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

PARTHENISSA, A ROMANCE▪

THE FOURTH PART.

PARTHENISSA.

THE FOURTH PART.

The First BOOK.

THE generous Artavasdes had no sooner finish'd his Story (which had produc'd no common operations in the hearers), than Artabbanes told him, If the sin of not-believing Artavasdes were not greater, than the vanity of believing my Sword could contribute to a victory his was acting, I should not make the last of those my faith; which since to avoid the first I must do, I shall to extenuate the necessity of that crime, protest, That I will no more exclaim against the gods for having so extraordinarily preserved me from death, since now I find 'twas to preserve Artavasdes from it; for whom I am so justly concern'd, that I shall cherish the continuation of my miseries, if they contribute to the continuation of his life; which, though replenish'd with many sensible misfortunes, yet are as far short of mine, as an unhappiness that time and many accidents may cure, is of one which the very gods them∣selves cannot. If (said Artavasdes) my miseries till now were not equal to yours, this assurance had made them so; for the accession to my past misfortunes, that yours transcend them, gives mine the Precedency. Callimmachus, who apprehended this generous dispute would suspend him from learning what would enable him to determine of it; acquainted them with his fears; to which Artabbanes told him: Alas Sir, I shall by not obeying you, do it; for by not being able to tell you what should determine it, you cannot but do it on my side; I am also the more con∣cern'd in this victory, since by the loss of it, I shall be depriv'd of this only consolation in my miseries, that my generous friend's are not equal to them. But the Night being already too far spent to begin a fresh relation, he not only perswaded them to defer their curiosity till the next morning; but also to permit Symander to satisfie it; whose fidelity had

render'd him an unsuspected hearer of Artavasdes's Adventures; and whose interest in his Princes life, and secrets, render'd him a fit Relator of them. Callimmachus and Artavasdes having exprest a greater sorrow, that Artabbanes was not able to tell his own story, than that he did it not; and a little time being spent in discourses of that quality (and of the different opinions they all had, what could make the Prince of Parthia so intent upon Artavasdes's Death, as to hire Assassinates to act it, which he had told Callimmachus and Artabbanes one of them had confest with his last breath): The generous Priest took leave of the two Friends, not only to afford them a liberty which he apprehended his company something limited, but also to perform some ceremonies of his office, and to be the earlier ready to summon Symander of an e••∣gagement which he in part had already so well satisfied, that it gave him a just impatience till he had done it entirely. The night therefore had no sooner resign'd her Empire to the Sun, than Callimmachus came to Artabbanes and Artavasdes Appartment, where he found that his fear of Incivility proceeded from a different cause, than from that he apprehended; for the latter of them was so far from believing it too∣early, that he had already expected him above an hour, with all the im∣patiencies of a concern'd friend; and the former having left Symander to satisfie his promise, was already retir'd into a Gallary contiguous to his Chamber, to avoid the hearing of his unparallel'd miseries, and of ob∣serving the influence they would necessarily have over his generous friends. Smyander by Artavasdes's command, seated himself between him and Callimmachus, and there being summon'd by them both, to continue the Relation of his Princes Fortunes, having first remember'd the generous Armenian, that by his arrival he had been interrupted from the prosecution of them at their entrance into Rome, after the vi∣ctory of Crassus: from thence thus began his discourse, addressing it to Artavasdes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Sequel of Parthenissa's History.

After (said Parthenissa) that the generous Sillaces by an attempt to silence our fears for you, had raised them for himself, by ingaging in so dangerous and unpromising a journey, wherein he evinced the vastness of his Friendship; (for there is hardly any of so perfect a qua∣lity, as to undertake that upon certainties, which his did but in hopes.) I continued for a while free from all troubles, but those which both your absences created, and those I sympathized in of your excellent Sisters, and the fair Zephalinda's; for Surena, nor Arsaces on his score, did not renew their persecution; I admired at it, as much as I was satisfied with it; for though Surena's words assured me not of his Passion, yet his languishings did; and in all his visits he so pressingly implored my par∣don, that I found he was but too much concerned in the obtaining it; which having granted to his condition, and not to him; that being al∣tered, I had also altered my concession; this I did as a necessary justice, though he gave it a contrary Name: For those prayers which by that proceeding he employed for obtaining of my Pardon, he would other∣wise (as I apprehended) have imployed for obtaining my affection; and the obstacle of his Crime being removed, it would have left Arsaces none, whereby he might have continued his solicitations for his Favou∣rite. It was above six Moons that I remained in this condition; which, though but too full of infelicity by your absences and Surena's presence; yet it seems the Gods thought it not full enough; for by the folly of his Passion he was finally reduced to as dangerous a condition, as your Sword had done: 'Twas then that Orodes passing over all considera∣tions, but those of his Favourite, came to visit me, and not only implored

my Pardon, but my Love for him. I represented to him, that one which could stand in need of the former, could hardly merit the latter; that he was a Person whose Treachery rendered him as unfit for his Friendship, as Mine; and that his actions rather called upon his Justice, than Pro∣tection. Madam (said Orodes) that infidelity you reproach him with, is that which you should esteem him for; the least production of a common Passion, is to endeavour the having it rewarded by suffer∣ings, and by submissions; but one that could not but prove extraordi∣nary, by the Beauties being so that inspir'd it, you cannot admire at an effect, resembling its cause; and that your perfections are not common, is not a greater Truth, than that a Crime in Surena is the like. Your Artabbanes himself I believe durst not have done so much; he loves his Reputation more than Parthenissa; and who dares do most for her, merits most from her. I know (Sir, I reply'd) that the generous Artabbanes is more a friend to Virtue, than to Love; and I am confident he knows I am so too; 'tis therefore only on that account I believe he durst not have done what Surena did; neither is it any glory, that he transcends Artabbanes in nothing but Vice; which is a preheminence he will as certainly resign him, as surpass him in all actions of an opposite quality; but (Sir) I hope you cannot seriously expect my affection for a Person, who pretends no title to it, but by one which renders him unworthy of it. I am (said Orodes) so serious in my request, that to deny it me, will cast me into as bad a condition, as his whose preservation I solicite; my Fate and Surena's being unseparable. But Arsaces finding I was as con∣stant in my resolves, as his Favourite in his fruitless passion, at length converted those Prayers for my Affection, into some, for giving him a visit; and that at least I would preserve his life, if I would not render it happy. The King's importunities forc'd that from me, which his rea∣sons could not; and taking me with him in his Chariot, he brought me to Surena's Palace: I found the Master of it in a condition that con∣vinced me. Pity is none of the ways to Love; for had it been, Surena could have been no longer deny'd mine. You know (continued Par∣thenissa) that his good meen yields to none but to Two which are in this Chamber; and yet I found it as remarkable for the change, as it had been for the perfection. As soon as Arsaces had acquainted him I was come to give him a visit, he raised himself faintly up, and with a lan∣guishing voice told me, I know not Madam, with what design 'tis you do me this honour; is it either to see the effects of your Power, or to increase them? 'Tis (I replyed) purely from my King's Commands, that you derive this visit; and if mine have any influence over you, do not I beseech you, by continuing so ill, necessitate him to command from me another. Alas Madam (said Surena) why do you then by your sight give me so great a dis-invitation to obey you? who can see your Beauty, and resolve to banish himself eternally from it? your Eyes de∣stroy what your cruelty makes me elect; and had I not had the felicity of beholding you now, my sufferings in few days had made me obey a command, which your words has not now more plainly told me, than your usage has. Yes Madam (he continued) since 'tis impossible to de∣cline my Flame but with my Life, I am taking that fatal and only way of extinguishing it; and I hope in a short time so to change my con∣dition, that it shall render me as worthy your Pity, as my ill Fate has rendered me unworthy your esteem. That Death (I replyed) which you seem to imply, is not to obey, but injure me; and I had rather in∣dure

your importunities, than avoid them at that rate; 'tis your change, not your ruine I desire. Ah Madam (Surena answer'd) the impossibility that any Beauty can transcend yours, is not greater, than whil'st I live, that I can decline adoring it; and if I vow'd your Eyes could act all things, I excepted the impossibility of their quenching fires, which they themselves inspir'd: that miracle is deny'd them by a power, which renders that deficiency a greater: so that if you command me to live, you consequently command my Passion to live with me; and you must resolve to suffer the effects of the latter, if you enjoyn the continuance of the former: I tell you (Madam) ingenuously what you must permit, if you permit me to live, That either I may put a period to my Torments, by putting a period to my Life; or not be deluded into fresh Miseries by fresh Expectations, which will vanish as soon as my sickness does, and add to the Miseries of losing my Cure, that of losing my Hopes. So resolute a demand (continued Par∣thenissa) was so far from inducing me to say more in his favour, that it made me repent I had said so much; which I had no sooner told him, than Arsaces demonstrated as great a despair, as what I had said, did in∣volve Surena in. And truly the King by such moving conjurations and humblings, so far transported me beyond my resolution, that the conclu∣sion of our visit was a promise I made Surena of a pardon for all was past. But le••t this might invite him to actions that might need it again, to qualifie my forgiveness, I told him, he derived it only from Arsace's commands, and his own condition. He prest me extreamly before I left him, to say he derived it immediately from me; but that I was so far from telling him, that it made me profess, if he was not satisfied with what I had already spoke, I should rather recall my concession, than any way increase it. Surena (as he said) by this visit, was in few days able to pay me one, which he did, and entertained me with retri∣butions, not desires. To invite him to a perseverance therein, I used him with much more Civility and Freedom than either his offence or my resentment for it had made me formerly practice: Neither was I out of hope, but that receiving favours, when he desired none, and none when he desired any, his reason might invite him then to what it should have done before. I must acknowledg, I could hardly have been civil to him upon any other score; and I had had no small difficulty to perswade my modesty to listen to such constant expressions of Gratitude with satisfa∣ction, but that I found it less troublesom to hear his thanks, than his re∣quest; and to have him acknowledg obligations, than desire them: For a quarter of a year Surena gave me no other troubles, but those of his Visits; but then he began to add to them, those of his accustomed im∣portunities; I know not whether he believed, what I had elected to sup∣press his addresses, was to invite them; or whether those Civilities I did him to reward his silence, was to solicite the breaking it; but I know, if these were his Thoughts, as soon as he reveal'd, he had no reason any longer to retain them; for I gave him so resolute a reprehension, that he found I had been kind, but to keep him from imploring my being so; and that he could not elect a more certain way to be deny'd my affection, than to solicite it; I cannot certainly acquaint you whether this usage, or some internal infirmity which then began to manifest it self, was the cause of his Sickness; but I can, that suddenly after, he fell into a very dangerous one; and though it were equally so to his former, and that Arsaces did me the honour constantly to visit me; yet he never desired

I should do so to Surena: But the satisfaction I received thereat, I soon observed, was too dearly purchased; for in some four or five successive visits, I observed Orodes had so incessantly his Eyes fixt on mine, and uttered such disordered and disjointed discourses, that I began to doubt what his next seeing me made me but too certain of: for after all the Court which waited on him, were retired into a Gallery contiguous to my Chamber, Arsaces spoke these words, with as much trouble as I heard them. Madam, Though you should infinitely admire that I do not now solicite you for my dying Friend; yet I do as much, that I have done it so long, and that I should employ those prayers for another, which your Beauty makes me stand in need of for my self: I believe fair Parthenissa (he continued) you cannot so much admire at my making now this declaration, as that I did it not sooner; and the greatest wonder next your Beauty, is, that I have so long declined adoring it: whilst my Love was kindling, my Friendship transcended it; but now it burns, it has consumed my Friendship, and I fear will consume me, unless you afford me as much Love, as you inspire. This assurance cannot be more confident than true; and I esteemed I had no higher motive to induce you to save your King, than to acquaint you that you have the power to do it. I believe (said Parthenissa, to her generous Auditors) by your own surprize, it will not be very difficult to perswade you of Mine; but as soon as the first disorders of it were a little mitigated, I turned my Eyes towards the King, and sound those I had so lately suppress'd could not transcend those which were visible in him; and though this gave me too palpable an assurance of a Truth, which none could have been more ambitious to have discovered, than I was troubled to have done it; yet I told him: This discourse (Sir) which you have made me of your Love, is doubtless to revenge my not conferring mine on Surena; and I consider this Raillery with joy, as my belief, that 'tis the only penance you will impose on the necessity of my disobedience. I rather hope (Arsaces reply'd) that your esteeming that a Raillery, which I now tell you in so much earnest, is the only penance you will prescribe me, for not having told you of it sooner: or if you esteem me so un∣worthy the honour of your Conversation, as in it to speak any thing unserious, your Beauty might more justly have made you assume that thought, when I did implore your bestowing it on another, than when I do, your conferring it on me: But Madam, if you believe it as great an injury to your modesty to acknowledg your conquest, as I know 'tis to your Eyes to decline it; yet your reason cannot be but convinc'd of your victory, when I assure you I have seen Surena languish with as little reluctancy, as you have done it; when even his silence pleaded for him, as much as his conditition: for I suspected he kept it, out of a know∣ledg that I was become his Rival, which he has discovered either from my not persevering his Intercessor, or my sighs, which are now more inflamed than those of grief used to be, has told him, what I had not the confidence to do. This proceeding, fair Parthenissa, affords you no low, nor perhaps unpleasing Character of my Passion; for at the same instant that I but implore your affection, I act your revenge, which gives me a hope that what obliges you, cannot be detested by you. These words he animated with so passionate a tone and action, that even those did also speak: but as I was about to do so, I was relieved by the fair Zephalinda, in whose presence Arsaces entertained me a while in words of a contrary quality, either that he would conceal his Passion from all,

or particularly from Surena's Sister; and though the King continued a while in my Chamber; yet by the disorders and disjointedness of his discourse, I found how much he was troubled, that Zephalinda had inter∣rupted him. But he could not be more offended thereat, than I was satisfied; for thereby I procured some time towards the forming my answers, and the course I was to follow in this new emergency; for I was hopeful to improve his passion to a better end, than that for which he had assumed it; and make it the means of bringing Artabbanes to Parthe∣nissa, which was designed to deprive him of her. As soon as Orodes was retired, Zephalinda told me, At last Madam, I believe I shall make my visits prove what hitherto I fear they did not, a satisfaction to you, proportionate to that I receive in paying you them; for but even now I have had the effect of my incessant solicitations: Surena has given that to my Prayers, which he should long since have done to Reason and Vertue: Yes (Madam) he has protested to me by what he ador'd, as much as now he does but admire, That if he has any Passion for you, it is only to serve you, and that he will employ as much Care and Art for your union with Artabbanes, as he has done to binder it; and I am come to implore you from him, to give him a visit, that he may give you those demonstrations of his conversion, which may induce you as much to be∣lieve the reality of it, as already I do. I know not (said Parthenissa, prosecuting her discourse) whether it be the nature of all my Sex, to fear the Truth of what they most desire; but I am certain 'tis mine; and consequently I had many pregnant jealousies, that Surena but seemingly yielded that to his King, which he really preserved for me; and that what he now did, was an action of Policy, and not Conversion: I was often about to tell Zephalinda my doubts, but left they might be an offence (which mine own defects, and Arsaces letting me know Surena did not know his Passion, made me the apter to fancy), I did at last, (more convinc'd by Zephalinda's Prayers, than Reasons) condescend to visit her Brother, into whose Chamber I was no sooner come (for yet his indisposition made him keep it) then staying his Sister, and sending all the rest out of it, he told me, with a confidence which I believed nothing but Truth could put on, at least that a Lover could not, speaking to his Mistris: That I have had a Passion, Madam, for you, is not so strange, as that I now divest my self of it; and those hopes which despair should have made me lay down, I do now, by way of reparation for their having been so offensive and dangerous; I am also so sensible of having inter∣rupted a Passion, which I now as much esteem as I have envy'd; that I find as transcendent a satisfaction in having mist my desires, as I should in having obtained them: Those Prayers therefore which I hitherto em∣ployed for your affection, I do now, Madam, for your Pardon, which is now as necessary to my Life, as that was to my Felicity; which you may establish without being obnoxious to your own; formerly you were to be vicious to make me happy, now you are but to be virtuous to do it; your Inconstancy then could only be my cure, but 'tis your Mercy now that only can be so; which to obtain, I protest by all the gods, and by those which are more particularly concerned in the punishment of per∣jury, I will never have any desires for you, but to see you by an Hyme∣neal union in his embraces, who now, and never but till now, I esteemed the least unworthy of you. What need I tell you more (said Parthenissa), than that Surena by such expressions and vows gave a beginning to that Faith, which in progress of time he so well improved and setled, that

his change was as absolutely my belief, as desire. But what the Favou∣rite declined, the King assumed, and I read the greatness of his Love, by the conquest it had obtained over his Friendship; he gave me besides some signal evincements of it every day, though I was not a little dili∣gent to retrench all opportunities, that by my actions I might acquaint him with my intentions, which I esteemed the civillest and certainest way of denial. I must acknowledg I was both satisfied and troubled at a Passion so replenish'd with respect, as that of Orodes was; for though on the one side, it secured me from those violences, his power and flame might inspire him with; yet on the other, it hindered me from suppres∣sing his hopes and importunities. Surena being recovered of the indispo∣sition both of his Body and Mind, gave me as many visits under the notion of a Friend, as he had done under that of a Lover, and as a fresh evincement he was no more the latter; he told me one day, Certainly, Madam, the gods are not a little concerned in the having me lay down my Passion, by ordaining two things for the reward of that performance, which I most ambitioned, That of obliging you, and Orodes; who has this morning disclosed to me a Flame I should have wondered at, had he not told me, 'twas you that inspir'd it: By the experimental knowledg I have had of your Beauty, I was not so much surpriz'd at that declara∣tion, as when after he had made it, that he could conjure me to pardon his being my Rival, and that I would no longer continue his: I esteemed it strange, that he which resented the influence of your Eyes, could think me capable of not doing the like; and that I should decline the power of a God, to obey that of a King; I told him this, but to indear an obli∣gation I had prophetically conferred on him; but after I had cast him in∣to Troubles, great enough to let him know those my obedience would involve me in, I assur'd him of it. Truly Madam, he contracted a joy so great at the promise I would lay down my passion, that I believe no∣thing can transcend it, but an assurance that you will accept and reward his. I did this readily, that he might conclude 'twas with willingness, that thereby convincing him I was no longer his Rival, I might become his Confident, and pay you those duties, which one more concerned in his Interest than yours, would never do; I had also this farther hope, that since out of a respect to him, I could divest my self of my Flame, it might upon the generous Artabbanes's return, take from Arsaces all excuses of continuing his; since it manifested there was actually a Power in your Adorers to decline that Title, which without this President, he might have alledged was an impossibility. I knew not (continued Par∣thenissa) whether I had cause to resent this as an obligation; for though as Surena stated it, there might be some possibility of its success; yet that was so small, as it left it disputable whether there were any, or no; for examples of virtue are more often commended, than practiced by those, who promise themselves a higher satisfaction in declining their imitation; especially too, when the quality of the Person preserves him from suffering, but in Mens opinions; whereas if Surena had still pre∣tended an Affection for me, it might have denyed Arsaces a liberty, which this Concession absolutely afforded him; and thereby, by having two Lovers, have been preserved from having one: I let Surena know this was my opinion; but he was so wedded to his, that he assured me, were he to act his part again, and had only heard those reasons, and not that they were Mine, he had followed his own, which nothing could induce him to believe, were the worst, but my thinking them so. At

length Arsaces, convinc'd that Surena was not his Rival, made him really his Confident, who so artificially acted his part, that he satisfied us both; and to make his King the less solicite me, he gave him still better answers from me, than ever were given him by me: I yielded to this Proceed∣ing by Surena's advice; who pretending the greatest knowledg in Orodes's humour, made me esteem him the fittest to manage it: But whilst the Court of Parthia was in this Condition, the Kingdom was engaged in a bloody War: For the Tabienians knowing their Crimes merited no Mer∣cy, neither expected nor implored the King's; your unfortunate diffe∣rence with Surena, having rendered you uncapable to command the Army, and the generous Sillaces having declined that honour to restore us your Company, it was conferred on Ariobarzanes, who you know is a Prince merits that Title, and wanted success in nothing, but in what you had too much; I cannot tell whether his desire to serve his King, or his hopes to become more fortunate in the fair Zephalinda by the Orato∣ries of Honour, than he had been thitherto by those of Love, made him accept that Command; but I can, that he did: and though by the situation of the Countrey, and the despair of those that inhabited it, the War was protracted; yet Ariobarzanes had that consolation, that he never lost an opportunity to fight; and never did fight, but he was vi∣ctorious: In the end his Courage and Conduct made him entirely so over the Tabienians; but at his return from that victory, he found thereby he had nothing facilitated another, which he a thousand times more ambitioned; for Zephalinda was as uncapable of having a Passion for any, as all that saw her, were, of declining one for her. This inter∣nal War concluded; by the advance of Pompey, an exteriour one began: Orodes, and the Prince Pacorus, with a vast Army marched to the confines of Armenia, and the Prince Phraates with another into Syria, to infest the Roman Colonies, hoping that by making two Wars abroad, they should hinder any to be made at home. I purposely omit telling you what Complements Arsaces made me at his departure; and how he pro∣tested, if he ambition'd Lawrels, 'twas only to lay them at my feet. But by the as strange, as sudden Peace Pompey made with the Armenians, he found himself necessitated to advance with a part of his Army into Syria to fortifie that of Phraates, which abundantly needed it, by the Roman General's being more concerned to relieve his Friends, than to make any new acquisitions. Pompey by this re-inforcement of his Enemies, or called home by the dawning confusions in Italy, setled his Affairs by Treaty with Orodes, and so returned to Rome, and the King to Nineveh, where he was received in Triumph, his Flatterers alledging he had obtained a victory, by not losing one to the Romans; Pacor••s had not so much as this pretence to a triumphant reception; for he was entirely defeated by the generous Artavasdes; who us'd his success so handsomly, that his very Enemies did hardly envy, or deplore it. Surena, who amongst many others enjoyed the benefit of his Civility, assured me it had pro∣duced the effect I mention'd. The winter of this year, the Court con∣stantly resided at Nineveh, and Arsaces as constantly persecuted me, though I must acknowledg I avoided many importunate days, by Surena's Art and Friendship. About this time there happened an Accident, which though for a while it exempted me from Arsace's Addresses; yet soon after it afforded him a Liberty to continue them with more assiduity and hope: 'Twas the Death of his Queen; who having been in some dan∣ger whilst she was in labour of Phraates, had solemnly protested, if Iuno

Lucinia (who you know we acknowledg Guardian of the Genial Bed) would free her from it, she would wholly sequester her self from the World, and dedicate her the residue of her Life. This the goddess granted, and this the Queen performed; and though the accomplish∣ment of this vow was esteemed a great misfortune; yet it was a greater, that she had not made it after the generous Pacorus Birth. The solemnity of the funeral being celebrated for one Queen, Orodes attempted to make another, by offering me that Title in such earnest and pressing words, that I was as much troubled to find they were real, as another would have been to have doubted it. Whilst the Queen was living, I had some pretence to decline his Addresses, and to render that an impossi∣bility from his condition, which really was one from mine: Though he often told me, That his Queen by having voluntarily banished her self from his Bed, had given him provocation enough to make another assume her place: That though it were a custom amongst the Kings of Parthia to have but one wife, yet it was not a law; which though it had been, yet the cause of his infringing it, would sufficiently apologize for it, and that my Beauty would render the preserving that practice a stranger thing, than the violating of it. To this I answered, That it was a preg∣nant evincement Bygamy was extream odious, since custom without law had so long hindered our Kings from it: That there was a sufficient determent in the very act, since no penalty was imposed on the committing it: That I should receive more horror from being the cause of violating so sacred and ancient a Practice, than advantage by the honour I might thereby derive; and that that custome of our Kings having but one wife, was so ingrasted in the Hearts of all the Parthians, that I should not only be considered by them, but by my self, as his Concubine, rather than his Queen: 'Twas with many resembling-reasons, and as many pressing conjurations, that during the Life of the Queen I preserved my self from that Title: But now the gods having removed that pre∣tence, they left me without any, especially since I had always represented her as the greatest, and indeed as the only obstacle; which I had done, not only by Surena's Counsel, but by that of my Reason; for I found none so civilly unanswerable, nor so long like to continue so, as that. Orodes when he made me the offer of a Crown, told me with it, that doubtless the just gods, who knew the vastness and clearness of his Flame, had purposely removed all obstructions that might hinder my reward∣ing it. This unexpected accident, and his so resolute and pressing de∣mands, cast me into great perplexities, which I may justly term so, though they were created not from what I was to resolve, but what to answer. At length, lest he might esteem my silence a Concession, I told him, By giving me (Sir) too great an opinion of your Passion, you may create in me a proportionate fear to receive it; for if as soon as your Queen is in her Grave, you take another into her Bed, you will demonstrate how little esteem you make of a Wife, and consequently make me ap∣prehend being yours; besides (Sir), so precipitate a proceeding, may induce the World to believe 'twas not the gods, but the King that re∣moved his obstructions; I shall therefore (Sir) conjure you, as you esteem my satisfaction, or your Kingdoms, protract your desires till I may without prejudice receive them. Arsaces told me I might rather create inferences of the greatness of his Flame, than Fears of its reality, by his passing over all considerations which came in competition with it; but since I did not decline, but suspend the recompence of it, he would

to satisfie my nice scruples, indure some days of Torment; for so (he said) he must term all those, which he was to spend in the condition he then was in. He withdrew himself not long after, and gave me leisure to reflect on the cruelty of my condition; for if on the one side I reso∣lutely acknowledged my affection, and unalterable resolution for Arta••∣banes, I should thereby not only eternally confirm his Banishment, and consequently not only deprive my self of Him, but also of that delive∣rance which I solely and absolutely expected from him, and so exaspe∣rate Orodes, that it would inevitably (as Surena protested to me, who was perfectly vers'd in his Nature) make him run to those extreams, which he could not think on without Horror; and to prevent which, I had treated him with so little cause of disgust: and on the other side, if I disclosed not my affection for you, I left my self by the Queens unfor∣tunate Death, not many dayes of disguisement, which would no sooner be effluxt, than I must absolutely fall into one of those extreams I so justly apprehended, and thithetto I had so artificially and painfully avoided. These sad reflexions, though they were much extenuated by the constant visits and consolations of Lyndadory and Zephalinda; yet at length they had so efficacious an operation on me, that by degrees they cast me into an indisposition, which increas'd as the allotted-time for the King's mourning expired. The gods shall be my witness, I implored them with constant Tears and Prayers, to send me some such Sickness as might ruine this little and unfortunate Beauty, which was so likely else to ruine me: I did this (generous Artabbanes) out of a true character I had contracted of your virtue, which I concluded could not despise one that wanted Beauty, but by having lost it for you; and who apprehended not the losing your affection, in giving you an evincement as great as un∣fortunate, of her own. Artabbanes by an action altogether humble and acknowledging, interrupted his Princess, to make his words do the like, which to the best of my remembrance were these: Though there are not any things I so passionately ambition as the transcendent felicity of receiving testimonies of my Princess esteem, and of satisfying her, I adore the Beauty of her Mind at least as much as that of her Face; yet I had much rather be resolved of the former, and convince her of the latter, by assurances and by vows, than by so fatal a manifestation; neither would the gods give so undeniable a proof of their want of om∣nipotency, as to destroy a perfection they cannot restore or repeat; 'twas better a thousand times the criminal, Artabbanes, should lose his hopes, than the world so unimitable a Beauty; and Arsaces could not be so unjust in having so persecuting a Passion for it, as you, Madam, in wishing it so dear and criminal a cure. I did not only (said the fair Parthenissa) with it that cure, but rather than he should want it, I would have conferred it on him by my Death; and 'twas but fit I should act that for the preserva∣tion of my affection, which only can put a period to it. My Prince would have made her some proportionate retributions to what had made him esteem it necessary, had he not esteemed it more so, to obey his Princess, who imposed on him the keeping of silence; and as a further confinement to it, she thus continued her discourse: Whilst I was lan∣guishing away a Time which yet I thought much more too short, than Arsaces the contrary; the generous Pacorus never left soliciting his Fa∣ther, till he had procured a second Army to repair the disgrace of having lost the first; which he had no sooner obtained, than he did too a Vi∣ctory against the Armenians; which had wanted nothing of meriting

that Name, had it been won against the same General, to whom Pacorus had lost one; but perhaps had he been present, who should have perfe∣cted his success, it might have hindered it. Artavasdes thought he de∣rived this Civility from Symander, till he had protested he did that Truth from Parthenissa; whose words and Story the Faithful Servant thus prosecuted. My indisposition (the Princess continued) proceed∣ing absolutely from that of the Mind, had a languishing and slow ope∣ration on the Body, which the Physicians said nothing but time could render dangerous. Arsaces having assumed this belief, the less incon∣veniently to pass away the remainder of the Morning Year, or to usurp the Glory of his Sons success, or (as he protested to me) to avoid seeing my indisposition, which his sympathy would make him assume; with an Army raised in haste, he marched so to the siege of Tygranocerta, which Pacorus the next day after his Victory had besieged. Artabbanes to ex∣empt the fair Parthenissa from an unnecessary trouble, acquainted her how he had from the generous Ventidius, received at large the rela∣tion of all those transactions in Armenia, which he promised that night to Communicate to Sillaces. I have then (said the fair Parthenissa) but to inform you, that Arsaces came to Nineveb before Pacorus and Altezeera; which though he alleged was but to render her reception the more considerable, was indeed to summon me of my inferred engage∣ment, the last day of his mourning, being that of his return. The con∣tinuance of my indisposition gave me an accepted excuse, which I would have constantly purchased at the same rate. Neither did I despair of both; and that which gave me those hopes was, the having lost all Mine of your returns; for now 'twas above two Years, since we had remain'd in a perfect ignorance of your Fortunes; which made me apprehend Oro∣de's affection for me, and his knowledg of mine for you, had made him destroy what I wanted but the certainty of, to do the like unto my self: But Surena by passionate Oaths of Arsace's innocence, removed my jealousies of him; but nothing could my fears for you, which I hoped would have so impaired my small Beauty, that by my loss of it, you had not suffered the loss of me: But not long after I found the flattery of those imaginations, which Arsaces by a visit entirely banish'd; for after he had commanded (having first obtained my permission) all the Com∣pany to retire, he told me, That indisposition (Madam) which I did hitherto consider as my punishment alone, I now do as yours also, for the just Gods have imposed it on you, to revenge your not rewarding a Flame as bright and pure as those Eyes, and that Virtue which created it. The year of mourning, my fair Princess, is now expired; Your so long declining to be my Queen, made my Mind wear that Livery, as much as my Body did, for the loss of my other: let not your coldness make me any longer carry it; neither, Madam, can you do it without publishing you have not delay'd, but refus'd to reward my Passion; for since to deny me my cure, you decline your own, that belief will be with more reason assumed, than it can be rejected. Sir (I replyed) you might rather infer from the strange continuance of my indisposition, that the gods are not a little ingaged to prevent an union so unworthy the great Arsaces, and consequently so apprehended by me: Therefore (Sir) you cannot consider that as my punishment, which is both the gods and my desire; but could my receiving your affection be as efficacious as you alledg, judg then, I beseech you, thereby, how much I am concern'd in not committing that fault, since to prevent it, I decline not only my own

cure, but my King's. You may, my fair Princess (said Arsaces), rather conclude that your indisposition, if not sent you as a punishment from the gods, is at least sent you as an evincement my Flame is confined to you, more than to your Beauty; and that they are not a little concerned in the manifestation of this truth, since they elect so dear a way to evince it; and rather than not prove the greatness of the one, impair the greatness of the other: If, Madam, I had the power to obey your Commands of a longer expectancy, I should not implore their revo∣cation; for the highest honour next to obeying, is receiving them; do not therefore, fair Parthenissa, expect a testimony of my respect, from what will give you an ill one of my Flame; and believe it, Madam, that must be an impossibility, which your commands and satisfaction cannot make me obey. He entertained me with many professions and requests of this Nature, before he left me: And a little after, Surena came to visit me; but with a Countenance as full of sadness, as my Heart, which he brought no small accession to, by assuring me he fear'd our Griefs had the same source: Alas, I found his apprehensions were but too justly grounded, when he further assured me, that at his meeting Arsaces as he came out of my Chamber, he had told him, that he now found what he had considered as a delay, was a refusal; but that he was determined to make all those that meant to delude him, find in the end that they did delude themselves. He said this too (continued Surena) in one of those Tones which he uses when he is unchangea∣bly in earnest; which makes me conclude, he will shortly make use of Power, to obtain what he cannot by Intreaty. Alas, Surena (I replyed), is there no way but Death to avoid a Tyranny I more justly detest? Tru∣ly, Madam, he answered, I am confident there is no way of preven∣tion left by Flight; for under the Title of his future Queen, he has already given you a Guard, which is not so much to defend, as to detain you; and could we deceive their intelligence, or corrupt their Faith, what retreat could you propound? for all the Kings of Asia would fear the receiving a Beauty, which unavoidably will carry a War after it as great as it self; and by making a while their King∣domes a Sanctuary for you, render them in a short time none for themselves; for Arsaces will employ all the forces of his Empire, to repossess what he values more than it; which will hinder any Prince from so dangerous a Charity. I must then (I replyed) be my own Sanctuary; and the first insolence Arsaces offers me, shall be the last; for when he loses the respect due unto my Sex, I will lose that due unto his Quality, and let him know I lived only for Artabbanes, which when I may no longer do in this world, I will go and expect him in another, where all Power is employed to preserve, not perse∣cute a generous Passion. But, Madam (said Surena) should the gods call unto them the blessed Artabbanes who is the cause of this Con∣stancy, would not the effect then cease? and might not Orodes expect your Affection, when you could no longer confer it on his Rival? If, said I (much offended at so strange a question), the gods call Artabbanes to a fitter residence for him, I shall esteem it so for me, and soon after give him my Company, either by the help of my ••rief, or Resolution. I had scarce ended these words, when I found Surena at my Feet, where in expressions as humble, and moving, as his posture, he implored a fresh pardon for having persecuted and injured a Flame so pure, that it shew'd him he had acted a Sin, in only adoring the possessor of it; which to re∣pair,

he would leave no means unessayed; and if all others fail'd, he would involve the Parthian Empire in as great troubles, as the King of it could involve me. This proceeding made me change those words into retributions, which I intended to have imployed in reproaches; which his seeming solicitation for the King, made me esteem him wor∣thy of Surena was as much satisfied with my Gratitude, as I was with the cause of it; and to misemploy no time, he went immediately to Arsaces to search further into his resolutions. All that day, and the next, I heard nothing either from him or the King; the last consoled me for the first; but the night of the Third, Surena came into my Chamber somewhat late, and told me, That the cause why he had not so long visited me, and why he then did it at so unseasonable an hour, was to do me service, and to bring me the News he had done it. For (said he) at length, Madam, I have perswaded Orodes that your coldness pro∣ceeds from your indisposition, of which you might be soon recovered, did you but change the Air: That the Castle of Eden (which stands in the Island that bears the same name) is a place whose strength and scitua∣tion was as fit for your cure, as safety; and that if with your Sickness, you did not cast off your disdain, there would be then no excuse left you, and a sufficient one given him to act his desires by those wayes he should imagine soonest feasible and conducive to them: I was, Madam (continued Surena), necessitated to give him hopes of success, to hinder him from acting it; and 'twas thereby that I have procured your license to go into this Castle, where I shall have more opportunities to act your security, than I can have here; for the Garison (as the Castle) is mine; and if Orodes should continue his Passion, I hope so to order your affairs, that you shall never be the Sacrifice of it. I made Surena many retributions proportionate to the obligations. The next day I had the honour to receive a visit from the Princess Altezeera, who was newly come to Nineveh; in whose Person and Conversation, I found almost Charms enough to suppress that dissatisfaction I had contracted for her inconstancy to the generous Artavasdes, who I knew could not but de∣serve her Love, because he did possess Artabbanes's Friendship. I was disenabled from making her my Retributions at her own Appartment, or making a greater acquaintance with her, which my first seeing her gave me a passionate desire of; for the King, intent upon every thing which might probably contribute to my health, the succeeding morning gave me a visit, and conjured me, as he condescended to every thing for my satisfaction, so by a resembling return I would reward his care and passion. I was exempted from giving him any reply, by the arrival of Lyndadory and Zephalinda, to whom I had given advice of my sudden remove, and whose companies in my retreat I had desired, and obtained: Arsaces observing by their presence, he could neither continue his dis∣courses, nor expect any returns to them, led me to a Gally which was provided for us, and then, as a civility, accompanied us to the Castle of Eden, only (as he said) to see if there wanted any thing for our recep∣tion. We had not many Furlongs thither; yet our ascending the Cur∣rent (because the violence of it) took up the whole Day; so that Arsaces continued there all the Night, which (as Surena told me) he spent in giving the Captain of my Guard (that followed me) instructions to prevent my escape, should I have any such design; and promising to his care, recompences, such as nothing should transcend but his punish∣ments, should he neglect it. The day following, Artabbanes (taking

away Surena's Garison, alledging it unfit they should be where his Guards were) after some assurances of his Passion, and desires to receive and reward it, returned to Nineveb; which perhaps he did the sooner, from a belief, that his absence would be as contributary to my health, as any other prescription. The Isle of Eden is a place so replenish'd with all the Beauties of Art and Nature, that doubtless the Jews (a Nation not very remote), have some reason to justifie it the scituation of the Earthly Paradice; for I believe 'tis as difficult to find in it a defect, as to wish it an addition. For some Moons in this pleasing residence, we past a Life that had no Clouds, but what our fears and sufferings for the absence of you two, created; but to these not long after we added that of Orode's Company, who one day told me, he could no longer deprive himself of Mine, and that I must prepare next morning to return to Nine∣veh, to assume a Title I had but too long declined. Though I made many pressing implorings to suspend a little longer my return to a place which had so much indangered my health, and my leaving one had so much restored it; yet he was as deaf to my Prayers, as I had been to his; for immediately he gave order for my removal next Day, and the same went to Nineveh (as he said) to make my reception the less un∣worthy of me. Surena begg'd his permission to remain in Eden that Night, to do the last honours of his House, and to wait on me in my return; but Arsaces, either from wilfulness, or suspition, would not per∣mit it. They were no sooner gone, than Zephalinda and Lindadory came to my Appartment to consult on so great an extremity, which was the more so, by Surena's necessitated and unexpected remove; on whose advice and promises, I had establish'd my greatest confidence; but alas, we found in our consultations rather subjects of despair, than relief; for the more we reflected on my danger, the higher we always found it. At length I told them, that what confined me from hopes of escaping, taught me what to elect; and though the cruel gods hindered my being Artab∣banes's; yet they had not the power to hinder me from not being any others. This I spoke with a Countenance which did speak my resolu∣tions, and this immediately drew some tears into the Princesses Eyes, which more troubled me, than to have acted the design that caus'd them; whilst I was giving consolations, where it may be another had needed them, there came a Stranger hastily into the Room, whom we no longer thought one, than whilst he kept this disguise; for as soon as he had cast it off, we knew him to be Surena, who in a disordered haste told me, Madam, the concern I have in your Interests, makes me decline my own; for only to offer you my service in keeping you from your Enemy, I have made the King irreconciliably mine; for I have not only violated his Commands by leaving Nineveh, but am resolved to repeat my disobedience, if the honour of yours enjoyn it me: In a word, Madam, Arsaces told me he can no longer decline a blessing he has as much power, as will to invest himself in; and since to evince the greatness of his respect, he has so long delayed it; to evince the greatness of his Passion, he will no longer do it; that the next day after you return, he will make you his Queen, or if your coldness do decline so satisfying his desires, you will thereby invite him to the same end, though by a much differing way. These, Madam (continued Surena), were his very words; which he accompany'd with so many horrid oaths, that he has rendered it a less crime to act his sin, than to decline it. I am therefore come to offer you a Life for the preservation of your Loves, which has been too much

employed to distract, and ruine them; I present it you as much to re∣pair my crime, as to hinder my King from acting his, which nothing but some sudden and brisk resolution can prevent; were we but out of this Island, I durst promise you a retreat in a Kingdom, where I hope you may one day Reign; for Merinzor, the most considerable Person in Media, now Moneses and Artabbanes are out of it, is so much my friend, and so much more one to virtue, that were we but there, Arsaces must take that great Empire, before he take you: This I dare engage my self for; though I have practised the obtaining Merinzor's affection, but only since I apprehended the violence of my King's, would render it useful and necessary to you. We had (said Parthenissa) after Surena's assurance of a Sanctuary, a thousand propositions how to recover it; and that which gave me the greatest approbation for that which he pro∣pounded, was, that Media could not but have many servants to Artab∣banes, who by the Laws of it, and Nature, was one day to wear that Crown; Zephalinda advised, that by some device or other, Orodes might be again drawn to visit us, and then that Surena should seize upon him, and make his liberty the ransom of Mine, and her Brothers; with whom, and with her, I might retire into Media; Lyndadory approved this ad∣vice, so she might be of the Company; which she alledged might per∣haps bring some security to it, by her being Daughter to a Prince, whose memory there, was in as great as just veneration; she added too, that by my taking some Physick, whose operation should be visible when Orodes came to visit me, I might not only confirm him my remove was dange∣rous; but purchase time enough for Surena to draw in force enough to secure us from the King's: We had doubtless elected this design, had not Surena said, That 'twas a thing impossible to delude a jealous Lover; that the effects of an indisposition manifested in that conjuncture of time, would appear rather a Sickness assum'd, than befallen me: That to take the King Prisoner would raise him an Army, which might make me his; since many would fight for his liberty, which would not for his obtaining forcibly his Mistriss; and if I counterfeited an indisposition, Arsace's Love or Jealousie, would keep him perpetually near me, and so render my Flight as impossible, as desired; but (said Surena) if all these Rea∣sons were disputable, yet this is not, That by violating my King's Com∣mand in coming hither, I have so exasperated him, that he will never trust himself in a Place, where I have both the Power and Provocation to repeat my Disobedience. Therefore he concluded there was no other way, but immediately while the Night contributed to their assistance, under a pretence of giving the Guard their farewel-entertainment, to give as many of them Wine, as had not reason enough to refuse it; then to fall upon those who were able to resist, and by their Deaths force a passage to our Freedoms, which having obtained, to make Media the feat of it. There was nothing (said Parthenissa) I scrupled at in this, but the destroying those Persons, whose Fidelity to their King was their only Crime; but the necessity of my condition, made me at last conde∣scend to what (next being false to Artabbanes) I most apprehended; only I passionately conjured Surena to spill no more blood, than was of necessity to be shed for our deliverance. To be brief, Surena without his disguise, went to the Captain of my Guards, to whom (he said) Ar∣saces had expresly sent him from Nineveh, the next morning to wait on me thither, which the other easily credited, knowing his King's Passion for me, and his Friendship for Surena; who entertain'd the deluded

Officer, till some of his Servants had made all those of the Guard drunk, that had a mind to be so; about Midnight when all was buried in sleep and silence, but those which knew the Design, and those which had the Guard, Surena with all his Domesticks fell upon them, and though his Numbers exceeded theirs; yet their Captain, who knew how certain a Death his defeat would be from his Enemies or his King, so briskly dis∣puted his Fate, that Surena began to doubt his own; which to decide, he resolutely Charged the Captain, who he found was the Sould of his Party, and whom, after a long and bloody dispute, he left dead upon the place; all the Souldiers Courages fell with their Officers, so that Surena remembring my pressing desires, saved their Lives; Surena co∣vered with Blood and Victory came to my Chamber, and begged me so to employ the latter, that before Orodes could know his action, we might be where he could not revenge it. I told him, this was a request fitter for me than him, and that I left the ordering of my liberty to the Bestower of it; he desired me then by the dawn of day to be ready, by which some Chariots, and my Equipage should be; to hasten which, he left me. We were too much concerned in our joy to lose the solemnizing of it by sleep; and whilst Surena was contributing to convert our hopes of safety into an actual one, his generous Sister, yours, and I, entertained one another with the rare and high effects of his Friendship; and with the proportionate obligation I had unto him for them.

Symander was in this place of his relation, when it was interrupted by what made his Auditors think it no misfortune; For 'twas by the con∣fused running in of divers Priests of Venus, who came to acquaint their Superiour, that the Dome of the Temple was filled with Lightnings, as bright as ever their Goddess's Eyes did shoot; that the foundation of the sacred Vault trembled; and in a word, that all the symptoms of the Oracles being restored to the liberty of speaking, were so visible, that none with reason could apprehend the contrary. Callimmachus by an erection of his eyes and hands, acknowledged his gratitude to her, and his concern in our Hero's, whose Pardons he begged (for Artabbanes by this time was come out of the Gallery to participate in the News) that the function of his vocation would not permit him to wait on them again till the morning; to which he added, that he hoped they would the sooner grant it him, since his absence was necessary to the learning of their Fate, which the next day he told them infallibly they should. With this flattering assurance, he left the generous Lovers; who, whilst Callimmachus was employed in preparing the Sacrifices, were in dis∣coursing what effects they could produce.

PARTHENISSA.

THE FOURTH PART.

The Second BOOK.

OUR Heroe's, who that Night had slept as little as the Sun, were too as early up; and he had not long gilded with his Beams, the Pinacles of the Temple, when the Chief of it, came to advertise them, That within an hour the requisite oblations would be ready: He brought in with him the Chyrurgeons, who assured the Princes, that they had made their danger the greater, but to render so, the certainty and suddenness of their reco∣very; and that they might not only go and receive the Oracle them∣selves; but if it commanded them a journey, they might too perform it: Neither did they only make these assurances, but by taking off their Plaisters, evinced their truth; which as much surprized as pleased those that had received the wounds, and Callimmachus, who was no less con∣cerned in them, who conjur'd our Princes to reflect on the cure of the Body, as an earnest of that of the Mind. Artabbanes, who was the most desperate Patient in that sickness, gave Callimmachus such a reply, as he was forced to tell him, Your condition (generous Prince) cannot be worse than Mine has been; for I have adored a Beauty with a Passion, both which never knew any Superiour; and though the gods called her to them in as fatal a way as every they could the fair Parthenissa; yet those powers have demonstrated theirs, in giving me afterwards a quiet, which made me envy no ones else: They cannot be gods were they not Omni∣potent; and being so, to doubt their goodness, were to invite them not to manifest it. Artabbanes and Artavasdes were both extreamly satisfied to learn an assurance of so strange a truth, from a mouth they could not doubt; which by demonstrating there were ways of felicity in Love without fruition, made them no longer believe That an impossibility, which their having till then done, had created their greatest Torments: And doubtless they had then obtained from Callimmachus a Story which was so requisite to the ease of their sufferings, as the relation of his, would probably have proved, had not the Sacrificers come in at the same instant, to tell Callimmachus, That they now expected but his presence and Commands, to begin their Duties. This Summons placed a suspen∣tion, though not a period to our Hero's curiosities; which they had no sooner told Callimmachus, than he promised, having heard their Adven∣tures, to acquaint them with his own. Immediately afterwards he re∣tired

himself to put on his Pontifical Habit; which having done, he returned to our Princes; who then perceived in his Meen, that Grace and Majesty, which till his having acquainted them he was of the No∣ble Society of Lovers, they had not observed; and indeed they were so entirely taken up with that contemplation, that not only they esteemed him worthy the high Title he possess'd of Prince to the Priest of Venus; but they had even forgotten in that employment, how that by the duties of his, they were then to learn their Fate. But Callimmachus himself put them in mind of it, by conducting them down a large Stair-Case, built of Marble, which delivered them into a broad Walk, bordered on either side with five Rows of Cypress and Myrtle Trees, promiscuously planted, which were watered by two Springs, whose pretty murmurings pleased the Ear, as much as their clearness did the Eye, or their cool∣ness the Taste: And though the sides of this Walk were so well adorned, yet the extremities of it were much better; for at the East end, stood the Temple it self: and at the West the dwelling of the Priests, which in a Cressant extended its two Horns to each end of the Myrtle and Cypress Trees. 'Twas in this vacuity that our Princes found all the preparatives of a Sacrifice, which was to procure them an Ora∣cle they had with so many impatiencies expected. The Prince of the Priests was no sooner seen by the rest, than immediately they directed their steps to the Temple: The first that moved, were Two hundred Religious Men, with Garlands of Roses and Myrtles on their heards; and in each hand the Effigies of a Flaming Heart, to evidence the God∣dess they adored was the Queen and Inspirer of Love. After these fol∣lowed Fifty white Bulls, and as many white Heifers crowned with Gar∣lands of Annemines, in celebration of Venus's changing her fair Adonis into that flower: These were led by a Hundred young Men in cloaths as white as those Nature had given the Beasts they held; Fifty Maids in the same Livery carried in their hands as many pair of Turtles: And after these, Fifty others carried in Silver Cages as many Swans. These were followed by the Augurs and Victimares; the former, bearing a Celestial Globe as a Badg of their Profession; and the others, some Sizers of Gold, some Sacrificing Knives, and some Axes of Silver, as a Badg of theirs. Those Youths which carried the Wine and Milk, followed two and two, in their places and order; and last of all, some Ten paces before Callimmachus (who was followed at that distance by our Hero's), there went the Virgin who was to deliver the Oracle. She was bless'd with so much Beauty, that she appeared a fit Servant for the Queen of it; her Robes were as white as her thoughts; the tresses of her Hair were so bright, and long, that they merited better to be converted into a Con∣stellation, than Berenices did; they were tyed up with Delphian Lawrel, and wreathed Garlands of the same crown'd her Head: 'twas in this order the generous troop arrived at the Temple, whose Front extended it self from North to South a Hundred and fifty Geometrical Paces; at whose extremities were two Pavilions, whose Pinnacles seemed to lose themselves in the Clouds. The Walls both of these, and the Curtain, were adorned with great Branches of Foliage carved in the stone; and in a large Compartiment composed of Groteskery, were seen Sphynxes, Harpyes, the Claws of Lyons, and Tygers; to evidence, that within in∣habited Mysteries and Riddles. Over the Portal was a table adorned with a larger Compartiment, wherein there was in big Letters of massy Gold, inchased into a great square of Porphyre, this Inscription: THE

TEMPLE OF THE GODDESS OF LOVE, AND OF WHAT INSPIRES IT. On each side of the Portal, there arose from the Earth two square Basements, the Plinth of each of them was beauti∣fied with Sculptures of great Relieve; one of them was crowned with the Statue (in Pharian Stone) of the Boy the Goddess brought into the world: And the other in Corinthian Stone, of the Boy she loved best in it: Our Hero's had hardly leisure to consider these few exterior im∣bellishments amongst so many others, because Callimmachus having given the Signal, the Sacrificers and Victimaries stopt their march; and hav∣ing ranged themselves and their victims on either side the way, made a large one for their Prince, who still followed by Artabbanes and Arta∣vasdes, went into the Quire of the Temple; which immediately ecchoed with such divers and harmonious voices, that for a while all their facul∣ties resigned up their Functions to their hearing; but that Sense at length resigned its empire to the Sight, which wanting Parthenissa and Alte∣zeera, could not more nobly be entertained, than in the adornings of the Temple. The first Table was Venus ascension out of the Sea, much more white than that froth the Poets say she was composed of. Near this was a much larger, where the happy Paris stood Judg of those Beauties, whose perfections came in competition, by that Apple given at Peleus wedding, by the Goddess of Discord. Never any Beauties more justly merited that name, than those the Painter had exposed to the judg∣ment of the happy Son of Hecuba; but yet the Artist had so much given the preheminence to her, to whom Paris did, that he could not have declined doing so, without being as blind as her Son. Opposite to this Picture was the Goddess's falling in Love with the fair Anchises, who grazing his Herds, little thought how near he was possessing so much Beauty, and being Father to a Son, whose Sword was to conquer as many, as his Mothers Eyes. Near to this last Table, was the Beautiful Son of Cinyras, who Venus more admired, than he did her; and in the same Picture was contained all their Amours, how she wept his being killed by the Boar, or his being drown'd contemplating his own Beauty in the stream; for of both those some learned Poets have sung. Lastly, her converting his dead body into an Annemine, which she watered with her tears, and who by death being rendered uncapable to reward her weepings by kissing them away, seemed eternally to blush at so unfor∣tunate an impotence. In a word, all the real or imaginary Loves of that bright Goddess, were so well represented by the Artist, that if she had no cause to blush for her electing the originals, she had as little for avowing them in the Copy; only indeed her unfortunate surprize in the Arms of Mars, occasioned by a Passion as ugly as the Possessor of it, was there purpofely omitted; but the wound she received from the cruel Diomed was not; esteeming it perhaps a greater glory to evince, her blood gave a being to the lovely Rose, than a shame or prejudice that a Deity could bleed.

But all these representations being rather evincements she was the Subject, than the Goddess of Love; in other Tables were the illustra∣tions of that truth. There our Princes saw the volatile Iupiter, courting and possessing the fair Io; the strange Metamorphosis the God made of her to conceal his Amours from the jealous Iuno; how in spight of his dis∣guise she discovered them, then begs, and obtained the transformed Io of her Lord, who grants what he durst not refuse; how the Nymph was committed by the suspicious Goddess to the care of Argus, whose hundred

Eyes were too vigilant for the offended god, who to make those Sen∣tinels sleep eternally, that would not momentarily, sends down Mercury, who by the charms of his Musick, ends his vigilance, then with his Sword ends his Life; how Iuno, having first adorned the train of her own Bird, with the Eyes of the unfortunate and faithful Argus, to let her god understand she not only knew, but could revenge his Murther, makes Io as frantick as her jealousie had made her; who yet runs with the same celerity over the world, as she would to the embraces of her Iupiter. The Painter in another side of the same Table shew'd, how the Heifer flew to her Father Inachus, into whose trembling stream she leaps to quench her heat, and thirst; from thence he makes her run into Egypt, where she resumes her former shape by the permission of Iuno, who had then received an assurance from Iupiter to abstain both from the desires, and acts of love; the grateful Io in her true shape returns to let her Father see it, that he might participate in her joy, as he did in her affliction, which latter had so operated on him, that he had wept himself so big, he was unknowable to his Daughter, as she had been to him; but at length, maugre their new disguises, they knew each other, and Io having performed this charitable duty, returns again to the Banks of Nyle, where her exteriour and intrinsecal Beauties, made the People which drink of that Flood, elect her for their Goddess, under the name of Isis. In another Table was the same inconstant God fallen in Love with the fair Daughter of Lycaon King of Arcadia; but knowing that wars of Love are different from all other, since in those, the conquest by yielding, is more pleasing th••n that by force; the god lays aside his power, and finding one day the fair Calisto reposing her self after the chase, under the friendly shadow of some Myrtle Trees, he assumes the shape of Diana, whose Nymph she was, and in that Metamorphosis en∣joyes felicities which do more Metamorphose him; nay, he seems to esteem his power of altering his shape, more than that of being a god, since the former afforded him transcendenter delights in the fruition of his Calisto, than the latter in the most powerful effect it could otherwise produce. In the same Table was demonstrated how Diana discovered the loss of her Nymph's pudicity; how she banish'd her from her Socie∣ty; how the unfortunate Calisto was delivered of Arcas; all which the suspicious Iuno at last discovered, and in revenge converted her Rival into a Bear, which Arcas once had killed a hunting, had not Iupiter (taking pity of both) caught them up into Heaven, and converted each of them into a Constellation. It seem'd that the Goddess of Love took delight to have exposed to the Eyes of Men, how much, and how often the great Iupiter was her Votary; for there was another Table of his Loves with the Beautiful Daughter of Acrisius, King of the Argives; who was so strictly imprisoned upon her Father receiving an Oracle of his Death by her Son, that the amorous god was necessitated to convert himself into a Golden shower, to quench his flame. There was display'd in the same Table, Acrisius exposing his fair Daughter with the young Persons to the mercy of that Element, from whence the Queen of that Passion which created her fault, had her original; how she and her Son were cast upon the Coast of Daunia, and how Pilumnus the King of it married her: There was in another end of the Pictures, the three Gorgons, Medusa, Schenio, and Euriole, with their Tresses of Snakes, and with their one Eye, with which they Metamorphosed into stone all they beheld: In the same Table was Mercury and Pallas, arming the

valiant Perseus against these three Sisters; how he found the eldest of them, and all her Snakes asleep, whose head he immediately cut off, and placed in his Shield, with which he turned Atlas King of Mauritania into stone, for denying him entertainment. In a word, there were all the actions of this demi-god, how he conquered the Monster that would have devoured the beautiful Andromeda; and how he himself was con∣quered by her; with all those other Fables the Poets have so amply sung on this Subject. Two other Pictures contained the Passions of the same god to the fair Europa; and his assuming a Beast's shape, to act the sensual part of Love; and of the Platonick Moon, who to posses En∣dimion, rendered him uncapable to possess her but by dreams: There was in other Tables the Amours of Aurora and Cephalus, with the Death of the unchaste and jealous Procris; and to shew the power of Love indeed, and that the Sea it self cannot quench its flames, there were also manifested at large, how the god of that cold Element fell in love with the fair Amphitrite; how she fled his Passion, and how he sent a Dolphin after her, who prov'd a successful Embassador. And though all those Tables were so admirably represented, that to know the Story, you needed but to see the Pictures; yet there were two others which so in∣tirely took up our Hero's contemplation, that after the sight of them, they esteemed none of the remaining ones worthy of theirs: The first was of a Beauty which could not but be excellent, since in Artabbanes's own opinion she resembled the fair Parthenissa. 'Twas that of the lovely Psiche, she that captivated the god of Love himself; and was so long taken for Venus, that had she been immortal, she had eternally (as she had for a time) rob'd her of her Votaries and Altars; the Artist had so well represented this Nymph, that it Authorized Venus's Envy, and Mens mi∣stake. There was in this representation, how the King of Milesia her Father, by the command of an Oracle, abandoned her to the gods up∣on a Mountain; how the Zephirs carried her on their wings into the for∣tunate Island, to the Palace of Love, which till then, nor ever since, could boast of so admirable an Adornment; how the fair Psiche's two Sisters, at her request were brought thither by the Zephirs, who envying their Sisters felicity, perswaded her 'twas not a god, but a serpent she bless'd with her embraces; how the credulous Nymph, contrary to her engage∣ment, concealed a Lamp by her Beds side, with which when the little god had stupify'd his Senses by too much satisfying them, she resolved her doubts, but by so unfortunate a way, that a drop of Oyl fell upon Cupid, who immediately wak'd and flew away: There were further represented the tragick Death of the fair Psiche's Sisters; The Miseries which after that fatal Night befel her; her descent into Hell, and at length her ascent into Heaven, to marry her god, who now had par∣doned her crime, and thereby derived a more sublime satisfaction from his mercy, than he could have had in his revenge. The last Picture, which took up Artavasdes as much as the other had Artabbanes's attention, was that of the lovely Leucothoe, who as much resembled the fair Altezeera, as Psiche's did Parthenissa. This Table evinced, that Art or Nature were admirable; the last, if it presented the world with such ori∣ginals; or the first, if it could fancy or describe them. This was the largest representation of any there; for it first contained the Amours of Phoebus and Clittie; how that the former having extin∣guished all his Flames in the fountain of Love, lighted them again at the Eyes of the lovely Leucothoe; well did that performance

prove, that light, like virtue, loses nothing by communication: for her fair Eyes possess'd still as much light, as they had given the Sun; Leu∣cothoe seemed to have something of felicity in her Countenance, which was derived, not so much from having ravished such a votary from such a Nymph; but that Phoebus, who every day beheld all the Perfections of the world, gave hers by his adoring them, the precedency: 'Twas ad∣mirable to observe how the envious Sun, which fades all other Beauties, did but enlighten hers; how his perpetual kissing her Breasts, and not melting them, abundantly proved they had only the colour, not the nature of snow; how it was a perpetual Summer wherever Leucothoe was; how, if she flung her self under the protection of Trees, they soon lost their treasure, for hindring the Sun from beholding his; and how that Lover evinc'd by their immediate withering, that he could burn all but her that did burn him; so constant, and so bright a Servant, could not eternally be deny'd; Leucothoes coldness at length was dissolved, and Phoebus in her embraces▪ received more joys, than the world does in his Light; but alas, those felicities which fruition could not quench, weeping must; for the abandoned Clittie assumes a rage proportionate to the loss which inspired it, and in the dictates of that Passion, acquaints Orchamus (Leucothoe's Father) with her stolen Amours; and though the betray'd Nymph in a posture as moving as her tears, represented the glory of such an Alliance, and that to please one of the gods, could not be a sin against the rest; yet the cruel Orchamus buries her alive with her Crimes; the Sun frighted at such a Prodigy, hides his face in clouds, and weeps such showers of tears, that the world by his sorrow knew his Love. 'Twas well for Mortals that he was confined eternally to his Ecliptick; otherwise, to act his revenge, he had descended on the earth, and reduced all to the same Ashes, his dear Lucothoe was; which the Fates having render'd him uncapable of, he immediately converts her dead body into an Incense-tree, whose sweetness seem'd to reserve some∣thing of its first principle; and though dead, as much to charm the smell, or when living, the sight. In another place of the Picture was Clittie, who Phoebus now hated as much as he had adored, running from one top of a Mountain to another, to overtake and be near her Lover; who to deprive her of his sight, as well as Company, or perhaps having put on mourning for the fair and unfortunate Leucothoe, travelled still in a gloomy Cloud, which he had perpetually worn in revenge and grief, had not mortals by incessant sacrifices, but especially by those offered of the new Incense, obtained the gods command to assume his former brightness, which at least he did; but then Clittie found her self doubly burned by her heat, and by his; you might have seen her sometimes threatning, sometimes imploring her Lover; now invoking his power, then his justice; and finally, crying out, Either stay thy course, or give me the wings of thy Inconstancy to overtake thee; her Prayers, her Tears, and her Cries, operating no more on Phoebus, than that Nymphs she had betray'd, did on Orchamus, she fix'd her Eyes incessantly on her Lover, and by that Posture, and her unmoveableness in it by degrees took root, and by the gods were converted into a Marygold; who all day constantly gazes on the Sun, and all the night turns her head to∣wards the Earth; as if she strove to force a Passage with her Eyes through the Centre, to the Antipodes, not to be at any time deprived of seeing her Lover. Our two Hero's found not only a resemblance in Beauty, but in Fortunes, betwixt those two Nymphs, and their two Princesses: *

For Artabbanes was confident the gods had taken his Parthenissa from the Earth, but to marry her to one of them in Heaven, as the lovely Psiche was; and in that Faith he almost apprehended to go thither, since that could not but be Hell, where he should see his Princess in another's Arms. And Artavasdes thought, that what Orchamus had done to his Daughter Artabazus, or misfortune had done to Altezeera, who he considered as buried alive in Pacorus's embraces; the gods having deprived our Hero's of seeing their Princesses, the best felicity they could allow them, consisted in seeing what so much resembled them; on which they had as constantly, and perhaps as eternally fixed their Eyes, as Clittie did hers on her Ph••bus, had not Callimmachus acquainted them, 'twas time to offer the sacrifices of Perfumes and Turtles; which ceremony being ended, they all went out of the Temple; and imme∣diately the Prince of it having given the signal, the essusions of Wine and Milk were made; some small tufts of hair which grew between the Horns of the Bulls and Heifers, were cut with golden Sizers, and flung into the Flame; which had no sooner consumed them, than in a moment all the Beasts were knocked down by the Victimaries, and their En∣trails torn out, and presented to Callimmachus; who considered the Prophetical part of them with so sublime a joy, that it forced him to whisper to our Princes, that the gods without a Miracle, and without ruining the Laws they themselves had established, could not long delay their felicities; for never were greater promises in Victims, than in those. This assurance brought our Hero's different Hopes, Artabbanes was joy'd in a belief that the gods would command him to act his own Death, since he could not fancy any other way to quiet. And Arta∣vasdes interpreted he should derive his satisfaction from their removing Pacorus, and placing him in his Felicities: but they were both diverted from any further reflections, by the Augurs giving liberty to the Swans out of their silver Prisons, who immediately directed their flight to Heaven, as to acknowledg their deliverance from thence; and were intended thither as a sacrifice of quicker ascension than that of Incense. All these solemnities being finished, those which assisted at them, return'd again into another Isle of the Temple, where stood a Statue of Venus, which took up as much, and as justly the Beholders admiration, as the Deity could which it represented; it was all of Mosaick work, and the peeces cimmented with such excellent Art, that the most critical Ana∣tomist could not have miss'd so much as a Vein, a Sinew, or an Artery. The Beauties of colours, of Air, and of Features, were as exact, as those of Cimmetrie; and for Eyes, the Statue was imbellished with two such refulgent Diamonds, that their very lustre, like that of the Suns, hindered them from being considered, but by reflection: and thereby rendered the boldly contemplating the Deities face, as great an impossibility, as a Sin. 'Twas at the feet of this admirable Statue, that Callimmachus prostrated himself, having in the same posture on either of his sides, one of our Princes, who with perfect attentions, and equal devotion, heard him deliver this short Prayer.

Fairest of all Goddesses! thou who first derivest that Title from Na∣ture, and then from Iustice; Thou from whom all other gods receive their votaries, since only by thy sweet influences, Mankind is created and continued, and sacrifices too; behold prostrate before thee, two of thy votaries, who have never offered on thy Altars, False, or double Fires, but have so constantly preserved those wounds thy Son first made in

their hearts, that ever since they were, and are fit examples for thy subjects to continue such; Though even their sufferings have at least proportionated their Constancy; do not great Goddess so justly deterr Mortals from that virtue, as to render it the ruine of those who most perfectly possess it; nor give those who already doubt thy Power or Iustice, so much provocation to continue their Sin, as thy continuing the misfortunes of these Lovers will amount unto; but by investing them in felicities, as great as the Beauties they adore evince, that the tryal of Constancy, is not the punishment of it.

Callimmachus having ended his Orizon, gave the Tripos to the Vir∣gin, who on it was to deliver the Oracle; and then with her and our two Hero's only, went to the Vault, where they were to receive it; which was adorned with a Dome, That shot it self so high into Heaven, that none which doubted not, that was the residence of the gods, could doubt they inhabited in it. The Virgin at the mouth of the Vault leaves those three which accompanied her thither; and, after her de∣votions were finished, and that she had setled her self on the Tripos, im∣mediately the capacious Temple and sacred Grove were covered with obscure Clouds; from whence strange Lightnings and Thunder derived their Birth; a surious Earthquake shook suddenly the foundation of the Temple and Grove; the Delphian Lawrel which crown'd the Virgins Head, fell off it; her Hair stood an end and star'd; her Eyes roll'd wildly; her Neck in a thousand turnings kept it self in uncessant motion •• her Heart beat against her Breast, as if it would have forced a passage there; her Mouth foamed; and in a word, all the symptomes that the Deity in∣spir'd and possess'd her, were visible; but that which rendered it no longer capable of doubts, was a shrill voice which filled the sacred Vault, and delivered these words:

From Parthenissa's Ashes I will raise A Phoenix, in whose Flames thou shalt be blest: Wait then about this Temple a few Days, And all thy Torments shall be crown'd with Rest.

Then after a short silence, the voice thus continued the Oracle:

Despair not Artavasdes, since the time Predestin'd for thy Sufferings, is but brief: Fortune unto thy virtue shall resign; And perfect joy, succeed to equal Grief.

Go both and sacrifice to that fair Boy, Who did inspire my highest Grief and Ioy.

Callimmachus by a short but passionate ejaculation, acknowledged his joy and concern in so favourable an Oracle, and then in repeated Sacrifices did the like; which being finished, they returned from the Temple the same way they went unto it, and in a deep silence; which the virtuous Priest observed no more, when they were entered in our Prince's Appartment: For there by a Thousand embraces he congratu∣lated so clear promises from the Goddess of their future felicities. It seems (said he) they knew your despairs were too pregnant to give you dark and ambiguous answers; they have now left themselves no

power to continue your miseries, but by giving men a full liberty to suspect their Justice; so that next the being possess'd of your desires, you have the bless'd security of being so. The Oracle (Artabbanes coldly replyed) is very clear; and 'tis as much so, that the Death the gods hitherto hindered me from acting, they now promise me, by saying, Parthenissa is reduced to Ashes: They would too have said, that all my Torments shall be crown'd with joy, not rest, had they designed me any blessings in Life; and the Phoenix they promise to raise from that dead ones Ashes, is clearly the constancy of my Passion, in which I shall be bless'd by being consum'd in the flames of it; and you are not ignorant, but so unalterable and efficacious a love, is as rare as that Phoenix to which the Oracle alludes. Callimmachus and Artavasdes both, admired at so strange an interpretation; but the first of them, left their silence might seem to authorize it, told him, If he which serves the Deity can best interpret her meaning, or rather her expressions, I can find nothing in the Oracle, but what is much advantageous for you: before this an∣swer, you wrong'd but the mercy of the gods in doubting your Joys; but now you must their Truth in any longer doing it; for they promise a blessing to your waiting for it about this Temple: If they meant your Death should be that Blessing, they would have permitted you to act it, and not have contradicted themselves, by making your languishings the way unto it: That word of Rest evidently implyes a cessation from suf∣ferings and fears; and that Phoenix for ought we know, may be Parthe∣nissa her self, who perhaps is but dead to your Belief. Great gods! (Artabbanes cryed out) she is but too certainly dead, Symander saw her so; and therefore if you have no other interpretation of that Passage, I cannot but determine mine to be the true one: They cannot accom∣plish their promise of Rest but by Death; 'tis that only after the loss of Parthenissa, can give it me; they do not assure me rest as the way, but as the end and Crown of my Torment; so that they do not falsifie, but perfect their Oracle, in giving me no cessation from sufferings, but by that which confers it upon every one. Callimmachus, who observed Artabbanes's despair did but increase by his attempting to qualifie it, only replyed; I have seen those who built their Faith on a more firm foundation than you do yours, and yet have been (as I hope you will be) happily mistaken: The Oracle, I am convinced, promises those blessings to you, which we must leave to Time and the gods to disclose; in the mean while, I esteem it absolutely requisite, that you both obey their orders, by sacrificing in the Temple of Adonis; They would not enjoyn you that performance, were it not conducive to that end they have promised. Artavasdes having given some additional Arguments to the silencing of his Friends despair, and the creating of his Faith in the best construction of the Oracle, at length extorted an engagement from him, That without any prejudicate opinion of it, he would expect the interpretation. The generous Armenian extreamly satisfied with this assurance, began to acquaint him that made it, and Callimmachus, That as soon as he had performed his devotions at Adonis Temple, he was determined to make a voyage into Parthia; for one of those Assassines which had been destroyed by Artabbanes's Courage, had confessed as he expired, that the Prince of Parthia had hired them to that attempt. This (he continued) makes me confident, Pacorus esteems Altezeera guilty, when he esteems me fit to be so punished; and believing her so, she may have occasion to employ my Sword and Life, both which I will go

and offer her; the gods too seem to invite me to it, by not confining my residence about this Temple, as they have done Artabbanes's, who I am as much troubled to abandon, as at that which makes me believe my doing so, necessary; but as soon as I have found whether my suspitions be rightly grounded, I will not fail to return hither, to be instructed in a Fate, I am nothing less concerned in, than in my own. The gods (re∣plyed Artabbanes) cannot but destine me some transcendent advantage, by enjoyning my residence here, if they but intend thereby to recom∣pence the Misery of confining me from waiting on, and serving Arta∣vasdes in his intended voyage; but I am so well vers'd in their inclina∣tions for me, that if he will permit it, I will rather embrace the assured blessing of accompanying him, than out of some ambiguous hopes, decline so advantageous a certainty. Artavasdes found this as civil, as Callimmachus irreligious; and Artabbanes found by their returns, that these were both their beliefs. The generous Friend having absolutely declined the offer, and the generous Priest having induced him which made it, to acknowledg he had been in it as uncivil to the gods, as the contrary to Artavasdes, they began to think on their intended journey next morning to the Temple of Adonis; which Callimmachus said was not above Forty Furlongs from Hierapolis; and because the day was not a little wasted in the precedent Sacrifices, and that some part of it must be employed in preparatives for the future ones, both he and Artavasdes conjur'd Artabbanes to enjoyn Symander (who all the while was pre∣sent) to put a period to the relation he had begun. Artabbanes being satisfied, that in one performance he could oblige himself, and those he as much desired to do the like unto; to effect both, retired to the enter∣tainment of his thoughts, and left them to Symander's, who to obey their Commands, having first remembred them, he was interrupted after Surena's success in the Castle of Eden, and that still he spoke the fair Parthenissa's words to Artabbanes; thus prosecuted her Ad∣ventures.

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

THe day (said the Princess) began but to expel the obscurity of the Night, when Surena according to his promise, came into my Chamber, to let me know all things for our intended journey were ready; but he was so pale and weak, that Zephalinda, Lyndadory, and I, began to consider that strange alteration, as the effect of a new Misfor∣tune; but he assured us it only proceeded from some loss of blood in his late Combat; that he found himself better able to perform a journey, than he seemed to be; and that by riding in a Chariot, he should feel no inconveniency, but what proceeded from being in a less fitting po∣sture to serve me. I must acknowledg he appeared in so sad a condition, that I not only thought it less dangerous for him to indure a siege, than a journey, but told him so; and though we jointly and pressingly conjur'd him to reflect on his own safety, and that we would hazard ours by a residence with him, rather than so much indanger his; yet Solicitations were fruitless; for he protested 'twould be more hazarded by the danger of my continuing in Eden, or by his not waiting on me out of it, and fetling me in a secure residence, than any other way: His Chyrurgeon too assured us, he might without any great hazard travel in a Chariot. This last operated more with us than all the rest; for we knew the Laws of

Surena's Civility obliged him to contemn all danger; but we knew those of the Artist, as much obliged him to preserve his Patient from any; we therefore descended into the Court, where we found all things in a desired Posture, and some fifty Horse for our Convoy. Zephalinda and Lyndadory rode in one Chariot, and Surena (by my reiterated desires) and I, rid in another; there was a Third for our Women: but alas, we were not gone a furlong from the Castle, when some Scouts came in, and with frighted looks, commanded the Chariot-Drivers to turn back, if they had a mind to preserve themselves, or those they drove. Surena at this Allarm, inquired the cause of it; which those that brought it, told him, proceeded from 500 of the King's Horse, which were come a round Gallop from Nineveh, had seized on all the Boats were to ferry us over the Tygris, and were by their help transporting themselves into the Island. Surena amazed at so fatal a Disaster, and as much, how what he had done could already come to Arsace's knowledg, told me, We must, Madam, return; unless you will rather indure the Siege of Orodes's Love, than that of his Force: He had hardly said these words, when we perceived a cloud of dust, which some of our Convoy that were most advanced, came running to tell us was the Enemies Troops: this made us retire hastily to the Castle, into which we were scarcely entered, when Surena fell into a Swound, and his wounds appeared so inflamed, that a Chyrurgeon of our Convoy, who first at my cryes ran to his assi∣stance, protested to me, our return was the happiest accident could have arrived his Prince, for he could not have continued his journey, and his Life; we had him therefore brought with great care, and no less haste, to his Appartment, from whence we saw a Body of Horse, which came a full Gallop near the Castle; where they drew up, and by waving their bright Swords, seem'd to invite those in it to a Combat which might change their colour. There was in Eden a young Gentleman called Arzimin, to whom Surena, as soon as he was restored to his sences, committed the care of the Siege, till his own health would permit him to assume it. Four days were spent in preparations for defence; and the night of the last, there came into the Castle 500 Horse, and as many Foot; who told us, That more by Art than by Force they had pass'd the King's Army, which next morning faced the Castle, and sent a Herald to Surena, who not being in a condition to receive his Message, sent Ar∣zimin to do it; who brought his Prince word, That Arsaces had sent purposely to know what provocation he had received that could invite him to so precipitate and dangerous a design; That though the highest Revenge would be but a proportionate Justice for abusing his Autho∣rity and Favour; yet if he would submit himself to the former, he would restore him to the latter. Surena turning his Eyes towards me, seemed to implore the answer he was to make; but I told him, I had referred all things, as well as my protection, to him; he therefore commanded Arzimin to let the Herald know, That by reason of an indisposition which rendered him uncapable of making any return to the King with his own hand, he was determined not to send any till he could so do it. This he did to protract the time, and not to thrust Arsaces on extreams, till Vixores (who Surena then told me was raising an Army of his Parti∣zans) came to his relief. The Herald delivered the King the Message he received, which Arsaces considered rather as an affront than a respect; and immediately by a Trumpet sent to know where our Appartments were, that he might prohibit any shooting of Arrows at those parts of

the Castle; which having learned, he began by approaches to attempt the winning of a place, which contained in it the objects of his most predominant Passions, his Love and Revenge. Above a Moon was em∣ployed in bloody assaults and defences, by which time Surena was so well recovered of his old wounds, that he was in a condition to receive new ones; which before he did, by a Trumpet, and a Gentleman, he sent the King a Letter, which he first communicated to me, and which contained these words:

Surena, to his Soveraign Arsaces.

IF I have been so unfortunate, as seemingly to take up Arms against my King; yet I am so happy as to be satisfied they are really for him. Your resolves (Sir) to make Parthenissa yours, and hers to decline a Crown of Empire, for one of Constancy, creates my performance, which I cannot call a crime, because 'tis to preserve you from one. This only being the cause of my Arming, I esteemed it not fit to divulge it, but rather appear a Rebel, than manifest your Passion is one to you; when you can command it, you shall command both me, and those with me; but till then, I must preserve you from what virtue should; and thereby me∣rit the honour of your favour, if I possess it not.

Arsaces detained this Messenger till he had formed a Reply, which he was not a little troubled to do; for if he continued his Passion, he must the War, and perhaps the despair of taking the cause of it; and if he seemed to decline his Passion, he must violate his engagement, or what it may be he valued more. Whilst this Dilemma was debating, the Army and Garison were so too; for there was during the Treaty, no suspension of Arms; and the Arsacians stormed an Out-work, from whence they were beaten with loss and shame: Surena to let his Enemies know he was well, and could use his success so, With the greatest part of his Garison, and himself at the head of them, made so resolute a charge upon three great Squadrons of Horse and Foot, who were to justifie the Assaliants retreat, that he forced them all to a precipitate one; and doubtless had carried his Success to a sublimer degree, had not Orodes in person with 3000 select Horse, first put a suspension, and then a period to his victory. We saw all this from off the Castle, and that Surena did miracles in his person to regain the victory, or it; but at length most of his Forces being cut in pieces, or taken Prisoners, he followed the fate of the latter, which he received from a Gentle∣man in black Armour. But we had hardly the leisure to deplore so sensi∣ble a loss, since he that imposed it, did redress it too, by not only giv∣ing Surena his liberty again; but by securing it, till he came to the Graffe of the Castle: Surena had but few wounds for so many dangers he had been engaged in; but of 1000 Horse and Foot which made the Sally, only two hundred returned alive, and half of those by their wounds continued not so six days. Our impatience to learn from whom both Surena and we had received so signal an obligation, made us go meet him in the entrance of the Castle; where he told us privately, that it was from the Prince Ariobarzanes, who upon his knowledg of him, desired no other ransom for the restoring his freedom, than to grant him his Pardon, and procure him Zephalinda's, for having de∣prived him of it. This Gallantry both the Brother and Sister extolled,

in terms as great as it self; and the latter perhaps esteemed her necessi∣tated ingratitude to him as high a misfortune, as Artabbanes's was to her. The great loss we sustained by his Sally, reduced us to a condi∣tion so deplorable, that Surena himself began to apprehend it, and to confess his best consolation was, He should lose his Life in a Service, in which he had vowed to spend it; and thereby if he could not prevent my misfortunes, yet he should not live to see them. The morning which succeeded this sad day, there came a Gentleman from the Camp attended by a Trumpeter, who telling the Guards he was employed from the King to their Prince, was admitted and received by him in the Court, where to conceal our deficiency, all the Garison but the Centries on the Line were assembled. The Express presented from Orodes a Letter to Surena, which without opening he immediately came and presented me in my Chamber, where Lyndadory and Zephalinda were, to learn the effect of it; having there unsealed it, we found 'twas all written with Arsaces's own hand, and contained these words:

Arsaces King of Parthia, To Surena.

THough the condition the gods have reduced you to, might invite me by resentment, as well as justice, to employ my Power, rather than my Mercy; yet because you attribute your crime to a service to Parthenissa, I shall esteem it one to me, and not only pardon your ha∣ving given her so bad a character of my Passion, as what you have acted must make her assume; but to divest her of Fear, and you of Ex∣cuse, I do hereby engage my self by all those obligations I esteem most sacred, I will be so far from forcing her to be my Queen, that I will not solicite it; and I would even give her leave to seek a Sanctuary under some other King, did I not know that would but too much cloud the Government of her own, which could not but be abhorred, when so much Beauty and Virtue should be necessitated to implore a Foreign Protection.

This Letter gave me joys which were uncapable of accession, but by both your returns; I told Surena, that the cause of the War being taken away, the effects ought to cease; that doubtless Arsaces was real in his promises, since he had (when they were freely made) as much the power to violate them, as he could have when I was in his; that probably my coldness had extinguished his flame; which though it were no common operation in Love, yet it was (as Surena experimentally knew) a possible one; and therefore since Arsace's taking the Castle, which he had as much the power as the will to do, might inspire him with intentions, our submission and reliance on him would suppress, I esteemed it the best course to accept of what we could indeed no lon∣ger decline. Surena was about to have replyed, when one of his Ser∣vants advertised him, That the Gentleman employed by the King, had a Message to deliver him, which he desired might be without wit∣nesses. I observed him a little surprised at my motion, and it may be he was glad to cloud his disorder by this opportunity, which he begged me to permit him to accept, since it was not improbable, but it might be much conducive to the forming our resolutions. I know not whe∣ther he thought the making his request was sufficient towards the grant∣ing; but he had no sooner desired my permission, than he took it, and

whilst he was entertaining the King's Express, the fair Zephalinda was entertaining me with some fears she but then had assumed; which were, That I had avoided being a Prey to one of my Lovers, but to be one to another. This free declaration made me conclude she had but too pregnant evincements for the making it; and that it was her knowleg, not her suspition, which gave me one of her Brother. I acquainted her with this belief, with as much clearness as she had me with hers; but when she protested to me her apprehensions had only their being from the minute of Surena's disorders, and at the overture which had created them: I began to hope her affection for me, made her suspect her Bro∣ther's having too much; which the better to determine, we jointly re∣solved to press the accepting the King's offer. Surena by his return, gave me leave to execute what we had resolved; which after I had by the pressing'st reasons I could disclose, he told me, The just gods, Madam, who know how unfit it is for you to put your self into the hands of one who prefers his Lust before his Faith, have sent me an Intel∣ligence, which may so far absolve their Providence, that if that misfor∣tune must be yours, it shall be your fault, and not theirs: For the Gen∣tleman sent by the King, is employed by the generous Ariobarzanes; who knowing all Intelligence both by Land and Water, is debarred me; lets me know, that Arzimin, who I thought in the last Sally had lost his Life, has lost but his Liberty; and that Vixores is hastily raising an Army of 30000 Horse, and as many Foot for my relief: so that, Madam, you have but to assume a few days patience, and you may derive that real security from my Sword, which will prove but an imaginary one in Arsace's protestations. The gods forbid (I replyed, much more con∣firmed in my Fears, by this answer), that so many thousand Lives should be sacrificed as Victims for the suppression of my doubts; but allow they were of so criminal a quality, as that nothing but so much blood could wash them away; yet what advantage could we propound unto our selves by a Battel, which we are not more certain of without one; for you must either resolve to expel Arsaces out of his Throne and Em∣pire, or at length you must trust him, and that too when the resent∣ments of his losses, and our opposition, may give him a rise and provo∣cation to evince the justice of our Fears, by his acting them: which a Confidence in him may as much deter him from, as his very oaths; so that since of necessity we must, to prevent his Crime, act a greater, or put our selves into his Mercy, when it may be the world may esteem his conferring it (by our provocation) an injustice; I do not only approve of embracing his offer, but conjure you we may do it: and this I desire the more pressingly, because that having a power to oppose his, our sub∣mission may appear our election, not our constraint, and thereby have two obligations on him, that of Religion, and that of Trust; which latter will confine him, if he considers his honour; and the former, if he considers the gods. Are you then, Madam (he reply'd), so little vers'd in the Maxims of Kings, as to think your self secure under him, when you have demonstrated you have a Power of being so without, or against him; by shewing that Truth, and then divesting your self of it? we do not only shew him he is not absolute; but provoke, and which is worse, enable him to become so: the folly of yielding to an offended Prince, is greater than the Sin which made him so; and if we must at length submit, 'tis better doing it when our necessity is the motive; for the extending his Mercy then, is a greater, as well as safer virtue: Do

not, Madam (I beseech you) tempt Arsaces's honesty, by prejudicing his Power and Love: There is no necessity of ending the War by either expelling him his Throne, or submitting to his Mercy; a successful Bat∣tel may procure us such conditions, as it shall not be in his Power to in∣fringe them; or when he sees his Passion or Empire must cease, he will relinquish the former: which were it founded on Virtue, would be as permanent as the reward of it; but being on Lust, and meeting such dangers and obstructions, it will as soon expire, as would the pleasures of it. I confess this discourse made me tremble, and I could not ab∣stain from replying, Certainly, Surena, there are Passions of another quality than you have now given me a character of, or else you have given me an ill one of yours, or of your self; for if those which are built on Virtue never expire, I must conclude, yours had not that foundation, or else is still existent.

Surena found himself as much surprised at my inference, as I was at what gave me the rise to make it: But after a short silence, he told me, There is (Madam) no general Rule but has some exception; and 'tis I only make it in this: Neither, Madam, should I tell you an untruth, if I assured you my love for you, makes me not love you; I esteemed it but an ill effect and character of my Flame to oppose and injure yours; and since the gods have made the perseverance in my Passion as great a misfortune, as your not rewarding it; I transplanted that permanency the gods had given me for a virtuous affection, on a virtuous Friendship, and they will not so much lessen their obligation in this change, as to evi∣dence it no miracle; which it would neither prove nor appear, did they produce in Arsaces a resembling operation. I told him, that to repeat was not to annihilate a Miracle; That I could not esteem a production of reason, to be one; or if there had been one in his affection, it was in that he had assum'd, and not declined it; since he could not be more powerfully invited to relinquish his addresses from the unworthiness of their object, than from her preingaged Love; which she resolved as eter∣nally to cherish, as his Friendship, that had so generously contributed there∣unto. I further told him, That since the extinction of his Flame evinced a possibility of Orodes doing the like, and that the hazard in trusting his vows, could not be greater than that of a Battel; I conjured him, if 'twere upon my score, and not his own that he drew his Sword, that he would sheath it again, and not so far engage himself in hazards, as to find both our destructions, in what he intended as an argument of a Friendship, I could not be more desirous, than satisfy'd of. I began my request again (Parthenissa continued) to retrench all discourse of his Passion; which like a Relique, might lose its respect by becoming common. To this Surena replyed, By what I have done, Madam, I know what will be done unto me; and that Orodes when ever he has the Power, will make use of it to render me a sacrifice for the fair Parthenissa. This being both my faith, and my ambition (so it may be in a handsomer way, than on a Scaffold) permit me to stand upon my defence; if that succeeds, you may command your own desires; and lest it should not, let me publish, I did but conceal, not suppress my Passion; and do you assure the King 'tis your constraint, not your inclination detains you here; and that you will accept of his offer, as soon as I permit you. This (Ma∣dam) will secure you against all misfortunes, for Arsaces cannot decline his Concessions at the very last, because your not receiving them at first was your misfortune, not your fault. All the while Surena spoke, I

blush'd, and sometimes trembled, in apprehension what he said, was not his motion, but his resolve; but not to let him know my fears by my disorders, I told him, The generous Surena has already so much ob∣liged me, that if he is capable of doing it more, it must be by pre∣serving, not hazarding himself: The latter, he will but too abundantly do, by performing what he propounds; since Orodes will be a more dan∣gerous Enemy on the score of Love, than Power; and will be too suspi∣tious we will delude him, not to conclude we do it, in so palpable a Fiction. It is not impossible too, but such a proceeding may lessen the heat and affections of your own Partizans; who though they take up Arms to defend me from being the King's Prisoner, will hardly em∣ploy them, to continue me yours; which they must believe, or Arsaces cannot long; from whose power you shall not need create any apprehensions, since before you put your self into it, I will extort as much for your security, as I receive for my own. In brief (said Parthenissa) my requests, or my reasons were so moving, that Surena assured me, if at the end of Four and twenty Hours his arguments could not appear con∣vincing ones to me, mine should prove so to him; and then he withdrew himself, to let the King's Express know, That then he might return for his positive answer, whom (he said) he would not so long detain in the Castle, lest it might look rather like an imprisonment, than an atten∣dance. I will pass by the joys we all three assumed at Surena's engage∣ment, and those reasons we deduced for and against the accepting Arsa∣ces Concessions, since those for the former, were so many, that they had exhausted all from the latter. I pass'd that afternoon and the night, in as much rest, as the thoughts of suppressing so dangerous a War and Lover, could permit; and the next day I was hardly dress'd, when I heard a great noise in the Castle, and observed most of the Soldiers running to the Battlements of it: The two Princesses, and I, did the like; where, when we were come, we might perceive all those Plains towards the Sun-rising covered with Troops; we concluded 'twas Vixo∣res's Army, because we saw the King's under their Ensigns in the Camp. This made me apprehend Surena had taken those 24 hours of delay, to put affairs beyond a capability of reconciliation; and that he had dis∣patched the King's Express, but to accellerate Vixores's march: As soon as I had told Lyndadory and Zephalinda my fears, they became theirs; and because by the help of a Perspective Glass we perceived a Herald go from the King's Army to the other, and that in all probability he was employed to let Vixores know, how that Arsaces expected a return from the Castle, which might put a period to all disputes, till which were come, he would begin none: we determined in a conjuncture of time so pressing, to be so with Surena for his positive resolve, since a longer protraction might engage us in those miseries I was so solicitous to avoid. Surena's coming to us, seemed to contribute to so necessary and just an intention: 'twas therefore I immediately acquainted him, That the longer I reflected on my Arguments for relying on Arsaces's vows, the more pregnant I still found them: that the resolution I had then assumed, would be so far from receiving a change by the effluction of a few minutes, that it would a confirmation: That before the 24 hours were expired, such misfortunes might arrive, as we might deplore all those of our Lives: and therefore 'twas, I conjured him by that Friend∣ship he had for me, and by the just value I placed upon it, to permit me to go out of Eden; and that if he could not silence his suspitions, with

what I did Mine, that at least I might receive the satisfaction of not being the Authoress of shedding so much Blood, and of involving my Countrey in a Civil War, Surena having commanded all the Soldiers to their Posts, prostrating himself at my Feet, told me, 'Tis now, Madam, no longer time to dissemble a Passion which I clouded, but could not extinguish; I had too unresistable a Rival in Arsaces, to continue and declare my self his; I was necessitated therefore by Art, to supply the defects of Power: neither did I, Madam, delude, but serve you in this disguise: I believe you will find I do so too in this discovery, since without it you must have put your self in the hands of one, who would be satisfied with nothing but possessing you; whereas you are now in ones, that if he cannot from a perfect Passion enjoy that blessing himself, he will never pretend higher, than to keep all others from it. I go now, Madam, to take from Arsaces as absolutely the power of making you his Queen, as the just aversion you have contracted for him, has already taken away all means of becoming so, but that; and I hope before the Sun sets, to evince, by the sacrificing of so many Thousand Lives for your preservation, how precious 'tis unto me. Surena had no sooner done speaking, than he rose up; and having saluted me, went hastily away: I had neither the design, nor the power to stay him; the first proceeded from my aversion from seeing, and the latter from my disor∣ders of having heard him; which were so transcendent, that the consola∣tions of Lyndadory and Zephalinda, were so far from silencing my trou∣ble, that they created it, by believing Mine was capable of being suppress'd. Oh gods! what did I not utter against so black an infide∣lity! and how I quarrelled with my self, for having trusted my pro∣tection to him, who made me need any! But whilst I was in the highest resentments those reflections inspired me with, they were interrrupted by many shouts and cryes; and turning about to learn from whence they proceeded, I perceived it was from a great Body of Vixores's Army, which were fallen upon one of the King's Guards, that was most advan∣ced towards the Castle, which after a bloody dispute they beat up, and thereby gave Surena the liberty of joyning with him, which he omitted not, for we saw him immediately row over the Tygris, and recover his Army: soon after the Kings was drawn out of their Camp, which we learn'd, proceeded from Surena's having assured him in a Letter, of all that he had me; which so filled Arsaces with fury, that finding he could not end the War by continuing the Siege, he resolved to attempt it by a Battel; and because his rage was of a quality that could not admit of de∣lay, and there being light enough left for so bloody a decision, they in∣stantly began it, but it ended not till the day did, which proved a glo∣rious one to Arsaces, whose Victory was witnessed by the death of 40000 of his Rebels; which number yet had been much increas'd, if the obscurity had not hindered it. The two Brothers, better followed in the Flight, than in the Charge, took several ways; Vixores to raise a new Army, and bring their Fates to another experiment; and Surena, who had secured that Post upon the Tygris which his Army had reco∣vered before the Battel, made it the place of ralliment; where finding too many for the Siege, and too few for the Field, he selected 2000, and dismist the rest; who by several ways found several Fortunes, some scaping, some losing their Liberties, and others their Lives. Surena employed all that night to ferry over his Men into Eden, which he did, though with the loss of a Fourth part of them, who being left to justi∣fie

their Post, were killed in it, by a successful assault of the King's; so that all the advantage Surena derived from the Battel, was to get a Garison to maintain a Siege. The day after this troublesom one to him, he made it a resembling one to me, by giving me a visit: but as soon as he came into my Chamber, without permitting him to speak, I told him, Traytor, with what Face canst thou present thy self before me, when thy actions, and the gods by thy defeat, have bestowed on thee that Name? 'tis doubtless to increase thy Crimes, by the continuing of my Punishment, which the seeing thee but too abundantly does: Madam, (said Surena) I do now no longer wonder the gods deny'd me success, when you deny'd me your Prayers for it; 'twas the want of them gave our Enemy the Victory; which it may be if he had entirely the Power, he would employ it to act worse designs than you can esteem me capa∣ble of thinking; but I have so many fresh recourses of Men, that before you fall into Arsaces hands, he must leave himself as few Subjects, as now he besieges; and it may be rather than cause the ruine of your Countrey, you will hinder Mine. Yes, Madam, you will see Armies again in the Field, which shall invalidate your Prayers; and the gods, who know how much fitter 'tis to give you your security, than your revenge, will confer the victory on him, who will less offensively em∣ploy it. If the gods (I replyed) should take so strange a Course for the punishment of Orode's Sins, as to let one of his Vassals act it; yet the end to which thou believest that Victory conducive, shall be denyed thee: I have resolutions which no material power can so much as reach, much less conquer; and if I were not confined to love Artabbanes as his reward, I would do it as thy punishment. Certainly, Madam (Surena coldly replyed), if you love Artabbanes still, you sufficiently evince you are confined to it; his jealousie else had made you deny him afterwards that honour: and it cannot be but Fate, which makes you have a Passion for one who suspected your virtue, and an aversion for him who adored it, though it has proved as cruel to the Latter, as kind to the Former.

Here (said Symander) my Prince who had hitherto listen'd with a wonderful silence, was necessitated to break it, by telling his Princess, I hope, Madam, you gave him no other reply, than what is the only and the true one; which is, that 'twas not my jealousie but my reason made me apprehend the fair Parthenissa was too great a Blessing ever to become Artabbanes's. Parthenissa blush'd a little to have spoke what had neces∣sitated Artabbanes to interrupt her Story, and to make so flattering a justification; 'twas therefore she hindered the continuance of it, by telling him, I had but too much truth to alledg in your vindication, to make use of a return, which had nothing of that virtue in it; where∣fore the answer I gave him was, It would rather appear an effect of Fate, did I decline a Passion for Artabbanes, to confer it on one whose mani∣fested Treachery so Artificially made him doubt mine, that the Offence of doing so could not be so great, as the impossibility of avoiding it. Thou canst not therefore mention Artabbanes's seeming crime, but thou must publish thy real one: But to take from thee all fresh occasions to injure the gods, as well as me, I protest by them, That if their power know any limitation, 'tis in the impossibility of making me receive thy Passion, or so much as listen to thy addresses with Patience. There is, Madam (he replyed) nothing impossible but to him that believes it; 'tis only the Faith of apprehension, not reason; or if there be impossi∣bilities,

my declining the ambition of possessing you, or permitting any other the doing it, are the only ones.

He spake something else, though I did not hear it; for I withdrew, and lock'd my self up in my Cabbinet, which for six Moons was my only sanctuary from such importunate visits: But his generous Sister assum'd at his change so exorbitant a grief, that it even brought an accession to mine; the fair Lyndadory by hers did the like; and though I both conjured them to lessen the cause of their Tears, by removing themselves from the subject of them, yet they would never consent to my request: neither had they, would Surena have permitted it, who one day let me know so much, when I motioned their removal to him, and who transferred his denyal upon the indecency of wanting some of my own Sex to be near me. Zephalinda a thousand times fruitlesly essay'd to let Ariobarzanes know the truth of our condition, which she suspected her brother had kept from his knowledg, and thereby made that seem an effect of his Art, which was one of his Treachery: This she was the more intent upon, knowing that every opportunity Ariobarzanes (who was Lieutenant General to Arsaces, and condemned his desires on me, which by the infusions of Surena, he considered through a false optick) sent him constant Intelligence, under pretence of concluding an ex∣change of Prisoners, mutually made so by fortunate and unsuccessful Sallyes, whose retail I decline telling you, since 'tis sufficient you know they were frequent and bloody. I believe you are confident, that I was so of Surena's not attempting against my honour, since I solicited the removal of those, whose presence might have restrained any desires of so criminal a quality; and truly I must do him that justice, as to ac∣knowledg he had nothing offensive in his Love, but his Love, which was as civil, as unsuccessful.

Though the violence of the Winter were great, yet it lessened not that of the Siege, which was so active, as it left no time to feel the rigour of the Season. But the Spring, which brought weather fit to continue the War, brought Surena news of his impossibility of doing it: for by the return of a Prisoner (purposely made so) for that end, he received from Ariobarzanes the certainty of Vixores's repeated defeat, which was given him by the Prince Phraates, expresly sent by his Father to interrupt his levies, or destroy them; which latter he effected, though much of the Glory, and more of the Danger fell to the young Phraata∣ces, illegitimate Son to Phraates, not then above 16 years of Age, whose Mother by her excellent Beauty had been Concubine to Caesar, and who by him had been presented to Phraates, as another was at the same time of resembling Beauty, and profession, to Pacorus: But he returned her again to Caesar, as a fitter present for his restitution, than acceptance. Surena at this fatal Intelligence, found as small hopes to preserve me from his King, as to obtain me for himself; and I began to assume some, that what he had denyed to me, he must grant to his necessity. But Vixores, though he had lost the possibility of raising the Siege, yet he had not of enabling his Brother to continue it; which to effect, with the reliques of his broken Army, of which he had lost 22000, he ad∣vanced by long Marches and unfrequented ways, with 2000 Foot, which he had mounted, and by his admirable celerity and silence, came so un∣expectedly to the Banks of Tygris, that the King's Eyes gave him the first intelligence of his being there; which was no sooner received, than all the Boats upon the River were drawn to one place, for the ferrying over

some Horse to cut off this relief: Surena to facilitate the entry of it, made a furious Sally; and Vixores, the better to palliate his fiction, made a brisk one against the Arsacians, with Two thousand Horse, with which he had convey'd the Two thousand mounted Foot, who all this while having quit their Horses, lay conceal'd in a Grove two Furlongs above Arsaces's Guard, which was next to the Castle; from whence during the Allarm, they sent over some excellent swimmers, who fastening Ropes on that side the River, by Ten Flat-bottom'd Boats, which as many Dro∣medaries had brought, and which for the conveniency of carriage, were made of Wicker, cover'd with Hides, without rowing, or driving down the stream, in one hour, they had transported over all the Soldiers; but as they were beginning to do the like to the Provisions, which Surena wanted more than the Men; some of the Kings Horse, who by a Priso∣ner taken from the Convoy had gain'd intelligence of this relief, came, and by a furious charge render'd themselves Masters of the most necessa∣ry part of it. The Soldiers who were in the Island, seeing the loss of their victuals, and knowing it irrecoverable, lest a longer delay might render the Castle so too, by a hasty march under the Banks of the Tygris, which by a continu'd frost had left a large strand, and by the obscurity of the Night (which then had for above two hours cover'd the Heavens) they safely arriv'd in Eden; but Surena's joy at it immediately vanisht; for by the loss of his Provisions, he found his Brother had sent an increase, rather than a relief of his wants; who concluding he had given time enough for the entry of the supply, by degrees began to diminish the vio∣lence of the Combat, which finally an hour after, absolutely ceast. Vixo∣res in this performance shew'd himself so much a Soldier, that none which was so, could not but conclude his precedent defeats proceeded not from his not being one. That night by a long March, he put himself out of the necessity of making a second; for he had so far out-gone those Troops which follow'd him, that by easie journeys he reacht again the Province of Hircania, which though Phraates had much destroy'd, yet Vixores despair'd not, but from those warlike people, and that provocation, to bring again a third Army into the Field, which might render him Ma∣ster of it. Surena was constrain'd by his little Victuals, and many Soldi∣ers, to make frequent and furious Sallies, where to lose of his own Men, or to kill of the Kings, were equal advantages. One Evening as the two Princesses and I, were walking on the Battlements of the Castle, we heard a noise in the Court, which we learn'd proceeded from the arrival of Arzimin, who having deceiv'd, or corrupted his Guards, had then fled from the Camp, and recover'd the Castle. Surena assum'd a visible joy at the escape, and return of so considerable a Friend. Three or four days successively after, I fancy'd Arzimin by his looks had some desires to speak with me; but apprehending he had taken them up upon Sure∣na's score (whom I never after our first discourse, permitted to make me a second) I declin'd all opportunities of facilitating his design; but at length, having acquainted the Princesses with my belief, and suspitions, they were jointly of opinion, That I should no longer defer giving Arzi∣min an opportunity I had hitherto deny'd him, since if he had any thing to act for me (which his strange escape from the Camp render'd no irra∣tional belief) by retrenching all discourse vvith me, I did too, all possi∣bility of serving me; and if what he had to deliver were on Surena's account, I ought speedily to give him one Audience, to have a just ground for denying him for ever another. Their opinion was my re∣solution,

which immediately after I had assum'd, I had the opportunity to put it in practice; for the same day, as we went to take the Air in the Gardens of the Castle, which because we frequently did, Arsaces had given an obeyed command, that no Arrows or Darts should be shot or flung that way; Arzimin, who waited for me at the Door, came and presen∣ted me his hand to lead me down, which I accepted; and which I had no sooner done, than he told me softly, I have something, Madam, of concern∣ment to inform you of, but I must humbly beg it may be without wit∣nesses; I told him in the same tone, That I would give the opportunity he desired as soon as we were in the Gardens; whither being come, we insensibly lost the two Princesses, and those that followed us; which Ar∣zimin being convinced of, by looking diligently every way, he flung himself upon his Knees, and presented me a little Note, which I opened, and found was all of Arsaces's hand, and only contained these words, Madam, I beseech you believe all he shall tell you, and be satisfied of his Fidelity, on my engagement for it. After I had read these few words, and assured him they had all that efficacy both the King and he could expect, I made him rise, lest being surprised in that Posture, it might raise a suspition, which continuing our walk, would prevent; when he was up, he told me, I believe, Madam, you are not ignorant I was dan∣gerously hurt, and taken Prisoner in that unsuccessful Battel Surena fought against his King; and that I might not have so noble a fate as that of dying by my wounds, they were diligently cured, and then my sen∣tence was, That that Life I had employed against my Prince, I should lose upon a Scaffold; whither when I was brought and expected the fatal stroak, I received a Pardon: Arsaces making a distinction between those which fought against him, and those which fought for surena; of which latter quality he was assured I was, from the Prince Ariobarzanes, This grace which I as little expected as deserved, produced so just an effect in me, that I determined to employ my Life for him that had given it me; in pursuance whereof I obtained a private Audience from the King, without so much as the knowledg of Ariobarzanes, who I knew too much favoured Surena's designs to be trusted with mine. There 'twas, Madam, I told the King a Truth, of which I believe you are yet ignorant; which is, That Surena having long form'd a design of carrying you away into Media, and of living there under the protection of Me∣rinzor, (of which you may be partly convinced, by his having declar'd himself to you to be, what he never yet but was) finding by those unex∣pected wounds he receiv'd, when he made your Guards your Martyrs, that he was unable to flie with you thither, and as unable to trust you there without him; the better to delude your belief, he caus'd one of his Chyrurgeons to tell you, and the two Princesses, he was in a condi∣tion to perform the journey, when he had not the power to do it; and which to prevent, he caus'd five hundred Horse, he had covertly drawn together, to be his and your Convoy into Media, to appear as so many of the KIngs; and thereby made you return hither, as if it had been by misfortune, not design; and if you remember, Madam, a Chyrurgeon of the Convoy, who knew nothing of his Prince's intentions, told you when he fell into his fainting, that he could not continue his journey, and his Life, I remember'd that passage (said Parthenissa) very well, and from thence concluded Arzimin told me a Truth, I had but too many preg∣nant Testimonies no longer to doubt. Orodes, Madam, (continu'd Arzi∣min) was as much surpriz'd at this intelligence, as I perceive you are;

and those Troops which were your seeming besiegers, till those of Ar∣saces were really so, then became your defenders; and when Orodes sent you an assurance of attempting nothing against the Laws of Honour, in obtaining that of your Affection, Ariobarzanes (as you know) sent Surena word, that Vixores with a numerous Army was ready speedily to Attempt his Relief: 'Twas then, Madam, to avoid the spilling of so much blood, and of not demonstrating any diffidence in the King's so solemn engagements, that you press'd Surena to permit you to rely on them; who finding your desire was your resolution, begged you to consider of his Arguments for 24 hours, and then he would obey your election. He did this only, that in the mean time he might engage both Armies, that if the victory inclined to his side, he might keep you in his Power as an effect of his Friendship, not his Love; and if it inclined to the King's, he might ascribe the Battel, by his being so strictly besieged, to the impossibility of his preventing it; and then by accepting the King's, offer, reserve the disclosing his Passion to a more promising opportunity. This, Madam, was the Cause, that under a pretence of not detaining the King's Mes∣senger so long, he immediately dispatched him to Ariobarzanes, whom he pressingly desired to let Vixores know, That if within 24 hours he brought not their Fates to a decision, no misfortune could be greater than that delay. Ariobarzanes did this to serve Surena, who has promised him his Sister; and to end a War, which would as long as it continued, deny him the felicity of seeing Zephalinda. This design had doubtless succeeded, if the gods (who cannot more convincingly manifest them∣selves to be what they are, than by punishing infidelity) had not neces∣sitated Surena to disclose so criminal a fallacy: for though Vixores with all his Army came early enough, and by a Thousand provocations soli∣cited the King to a Battel before the 24 hours were effluxt; yet Arsaces, though equal in forces, would not accept it, hoping by the return then promised, without blood to end the difference: Surena by this delay concluded of the cause of it, and thereby observing he could not any longer cloud himself, and that so powerful an Army might justifie his Crime, boldly confess'd it to you, and then went to punish in his King what he practised in himself; but he soon found in his defeat, how the gods disavowed his Quarrel; which (said Arzimin) I am now con∣viced of, and consequently will no longer defend. 'Tis therefore (Ma∣dam) as an expiation for having done it so much already, that I have engaged my self to Arsaces to deliver you out of this Captivity, or to lose my Life in attempting it; and as one of your Protectors, become your Keeper; so to make one of your Keepers become your Deliverer: The two Princesses, if they know of your escape, must not accompany you in it; neither is it necessary, for being Prisoners but upon your account, your liberty will restore them to theirs. I found this rational, but not kind; and therefore determined, if 'twere not their desire, as well as opinion, I would repay them the obligation of continuing a Prisoner with them, as they had with me; but this I told not Arzimin, who thus prosecuted his discourse: To morrow Night (Madam) I have the Guard, and I have ordered it so, that those which compose it are my Creatures, especially such as are of the water-gate where the Galley which belongs to the Castle is at Anchor: In her, Madam, I design to carry you away, which Arsaces approves; and because I suspected Sure∣na has so many Partizans and Spies in the Army, that if the King should give orders to any of those Guards upon the River, to receive the Galley

which should come out of the Castle as Friends, it would inevitably come by the multitude of Surena's, to his knowledg. I have perswaded Arsaces under the pretence of an intelligence, to draw all the Boats on the River to the upper end of the Island, so that none of the Guards being able to follow us, we need not trust their Faiths with so dangerous a secret. And the Tygris is of such a breadth, that in the obscurity of the Night, keeping under the Island-shore, they can hardly discover us; or if they do, not reach us with their Arrows: I am necessitated too to let the Galley drive down the stream under the Banks of the River, lest crossing over it, some of our own Centries on the Towers, might discover and offend us; for they will know by the smallness of our Numbers, and by Surena's not seeing, or acting in our attempt, that it is not a Sally; but a flight. The King, Madam, will expect you at a little Village some Twenty Furlongs below the Castle; and to secure you from any fears, that you do but avoid one Imprisonment to fall into another, he has com∣manded me to protest in his behalf, by all the tutelary gods of his Em∣pire, and by whatever else he holds in highest veneration, He has ba∣nished all those Thoughts from him, which have so long banished you; and to take from himself the power of a relapse, if ever he should have the will, he has already given order for the revocation of Artabbane's exilement; and to repair his having sent him into it, he will with the restoring him to his Country, restore him too to his Princess. Arzimin had more particularly acquainted me with the residue of what he was to deliver, had not he perceived (afar off) Surena coming into the Garden, which made him desire me to hasten my joyning with the Company; which whilst we were doing, he told me, That the Night appointed, four hours after the close of the Evening, he would not fail to come to my Chamber with my disguise, and to have all things so exactly prepared, that it must be Fate, and not Chance if his design suc∣ceeded not. I had hardly assured him there should be no omission on my Part, but we had recovered the Company, and suddenly after Sure∣na appeared in the same Walk we were in, which made me quit it, and retire to my Appartment; where having shut our selves up, I told Lyn∣dadory and Zephalinda, all that Arzimin had me: To be brief, those two admirable Women, for all my reiterated Prayers, would not be sharers in my escape, lest they might prejudice it; and if I condescended to their commands of going away alone, it was purely from a confi∣dence, that as soon as I was out of the Castle, Surena would yield it, and consequently the Princesses would be restored to a liberty by me, which they would not accept of with me; Zephalinda too, by not going with me, could leave her Brother nothing but suspitions that she knew of my Flight; and Lyndadory was so apprehensive, that her accompa∣nying me in it, might convince Surena, 'twas the craft, and not the ig∣norance of his Sister, detained her, and so pleased with a recluseness, which both your absences made her cherish, that upon those scores as well as the former, she determined to remain with the fair Zephalinda, who conjur'd me I would employ that Power I had with Arsaces, to procure a Pardon for her Brother, who had no other Title to my Mercy, than that he de∣served it not: I assured her, that what should now be my obedience, had been my design: and that one so near in blood to Zephalinda, could not but be so, in my care. At length, the so impatiented night and hour came, and with it Arzimin, who brought me one of his Pages Clothes, which he said was necessary for me to wear, and that

I should do it no longer than till I were out of the Castle; I joyfully put on that Livery of Freedom, and having a thousand times embra∣ced the Princesses, I took my final leave; and only with Arzimin, whom I followed as his servant, came to the Guard of the Water Gate, where I found the Soldiers sleeping on the Ground, and in so wretched a way, that I have never since esteemed it courage, but to judgement, to cast themselves upon whatsoever hazard may finish such miserable Lives, Arzimin immediately put me into the Galley, and taking seven Men to row, and steer her, without any noise got out of the Water-percullis, and in the same silence descended the Current for above Three hours; during which, I had again put on the habit of my Sex in the Cabbin, in which I had lock'd my self up: when I was dress'd, I came out, and found of our Seven, but Three in the Galley, of which Arzimin was one, of whom I ask'd, what was become of the rest, and how soon we should land? he told me the other Four were gone in a little Skiff which belonged to the Galley, to tell Arsaces of my approach, and that it would be an hour before we should go ashore, because he durst not make use of his Oars: I retired my self satisfied with that reply; and at the ex∣piration of the hour, Arzimin came to let me know I was safely arrived where he intended; immediately after, one of the Galley carried me out of it in his Arms to a Chariot, which with some Thirty Horse expected us. I thought it something strange that Arzimin himself did not do it, or that he commanded not some other fitter for the employment than he which had undertook it; but I thought it much stranger, when I saw him too, come only into the Chariot with me, and when I found him by the help of the Light, which then began to dawn, to be Surena: Oh gods! as soon as I knew him, I knew my self betrayed: I had only force enough to say so, for all my Senses were so obliging as to cease their actings, rather than by continuing them, so extreamly to afflict me: But Surena, who had more care of my life, than me, by powerful Cordials brought me to my self; I pay'd his care with a Thousand Injuries; and if my hate were as great a torment to him as that Life he restored me to, was to me, I could neither have desired, nor acted a more sublime re∣venge. 'Twas either his respect, or his guilt, which all that day kept him in a deep silence; and if he any way evinced how much my discon∣tent was his, it was only in sighs. The first Night (after a very long Journey) we lay at a Castle which was scituated in so solitary a place, that I believe it was only built for that end to which Surena then employ'd it: He led me to a Chamber that wanted nothing but his absence; and that conveniency it soon enjoyed; for without speaking one word, he saluted me with great humility, and left me to the company of my Thoughts, which in the condition I was in, was the worst I could keep, but his. I had not long the liberty to entertain them, for a young Gen∣tle woman came into my Chamber to offer me her Service then, and if I pleased for ever; I accepted of it in the first limitation, but de∣clined it in the latter, lest she should have served Surena, and not me. An hour after, Supper was brought in; and that being ended, my new woman resigned her place to Surena, who kneeling at my Feet, told me, You see (fair Parthenissa) prostrate before you, one who should not have the confidence to do it, did he not believe the not imploring your pardon a greater misfortune than any, but the not obtaining it: If I have deluded your hopes, I will not your belief; for though I have not given you into Arsace's power, yet I protest by your self, I will employ

mine to defend and serve you, which I am confident is your Faith, and which I assure you cannot be more so, than it is my inviolable resolu∣tion; 'twas necessity, Madam, and not election, made me draw you from a place, where I had no longer the means to preserve you from abandoning a Servant, who is as much concerned in your honour, as you are to put your self into the power of another, who would have employed all his to destroy, not defend what you value most; I do not accuse my King, that you may the less condemn me; I am so far from desiring his crimes, that I would give my Life he had none; for thereby you had been exempted from inconveniences, which would be unsup∣portable, were they not in order to the preventing of greater. Your residence, Madam, with Arsaces, I am convinced, would make you wish, when perhaps too-too late, that you had prevented it by greater troubles than I hope you will suffer in your journey; for I have so well deluded him, that you may take your own hours of travel; and that which will end yours, will be a Castle of Merinzor's in Media, the first place to which we intended our flight, had not an unhappy accident prevented it; and Media, Madam, being the Kingdom your Artabbanes must one day possess, I elect to wait on you thither, that your Reason, if not your justice, may be secured of the innocency of my designs; for had I any which were criminal, I would not have chosen that place for the Scene to act them, where your happy servant cannot want hands to act his Revenge. Surena (said Parthenissa) told me many things of this quality, and so protested, his ambition was to solicite, not force my Affection; that I determined, since I could not prevent the former, not to provoke him to the latter, which the uttering of my just resentments, I apprehended would; 'twas therefore I told him, Though your past Crimes might invite me rationally to conclude you capable of any, yet I will not disbelieve your vows and professions; which if ever you design to violate, I have the power and the resolution to prevent: Do not necessitate me to owe that safety to my self, which I am not unwil∣ling to derive from you; nor attempt to practice that which you so justly condemn in another, and which you esteemed so foul a Sin, that to pre∣vent it, you esteemed Rebellion None. Madam (said Surena) did it not too much wrong the Beauty of Truth to arm it with many pro∣testations, I should by reiterated ones, bind my self by Religion to that which I am sufficiently confined unto without it; and were it lawful for Surena to repine at any thing the fair Parthenissa says, he had now but too abundant an occasion to do it; for she must believe him as wicked as unfortunate, to conclude he stood in need of any other Argument to deter him from attempting against her honour, than the greatness of the Crime; but Madam, my deportment shall be so innocent, that you will in the future esteem your doubts as great an injury to your self, as I can now esteem them to me. I found, though his Expressions were humble, that he was highly mov'd at the cause of my fears; 'twas therefore I replyed, I hope, Surena, you will not much condemn me for running into an error, where the discovery of its being one, will prove my satisfaction. Your satisfaction Madam (said Surena) shall be still more considerable to me than my own; and since I have that invitation, as well as that of virtue, I shall as much apprehend any criminal designs, as the fair Parthenissa does detest them; thereupon having wish'd me but as much rest as I could confer on him, he withdrew himself to leave me to mine. But I took none, out of an apprehension that I had done

amiss in acquainting him with my fears; for 'twas not impossible, but to think him capable of that Sin, was to provoke him to it; since the very performance could not raise in me a worse belief of him, than that was of fearing he would perform them. This reason, and many ano∣ther of a resembling efficacy, made me conclude, that my having de∣clared my doubts was a greater prejudice, than those assurances I had from thence derived, was an advantage. You may believe, in such di∣sturbances of the Mind, the Body could not but participate; so that I was earlier up than he that was more concerned in my being so; and I quitted my Bed, not only because I could take no rest in it, but that I resolved to add to the obligation of virtue, that of trust, and to go freely to what else I knew I should be constrained unto; Surena there∣fore found me dress'd when he came to tell me all things were ready for our Journey, if I was; which having told him, he led me to the Chariot, that had all the Journey the same 30 Horse for Convoy, that it had at first: Surena begged and had my permission to ride with me in it.

The Fifth day after we had left the Castle of Eden, we came into Media, which we learned was all involved in a Domestick War. This made Surena travel with more caution than he had thitherto observed; so that constantly he left a couple of his Guard some four or five Fur∣longs behind, and sent half a score before, that he might not be sur∣prized. The third day after he had settled this order, one of those to whose care all Intelligence which should happen in the rear, was left, came full speed to acquant his Prince, that his Companion had been killed by a Party of Horse which followed him a round Gallop. Surena at this Intelligence leap'd out of the Chariot, and whilst he was arming himself, made me many apologies for so rude a proceeding; but he was no sooner fitted to receive his Enemies, than he perceived them, who without any cheapening, charg'd him so roundly, that he found he might need those Ten Horse for the Fight, which he had sent for Intelli∣gence; one of his Pages went therefore to call them; but two of the unknown Party having charged through all Surena's, came to my Chariot, and having beg'd me to pardon a rudeness which was for my service, one of them immediately killed the Driver of it, and the other with his sword cut the Traces asunder; but this performance cost them their Lives, which they lost by Three of their Enemies, who feared those came not to hinder my flight, but to contribute to it. The Com∣bat being performed by Men of singular valour, was very bloody; and in less than half an hour, were reduced to so few, as only the chief of either Party: He of the unknown one, by his unimitable courage, had reduced his Adversary to a condition which needed help, when the generous Artabbanes interposed himself for their reconciliation, and then, from an Intercessor, became a Party, not knowing he that was vanquished was guilty; but he abundantly repaired that mistake, by defending (after the return of those Ten Horse which were recalled) a Life, I am much more concerned to have preserved, than to have Sure∣na's destroyed.

'Twas thus (said Symander) that the fair Parthenissa put a period to a relation, which had as much taken up Artabbanes and Sillace's wonder, as attention. I will not tell you how infinitely the first of them exclaim'd against the perversness of his Fate, for having rendered the acting his Revenge as great an offence against his Friendship, as the omission of

it was one against his Love. But the fair Parthenissa, who desired no greater punishment for Zephalinda's Brother, and who indeed could wish him no greater than to be out of his protection, and under his Rivals, conjured him to be contented with that Revenge with which she was. Artabbanes was not sorry, that to the invitations of Friendship, he had that additional one of obedience, for the silencing his designs of vindicating his wrongs; but they being of too sublime a nature abso∣lutely to be forgotten, lest his disorders might discover he disputed whether he should obey Parthenissa, with her permission he conjur'd the generous Sillaces to acquaint them, by what strange adventure he was presented with the blessing of serving her. Sillaces, who receiv'd as sublime a satisfaction in his obedience to Artabbanes and Parthe∣nissa, as he had in hearing her story, began his own short one, in these terms:

From the time I left Rome, till I came to Nineveh, there happened nothing worth relating; but that there happened nothing that was so: But alas, this calm was but too severely interrupted, for there I under∣stood, how that both the Princess Lyndadory and Parthenissa could not more want my service, than I did the power of paying it them: My duty to Arsaces, and hope, that by being nearer the Castle of Eden, I might be so to an opportunity of what so extreamly and justly I am∣bitioned, made me immediately repair to the Camp, where by the King I was received with such demonstrations of affection, that I thought Surena's past favour, and present condition, had thitherto de∣prived me of that usage, and then conferred it on me; but my igno∣rance, whether this proceeded from his goodness, or design, made me keep him in a perfect one of your condition and resolutions; and though I endeavoured all imaginable ways to serve you, and my self, in the Princesses; yet the only one in which I did it, was, in perswading the generous Ariobarzanes to do Surena no more services, unless he re∣ceived an assurance from the fair Zephalinda, that in doing them to her Brother, he did them too to her: This I did out of a confidence Surena had deluded him; and this Ariobarzanes did, not to shew me in that confidence, that I was so; but when to many Letters of his to Zephalinda he never received any return, he began to disclose a Truth which his so long ignoring had rendered obstructive to his King's ends, and his own: I believe this proceeding hastened Surena's; for with his Intelli∣gence, he lost his hopes; but whilst I lay languishing in desires and fears, a Packet came from Merinzor to Surena and by the Carrier of it was delivered to Ariobarzanes; but by what I have related, he was be∣come from his Confident, his Enemy; wherefore opening the Letters, he found in them a black conspiracy of raising a mutual Rebellion against their Kings, and of affording each other reciprocal assistance. This I esteemed our duties to acquaint Arsaces with, and this Ariobarzanes did so too, as an expiation of having formerly convoy'd some of Sure∣na's Letters to Merinzor, when he knew not what they imported, and when he was made believe they only were to preserve a Correspon∣dency, which might preserve the latter a sure retreat; but the diffi∣culty was, how to let Orodes know of these Letters, and not to let him know we had seen them before; this at length we did, by causing a Confident of ours to bring them hastily into the Camp, as having taken them from one who by the River was stealing into the Castle, and which by his Death he had prevented. Orodes having perused

them, found Surena's Rebellion the more dangerous, and that a For∣raigner fomenting it, would render it as long, as hazardous. 'Twas therefore he immediately called me to him, where after having told me, That since Ariobarzanes had the next Command under him, all others in the Army would be under me; and that therefore till he could find me out a fit employment, he desired I would take upon me that, of being his Ambassador to the King of Media, to acquaint him with this fresh Treason, and to procure a League between them, That as two of their Subjects had reciprocally bound themselves to ruine their Kings; so that they should do the like, to ruine them. This (continued Sillaces) I obey'd, partly because I had no employment in the Army, but chiefly that my hopes were less, of serving the Princesses in the Siege, than in my Embassy: For I had understood 'twas Merinzor's Power in Media, which hindered Moneses from having any; and I had more than a belief, that this favourite having rendered himself uncapable of becoming so again, you might assume his place, or at least your Right, which I was confident to advance, being employed as a publick Minister. I was also but too certain the Siege would last longer than the journey, which six days after I began, that time being effluxt in giving me my Commis∣sion, with my private and publick Instructions: but because I designed so short a residence in Media, I took only Twenty Gentlemen, and some Servants to wait on me; and being informed on the Confines of this Kingdom, that it was freshly involved in a Domestick War, I sent a couple of my Company before the rest, to avoid Surprizes: These it seemed saw those two of Surena's, who fearing Mine, began a round Gallop to recover their Companions; but they were so briskly followed, that one of them was overtaken, and so wounded by a Javelin, that he not only lost the hopes of his safety, but almost of his Life; you will believe when I came up, that I was not a little surprised, when I found this wounded Prisoner was Palurus, who had the same employment under Surena, that his Brother had under Phraates; I concluded by the Ser∣vant, that the Master was not far off: and by threatning to torture him if he acquainted me not where his Prince was, and by promising to have a care of his Life if he did: he told me, How you, Madam, had been deluded by his Prince, and that you were both but a few furlongs before us. Oh gods! how was I surprised at this strange intelligence! and how many oaths did I extort from the dying Palurus before I could believe him! but as soon as I did, leaving him to the care of some Peasants which were present, I ran full speed upon the Traces of Surena; two of my Troop I commanded to kill the Chariot-Driver, and to cut the Har∣ness, lest during the fight I might lose the reward of it; with the rest I charged my Enemy, in which, the first that fell was the false Arzimin. You were, Madam, a Spectator of the residue of my Story, and so was Artabbanes, who came in when all my Company had killed Su∣rena's; and when they had had the honour to sacrifice all their own Lives, in an employment which rather deserves my Envy, than my Grief.

Sillaces (continued Symander) having finished his Discourse, all those which had heard it (and he himself) were of opinion, the fair Parthenissa's deliverance, was replenish'd with so many strange conjun∣ctures, that it relished more of Providence than Chance; and that this effect of it, was but an earnest of a more sublime and obliging one. I know not whether so pleasing a belief, by having so high an influence on

Artabbanes's Mind, had a proportionate one on his Body; or whether so long a charming of his Prince, as that was whilst his Princess and his friend were speaking, did qualifie the violence of his Feaver; but I know, that after some discourses upon the precedent ones (Partheniss•• being retired) he found so sensible an amendment, that he not only acquainted us with it, but convinced us of it; and from that day, so un∣interruptedly recovered, that when the generous Sillaces was fit to con∣tinue his Embassy, my Prince's condition was so promising, that no just apprehension of his Friend, needed any longer to have suspended it: 'Twas therefore that the fair Parthenissa came to Artabbanes's Cham∣ber, he not being able to wait on her in hers; where she found already Sillaces and Zenophon; and though this meeting was to consult upon the managing of their designs, yet I was not excluded. I shall pass over their debates, to acquaint you with their results; which were, That Zenophon, with those Forces he had then raised, should no longer pro∣tract his advancing, since Tygranes stood so much in need of them: That Sillaces, as the Parthian Ambassador, should accompany Zenophon to his King, to treat and conclude on that league, which was so requisite and necessary to the ruining of my Prince's Rivals both in Empire and Love: That Sillaces should employ all his Power as publick Minister, for the restoration of Artabbanes, as being Nephew to his King; which he might the more safely negotiate, since Arsaces had really revok'd his Banishment, whether to increase Surena's Fears, or to silence Parthenissa's: That if he found any inclinations in Tygranes to receive him, he should then, and not otherwise, acquaint him where he was: That Zeno∣phon should depute (during his absence) such a Governour in Ar∣sacia, as was entirely to receive and obey Artabbanes's commands, and as much to conceal his so doing. The next day after this resolution was assum'd, it was put in a way of being practised; Sillaces accompanied with Zenophon, whose Troops consisted of near 10000 Horse and Foot, began their March towards Ecbatan, against which Merinzor with 15000 Horse and 25000 Foot was advanced, and Camp'd within sixteen Fur∣longs of her Walls, under which the King's Forces, which were near 10000 Horse, and as many Foot, were intrench'd. The Governor left in Arsacia, was called Cloriman, and had received his education even from his Cradle under Zenophon, who having found him replenish'd both with Courage and Judgment, had given him a large participation both in all his Commands and Fortunes. This young Gentleman was so assi∣duous in this duty of his employment, and to Parthenissa and Artabbanes, that they could not but commend Zenophon's Judgment in his Choice: I must confess, I had done so too, had I not observed he was as assiduous in more than his respects to the fair Emilia; but her carriage was such, that it gave me rather a satisfaction than an Allarm. Artabbanes, soon after his being left alone with Parthenissa, never left her so, at least when he could do it with civility; and my Prince could not be more intent in increasing Parthenissa's affection, than I was in obtaining Emi∣lia's; so that all that time my generous Master employed in his Loves, I did in mine: but whether it were a punishment for having so long con∣temned the power of a god, of which I then was sufficiently convinced; or whether it were the fair Emilia's disposition to behold the effects of her own Power, which could not be more visible, than in continuing my Passion without any demonstration of hers, for above three Moons; though I could not obey my Reason, I found more than I had thitherto

known, for my detesting of Love; and though at last I received the felicity of an assurance from the object of my Flame, that she approved of, and would reward it; yet it was accompanied with the misfortune that I derived that declaration from Parthenissa, and Artabbanes's prayers, as much as from my ovvn; yet the belief I had, that Emilia's Judgment, not want of affection, made her elect to oblige Three sooner than one, gave me a satisfaction which her words had denied me; but my Prince, who had already obtained the victory over those tedious formalities, now happily pretended to a more transcendent one, by successfully im∣ploring from his Princess, in an Hymeneal Crown, to give his Passion the lowest, and highest satisfaction it could ambition: But as Emilia's grant was accompanied with a qualification, so was Parthenissa's; for my Prince derived it from his reasons, as well as from her affection: Those he made use of were, That he could no more repine at the gods, but at her, if he were perpetually miserable, since she might hinder his being so, by a Concession of his request, which would not only prove a reparation for his past misfortunes, but a preservative from his future: That then the gods could neither make his Life short, nor unhappy, since the ex∣cellency of the felicities would repair their want of duration: That he concession would put a period to his external, as well as intrinsecal sufferings; for though his Rivals might have some hopes to conquer her Constancy, yet they could have none to do so to her Virtue. Here the fair Parthenissa interrupted him, by saying, Take heed Artabbanes, lest what you imagine will silence the fury of your Enemies, do not render it more fatal; for when they find you are from but a probable obstacle, become a certain one, they will no more scruple to take away your Life, than I will to take away my own, after such a loss. Madam (said my Prince) you may banish those apprehensions, for you have by par∣doning my criminal jealousies, so abundantly evidenced the Immuta∣bility of that esteem you honour me withal, that when to that you shall add a religious obligation, the known Truth, That thereby we can have but one destiny, will make them have the same care of mine, which they will have of yours; so that, Madam, to secure me from danger, as well as unhappiness, what I now implore at your Feet, is absolutely necessary. Parthenissa, more satisfied with his Arguments, than his motion (though she esteemed it not fit to mingle felicities with fears, nor to be in the embraces of her Prince, whilst those who had been her Companions in her sufferings, could not be so in her joys) yet at length she yielded to it, that her Artabbanes might not say, she deny'd him any thing with reason. Oh gods! (continued Symander) it is impossible I should tell you my Prince's transports, how often he prostrated himself before her, how many thousand times he embraced her knees, and kiss'd her hands: 'Tis sufficient I assure you, his joy was proportionate to what created it; and that it was impossible the Sence could relish those felicities, his Mind did: He bless'd a Milion of times the privacy of their then con∣dition, which admitted no other preparative but a Priest, lest the cele∣bration of the Nuptial solemnities might have so long protracted the celebration of the Nuptial delights: Artabbanes, after he had by innu∣merable testimonies of his satisfaction, convinced Parthenissa of it, retir'd to his Appartment, whither immediately he sent for Cloriman, whom he acquainted with his joys, and of whom he desired a Priest against the next day, to put him in the way of consummating them. Cloriman, by an erection of his Eyes and Hands, seemed to participate in my Prince's

satisfaction, which yet he somewhat clouded, by telling him, there was never a Priest in Arsacia to whose fidelity he durst trust so important a secret; but that within two days he would procure one, for whose se∣crecy he would answer. Artabbanes was so transported with his de∣sires, that he not only esteemed the Trusting of any Priest could not prove so high a prejudice, as a days protraction would amount unto: But even would have sent for any one, and have ventered on his fide∣lity, had not both Cloriman and I, by many allegations disswaded him from it. But at length, those two days expired, which he continually spent in Parthenissa's company, earnestly offering the gods as many years of his Life, for the cutting off those two days. The Night of the last he spent in as little sleep, as he would have done the succeeding one, and as he did the succeeding one, during one half of which, he was kept waking by his desires, and the other by his fears and danger; for some Three hours before day he heard all the City in an high Allarm, which made him immediately dress and arm himself to go and learn the dan∣ger, or prevent it; but as he was running to his Princesse's Appartment, which his Love and fear made him resolve to defend, and made him resolve was the place would most need his Defence, he heard the Palace Gates forced open, and by that time he was come to the top of those great stairs which lead to the fair Parthenissa's Chamber, he saw a Com∣pany of Arm'd Men, which were hastily ascending them; he was not near so much astonished thereat, as to see at the head of them the perfidious Cloriman; who lifting up his Helmet, told my Prince, 'Tis not my Treachery, Artabbanes, but my Love, has forced me to undertake what I should condemn on any other score: The fair Emilia was not con∣tent to scorn my Passion, but to receive Symander's, and even to confer hers on him; I had the heart to do any thing rather than to see this; and my despair only has made me listen to Merinor and Surena's solicitations, with whom I have agreed to deliver up this City, and from whom I have received a solemn engagement, that I shall have the fair Emilia, and that your Life shall run no hazard, unless by your own resistance you cause it. Traytor (said my Prince), my life has not been so bred up in Crimes, that whilst it has a Sword to defend it, it should derive its preservation from Infidelity. No, I had rather lose it to punish thy sin, than live by it; and either by thy death, and Surena's, I will hinder both your designs; or by my own, your Triumphs. My Prince's blows began where his words ended; and finding my self obliged both by duty, affection, and revenge, to become Artabbanes's Second, I assumed that noble employ∣ment, and being assisted with some of Zenophon's Domesticks, we soon drove before us into the Court, those which were come to assault us in the Palace. 'Twas in this retreat, that the false Cloriman had the honour to fall by a hand, which rather rewarded than punished his infi∣delity. In my Life I never envied any of my Prince's actions but this; for I esteemed it but just, that being the Author of Cloriman's Crime, I should have been of his punishment. Never did Artabbanes purchase more glory by his personal courage, than in this fatal Night; and never the Sun be∣held so admirable a sight, as then he lost, in not seeing the prodigious effects of it. The name of Surena, and the apprehensions he should again ravish from him the fair Parthenissa, made him act things, which if Su∣rena had seen, he could not but have as much admired, as feared. The place where my generous Master and his little Troop, had already made that of his Enemies less, was under Parthenissa's window, which soon

after was hastily opened by Emilia, who cryed out, they were forcing the Princesse's Appartment. Artabbanes had scarcely heard that voice, when he flew from a victory to a fresh danger, with more celerity than the greatest Courages could to the former, or the greatest fears from the latter; I followed him as fast as my feet could carry me, and yet before I could overtake him, he had engaged himself in Parthenissa's out-Chamber, amongst as many Enemies as he had already killed▪ All the service I could do him was, by defending the Door, to hinder their increase, which I did as long as I could use my Sword; but I lost that and my senses together; yet to hinder that with my Body, which I could not with my strength, I fell cross the Door, and there lay as some little impediment. In the mean while Parthenissa hearing a strange noise at her Door, every moment expected when it would be broke open; and having a while fruitlesly attended that misfortune, she began to appre∣hend she was freed from it by a greater; her fears gave her no time to consult her safety; so that immediately opening it, she discovered they were but too-too-well grounded: For alas, my Prince, who thitherto defended it, had received so many wounds, and lost so much blood, that he was constrained to lean his back against it; so that missing his support, he fell backwards into the Princesse's Chamber, weltring in a Sea of blood: Parthenissa lost not her judgment, though she did almost her hopes, at so fatal an object; for in the twinkling of an Eye, she thrust to the Chamber Door, which by good fortune having a spring-Lock, was as soon lock'd as shut; our Enemies admired that their advantage was so soon turned to Artabbanes's; but Parthenissa, who apprehended they would immediately force so weak an impediment, conjured Artab∣banes to permit her to lead him down a back-stairs, which at least would preserve his Life from the fury of those whom he had so ex∣treamly incens'd, till the arrival of some of their Superiours, of whom (as she said) she made no question to obtain it, when she implored it with Tears. No Madam (said my Prince, sometimes reeling, sometimes leaning on his Sword, and all his Cloaths dropping with blood) I can but suffer Death by fighting against your Enemies, but I may deserve it by avoiding them: Neither, Madam, shall you pay to Surena so precious a ransom as your Tears, for a Life, which by your being in his Power, is far better lost than sav'd: Do not (fair Parthenissa) deny me the glory of dying at your feet, and for your defence; since 'tis the highest and pleasing'st I can (by your present condition) now aspire unto. My generous Prince spake these few words with as much trouble as the fair Parthenissa heard them; who so abundantly deplored his dan∣ger, by this fresh additional information, that she had lost the very thought of hindring it; neither indeed could she have done it, for the weak Door was instantly broken, and above a dozen armed Men came to rob Artabbanes of a Life that he then was but too desirous to lose; yet not to die unlike himself, recollecting that little strength he had left, he cast himself on the nearest to him, and with his Ponyard (for he had flung away his Sword, as a weapon his weakness rendered him unable to use) with two or three stabs, deprived him of Life; but my Prince fell with his Enemy, and all the rest taking that advantage, had doubtless acted the revenge of their Companions, if the generous Parthenissa (by flinging her self on Artabbanes's body) had not become his Armour, and preserved him, when he was no longer able to preserve himself; for as the gods would have it, Surena had given such universal and strict

order for their respecting of Parthenissa, that his Soldiers could not be more careful of her, than she had rendered it impossible (they being so) that my Prince should receive any father harm; for she so covered his Body with hers, that thereby she had rendered their Fates as insepara∣ble as their affections; but one of Surena's Soldiers more intent upon revenge than obedience, threatned the Princess, that if any longer she became his Sanctuary, she should be so far from hindering his Fate, that she should share in it. Parthenissa with a disdainful look, told him, What he said was rather an invitation to prosecute, than to desist from what she had begun: And though so generous a reply should have ra∣ther created the barbarous Soldier's admiration than rage; yet it did the latter: for he began so uncarefully to thrust at my Prince, that Parthenissa had then no more hopes, but to dye with him. The fai•• Emilia moved with so horrid a proceeding, and with her Princesse's skreeks, immediately, as if Artabbanes's Soul (which all this while seemed to have abandoned his Body) were flown into hers, took up his Sword, and guided by a divine influence, pass'd it through that Monster; yet the thrust was not so mortal, but that he had strength enough left to do more mischief, than if Parthenissa, Artabbanes, and Emilia had been out of his power, he could have done in all the world besides; and doubtless had effected it, if a Gentleman all covered with Arms and Blood, had not come running into the Chamber, and made an end of that Monster, who otherwise had made an end of Perfections, which even in degrees equalled his Crimes. All those that were present, knew him by his Armour to be Surena, and Parthenissa did so as soon as he had lifted up his Helmet, which he did to let her know who 'twas, that prostrate at her feet begged her Pardon for his Soldier's horrid insolency, whose Sins he could not be thought guilty of, since he had so signally punished them. Parthenissa, who till then had esteemed Surena's Passion as great a misfortune, as he had the unsuccessfulness of it, now began to hope that the gods would repair the injuries it had done her, by making of it save a Life, which it had so often endangered; and the sooner to try her power in so ambitioned an essay, she implored from Surena a Life which she more apprehended was not in his power to grant, than in his will. Surena with much humility protested, he was come to receive her Commands, not her Intreaties; and to evidence he would never decline any of them, he would not that; which by how much she did appear concerned in it, by so much did the desert of his obedience do so. The Princess having not only received his promise, but his pro∣testation of his Concession, ris from that Posture, which did not pre∣serve Artabbanes from more wounds, than it did give Surena; which he endeavoured to conceal, lest the greatness of his Merit, might have made Parthenissa question the reality of it; so that with a Countenance which rellish'd more of trouble for his Rival's present condition, than that he was going to improve and mend it, leaving the Princess weeping on her knees by Artabbanes's body, he ran and called his own Chyrur∣geon, and in her hearing commanded him (the first thing he did) to dress my Prince's wounds, and with the same care as if they had been his: But alas, that order was suddenly changed by Surena's perceiving some blood dropping down Parthenissa's Arm, which proceeded from a slight hurt she had received in the shoulder, defending Artabbanes. Oh gods! what did not Surena say, when he saw that precious blood spilt by one which had been under his command! he caused that dead Traytor

immediately to be carried out, and hung in Chains in the Allarm-place; and by presenting his Sword to Parthenissa, implor'd, and gave her the power to shed all his, as an expiation. But she (more concerned in Artabbanes's, than all things else) only enjoyed Surena the Penance, That his Rivals wounds might be dress'd before hers; which she assured him did not so much trouble her, as he seemed to be troubled at it: Parthenissa could not have imposed a more severe Penance on Surena; and doubtless he had not submitted to it, if it had been unaccompanied with that assurance; besides, imagining she would not expose such beauties to his sight, as were to be the reward of the Chyrurgeons Art, he hastily caused his Rival to be dress'd in the Princesse's bed, which he apologized for, by beseeching her to remove unto another Ap∣partment, and out of so much blood and confusion. Pathenissa nei∣ther heard his excuse, or desires; for the Chyrurgeons, by giv∣ing Artabbanes strong Cordials, by stopping his blood, and by binding up his wounds, made him by some deep groans testifie he was not dead. Never was any of his Addresses or Professions so pleasing to that fair Princess as were those groans; and never could she have believed till then, that the gods themselves could have made her take so much delight in Artabbanes's; whose recovery the Chyrur∣geons assured her would be infinitely prejudiced (if not worse) if he were, in so weak a condition, any way disturbed. Parthenissa therefore begging, and obtaining from Surena, that her Appartment might be the next to my Prince's, continued immoveable by him, expecting till it were made ready, and till he should give some fresh and more preg∣nant testimonies, of a Life, she could not be more joyed to recover, than if it were fled, she was resolved to follow.

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.

PARTHENISSA.

THE FOURTH PART.

The Fourth BOOK.

OH gods! (continu'd Symander) who can tell you with how many acclamations and tears this fatal Victory was cele∣brated in by the Median Army; which being fill'd with those two most predominant passions of joy and grief, in the dictates they inspir'd, flew on the Parthians, who being possest only with the last of them, which rather stupisies than en∣flames the Courage, lost the Victory with their General, and left his body as one manifestation of it. For my part (said Symander) I contri∣buted nothing to it; for taking with me an experimented Chyrurgeon, I ran to my Prince's body, which I found too large a subject for the evincement of his Art; his wounds being bound up, though with no signs of life; we erected his Tent over his body, and laid him on a Pal∣late. And because I knew if the gods would restore him to life, that no∣thing would more accelerate his recovery than my assurance that Surena had wanted nothing for his; I caused the care of them to be as equal as their danger, and carri'd Surena's body to a neighbour-Tent, left their being in one, might have been prejudicial to both. It was at the least three hours that Artabbanes continu'd in his Swound, for his recovery out of which he had no water but my tears; at length the gods were pleas'd by the opening of his eyes, to dry up mine; which joy was increast by his speaking, and the first occasion of it was (though with pain equal to the generosity which caus'd it), to enquire after Surena. I gave him a true account of what I had done, for which he embrac'd me; one part of his strength being em∣ploy'd to enquire after his Enemy, and the other to reward the care of him. The ensuing night was given entirely to rest; by which he receiv'd so high a refreshment, that next morning he had perfectly re∣cover'd the use of speaking. The first employment he sent me upon, was to visit Surena, who I found (by resembling miracle to my Prince's) had no one wound that was mortal, and health enough recover'd to acknowledg that civility which sent to enquire after his. When Artab∣banes knew this happy truth, he askt of his Chyrurgeons whether the removal of Surena to Arsacia might be effected without any ha∣zard or inconvenience? to this he was answer'd affirmatively; where∣upon

commanding all but me out of his Tent, he told me, Go Sy∣mander from this step to Surena, and tell him, That his Liberty which the gods have given me as a punishment for having deni'd Parthenissa hers, I do restore him; and had not continu'd that Combat in which he lost it, had not our dispute been so equal, that any over∣ture of ending it by words, might have relisht more of a care of my self than of him; but now that I can evince my solicitousness for him, proceeds from a clearer principle, I embrace this way of serving him with more joy than I assume at what gives me the power of doing it. Tell him withal, that he must now offend the gods if he offends any longer Parthenissa; and that the former have so miraculously pre∣serv'd his life, to give him so large an occasion to repair the errors of it. But I fear (said Artabbanes) I speak so much of this, as it may invite him to believe I am grateful, but in expectation that he will be more so; therefore convey him to Arsacia, and tell him only, I am at least as much troubled that I cannot pay him that duty, as at what hinders me from it. I was (continu'd Symander) as much asto∣nisht at this Command as Surena was when I went to obey it; who in generous retributions accepted of an obligation, he could neither have desir'd nor hoped. Surena's being convey'd from the Army to Arsacia couldnot inspire the last with more joy than it did the first with wonder. When he came to the gates, which was the place where I took leave of him, he made me many Appologies for not having been able to wait on my Prince, to have acknowledg'd a Gallantry which nothing could proportion but the value he plac'd upon it, and his ambition of repaying it. Five days Artabbanes continu'd in more trouble from Surena's silence than from his own wounds, which had clos'd themselves much faster if the distempers of the Mind had not hindred the cure of the Body. I must acknowledg I did not only believe that Surena had conveyed both himself and Parthenissa into some more remote place, but told my Prince so; which thought of mine he resented as ill, as he could have the performance; and though I told him, that by what Surena had formerly done, my now conclu∣sion was not irrational, yet I could not make my opinion his; but the sixth day all our suspitions and doubts were resolv'd by a Letter which Surena sent by a Trumpet. The words, to the best of my re∣memberance were these:

Surena to the generous Artabbanes Prince of Media.

THough I had written as soon as I had received my wounds, they could not have prov'd a higher trouble to me than my friendship and gratitude now do; for the clearness of what I ought to perform, can∣not be greater than the impossibility: I have pleaded your cause with my self against my self, and have said so much for you, that could I but do half as much to you, you would have admir'd what I fear you will condemn. But alas, I cannot resign up Parthenissa but with my Life. The gods knowing this Truth, have put me into a posture of evincing it, and I shall conclude they never mean you her, whilst they perform not that to me. Come then, generous Artabbanes, to the assault, and you shall see how willingly I will put my self in the only capacity, by which I can present Parthenissa to you, who perhaps the gods have not yet adjudg'd from me, since I can dispute her in a way in which I may find my felicity, or be incapable of resenting the loss of it.

My Prince read these lines with as much grief as they could be written in; he found, to have the reward of one Victory, he must act another; and yet the end of the last could not be more pleasing, than the way was the contrary. After the disorder these reflections infused, were vanished, he returned this answer to his Rival.

Artabbanes, to the Prince Surena.

THat construction which you make of the gods preserving you, is so mistaken a one, that your repeated Crime will force them to a repeated Iudgment: 'tis not your Death, but your Life which offends them; and therefore they will not punish you in the first, but the last; which they have only lengthened, that what committed the Sin, should repair it: and to evidence this is my Faith, if the gods make me a second time the Master of it, I shall use you at the former rate; which you may be as confident of, as I am that they will shortly put me into a capacity of mani∣festing, and you of making that use of it.

Artabbanes having returned Surena's Trumpet with this Reply, im∣mediately ordered Arsacia to be invironed with his Army, which was so numerously increas'd with the Nobility and Gentry which thronged to his Ensigns, that his hopes had now no Cloud, but the protraction of them. I believe I need not tell you that my Prince when he was reco∣vered, performed hourly the part of a General, an Engineer, and a Pioneer, leaving no function unpractised, which might accelerate his approaches, and put him into a felicity, for which he had lost so much blood, and fought so many Battels. In brief, one Moon had so far ad∣vanced our hopes, that we had strong ones, another would convert them into Certainties; and though Artabbanes gave many an assault to taste the resolution of the Defendants, yet he always returned with such pregnant evincements of their greatness, that he concluded the reduction of Arsacia was not more a work of Courage, than of Time. And though this knowledg did often suspend his joys; yet the remembrance, that only a few days separated him from Parthenissa, hindered them from being suppress'd. But, great gods! (continued Symander) how fallacious are the Thoughts of Man? and how often do you take delight to act things improbable, and to destroy those which are not? For my Prince, who to hasten the Siege, made the Soldiers work at the ap∣proaches, so assiduously solicited their Labour, that by the excess of it a raging Feaver invaded our Camp, and at length the Pestilence, and that in so fatal a way, that it turned Epidemical; and to add to this misery, at length it seized on my Prince too, and so dangerously, that I apprehended the loss of his Life, in that of his hopes. Oh gods! (con∣tinued Symander) what Prodigies did you perform in that poor Army? and had you no way to manifest your Power but by your Cruelty? Yes (generous Hearers) never was there a greater Mortality, than that in which the offended Deities visited the Median Camp: Our Ensigns were no longer guarded by those, which notwithstanding did not abandon them; the Living had no employment but to bury the Dead; and our Trenches had no other Defence, than what had rendered them void of any: In the horror of this Condition, the remaining Commanders ap∣pointed a Meeting, where whilst they were advising of what course to elect, their Intelligencers came in with reiterated assurances, that Orodes

with all the Gallantry of Parthia, was come within 300 Furlongs, pur∣posely to raise the Siege, which Surena had invited him to: This assu∣rance taught us what to do, so that the ensuing Night, whilst Artabbanes was so weak that he knew not what he did (which was a happy igno∣rance) we put him into a Litter, and with the Fragments of our Army, convey'd him so far before Day, that we only feared his safety from his sickness, not his Enemies. The first of these continued, till the arrival of the generous Sillaces, who being in more pain not to be near his Friend, than his wounds gave him, came from Ecbatan to my Prince's retirement; this was a happiness we owed not to our own precaution, and yet we knew none but such a Friend durst disclose to him how much the gods were his Enemy. And had we ignored that Truth, we might have discovered it by inference; since if being acquainted with it by Sillaces, accompanied too with reasons as much as the Subject could bear, he fell into such expressions and actions of Despair, that we thought his very grief would prove both his Misfortune, and his Cure; what would it not have amounted unto, if neither the Speaker, nor the things spoken, had been what they were? These miseries had this accessional one, that our intelligencers brought us certain advertisement, Orodes had been received at Arsacia with as much joy, as he received Surena within it, whose invitation had brought him thither, having lost all hopes in his precedent Battel, but of continuing the Siege till this Relief came, which he solicited by so powerful a Reward, as the Resignation of Parthenissa; only with this Limitation, that Orodes should oblige himself by solemn oath only to implore, not constrain her affection; to which was added, that Surena should be restored to his former Power and favour; and both he, and his Partizans have a plena••y Act of obli∣vion. My Prince at this Intelligence cryed out, Ungrateful Rival! could'st thou divest thy self of a Flame for Parthenissa, but to repair the injuries thine had heaped upon her? Can Fear and Allegiance make thee abandon what a higher Duty and Generosity could not? and couldst thou hope relief from an action, which rendered thee unworthy of any? Whilst Love was thy fault, it was thy excuse: but now thou art as criminal in the very abandoning thy Passion, as in the assuming and continuance of it. I should never finish, did I particularize all the evincements of my Prince's despair, which truly was so transcendent, that I believe we could hardly desire his recovery so much, as he detested it. Sillaces, by what Surena had done, concluded of what he had not done, I mean not abandoned his Passion, by his having deposited the object of it in the hands of so unsuccessful a Rival, and one who would unavoidably continue that Name, if he performed his engagement to him. Artabbanes at length found so much Reason in what was his Friends, that he began by little and little to qualifie a hatred he then thought he had assumed upon a wrong score; for he could find his Rival no way excusable but by that, in which his Friend accused him, which was, that his Passion had the Ascendant. Whilst Artabbanes and Sillaces were reasoning upon the mutation of their Condition, and how to act thereon, there came certain deputed Citizens out of Arsacia, who being admit∣ted, told my Prince, That Surena had procured for them from Orodes, a Liberty to dispose of themselves, and their City, as their Interest and Inclinations should lead them; which as soon as they knew, they had acquainted Surena, that both those bound them to offer up themselves to their legitimate Prince; to which Surena reply'd, that had he not

concluded they would have so employed the Concession, he would never have obtained it; and that since they were so well determined, he had nothing to impose on them, but his desire to assure Artabbanes, that to evidence 'twas not ambition, but Love, which made him disturb his Kingdom; as soon as the latter had ceas'd, he designed by the restitu∣tion of so considerable a Place as Arsacia, to evidence the former; and he further begg'd, that his leaving Media in a perfect Quiet, might a∣pologize for his having broken it; which if any other should attempt, he would return with more considerable Forces to restore her peace, than ever he had brought to interrupt it. The Arsacian Citizens, hav∣ing thus performed Surena's part, on their Knees did their own, by pre∣senting Artabbanes with their Keys, and by imploring him to believe, they had been long since so disposed of, had they had the disposal of them. My Prince having raised them up, granted them a Pardon for a fault which indeed others had committed, and promised them in the Future, an affection which should recompence their Present. He then enquired of them how Surena had disposed of himself, since he concluded by the interest he himself had now in Arsacia, that 'twas no longer the place of his residence. The Arsacians reply'd, That both he, Orodes and Parthenissa were returned with the Army into Parthia; and though many had advised the employment of it against an Enemy whose wrongs and Power would inspire him with Desires and Actions of Revenge; yet by Surena's perswasions, all preventative thoughts of hostility were silenced. The Arsacians having a Governour given them of their own Election, were dismissed: And then the Two Princes after a private debate, resolved, that Sillaces being now perfectly recovered, should return into Parthia, both to act his own Interest, and countenance my Prince's; who concluded, nothing by way of force, but a Conquest of Parthia could recover Parthenissa out of it; and that such a way was both too tedious, and uncertain; that therefore as he lost his Princess by Arts and Slight, so he should attempt the recovering of her; the very way of his loss, instructing him how to repair it: and therefore as soon as his strength would permit, he would follow his Friend in a Disguise, that if he regained not Parthenissa, yet at least he might see, and converse with her, which was the next Blessing. The Prince Sillaces, having his Friend's Interest mingled with his own, did that with joy upon both those scores, which he could not without relu∣ctancy have undertaken upon his own; and before he began his journey, he had the satisfaction of hearing from Zenophon, that though his Army had found little resistance, yet the benefit and largeness of his Progress, repaired the little Glory he acquired in it. Sillaces was safely arrived in Parthia two Moons before my Prince could leave Media; which forc'd, and necessary continuance there, gave him time to settle that Kingdom, which his Passion otherwise would not have allowed him: And learn∣ing that his first Ambassadors to Moneses were miscarried, he employed others, who passing successfully in their going, and return, through various Dangers, the very same day my Prince was beginning his so ambition'd Journey, they presented him with this ensuing Letter, whose Address was as strange to him, as the Contents was to us.

Moneses, to Artabbanes King of Media••

THat Solitude which discontent led me to embrace, now Reason does: for in it I have found so serene a Felicity, that all the trouble I am capable of in it, is an apprehension, you may suspect my Affection to my self, not to you, makes me present you with the Crown of Media. All the ad∣vantage I derive from the gods conferring it on me, is to evidence how little I value it, or how much I value you. Believe me, Artabbanes, I cannot bet∣ter illustrate the greatness of both, than by resembling the one unto the other. I could almost ambition I were a friend unto Power, that by resigning it I might manifest I am more so to you; who have so great a burthen to under∣go, that the not beholding it is none of the least blessings I promise my self in my retirement. 'Tis my ill Fate that I must pity you, in giving you Testi∣monies of my affection; for 'tis the misery of Kings to derive their happiness from other mens opinions, not their own; the unlimitedness of their pow∣er, makes their failings their designs; and renders them guilty of not in∣tending the best, as well as of not acting it. You will be envi'd by all but your self: mens ignorance will render you as unhappy as your own know∣ledg; the gods it seems being so intent on the felicity of Monarchs, that to effect it, they make contraries produce a resembling event: But though these be some of the inconveniencies of Government, yet the whole must suffer more for want of one, than any particular can by undergoing it; and be that knows the trouble of a Crown, and yet dares wear one for his Cou••treys good, may in the merit of the performance find some kind of Antidote against the miseries which attends it. Fear nothing, but to do Injustice; then you will have this consolation, That what misfortunes you undergo, do not be∣long to the person, but the function. Go, Artabbanes, and rule a Nation, whilst I ambition but to rule my self; give Lyndadory your affection and care: and the gods give you as much happiness in the wearing a Crown, as they do me in the power of declining one.

This generous Letter was no sooner finish'd, than my Prince found how true the contents of it were, by losing a Father the first hour of his putting on a Crown: He gave to that loss those retributions which the best dispo∣sitions are capable of: And learning from those which brought him the oc∣casion of his sadness, that Moneses was unalterable in his resolves, and con∣temned the World, as much as now it courted him: as also, that they had brought Letters thereof to the Nobility of Media; which too, imported the resignation of his Crown to him, and his desires and Commands to them, of accepting him for their King; He resolv'd to defer his Coronation, till things of a higher concernment were brought to some issue, and till he could present that Crown which was presented him, to her who in his Judg∣ment better deserv'd it, and for which end only he rejoyced to have it. This new alteration suspended his journey, but it was only so long as the deputing the generous Zenophon Chief Governour in his absence did take up; so that the next morning abandoning the glories of a new Crown, and so many thousands of people who ambition'd to invest him in it; he set forwards for Parthia, only taking me with him, and both of us so disguis'd that we were hardly knowable to each other. All the time of our long journey, my King entertain'd himself in designs how to accomplish his Princess's liberty, and if at any time he interrupted his own silence, 'twas to communicate some stratagem to me, or to enquire if I had found

out any other worthy his knowledg. This being our only employment, we thought on so many Plots, that we hoped all of them would not be fruitless. We had already so far conquer'd our Voyage, that we were come to the top of the Mountain Taurus, when from thence we might discover the adjacent Plain covered with Armed Troops: some of the wild Inha∣bitants of the place from whence we took our Prospect, told us, they were Parthians, which was the utmost of their knowledg. Artabbanes there∣fore sent down one of the least irrational amongst them to bring him a more clear information. This Messenger, about the break of day re∣turn'd to us again, with this assurance, that two Parthian Princes, Sillaces and Surena, were joint-Generals of that vast body, which was going to fight the Roman Army, which lay near the City Charres, and was command∣ed by one Crassus. This news surpriz'd us, and made us believe our intelli∣gencer was mistaken, by his joyning Sillaces and Surena in one Commis∣sion, which we concluded Orodes could never do; but he was so positive in his repeated relation, that my Prince resolv'd to mingle himself with the Parthian Army (who were then pulling down their Tents for a March), and learn the truth of what he had so much cause to doubt. This was not difficult for us to effect: for going a little aside in those rude places, till some of the first Troops were past us, we join'd the others without being suspected, or examined. We had not rid a quarter of an hour in that manner, when we perceiv'd the generous Sillaces riding from one division to another, animating the Soldiers against the difficul∣ty of the way, and making of them keep their Ranks as much as the illness of it would permit. Artabbanes thinking this was a ••it time to disclose himself to his Friend, and to learn from him his own Fate in the fair Parthenissa's, took the opportunity to do it, when he was gotten on a little hight to view his Armies march, and only attended by a couple of his Domesticks. Sillaces had well-nigh, at my Kings naming himself, dis∣cover'd who he was, by a passionate embracing him; and 'twas with no small violence that he kept himself from doing it; but having sent on some employment those that were near him, and gotten into a retir'd place, he there permitted his Arms to take with usury, what he had till then suspended them from. Here the generous Friends having finish'd that part of their entertainment which might have been dangerous if visi∣ble, and as troublesome if not performed; lest Sillaces absence might be observed, he put himself at the head of his Army, where all out of respect kept themselves at so great a distance, that calling Artabbanes to him du∣ring that days March, they had ample and secure leisure to acquaint each other with what had happen'd since their separation. Sillaces, who knew my Kings impatiency, told him, that at his return Orodes had receiv'd him with large and open demonstrations of affection, and with many ac∣knowledgments for what he had acted for Tygranes, and against Merin∣zor: That he assiduously visited the fair Parthenissa, which both his du∣ty and affection oblig'd him to, since that after her escape out of the Isle of Eden, the Princess Lindadory and Zephalinda returned to Nineveh; and since Parthenissa's coming thither, they three had been inseparable; That Orodes continu'd his Passion for my Kings Mistriss with as much vio∣lence, and unsuccessfulness as ever. That he was daily more and more con∣firmed in a confidence, that Surena had not extinguish'd his flame for Par∣thenissa, but resign'd her to Orodes as being a less dangerous Rival. That the King of Parthia, being told of some misunderstanding between Surena and him, had publickly desir'd, and enjoyned their reconciliation;

and to perfect it, had made them joint-Generals against Crassus; who having spent too much time in robbing the Iews Temple at Ierusa∣lem, was now come loaden with Wealth, and Sacriledg, to invade Parthia, and was not distant above three days march. Lastly, The generous Sillaces told my Prince, that the fair Lindadory was constant in her blessings to him, which left him no shadow of fear, but that the King of Media would think (what he confest) that they were too-unworthily plac'd. The King of Media (said my Prince) thinks they are so justly, that if his love to Lindadory were capable of accession, her choice and constancy would inspire it. Oh Gods! (reply'd Sillaces) am I then in so transcendent a con∣dition! You are (said Artabbanes) if the truth of what I tell you can make you so; and that you may no longer doubt it, Lindado∣ry is at my dispose, and consequently at her own, and yours: There∣upon he told him of Moneses preferring a Solitude before a Crown, and of his having conferr'd that of Media upon him, with the care of his fair Sister. These extacies of joy made the March not tedi∣ous, though the way might have render'd it much so: This was the cause that before Sillaces thought the Sun had run half his course, he was near his set. Those therefore which were trusted with the Camping of the Army, came to advertise him they had found a fit place for that end, and desir'd his Orders: For he and Surena com∣manded the Army by days, after the Consullary manner. Sillaces ha∣ving viewed and elected a fit Camp for so large a Body, and given the Orders for that nights discipline and security, withdrew himself to his Tent, that he might the better enjoy an entertainment which he valued much, yet not more than it deserv'd to be so; but having the place emptied of all but Artabbanes, Surena came to visit and ac∣quaint him with a design he had put in execution, of drawing Crassus out of the Straits and Mountains of Ballissus, into the Plains of Me∣sopotamia, where the Parthian Horse would have an advantage, which gave him more than hopes of a Victory. I cannot tell you (said Symander) with what emotions and surprizes my King consider'd him∣self so near Surena, and how many times he had his hand upon his Sword, to demand a final reason of him for all those miseries he had involv'd him in, and (which was much more sensible) the fair Par∣thenissa. But the respect he pay'd Sillaces, and the apprehension he had, how great a hazard the quarrel of his Country might run, by so unseasonable a decision of his own, which probably would engage an Army too-much against it self, that had already but too-much against it; suspended his resentments: but lest his looks might one way occasion, what he had supprest in another, he withdrew him∣self till Surena by returning, had left Sillaces alone; who told my Prince, that his Colleague had so well deluded the Roman General, by the Arts of Ariamnes, a Parthian of excellent dexterity in such negotiations, that Crassus elevated too by the fresh arrival of Publi∣us Crassus (his Son) with one Thousand men at Arms, sent him by Iulius Caesar, had quitted the fast Countries where his Legions were invincible, and was marching so precipitately to the Plains of Carres, which he had elected for the General Field, that if we make not haste, he will possess himself of all the advantages of it be∣fore our arrival, which makes us (continued Sillaces) resolve so to accelerate our march, that the Roman Courages by their attendance,

shall not cool. This News stirred Artabbanes's blood, and made him determine before he presented himself to his Princess, to let her know, the Arms with which Crassus had beaten him, were not by those of honour. Sillaces with raptures of joy, received this assurance, and could not doubt of the Victory, since my Prince would solicite and court it. In brief, two days after the Parthian and Roman Army saluted each other by sight, but the day was so far spent, that they both con∣cluded there would not be left enough for a decision, which would be so well disputed. That Night then was given to rest, and preparation for the ensuing Day; which no sooner dawn'd, than Surena, whose turn it was to Command, drew out his Army, and the better to delude the Romans, he covered the Armour of his Men at Arms (which were all of pollish'd Margian Steel) with the Skins of Beasts; which made Crassus say, he was going to a hunting, not a Battel: His right Wing was led by the generous Sillaces, who was accompanied by my disguised Prince, richly Armed, and advantageously mounted; but the first concealed by an obscure Coat: The Battel Surena led, and the left wing Vixores, who as his Brother, was restored to Orodes's favour. Publius Crassus had the conduct of the right wing of the Roman Army, Marcus Crassus of the Battel, and Cassius of the left: The Nations of which these Armies were composed, was evident by the first encounter, which was so furious and bloody, that one might have concluded of the Progress by the beginning. Publius Crassus routed Vixores's wing, whose Horse unfortunately going to the Charge, had rendered him uncapable of performing it; which fall, more inconvenient than dangerous (for it but amazed him) gave Crassus not only the liberty of acting what he did, but also of hindering them from rallying; this unhappiness arrived at the same time that Mar∣cus Crassus gave a bloody impression on Surena's Battel, and so much disordered it, that Artabbanes casting off what covered the beauty and richness of his Armour, flew where his Courage and Conduct were but too necessary. His first relief was given to his Rival, who till it came, fought more in despair, than hope; but my King having metamorphosed his condition, went to relieve Vixores's Troops, who were both the Romans Chase and Quarry. The heat he was in, made him lift up his Helmet, which being shaded with Carnation Plumes, brought so large an accession to his natural good Meen, that those which beheld it, were as much pleased with it, as with his assistance; which he then afforded those of that routed wing, by heading a small party, with which despi∣sing all Enemies but the Chiefest, address'd his main charge to the young Crassus, who at the head of his Troops he killed with his own hands; and some Parthians according to their barbarous custom, cutting off his head, and carrying it on the point of a Launce, it brought as much Terrour to his Party, as so lately it had success. This was the first dawning of the glorious event which that day shined upon the Parthians; and this was so generously followed by him which begun it, that though some fatal wounds he received in the Triumvirs own Battalion, rendered him uncapable of finishing what he had made so large a Progress in; yet the Victory remained entirely to the Parthians; by which you may imagine how far he had advanced it, when they could conclude it without him. In that bloody day my Prince so repaired the wrongs of Treachery, that he wanted nothing of an entire satisfaction, but that Crassus knew not he had done so. The generous Sillaces, who with his Sword had made many wayes to Glory, in the pursuing of it, received

from me the fatal News, that my King was able no longer to do so, which made him abandon all designs, but those of returning to serve Artabbanes; whom I had carried into his Tent, where he found him in a condition too-too sufficient to cloud, and make him deplore that days success: For alas the turning of the blood after the dressing of his wounds, had cast him into a swound, which Sillaces had like to have accompanied him in: But the gods by restoring him to himself, did the like to his generous Friend, who gave such signal demonstrations of Joy for that blessing, that had not the high performances of my Prince that day, rendered them only upon that score legitimate, by the greatness of the effects, those which were present might have judged to whom they were paid. But Sillaces, that he might not be separated from Artabbanes, sent Surena word, that some hurts rendered him uncapable of prosecuting the success, which therefore he left entirely to his care; neither indeed was this an absolute fiction, for he had received five wounds, yet none so dangerous as to have produced that detention which a nobler impe∣diment did. In this great day there fell above 20000 Romans; and the next we learn'd, that Surena by many slights had first gotten Marcus Crassus out of the City of Charres, and then into his Power, by promises of Life to him, and his remaining Army, if they would embrace Orodes's mercy. Though the Roman Soldiers forced their General to this, yet he repayed their great Crime, with a proportionate Generosity: For as he was going to Surena, turning about, and addressing his speech to some Patricians; he told them, If any of you, O Romans, survive this ruine, tell the Senate, 'twas not my Soldiers necessitated me to go into the Parthians hands, but my Fate; which being confident to receive from them, I go to embrace with joy, as believing my blood will prove a Ransom for the rest of my Countrey-men; who, if they saw me die by my own hands, might have as much provocation to imitate, as they will have to revenge me. These words, when contrary ones were both deserved and expected, drew Tears into many Eyes, and drew Octavius and Petronius along with their General, who as the Romans say, being brought before Surena, was immediately murthered with those which accompanied him; and as we say, some high language passing between Surena and him, Octavius drew his Sword to vindicate the Triumvir, which occasioned all their Deaths: howsoever it was, Crassus's head was cut off and sent to Orodes. I may not omit (continued Symander) to let you know, that the Parthians, who had unanimously observed they derived their Glory from the ubiquity of the Courage and Conduct of one whose good Meen and Arms rendered him also exceeding remarka∣ble, came to Surena, and implored the sight of their Deliverer; which he also acknowledging him to be, to satisfie Justice and Them, made a diligent but fruitless enquiry after my Prince; but this ignorance of whom he was, and where to find him, conferred on him an honour greater than their knowledg of both would have produced: For the admirable effects of his Courage, his abandoning them when they no longer needed it, and the declining of a Glory which no Mortal could have so great a resignation as not to own, led some of them to think it might be the Tutelary Angel of Parthia: This particular opinion be∣ing published, became the general Faith, in the dictates whereof, col∣lecting together all the combustible Arms of the Romans, the Par∣thian Army casting themselves into a Ring, set Fire to the Pile, and accompanied the ascension of the Flame with loud shouts of acknow∣ledgments

and Gratitude to his residence, who was the cause of both. This high retribution of the Parthians to my Prince's Valour (whose ignorance could not render them so much as suspected of partiality, and whose enjoying the benefit of it, made them the more competent Judges of its greatness) brought not near so much satisfaction to him, as his wounds (which rendered him uncapable of paying his Duty to his Prin∣cess) did the contrary. The generous Sillaces gave him all the consola∣tion he was capable of, by begging him to believe the Glory of the Cause ought to apologize for the effect, and would even in Parthenissa's own judgment, though perhaps not in her affection. My Prince, who protested it could do it in neither of his, conjur'd Sillaces to return with Surena to Selutia, there to receive and participate in a Triumph, which he deserved entirely to engross, and to supervise their mutual affairs; as also to have a Care lest this accession of Glory to Surena might not thrust him into attempts, which Sillaces himself was of opinion he wanted but the Power and opportunity to undertake. That generous Prince, who by this time (which was fifteen days after the Battel of Charres) found Artabbanes in a mending condition, and himself in a travelling one, obeyed Artabbanes's incessant solicitations, having first received a reiterated assurance of his following him as soon as he was able; he would have also left him some trusty Domesticks; but my Prince would detain none but a Chyrurgeon, of whose fidelity he was as confident as of his Skill. Sillaces and Surena being gone to Selutia, we tran∣sported Artabbanes from the Camp into a Neighbour Village, where there was less ill-accommodation than in the Field, and where we re∣mained two Moons before he thought himself in a posture fit to make use of a Horse: During our residence there, we heard frequently from Sillaces, whose Letters were still confirmations of his believing Surena had silenced but not extinguished his Passion; and that that was Orodes's Faith as well as his, who therefore seem'd to be more troubled than pleased at his success, and who every day disclosed some such symptoms of his being not well satisfied with him, that it was generally thought those signs would turn into effects, which Surena's high Carriage would not a little contribute to the accellerating. Artabbanes, who knew Surena had almost as much discretion as Love, concluded he would not so far incense his King, as that it should be publickly taken notice of, unless he were prepared for some high Design, and sought but a provo∣cation to begin it. This rational belief put the possessor of it upon an irrational resolution, that of beginning a Journey to Selutia, before he was well able to walk in his Chamber, and against the advice and Prayers of the Chyrurgeon, who protested it would at least more than hazard a Relapse, longer than his first indisposition: But my King, though he were deaf to us, yet after his first days journey, he could not be so to his Pain and weakness, both which told and made him believe what he would not from us. And indeed his Indisposition was so great, and so long like to continue so, that we removed him to a private Countrey∣house that we then were in, being too common of it self, and seated in a Road that was so. Artabbanes's removal from his first residence, and his then taking so retir'd a One, made him justly apprehend he should be deny'd the satisfaction of his Friends Intelligences; he therefore commanded me to go to Selutia to acquaint Sillaces with his removal, and perfectly to learn all the transactions and intricacies of the Court, which he said, he thought could no way be safelier nor better effected,

than by employing me. To obey this Command immediately I took Post, and upon the Third Day towards the Close of the Evening, I came to the end of my Journey; but as I past along the Streets to a Friends House, whom I durst only, and whom I did entirely trust, I saw strange murmuring Crouds of People, and amongst others so deep a consternation, that I concluded 'twas no common Cause which had so extraordinary a production. On my arrival at my Friends, whom I happily found at home, I enquired what created these unusual effects. He was as much surprized at my Question, as I was at his Answer, which was, That Orodes having assumed some high Jealousies of Surena, either upon a score of Love or Power, had that day seized on him; and after a short hearing and Sentence, had but even then put him to Death, which so strange and sudden a proceeding was the cause of those unusual Crouds in the City, the very Commonalty admiring the vicissitude of Fortune, which in few hours produced so strange a revolution, that he for whom so recently Scaffolds were built to behold his triumphs, now had some to behold his execution. Neither is this the only cause of what you enquire the reason of, since 'tis firmly reported, That even in this moment Orodes is forcing a Felicity from Parthe∣nissa, which her Constancy has so resolutely deni'd him; but this is so improbable a Crime, that many believe 'tis divulg'd by Surena's Par∣tizans, to make his Martyrdom appear the clearer, and the more cer∣tainly to have it reveng'd. You may believe I was not a little surpri∣zed at this relation, which the more I reflected on, the more I found cause to conclude, that the latter part of it was true, because the for∣mer was; and that Arsaces would not so precipitate his Favourite's Execution, but for an end which was more considerable than that loss: and I knew nothing could appear so to him, but the satisfaction of his Flame. 'Twas therefore, that hastily abandoning my Friend, I went up so to the Palace, resolving by my own Death, or by Orodes's, to prevent a Misfortune I much more justly apprehended than either. But oh gods! as soon as I came within the Guards of the Court, I found them melting in tears, from whence I concluded, 'twas some strange thing which had so proportionate an influence. This general Grief produced so general a neglect of all things but of the celebrating it, that without so much as being question'd, I came (by the knowledg I had of all the Palace) to Parthenissa's Anti-Chamber, from whence I heard in the Room where she lay, so many and so high evincements of sorrow, that I concluded, that which then invaded me, was but too-justly grounded. The first operations of mine being a little miti∣gated, I took the confidence to look into that sad Chamber: But great gods! I had no sooner done so, than I fell into it, my spirits abandoning me at the sight of the fair Parthenissa's being dead on a Couch, and Zephalinda by her. The fair Emilia too, with disshevel'd hair, drown'd eyes, and wringed hands, acting grief so passionately, that I concluded 'twas more easie for her to have been dead, than to live in a Misfortune which render'd the being so, so necessary. The noise I made in my fall, made some of the Princess's women run to learn from whence it proceeded; one of them in charity flinging some water on my face, wash'd off that colour with which I was dis∣guis'd, and thereby discover'd who I was, having formerly known me: My senses being return'd, she that had been my Physician, went and told the disconsolate Emilia of my being there; who in a languishing

pace came towards me, and with a voice which was so, told me, At length, Symander, at length the gods have wearied themselves with having persecuted a Virtue as great as the Cruelty which has done it; and made the Tyrant Arsaces know, that when they deny a san∣ctuary to Innocence, Death will afford it one. His not believing this Truth, hath forc'd the Divine Parthenissa to act it; the effects of whose high Constancy for your Prince, is yet clouded by a perform∣ance of the fair Zephalinda, who thought Death so unconsiderable, if it came in competition with her Friendship, that not to have the last suspected, she has embrac'd the first. Here the fair Emilia's sighs per∣formed what they had so often attempted, I mean, cut off her relation, which yet was as efficaciously continued by her tears, which spake both the sadness of the Story, and evidenced what was due unto it. The faith∣ful Symander, at the remembrance and repetition of these fatal passages, so sympathiz'd in the grief of which he was making a description, that it hinder'd him from continuing it, which was a performance both Ar∣tavasdes and Callimachus could not condemn, because they sympathiz'd in it. It was almost a quarter of an hour before the Auditors could beg the Speaker's continuance of his Narration, or that he could obey them; which at length he thus did: My impatience (said Symander) was too high to continue any longer ignorant of the Cause of our Loss, especially when what was the impediment as to me, was the ag∣gravation of it: I did therefore conjure the fair Emilia to acquaint me, by what strange ways the gods had effected so strange an end: To which she told me; Arsaces, since the delivering up of Parthe∣nissa to him by Surena, so augmented in his Passion, and she in her Resolves of declining to reward it, that many foresaw such extreams could not but produce proportionate effects. The News of the Ro∣mans defeat divesting Orodes of Fear, Desire took so absolute an Em∣pire over him, that in the criminal dictates of his, he so importunately press'd the Princess to reward his Flame by a Hymeneal Crown, that she declining it, he vow'd by all the Oaths his fury could invent, That if in five days she alter'd not her inclination, he would satisfie his in a way so fatal, that she should be convinc'd, 'twas not for want of power that he so advantageously perswaded her to his bed. This he esteem'd a mo∣dest warning; for amongst his Domesticks he solemnly protested, He would have that by Force, which he could not by Composition; and to evidence this was his resolution, immediately he sent all his Guards to inviron the Princess Appartment with this strict Injunction, That none without a license under his own hand (but his Menial Servants) upon pain of Death should speak with her: And lest her Resolution might frustrate the designs of this, he permitted not any Instrument which could act Death, to be either in her, or any of her Domesticks power. Three days of the five were expir'd in the punctual observance of his Orders, when towards the evening the Princess Zephalinda, by the permission of the Guards, came into Parthenissa's Chamber; and after she had acquaint∣ed her with her Friendship, and her own sad condition, by her tears, she told her, The permission, Madam, I have obtain'd of paying you this duty, is upon a score I am so far from making use of, that could I fancy you capable of listning to it, I would employ it to an opposite end: for Arsaces, but upon the pretence of my coming to solicite you to be his Queen, would not have permitted it; I was forced to promise what I never intended to perform; though it is probable, by that Friendship

he knows I pay Artabbanes, which too it may be he mistakes for a Pas∣sion, he thought my interest concurring with his in depriving you of that generous Prince, might render me a fit Agent for such an end: but that, Madam, of my coming to wait on you, is to know which way I may prevent it: there is no difficulty which my Zeal will not deprive of that Name, and I shall find none in my own condition but to live to behold you any's but his. This generous declaration (Emilia continu'd) had a proportionate retribution, and this further Answer: I have not, fair Zephalinda, so misemploy'd the time of my confinement, as not to con∣sider 'tis secur'd with so much force and care, that I am not now to seek an election, but how to act mine; your assistance, in which is the only and the highest obligation you can confer either on Artabbanes, or me: I find Abstinence is a Sanctuary I cannot reach: if I had known it ear∣lier what I am fully convinc'd of now, I should not have implor'd from you so dangerous an obligation: but my ignorance which causes this De∣sire, will I hope procure your Pardon for my making it; and my con∣dition will invite you to grant a request, which you cannot deny with∣out being accessary to a guilt nothing can equal but your Repentance for not having prevented it. Madam (said Zephalinda in a Flood of Tears), I conjure you to suspend any violence against your Life, till my next visit, which shall doubtless present you with your deliverance, or with the power to act it. I will obey you (Parthenissa reply'd); but remember, if you violate this engagement, you assume Arsaces's Crimes. Which if I do (she answer'd) may I suffer the punishment due unto them. Zephalinda immediately left us; and from the time she did so, till her return (which was the morning of the last day) Parthenissa em∣ploy'd it all in finding some expedient to extinguish her life, should her friend by some strange accident be hinder'd from bringing of her one; and at length elected that fatal and only remedy, of stopping her breath with her Linen, which by the countenance Zephalinda put on at her then entrance, she concluded would be absolutely necessary: and in those resolves she told her, I observe (Madam) by the sense you have of my condition, that Death only can change it; the necessity of the perform∣ance will I hope invite the gods to pardon it, they would not leave me but one way to avoid a transcendent sin, if that it self were a propor∣tionate one: A Martyr acts his own death, and yet thereby acquires that glorious Title. My affection for Artabbanes has been confirmed by as many vows, as my zeal has been to the gods, who might too justly sus∣pect I would decline these, were I capable of declining those. I alledg not these reasons to confirm my self in my resolution, but you; that you may receive as much consolation in the Cause, as I shall in the acting of it. These fatal words were deliver'd with much less emotion, than they were heard with; and the Divine Princess evidenc'd the certainty she had of another Life, by the little disorder she resented at the aban∣doning of this. The fair Zephalinda having silenc'd her tears and sighs (too just retributions not to be repay'd either to Parthenissa's conditi∣on, or the resolution with which she bore it) thus reply'd, Since I last had the misfortune of leaving you, time has been strangely active; and if I gave you any hopes of your deliverance, 'twas because I had assum'd some pregnant ones of it. For Surena, who had some few days past ta∣ken up a firm belief that Orodes would more than solicite your affecti∣on, began some private levies of men to prevent it; which Arsaces ha∣ving discover'd, either by intelligence, or by the probability of the

thing, took so short a space for the reception of your positive Answer, that it prevented your intended relief, with that certainty with which it was design'd: yet when I informed my Brother of the Kings resolu∣tion, and yours; in the Dictates of Rage and Pity he went to him, and told him, with a countenance which spake his heart, as much as his words did: When I resign'd up the Princess Parthenissa to you, 'twas, Sir, upon terms you confin'd your self to by so many solemn and reiterated vows, that though it be the common Faith you intend to violate them, yet it cannot be mine, till it be confirm'd by your own avowing it. Arsaces, who had then but one of his Domesticks about him, and who judged by Surena's countenance and abrupt Question, he was in a tem∣per fit to attempt any thing that was desperate, if your condition ap∣pear'd to be so, return'd him this Answer: I believe so many's assu∣ming that faith, proceeds from the as many knowers of Parthenissa's usage of me, which is such, that it may with too much reason perswade them to believe, I am sooner capable of any thing, than of such a neglect. I hope, Sir (Surena reply'd) though this may be other mens belief, yet it is not your resolution; for that sacred contract you made with me, was not conditional, but absolute: so that no ill usage of hers to you, can render legitimate a resembling return of yours to her. The know∣ledg I had of your Passion, and of the impossibility of her receiving and rewarding it, made me intently careful to leave you no way of violating your engagement, but by violating your oaths, which will raise more to revenge such a performance, than your Power can to hin∣der it. This resolute and true reply, so incens'd the cruel Orodes, who (by the then coming into the room of many of his Guards and Cour∣tiers, to learn the result of their meeting) now no more apprehended to disclose what he was confident could not be prevented, and which he only fear'd the discovery of; upon that score, told my Brother with a furious Look and Tone: Traytor, that canst have reason enough to make thy Kings actions appear as Crimes, and wantest it when thy own are more undeniably so. The Tyes thou hast to Parthenissa, are but ac∣cidental; and those thou hast to me, are natural: yet in thy late Rebel∣lion, thou couldst with lesser scruple violate thy Allegiance, than thou now reproachest me with violating my Promise. Thou didst in thy per∣formance leave me a latitude for the acting of mine, and canst not re∣proach me but with that for which thou art my Example: Nay, that Contract thou hast so often mention'd, and by which thou wouldst tye my hands, sets them at liberty, especially to the punishing of thee for having attempted it: For 'twas thy Rebellion gave thee that seeming Power of making one of my Vassals confine me from acting my plea∣sure upon another; now that force being dissolv'd by which thou didst this Crime, I have much more reason to punish thy having extorted such a promise, than thou hast to demand the performing of it, since I but assume a Power I indisputably had before thy Treason eclips'd it: but thou canst not exact the performance of a forc'd engagement, but thou must remember what thou didst to procure it, and that will vindicate me for not observing it: Thou, by cancelling the first obligation, hast taught me to punish thee in the repetition of thy fault; and by making Force to be Justice, thou hast render'd that Art which destroys Thine, to be much more so. Surena sensibly wounded with this language, reply'd: You reproach me, Sir, with your own Fault; for 'twas you, not I which cancell'd the first obligation; and though this was but then evident to a

few, yet by what you have since menac'd the fair Parthenissa with, you have render'd it now so to all, and made my performance as clear to the world, as it was then to me. The obligations between you and your sub∣jects are mutual; they promise you obedience, and you them protection; you then first broke your Engagement, before I did mine; and I never drew my sword against you, but to keep you from a greater Crime than that it self was. And though you alledg my confinement to you was na∣tural, and to the fair Parthenissa accidental; yet when you consider up∣on what score I ty'd my self to her Interests, you will find it was de∣riv'd from a Duty, unto which that you challenge is much subordinate. 'Tis the Duty I owe the gods; and that obliges me more to preserve the Innocent, than my birth does to obey you; especially when your com∣mands are of a quality that carry in my disobedience the justification of it. Whilst you govern'd within your own Laws, I gave you that obser∣vance due to you in them; and was more prodigal of my blood to de∣fend and encrease your Power, than when you misemploy'd it, I was to oppose it. Nay, after you were seemingly converted, I brought you home a Victory from a people that hardly ever knew what it was to lose one: I was in hope the gods, by shewing how successful my Sword was for you, would have invited you to Actions which it can only be em∣ployed in. But I now fear you will render me unavoidably guilty: for drawing my Sword against you, for her, cannot render me more criminal in your esteem, than the not doing it will render me so in the judgment of the gods, and of men. Here (continued Zephalinda) Arsaces's fu∣ry was uncapable of a longer silence, which made him interrupt Surena, by saying, Traytor, Thou hast not only the wickedness to run into a Re∣bellion, but to declare that performance a greater Duty, than the not ha∣ving acted it. That Power which thou shalt know and feel is absolute, thou wouldst make conditional, that it might not punish thee: but that Sin thou shalt be convinc'd is one, even in the punishment of it. And be∣cause thou alledgest thou never drew'st thySword against me, but to keep me from a higher crime than that it self was; I will repay thy kindness in the imitation of it, and by thy Death hinder thee from a greater Sin than the commanding of it is: yes, I will punish in thy intended Rebel∣lion, what thou tiedst me from in thy acted Rebellion; and the gods, who knew how unjust that concession was thou extortest from me, in∣volve thee in new Crimes, that thou might'st be rewarded for the old. My Justice only is clouded with this misfortune, that thou hast but a sin∣gle Life to appease it with, since thy relapse deserves the deprivation of that, and consequently thy first Sin will continue unpunish'd. Orodes at the end of these words turn'd to the Captain of his Guards, and com∣manded him to seize on Surena; who seeing his Life was lost, and con∣sequently yours, or your Honour; resolv'd whilst it lasted, to act some such performance as might repair the shortness of it, and the length of those Miseries it had so unfortunately involved you in: Therefore as the Captain of the Guards came to take his Sword, he drew it, and past it through his Body; then crying out to Arsaces, You shall go with me, Sir, into another World, to learn this great Truth, That to kill you is a less Sin than that you intend against Parthenissa, or the permitting it; he ran furiously at him, and though so many hands endeavour'd to stop him, yet all they could do, was to put his thrust so much aside, as that what was intended to the Body, only pierc'd his Clothes•• Surena more troubled that he had mist his design, than at the punishment he knew

attended his having assum'd it, was returning; and though with a fury but equal to his former, yet certainly had had a superior success; when all that were present flew upon him, and forced his sword out of that hand, which if any longer left, had doubtless acted a greater piece of Justice, than the Guards did in preventing it; and that which so much contributed to this easie Victory, was the deep consternation amongst those few friends of Surena's which were present; who not fancying he would have put things to so precipitate and high an issue, fell into an amazement, which prov'd as fatal to him, as if it had been their Trea∣chery. The pale and trembling Arsaces, observing Surena was disarm'd, and that some of his Guards were going to revenge his danger, and their Captains death, by the acting of Surena's, cry'd out to them, Hold; I command you on your Lives not to touch him: for the inflicting of a sudden Death will relish more of Passion than of Justice; and his Crimes make him a fitter Sacrifice for the last, than the first. Then commanding a Gentleman (who he made in that instant Captain of his Guards in the room of him that had freshly lost that Office with his Life) to look to Surena, as he would answer it with the loss of his own; he forthwith gave order for a Scaffold to be erected before the Palace-Gates, and so∣lemnly protested, That on it, before the Sun-set, Surena should lose his Life. He heard these last words as he was carrying away, and there∣fore turning about with a Countenance altogether quiet and serene, he told Arsaces, I thank you Sir, and I conjure you to keep your vows; for the next satisfaction to the prevention of Parthenissa's dishonour, is not to survive it. Arsaces only reply'd by a shaking of his head; and by a second Command having made Surena to be carried away, forthwith sent to the chief Tribunal of Justice in Selutia, to sit and condemn him. This Order was no sooner publish'd, but a Proclamation was also, That whosoever appear'd in the Streets with Arms (except those of Guard) should dye without Mercy: and those that any way related to Surena, which were found in Selutia after the expiration of one hour, should be liable to the same penalty. This so precipitate and brisk a proceeding, with the securing of Surena's person, and the placing of Soldiers in eve∣ry convenicnt Post, so terrified those Partizans of his already in the Town, that wanting a Head to employ their Swords, they pay'd an exact Obedience to the Proclamation, and involv'd such of their Companions as they met coming to Selutia, in the same Crime. Surena therefore was tamely brought before his Judges, before whom he only would say, That all the ill he was guilty of, was, That he had not acted what they were condemning him for having attempted. This short Reply made the Trial the like; so that immediately he was adjudg'd to lose his Head; and by Orodes's command, who all the while was present, was sent to the Scaffold to have the Sentence perform'd, This advertisement being brought me, I went to the cruel King, not to beg Surena's Life, but only the permission of seeing him lose it. Arsaces granted my request, either not to disoblige his pretended Solicitress, or to punish my being so, in the sight of so fatal a spectacle. I found my poor Brother on the Scaffold, who seeing me there, assum'd a joy I thought his condition uncapable of: but I soon observ'd from whence it proceeded; for im∣mediately he told me, You see, Sister, I am now going to lose my Life for her, to whom I had given it: and if the now cause of my Death could but extinguish the just provocations she has had so often to wish it, I should esteem it at a higher rate than she can deplore the loss of it. Tell

her, I conjure you, that with joy I embrace my present condition, since I consider it as inflicted on me for having obstructed her desires; and from thence I cannot but conclude, That since the gods so exemplarily punish a Passion which never had any other design than to be voluntari∣ly approv'd of, and rewarded; they will doubtlesly act much more to the magnifying of their Justice upon a Flame which already is burnt into desires of Lust; and they will as certainly perform it while Arsaces's desires are but desires; lest if once they were turned into action, they might be as uncapable of a fit punishment, as he of a resembling sin. Conjure her, Zephalinda, to make this use of my Death, that it may bring both her and me a satisfaction, which it may be any other way will be deny'd to both. I confess the gods have made me so miserable, that all my performances have hitherto evidenc'd my adoration was not a debt to her, but to my self. I do therefore beg you by that Friendship and Relation which is between us, and by my last Breath, That upon my score you will pay her all the services you are any ways capable of; that one of the Family may in some degree repair the Sins of him that was the chief of it; that parthenissa may thereby know (what my unfor∣tunate performances have not clearly manifested) that my Care of her was for her; which I hope she will not doubt of while I lived, since the effects of it will continue when I am dead. My last Request is, If ever you see the generous Artabbanes, beg him, when he remembers what I have done, that he would also remember what 'twas invited it; and then he cannot judg the fault greater than the inducement of it: he will be too generous to hate me in my Grave; and I more than hope his resentments will dye with the object of them. Surena having thus spoken, embrac'd me, and took his eternal leave. Then going to the other extremity of the Scaffold, he conjur'd the people to prevent their King's Sin, since they could not but participate in the punishment of it: for the gods would consider every Accessory as a Principal; and esteem those as guilty which hinder'd not Parthenissa's dishonour, as him that acted it. This was all he said to them, lest a longer discourse might have been interrupted. His Soul, after she had thus disburthen'd her self, seem'd to have more than a knowledg of those happy Fields whither she was taking her eternal flight; for when he was laying down his Life, he did it with much more resolution than he had that took it from him, who perform'd it by separating the Head from the Body at one stroak. The Spectators at that fatal blow gave one common groan, and by killing the Executioner, shew'd how much they detested the Execution. Their Grief too had not contented it self with so mean a Sacrifice, had not Orodes in person at the head of a thousand of his Guards, come, and by killing some of the Multitude disperst the rest. The poor Surena's Body I carry'd away with me in the same Chariot I came in, and lay'd it in the Sepulcher of our Family. Here (said Emi∣lia) the fair Zephalinda's weepings put a period to her words; in which just duty the sad Parthenissa kept her such faithful company, that one might have concluded she reserved no Tears for her own misfor∣tune, she gave so many on Surena's. Happy Surena, that in one single performance couldst so efface the Crimes of thy Life, as to have the de∣privation of it so nobly deplor'd, and even by her which had most rea∣son to rejoyce at it. The first that interrupted the silence, though not the weeping, was Parthenissa, who told Zephalinda, I have (Madam) been so unfortunate to your Family, that if you will not grant me on the

score of Charity, the means of that Death which I implor'd, confer it on me at least on that of Revenge; my Misfortune and my Condition do equally require it; and you cannot in the performance more oblige your resentment, than you will me. It may be that the greatest misfortune Su∣rena relish'd at his Death, was, that he left me behind, and the eminent danger too he concluded I was involv'd in by Arsaces's Lust. The ex∣tinction of my Life will also redress those apprehensions in him, and it may be afford him a proportionate joy, when I shall carry him the news how faithfully you have observ'd his Desires. 'Tis not Madam (said Zephalinda) upon these invitations I am come to pay you my engagement; 'Tis upon your own and Artabbanes's account that I do it: for I find your condition is uncapable of all remedy but by that which will in the future exempt you from needing any other: Thereupon taking out a little vial, she presented it to Parthenissa with more Tears than would have fill'd it; and told her, In this, Madam, you will find that Sanctuary the gods have deny'd your Virtue; which I should have offer'd you sooner, but that my Brother's Physician, who compos'd it, was so near death him∣self at the hearing of Surena's, that he could not earlier give me this ef∣fect of his Art: He assures me it is of a nature so subtil, that it conquers the Vitals as soon as it touches them; and will afford you as little pain in the operation, as you will resent after it. This is a Present (said the fair Parthenissa, wiping away her Tears, and kissing it) which I have too lit∣tle time remaining to acknowledg sufficiently: but if in the other World our Condition admits the paying of services, I will present you with those there, which mine here denies me the power of retributing; and as a signal earnest of this Truth, I leave you the generous Artabbanes as a Legacy: she deserves him best, that does most for him; and you in this last performance have so clearly done so, that the very Party is also the Judg and Acknowledger of it. You, that when the gods cannot pre∣serve Parthenissa fit for him, can do it, do become more so your self; and it may be those Powers had no other way but this, to absolve Artabbanes's Constancy from becoming so much his punishment, as to prefer Parthenissa before Zephalinda, who in all perfections is as much my Su∣perior, as in a perfect Flame I am at least her Equal. The fair Zephalin∣da was about to reply, when one I had plac'd to discover when Arsaces was coming, came running in to tell me so, which set a period to the dis∣course they were engag'd in, and made Parthenissa uncover the little Glass, and say, 'Tis now no time to think of any thing, but by Death to prevent what is much more to be fear'd. With these words in a mo∣ment she drank the fatal Poyson, with a Constancy great as our Grief. I was (continued Emilia) so drowned in Tears and Sorrow, that though the fair Parthenissa spake many things as remarkable as her very perform∣ance, yet all I can remember she said, was, a deploring the invitation of her death; which was such, that her hate for the infamous Arsaces might seem to have an equal share in it to that of her Passion and Constancy for your Prince. Zephalinda in the mean time went to a window, as if it had been to discover how near Orodes was, but alas it was more un∣disturbedly to pledg Parthenissa in a resembling Liquor, which as soon as she had perform'd, she return'd to her, but with a serener countenance than that with which she had left her; and holding up the empty Vial, told her, This, Madam, will be my witness, that I serv'd not my self, but you, in acting what the gods had left you but one way to perform. Your Virtues shine so clear, that whilst I have them for my Guides, I can nei∣ther

be mistaken in the way to felicity, nor the end; and though this be a high Truth, yet it cannot Transcend this other: That the obliging. Poyson I have drunk will not more certainly make me wait on you now, than the beholding of Artabbanes's Grief, would have made me do it hereafter, when it may be the Then performance, would have relish'd, of what the Now will absolve me of. I had looked like your Murtherer, not your Friend, had I not thus waited on you; so that what my Incli∣nation leads me unto, my Reason and my Interest do; which are Induce∣ments that none can condemn with so much Justice as that with which I obey them. The fair Parthenissa, for a while only in Tears and in embraces acknowledged the disobligingness and gallantry of this perfor∣mance; in which latter, Zephalinda held her company so strictly, that I thought they would prove as unseparable to each other, as misfortune had been to both. She which last drank the Poyson was the first that spake, and to the best of my remembrance these were her words: Having now paid the Just and Antedated sacrifice of our Tears to Ar∣tabbanes's condition, when he shall be informed of ours, let us abso∣lutely in the future silence them, lest the Tyrant should ascribe ours to his being one; and thereby, though he be actually denyed the Triumph of his Love, he imaginarily possesses that of his Revenge. The Cruel Arsaces, said Parthenissa, cannot so Transcendently delude himself, as to ascribe my Tears to his being so to me, when he sees what the fair Zephalinda has done, which is of such a Quality, that he will find his Triumph, though we are never so intent to cloud it; for I am resolved he glories as much in the destruction of Virtue, as of Feminine Honour; so that what my resolution has denyed him in the Latter, yours has conferred on him in the Former. Had I been single in my suffering, I should have retrench't from him that Victory; for to have been denyed his hopes, would have as much eclipsed his satisfa∣ction, as the Destroying of Innocence and Constancy would have created it. I may, said Zephalinda, as justly alledge he is not the cause of my Tears, since a Death which I esteem so transcendent a misfortune, as to believe the acting of my own after it, is a less one than to sur∣vive it, may well peculiarize my Weepings to that solarie cause: But whilst we continue ours, he may at least have some shadow for Insulting; whereas if we intirely silence them, and in their Place assume an un∣clouded serenity, he may consider the Way in which we evade his Power, to be as sublime a Trouble as the End. Here the fair Zepha∣linda was interrupted by the arrival of two of Arsaces Guard, whom he had sent to clear Parthenissa's Chamber of all, but her self: These barbarous Men could not terrifie those whom Death did not; all the effect they produced, was a Joy that their sanctuary was so near and certain, and that they had so timely resolved upon it, that the burning. Lust of the Tyrant could not be more surely a sin, than that thereby they had put him out of the Capacity of acting it. To render that yet the more so, Parthenissa began to protract the time, that the Fatal poyson might conquer so much of her Life, as to exempt her as well from the beginnings as conclusions of Orodes's Insolence, by reasoning with these infamous undertakers of a resembling imploy∣ment. And though what had begun, too pregnantly evinced the temper of their Souls, yet the Eloquence of innocence conspiring with the sight of so many admirable and growing Beauties which were so near an eter∣nal fading, operated so efficaciously, that they retired (dissolving into Tears

unto their King, and acquainted him with the cause thereof, which alas was so far from having a proportionate Influence on Him, that what had converted them into Water, turn'd him into Fire: For judg∣ing of the Cause by the production, they could not assume a higher Pity, that those Beauties were to be gathered, than he did a satis∣faction that he was to gather them. Nay, his Reason was so obscur'd, that he concluded they wept not that such Perfections were to be en∣joy'd, but only that They were not to do it: so that having gi∣ven them an high reprehension for what deserv'd the contrary, he went hastily to Parthenissa's Chamber, in whose countenance there was less disturbance than in his; which being a Truth as visible as the occasion was not (at least as to him), he told her, At length, Madam, I hope the greatness of my Flame, and Perseverance, has ob∣tain'd a Victory, which cannot be higher in it self, than my desires were of it; and your Face gives me a satisfaction which nothing can hardly augment, but your Words giving me the same assurance which your Looks do. If my Looks, Sir, (said the Princess) gives you any other assurance than my Words have still done, they hold no correspon∣dence with my Heart; so that either you are mistaken in my Looks, or my Looks in me. If (said Arsaces) I am mistaken in the signs of my Felicity, I am certain I will not be so in the fruitions of it: and what the Power of my Love cannot effect, that of my Authority shall. Yet I must confess, I much rather ambition to derive my happiness from the former, than the latter: and therefore I again prostrate at your Feet my Crown, as well as Liberty; either deserves the retribution I but im∣plore for both: your denying me my right, authorizes me to take it; and therefore you render force legitimate, if you necessitate me to it: My passion is as uncapable of Delay, as Change: and had my Promise given you a longer time to form your Resolution, my love must have contracted it; so that I am come to know my Fate, which cannot ad∣mit of the least suspension, because my Life cannot, if now deni'd that alone which can give it a relish, as well as continue it an existence. In short, Madam, this is the hour I must receive or take my Felicity; and the gods have as little the Power, as I, of altering this Resolve. I know (said Parthenissa) you will be as much mistaken in your hopes, as you have been in the signs of them. The gods could not call them∣selves the Protectors of Innocence, and refuse a Sanctuary to mine: Know, Cruel Arsaces, I have one above your Power to violate; which it was high time to ascertain, when what should have been the cure of your Lust, you consider'd as an Authority to act it: Know further, I despise your Crown, and Death to avoid it; which is a Resolution I might derive from a double cause; for had not my Constancy been pre∣valent enough to engage me to assume it, your usage would be; which cannot with more necessity invite me to that performance, than I will act it with joy. The degenerate Arsaces believing parthenissa had some fatal weapon in her power, that thus authoriz'd her to threaten an enra∣ged King (for he knew her too well, to have so much as a suspition of her thus proceeding upon any other score), suddenly seized upon both her hands; and after commanding one of his Guards to search her, and to take the cause of her Confidence away, he told her with a furious Look; The certainty of that Sanctuary which made you with such insolence de∣spise me, and my Flame, is not in your Power, and you are in mine; so that what you refus'd with scorn, if you implor'd with tears, I would now deny

to you in the same manner you declin'd the acceptance of it from me; nor can the contempt you have endeavour'd to throw upon my Crown, be justlier revenged, than by the Power of it, which by all that's Holy, shall no longer beg what it can take. Thereupon with a countenance which relisht nothing but of Fury and Lust, he commanded those which waited on him, to clear the room of all but Parthenissa; which was going to be put in practice, when he that Arsaces had commanded to search and Disarm her, told him, there was nothing about her which could destroy her Life, for the certainty of which, he engaged his own. This strange assurance made all the Tyrant's other Passions resign them∣selves into Admiration, and that suddenly yeelded it self unto Joy; for he believ'd Parthenissa had acted the part of Despair, as a last essay, and then was resolv'd to yeeld to what she could not resist. This flat∣tering faith was created in him, by her having no visible means to re∣sist his Power, in a time when he had solemnly sworn to conquer her with it, if by his Passion and Perseverance he did not do it by then. Neither did the fair Parthenissa's silence all this while a little contribute to this belief: but alas! hers proceeded from another Cause; for by this, the Poyson had made its fatal Approaches so near the throne of Life, that the hand of Death began to draw an obscure vail over the vital spirits, and so greedily to seize on the Noble dwel∣ling of a Nobler soul, that Arsaces had scarcely prostrated himself on his knees, to make Parthenissa those retributions, the joy of his last faith had made him esteem so just a Debt, when she began to retire to a Pallet, which she had no sooner reach'd, than she fell on it; and having breath'd a sigh, and indistincty pronounc'd your generous Prince's Name, the Beauties of Vermillion resign'd their Empire to the colour of Innocence; the fairest Lights which ever did or shall shine, became eclips'd with an eternal Night; and the admirable Soul of a Body that was so, took her flight to another, but could not to a fairer Dwelling. Here the faithful Symander was so vanquish'd with his own Relation, that he had not the power to continue it; neither had his generous Hearers that of desiring him to do it: for they were so sensibly affect∣ed with this deplorable and fatal part of his Story, that their Curiosi∣ty resign'd its room unto their sorrow, to which they so justly and un∣confinedly abandon'd themselves, that they fully justified the vast grief of Artabbanes, since they resenting so much only by their being Hear∣ers of the Loss, they could not but expect much more from him that was the sufferer of it. At length they were so much friends to their Grief, that they conjur'd the afflicted Symander by a continuance of his Story, to divert them in some degree from being so intent on that sad part of it. Symander, to obey this Command, by many struglings with his grief, finally obtain'd so much the victory over it, as thus to prosecute what he had brought so near to a conclusion: This relation of the fair Parthenissa's death, which invaded you with so high a sorrow, had so resembling an operation on the unconsolable Emilia, that it was above an hour before her tears and sighs would permit her to continue her relation, which she did in these terms: As soon as the Barbarous Arsaces saw the fair Parthenissa pale and breathless, he be∣came so too, and continu'd so long in that condition, that I began to think Grief had perform'd the Office of Justice, and had alone pay'd that debt to the Tyrant, which all the world does owe him: But he soon return'd again from his seeming Death; but it was to act such vio∣lences

on himself, that I thought his recovery was a more signal pun∣ishment, than his dying could have prov'd. In a word, whoever had seen the demonstration of his sorrow, would have concluded he was the sufferer, not the Author of the Loss. At length (tir'd with the act∣ings of his grief), he continued quiet for a time, and then ran to Ze∣phalinda, at whose feet prostrating himself, he conjur'd her to tell him, Whether the fears of his violence hast cast Parthenissa into a seeming, or had made her cast her self into a real death. But this fair Princess gave him an Answer by a Demonstration; for in that moment of time the fatal Poyson had so far conquer'd her heart, that she had only life enough left to recover the Pallet on which the dead Parthenissa lay, and in embracing and kissing her, to expire; as if she ambition'd in the last act of her life, to evince the perfect friendship she had pay'd her through the whole course of it. At this second death, Arsace's grief turn'd into Fury; he began to believe himself so horrid a Mur∣therer, that whoever he spake unto, was instantly struck with Death; which though true, had been a punishment inferior to his Sin: And in this belief, he ran frantick up and down the Chamber, crying in the per∣fect accent and voice of horror and despair, Gods! give me Parthenis∣sa again, give me Parthenissa again: And after a thousand fruitless offers of seizing on the Swords of some of his Guards, he at length ran his head with so much violence against the angle of that great Cabi∣net which stood by the Pallet on which the dead Parthenissa lay, that he thereby not only receiv'd a large hurt, but fell speechless and sens∣less at Parthenissa's feet; where he continued grovelling in his blood, till his Guards carried him into his own Appartment to have him drest. Here (said Symander to his generous Hearers) the fair Emilia ended her Relation, and began again her weeping in such excess, that it even brought an accession of grief to that which invaded me by her fatal Relation: Neither do I believe she would have ended her Tears, but with her Life, had not the care of Artabbanes been greater than any she had of her self. For remembring one of her Princess's last injunctions to her, was to let Artabbanes know her last to him, was, A passionate desire of pardoning her Murtherer, and a more passion∣ate one of surviving her Murther; that as she carried into the other World the highest Model and Example of a perfect Love; so that he would continue the like in this: and that Parthia was misera∣ble enough in suffering her Kings Sin, without the addition of en∣during the punishment of it: she conjur'd me to assume that employ∣ment, whilst she would pay the dead Princesses the duty of Funeral (if her grief left her life enough to do it, which she hoped, yet fear'd it would). Emilia further enjoyn'd me, by an immediate return to Artabbanes, to prevent the fame of Parthenissa's death; and by my ac∣quainting him with her last desires, endeavour to prevent his. This I esteem'd so necessary, that after having at Parthenissa's and Zephalinda's feet, pay'd the tribute of my Tears, and as much as I was capable of, at∣tempted to lessen the fair Emilia's, I went to Sillaces, and after to Lynda∣dory's Appartment, where alas, I learn'd, that in the confusion of the late disorders, she had been carried away by some Arm'd and unknown per∣sons; and that the generous Sillaces, with what friends he could assem∣ble in so short a warning, was gone after her Ravishers. With these ac∣cessional griefs, of the unhappiness of my Prince's sister, and of my fail∣ing of so necessary and powerful. Consolers as I was confident Lyndadory

and Sillaces would have been to Artabbanes, I directed my steps to him, but with a heart so replenisht with sadness, that nothing could in degrees equal it, but the justice with which it was so. You may (generous Hear∣ers) in some proportion imagine the strangeness of my then employment, when I knew not whether I ought more to apprehend that any other should give my Prince the fatal Intelligence of his Misery, or that I should: but the second day I came to the place of his residence, where the horror which possest me, by the perfect knowledg I had of what his sorrows would be, at the information I was to give him, so van∣quish'd all those resolutions I had assum'd during my journey, that not only I invok'd death as a pleasing expedient to have declin'd it, but would have made use of it, had not I fear'd that Artabbanes by my that way of avoiding telling him his loss, might have receiv'd it worse, than by a verbal doing it. But though this faith tied up my hand, yet by those sudden and various emotions which did agitate me, I felt a burning shoot into my veins, and that at first with such violence, that I was in hope the Fever would confer that obligation on me which my affection to my Prince hinder'd me from conferring on my self: or at least if his despair for the deprivation of Parthe∣nissa, were greater than his obedience to her, my sickness would en∣able me to wait on him, without the help of my resolution or duty. At length (generous Hearers) at length I came into Artabbanes's Chamber; and though it were in high tremblings, with a pale look, and in vast disorders; yet they hardly equal'd my Prince's at the sight of mine: That generous Courage which had so often outbrav'd Death in all its Horrors, which had so often unmoved endur'd, nay, courted the highest Dangers, was now conquer'd, and yeelded unto the bare signs of sorrow in another: but alas, they were signs so clear and evident, of the only way in which fortune and the gods had power to invade him, that in my being uncapable to tell Him his Loss, he did but too plainly read it. But at last, when Artab∣banes perceiv'd that I had the power by words to acquaint him with what my emotions made him apprehend was the cause of them; He told me; Are not the gods yet (Symander) weary of persecuting the miserable Artabbanes, by the punishments they have impos'd upon him, but that they must also afflict him more cruelly and sensibly through Parthenissa? For doubtless thy grief is too great for any misery which can wound me, but through her. Has any of my Rivals by force or delusion got her again into their power? Or has her Justice now discover'd those defects in the over-valu'd Artabbanes, which her mercy so long hinder'd her from seeing and punishing? Speak, I conjure thee, for thy looks have as much of misery for me, as my Fate can impose upon me. Alas Sir (I reply'd) I must confess your Ryvals have at length got the success; but 'tis not your old ones have done it, they have been but Instruments to convey her from themselves, as well as you. Your present Rivals are such, that 'tis as great a Sin, as Impossibility to re∣sist them: In the infelicity of your Love, the excellency of your choice is manifested; and in the highest misery of Love, you have the highest occasion of evidencing yours hath been the most pure, and most excel∣lent: for if in your Passion, you were only concern'd in the object of it, she is now in joys; which will be so far from clouding yours, that they will be as uncapable of encrease, as of change. You have now, Sir, no more the occasion of repining for the unequal'd Parthenissa, since the

gods, who deni'd her you, but to possess her themselves, have thereby taken from you the justice of such a proceeding; and have confin'd you, if you grieve, to evidence 'tis for your self, not her; who believ∣ing you were of a contrary principle, and that her felicity would cre∣ate yours, staid not till your new Rivals called her, but elected to go to them. Thereupon I told him particularly all that I had seen, and all that I heard from Emilia; but I had no sooner ended this fatal relation (what through the indisposition which then invaded me, what through the horror and grief which I saw invade my generous Prince) then I fell at his feet; and though my senses at that instant did not abandon me, yet it was but to be the more cruel, and the more tormenting; for I saw and heard, that after Artabbanes had fetch'd a groan from the bottom of his heart, which shewed the greatness of it, by its being capable to contain so much, he cri'd out; You are dead fair Princess, you are dead! and you di∣ed for Artabbanes: Ah too great, and too ungrateful heart, which canst know this, and yet canst live after it; but I will punish thee for need∣ing any help but thy own to act thy duty; yes ungrateful heart, thy debt to my Princess shall be paid, though not by thee; My Resolution shall have the glory of that performance, since thou hast declin'd it, or at least art so long in acting it. Thereupon he ran furiously to his sword, and having drawn it, resting the hilt upon the ground, and leaning the point to his Breast, he cri'd out; Divine Parthenissa! what you have done, leaves the miserable Artabbanes nothing to do, but to admire and follow you: the first he has still perform'd, and the last he now performs. These words were no sooner utter'd, than by falling on his sword, I saw the fatal point of it, having pierc'd his body, ap∣pear all bloody, as if it blush'd at the sin it had acted. Oh Gods! (Symander cri'd out) why did you give me life enough to see, and not life enough to prevent it? and yet it might be just in them, that for my being griev'd they were happier than my Prince, I should behold and not hinder his despair. But Artabbanes, who knew how requisite Death was to his condition, and how opposite I would be to that only cure, as if having opened two doors for his Soul to free her self from that dark Prison she had been confin'd unto, were not enough; he striv'd to employ that little life was left, to take even that little totally away; and doubtless had repeated his wounds, if my horror thereat had not given me a supernatural strength, and enabled me on my hands and knees, to crawl to him, and to seize upon the hilt of his Sword, on which I took such sure hold, that spight of all his struglings, I kept him from additional wounds, and by my loud and reiterated cries drew some of the people of the house to my assistance; who with me, by meer force wrested the fatal weapon out of his hands: which being effected, my Prince with a look in which a crowd of different passions were distinctly visible, told me, And is Symander too become my enemy? ah! if thou hast a hatred for Artabbanes, canst thou more signally satis∣fie it, than to see him send himself out of the World? and if thou hast a Friendship for him, why dost thou retard his following Parthenissa? with that fair Name his Senses abandon'd him, and left his Body inviron'd in that deluge of blood which had flow'd out of it. This Swound∣ing which at first made me tremble, soon after made me rejoyce; for thereby the Chyrurgeons (who then came) without resist∣ance search'd and drest his Wounds; and having laid him in his bed, they there endeavour'd by powerful Cordials to recall

that life, which seemingly had forsaken him. I caus'd them to lay me in a Pallet contiguous to my Prince's bed, where in expectations which ravish'd from me all sense of my own condition, I waited for the effects of the Chyrurgeons Art and Prescriptions. But alas, the fear I assum'd that death had eternally closed his Eyes, could not transcend my grief when that apprehension vanquish'd: for the first proof he gave of life, was an action which sadly demonstrated how intent he was on the de∣stroying of his: for finding his wounds bound, he tore away all things the Chyrurgeons had apply'd to them, and endeavour'd to make his hands finish what his cruel Sword had but begun: But those I had or∣der'd to watch and hinder the effects of his despair, by plain force, and by my command, held his hands; at which he assum'd so high a rage, that in words deliver'd with much more strength than I thought he had been Master of, he told me; Cruel Symander, and much more cruel than Fortune, yea than Arsaces himself; they but make the highest cure ne∣cessary: but thou after it is so, do'st deny it me. I conjure thee by that love thou once did'st pay me, by that adoration I pay my Divine Prin∣cess, who I now behold cloathed with more Glory, than she has been with misfortune; and by those Tears (unusual Advocates for me) per∣mit me to follow her: with that he shed such a shower of them, that I was for a time unable to answer him in any other language; which my Prince perceiving, he told me; Canst thou then, Symander, give me the highest signs of pity, and deny me the least Act of it? and canst thou be sensible of my miseries, and deny me their only Cure? Ah Sir (I reply'd) what is become of that Fortitude which in all the strangest and intricatest Revolutions and vicissitudes of Fortune, has always made you triumphant over her? Has it abandon'd you, or have you abandon'd it, in a season where it was most necessary? What will the World believe to your prejudice, when you your self act so much to it? your Virtue, which now is the admiration of all, will be believ'd the mistake of all; for when any thing can befall it greater than it self, 'twill be thought it hath acquired its glory, not from its own strength, but from the weakness of its opposers. Hold thy peace (said my Prince, interrupting me) hold thy peace; 'tis no wonder thou hast lost thy concern for me, when thou hast ••ost thy reason; which if thou hadst not, thou couldst not but see, but that the fortitude thou so flatterest me with, never aspir'd at so certain a felicity, as thy cruelty hinders her from possessing: That which thy madness terms despair, my reason terms fortitude; which high vertue is not given us to con∣tinue our miseries, but to overcome them: Mine are of so peculiar a quality, that if my fortitude should continue my Life, 'twould act against it self, as much as against me: No Symander, my Fortitude never so well deserved that Name, as now that it has made me chearfully elect to act my own Death, which certainly cannot be a sin, since 'twill re∣unite me to the Divine Parthenissa: had the gods design'd me Life, they would not have taken away hers; and the duty of not killing my self, by which I must be banish'd from my Princess, cannot be so great as that of killing my self, to be restor'd unto her. But Sir (I repli'd) what Face can you present your self to your Princess with, when to act your satisfaction, you decline your duty? and leave this world without revenging your self on him, who sent her out of it, and divested you of all felicity in it? This (said Symander) I spake in expectation that such a duty might qualifie for the present the

violence of his despair, and that time might silence it in the future; but alas, I soon found the vanity of that hope, by my King's thus answer∣ing me: If I were not certain 'twere a higher Mercy to kill one of my Princess's Votaries after her death, than not to do it, I would not beg, the blessing to become my own executioner; and therefore I will not so much oblige the Tyrant, as to become his: The gods, who know the greatest Crime merits the greatest punishment, do now evince that truth on that Monster; for the certainty that to be the fair Parthenissa's executioner, is the greatest Sin, cannot be a greater Truth, than after having acted it, 'tis the greatest punishment to want fortitude to be his own; and since Life is the torment of my Princess's Murtherer, how can it be the satisfaction of her Adorer? besides, I am confined, and I believe on this score of her last commands, from embruing my hands in his Blood. So you are (I replyed) from embruing your hands in your own; and that request, nay, rather command, imposed with much more ear∣nestness than the other; ah Sir, consider how much your despair offences your Love, and how unlike this proceeding is to any other of yours, where your Princess's commands have acted you? you can decline be∣coming the executioner of her Murtherer, to obey her; and you will not decline becoming your own, when you have a higher confinement to it: this is not to obey her, but your self, or rather your despair, by going to her in the other world, when she orders your continuance in this; and when that order was pronounced with her last breath, you shew you value something above her commands, which is a crime you have hitherto declined with so much care, and she has acknow∣ledged with so many Elogies, that your now running into it, evinces nothing so pregnantly as that her Memory has not the same Ascendant over you, which her Life had, though she lost hers, but to continue the more gloriously in yours; consider too, I beg you Sir, that the more painful the obedience is, the more meritorious 'tis; that common obeyings are not fit sacrifices for Artabbanes to offer, or Parthenissa to receive; and that the crime of disobedience cannot be the way to so admirable end, as is your reunion with her: Yes, Sir, I tremble to think how she will receive you, when the last act of your Life is a vio∣lation of the last command of hers. Thou dost delude thy self, Sy∣mander, thou dost delude thy self (said my King, interrupting me); the Divine Parthenissa knew too well the greatness of her loss, and the just sense I should have of it, to enjoyn me the impossibility of surviving it: I rather ascribe that to thy cruelty than her commands; or if she imposed that on me which thou sayest she did, it was but the better to illustrate the vastness of my Love, which by contemning my own Life, her Revenge, and my duty to her commands, manifests it is superiour to all those; so that by my Death I shall but evince a truth I most ambition'd in my Life; nay, which at any time I would have laid down to witness; which is, that my Love was as much above all other con∣cerns as the Beauty which inspir'd it was above all which ever in∣spir'd that Passion: Let not then thy cruelty deny my Flame the most glorious manifestation of it; nor let me derive that from Time and from Torments, which my resolution is so obligingly ready to confer on me without any; nor flatter thy self with believing Time can change a resolution, which is as irrevocable as that misfortune which has made me so justly assume it: no, Symander, thou mayst tye my hands, thou mayst hinder them from acting my Death, but thou canst

not hinder me from dying; for I here solemnly protest by the highest powers, and by my Princess who has increased their number, that I will neither eat, nor drink, nor sleep, till the want of those confer that felicity on me, which thou hast so barbarously deny'd me. Then turning himself from me in a shower of Tears, he seemed to continue those reproaches which they had interrupted. I cannot (generous Hea∣rers, continued Symander) acquaint you with what grief I entertain'd this vow of my Kings; I knew his resolution too well, and the power he thus had to act it, not to tremble when he pronounced it; and if at first I had any consolation, it proceeded from an unremoved resolve of sharing in his despair, if at last I could not silence it; but this being a thing which related to my self only, was soon expelled by a throng of cares, which my duty to Artabbanes introduced, who continued so cruelly true to his vow, that for four and twenty hours after he had made it, not all my Prayers and Tears could invite him to take any refreshment by food or sleep; by which he was so extreamly weakened, that he had not life enough so long again to repeat his abstinence: which when I told him in sighs and weepings, he answered me only in smiles, and by them seemed to tell me, that though his way of dying were not so expeditious as that I had denyed him, yet it was as certain. In this unequall'd misery, when both my reason and my hope had resign'd themselves unto despair, the gods inspired me with an invention which till now I never did discover, and which but to you I would not. Symander having nicely looked whether any were in the Chamber, and whether his Prince were within hearing in the Gallery, and being satisfied negatively of both, thus resum'd his discourse; I knew too well my King's despair was so great, that no remedy which was not so, could suppress it, and that his vows were not to be cancel'd, but by those to whom they were address'd; 'twas therefore, that calling to me a Youth which belonged to the house in which we lay, and who during Artab∣banes's indisposition, had shewed so much concern in it, and care for him, that I concluded him sit for any employment conducible to his recovery, I enjoyned him in the blackest hour of Night to conceal him∣self behind the hangings, which was next my Prince's bed, and by unripping a part of it, to convey a hollow Cane as near Artabbanes's Ear as he could, without putting it within the reach of his hands, and then in a counterfeit hollow voyce to speak thrice (and with some good interval) these ensuing words, Artabbanes, go to Hierapolis, there consult and obey the Oracle. The time to execute this being come, which was three hours after it was design'd, and indeed my Prince's condition could not well admit of a much longer delay, the faithful Youth had so well fitted all things, and so excellently disguised his voice, that I almost began to believe the gods (who knew nothing but themselves had the power to suspend that despair they had involved him in) had undertook that Justice: As soon as Artabbanes heard the voyce, he called me, and told me, Symander, does my Fancy conspire with thee, and with For∣tune? or do I really hear a voyce, which commands me an obedience more cruel than thy late usage? I was about to reply, when the second time, the first words were repeated, and they were no sooner ended, than I cryed out as surprized: At length, Sir, at length, you see my endeavour to hinder your despair, was not my Sin, for if it had been one, the gods would not have imitated me; nor can you any longer doubt their care, when to evince it they make use even of a Miracle:

He was about to have reply'd, when the voyce the third time enjoyn'd what it had twice before; after which, Artabbanes cry'd, No, Symander, I never doubted of their care, nor of their making use of Miracles to shew it; but then that care, and those Miracles were only to torment me: Ah gods! how can you, having done so little for me, expect so much from me? and why do you enjoyn me life, when you have not only taken from me all the Felicities, but also left me all the Tor∣ments of it? Ah Sir! (I reply'd) the reason of Man is too short and dull to reach and pierce the Ways and Providence of the gods, which commonly delight to contradict, and cross what we do seem most confi∣dent of; partly by shewing us the uncertainty of humane things, to wean us from them; partly, to have us center wholly in their power, which such a dealing is no ill way unto: Thus have the greatest Mise∣ries been as often cur'd, as the greatest Joys have been extinguished. Whilst Parthenissa was alive (said Artabbanes), that is, whilst there was a possibility I might be happy, I did undergo all my afflictions with a silence great as themselves, and with a resignation which shew'd I knew the ambition of my Flame deserved those sufferings, which I alone ascri∣bed to that cause: But now the cruel gods have made my miseries past their power to cure; With what justice can they hope to retain so much Empire over me, as to expect I should act a performance they them∣selves cannot reward? and how can the destroying of so unfortunate a Life be esteemed a crime? for where an obedience is above recompence, the disobedience cannot merit punishment: No, Symander, I rather believe they command me to continue in this Life, that I may not see my loss in the next; for what Surena and Arsaces have been to me in this world, the gods are in the other. If they are, Sir (I reply'd), then Parthenissa governs them, and consequently she would not permit them to command you a fruitless Misery. Alas (said Artabbanes), dost thou not know, that though my earthly Rivals did adore her, yet they did persecute me? why may not I expect from Heaven the like effects, from the like Cause? No, Sir (I answered), for whilst the fair Parthe∣nissa's Soul was inviron'd with an earthly dwelling, she could not see so cleae as now she is all Spirit; so that now you need not doubt her knowledg to foresee your ills, nor her power to prevent them; and therefore you have nothing to do in this command, but to obey it: I am confident, Sir, this miraculous injunction proceeds entirely from your Princess's care; your now Rivals, if you made your own exe∣cution the way to her, might deny you the end you thereby expect, and that too without making any new Laws, but by their observing those to which all Mortals are confin'd; perhaps she has represented so truly your Miseries, that she has procured a command to the Oracle of Hierapolis, to ordain you by death to put a period to them, that thereby the guilt of the performance may be taken away, and conse∣quently the punishment, which doubtless she apprehends as much upon her own score, as yours. If that were so (said my King), why did not the same voyce which enjoyned me to seek my Death (for that only can be my cure) at Hierapolis, command, or at least permit me to act it here? The cause, Sir (I reply'd) is evident; every common Lover, in the first dictates which his Mistriss's death inspires him with, would fly unto that cure you now are so intent upon: But when you do evince, that Time which heals all others griefs, does but increase yours; and that every moment your Princess's death makes you willing & ready

to act your own, that will evidence your Love and sorrow equal their causes, and that the effects of your Passion are as peculiar, as the Beauty which inspir'd it: Even Arsaces would, in the first fury of Parthenissa's Loss, have done as much as you: shall the deprived hopes of a vicious Flame, have as high a production as those of a virtuous one? Ah Sir, provoke not the world so much to mistake the nature of your grief, as to give them but equal illustrations: shew us what was but fury in the Tyrant, is Reason in you, by acting your Death for Parthe∣nissa's, when he has forgotten hers: The highest production of grief be∣ing to dye; and he having elected that, you have no way but by Time to make the difference: It would cloud the beauty of your performance, if it were in the heat of your Loss; and make that look but like the greatest Rage, which is the greatest Love.

I should be endless (generous Hearers) did I tell you all our reason∣ings; 'tis enough you know, that at length I obtained the victory; and that which chiefly gave it me, were the two inducements I mention'd last. I must not omit acquainting you, that I elected the Oracle of Hierapolis for the place where my King was to learn his Fate, not on∣ly because it was the most celebrated in all Asia; but also because it was so distant from the place we then were in, that it would necessitate him to a perfect recovery, to enable him to perform the journey. Never any man lost his health with more unwillingness than Artabbanes reco∣vered his; and those things prescribed him he took in such a way, as manifested Life was his obedience, not desire: Should I tell you all his extravagant reasonings, his vows of acting his own death, if the Oracle gave him any ambiguous answer, and his high repinings against the gods, for having kept the power of punishing, when they had lost that of rewarding him, I should injure your patience too much; in apprehension I have done so already: I shall conclude all by ac∣qainting you, That I wondered he had so much obedience for those Powers for whom he had so little respect; to whose Providence he yet owed the recovery of his wounds; which being so well clos'd as to permit him to ride, we began our journey, which was the saddest that ever was perform'd; for my King for the most part kept a deep silence, and when at any time he broke it, it was in sighs and groans, or in repeating the fair Name of Parthenissa, evidencing thereby, that she only occasion'd them. The third Night we came into a Village, whither after Artabbanes was gone into his Chamber, there came certain Gentlemen from Selutia all in mourning, of whom I had the curiosity to enquire what News that place afforded; one of them told me, That the Death of the Princess Parthenissa, and the Princess Zephalinda, took up all the sorrow and business of the Court; and that Arsaces continued in as deep a Melancholly, as if the cause of it had been recent; that he had lately celebrated their Funerals distinctly: That though Zephalinda's was with much solemnity and State, yet Parthenissa's was with much more: and that in imitation of Alexander's Funerals for Hephestion, Arsaces had caused all the Spires, the Pinacles, and the Battlements, both of the Temples and the Pala∣ces, in Babylon, Niniveh, and Selutia to be beaten down; and or∣dered that all in his Empire (which were able) should for the revolution of twelve Moons wear close Mourning: That he had caused Parthenissa's Statue to be made by an admirable Artist, which he had erected at the end of a large Gallery all hung with black, which had no

other light but what it received from One hundred Chrystal Lamps, whose flames were continually fed by an artificial oyl, which hardly admitted of any diminution: That at the feet of this Statue, he had placed his own, kneeling, weeping, and fixing his Eyes on that Beau∣ty, who seemed to have communicated to the Alablaster her living insensibility: That every day when Arsaces's grief gave him strength to visit this Gallery, he constantly spent half of it at the fair Prin∣cess's feet, and imitated or relieved his Statue. This Gentleman further told me, that though these Deaths, and this strange way of deploring them in Orodes, left little room for other sorrows or discourses; yet some there were who did both grieve and wonder at the strange for∣cing of the Princess Lyndadorie's Palace, at her being carried away by unknown persons, and at the not hearing since what was become of her, or the Prince Sillaces, who the same Night had follow'd her Ravishers. This News (continued Symander) I thought unfit to communicate to my Prince, lest it might bring an accession to that grief, whose extinction was my highest care. The next morning there∣fore we continued our journey with our accustomed silence; but when we came within a days journey of this Palace, there hap∣pened an accident which I cannot but acquaint you with. Not far from the Road in which we travelled, near the side of a little Grove, we discovered eight Horsemen, who assaulted a Gentleman that de∣fended himself with so much resolution, as shewed the difference of the numbers did but render the Combat equal. My Prince moved with the generous Strangers Courage, and apprehending at length he might stand in need of his, pulling down the sight of his Helmet, with his Sword drawn he gallop'd up to him just as one of his Enemies had killed his Horse; by whose fall he was so much disordered, that had not Artabbanes by a furious blow killed one of those who press'd him the most, the Stranger undoubtedly had exchanged Fates with his Enemy: Artabbanes having thus reliev'd a danger which was impossi∣ble any other way to be effected, suspending his Sword in the Air, and commanding me to do the like with mine, address'd himself to one who seem'd to be the chief of those who had begun so unequal a Com∣bat, and told him, Though I am ignorant in the cause of your Quarrel, yet I have some reason to suspect it is not just, because you depend upon your numbers for your success; yet if you please to acquaint me with it, I will ingage my self no longer to defend your enemy, than I find my self confin'd unto it by the duty of Justice. Whoever thou art (the other replyed with an insolent tone) who hast made thy self my Enemy, and then wouldst have me make thee my Judg, know, our difference does not concern thee; but since thou hast made thy self so much a Party, I will make my self the Judg, and do condemn thee to share in that death thou vainly endeavourest to hinder. Thereupon he darted his Javelin at my Prince, who received it in his shield, and then charged him so briskly, that he found his cou∣rage proportioned his insolency; this usage had no unfruitful return: and though it deserved a signal punishment, yet he received an ho∣nour that was so, dying by the hand of Artabbanes. By this time the Stranger had mounted himself upon the Horse of the first man that was killed, and furiously thrusting into the midst of his enemies, by two un∣resistable blows, lessened as many of their number; the rest amazed at our assistance, and at those admirable deaths, made so faint a defence, that

the Combat soon ended with their Lives. The Stranger then lifting up his Helmet, which was shaded with a great Plume of Feathers of Au∣rora colour, as his Armour was of the like, and garnish'd with such refulgent Stones as sufficiently manifested their Master was of no small Quality, came to Artabbanes with so much Grace and Majesty, that I was charm'd with it, and told him; Generous Stranger, I owe you my Life, and will at any time pay you that debt with as much satis∣faction as I contracted it: but I must beg your pardon if a conside∣ration much higher than my Life does now force me from you, which I should acquaint you with, did I not justly fear the time it would take up, would hinder me from paying a duty to a Princess, who before the obligation you placed on me, merited all mine, and even yet does merit the most of it: But that I may not hereafter be guilty of that ingrati∣tude which my highest concern makes me seem guilty of now, I must desire to know my Protector's Name, that when the Beauty I serve has no further employment for my Sword and Life, I may know where to offer both to him to whom I acknowledg I owe them, and for whom I will with much more joy employ them. Artabbanes, extreamly satisfied with this Gallantry, and as much mov'd with the Cause of that haste the Stranger seem'd to be in, repli'd: My Name, Generous Stranger, is as inconsiderable as the little Service you are pleas'd to think I did you: But were it as great as your acknowledgments, I should yet conceal it, lest you might thereby believe I pretended to a debt you have but too abundantly satisfi'd already. You retribute so much for so little, and you thereby appear so worthy to be oblig'd, that I can∣not but offer you my service in the relief of that Princess you are so intent upon; the inequality of your late Combat, makes me believe your Enemies are not acted by the Principles of Honour; and there∣fore if not for your own sake, yet for hers you so much value, and who perhaps sets a greater value upon your Life, than you do on your own, refuse not the assistance of a Sword which has been fortunate enough against all, but him that wears it. This strange conclusion had doubt∣less given the Stranger a curiosity of desiring to know what occasion'd it, if the great haste he was in, had not supprest it; which was such, that it hardly gave him leisure to make this Reply: You cannot be so unjust to your self, and me, as to conceal your Name upon the score you mention; and therefore I believe some high Cause invites you to it, which shall suspend my desire of learning it: Your Virtue I am con∣fident will guide me to you, as certainly as your Name, and upon bet∣ter considerations; that way of enquiring after you, will be more noble, and as sure. I confess I have the high Felicity of being va∣lued by the Beauty I adore, and the misfortune of having an Ene∣my and Rival, who cares not by what ways he reaches his ends; but by your valour you have cut off his chiefest assistance; and his Crimes are such, that I should injure the Justice of the gods, if I thought a single Sword which strikes with Justice, were not able to act my Revenge, and my Princess's Deliverance. Besides, I am so much your debtor both by act and offer, that I should give my self a greater trouble by becoming more so, than by undertaking alone the destru∣ction of those few Enemies your Courage has left me. That is a con∣sideration (said Artabbanes) which your civility only has rais'd; but your Valour is such, that by those effects of it which I have seen, I can hardly doubt of any other: I wil therfore only beg your pardon for having done

your Rival more service by delaying you, than I have done you, in endeavouring to assist you; and that you will give me so obliging a Proof of your having granted it me, as the acquainting me with your name. I should obey you (said the Stranger) if it were not to make my self fruitlesly known unto you, which would be a manifesting of my self too low, both for the obligations, and the sense I have of them: Permit me therefore to decline that honour, till I derive it from my services, which I will seek you over all the world to pay you, as soon as I am put into a capacity of doing it, by having paid mine unto my Princess, the necessity of whose condition I beg may appologize for my now leaving you, which nothing else could make me hope for, or in∣vite me to. Thereupon saluting my Prince with much humility and haste, he turn'd about his Horse, and followed the Tract of a Chariot with such celerity, that we soon lost sight of him. Artabbanes was so much taken with the good Meen and civility of the generous Stran∣ger, and so sympathized in his concerns, that he suspended his usual melancholly to entertain me with them, which yet he did but for a little time, and then in his accustomed manner, continued his journey hither, where we arrived without meeting any thing else worthy your knowledg, and where my King has received an Oracle; which makes me hope what I considered as an invention of mine, was an inspiration of the gods.

'Twas thus Symander ended the History of his King's Life, and then beg'd Pardon from his generous Hearers for the length of his Relation, and for all those faults he had been, or those omissions he might be guilty of.

Artavasdes and Callimmachus having both took notice with much ci∣vility of Symander, and acknowledged how well he had acquitted himself, went to Artabbanes in the Gallery; who, though they found in an excess of sadness, yet by the knowledg of its cause, they were so far from condemning, that they participated in it. But the good Callimmachus, who knew the gods promises to him, and their power of performing them on those two Subjects, endeavoured by the assi∣stance of Artavasdes, to change his sorrow into Faith, which yet prov'd but a fruitless attempt: For Artabbanes knew the utmost extension of Faith, was to act above reason, not against it; and therefore found in his own condition, two high a certainty of its admitting a change. Several days were spent in such successless employments, and to recover the two Princes out of a dangerous relapse into which they were fallen, whose cure had retarded their intended Sacrifice ordain'd them by the Oracle: But Callimmachus finding the Princes in per∣fect health, and esteeming it high time to obey the imposition of the gods, as also believing the Beauties of a little Forest in which the Temple of Adonis and the Vestal Nuns stood, might be some di∣version to their sorrows, invited them thither: It was not above forty furlongs from the Temple of Hierapolis, and a place of so much delight, that a Melancholly which was capable of ease might be certain of receiving it there. Artavasdes, who burnt with impa∣tience to make a journey into Parthia, to offer his Sword and Life unto Altezeera, which the words of one of his dying Enemies made him apprehend she stood in need of, would before this invitation have gone whither his love and duty called him, had his health permitted it; but now it did, and Artabbanes also (who he was unexpressibly troubled to leave:) a new difficulty arose which was like to interrupt his voy∣age

for a few days, which was, that those Arms he had wore at his coming to the Temple were too rich, and too well known to his Par∣thian Enemies (as by a fatal experiment it had near been demonstrated) to travel with them into a Countrey where his only safety would con∣sist in his not being discovered: To redress which inconveniency, he was forced to bespeak less-rich Arms in the City of Hierapolis (which is not above Ten furlongs from the Temple) and those not being like to be finished in a longer time than this journey would take up, he joyn'd his desires to Callimmachus's, which were so prevalent with Artabbanes, that he Promised to accompany him in that little journey, so that during it, Callimmachus would engage to acquaint them with his Story, which having done, he took leave of them for that Night, and the next morn∣ing early, he waited on them again. Though the way was but short, being yet too long to be performed without Horses, the generous Priest provided some for them as good as ever Arabia produced; and mounted on one of that Countrey himself, they set forth. They had not gone a Furlong, when the two Princes summoned Callimmachus of his promise, which he found a much easier thing to have made than to perform, and having testified this Truth by a few sighs, which a reflection on those fatal accidents he was going to relate extorted from him, he at length with a deep Melancholly, began the Relation of his Adventures, in these terms.

The End of the Fourth Part of Parthenissa.