Artamenes, or, The Grand Cyrus an excellent new romance / written by that famous wit of France, Monsieur de Scudery ... ; and now Englished by F.G., Gent.

The Historie of CLEOBULINE Queen of Corinth.

THough it be the custome of those who relate the lives of any one to begin a far off, and to give as large a Character of the Ancestors, as of the Party who is most con∣cerned in the adventure in hand, yet I do not intend to imitate them; therefore Sir, I shall only hint unto you in a concise method, that Periander the Queen of Corinths Fa∣ther was branched from the illustrious Race of Heraclides; that his valour had rendred him a Conquerour of his Dominions, though his Justice made him to raign quietly; that he had waged many glorious Wars, especially against those of Epidaurus, and that his great soul had made him merit the name of wise, as well as his courage had got him the name of valiant. After this, I shall tell you, that having lost the Queen, his wife, and two Sons, he died himself, and left the Princess his Daughter Queen of Corinth, at such an age as could not be imagined she could bear out her Royal Authority as she did: I know again Sir, that it is the custome lest Auditors should be surprized at the extraordinary me∣rits of a person, to relate how they were educated, and what they were taught, and to derive their Historie even from their very Cradle: But since it is the Queen of Corinth I am to speak, I will shew you her upon her Throne, and not mention her further then since she wore a Crown: Yet of her person Sir, since she is much embellished since you saw her, it is requisite I speak somthing; yet she is a little bigger then when you were at Corinth, for her stature could never reach unto the rank of the middle sort, but yet I as∣sure you Sir, she has all the Characters of Grandure and Majesty in her aspect, such as imprints fear and reverence in the hearts of all that look upon her, though this be a pri∣viledg which commonly is reserved only to such unto whom Nature hath given a high and lofty stature: But though Cleobuline be not so high as her heart is great, yet in exchange, she hath the fairest grey eyes that ere were seen, her hair the loveliest fair in the world, her garb and behaviour superlatively rare; and though her Nose be a little above the true exactness of proportion, yet her physiognomy is so Noble and Heroique, as it pleaseth infinitely, and as I said before, inspires reverence into the hearts of all beholders: But Sir, I do not only render her commendable unto you, by the graces of her person; but also by the grandure of her soul, the nobleness of her inclinations, the generosity of her heart, and the incomprehensible altitude of her wisdome and spirit: For it is most un∣questionably certain, that never any one living had greater and more admirable qualities then this Princess hath, she speaks unto all Ambassadors which come unto her Court in their own National language, and that with such eloquence, with so much ease, and in such a grace, as puts them all to admiration. Moreover, her knowledg is not limited to the languages which she speaks and writes as well as her own, but there is no manner of Science whereof she is not capable: Yet the thing which in my phancy merits most esteem is, that she hath such a venerable opinion of all persons that are either knowing or virtuous, or excellent in any Art, that at this very present she hath intelligencers in all places of the world to enquire out those who have any extraordinary merit, and by this means there is not any man of any transcendent parts who hath not tasted of her liberality: For Sir, be pleased to know, that this great Queen doth give, as if the Gods had established her to in∣rich all the knowing men in the world; and certainly she hath good reason for it to look upon them as her Subjects, since I am confident there is not one who does not respect her as if she were his legitimate Queen; she does not only give to those who ask her, but un∣to those who never pretend unto any thing, she gives quickly, she gives much, she gives

with a good will, she gives with joy, and liberality is a virtue, which she practiseth in such a Noble and Heroique manner, as she never thinks she gives too much: But the wonder of all is, that this virtue is no blinde hood-wink't virtue which bestowes without choice or discretion; but on the contrary, she gives only unto those whom she thinks do merit her gift, yet still measuring them by the rule of her own generosity, more then by the virtue of the Receivers; much rather chusing to give more then is deserved; then not to give as much as her Quality, and liberal inclination prompts her unto. Moreover, this virtue of liberality, which is so proper unto Kings and Princes, is not the only virtue which shines in her, but also she is exceedingly good, profoundly prudent, and exactly just, so just that she will violate all her strongest inclinations, rather then do the least in∣justice to the meanest of her Subjects; and if this virtue which is the very Basis of all o∣thers do at any time transgress, it is only when clemency prompts her to pardon some Noble Delinquent; indeed she knows so well how to mix the severity of Justice with the mildness of clemency, that from these two virtues do flow a milion of good effects, which makes her to be both feared and loved by all her people. Moreover, she is able to give advice; she is knowing in all affairs, and understands them so admirably well, that it is a hard matter to pose her in any thing; she never frequents any but magnificent Feasts in her Court, and stately recreations; but the predominate passion of her soul is Love unto the Sciences, and she may as well be called Queen of the Muses, as Queen of Corinth; and indeed they do in all places pay her homage, in perpetual Elogies and Panegeriques, both in Verse and Prose; the name of Cleobuline is celebrated in all places of the world, and her glory is above any additions. But Sir, to omit any relations of her Government, since we have nothing to do with the Politiques at this time: Be pleased to know, that there is a man in the same Court, whose name is Myrinthus, who is not originally a Co∣rinthian, since his Grandfather was a Laced••monian: This Myrinthus is a man of excel∣lent parts, for he is not only tall, handsome, fair, and of a good Garb, but he has as much heart, and as much Spirit as any one can have: He had also this advantage, that his Grandfather and Father having both of them very Noble Fortunes, both of them had the most honourable imployments in the State: By this means Myrinthus ever from his first budding in the world, had much familiarity both with the Queen, and with all the men of highest Quality in Corinth: 'Tis true; Myrinthus was of a very considerable Rank in his Country; yet the truth is also, that Fortune carried him higher then his birth, but never higher then his virtue: Yet Sir, he need not be looked upon as the only foundation of those honours which I shall tell you he received, since I am very confident, that the Queen of Corinth had some reason to say, one never loves, but because they cannot chuse and because there is some compulsive power which forceth us, whether we will or no to love and hate, without any help of our reason: But Sir, since in order unto my design I must discover a secret unto you which few know, a secret which doubtless the Queen of Corinth would not have you know; therefore I must tell you, that there is in our Court a Prince whose name is Basilides, a man doubtless very amiable, both for the Qualities of his person, for those of his wit, and those of his soul. Moreover, Basilides looked so neer the Crown, that by the Law he was to succeed Cleobuline, if she married not. Thus Prince had ever a most reverent and violent passion unto this Princess, but since she made her self feared as well as loved, the Rank she kept, did enjoyn him silence; yet I know very well that the Queen was not ignorant of his passion, though he never told her of it, and I am sure that if she did not love him, it was not because she was ignorant of his Love, but because her soul had a secret ingagement which she her self knew not of: For Sir, let me tell you, Cleobuline was born with a most strong inclination unto My∣rinthus: But that you may not wonder how I came to the knowledg of all these secret par∣ticulars, be pleased to know, that Stesilea who dwelt at Corinth, of whom you heard at Sinope, and who married the Brother of Philista, she, I say, was of confidence with the Queen a long time, and Philista being intimate with her, since her return from Corinth, I knew from her all these passages which I relate unto you: I know therefore Sir (as I told you) that none can have a stronger inclination to love another, then Cleobuline ever had to love Myrinthus, and this affection was so bred in her from the Cradle, as she percei∣ved not the greatness of it until she was a Queen: She knew before that the sight of My∣rinthus did please her more then the sight of any other, that his company did more divert her, that in her eye he had a better Garb then any in the Court, that his cloaths did bet∣ter become him, that he had a better grace then any else, that his Spirit was more pleasing,

ing, and that she esteemed him more then any she knew, but she thought all these to be pure effects of her reason, and of Myrinthus his merits, not thinking her inclination had any other ground: But the truth is, she loved him, and knew it not; and she went on so long in this error, that her flame could not be quenched when she discovered it: As for Myrinthus, the vast distance between the Quality of this Princess and himself, did so limit his veneration of her virtues, as that it did not produce those effects which per∣haps it would have done, if Cleobulines quality had been equal unto his; for he knew very well, that in all reason he could not look upon her, but only with an eye of respect, and not with the least thought of Love; he knew she was the most accomplished person upon earth, but this knowledg produced only of admiration, and if he did bear any af∣fection to her, it was only to her glory, and to do her service, but not unto her person; yet was he very officious in rendring most exact reverence unto this Princess, because be∣ing of a very ambitious temper, and knowing she was to be Queen, he conceived that she might advance his fortunes, and indeed he was not mistaken, for after Periander di∣ed, Cleobuline conferred upon him one of the greatest offices in the State; yet she did believe that in conferring it, he would execute the office better then another, and that what she did was conducible to her service: But she was not long in this ignorance of her own heart, for she began presently to conceive that she was not her own Mistress. Since Myrinthus had this Queen in high veneration, since he was obliged unto her, and since he expected much from her, doubtless he failed not in any thing of duty to her as the Queen of Corinth, yet she confessed since unto Stesilea and Philista, that somtimes, though she knew no reason for it, yet she was not satisfied with his obsequiousness, with his re∣spects and services, and that she was vexed at him though she did conceal it, and not be∣ing able to reach the cause, she knew not whereof to complain. Thus not knowing what her heart would have of Myrinthus, she only knew that she was not contented: But though these disorders did often take her, without any outward expressions of them, yet she could not believe that she was in Love with Myrinthus, and she had rather accuse her self of being phantastical, then of entertaining any such passions as that in her heart; yet for all that, she confessed, she had once some suspitions of such a thing, which she rejected with a strange violence; adding, that she would not admit of any ••uch thoughts into her soul, which she should be obliged to combat withall, and which she thought perhaps al∣ready that she could not easily vanquish: So that deluding her self, she continued loving Myrinthus, and would not know it; she never called her heart to give an accompt of its secresies, as at other times she used: So that in some sort submitting her reason unto the conduct of her passion, this illustrious heart was so ingaged to love Myrinthus, that when it would have disingaged it self, it was not in its power. In the mean time, Myrin∣thus was as happy as a man could be that was not in Love, for the Queen casting a favour∣able eye upon him, all the Court Courted him, and he tasted all the sweets that ambiti∣on useth to afford those whose projects prosper. Myrinthus never asked any thing of the Queen which he obtained not, and she often gave him when he did not ask, her ear was alwayes ready to his desires, all the friends of Myrinthus were sure to finde protection, and it may be said, that he was infinitely happy and knew it not. Basilides for his part, though he durst never speak a word of his passion unto the Queen, and he was not loved so well as he wished, yet he was not very miserable; for besides his hopes that time and his services might move her heart, he had this consolation also to know, that if ever she married, all reason and policy in the world would require she should marry him: So that contenting himself with that natural civility which this Princess used towards him, he li∣ved in tranquility enough, his hopes of being hereafter loved, sweetning his sorrows for not being loved at the present. As for the Queen, it may be said, that she had neither Roses nor Thorns in her Love; for she had neither the sweetness to be loved, or almost to know that she loved, nor was she stung with that restless anguish which that passion often procures, since she was neither angry, nor impatient, nor jealous, yet she was not long in this serenity of soul, which kept her ignorant of her hearts ingagement, and she soon perceived that Love is a most dangerous passion. But Sir, to let you know how the Queen of Corinth came to know the state of her own heart, be pleased to understand Sir, that Basilides had a Sister named Philimena, who then was one of the greatest Ornaments of the Court; not that her beauty was so exact, but because she had such a sweet agree∣ment of features as was preferable before beauty: Philimena was of a brown complexion, yes extreamly brown, she was rather little then great, every part of her face was not re∣gularly

handsome by it self, but being put together, she was fair and infinitely charming, she had bright, sweet, and lively eyes, her mouth was infinitely handsome, her teeth were admirable, and had a plumpness which gave her an ayr of youth that did extreamly well become her: But above all these, she had such a kinde of sweet Gallantry in her person, as she pleased all that saw her. Moreover, she had an attractive Spirit, and such a Spirit as was able to keep those Conquests which her beauty made: You may well imagine Sir, that Philimena having the honour to be the Queens Cozen, and being Mistress of so much merit, that she was often with her, and that there was no Feast in the Court whereat she was not: So that by this means Myrinthus did see Philimena every day, either with the Queen, or at her own lodging, or in some other place. But at last Sir, he saw her so often, that he saw her too often, for he fell most desperately in Love with her: Since as I told you, he was naturally ambitious, he never opposed a passion which had such a No∣ble cause, nor ever went about to hide it, not being sorry they should report him to be in Love with the Sister of that man, who in all likelyhood was to marry the Queen; so that finding in one person a fit sublect to satisfie his love and ambition both, he applied himself highly to Court Philimena; but the best conceipt was, that he built all the hap∣py success of his design upon the Queens favour, never dreaming what thoughts she had of him; yet he did not carry it at the first as pretending to marry her, but as a man, who preferred her before all the Court, and could not chuse but love her: Since he thought it would avail him, that the Queen should think him in love with Philimena, hoping that she would further the business, he was as forward to make the Queen know it, as Phili∣mena, knowing that Basilides would not deny the Queen any favour, and so he thought the enjoyment of Philimena did depend as much upon Cleobuline, as upon Philimena her self.

Myrinthus then having these thoughts, was excreamly diligent to make the Queen be∣lieve him as amorous as he was, and lost no opportunity to perswade her that he was not able to live without Philimena, he would somtimes on set purpose when Philimena was with the Queen, fail in those respects which he owed unto Cleobuline, onely to let her see the greatnesse of his affection to Philimenat: You may imagine Sir how the Queen was troubled at this knowledg, I assure you it was so great, as now she knew what she was ignorant of before, for she could never tell what was in her heart, until Myrinthus thus loved Philimena. But as soon as it appeared to be Love, there was no possibility of hiding this passion of her soul from her self, and she had enough to do to hide it from others; she would not at first believe her own thoughts, but did strive to be∣lieve that the reason why the love of Myrinthus to Philimena did vex her, was because his design was too rash, and with too little respect unto her: Yet she had no sooner accused Myrinthus of rashness, but she found somthing else in her heart, all her thoughts were in such a ravelled disorder, as she was fain to examine them one after another, to know what it was From whence proceeds (said she to her self, and called all her thoughts to an account) this great turbulency in my heart, since Philimena conquered the heart of Myrinthus? What interest have I in the Conquest, that I should desire to oppose it? and what expect I from a man whom Fortune hath made so much my inferiour? I know not well what I would have (said she and chid her self) but I know very well that I would not have him love Philimena: But can it be possible I should love Myrinthus more then I thought I did? Myrinthus who who is a thousand degrees below me, Myrinthus who loves not me, nor thanks be to the Fates knows that I love him: No; fie, fie, Cleobuline is not capable of so much weakness, she is too zealous an adorer of glory to love Myrin∣thus, though he should infinitely love her.

At these words Cleobuline stopt, and was a while in examination of her self; but not being able to be her own Judg, she broke out into expressions again: However (said she and blusht) this same Cleobuline who is such a lover of glory, and who thought she had not loved Myrinthus, cannot endure that he should love Philimena, and finds somthing in her heart which tells her, she should not be sorry if he loved Cleobuline: But what's this I say? (said she and reprehended her self) am I in my wits? and can I approve of my own thoughts? No, no, I utterly disclaim them if they be unworthy of my self, I will magnanimously contend with my self for my own glory; and since all the world com∣mends me, I will not give them any cause to blame me: Surmount Cleobuline this 〈…〉〈…〉sila∣nimity which thou hast discovered in thy heart; and never consent that the Daughter of the wise Periander should be capable of so much folly, nor that the Daughter of a great and valiant King should be so poorly base. But is Love a voluntary thing? (said this Prin∣cess

to her self) Is it not a passion? And yet I argue as if one might love or hate, whom, and when, and how they please. Oh you most just Gods (cried she out) I would what I say now were true? and that I could hate Myrinthus? 'Tis much better to be unjust then weak: Proclaim war against thy self Cleobuline, and to make the Conquest more easie, imagine, that Myrinthus hath done thee an injury, to respect thee as he hath done; and that he hath affronted thee by loving Philimena, that he was obliged to guess at those thoughts which you had of him, and to answer them, and let him pass for a perfidious and ungrateful man, who should know that you loved him and he never love you: But alas, said she, how can I accuse Myrinthus? He does not love me, 'tis true; but the reason is because he thinks that he ought not to presume to love me, if he had any suspition that I loved him, had he not then done me wrong? and had I not good cause to be offended at him? of what then can I accuse Myrinthus? can I accuse him of any rash∣ness in loving Philimena, since I think him not worthy to look upon my self? If I must finde a cause, (said she) either in him or my self to hate him, or at least not to love him: Is it not cause enough; that he is the cause of that weakness whereof I accuse my self? Is it not a sufficient cavse to drive him from my heart, that he disturbs the tranqui∣lity of my life? Banish him then couragiously Cleobuline from that place where he does not know he is, and raign over thy self as Soveraignly as over thy Subjects. After this violent contest; this Princess thinking that she did not love Myrinthus, because she de∣sired it, did what she could to keep close unto her resolutions, and to gain that victory at one blow, and put her self to the last test, she appointed many daies of Hunting, and other recreations, where Philimena and Myrinthus alwayes were; she gave the Bal•• unto Philimena very often, thinking to accustome her self to see Myrinthus with Philimen••, without any other sorrow or interest. Thus striving to quench that flame which burned in her heart towards Myrinthus, she augmented the flames of Myrinthus to Philimena, by giving him so many occasions of seeing her; and she her self would somtimes cause Phili∣mena to answer the affection of Myrinthus; for indeed, since Cleobuline intended to con∣quer her self, during these three daies of feasting and diversions, she expressed as much friendship unto Myrinthus, as he expressed love to Philimena: So that by this means the fair and young Philimena seeing her Lover in such favour with the Queen, did also look upon him with a more gracious eye. Basilides, who feared nothing more then to displease Cleobuline, durst not express any mislike that Myrinthus courted his Sister. Thus the Queen, without any conquest of her self, helped Myrinthus to conquer the heart of Philimena, who certainly esteemed him with as much affection as her virtue would permit her.

But whilst Cleobuline was contributing unto the felicity of Myrinthus, she disturbed her own; for the more she saw him, the less able she saw her self to cease loving him, and to en∣dure she should love Philimena, when she saw him talk in a low voice unto that fair & young Lady, she would change colour, her heart would beat a Lovers pace, and suspecting that he was expressing his affection, her soul suffered inexpressible tortures: If he at any time chanced to commend Philimena, she was strangely troubled, and if Philimena com∣mended Myrinthus, Cleobuline could not hold from contradicting her, though she e∣steemed Myrinthus above all the world. In the mean time, though the Queen found a strange rebellion in her heart, and that there was a continual contrariety betwixt her rea∣son and her self, yet she did obstinately strive many daies to vanquish her passion; but at last, she found that all her attempts were in vain, and that the most she could do was to hide it; and she thought that also to be a piece of difficulty, unless she should hide her self and all: And indeed Cleobuline not being able to restrain her self, did feign sickness, to the end she might not see either Myrinthus or Philimena, hoping still that this absence from them might recover her liberty, yet this restraint and retreat had not that operation which she 〈◊〉〈◊〉: For when Myrinthus was out of her sight, she imagined him alwayes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the 〈…〉〈…〉 Philimena: So that in he•• of releasing her mind, she did the more ingage it. 〈…〉〈…〉, that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 desiring to know where Myrinthus was, she would send seve∣〈…〉〈…〉 office, and still she was told, that they found him 〈…〉〈…〉 blowed by the bellows of jealousie, in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈…〉〈…〉 that she would accuse her own folly and 〈…〉〈…〉 a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 much in her favour, and more in her 〈…〉〈…〉 would have her with her even at those 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈…〉〈…〉, since this Princess 〈…〉〈…〉

turally merry, Stesilea much wondred to see her so melancholy, not being able to imagine what the cause was, for she was infinitely adored by all her people, peace and abundance did flow over all parts of her Dominious, all her Neighbours States did highly esteem her, her reputation reached over all the world, and there was nothing visible which could molest her happiness: So that Stesilea seeing such an alteration in the Queen, re∣solved to take the liberty of asking her the cause, at the first opportunity which offered it self; and she was not long before she found it, for the Queen did her self give it one night when they were alone together: Tell me truly Stesilea, said the Princess to her, Do you not desire to know the cause of my melancholy? Did I as well know how to di∣vine your Majesties thoughts, replied she, as you do mine, I should quickly satisfie my curiosity of knowing what it is that troubles you: The truth is Madam, the condition wherein I see you makes me most sadly inquisitive, for knowing you to be wise and pru∣dent, I am most confident you are not melancholy without a cause, and not knowing what it is which disquiets you, I thought it the duty of my love to you, to be sorry in your behalf.

Cleobuline hearing Stesilea speak so feelingly, and knowing that she did love her with m••c•• tenderness, she resolved to unburthen her heart, since it was not possible that any one soul should contain all those resentments which she had of her own glory, of her love to Myrinthus, and of her jealousie of Philimena: But since she was strangely a∣shamed of her own weakness, she drew the Tissue Curtain of that bed whereon she sate, to the end that darkness might hely her in discovering unto Stesilea those torments of her soul. After that, she had prepared Stesilea with a long preamble, and Stesilea had pro∣mised inviolable fidelity, she began to speak as if she had committed some horrid crime: You have good reason Stesilea (said she unto her) to say I am changed from what I was; for the truth is, I am not that woman whom all the world takes me to be; I know very well that I have the happiness of a reputation high enough, and that all Princes do either esteem me, or look upon me with an eye of envy, yet I must tell you, tha•• if they knew my heart, they would look upon me either with an eoe of pity, or else with an eye of scorn: Oh Madam (replied Stesilea) the last of these can never be: Yes, replied the Queen, sooner then the first, if my condition were but known: But Stesilea, the great∣est comfort of my misfortune is, that I hope none will ever know it, and that though I tell it unto you, yet it will sleep in eternal oblivion. Certainly Madam you may be con∣fident, answered Stesilea, that I will never reveal any secret which you shall honour me with the participation; therefore I beseech your Majesty to tell me what it is which dis∣quiets you, that I may endeavour a remedy. As soon as I offer to open my mouth, re∣plied Cleobuline, to tell you the cause of my misery, anger and shame shuts it again: I cannot finde words to express my thoughts, and I do finde such a confusion in all my thoughts, that I can give no order unto my words; one while I would desire you to ex∣cuse my folly, before I acquaint you what it is; somtimes I have a desire to tell what the matter is and presently after I alter my mind, and resolve to tell you nothing at all; therefore my dear Stesil••a, if you can guess what the cause of my grief is: But hold (said she and reprehended her self) I would not have you guess, and though you have some such suspition, I conjure you not to tell it, for if you should guess it, I should believe all the world might do the like, and so I should be the most miserable Princess upon earth. Since Stesilea naturally had a passionate soul, she knew by the manner of the Queens dis∣course, that love was that cause of her sorrows, but yet she could not imagine with whom it should be that she was in Love, but very sweetly replied, that since she desiree to know no farther then she was pleased to allow her, she would not dive deeper into the business then her Majesty pleased: Though I am perswaded, (said she) that one may impart all things unto one that is faithful: But Madam (said she purposely to serue out the secret) what can it be that is so di••••••cult to be discovered? All the world knows all your actions to be innocent and most illustrious, and if you be culpable in any thing, certainly there is none that can testifie against you but your self, and that perhaps for entertaining some thoughts which were too high: Oh Stesilea, replied the Queen, ambition is no part of my crime, were I as f••ee from all other passions as from that, my soul would be at more tranquility; but since I must tell you that which I cannot conceal, know Stesilea, that there is one in the world, who whether I will yr no, hath such a share in my heart, as that I cannot hate him, though I would, and though I have a strange desire unto it: I thought (replied Stesilea) that your Majesty had some horrid design to subvert all the Lawes of

your Dominions, to begin some unjust war, and to establish some tyrannical Government, since you did so highly accuse your self; but for ought I see you are culpable of nothing, unless in that you will not permit one to adore you, or in that you have not hated some il∣lustrious Slave, who doubtless doth love and adore you with a most reverent passion: Ah Stesilea, said Cleobuline, my fate is worse then you imagine it, and since I must discover the very root of my heart unto you, know, that I love one who knows it not, and one who loves another, yet such is the violence of my Love; that I cannot chuse but love him, nor can I endure he should love another, though I would not have him know I love him, nor that he should ever tell me that he loves me, though he did; I pray therefore judg Stesilea, whe∣ther my condition be not deplorable; and whether I have not good reason to be much a∣shamed of my weakness: Since I cannot condemn your Majesty (replied Stesilea) un∣less I should condemn my self, I beseech you give me leave to tell you, that I cannot ac∣cuse you at all, for since I know you are not ignorant of my cruel disaster at Jalissa, where I fell in love with a man, who made me the confident of his affection unto another, I thought good then to accuse and condemn my self as your Majesty doth: But I most hum∣bly beseech you Madam, who is this happy man that hath made this illustrious Conquest? This Conquerour, replied Cleobuline, is the Slave of Philimena: Judg therefore Stesilea, if I have not good reason to be ashamed, for though I know you are culpable of the same crime that I am, yet I cannot excuse my self, and to say the truth, there is some diffe∣rence betwixt you and me, for he whom you loved was your equal, and you were not ob∣liged to render an accompt of your actions unto any but your self: But Ste∣silea, I must render an accompt of mine unto all the world, I have a transcendent glory to preserve, and I prefer that glory above my life; yet I love one of my Subjects above my self, and which is worse, I love him, and am not loved, but sees him desperately in love with another; had I so much happiness as to be so blinded by my passion, that I could think my self in no fault, I should be less miserable, and more excuseable, but to my torment, the Gods have left me so much reason as to see my own weakness, and yet have not left me power enouhg to surmount it: But Madam, replied Stesilea, to justifie you by your own words, is it not sufficient to stop all accusations, that you have done all you were able to subdue the passion of your soul? For truly Madam, I cannot conceive that virtue consists in having no passions, Nature gives them unto all, and they can never be totally subdued but by death; I am confidently perswaded, that so these passions prompt us not unto any thing which is against true glory, we are not culpable, though we cannot subdue them; therefore Madam, in lieu of accusing you, as you do your self, you ought to be commended, for striving so couragiously against that which is the most powerful of all passions; and you ought to consider with a little more tranquility, which way you may vanquish them, or render them less intollerable. As for vanquishing them, replied the Queen, I will never hope for it, though I am resolved to strive as long as I live; and as for making them less intollerable, the way is very difficult to be found. Moreover Stesi∣lea, there is one thing which doth extremely torment me, for I am perswaded that if My∣rinthus knew my thoughts of him, they would stagger his sidelity unto Philimena; and somtimes again I have thoughts, that the Crown I wear keeps him from loving me: I be∣lieve I have an infallible way to make him break off with Philimena, but it is a way I will never take, for there is nothing in the world I fear more, then that Myrinthus should know I love him: Then Madam, said Stesilea, What will content you? That I had never loved Myrinthus, replied she: For to talk of ceasing from loving him, is to talk of a thing impossible, neither my heart nor my reason will ever consent unto it: Then Madam, re∣plied Stesilea, I cannot easily think you can be in such a miserable condition, but you may finde out wayes to be happpie: Truly Stesilea, replied Cleobuline, the state of my fortune is such, that I know no way to happiness, but only to wish it: For since the fate of My∣rinthus is not sit to be a King, I cannot be any thing else but a lump of misfortunes, yet I do conceive somthing that would render me somthing less miserable then I am: I beseech you Madam, said Stesilea, what is it that will be any ease unto your misery? I would have Myrinthus (said she) not to love Philimena, but would have him love me, but love me without ever telling me of it, or without ever knowing that I love him, and I would have all the world ignorant of that passion which was in our souls: I pray judg then Ste∣silea, whether there be any possibility of my happiness, truly I can never pretend unto so 〈…〉〈…〉ch as to hope it, all that I wish is, that Myrinthus did not love Philimena; yet truly I 〈…〉〈…〉told you my wish, but shame moves me to alter my opinion, for I feel my

love to Myrinthus converts it self into hatred against my self, and that my jealousie of Philimena turns fury against my own reason; therefore Stesilea, I will pause a while un∣til second thoughts have better digested my first, and until I am better resolved upon what I would have you do: This is a most certain and infallible Maxime which is for ever unal∣terable, that I will never do any thing that shall be opposite unto glory, and that My∣rinthus shall never know that I love him. After this, Stesilea had a long conference with Cleobuline, at the conclusion of which nothing was resolved upon; yet this Queen found some ease in her spirits, since she had discharged her heart unto Stesilea, whose tender and passionate soul was very fit to be a confident of such a Noble passion, and ever since she was inseparable from the Queen, who could not live without her: So that according to the custome of all Courts, which is, that as soon as any is admitted into the favour of the Kings or Queens, they are Courted by all the Court: So Stesilea by her new admittance into the Queens favour, was loadened with civilities and addresses: Basilides himself was very compliant with her, and among the rest Myrinthus, as powerful as he was with the Queen, yet Courted the friendship of Stesilea, to the end she might procure him that Queens consent unto his design of marrying Philimena; so that by this means she was upon very good terms with Myrinthus, who not knowing the cause of this new favor, did attribute it as all the rest of the Court did, unto the merit of Stesilea, and unto the recommendati∣on of the Princess Eumetis; with whom she spent all the beginning of her life. Thus Myrinthus not knowing the true cause of those many favours wherewith the Queen ho∣noured Stesilea, did Court her favour, in hopes of her doing him a good office by fa∣vouring his design. Moreover, in order unto this design, he became more obsequious, more exact, more respectful, and more compliant about the Queen; but the more re∣gularly he demeaned himself, the more did her love and her jealousie both begin to flame; the more obsequious he was, the more she thought him amiable; but also considering that his reason for being so officious about her was, only because he was every day more in love with Philimena, a spiteful jealousie did so rouze her heart, as she phancied as much pleasure in hindering Myrinthus from marrying Philimena, as this Lover did in enjoying her, So that consulting about it one day with Stesilea, she both prayed her, and conju∣red her, to contribute all her endeavours unto the breaking off of this match: I know well (said she unto her) that I can do it my self by virtue of my Soveraign authority, but there is two strong reasons which restrain me: The first is, because I am extreamly afraid that Myrinthus would guess at the cause, and therefore I will not run that hazard: The second is, (if I could not do it without a blush) because I would not have Myrin∣thus hate me, as doubtless he would, if he should know it to be I who broke off his mar∣riage; therefore Stesilea, I conjure you to imploy all your wits to make him alter his opi∣nion of Philimena, or at least to keep him from marrying her; not that I do intend that Myrinthus shall ever know I love him, though you should effect my desired project; but it is so great a pleasure unto any one who is in love, to quash any passion that shall oppose their own, as I would do any thing in the world to see Myrinthus out of love with Philimena: I profess Stesilea (said she) if you can drive her out of the heart of Myrin∣thus, you shall have as great a share in my heart almost as he hath; for then I imagine I shall with less pain hide that passion which thus rants it in my heart, I shal more easily van∣quish it, or at the least shall love him less.

Stesilea hearing Cleobuline express her self so earnestly, did promise all her endeavours for her satisfaction, and ineeed she omitted no opportunity of transacting it: Since she knew Myrinthus to be very ambitious, she undertook one day to perswade him, that to marry so soon was the only way to choak all his ambitious thoughts, since Fortune is al∣wayes more favourable unto those who are not married, then unto those who are: After∣wards, she told him he was undiscreet, in thinking of any alliance with a Prince whom the Queen loved not, and that if he would take her counsel, she would advise him to devote himself inseparably to the Queen, without any thoughts of any other interest. But since Myrinthus was chained in the Fetters of Love, the policie of Stesilea did not relish; and though he was very ambitious, yet he could not fear what she desired he should; there∣fore he told her, that he should not recede from the interests of the Queen by marrying Philimena; but on the contrary, should more adhere unto them, since she was the Sister of a man, who must almost of necessity (if ever the Queen marry) marry her: So that Stesilea seeing she could not work upon the spirit of Myrinthus, seemed to yeeld unto his opinion, to the end he might still think her one of his friends: And she plotted another

stratagem to ruine his passion, which was: to intimate unto Philimena by a friend of hers, who was very intimate with her, that she did her self the greatest wrong in the world, by thinking to marrie Myrinthus, who though indeed he was a verie accomplished man, yet was of too inferious qualitie for her. But since Philimena's soul was more sensible of Myrinthus his merits, then of any ambition, this counsel was given in vain: So that Ste∣silea seeing she could no way quench these flames of affection in either of them, yet she re∣solved to hinder their marriage, and thought she had found an excellent way for it. I told you alreadie Sir, that Basilides did verie much Court the friendship of Stesilea, to the end she might do some good offices to the Queen, of whom he extremely doted. And I also told you, that the reason why he did not thwart the affection of Myrinthus to Philimena, was because he feared to incense the Queen, by crossing the man that was so much in favour with her: Now I must tell you Sir, that Stesilea could not devise any bet∣ter way to choak the designs of Myrinthus, then by Basilides: So that talking one day with him, she ordered her discourse so handsomly, that she began to talk of Myrinthus, and his love to Philimena. After this, Stesilea did so prepare his Spirit, that she ingaged him unto her desires, and moved him to ask her what the Queen thought of that business. Stesilea finding that Basilides was brought unto her own bow, she went on as handsomly as she begun: At first she told him, that she did not verie well know the Queens thoughts, and that if she did, yet she ought not to tell them; afterwards, yeelding by degrees unto the request of Basilides, she made him swear a thousand oaths to be faithful unto her: After that, she told him, how she knew certainly that this marrying would displease the Queen, and that the Queen wished with all her heart it were broken off, without her be∣ing seen it. Alas Stesilea (said Basilides to her) the matter had never gone so far, if I had not feared the Queens displeasure in opposing it: But since you assure me, that she doth not approve of this marriage, and that I shall not incur her disfavour by breaking it off, it shall be quickly quashed.

Stesilea hearing Basilides speak with so much violence, feared lest some quarrel should be betwixt Myrinthus and him; therefore to prevent any such disaster, she told him fur∣ther, that he should not by any means cross these designs with a noise, because the Queen would not take it well that Myrinthus should be openly affronted, but that his best course would be to make use of the Princess his Mother to command Philimena from any thoughts of Myrinthus, and to treat him as a man whom she would never mar••ie. Ba∣silides followed Stesilia's counsel with a thousand thanks, not thinking that in breaking of the marriage of Myrinthus, he transacted against himself. In the mean time, Stesilia's stratagem was not long before it took effect, for Basilides having set on the Princess his Mother, Philimena was put into a strange perplexitie: Since she did most tenderly affect Myrinthus, she could not upon any terms resolve to treat him ill. Also being exceeding∣ly tender of her glorie, she was verie loath to disobey the commands of a Mother: So that taking the middle way, and that she might neither lose Myrinthus, nor disobey the Prin∣cess her Mother, she resolved to acquaint him with the commands which was upon her: At first she had much ado to resolve upon this course, knowing verie well that she could not do it without being very obliging towards him: But at last, love being predominate, she resolved to tell him, and to desire him he would see her no more; and all this in such obliging language, as she had not ingaged him so much to see her, if she had absolutely commanded it; for he made a thousand vowes that he would see her in spite of all the world, and told her peremptorilie, that he would leave her; yet Philimena would not upon any terms let him see her at her own lodging; but in lieu therefore they agreed to see each other at the Queens. Thus Stesilea in doing this Princess a good office one way, did her an ill one another way, for she helped her unto the object which of all the world she least desired to see, to wit, Myrinthus often with Philimena: But afterwards, Basilides being assured by Stesilea, that the Queen desired that the marriage might be broken off, he ob∣liged the Princess his Mother to carry Philimena into the Country, so that this absence was an intolerable torment to Myrinthus, yet he was not a sufferer by himself, and per∣haps this is the 〈…〉〈…〉that ev〈…〉〈…〉 the absence of a Rival caused sorrow; yet certainly Cleo∣bul•••• could not 〈◊〉〈◊〉 upon Myrinthus so sad for the absence of Philimena, without ex∣treme passage happened which was a great addition to her per∣〈…〉〈…〉, that she being obliged to make a great Feast for the en∣〈…〉〈…〉 Ambassadors which came to her Court, Myrinthus appeared in such 〈…〉〈…〉if he were neither to see, or be seen by any, he thinking that since

Philimena was not there: it was no matter for dressing himself; and knowing that she had a friend in Court who would send her word of every passage, he hoped that this his negligence would be recompenced another way, not fearing at all that the Queen would interest her self in it. In the mean time, this trivial passage do so incense her sorrows, as somtimes she was in hopes not to love him any longer; but this hope was quickly quasht. Did ever any see such an odd adventure? (said she one night unto Stesilea) all that I ever do to cure my self, or to comfort me, doth more augment my miserie: The absence of Philimena, from which I hoped for such sweetness, causeth nothing but bitterness; and I had rather see Philimena, then see that sorrow for her in the face of Myrinthus: Is it possible I should be capable of such phantastical thoughts? I am confident, that those who see me enter into any Closet so often by my self, do think that I am meditating upon some grand designs, and that the good of the state is all my thoughts: Yet weak woman, that I am busied only in thinking whether Myrinthus be sad or pleasant, whether Myrinthus be handsom or negligent in his cloaths: Ah Cleobuline, what thoughts are these? Call to memory what heretofore thou wast: Read over all the Elogies that were presented to thee, to the end they may put thee in mind of deserving them, and be unto thy self the same thou seemest to be unto others: Thou art talked on over all the world, as if thou wert a Lover of virtue and glorie, and yet thou lovest Myrinthus who loves not thee, though thou knowest verie well, that thou canst not do it without doing that which is un∣worthy of thy qualitie: Thou lovest Myrinthus, I say, who loves none but Philimena, and who ought not to enjoy thy affection, though he did love thee as well as he loves her: Be thy own Judg Cleobuline, what baseness of soul it is to do as thou dost: Con∣sider seriously with thy self, what abundance of folly it is to be a Slave unto thy own un∣ruly passions: Remember how the wise Periander thy Father hath told thee a thousand and a thousand times, that tranquility of mind was the greatest goodness; that this tran∣quilitie of mind was in the soul, like health to the body, without which one could not en∣joy any manner of pleasure: Recall thy memorie, and think how he told thee, that the love of glory was the only innocent passion; quench those flames of affection which is in thy soul unto Myrinthus; consider, that thy whole rest and glorie consists in conquering thy self, and thy crime does lie close in the secret corners of thy soul, yet it will pro∣cure thee as much shame as if it were publique: How canst thou without a blush receive those commendations which are given thee, since thou knowest thy self unwor∣thy of them? How canst thou enjoy the esteem of others, when thou dost not esteem thy self? Consider Cleobuline, consider seriously, that if Myrinthus whom thou thus adorest, and so tenderly loves, did but know of thy pusilanimious affection to him, he would e∣steem thee less, and perhaps scorn thee; never be so simple as to think, that if he knew of thy affection to him, he would then quit Philimena; but be confident on the contrary, that he would hate thee, It seems Madam, (saies Stesilea and interrupted her) that love is a passion which you are not acquainted with, since you think to vanquish it by reason or violence: Alas my dear Stesilea (said she unto her) with what other armes would you have me vanquish my self? Would you have me submit and render my self without a∣ny resistance? No Madam (replied Stesilea) but in wishing you to ruine your passion, I would not have you ruine your self: But Stesilea, replied she, what would you have a person do, whose heart is as full of shame as love, as full of jealousie as shame, and as full of anger as jealousie? What would you have a Princess do, who has a thousand opposite thoughts in her soul? Who would somtimes alwayes see Myrinthus, and somtimes again never see him; who somtimes wisheth she knew how he loves him, and who in a minute after believe, that she should die for shame if he did know it, who hates Philimena with as much violence as she loves Myrinthus, and who often hates her self, even unto death? Somtimes my dear Stesilea, all the extraordinary passages in History caused by Love comes into my memory. I finde some Kings of Egypt, who have made Slaves Queens; and I think I have read of some Queens who have made Slaves Kings: From hence my reason wandered, and looked upon Myrinthus as one of Noble Qualitie and extraordinary merit; I thought his hand strong enough to hold up the weight of a Scepter, and that he who raigns in my heart might well reign in my Kingdomes. But after these fond and unworthy imaginations had roven in my mind, my reason began to rouze, and disperse those mud∣die Clouds which obscured it, and made me so abhor my own thoughts, that I hated both her who entertained them, and him also who was the subject of them; judg then Stesilea, what a restless life I l••ve; and the greatest horror of all is, that in the conclusion of all my

raptures, I still find Myrinthus innocent, and Myrinthus worthy of my esteem: For truly he is a man of courage, spirit, and fidelity, and if I could not look upon him as my subject I had all the reasons in the world to be contented with him, yet I complain and know not why I accuse and justifie him, I excuse and condemn my self all at once; yet there is al∣wayes in my heart such a desire of glory, as often moves me, maugre the violence of my passion, to render thanks unto the Gods that Myrinthus loves me not, though this be the thing which most of any thing upon earth grieves me. But I had no sooner rendred thanks unto them for such a cruel favour, then I was readie to petition, that they would inspire the heart of Myrinthus with the same passion that they did mine. Thus being tossed from one turbulent thought unto another, I found not rest in any. After all these violent expressions, the Queen was silent: At last she told Stesilea, that she thought it so unworthy a thing to take so much fruitless pains in breaking off the marriage of My∣rinthus, as she would meddle no further in it, but was resolved to leave it to a hazard a while: For I am perswaded (said she) that I do but augment the love of Myrinthus by all my obstacles.

This resolution being pitched upon, Stesilea ceased her negotiations. In the mean while, Myrinthus, whose passion would never let him rest, endeavoured to gain Basilides who indeed was perswaded by one of his friends, that for the advancement of his de∣signs upon the Queen, it extremely concerned him not to incense Myrinthus, who was so gracious with her; but yet he was at a stand in the business, for he knew by Stesilea that the Queen did not approve of his design to marrie Philimena; yet he himself knew, that one could not be more in her favour then he was, and therefore he thought it con∣cerned him to link him unto his interests: So endeavouring not to appear in consenting unto a marriage which the Queen disliked, and not to hinder Myrinthus, he resolved to trust him, and to tell him upon what reasons he opposed his design, not caring to sacri∣fice his Sister unto his Love. After the place where they might talk in secret was appoint∣ed, Basilides told Myrinthus, that the reason why he opposed his affection was, because Stesilea assured him that the Queen did not approved of it: After which, linking their in∣terests together, Myrinthus promised Basilides to serve him in all things that he was able, and Basilides promised Myrinthus not to oppose him any more, provided he got the Queens approbation. In the mean while, Basilides to begin his favours, caused Philime∣na to return unto Corinth, upon some slight colour of the business. But as the grief which the Queen saw in the countenance of Myrinthus during Philimena's absence did muh perplex her; so the joyes which she saw in him at her return, did drive her into ab∣solute dispair.

Yet for all this, the satisfaction of Myrinthus was not over-full of tranquilitie, for now knowing that the Queen was not ignorant of his design, he found it more difficult to bring it to pass, then when he thought Basilides only did oppose him: It was in vain to search out the cause, for he saw that he was as much in her favour as ever; and he did not so much as ever suspect, that she thwarted his passion, only because he was too deep in her heart; yet he thought it his best course to seem as if he were ignorant of her disapproving of his passion; and he thought also, that if he had as much confident boldness as to ask her favour unto his design, that perhaps she would not deny it. Thus after he had well consulted upon the matter with Basilides and with Philimena, it was resolved that he should take that course, and a verie favourable opportunitie did offer it self, since Myrinthus had done a verie considerable piece of service to the Queen, in negotiating with Ambassa∣dors from Lacedemonea, who were then at Corinth, which he transacted with so much wisdom and spirit, that it may well be said he prevented a great and dangerous War. My∣rinthus spoke not a word of his design unto Stesilea; for since she was not so open-brest∣ed to him as Basilides, he had no mind to speak unto her of it, lest she should disswade him, or else by her telling Cleobuline of it, she might have more cause to deny him, by giving time to studie her reasons for not consenting unto his desires. After he had well thought upon it, he went one morning to the Queen at such an houre, when he knew he might have the conveniencie of talking with her, and he went with abundance of hopes to speed well; for when he remembred what honours he had received from this Princess, the great offices she had given him, and all things she had done for him, it could not sink into his belief, that she would deny him the only thing which crowned all his felicities; therefore he resolved that if he found any difficulty in obtaining his desires, then to ag∣gravate his affection unto Philimena in such a manner unto Cleobuline, that she should see

he could not live without her. Myrinthus then having thus resolved upon the matter, and being come unto the Queen, he behaved himself as he was wont, when he had busi∣ness of importance to talk on: So that Cleobuline gave him the opportunitie of talking with her in private, without the least suspition of the truth, imagining he would tell her somthing which related unto his office; but she wondered, when she knew by the verie first words of Myrinthus that she was mistaken: Did I not know Madam, (said he un∣to her) that I have the honour to be known very well unto your Majestie, I should have cause to fear, that in lieu of granting me a most humble Petition, which I intend to pre∣sent unto you, that you should accuse me of rashness, and of extreme ambition. After all that I have done for you Myrinthus, replied she, I have verie little reason to accuse you of rashness; and I must confess, I cannot understand what you can desire of me, which may move me to think you ambitious: Yet Madam I am strangely afraid your Ma∣jestie should mistake one passion for another, and that I having an intention to beg your Majesties leave to love Philimena, and to protect me against Basilides, you should think me not contented with your benefits, but that I would draw others upon my self by this illustrious alliance: But Madam, I must protest, that ambition is not the cause of my bold∣ness; and if I had only that passion in my soul, I should certainly be the happiest man a∣live: For indeed Madam, you have honored me with so many offices, and put me upon such glorious imployments, that I know not how to wish any greater: But Madam, if your Majestie will be pleased to let me open my heart, to the end I may excuse my bold∣ness, I shall tell you, that Love is the tyrannical passion of my soul, which moves me to Petition your Majestie with abundance of earnestness to grant my desire: If you had been only ambitious, (replied Cleobuline and blusht) you should sooner obtain your desires; for since I am as well able to satisfie the gusts of that passion, as you can desire them, I should perhaps continue on my favours to you; but to interest me in matters of Love, and such a Love as yours, this Myrinthus is a thing which I cannot meddle in: Many reasons, best known unto my self, which I cannot impart unto you, makes me dislike your desired Marriage, yet not that I think you unworthy of Philimena: For to testifie unto you (ad∣ded she) being transported with raptures of Love) that I do not deny my assent out of any disadvantageous thoughts of you, I do confer upon you the best office in my Domini∣ons, which you became vacant of lately. Alas Madam, replied Myrinthus, rather command me to surrender all those honours you have formerly conferred upon me, then deny me Philimena. Since Love is often a fading passion, replied she, and since ambition on the contrary, is a passion which follows those who are once tainted with it, even unto death, when the Gusts of your Love is a little blown over, you will be glad I satisfied your ambi∣tion. I beseech you Madam, replied Myrinthus, judg not of me according unto the com∣mon Rules of others; and believe that I am more amorous then ambitious, and ever shall be so. Since that belief will not be advantagious unto you, answered the Queen, I will not entertain it, but will continue in the same opinion I was. I know verie well Madam, replied Myrinthus, that you may justly denie me all things, and I cannot justly complain: But since the passion which raiges in me is not accustomed to acknowledg any Soveraign∣tie unto reason, I cannot chuse but tell your Majestie, that it is somthing strange you should denie me this favour which I do ask of you, after conferring so many favours upon me which I never asked, all which are nothing to me without this: Yes Madam (said Myrinthus, being transported with the violence of his Love) Philimena is so essentally necessarie unto the felicitie of my life, that I cannot live without some hopes of enjoy∣ing her: As for hope (replied Cleobuline with extream grief and anger) I will not take it from you, for some men will often hope against all manner of probabilitie, but as for Phili∣mena, I will never per〈…〉〈…〉 it; & if you marrie her, it shal be without my consent: I know verie well, said she; that after so much goodness as I have formerly extended towards you, it may seem somthing strange I should denie you a thing which you ••o earnestly desire, and denie it without giving you any reason for my denial: But know Myrinthus, that this reason is of such a nature, as I cannot tell it; yet it is so strange a reason, that it is invin∣cible; and if you did know it, you would confess, that if you were in my room, you would do the like: And I assure you, it will not be a greater difficultie for you to cast off Phili∣mena, then for me to consent that you should ever think on her; therefore Myrinthus so∣licite me no more in the matter, for all will be in vain: Let if suffice, that of two passi∣ons. I shall satisfie that which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 used to be most difficult to content; and if you will be happie, over come the other couragiously. Alas Madam (said Myrinthus and sighed)

it seems your Majestie is only a lover of glorie and virtue, since you think it such an easie matter to drive out of my heart a hot-burning passion which keeps a most violent posses∣sion. No, no, Pbilimena will not out so easily: Doubtless I may resolve not to marry her and die, but I cannot leave loving her and live; therefore Madam, it is in your choice, whether you will glve me death or Philimena: The reverent duty which I owe your Ma∣jesty, tan go no further: If you doom me to death, I will endeavour to receive it without murmure, but if you grant me life and Philimena, what would I not do to testifie my ac∣knowledgments? Consider Madam, I beseech yoo, that your last words will be a sentence either of life or death unto a man whom you have so much esteemed, as to honour him with abundance favours and benefits: Consider I say, that if you permit me to enjoy Phi∣limena, I shall serve you all the rest of my life with unutterable zeal: And consider al∣so, that if you forbid the bains those cruel words will be poyson, which passing from your mouth into my ears, will pass from my ears unto my heart, and there most infallibly will be my death, a death the most severe and tormentive in the world, since pronounced by the greatest Queen upon earth, and whom I held in such reverent esteem; for the most certain truth is Madam, that I have yeen as zealously devoted unto your glory, as unto Philimena; and I do protest, that I am as faithful a subject unto you, as I am a faithful lover unto her: Then yeeld obedience, replied Cleobuline, unto those orders which I command, and obey them willingly: I wish unto the heavens Madam that I could, re∣plied he, but since I cannot unless I die, I beseech you command them no more; let it suffice I wish that I loved Philimena less; and believe it I most humbly beseech you, that if I were able to quench those flames which offend you, I should most joyfully do it, knowing very well, that a Princess whose heart is sensible only of glorie, would the more esteem me, if mine were not so sensible of Love: But the case is unalterable with me Ma∣dam, 'tis you must pronounce the fatal words of life or death: Live then (said Cleobu∣line unto him, scarce knowing what she said) but live without Philimena, unless you will both live and die in my displeasure: I will live Madam if I can, replied he, since you command it; but since I am confident that I cannot, I shall die in my sorrows that I can∣not know why I die; but I shall die with this satisfaction, that I shall die the most faith∣ful, though the most unfortunate of all your Subjects. After this, Myrinthus made a most low and reverent Conge unto the Queen with such a sad and drooping countenance, that any other then a Lover would have pitied him. No sooner was Myrinthus gone out of the Queens Closet, but Stefilea entred, and she was no sooner entred, but Cleobu∣line commanded that none else should enter; and then she related unto her all the passa∣ges between Myrinthus and her self, and that with so much agitation of spirits, that the passion of her soul was very discernable: Did you know, said she unto her, with what zealous earnestness Myrinthus asaed leave to marrie Philimena, you would wonder how I could denie him, or you would wonder I should not hate him, and admire how I could conceal the jealousie of my soul, yet to my unspeakable miserie, the more he seemed in Love with Philimena, the more he blew the flame of my affection unto him: Alas (said I unto my self whilst he was talking) how happy should I be, if Myrinthus were as affe∣ction unto me, as unto another? and when he protested that he was as much devoted un∣to my glorie as unto Philimsna, I had much ado to withhold from saying, that his neerest way of happiness was to be as much devoted unto my person as unto my service: But thanks be to the heavens, my reason rowzing up to aid me, I abhorred a thought so base and unworthie of my self, and I was more then half resolved to allow the marriage of Myrinthus with Philimena, thereby to drive Myrinthus out of Cleobulines heart; but my mouth would not obey the offers of my minde, which neither my heart nor reason did not command▪

Thus my dear Stesilea, I have denied Philimena unto Myrinthus, and I have still kept Myrinthus in my heart, notwithstanding his extream love of Philimena; yet 〈…〉〈…〉 these violent flames of affection which I saw in his soul, did inspire such 〈◊〉〈◊〉 mine, and I could not be more angrie if Myrinthus had been ungrateful and perfidio〈…〉〈…〉 ••ut pre∣sentlie after my anger ceased, and I accused my self of the most horrible 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the world Indeed I must confess unto my shame, that one could not be 〈…〉〈…〉 ••ust then I 〈…〉〈…〉 business, for as violent as my affection to Wyrinthus was, 〈…〉〈…〉 ••ould never 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that he should know it; and that though he had loved me, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••id not allow 〈◊〉〈◊〉 so much boldness as to sell me of it; so that it must needs b•••• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the greatest ••olly and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the world to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Myrinthus miserable: But for all that, I pha〈…〉〈…〉

so great a consolation in seeing him out of love with Philimena, and I found so much de∣light in making my self believe that he loved me, and knew not that I loved him, as I could not by any means consent that he should either love or marrie Philimena; yet for all this, I am perswaded that he will marrie her, maugre all my commands to the contrarie; and that he will force me to banish him my Court, to withdraw all my favours from him, and to punish him for contempt of my authoritie: But alas what's this I talk, said she, Can I think of banishing Myrinthus my Court, since I cannot banish him my heart, that there is much more justice in that, then in banishing him out of my Dominions: For my part Madam, replied Stesilea, I am not of your opinion, for I am perswaded that Myrin∣thus will not marrie Philimena without your consent: Though he do not marrie her with∣out my consent, replied Cleobuline, yet assuredlie he will still hate me, and love her; so that whether he marrie, or marrie her not, I shall still be miserable. However Madam, replied Stesilea, I beseech you devise some stratagem or other, and see whether I can contribute any thing to your satisfaction: I have devised more then you imagine (said she) for in lieu of one stratagem, I have two continually in my mind, but yet they are verie opposite unto each other, and therefore I think that neither of them will take ef∣fect; for truly I have a mind to make Myrinthus love me, and I have a mind to cease lo∣ving him; judg then Stesilea, whether two such impossibilities can ever conduce any thing to my souls tranquilitie. After this, Cleobuline told Stesilea a hundred things, which testified the grandure of her passion, and the grandure of her vir∣tue. In the mean time, she became so sad, so unquiet, and so extreamlie melancholie since the day that Myrinthus asked leave to marrie Philimena, as Stesilea much feared her falling sick. On the other side, Myrinthus was in such a horrid dispair, that never man was fuller of sorrows; for he knew that Basilides (notwithstanding the league be∣tween them) would never let him marrie Philimena without Cleobulines consent: Also considering his obligements unto the Queen, he knew it a most unworthie act to disobey her. Moreover, having a soul verie ambitious, he could not see how he could have wherewith to satisfie his love, if he should lose his fortunes, so that he suffered intoller∣able torments; but the greatest torture of all was, that he could not guess at the Queens reason to oppose his design; and to compleat his miseries, Philimena understanding that the Queen would not consent unto her marriage, she told Myrinthus, to try his fidelitie, that she would not have him ruine his fortunes for her sake; and therefore conjured him to think no more of it. Philimena told him this in such a manner, as that he could not guess at her design; but on the contrarie, did think, that she said so, because she feared to leave the Court. Afterwards, he suspected that some Rival was perhaps more in her fa∣vour then he imagined: So that he was as ill satisfied from her, as from the Queen, and yet he made a thousand vows and protestations of love unto her, the most tender and passionate in the world; he complained against her taking so much care of his fortunes, he swore that he would not value them at a straw, but only because he was loath to make her miserable; and he was so full of such tender and obliging expressions, that Philimena be∣ing delighted to hear such generous tests of his love, did still oppose him, though it was with a design to tell him afterwards, that provided he could get her Parents consent, she would not care for the Queens. In the mean time, Myrinthus not knowing her design, did leave her with a verie little satisfaction, and carried with him a heart full of sorrow, and some jealousie.

At his going from her, he went unto Stesilea, to desire her she would be pleased to tell him what the Queens reason was to be so cross unto his design, after so many favours shew∣ed unto him. The first complements being past, Myrinthus began to entreat her she would be pleased to do him a favour: It would be so great a happiness (said she unto him) to do such a most accomplished man as your self any service, that you may almost be certain to obtain whatsoever you shall desire, so it be within the compass of my power: Yes Stesilea, said he unto her, you can tell me what it is which ruines me in the opinion of the Queen: I assure you, replied she, I cannot tell you that, but I am most certain, that you are not in any disfavour with her: Ah Stesilea, replied he, it is impossible I should be at all in her favour, for she hath denied me the only request that ever I asked, and the request is of such a nature, as I admire why she did not consent unto it: I know verie weil that Philemena is above me, but I have received so many graces, honours, and bene∣fits from the Queen, that I could not imagine a denial of this from her: For heavens ••ake Stesilea, tell me the cause of my misfortune; Have I at any time done any thing that

displeased the Queen? Have I any secret Enemie that does me any ill offices? Hath Basi∣lides betrayed me, and desired her under-hand to denie me a thing which openly he seem∣ed to wish? Or is it so, that the Queen thinks me in love with Philimena onlie as a cloak for my ambition? Does she fear, that when I have married her, I shall press her to mar∣rie Basilides? Does she look upon me as a factious person, who would stir up the people, and raise a war against her? Speak Stesilea, tell me, for I am sure you know all that I desire to know: In thinking me Sir (said she) in such favour with the Queen as to know her secret thoughts, doubtless you honour me, and have a good opinion of me; but all that I can tell you is, that I do not know one thought she hath which is not advan∣tagious to you: When I call to memorie all the honours which I have received from the Queen, replied he, I do easily believe what you say; but when I consider what she hath denied me, I have reason to think she hath changed her mind, and does not esteem me. The last office which she conferred upon you, replied she, will hardly permit you to speak thus: I pray then tell me, said he unto her, What is the motive which induceth the Queen not to let me love Philimena? You know (said Stesilea unto him) that there are some things which policie forbids to tell the cause of them: I know replied he, that the Queen may have so good an opinion of me, as to honour me with the trust of her reasons why she denies me, if policie only were in the business; so that I must of necessitie conclude, that her reason is, either because she hates Philimena, or because she hates me; and therefore Stesilea I conjure you to tell me what you know in the business; never fear that I shall be ever so indiscreet as to reveal the least ••illable you will trust me with the participation: A person in love, replied she, was never fit to keep secrets; Believe it Stesilea; replied he, as deep in Love as I am, I may be trusted, for I am most confident, that Love will never make me do any thing against honour or hone∣stie: Be assured, that if I promise not to tell what you trust me with unto Philimena, I shall perform it: I beseech you pitie a most unhappie man who suits with you in this, that he loves the Queen as well as you do: It is my misfortune to think, that if Bas••lides crossed my design, I should be less unfortunate then I am. But that the Queen, whose glorie I value at so high a rate that I would die to advance it, that she should render me the most miserable of her Subjects, that is such a thing Stesilea that I must needs lament: Since Cleobuline is of a Qualitie so high, that it becomes me not to tell her what thoughts I have of her, I am sure she knows mine, but verie imperfectlie; doubtless she thinks me devoted to her service, and that I am her most faithful Subject; but perhaps she does not think me obliged unto it, by honour, by interest, and by gratitude; yet I must tell you Stesilea (to the end I may the more oblige you to tell me what I desire to know) that I am a thousand times more obliged and devoted unto her by inclination, then by any thing else: Yes Stesilea, I love the Queen with so much devotion, that I have not more love to Ph••limena, then I have tenderness to Cleobuline: Nay more, I am fully perswaded, that if this Queen had been of a lower qualitie, perhaps I should have been so bold as to have Courted her with a very affectionate eye: Judg then, I beseech you, how sad a thing it is to receive a death from a hand that is so infinitelie dear unto me; for heavens sake therefore, tell me the cause of my misfortune, that I may know either how to o∣vercome it, or to submit my mind unto it; for I do profess unto you, that if you do not somthing more inform my understanding, I shall be forced to take some desperate course with my self.

Wilst Myrinthus was thus talking, Stesilea was ruminating upon what course to take, she saw that reason bad her not discover the Queens secrets▪ 〈…〉〈…〉 side, she saw him in such a desperate sadness, that she much feared it wo〈…〉〈…〉 More∣over, though Cleobuline had told her ten thousand times, that she 〈…〉〈…〉 My∣rinthus know her passion; yet since she thought his knowledg of 〈…〉〈…〉 quench his flames of affection unto Philimena, and kindle them unto her, she th〈…〉〈…〉 that the Queen would not be much offended at it; so that knowing Myrinthus to be o•• an ambitious temper, and hearing from his own mouth that he had much inclination to love the Queen, so that she doubted not, but if she told him the reason why the Queen crossed his design, it would hinder him from marrying Philimena. Also, Stesilea perhaps looking upon the advancement of her own fortunes (which she hoped for by this confidence) as upon the Queens tranquilitie, she consulted with her self whether she should acquaint him with it or no. Since she knew Myrinthus to be verie discreet, she was the much bolder to ven∣ture upon it, and more, when upon second thoughts she found that she should run no

hazard at all: For truly (said she to her self, hardly hearing what Myrinthns said unto her) if what I shall tell him do not stagger his constancie, yet for his own interest he will never let the Queen know he knows she loves him, since that would be an affront which would reflect upon himself; and if what I tell him do make him quit Philimena and love Cleobuline, I need not fear her anger, though she charged me not to let Myrinthus know she loved him; and though she would never have Myrinthus to tell her that he loved her. Stesilea then considering the pitiful case wherein the Queen was, she thought it fit, for her rests sake, to hazard the matter, and for her service to reveal her secret, since she knew no better way; therefore she began to think into what language she should put so delicate and nice a business. In the mean time, Myrinthus having done talking, and seeing that Stesilea was more intent upon her own thoughts then his words, began to think more then before, that there was some mysterious cause in the matter, and that Stesilia's silence arg••ed her incertaiatie, whether she should, or she should not tell it unto him: So that applying his earnest prayers to prevent her from any resolution contrary unto his desires; For heavens sake, dear Stesilea (said he unto her) study no more upon the matter, but tell me plainly, whether the Queen denied my request out of hatred, or out of scorn, or out of any other prejudicate thought? The thing you ask, replied Ste∣silea, is of greater consequence then you imagine, and it is a secret of such a nature, as I cannot trust you, unless you will most solemnly swear never to reveal it unto any one living, not excepting Philimena her self; and I will have you make a particular oath con∣cerning her alone, who of all that lives upon earth must not know it. Myrinthus hear∣ing Stesilea speak thus, his curiosity did double: So that he made as many promises, and vowes, and oaths as she desired, never to speak one sillable of any thing she should im∣part, either unto Philimena, or any other. All this was not yet enough to secure Ste∣silea, for she would have him swear also, never to make it known unto the Queen, nei∣ther by his words, nor any other action, that he is knowing in what she is going to tell him.

Myrinthus now being more surprized, and more inquisitive then before, did swear and promise all she desired: After which, she assuming a very serious look and low voice, though none was neer that could hear her, but himself: I make no question (said she unto him) but you wonder to see me so cautious in relating a thing which only concerns your self; but your wonder will be much more, when you shall understand, that this which I would have you so closely conceal, is the most glorious thing in the world for you: Yes Myrinthus, pursued she, this which makes you thus sad, this which moves you so to com∣plain of the Queen, that which you so bitterly murmure at, that which makes you think she hath changed her opinion of you; that this, I say, should be the most glorious adven∣ture of all your life; and that when Cleobuline in confirming so many offices, so many Governments, and so many honours upon you, did in them nothing so obliginglie for you, as when she denied you the marrying Philimena. Ah Stesilea, (said he unto her) You will have much ado with all your wit to perswade me unto this belief: If I have but the power to tell you all I know (replied she) you will easily believe it: But Myrin∣thus (said she and blushed) Cannot you spare me the labour of telling that which I have promised never to reveal? Can you not guess at what you desire to know? Let it suffice, I tell you for the opening of your apprehension, that it is neither policie, nor hatred, or scorn, which moves the Queen to denie you Philimena. After all this Myrin∣thus, I pray tell your self that which I have not power to tell you, especiailie when I call to mind the promises which I have made to the Queen, never to tell it. Myrinthus hearing Stesilea speak in this manner, began to apprehend what she hinted at, but he apprehended it with so much astonishment, and so much perplexitie of Spirit, as he thought that he misapprehended her; his thoughts were so ravelled, as he could not unwind them to the bottom; yet to run no hazard, he answered Stesilea a little from the matter. The thing which it seems you would have me apprehend (said she unto him) is so verie full of wonder, as I fear that I should commit a crime in seeming to apprehend it: No, no, Myrinthus, replied Stesilea, it is no crime to understand me; but you will be extreamly too blame, if after you understand me, you do not what I conceive you are obliged unto: A∣las Stesilea (cried Myrinthus) I cannot comprehend how I can believe you, unless I should fail in my respects unto the Queen; no, no, her denial is not caused be any reason you would give me; and I think it better to misunderstand you, and to accuse you as an Imposture, rather then to accuse the greatest Queen upon Earth of so bad a choice. Ste∣silea

seeing Myrinthus either would not, or would not seem to believe her, did so circum∣stance the matter unto him, as at last she convinced his belief; and he calling to memory a hundred several passages, especially the manner how the Queen denied his Marriage with Philimena, he did not at all doubt of the truth: Since he was not at all satisfied at the last conference with Philimena, he could not imagine himself loved by the most illu∣strious Queen in the world, without some thoughts which elevating his heart, did exhile∣rate his spirits, and ambition did so swell his soul, as his imagination was full of Thrones, and Scepters, and Crowns: The beautie, spirit, wisdom, and virtue of Cleobuline did so stagger his thoughts, as for a while there was an interregnam in his heart. In the inter∣val of which, he thought he could give it unto which he pleased, and stronglie phancied to give it entirelie unto Cleobuline, and that he could quit Philimena: But this inward tu∣mult, which glorie and ambition had raised in his soul, being a little calmed, his love to Philimena began to revive, and made him think this honour which the Queen did him, as a thing which would render him the most miserable man alive. This serenitie of soul was no sooner established in his heart, but turbulent clouds began to bluster again, and he was so full of contradictions in his talk to Stesilea, as the trouble of his Spirits was evi∣dent: I beseech you Stesilea, said he unto her, before I tell you my thoughts, promise me never to tell the Queen that you have acquainted me with any thing: for Stesilea, if she should know I know it, I have nothing in the world to do but die at your feet, since it is impossible I can appear before her, the most ungrateful and unjust person that lives amongst men. I have already told you Sir replied she, that I would not have the Queen know I have discovered her secret unto you: 'Tis true, said he, but I am so sensible of shame, that I am not so joyed as I ought to be, as I am at an extream Dilemna; for I must confess unto you, that my fidelitie to Philimena makes me ashamed of my crime a∣gainst her, as well as against the Queen; and I am perswaded, that if Cleobuline and Phi∣limena did see the thoughts of my heart, they would both of them be equally incensed: I am forced to consess, that I cannot apprehend my obligations to the Queen without such agitation of mind, as I am not able to express, I would willingly die a thousand times to do her service, I would leave loving Philimena, and onlie adore her; I would; I say, sacrifice my life, and render her eternal homage: But presentlie after, when I think upon Philimena, I wish the Queen to hold me in a state of neutralitie and indifferencie, and indeed to hate me, provided she will let me love Philimena: Judg then Stesilea, I beseech you, in what a sad condition that heart is which is tormented with such various and contrarie thoughts: However it be, said she, I conceive you owe so much reverence to the Queen, as not to think any more of Philimena: I wish to the heavens (replied he) that I were able to follow your counsel: I do not ask any thing which is unjust (said she) For since the Queen would not have you know she loves you, and though you did love her, yet would she have you not tell it unto her; I will not oblige you of necessitie to love her, but onlie to ease her of so much sorrow, as to see you love another; and this I conceive to be the least you can do, for the most wise, virtuous, and most accomplished Princess in the world: Alas Stesilea, said he, I know that my dutie is to do all things, but the great difficultie is to know what I am able to do against my self, and against Philime∣na: And since all your arguments are not strong enough to stagger my constancie, or ren∣der me perfidious; you would have me leave Philimena for the greatest Queen in the world; 'tis true, but it is for a Queen who will not have me know she loves me, and who would have me love her, and never speak of it: No, no, Stesilea, such a passion as this is not able to make a man perfidious, who is accustomed to tell her he loves, that he loves her. A man, I say, who has leave to sigh, and libertie to let his love be seen in his eyes, and to seek for some advantagious thoughts in the eyes of his Mistress, which her tongue dare not utter. But what if upon capitulation the Queen should let me know her thoughts, and let me tell her mine? Am I yet the Master of my own heart? Can I dispose of it as as I will? Alas, alas (said he and sighed) how miserable am I? and how far from that power? Could I be innocent either towards the Queen or towards Philimena, my heart would be at some ease: But to speak truth, since I cannot be faithful unto Philimena, un∣til after I have tried not to be so, my constancie is almost guiltie; and as for the Queen, though I am culpable against her with abundance of repugnance, shame, and repentance, yet still I am guiltie. Thus not knowing well what I am, I dare neither justifie nor accuse my self, but still remain in the most lamentable condition in the world: Since it seems im∣possible for you to be happie, replied Stesilea, therefore take that course which may ease

the Queen of those sorrows which you have caused; you may easilie do it, since all is but to think no more upon Philimena: Easilie do it (replied Myrinthus and looked up∣on Stesilea) If I were able, I would immediatelie become perfidious: Yes Stesilea, since you have told me the Queens reason for denying my request, there is nothing which my heart hath not alreadie invented against Philimena: I have opposed against her the Queens beautie, her spirit, her wisdom, her virtues, her grandure, and all my obligations to her; and the sooner to vanquish, I have racked my imagination even unto folly, I have phancied things that might accrue unto me, I have allowed my ambition all the swinge that vanitie it self can imagine, and I have set my thoughts so neer a Crown, that some second thoughts correcting the first, I have blushed at my own audacitie and rashness: But for all this Stesilea, This great Queen who raigns so absolutely in the hearts of all who know her, and who indeed hath right to raign, cannot drive Philimena out of my own heart; therefore if you have any generositie, pitie my imbecilitie and miserie: Tell the Queen as from your self, that I am most unworthie of her affection, that she abase∣eth her self too much in looking upon me; and since I dare not presume to lift up my eyes so high as her, I am not worthie of her looks: But yet I beseech you, do not drive the nail too far, and do not make her pass from love to hatred; for indeed Stesilea, I must profess unto you, that I should be almost as sorrie to be hated by Cleobuline, as not to be loved by Philimena, therefore I beseech you transact with all your discretion; for since I must die, I desire I may with the glorie of her favour. I have yet one Petiti∣on more unto you, which is, that you would keep her from hating Philimena; and in order to that, perswade her, that in conquering my heart she will never displease Phili∣mena: And perswade her also if you can, that I deserve some commendations for resist∣ing her charms. These are things so full of contrarieties, replied she, that I think my best course is to do none of these things you speak of: Yet I do most constantly tell you, replied he, that I shall ever love Philimena; but withal, I tell it with a sigh, and with a blush, and that I cannot resent the happiness which I enjoy for thinking of that which I lose. Oh heavens (cried he out) why is't not possible to reconcile the Queen and Phi∣limena in my heart? For my part, I conceive it may be; for as you express the affection of the Queen, methinks she should be satisfied that I hold her in infinite reverence, that I respect her as they use to do the Gods; that my Spirits and my reason doth acknowledg her power, that I vow all my services unto her, that my valour shall be ever imployed unto her glorie, and that she only leave my heart unto Philimena. But what do I say (said he and reprehended himself) it seems my reason wanders, in offering to prescribe Laws unto Love, and to divide that which will not admit of any division: I must confess, the Queen deserves a thousand hearts if I had them; but confess also, that since I have but one, and that one already given, it is not in my power to retake it, and that it is on∣ly Philimena's.

As Stesilea was readie to reply, Basilides entred, who was much surprized to find so many signs of a troubled mind in the face of Myrinthus. This thought did so much dis∣quiet him, as when Myrinthus rise up to go away, he rise up also to ask him what the matter was, though he was newly entred, yet Myrinthus did not tell him what the mat∣ter was, but to say somthing to colour the matter, he told him, that having desired Stesilea to do him a good office unto the Queen, she told him how resolute the Queen continued in denying his Marriage with Philimena: So that Basilides having some reason to think, that the disorder he observed in the Spirit of Myrinthus proceeded only from the obstruction which he found in his design, did make him new protestations, and professed he would use his utmost endeavours to effect it; after which, they parted; Myrinthus car∣rying with him the most restless heart that ever was. Since his soul was of an ambitious temper, and since he naturally bore much affection to the Queen, this love of this Prin∣cess did huff him up; and when he considered with himself what glorie it was unto him to be loved by a Queen so fair, so illustrious, and so charming, it was a thing impossible but he must needs be joyed at it; and to desire that he were able to be perfidious unto Philimena; yet when he began to think, that by preserving the one, he must lose the o∣ther, his ambition began to yeeld unto his love, and all his cares was to find out wayes how to enjoy Philimena: But since these wayes were hard to find, the Queen not con∣senting unto it; he was most extreamly grieved. Moreover, he had cause to think that if he married Philimena against the mind of Cleobuline, she would then abase him as much as she had formerly exalted him: So fearing lest Philimena who loved him when he

was in favour, should not love him when he was in disgrace, his sorrows were an insuf∣ferable torment: and as an augmentation to his misery, he durst not acquaint Philimena with it, or put her fideility to the best: so that fearing all things, and hoping in nothing, he spent the rest of the day in extream restlessnesse, and all the night following without a wink of sleep. But that he might not bee miserable by himself, there chanced a businesse which did not a little perplex Basilides: For Sir be pleased to know that in order to his designes upon the Queen, his care was to get himself creatures in her house, both amongst the officers and amonst the women: and there was one amongst the rest, whom he had entirely gotten: This Person then watching upon all opportunies to observe the Queen, especially when she seemed most melancholy, told him all that she at any time observed: But at the last, she observed so closely, that she one day heard all that Stelisea said unto the Queen concerning Myrinthus, and all that the Queen said unto her: and she heard enough to collect, that the reason why the Queen would not let Myrinthus marry Phi∣limena was because she did not hate him her self. At the first she resolved not to make it known unto Basilides, knowing that it would not please him: but upon second conside∣rations, she changed her resolution, and the next morning, told him word for word all that she heard. The surprise of Basilides was so great that if he had only the testimony of this woman, he had not given credit unto her words: But upon a survay of a hundred of the Queens actions: her melancholy since Myrinthus was in love with Philimena: and such like: also considering, that though she denyed the earnest request of Myrinthus, yet he continued still in her favour: this put him out of all doubt: and by consequence, made him most excessively sad. How's this (said he unto himself as he afterward, told me) does Cl••obuline love Myrinthus, who loves not her? And does she not love Basili∣des who loves her above his life? Why then it is Myrinthus who is the Remora in the Queens heart which hinders me from the conquest of it: Then must I become his enemy in lieu of Protector: And though he cannot be my Rival; yet since he is the obstacle un∣to my happinesse, I must consider him so: I must by all means ruine all his pretentions, and oppose all his designs: But what's this I say (said he and reprehended himself) my sorrows have distracted my Reason: And I doe not understand my own interest: since my odd destiny is, to endeavour the making that man happy whom the Queen preffers before me into her heart: It concernes me more then it doth Myrinthus, that he marry Philimena: and I must labour for his quietnesse who is the cause of all my restlessnesse, and endeavour his felicity least he prevent mine.

Basilide•• having well considerered upon the matter, resolved in order to the better dis∣covery of the Queens thoughts, to speak unto her himself concerning the marriage of Myrinthus with his sister: designing that though she refused him, yet to cause that Phili∣mena should move Myrinthus to marry her without the Queens consent, hoping that this would sufficiently incense her, to banish him her Court, not being ignorant that she was e∣ver very jelouse of her authority. Basilides then in pursuance of this resolve, went the next day unto the Queen. But in his way thither, he understood that Myrinthus, after a whole night without sleep, was very ill in the morning so that taking this occasion to speak of him unto the Queen; he no soonner came into her presence but looking atten∣tively upon her, he told her this news. Since the Queen did not think it possible, he should know the thoughts of her soul, she took no heed of restrayning her self: so that not being able to hold in the first conceptions of her heart, she could not hear of Myrin∣thus being sick without some visible disorder in her face enquiring very carefully of what nature his disease, was and how he came to know it. As for his disease Madam (answered he) I cannot directly tell you what it is: But if your Majesty will please to comand me, I shall teach him the art how to cure himself, by telling him the cause: me thinks (answer∣ed the Queen, who knew very well what Basilides would say) It is a very hard matter to know the cause, when you do not know the disease: yet I do know it Madam, answer∣ed he: for I am most confident that if your Majesty would permit Merinthus to marry Philimena, he would quickly recouer his health, since certainly the disease of his mind causeth the disease of his body: and if you would cure the last, you must begin with the 〈…〉〈…〉st: since those who govern Kingdomes (replied the Queen with a tart kind of Rallary) use not to consult with Phisitians nor fit their Policies unto their temper, this which you tell me shall not alter my Resolution of not giuing my consent unto a marriage which for divers reasons I cannot approue of. You may well think Madam, replied Basilides, that I shall not think Myrinthus unworthy of Philimena, since your Majesty thinks him wor∣thy

of her esteem. The Queen hearing Basilides speak thus, did blush, not that she thought he spoke so as knowing the thoughts of her soul, but it was because whosoever hath any secret thought, hath also an imagination so quick, and a heart so sensible, that the least thing gales them; and she was no less perplexed then Basilides, for to authorize her denial of Myrinthus she must in some sort, not speak advantagiously of the man whom of all the world she most esteemed: And Basilides also to perswade her consent unto this Marriage, used a thousand expressions of esteem of Myrinthus, whom he heartilie wished she did not esteem.

Thus seeing themselves both put to the necessity of betraying their thoughts, they were both of them much perplexed; yet both of them resolved in their hearts to betray them as little as they could. The Queen then answered Basilides, That it was verie true, My∣rinthus was owner of a thousand good qualities which had got him much unto her esteem and repute; but since he was not a Corinthean originallie, she thought this reason, with many other which she could give him, would not permit her to consent unto his Marriage with Philimena: I do believe Madam, replied Basilides, that your Majesties concealed reasons are verie prevalent, but as for that which you are pleased to honour me the par∣ticipation, is not so undeniable as I conceive: The truth is, the Ancestors of Myrinthus have been so faithful, as they may verie well pass for natural Subjects unto your Majestie: I know verie well that there is much inequalitie between my Sister and Myrinthus, and if your Majestie had not by your Noble favours raised him above his Qualitie, his design had been rash: But Madam, though this inequalitie may be a considerable obstacle to hin∣der a Marriage; yet the high esteem which your Majestie honours him withal, and the violent affection which he bears unto Philimena, moves me to wish it no less then himself. For Madam, I am most confident, that if Myrinthus were a King, and my Sister a verie Slave, yet he would make her a Queen: Therefore I most zealously beseech your Maje∣stie to satisfie his love, and give me leave to sacrifice a Sister for the preservation of a man whom you are pleased to honour with your esteem. To retaliate so generous a thought, (replied the Queen, with a soul so full of sadness as she had much ado to hide it) I ought to sacrifice Myrinthus for your sake, and not suffer you to sacrifice Philimena for his; and therefore for your own sake, the more you importune me for Myrinthus, the more resolute am I to denie you.

After this, Cleobuline upon a sudden took her leave of Basilides, who was in a hundred minds to put off all due respects, and to let her understand he knew the thoughts of her soul. But the verie same passion which spurred him unto this boldness, leting him also see, that if he affronted the Queen, he might chance lose her for ever, he curbed him∣self, and went with her without a word, which might make her positively think he knew she loved Myrinthus; and though he harped much upon her esteem of him, yet he thought that she would not expound it love, and indeed she did not at that time; but her weari∣ness of Basilides company had another cause, for trulie she could not endure without in∣finite grief to hear him aggravate the violent affection of Myrinthus to Philimena; nor without a strange confusion hear of the great inequalitie of his qualitie and his Sisters: But that which stung her most was, to see Basilides desiring this marriage, and she was the only one who did not wish it; and to consider how she incurred the hatred of Myrinthus, whom in spite of all her power she loved with extream tenderness, so that the verie thought of being hated did excessivelie grieve her, but yet she had a more sensible cause of it afterwards; for Myrinthus being recovered, and having some important business of State with the Queen, he went unto her, and she found him so altered since she saw him last, as thinking his alteration rather an effect of his souls sorrow, then any sick∣ness, she was fretted to the verie heart; yet that was not the only cause which put My∣rinthus into such a Meager complexion, since certainly his ambition did also much perplex him: For Sir, before I relate their discourse, I must tell you, that Myrinthus being forced to go unto the Queen, with whom he had not been, since Stesilea ac∣quainted him with her affection unto him, his heart was full of inexpressible apprehensi∣ons: his greatest disquiet was his fears least the Queen should know that Stesilia had ac∣quainted him with her amorous thoughts of him: Alas (said he in himself) if so, how dare I look upon this Princess, or how can she look upon me? But afterwards, upon his consideration of the Queens great virtue, he believed the thing to be as Stesilea had told him, so that his soul enjoyed a little more serenitie. But when he came unto the Palace Gates, and saw the Guards there, and likewise saw there the great concourse of people

going and coming in and out, which deliniates the grandure of Kings; when he saw I, say, abundance of all sorts of men in the Halls, Presence Chamber, Privy Chamber, and every where else in the Court, waiting all only for a verie sight of the Queen. When he saw all the magnificent furniture wherewith the Chambers were adorned, his imagina∣tion was so swelled with a thousand several Idea's of grandure and magnificence, as he be∣gan to be sensible of the sweetness in being loved by her, unto whom these Guards, this Palace, all these stately magnificences belonged, and unto whom all those men with bend∣ed knees did pay their homage; insomuch as his ambition beginning to revive in his heart, there was a new combat between this proud passion and his love of Philimena, which was not decided, when word was brought that Cleobuline asked for him. Myrinthus no soon∣er received this Summons, but he ordered himself for entrance into the Queens Closet, where then she was; but in the way, how full of phancie was his mind? he had a mind to exclude Philimena out of his heart and immediately after he reassumed the image of his dearest Philimena into his phancie, to the end he might better guard her against the Queen; and indeed, not well knowing whether he was faithful or perfidious, he went unto the place where Cleobuline was; but he entred with such a melancholy countenance, and so much disorder in his eyes, that the Queen thinking the alteration proceeded more from his sorrows that she denied him Philimena, then from his sickness, she could not chuse, but out of a secret spite, look with less sweetness upon Myrinthus then she was ac∣customed: So that Myrinthus beginning to fear that Stesilea had told the Queen all his and her discourse, he was so dismayed, as he did not answer her much to the purpose. The Queen surprized at the disorder in Myrinthus his mind, asked him from whence this confusion of thoughts and words proceeded, which she was not wont to observe in him? Is it, because I do not well understand them, or because you did not hear me? It is neither Madam, replied he, for your Majestie doth alwayes both understand and speak verie well, and I alwayes hearken with a most attentive ear, in hopes you will command me some service: But it is—But it is (replied Cleobuline and cut him short) be∣cause you have left your mind where you have bestowed your heart: If I had power to have bestowed it (replied Myrinthus pitifully non-plust) Philimena should not have had it, but I should have otherwise disposed of it; yet Madam, Philimena hath violentlie taken it from me whether I would or no: Since the Law of Nations, replied the Queen, per∣mits one to repulse force by force, and that one may take ones own where e're he finds it; take back from Philimena with the same violence, that heart which she took from you: But if you will take my advice, be sure you do not take hers in lieu of your own, for you will be a loser by the bargain: I wish to the Heavens Madam (said he unto her) that I were able to do as I ought, in doing as your Majestie would have me; for I am so devoted unto your commands, that I had rather be an obedient subject, then a faithful Lover.

Myrinthus pronounced these words with such a faint and hollow accent, as he surprized the Queen; for his tone did testifie, that he had some mental reservation in his words; she no sooner had this conceipt, but she changed colour; so that Myrinthus seeing her blush for anger, he grew pase with fear, and blushed presentlie after for shame. The altera∣tion in the Queens face caused the alteration in Myrinthus; and the new disorder which appeared in the mind of Myrinthus, did also disorder the Queen: So that the confusion of the one redoubling the shame of the other, they could not endure each o∣thers looks, but heartilie desired a separation, and indeed they parted; for the Queen dispatching her business with Myrinthus in two words, she dismissed him by a sign with her hand, without one look upon him, and stayed by her self in an unconceiveable tur∣bulencie of mind. Myrinthus did strive with himself, and would have said somthing, but she beckned again with her hand to be gone, and go he did, with a heart swelled with two violent passions, which did most strongly tyrannize over it. But as the soul of My∣rinthus, so the soul of Cleobuline was most cruelly tormented, for since she had a most penetrating wit, she perfectly discovered by the looks, by the words, and by the tone of Myrinthus, that he either knew, or guessed at the thoughts which she had of him, inso∣much as extraordinarie shame, and sorrows full of anger against her self, did make her an intolerable sufferer. Is it possible, said she, that my own words and my own eyes should betray me, since they have both of them been so long so faithful? For I know very well, that at that time ••hen Myrinthus asked my consent unto his Marriage with Philimena; he had then no suspition of my passion. But what's this I say? (said she

and reprehended her self) It cannot be either my words, or my eyes which have discover∣ed the secret of my heart unto Myrinthus, because I never saw him since, and yet there is none but Stesilea in all the world which knows my thoughts: Stesilea who hath promi∣sed inviolable fidelitie; Stesilea, I say, who knows that I fear nothing more, then that Myrinthus should know I love him. As the Queen was in this perplexitie, Philista, who was newly come to Corinth, and had not been there a long while, and whom the Queen ever loved, she entred into her Chamber: So that this Princess who dearly loved her, made a Truce with her sorrows, and began to talk of several things with her; and passing from one discourse unto another, Philista who knew nothing of the Queens Love to My∣rinthus, nor of that intimate confidence between her and Stesilea, she being to tell the Queen what day some passage happened, she told her it happened the very same day when Stesilea came not unto her until night. Cleobuline not remembring at first that Stesilea was ever a whole day from her, did contradict Philista: But Philista to remember it by more circumstances, told her, that it was the verie same day Myrinthus and Stesilea were a whole afternoon together, adding to prove her words, that Basilides came to them at the conclusion of their conference. The Queen hearing what Philista said, began to sus∣pect the fidelity of Stesilea, since she never spoke a word to her of Myrinthus his visit, her suspitions a little after did encrease; for Stesilea coming in, Philista to make her own words good, asked her whether it was not true that Myrinthus came such a day to see her, and whether Basilid••s came not also.

This question so surprized Stesilea, since she had kept the visit of Myrinthus secret from the Queen, that she did so blush in confessing it, as that the Queen did undoubted∣ly conclude her culpable, and therefore was excessiuely sad: Yet since it concerned her to know precisely what Myrinthus knew, she resolved to set the best side of her sorrows and anger outward, and to make Stesilea confess the truth. But the thing which most grated upon her apprehension was, that since she thought Myrinthus knew her thoughts, so likewise did Basilides, grounding her thoughts of it upon the great familiarity which had been of late between them: So that as passionate persons alwayes use, she was full of divers imaginations, and cohcluded for certain, that Stesilea had discovered her secret unto Myrinthus, and he unto Basilides: You may judg Sir, whether a Princess who pretended unto glorie so much as Cleobuline did, could have any such thoughts as these, without extream sorrow; and indeed hers was of so deep a strain, that she could not rest till she had talked with Stesilea, and falling insensibly into discourse with Myrinthus, she asked her without any shew of anger, how it came to pass she never acquainted her with the visit Myrinthus made her? Stesilea having no better a reason, told her, that since she observed how she never heard Myrinthus named without sorrow, she accorded the talking of him as much as she could, unless it were her self who first begun to talk of him: But Stesilea (said the Queen, and looked earnestly upon her) I talked the last night with you of all the passages which chanced that same afternoon. Stesilea seeing her self put to it, did think to mend the matter with another lie: Since I know Madam, said she unto her, that your Majestie desires nothing more zealously then to conquer the passi∣ons of your Soul, I would never acquaint you with the discourse I had with Myrinthus, lest it should encrease rather then diminish them: For truly Madam, he came to see me only to protest how sorrie he was for incurring your displeasure by thinking upon Phili∣mena: Did he not ask you (said the Queen) what my reason was for opposing his Mar∣riage? Yes Madam, answered Stesilea and blusht, but I assured him that I could not tell it: Fie Stesilea, (cried out the Queen in a rapture of anger and grief) either you have betrayed me, or else your own words have betrayed you, for most certainly Myrinthus knows more then he should do: However (said she, lest Stesilea should not tell the truth) if you will ingenuously tell me all that Myrinthus said unto you, and all that you answered him, I will pardon your fault: But Stesilea, be sure you tell me all, and hide not a sillable from me. Stesilea seeing her self touched the quick, did a while deny all, but at last the Queen speaking to her with such authoritie, and promising a pardon if she told her all passages, she resolved to confess part of the truth: She told her then, and truly how Myrinthus did most highly commend her, that afterwards he was very impor∣tunate to know her reason why she obstructed his Marriage, and how before she was a∣ware, only told him, that her reason was much conducing unto his glorie; how he put all the advantagious interpretation that could be possible upon those words; and how af∣ter all, Myrinthus did express abundance of tenderness towards her: Since Stesilea

thought to appease the Queen, by telling such things, she concealed no obliging ex∣pression which Myrinthus used, and hinted not a word of what he said in advantage of Philimena; yet she durst not tell her how Myrinthus offered to quit her, lest the actions of that lover should belye her words: But she only told the Queen, that it was not im∣possible but he might be brought to quit her. Yet this dissembling Artifice of Stesilea did not hit; for after the Queen had got out of Stesilea all that she could, she was so transported with anger, that though she was resolved to make no noise of it, because she saw her weakness, yet she could not chuse but express all that a most violent passion could invent, Fie••fie, (said she unto her with a torrent of tears) have I trusted you in a business upon which the whole glory of my life depended, and must you go and tattle it unto the man, whom of all men living I most feared that he should know it? Your im∣prudence and indiscretion hath deprived me of all consolation, and brought me into such a condition, as to see Myrinthus scorn me: Doubtless he believed that all you said unto him proceeded from my orders; for what likelihood is there he should think any other? Could he imagine, that you having so much wit and spirit, should otherwise be so weak weak and imprudent? Fie, fie, Stesilea unto what a cruel adventure have you exposed me? Must Myrinthus know I love him, and not know I would not have him know it? and must Myrinthus know this from Stesilea? For my part, I believe you thought I told you that I loved Myrinthus, on purpose you should let him know it, and that I did for∣bid it, only that you might the sooner tell him, but if you had any such thoughts you were extreamly deceived, and have been injurious as well as perfidious. Stesilea would then have had some frivolous excuses to the Queen, but the Queen would not hearken to them: Be silent Stesilea (said she unto her) be silent, all your inchanting reasons can∣not justifie you; and since your crime hath been in talking too much, it must be silence rather then weak excuses that must appease my anger. In the mean while order it so, as Myrinthus may not either by his looks, or by his actions, or by the least sillable, give me any cause to think that he remembers what you said unto him; for if I find he do, I profess I will not only banish him my Court, but my Kingdom, though perhaps I cannot my heart: Carry the business so, that Myrinthus may never know how I understand he knows the thoughts of my soul, for if ever I perceive he do, I shall banish you as well as him. But why should I impose such orders of silence and secresie upon one who is tattle∣ing all she knows, and is not Mistress of her own tongue? Stesilea then kneeling down at the Queens feet, with eyes full of tears, seemed so repentant, that this Princess whose soul was infinitely glorious, thinking it a shame to pardon such a crime so soon, and fear∣ing least her repentant tears should molifie her, did command her to retire, and not to see her any more, until she sent for her; commanding her again to negotiate the matter so, as Myrinthus should never know she knew what Stesilea told him. After she was gone, this Queen was in a most unspeakable perplexitie, and that which did most exasperate the matter was, that as everie one is apt to believe what they desire, so she believed it to be within the compass of possibilitie to wain Myrinthus from Philimena, if she infused some ingredients of ambition into her love; and on the contrarie, she perceived by the extream disorder of Myrinthus his Soul, that if she should offer him a Crown, yet he would ne∣ver offer her his heart, nor quit Philimena. So that this consideration, and her percei∣ving a possibility of keeping Myrinthus from the enjoyment of Philimena, by making him a King, did exceedingly aggravate her sorrows: Since it is allowed the people, (would she say somtimes when Love had the predominancy of her heart) to chuse a King when they have not one, why is it not allowable in a Queen to chuse one, especially when her choice is good? Is it just, that because I am born upon a Throne, therefore I should be deprived of that libertie which all my Subjects have? and that I should be more a Slave then any of my Slaves, in a thing upon which the felicitie of my life depends? But what's this I say? (said she and reprehended her self) methinks I speak as if I could be happy without glory: Fie, fie Cleobuline, wander not so far from the right way of rea∣son; it is not thy part to examine the use of it, but to follow it: 'Tis true, Myrinthus is worthy of a Crown by his merit, but since he is not so by his Birth, 'tis but fit thou beest st••l his Soveraign, and that he be for ever thy Subject; but alas, this Subject knows thou lovest him more then becomes thee; at this very houre perhaps he is at the feet of Philimena, and reporting thy weakness unto her, and protesting, that though thou shouldst offer him thy heart and thy Crown, yet he would willingly refuse them both for the least of her favours. On the other side, if Basilides knew, as I believe he does, what

thoughts thy soul harbors of Myrinthus, doubtless he would not value thy affection at a straw, but only because he would be King; and as for Philimena, I am confident she would look upon thee with scorn, and triumph in raigning over the heart of him who raigns in thine: Stesilea also, she would hold unworthy thoughts of thee; for since she revealed the secret unto Myrinthus, doubtless she thought thou didst desire to contract a particular friendship with him, and may be she imagined, that this friendship had some virtuous design in it: So Cleobuline, see what dangerous consequences thy fond passion hath brought thee unto, examine thy heart well, trust not too much unto thy own vir∣tue and strength, reduce thy self Cleobuline into such a condition, as that thou canst not commit a fault if thou wouldst; find out some ingenuous expedient which may justifie thy self in the opinion of Myrinthus, as well as of Basilides, Philimena, and Stesilea, call all thy virtues and strengths to thy assistance, remember the glory thou hast got; and do all thou canst to preserve it, and recover thy esteem with Myrinthus, which perhaps thou hast lost: But alas (said she after a serious consideration) I can find no way in the world to effect these things but one: But oh heavens, how difficult it is? and how hard to be resolved upon?

As she was in these thoughts, Philista who was to render an accompt unto the Queen, of some business wherein she was imployed, came unto her, but since she observed her very reserved and sad, after the dispatch of her business, she offered to go out again: But the Queen being fuller of sorrows then any one heart was able to contain, did call her back again, and imagining that since Stesilea had revealed her secret unto Myrinthus, she might also impart it unto Philista, who was alwayes very kind with her, she thought it best to tell her her self, and to bid her keep Stesilea hereafter from such faults; so that consulting more with her cholor then her reason, she began to complain of Stesilea unto her: But since she could not accuse Stesilea, unless she accused her self also, she acquaint∣ed Philista with her own unhappy condition. Do not think (said she unto her) that as much as I esteem you, I would ever make any new confident of my weakness, unless I were fully resolved either to surmount it, or else to die: Yes Philista, I believe I have found out a way to justifie my self in the thoughts of Myrinthus, Philimena, Basilides, Ste∣silea, and your self: And I think I have hit upon it so happily; that I shall arrive at that point which I have so long desired, which is, to see Myrinthus out of love with Philime∣na: I perceive you can hardly conceive what this invention should be: But to make a dis∣covery of it unto you, know Philista, that to keep my self from ever committing any crime, I will consent unto that marriage which I have so obstinately hindred. How Ma∣dam, replied Philista, will you allow Myrinthus to marry Philimena? Yes Philista, re∣plied she, I will, and I will principally, to the end I may never think of marrying My∣rinthus, nor shew him any signs of love, and to the end also he may think, that what∣soever Stesilea told him of me is not stronger then my virtue; and also to perswade Basi∣lides, that all which perhaps is told him is not true. Thus far Madam, replied Philista, I do agree unto what you have said, and I must infinitely commend your generous design; but I must confess, I cannot see how you can ever hope to see Myrinthus out of love with Philimena: Yes I do hope it, replied she, especially by his marriage; for since the love of Myrinthus to Philimena is augmented by my obstacles, I am confidently perswaded, that it will cool again when it finds no opposition; the full fruition of Philimena will glut him, and more quash his affection, then all my authoritie is able to do: I beseech you Phi∣lista, (said this Princess in the rapture of her passion) do not tell me that Philocles, though now your Husband, is still in love with you, since there is no love that is eternal: And if I did not hope to find some little satisfaction in seeing the affection of Myrinthus to Philimena to fade by marriage, perhaps I should not have power to accomplish that design, whereupon the safety of my glorie doth depend; therefore I conjure you to con∣cur with me in my hopes, to the end I may more couragiously put my resolutions into execution: Yet do not think, pursued she, that I desire Myrinthus should be out of love after he hath married Philimena, nor in any thought he should answer my affection unto him; no Philista, that's not my aim, and doubtless I have not power to say, I wish that Myrinthus should not love me: But I can assure you, that none of my actions shall ever let him know I love him, though I am confident I shall love him as long as I breath; yet it would be much satisfaction unto me, to see Myrinthus out of love when I have execute∣ed my design. But oh heavens (added she, and gave Philista no time to answer her) am I able to do as I would? and am I well assured that I desire it? When I consult with

my reason, I find my self inclined unto it, though it should cost me my life; but when I consult with my heart, I am readie to alter my minde, this Rebel heart resists me, and if I did not call glory to my aid, I should relaps into my first fond weakness: But as soon as I consider it as a mean to keep me from any possibilitie of committing a fault which my passion prompts me unto a thousand times in a day, and which all the world would up∣braid me with, as a mean, I say, to make Myrinthus esteem me, and perhaps to quench those violent flames of affection which he bears unto Philimena; Honor and Love both joyning together do so fortifie my mind, that I am in hopes of an absolute victorie over my self, though I am out of all hopes of not loving Myrinthus, and though I must still love him without any fear that this passion will draw me unto any baseness. After this, Philista, who wished in her heart that the Queen would marry Basilides, told her, that the best way of security against that passion, was to marrie him; and hinted unto her all the politique reasons of State which might induce her unto it. Ah Philista (said the Queen unto her) your advice goes a little too far, and further then I am able to follow: 'Tis well, If I can resolve to render Philimena happie by permiting her to marrie a man whom I love more then she doth, without moving me to marrie one whom I do not love, nor e∣ver shall: For the truth is Philista, if it were possible, I should cease loving Myrinthus, (as I think it is not) I should certainly never love any else: Therefore Philista be con∣tented that I do what I think sitting for my honour and justification, and do not wish me to groan under any new torment. After this, the Queen dismissed Philista, and would not be seen all the rest of the day; but as the day was tormentive to her, so the night much more, never did amorous heart endure more torture then hers, she altered her re∣solution a hundred times, and as oft resolved to put it in execution; somtimes her passion would be so high, that she was perswaded she did Myrinthus the greatest injustice in the world, if she did not put the Crown upon his head, since it was in her power to make him King, she imagined the injurie as great, as if he had been legitimate King, and she had wringed the Scepter out of his hand; and there was so fierce a combat in her soul be∣twixt honour and love, that the Sun brought day into her Chamber before it was ended; She rise, before she was resolved what to do, and as soon as she cast her eyes upon a great glass, by which she passed in her way to her Closet, and spied in her face the alteration which Love and an ill night had brought upon her, she blushed for shame, that she should be no more a Mistress of her self: Would not any say (said she to her self) who saw this sorrow in my eyes, that I am told of some loss of a great battel, which either reflect∣ed upon my State, or the tranquilitie of my people? and yet in lieu of lamenting for the losses of my people, I am lamenting my own loss; and all this sorrow which sits so sad∣ly in my eyes, hath so poor and weak a cause, and so unworthie of my virtue, as I won∣der how I can endure my self; rouze up thy self Cleobuline couragiously, and conquer thy self. The Queen finding more power in her heart then she imagined, would not let slip so good an interval; and lest she should relaps once more into a repentance, she sent immediately to command Basilides and Myrinthus to come both together unto her; but she had no sooner given this order, then a fresh tumult rebelled in her mind, which put her soul into a new disorder, yet it was presentlie layed, for she was so exceedinglie please∣ed, that she was able to force her mouth unto words so opposite unto her hearts desire, as her very joyes of vanquishing, made her able to execute her design with a kind of tran∣quilitie: So that her desire of glorie, and desire of justifying her self in the thoughts of My∣rinthus and Basilides, sortifying her soul, she prepared her self in good earnest for execute∣ing her design: Then arming her self with a resolute mind, she shut up all her sorrowes in her heart, and so well composed her countenance, as she seemed only a little serious, and not 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or troubled. In the mean time Basilides and Myrinthus being surprized at this sudden message, they could not devise what the Queen should have with them, yet they did not impart their thoughts unto each other, for Myrinthus out of his respect and discretion would not tell Basilides what he knew of the Queens Love; and Basilides out of his jealousie would not tell Myrinthus what he thought he knew not, and which he would never have him know, yet both of them imagined that the Queens sending for them was absolutely to forbid the banes of Philimena's Marriage: So that though ambiti∣on was high in the heart of Myrinthus, yet his Love of Philimena having got the predo∣minancie, he went to the Queen with a soul full of melancholy thoughts: On the other 〈…〉〈…〉de Basilides thinking that the Queen opposed the Marriage of Myrinthus, only because she her self loved him, and fearing also that she would break it only, perhaps with a de∣sign

to make him King, he was so far from looking upon Myrinthus as a Husband unto his Sister, as he hated him as a Rival, though he knew him to be in love with Philimena, and not with Cleobuline.

These two Lovers then being both of them full of restless imaginations, came both of them to Court together. They were no sooner entred, then the Queen hearing of their coming, caused them to enter into her Closet; She had no sooner given this order, but she had some suggestions in her heart to talk of some other business, and to defer the execution of her design unto some other time. But as soon as she saw Myrinthus, and looked upon him as a man who knew her weakness, and who perhaps blamed her for it, her very desire to readmit her self into his esteem, as well as to justifie her self in the o∣pinion of Basilides, did rouze up a greater strength in her resolution then she imagined; and Philista, whom the Queen sent for to be present at this action, told me, she admired that a person so passionate as Cleobuline was, could so well overcome her self: She there∣fore no sooner saw Basilides and Myrinthus enter into her Closet, then causing them to come to her, she began to speak unto them both in a most surprizing manner: Since I know (said she unto them) that the business which I am to speak of does concern you both, I desired to speak unto you both together. Know then (said she, and addressed her speech unto Basilides) that as I have hitherto hindred the marriage of Philimena and Myrinthus, out of some prevalent reasons which I never told you; so now, those rea∣sons being changed, I have also changed my opinion, insomuch as since I do now like of that which I disliked then, I do not only consent unto this marriage, but I desire that it may be consummated, as speedily as preparations for such a solemnity will permit. Ba∣silides and Myrinthus, both were so surprized at the Queens words, as they never thought of any answer! but the wonder was, to see the Brother of a Lover to thank the Queen sooner then the Lover himself: For though Myrinthus was unexpressively in love with Philimena, and was extreamly joyed to hear that he should ere long enjoy her, yet knowing what thoughts the Queen had of him, he durst not be too forwards in expressi∣ons of gratitude, for the favour which she did him, for fear of incensing her. Also his ambition strugling a little in his heart, he could not so suddenly quit a Queen for Phili∣mena, without some little regret of mind; So that not knowing upon a suddain what to do or say, he let Basilides speak first, who apprehending that nothing could be more ad∣vantagious unto his design upon the Queen then this, he was transported with such a joy, as permitted him the full freedome of his spirits, and he returned his thanks in very craf∣ty phrases: I assure you Madam, said he unto her, your Majesty hath not only done an Act of Justice in consenting unto what Myrinthus so much desired, but an act of Cle∣mency also, in preserving that life which the tyranny of his passion would have ruined. Myrinthus hearing Basilides speak in this manner, though he had a good mind to contra∣dict him, yet he durst not; nor durst he out of his respect unto the Queen aggravate a passion which he knew would but displease her; therefore puting a handsom gloss upon his resentment, he began to speak: Since I cannot evidence my gratitude unto the Queen, (said he unto her) without giving her some cause to think that I murmured against her, when she denied me that, which now she is pleased to grant, I had rather publish her goodness unto all the world, then to thank her my self: Therefore Madam, I beseech your Majestie to dispence with those thanks which I owe you, and in exchange give me leave to applaud you, in speaking of those many honours which I have received from you; and to publish unto all the world, that though I die a thousand deaths in your Ma∣jesties service, yet the vast debt of my gratitude is not discharged: In saying you will give me no thanks, replied the Queen and blushed, you have given me too many. In the mean time, I do not only dispense with you for your thanks, but also for all those high applauds you give me; and I hold you discharged of all you owe me, provided you will be fully perswaded, that both in denying and giving you Philimena, I alwayes had strong reasons for those contrary acts, though they were unknown unto you; and as I place Ju∣stice in the first rank of all Kingly virtues, so I do abhor that my Subjects should ever upbraid me with any deficiency in that virtue: If you can be accused of any injustice Ma∣dadam (replied Myrinthus most respectfully) it is in conferring more favours upon me then I can merit: But since goodness is a virtue as well as Justice, I shall hope that with∣out any blame to your Majesty for the favours you have done me, that may be attributed unto your goodness, which cannot be unto your Justice: However it be (said she to fi∣nish the discourse) since the greatest joyes are doubled, when they are made publique,

we will not hinder you Myrinthus from publishing yours; go therefore and tell—This Princess would have said Philimena; but she abruptly stopped, and the disorder of her spirits was so great, that in lieu of saying Philimena according to her first intention, she said, unto all the Court, and said it with a blush; So that fearing lest her constancy should stagger, she dismissed Basilides and Myrinthus, who both of them retired very wel satisfied; yet Myrinthus had som secret pangs of sorrow in his heart, for as he went out of the Queens Closet, and turned his head back, and saw her lifting up her eyes unto heaven with a sigh, so that not doubting but that he was the cause of those sorrows in the most illustrious Queen in the world, his joys were so dejected until the fair eys of Philimena did revive them, as he could hardly speak unto Basilides; yet he was no sooner in the presence of that fair one, but Love began to fill his heart with extream joy. Yet whilst he was tasting, all those di∣licious sweets which he had a long time most earnestly wished for, and which a full satis∣fied hope could afford, the Queen did find some tranquilitie in the Victory which she had obtained over her self, and was somtimes joyed at it: Well thou imperious passion, (did she say before Philista) which art accustomed to conquer the strongest reasons, thou hast now been conquered by mine: Thou Tyrant, I say, who hast caused the most illustri∣strious persons to run headlong into a thousand crimes and inconveniences, and does of∣ten put the whole Universe into a disorder; yet as proud as thou art of thy Triumphs, one simple desire of glory hath forced thee out of my heart, and made my self a Sove∣raign Mistress of it: I do profess Madam (said Philista to her) I do extreamly admire at your victory over your self; I could never think that it were possible to banish a most vio∣lent and tyrannical passion out of one soul in so short a time: Ah my dear Philista, re∣plied the Queen and sighed) I have conquered this cruel passion I confess, but in lieu of banishing out of my heart so fierce an Enemy, my reason hath only enchained him there, and I am in continual fear lest he should break those chains which holds him cap∣tive: I find him doing what he can to get at liberty; but I find also, that he cannot break them unless my reason hetray me: I pray Philista strengthen it by your commenda∣tions, and tell me that I have done the most glorious act in the world; perswade me if you can, that it was more grandure of courage to do as I have done, then it was weak∣ness in me to be so unvanquished as I was: It is an easie matter for me Madam, replied Philista, to commend an act so Heroique, whereof so few are capable; the Sacrifice you have offered unto glory is so great, that as by all the rest of your actions you merit Statues, so by this you merit Temples and Altars, since you have done a thing which the Gods themselues have not alwayes done: Fie Philista, replied the Queen, do not com∣mend me so excessively, for if I should chance to relaps into my first follie, and repent of what I have done, both you and I should be ••••ominably ashamed of all these applauds which you have given me; therefore, though I did entreat you to commend me, yet I pray keep some measure in your commendations; for the very truth is Philista, that I did never in my life love Myrinthus more then now I do, nor hate Philimena more, yet I made them both happy, because honour required it, and my Qualitie would not suffer me to commit crimes, since I must do nothing but what is great and Noble, and Soveraignly just. Moreover Philista, if you did but know my joyes, to see Myrinthus express no gladness when I gave him leave to marrie Philimena, you would wonder: But wretch that I am, (said she and blusht) I rejoyce at that, which doubtless I ought to grieve at, and be ashamed; for it is to be thought, that Myrinthus did only hide his thoughts be∣cause he knew mine: Stifle therefore this ill-grounded joy, and rejoyce Cleobuline at nothing but the Victorie which thou hast got over thy self. In short Sir, the Queen did so encourage her self in the design which she had taken, that it was as generously exe∣cuted, as it was resolved, yet not without a thousand several perplexities; for since all the Court thought they pleased her in interesting themselves in the joyes of Myrinthus, and in commending the marriage which she had made, they spoke of nothing else. Some spoke loud in commendations of Myrinthus, others of Philimena, all of nothing else. In the mean time, since she would not trust too much unto her self, she hasted on the marriage, as if upon the accomplishment thereof depended all her felicitie: And the bet∣ter to colour her affection to Myrinthus, she shewed abundance of kindness to Philimena, and sent her 〈◊〉〈◊〉 rich Presents, though she gave her not one sweet word which had not a bitter relish in her own heart: She her self would also be at the expences of the marri∣age, which was solemnized with extraordinarie pomp: She dressed her self, as if it were the day of her Coronation; and as long as the Feast lasted, she was a most absolute Mi∣stress

of her own countenance, and of all her actions, though Heavehs knows not with∣out inconceiveable sorrow at heart, in the midst of this publique rejoycing. The truth is, she carried it so, that Myrinthus thought she had changed her thoughts of him, that Basilides thought himself wronglie informed, and that Philista her self thought Cleobu∣line less engaged to Myrinthus then she was, yet she was not long in that thought; for the day after the solemnitie, the Queen caused all the Grandees of State to assemble, as if she intended some notable alteration in Government; and without communicating her design unto any whosoever, she appeared in the Noble Assemblie with so much Majestie, as she inspired reverence into the hearts of all beholders. Basilides, according to his Quali∣tie, had the first place, and Myrinthus, by reasen of his offices, the next. This Assembly was in a great Hall supported with Marble Pillars, whose Basis was of Corinthean Cop∣per, so famous over all the world: Between these Pillars and Pilasters was hung several Ensigns gotten in the Wars by the late King of Corinth: And in the midst of this Hall was erected a stately Throne of three degrees; upon the first was the Queen, upon the second Basilides, and upon the third Myrinthus. All the rest of the Assemblie being round about this Princess, who after she had by her looks imposed silence upon all the companie, she made such a most admirablie eloquent Oration, as she charmed all the au∣ditorie; but her resolution did astonish them; for after she had prepared them to hear her pleasure, she declared, That it was her resolute determination never to marrie; adding, that it was her will Basilides should be looked upon, as him who was to succeed her in the Throne, to the end his authoritie should be more firm, and that he should raise no Factions in the State: Adding after all this a thousand admirable Arguments to autho∣rize her resolution: You may judg Sir, how this Oration surprized the Assemblie, espe∣cially Basilides and Myrinthus.

As it is the custome when the Queen hath ended her Speech, for everie one to give their opinions in order, so Basilides spoke first; and though the Queens Declaration was much in his advantage, and confirmed him in those rights whichh nature gave him, yet his love prompted him to contradict the opinion of the Queen, and one could not speak more eloquentlie, nor more reverentlie then he did, to perswade her that she would be pleased to change her mind. And though the place would not permit him to add his passion unto many other reasons, which might induce her to marrie, yet he did hint upon that point verie delicatelie, declaring unto her, that he would never have any right unto a Crown which she wore by so sad a way, as that which she propounded, and spoke as elegantly, as if he had been prepared for it. But when it came to the course of Myrinthus to speak, and when he concurred in the opinion of Basilides, the Queen blushed; and at night she told Philista, that her constancie began to waver, when she saw him for whose sake she resolved never to marrie, to advise her to it. The discourse of Myrinthus was not long, for since he knew the Queens thoughts, he was more limited in his Spirit; yet he spoke verie well, and mixed so many applauds with his contradictions, that it may be said he choaked all his own reasons, and confirmed her in her design. Afterwards, everie one who spoke, beseeched her to change her mind; but after they had all spoken what they would, she repeated all their reasons in a short method, and closed up the Assemblie with a discourse more prevalent then the former, and made it appear that her resolution was unalterable: So that according to custome, the Declaration of it was published unto the People, and all circumstances were performed to make it more Authentique. To tell you Sir, how great was the grief of Basilides, and astonishment of Myrinthus, is a thing not easie. Basilides knew not what to think of her design, whether it proceeded out of love to Myrinthus, or aversion unto himself; but as for Myrinthus, he durst not think him∣self to be the cause of this her resolution. nor knew he unto what to attribute it. In the mean time, this Declaration made a mightie noise in Corinth, and never did a secret cause produce greater events; yet the general opinion was, that the Queen was jealous of her Authoritie, and would not divide it with any by marriage: Some said, it was her love to the Liberal Sciences, which inspired her with an aversion unto Marriage; but there was not one did vote it to be for the love of Myrinthus. Philista her self not being able to comprehend it, took so much libertie as to ask the Queen: I beseech you Madam (said she unto her) what ought I to think of your Majesties design? Is it policie which sug∣gested it unto you? No no, Philista (said she unto her and sighed) This resolution which seems to be grounded upon reasons of State, is grounded only upon reasons of Love: For indeed my dear Philista, by giving Philimena unto Myrinthus, I shall drive Myrinthus

out of my heart, and by consequence make it incapable of entertaining any other affecti∣on, or especially the love of Basilides: And thus, that I might at least in appearance, though not in realitie, enjoy my libertie, I have resolved never to marrie; and to keep Basilides from any murmure, I have setled my Crown upon him: Madam, replied Phili∣sta, were Basilides only ambitious, this might peradventure keep him from any discon∣tents, but since he is in love, methinks it should grieve him: Since I am full of phantasti∣cal and extraordinarie thoughts, replied the Queen, I have one for Basilides, which I confess is verie unjust: For truly Philista, though I am sure I can never love him, and though his affection is extreamlie troublesome unto me, yet somtimes I wish that he would love me ever; love me so far, as never to marrie as long as he lived, that so the Crown which now I wear may fall upon Myrinthus. This is the only innocent way I know to make him a King, which shall be if this phantastical reason do hit, not but that my ima∣gination is shrewdly wounded, when it phancieth my Crown upon Philimena's Head: But for all that, the pleasing thought that perhaps the Scepter may fall into the hands of My∣rinthus, does transport me above all other considerations; and I cannot for my life but wish, that Basilides should extreamly love me, that the Crown might fall upon the head of Myrinthus. In the mean time, to testifie that this passion which yet raignes in my heart is as pure as phantastical, observe I conjure you, how I will live with him who is the cause of it: For after I have done that which becomes my glorie, I must go a little further, and so fully perswade Myrinthus, that I am an absolute Mistress of my own thoughts, that he shall be forced to esteem me as much as I love him. And indeed Sir, though the Queen hath ever since done all that was in her power to advance the fortunes of Myrinthus, yet she never moved him unto any more familiaritie with her, then he used to have before Stesilea acquainted him with the thoughts she had of him. But Sir, the greatest wonder of this adventure is, that Myrinthus, whose soul as I told you was na∣turally of an ambitious temper, did presentlie cool the heat of his affection to Philimena; for in a verie short time after his marriage, he grew so melancholy and reserved, as it was evident, that she had not compleated his happiness. But though one is naturally apt to share in the sorrows of that person whom one loves, yet the grief that appeared in the countenance of Myrinthus never troubled Cleobuline, for she quicklie knew that My∣rinthus did not love Philimena, and that he was her Husband, but not her Lover; her sa∣tisfaction rested not here: For be pleased to know Sir, that after ambition had quenched his flames of Love to Philimena, that verie same ambition kindled his love of Cleobuline, and so desperately, as he was readie to run out of his wits and reason: He did what he could to hide his passion, both from Basilides and Philimena; and since he knew by Ste∣silea how nice she was in such things, he durst not so much as give the Queen the least 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of it. The Queen for her part disguized her thoughts as much as she could, and endea∣voured as much as ever she could that Myrinthus should not perceive that she loved him still, or knew that he loved her; and the more she knew Myrinthus was in love with her, the farther she was off. On the other side, Basilides perceiving the passion of Myrin∣thus, began to hate him; and Philimena also having some such jealousie, did wish so ill unto Cleobuline, as she laboured all she could with Basilides to raise a Rebellion in the State: And it is most sure, that Myrinthus had never any further satisfaction, then to i∣magine that the Queen did love him, because he knew she did so formerly; and the Queen for her part never looked further then to know that Myrinthus loved her, without giving him the least sign of her love. In the mean time Sir, since it is to be feared that the pas∣sion of Basilides in the conclusion to raise a Civil War, I most humbly beseech you Sir; to signifie unto Timochares who hath a great influence upon the Queen, that you are per∣swaded her resolution of never marrying may produce dangerous consequences: As there are very ma••y obligations upon me to Basilides, doubtless I shall be readie to do him any good office; but I do protest unto you Sir, that it is more the Queens interest, then that of Basilides which moves me unto this request; for it is most impossible that any should know her, and not devote himself more unto her service, then unto any other. For Sir, to and the historie of this Princess as I begun it, I do most confidentlie assure you, that there 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••ot ••ny lives on earth who can surpass her in virtue.

〈◊〉〈◊〉 having ended his relation, Cyrus made an Elogie in praise of the Corinth〈…〉〈…〉 Queen, as high as possible; repeating all her virtues one after another, and insisting prin∣cipally upon that power which she had over her self in hiding a most violent passion: For truly, said he, I know by this, that she must needs have a soul much greater then mine;

since when I was at Sinope, and fell in love with Mandana, I was never able to vanquish that passion, though I had then stronger reasons to decline loving that Princess, then Cleo∣buline had not to declare her affection unto Myrinthus; Therefore Philocles, I must con∣clude the Queen of Corinth to be worthy of all those glorious Characters which you have given her: And I do assure you, that if I do tell Thimochares what you desire I should tel him, it shal be only for the love of you: Since certainly to follow the pure dictates of my own heart, I should never advise a Princess who is in love, to marry a Prince whom she loves not. However, since I do believe your intentions good, and since you know the people better then I do, and in what sphere the Spirits of the Court do move, I pro∣mise you to do as you desire. After this, it being very late, Philocles retired unto the Tent which was provided for him, and left Cyrus in thoughts of envy against Myrinthus, wish∣ing with most passionate zeal, that Mandana did as tenderly love him, as the Queen of Corinth did Myrinthus.