what influence Moneses's blood had over the Medians, and to have Arms in his hands to oppose Merinzor, should the gods make him the Instrument of pu∣nishing Tygranes's Ingratitude to my Prince's Father; as also to dispute Parthenissa with Surena with more equal Arms than those by which he had lost her: I concluded too, that Zenophon would not intrust so con∣siderable a concern as Chrisapolis into any hands but those whose incli∣nations he was as confident of as of his own; and therefore Artabbanes ought not to apprehend the disclosing himself to the Governour of it, and to head those Forces which were embodying, as Seconds to Zeno∣phons's flying Army. These reasons were so pregnant to me, that I ac∣quainted my generous Master with them, to whom they appear'd the same, and who therefore immediately commanded me to invite the Go∣vernour to give him a visit, which he would have then paid him, had he not esteem'd it fitter to receive his advice in private, than go and per∣haps render himself uncapable of observing it, by desiring it first in publick. I went with joy to obey these orders; and being without much difficulty admitted into the Governours Chamber, I drew him aside, and told him the cause of my doing so. He receiv'd the Intelligence with great astonishment, but I soon found his was deriv'd from an obliging, not a dangerous Cause, for 'twas in eloquent and passionate returns, that he thankt the gods for sending, and me for bringing him such News; he went therefore (follow'd by all the Gentlemen and Officers then about him) to my Prince's Lodging, but by the way the Flame be∣ing diffus'd over the City, there was hardly any in it but those that wai∣ted on the Governour, or that went upon the same employment. I pur∣posely omit the exceeding deep submissions, and the proportionate ac∣clamations this throng of Friends made my Prince, and utter'd for his return. The Governour (an old and unalterable friend to Moneses and his family), told him, The gods, Sir, have doubtless reduced this King∣dom to so low an ebb, to evidence your restauration was of more con∣cernment, than the quiet of it, since they have depriv'd it of the last, to act the first; and it is more than probable that they will acquaint us 'twas your absence involv'd us in Wars, by making your return give a period to them. We are therefore come, Sir, to offer you our Swords and Lives, which we doubt not under such a General will vanquish grea∣ter obstacles than your courage will now encounter, which has already acted too many things to leave us the least pretence of doubt it is unca∣pable of performing any. Artabbanes in words and actions altogether sen∣sible and obliging, made them find their affection and civilities were not unfruitfully placed; and to let them know he ambition'd nothing more than to engage his Life in that Country, in which he found so ma∣ny willing to adventure theirs with him; as also to give Merinzor's first infusions the lye, in a way which also should punish it; he conjur'd them that the next Morning all such Forces of Horse as they thought fit to honour him with, and as could be rendezvouz'd by then, might be so, with which he despair'd not to overtake Zenophon, and to share in his Countrys Fate. The Governour immediately commanded all the Offi∣cers to see those Orders obey'd, and in the future to receive theirs from

Artabbanes, who that night he permitted not to continue in those Lodg∣ings, but brought him to the Castle, where his reception spoke the heart with which it was made. The Sun the next morning was not risen, when all the streets of Chrisapolis eccho'd with the noise of Trumpets and Cla∣rions; and not above an hour after, a great Plain on the North side of the City was covered with Three thousand Horse, whereof a third part were Voluntiers, which the only Name of Artabbanes drew under his Colours: The other two parts were of such as had been drawn toge∣ther by Zenophon's orders before his hasty depart: The Body (though small) was not unconsiderable, having my Prince at the head of it; and this they were all so sensible of, that Artabbanes found they were so by their very looks. After a short speech, rather to let them know he knew their resolution, than to raise it, he embraced the Governour, whose age dispenc'd him from the field, and began his March towards Ecbatan: Three days with wonderful celerity he follow'd the traces of Zenophon's Army without overtaking it; but the fourth from the high mountain of Dormus, he discover'd afar off the Walls of Ecbatan; that sight refresh'd his almost wearied Troops, and made them so to accelerate their pace, before the Sun was five hours from his set, they were come near enough to perceive both Armies were join'd, and were disputing their hopes, and desires by the Sword; on which they were so intent, that his arri∣val, nor his little Armies saluting their Friends by a shout, and their Ene∣mies by a menacing cry, could not in the least measure so much as suspend, or lessen the fury of either side. My Prince was much more pleas'd with the resolution of his friends, than with their number, which with the addition of his Forces, did not equal the one half of the Enemies; whose multitudes he observ'd were so long hinder'd from prevailing by a Gen∣tleman in blew Arms, whose Helmet was shadowed with a Plume of Feathers of the same colour. This generous Warrior carried victory to his side where ever he was, but his friends lost it where ever he was not; so that not being ubiquitary, the Armenian Royal Army was giving ground before my Prince could join it. I design'dly pass over the pa••ti∣culars of this great day, to tell you the conclusion of it, which was, that though Artabbanes did like Artabbanes both in courage and conduct, yet by the fall of the Gentleman in blew Armor, and by being necessita∣ted twice to save the King of Media's life, and remount him, it was almost dark before the gods had put a period to the Battle, and he to the Exe∣cution; in which the Traytor Merinzor fell, and above Twenty thou∣sand of his side; so that my Prince's Revenge and his Victory were both concluded in one action: such signal events could not but produce re∣sembling joys in him, who return'd from the pursuit with his victorious Troops, to present them and himself to Tygranes, whose Tent he found inviron'd with tears instead of acclamations, which was occasion'd by a fatal wound the King at the conclusion of the day had receiv'd by an Ar∣row shot at random; Artabbanes (by an excess of generosity) at the news, assum'd a grief as real, as great; and learning the faithful Zenophon was by Tygranes, he went without any interruption where he lay. The King (though extream ill, no sooner saw my Prince's Arms, then he cri'd out, 'Tis to that generous person that I owe twice a Life, which the gods are resolv'd no longer to lend me; but I desire that the last action of it may be to embrace and acknowledg my Deliverer. Artabbanes at these ob∣liging words pull'd off his Helmet, and Zenophon no sooner saw his face, then he cri'd out, 'Tis Artabbanes, 'tis Artabbanes: Who prostrating

himself before his King, told him, The gods (Sir) are my witnesses, that I had long since the ambition to pay you those services, which you are now pleased so much to overvalue, had not the Traytor Merinzor by false suggestions brought you into so great a diffidence of that truth, that the danger of coming to manifest it, was almost as great as were my de∣sires to do it; but those Powers which vindicate Innocence, have at length brought Merinzor to that Fate he would have impos'd on Mone∣ses, and have made one a Contributor to that Justice, which has hither∣to suffer'd by his having occasion'd the suspending of yours. This free and generous declaration made Tygranes believe 'twas my Prince, as much as Zenophon's naming him; for he had never known him but by that Character the faithful Zenophon had given of his Person and Mind. Tygranes, who found the hand of death upon him, believ'd he could not more excuse the Crimes of his Life, than to silence that hatred which had been the highest offence in it, was beginning to manifest a Conversion which had nothing of imperfection in it, but that it had not earlier shi∣ned; when some Gentlemen brought in one into the Kings Tent (for there was never a one set up but his, neither had that been, but for the dan∣ger of carrying him to Ecbatan) who though almost cover'd with blood, yet some internals disclos'd that his Arms before they had been so fatally stain'd, were of Azure; which made Artabbanes not only know 'twas that gallant man, the want of whose assistance had so long suspended his Victory, but deplore his loss at a rate which even countervail'd his suc∣cess. These were the dictates his inclinations to generosity inspir'd him with; but as soon as the wounded Gentleman's Helmet was taken off, he saw in his dying-looks the charming features of the Prince Sillaces: Oh gods! what did not my afflicted Master utter at so sad a sight! without so much as considering Tygranes, (whose tears were so obliging, as a while to interpose between his sight, and the object which created them) he fell on his generous friend, and exprest by groans, when his words fail'd him, such signal and pressing sorrows, that it even divided those of the spectators, and made them think him as just an object for their grief, as he had esteem'd his friend for his: I will not determine whether the air which Sillaces receiv'd by the opening of his Helmet, or Artabbanes's tormenting him, or the mercy of the gods, who thought it unjust to se∣parate two so exactly united, that restor'd the generous Prince to life; but this is most certain, that before the Chyrurgeons had given him a Cordial, he was almost in a condition not to need one; and had been intirely so, if after having a while faintly opened his Eyes, and disco∣ver'd Artabbanes, he had not embraced him so passionately (fearing per∣haps never to do it again) that all his wounds opened, and by a second flood of Blood cast him into a second fainting, Tygranes, whether out of sympathy, or a precedent weakness, fell into the same condition, which so divided the care and tears of all that were present, that never any Victory was esteem'd so dearly purchas'd, or so ill celebrated. It was about half an hour before the Chyrurgeons brought either the King or Sillaces to that life which had seemingly abandon'd them; but the last of them return'd to it much sooner than the first, for his wounds were of a far less dangerous nature; and being bound up, as also forbidden any more such unfortunate demonstrations of his friendship, as his late embra∣ces had prov'd, he began to ask of Artabbanes his Adventures; but in so confused a way, that the disorder could not be greater than his con∣cern'd in them, thereby appear'd: The ones curiosity, and the others o∣bedience,

were a time suspended by Tygranes's temporary recovery, this was but a lightning before death, which made such violent and rude ap∣proaches, that he needed not the Chyrurgeons Art to learn his Fate; which he first told the two friends of, and that with a constancy which equal'd their sorrows. The generous Sillaces, whether as a friend to my Prince, or Tygranes, so successfully made the latter sensible of the wrong he had done Moneses and his whole Family, that he seem'd more afflicted for that, than for his present condition, which receiv'd no small refreshment by Artabbanes protesting he was extreamly afflicted that his first service should be his last; and that he would wrong Moneses more than he ever had, if he believ'd not to have found out his mistake, was the greatest reparation he ever expected for it. Tygranes confused with many such flattering expressions, publickly declared, Moneses was his legitimate Successor, and Artabbanes after him, which was received with more joy than there were open expressions of it. Then turning a lan∣guishing look towards Sillaces, he told him, And you generous Prince cannot you furnish me with some occasion before my death to evidence the esteem I have of your friendship, and of those signal obligations you have confer'd on me? Sillaces was so struck at that fatal question, that he had not the power to make it any return; which Tygranes observing, he commanded all in the Tent but my Prince and Zenophon, to leave it; which being obey'd, addressing his discourse to my generous Masters friend, told him, It was with no small satisfaction, that I learn'd one of my blood could captivate Sillaces; though I have seem'd ignorant of your affairs, yet I am not so much a stranger to them, but that I know Lindadory is honour'd with a passion you have for her; and her Father has declin'd making her the reward of it, upon considerations which will more extenuate my usage towards him than any thing I can say in my own justification; I conjure you therefore (Tygranes continu'd speaking to Artabbanes), that you let your Father know my last request, which I even deliver with my dying breath, is, That your Sister may be allowed the liberty of her own election: and that he may not be entirely dispro∣vided of what is requisite for the maintaining of both their qualities, I hereby confer on Sillaces all the false Merinzor's forfeited Estates, and the Estates of all those who have adher'd to him: Had the gods been pleas'd to have given me the fair Lindadory, I would thus have given her: Moneses cannot suspect a counsel I would my self have practic'd, and in which he will receive as much satisfaction as I should, were I con∣fident he would observe my desires. The generous Sillaces at the end of these words, would have flung himself at Tygranes feet, as some expres∣sion of his satisfaction, which could hardly exceed the Kings, when Ar∣tabbanes assur'd him in Moneses name, of an exact obedience to his Com∣mands. Never was there a Tent at once so replenish'd with tears and joy as this, and perhaps never was there more cause for either. It seems the gods had protracted the King of Media's life, that the expiration of it might repair the faults in it; for, some two hours after, he died, in discour∣ses so constant, that the manner of his death consol'd the beholders of it: Artabbanes and Sillaces having given their tears to so great a fall, Zeno∣phon took care to have Moneses proclaimed King throughout the Army and City, which was receiv'd with acclamations so loud, that in the large∣ness of them there was evidenc'd a proportionate joy. The Funerals of Tygranes were the next day celebrated with a Military pomp, his body being afterwards Inter'd in the Tomb of his Fathers, over which my

Prince erected so proud a Monument, that his goodness was known in his Magnificence. Whilst these requisite duties were paying, Sillaces's reco∣very was so much advanc'd, that the doubt of it was no longer Artabba∣nes's fear, who every day with Zenophon acknowledg'd him the Prote∣ctor of Media, and restorer of Moneses, who by a solemn Embassie was invited from a Solitude to a Crown, the greatest and least extreams. Nei∣ther did Artabbanes omit the Gallantry of his Friend, nor Tygranes's last request for him, and his engagement on it. Things of a civil concernment put into this posture, the forming of a considerable Army was my Prince's next care; which he was more troubl'd how to employ, than how to raise: for his interest, and the many peoples hopes which depended on him, and served under him, were very rational inducements immediate∣ly to march and cut off the roots of so dangerous and so near extin∣guish'd a Rebellion; but the going to attempt Arsacia, and to force Parthenissa from Surena, were more powerful inducements to flie with his Army to so glorious and ambition'd a design: for the undertaking of which he fortified his inclinations with these reasons, That no consi∣deration should transcend that of a generous and fruitful flame; That an occasion of conquering a Kingdom might every day be offer'd; but that of releasing the fair Parthenissa, seldom or never; who could not be more troubl'd at the cause of the continuance of her sufferings than at the suf∣ferings themselves; and that thereby he would more injure her than Surena had: That entirely to extinguish the Rebellion, there needed not a War, but a progress over the Kingdom: That Zenophon with such for∣ces as the joy of this Change would draw under his Colours, would be more than sufficient to finish what was so far advanc'd; and that by the dictates of Reason as well as Love, he ought to employ his courage, where it was probably to meet with the brightest resistance; and that was where Surena was in person, who was not only the most considera∣ble enemy for power and resolution; but being a foreigner, and having Parthia to befriend him, ought first to be attempted, and dislodg'd. The generous Sillaces's opinion and reasons concurring with my Prince's herein, he assum'd the resolution, and that too firmly to admit of the least shadow of variation. The next morning therefore in a general As∣sembly of the Officers, my Prince acquainted them with his design, which he fortified with such pregnant reasons, and deliver'd in such an accent, as made many believe he rather summon'd them to approve his Counsel, than to receive theirs; so that partly out of judgment, partly out of com∣pliance, the result of the meeting was an unanimous approving of the motion. Artabbanes therefore immediately gave Zenophon Commission to Command an Army for the reduction of Media to Moneses's power; and three days after had a general Rendezvous of all his Forces under the Walls of Ecbatan, which he divided into two equal parts, giving Zenophon the one, and taking the other to himself. Sillaces was yet so ill of his wounds, that he was not capable of undertaking the Command of Zenophon's Army, nor of so much as accompanying my dear Master in his: I omit the sad words at their separation, which was no longer de∣laid, than that time took up which was employ'd in the last embraces, and in Artabbanes's leaving his generous friend the Command of all things behind, and of the whole Kingdom, in case the fortune of the War drew him out of it. My Prince too, found some consolation in Sillaces continu∣ance in Ecbatan, That being the Metropolis of Media, and consequent∣ly the place which Moneses would reside at; whereby he might not on∣ly

have the opportunity of being near the King, and it might be of Lin∣dadory, but that also by the inevitable charms of his conversation, pro∣cure from the former the latter. My impatient Master having thus disin∣tangl'd himself from all obstacles, which might any longer protract his so passionately ambition'd March, began it the next day with an Army, which though not consisting of above Fourteen thousand Horse and Foot, yet in the quarrel it had assum'd, he thought unresistable. The next day after we had left Ecbatan, our spies brought us in word, that Vixores (Surena's brother) had safely recover'd Arsacia, with all those Parthians that had escaped Merinzor's defeat, which with some other Reliques of that Party, had so encreast Surena's Troops, that learning the weakness of ours, he was determin'd to bring the dispute to a Field, and had dis∣patcht away Vixores for all those Forces, which yet continu'd an in••estine War in Parthia; that if the gods blasted his first hopes, he might not be divested of all, Artabbanes with unequal'd satisfaction receiv'd this ad∣vice, for he thought every thing a felicity which avoided protraction: And lest Surena's second thoughts might prove less obliging than his first, my generous Master so precipitated his March, that in eight days he dis∣cover'd those happy and fatal Walls within which the fair Parthenissa made her involuntary residence; not far from whence he discover'd Surena's Camp, which was scituate in a most advantageous and conve∣nient place. Never (continu'd Symander) did I observe in my Prince's looks so much of contentment and sorrow intermingl'd; the first was de∣riv'd from his vicinity to his Princess, and from the power he had to dispute her by Arms; and the last was from the reluctancy he had con∣tracted for the necessity of employing his life against one, from whom he had so often receiv'd it, and for whom he had a Friendship so great, that nothing could come in competition with it, but the passion he had for Parthenissa. Whilst his Army was drawing up, he resolv'd to write to Surena, to whom he sent a Trumpet with this ensuing Letter.

Artabbanes to the generous Surena.

THat Passion which forces you to act against the object of it, and yet is your Apology for that performance; must be mine for employing my Sword and Life against him from whom I derive them: Would to the gods your flame were not so great that it self should prove its crime; but that you would give the fair Parthenissa the freedom of her election, and submit to what we cannot, nor ought not to oppose. That if we cannot find out our happiness in her making of it, we would make our own in the making of hers; I should then carry Arms for the generous Surena with a much more transcendent joy than I could obtain a victory against him by them; and he should then suddenly learn, that though my Love be infinite, my Friendship is proportionate; and that if I give the former the prece∣dency, the difference proceeds as much from my Fate, as my Inclination.

This Letter was sent by a Trumpet to Surena, who receiv'd and read it to himself at the head of his Army, which was then drawn up to de∣cide their difference. He went a little aside, and after a short considera∣tion return'd this Answer.

Surena to the generous Artabbanes.

HAd ••ot the gods esteem'd it just, that Passions as immortal as them∣selves, should have none but them for judges, they had not now fur∣nisht us with what will bring it to their decision; which their having effe∣cted, though it makes my friendship for you esteem it a misfortune, yet it makes my flame for Parthenissa consider it as a Providence, and so sig∣nal a one, that I must not decline it; We need not fear partiality before such a Tribunal; he that least deserves Parthenissa, will have it this day demonstrated by a Divine Sentence, which cannot deliver a higher truth, than that in all occasions but this, I will employ my Sword for you with as much satisfaction, as in this I do it with Reluctancy.

My Prince at the same time he receiv'd this Letter, saw Surena's Ar∣my march from their Camp into a Plain, which he judged the General of it had elected for the Scene of the Battel. I cannot tell you the con∣fusions he was in at his Rivals Resolution, which forc'd him to evince his Love by the suspension of his Gratitude. This noble trouble resign'd its Empire to his joy of having brought the redemption of the fair Parthe∣nissa to so immediate a trial. Artabbanes having view'd Surena's Army, found by his Computation, that their numbers and strength were resem∣bling to all judgments but his own, who thought any force inferior to his, when he consider'd the occasion and recompence of his quarrel. Neither was Surena void of the like belief; and in those dictates both the Generals began the Battel, which though it merits a retail'd Relation, yet I shall only acquaint you, That the two Rivals having a hundred times rally'd their broken Troops, and as many times turned the Victory, that the reward of it could hardly transcend the courages which dispu∣ted it; at length they met, which as soon as Artabbanes discover'd, he ended the Combat by avoiding it. 'Twice that day he repeated the same action on the same score. Oh gods (continu'd Symander) what an influ∣ence has a transcendent Gratitude on a generous mind? Artabbanes flies from an enemies sword, when even that enemy was as much so to Par∣thenissa as to him, or rather more so the the latter, by being equally so to the former; but fate forc'd my Prince to what his Inclination would have avoided; and indeed Surena so solicitously courted my generous Master to the Combat, that it may be what did induce him to avoid it, now did to embrace it, since 'twas Gratitude to act his friends desires. Never, never was there a Combat resembling this; for it transcended all others as much in the effect, as it did in the cause. Here Artabbanes by so fighting, evinc'd what was not the cause of his having so often a∣voided it; and Surena by the largeness and unintermissiveness of his blows, what had made him so ambition that decision, and what he ho∣ped would be the reward of it. Artabbanes was mounted upon the proudest Horse in Media, who seem'd to know whom 'twas he carri'd. Surena had under him a Parthian Horse, which yielded nothing to my Prince's; and indeed both of them seem'd not only to know, but act their Princes design. The Rivals, whose Armors in the beginning of the day were of a different colour, now began to wear one Livery by the many fountains of blood which sprung out of them. If Parthenissa had beheld so fatal a sight, she could not but have deplor'd a Beauty, which at the same time that it evidenc'd, destroyed Courages as great as it self,

and perhaps a friendship too. Twice already the generous Combatants had grappl'd, because their Horses grown furious with Heat, made many of their blows only wound the air, which to avoid in the fu∣ture, they clos'd so strongly, that their Bridles being abandon'd, and their Horses left to their own dispose, the Riders forc'd each other out of the Saddle, and fell on the dust in those cruel embraces; as their design was, so were their advantages, for they saluted the ground with their sides, only Surena's Sword falling between his and the earth, inconvenienc'd him, but so little, that Artabbanes had only the internal satisfaction of resolving he would take no advantage of it: for before he could manifest that generosity, his enemy was in a condition not to need it. Their Horses (as I have said) sympathizing in their Masters concerns, were no sooner eas'd of their burthen, then they also began a furious sight, which ended not but with the life of Surena's; but then the survivor fetching two or three groans over his dead enemy, fell down eternally by his side. You may think it strange (continu••d Symander) that any could so misimploy his sight, as to be able to give this relation; but it is certain, that the rareness of the spectacle, and the general belief that the Riders fates would be seen in their Horses, drew the eyes of many from the dispute of the former, upon the latter. The two Generals already so weakned by those streams of blood they had mutually lost, that 'twas no more their strength, but their resolution which continu'd the Combat; this being observ'd by many of both Armies, they advanc'd to separate them, as they were leaning on the Hilts of their Swords to take breath. Those which came to my Prince, had only these words, Do you fear my Courage, or my Quarrel? But they had a look which told them more. Surena's had a resembling entertainment; and to take from their Armies the opportunity of the like offence, they renew'd the fight again with so much strength, that those which fear'd they had too little left, now did, they had too much by the fatal way they employ'd theirs in: You will dispence with me, generous Hearers, (said Symander) if I tell you not every blow in this fatal relapse, since I know so well your concerns for Artabbanes, that in so relating the Combat, I should al∣most act it, by wounding him afresh in your sorrows; 'tis enough you know, that both of them so prodigally spent the treasure of their Breath and Blood, that if Parthenissa had been a spectator, she must have confest her self too well disputed; and in brief, our Heroes ha∣ving perform'd actions even as worthy our wonder as grief, Surena fell, and afterwards Artabbanes; but then their knees serv'd them for feet, as if their hearts, the throne of their Courages, had been strong forts, and were to be won by approaches. Who can tell how much Parthenissa was hated for being so much lov'd? and how many a Curse was utter'd against her, for that which was the greatest to her self? and that which she more participated in, than any of her Blas∣phemers? To finish this fatal Dispute, I shall acquaint you, that their knees being not so active as their feet, only serv'd them to receive wounds, not avoid them; and their mutual weakness made them so apprehend they scarcely should have life enough left to act their deaths, that it extinguish'd all thoughts of avoiding them. Surena like a blaze before the extinction of a Lamp, united his expiring forces with a de∣sign in one blow to perform what so many had but too far advanc'd; but as his Sword was in the air, his body fell on the ground, and there∣by

seem'd to tell him, that his life was more just than he, by abandoning him when he intended so fatally to employ it; his eyes also, as needing no more the light, after the gods had decreed Parthenissa from him, shut their lids, as if they intended to impose on themselves an eternal night. Artabbanes employ'd not that moment of breath which was left him, to ascertain a success which he feared was too much so already; but he resolv'd, since Surena by his Letter had left the least unworthy title to Parthenissa, to the gods decision, that he would employ his fading strength to declare, not act his victory; so that having waved his sword over his dead Rivals body, he fell down on it, and by embraces seem'd to beg pardon for an insulting, which his own declaration had necessi∣tated him unto; and which he could not have perform'd in a less crimi∣nal way.