The History of Aglatidas and Amestris.

I Have often heard say that Love above all other passions does most fortifie or most en∣feeble men, according unto the occasions which present themselves: and that it never doth so absolutely subdue a soul, but it leaves some Reliques of its ancient dominion: but yet it is not so in my heart; this general rule, hath its exception in me; for since Love com∣manded in chief, it hath quite rooted out all ambition, it hath absolutely extinguisht all de∣sires of glory, and left no other resentments but jealousie and sorrow. I will not stay you Sir, in telling that I am descended from the illustrious Race of famous Aglatidas, (whose Name I own) who did such gallant acts under the Reign of Phraortes, in his Persian, Medean, and Assirian Wars; for perhaps you do already know them: I will only tell you, how since that time all they of my Family have alwaies held the first Rank (next after the Princes of bloud) about the King: I was born then Sir in a high condition; and I dare say of my self that my inclinations have not degenerated from the worthiness of my birth. I had a father, whose indulgent cares did doubtless give me good education; and if Love had not given a stop unto what he expected from me, perhaps I should at this day have been much above what I am. I no sooner attained unto my seventeenth year, but having a desire to get some esteem in the world, and seeing all was peace in Medea, I went unto the King of Saces, Fa∣ther of Prince Mazares, who has suffered shipwrack, where I dare say of my self that in a little time I got some honour: But after his wars were ended, and peace was established throughout all Asia, I was compelled after two years spent among the Saceans, and in my Travels, to return unto Ecbatan, which as you know is one of the goodliest, most magnifi∣cent, and most delightfull places in the world. I arrived there some few daies after. Astiages received news of the death of young Cyrus, son to the King of Persia, and the Princess his daughter. Then I know you have been Sir so long in Cappadocia as you cannot be ignorant of all the passages in Medea: of the menaces of the gods, of the fears and frights of Astia∣ges, and of the joy which he conceived for that security which all Asia hoped for by the Page  104 death of that Prince, who, as men say, did promise mighty matters unto the world: I came then to the Court in a time of great jollity and feasting, and there I staid a while with all de∣light imaginable: The King never hunted but I was with him; There was never any meet∣ing of Ladies but I was sure to be there; I wore rich clothes, and recreated my self in the pleasant walks: And as you know there is not a more delightful place upon Earth then the Kings Palace, and Gardens at Ecbatan, so there was not one day which did not afford me fresh delights: The King was pleased to take more notice of me then I deserved. I got the love of all the young Gallants in the Court, and if I durst say it, there was none of the La∣dies which did hate me; for as my design was generall to please all, so it had been a hard matter to have displeased any one in particular. Thus did I enjoy my youth and liberty with abundance of satisfaction: Whenas Artambaces who as perhaps you know had heretofore been in love with the Queen of Persia, before she was married unto Cambises Father of Cy∣rus (of whom I speak, and who going from the Court upon that occasion, was afterwards married in the Province of Arisantine unto the daughter of a great Prince in that Countrey, and who went away from Ecbatan, and carried with him his only daughter about fifteen years of age, whom he loved extreamly, and who doubtless did deserve as much.) It chanced so at that time, being glutted with variety of pleasures, and weary of the tumultuous court, I took Horse (being waited upon by only one servant) to go and enjoy my solitude, at a fair House which my Father had some thirty miles from Ecbatan: I departed very melan∣choly and lumpish, not knowing any cause for it at all, my design being only to recreate my self in viewing the Pictures, Statues, Gardens, Grotts, and Fountains about my Fathers House, that thereby I might make my conversation more pleasant at my return to the Town. But alas Sir, little did I think what would hap unto me in this Voyage; I have often won∣dred since at the pains which I took to captivate my self, and how I found out a way which lead me into such a Labyrinth of trouble as hath disquieted all my life, When I came into a great high way a hundred paces of the Castle, I saw a chariot overturn'd which was quite broken in peeces; the magnificence of it did tell me that it belonged unto some person of quality; but since there was no Grooms about this Chariot of whom I could enquire, I went on: being come unto the first Gate of the Castle, the Porter who opened the Gate told me that Artambaces whose Name and Quality I knew very well, coming from the Countrey to Ecbatan, had the misfortune to break one of his Chariots, and seeing he could travell no further that day, desired to stay there that night whilest his Chariot was repaired: The Porter told no more then that Artambaces was there, but mentioned not a word of Her∣manista his wife, or Amestris his daughter; So after I had given order for the best entertain∣ment possible, I went straight into the Garden, where I was told he was: But Sir, I was much amazed, when crossing a Quarter in the Garden, I saw in a green Arbour the fairest Lady that ever eye did look upon, and whom I did not know at all; for Amestris had never been at Court: This beauty was no less surpris'd to see me, then I to meet her in that place: For she thinking there had been none in the house but Servants, she little expected there one of my Garb: It was very hot, and she had none with her but one of her women; she had pulled off her Cypress, wherein she used to cover her fair neck; and being bare armed, she lay negligently upon a bed of green grass, her head lying upon the knees of that woman, which was with her: I no sooner saw her but I stopt, and as soon as ever she perceived me, she started up and put on her Cypress: we both did blush at the passage; but certainly it was out of different apprehensions, modesty causing that in her which Love did in me: For Sir, the first minute of this fatal view was the first minute of my Passion; yet, notwithstan∣ding all my unparallel'd astonishment and wonder, I saluted the adored Amestris with much devotion; and beginning discourse, Madam (said I, to let her know who I was) I did not think to finde such fair and pleasing company in my Fathers House; and if I had known that such an one as you had been in the Arbour, the reverence I owe unto such as you seem to be (though I think there is not such another in the world) would have taught me better manners then to disturb your rest. Sir (answered she) it belongs to me to desire pardon for interrupting the pleasure of your solitude, which it seems you came to take in this pleasant place: But Sir, (said she in beginning to walk on) It is my Fathers part to make excuses for the freedom which he took upon him to lodge with you to night, since an unexpected peece of luck did force him to it: Seeing then that her design was to conduct me to her Father, I presented her my hand, and easily observed by this first address, that she had a desire to make me know who she was: for there appeared in all her actions so much gallantry, spirit and modesty, as I saw she was Mistress of as much Soul as Beauty. Madam (said I, conduct∣ing Page  105 her, and answering unto what she said) it is a great happiness to be interrupted by such an one as you; and I think there is no reasonable man, who would not for such a blessed∣ness not only quit his solitude but the Court also with all its magnificence and pleasures: I alwaies lookt for Flattery (said she smiling) out of Ecbatan, and perhaps I shall well enough defend my self against it here; but I do confess unto you that I do fear it a little here where I did not think to be assaulted. When you came into the Arbor where I was, I was commend∣ing unto my woman whom you saw with me, the innocency of these woods, and the honest simplicity of our Countrey, but for ought I see the dominion of Flattery extends it self fur∣ther then I imagined, since there is no safety for humility and modesty within thirty miles of Ecbatan; If you should Madam (replied I) forbid all those praises which without doubt the Court will pay you, then certainly you must forbid your own knowledge, and be ignorant that you are the fairest beauty in the world. By this time we were approached so near Ar∣tambaces and Hermanista his wife, as in lieu of her answer, she told him who I was, and ob∣liged me as was fit, to present my Complement unto them: they made many excuses for the freedom which they had taken; I professed that my Father was much obliged unto them for it; and that for my own particular I took it for an infinite honour: they answered me with the like civility; and their conversation stood too much upon Ceremony: so dangerous it is to stay long in the Countrey from the Court: After this they began to commend the han∣someness of the Gardens and Fountains. And Amestris did like the beauty of the place so well, that she could not beleeve Ecbatan had any place could please her better: although she heard many wonderfull reports of it. Artambaces enquired concerning Court-news, and was satisfied in a hundred things whereof he was ignorant before, because they happen∣ed since his departure: I had the happiness to finde a great disposition in Artambaces and Hermanistra to affect me: As for Amestris I was well satisfied to finde some hopes that she woule not hate me: And since she was of an excellent judgement, knowing there was much difference between the Court and the Countrey-Tone, she would speak but little, and with much moderation, being resolved to reserve her self until such time as Ecbatan▪ had a little glossed her, before she would suffer her charming soul to shine. And it was a secret which many who come out of the Countrey unto the Court, may make good use of, if they desire to get esteem there; for their manners, customes, and fashions are so contrary, that let these new comers do what they can, they will run into many absurdities, if they talk much, and the more they expose themselves the more they become ridiculous. Amestris therefore kept her first conversation very reserved: but yet it was impossible to hide those rare qualities wherewith she was adorned. During one day and a half that Artambaces staied at my Fa∣thers house, I gazed so long upon the splendour of Amestris Beauty, as I was dazled: I wondred at the cleanness of her accent; the sweetness of her expression; with what a na∣turall eloquence she spoke: I admired also at the solidity of her judgement, the gallantry of her spirit; the quickness of her wit; the complacence of her humour, and the charms of her discretion in reserving her self. During the time that these welcome guests were there, I studied all the diversions I could devise to entertain them: I carried them to hunt in a Park which was behinde the Garden; I led them into all the shady Walks in the heat of the day; where, what with the Singing of the Birds, the noise of the Fountains, the curiosity of the flowry Borders, the Statues and Pictures in the Galleries, and my converse, I gave some satisfaction to these illustrious persons, who assured me they thought themselves welcome. After then Sir I had treated them with all the magnificence I could possible, they resolved to depart; but it was not in my power to stay there any longer, though I came with inten∣tions to stay seven or eight daies; I told Artambaces I would be his guide, and go to blaze the apparition of that bright Star unto the Court, (pointing at Amestris;) she blusht at the phrase, and replied without pride or affectation. The Chariot being put into order, we par∣ted; I took Horse, and kept continually on that side where Amestris did sit: and all the way I did as I did the first minute I saw her, to wit, look upon her, and adore her with so much de∣light and satisfaction, as I thought it impossible there should be so many vexations in Love was talked of: My eyes, my heart, my thoughts, my soul, and all, was upon Amestris: But all this while I found my self so tranquil, and so pleasingly contented, that I beleeved this kinde of Love which I bore unto this excellent beauty, was no other then such as men use to have unto all beautifull objects: I did finde that I had nothing else in any admiration; and as I know that I had never seen any thing so beautifull, so I wondred not at any thing else: I did infinitely joy to see her; to have the honour to be near her and hear her speak: Thus did we pass on the time and the way from my Fathers house until we came at Ecbatan. Du∣ring Page  106 which intervall I acquainted Amestris with all the delights and diversions of the Court; She asked what Ladies had the Empire in matter of beauty, and who were esteemed the best wits: And a hundred such Questions as these, which Artambaces or Hermanista or Ame∣stris do put unto me; She knew the Court before she came there: at last we arrived at Ec∣batan, and went unto the ancient Palace of Artambaces which is one of the fairest there: I suppose Sir, that you do well remember, how this famous Town hath seven wals one within another, that the battlements for distinguishment are all of severall heights; And to make the object more magnificent unto the eye of those who behold them, they are painted all with severall colours; those of the sirst were white; those of the second height black; those of the third red, the fourth blue, the fifth orange, the sixth silvered, and the seventh gilt: And Sir, be pleased to know, that within the circuit of this last wall was the Palace of the King of Medes, ever since the famous Deiocus did build these proud wals; and within the circuit of that wall next it were the Palaces of those persons which were of the highest qua∣lity: The Palace of Artambaces was between the wall with golden battlement, and that with silver; and as chance would have it, my Fathers joyned unto it: As we were arrived at the gate of Artambaces Palace, there we found a great number of his ancient friends, who there expected him: so that I could not present my hand unto my adored Amestris, to conduct her unto her chamber, because that great number of men which were there, stept in before, and presented themselves unto Hermanista and her: Untill now Sir, my soul was all joy; and love, that dangerous Serpent, was lurked so close under those pleasing flowers, that I did not disco∣ver its sting: But from the first minute of my thoughts to part from Amestris, and to take my leave of her, then did love appear unto me immediatly in a most horrid shape, I saw him armed with his Bow and Arrows: I saw him with a Torch in his hand, and knew him perfectly to be the most terrible of all the Gods: No sooner did I perceive the company preparing to depart, but I blusht, and became dumb immediatly, I was all serious and sad; and looking upon Amestris, without a heart or a tongue, my minde told her many things which she could not understand: In conclusion, part we must, and part we did, but it was with so much sorrow, and so much love, that never was Passion like unto mine. My Father asked me at night, why I return'd so soon? But as I was going to answer, in comes a Gentleman from Artambaces, to thank him for all civilities which he had found at his house; and indeed it fell out happily for me, because my soul was unquiet, and all so disordered that I knew not how to frame a hansom answer unto my Fathers question. I retired then unto my chamber, and was very indifferent what became of me: Me thought the Idea of fair Amestris haunted me alwaies, and I could not forbear admiring her Beauty, her Wit and her Judgement: my imagination preferred her before all that the Court had amiable; and I could finde nothing comparable to her: I was astonished to see one brought up in the Country, and in a Country so far re∣mote, should not be distinguished from those which were most accomplished in the Court, neither in her Garb, or her Habit, or her Language; I considered her as an absolute mira∣cle: Then, thus esteeming of her, you may be certain that I admired her with abundance of satisfaction. But that which I did think most strange, was that in spite of my heart, I was unquiet and melancholy. What would I have? (said I unto my self) How comes it to pass that the beauty of my lov'd and ador'd Amestris should not produce the same effects in my soul, which other beautifull objects do use to do? for commonly the sight of Fair and Fine things does fill our imaginations with delight; from whence comes it then, my divine Ame∣stris, that in thinking upon you, I should be thus turbulent and disordered? but on the con∣trary, have I not sufficient cause to be content? I have seen you the first of any in your coming to the Court; and had the good fortune to finde you in a house where I was able to pay some part of that service which is your due; and after such a manner it was performed, as the civility must needs invite you to prefer me before the acquaintances you shall get at Court: At the least I have this advantage, to be the first of your acquaintance who admires you, and—(at this word I stopped, not knowing whether I should say) who esteems, loves, and adores you: But determining the matter in my self, after I had a while consulted with my thoughts, No, no, my heart (said I) consider it no more; confess that thou dost esteem and love, and adore Amestris; and if there be any other phrase more fit to express so vio∣lent a passion, make use of it upon this occasion, and publish unto all the world how happy thou art to be the first Conquest of so perfect a beauty? From whence then comes all this melancholy? (said I in my self, and examining the cause) but alas Sir, I was yet a very simplician in love; and did not know that the nature of this passion was to bring a restless disposition with it. I knew not that the happiness which a lover hopes for, does afflict him; Page  107 that the favours he enjoyes do make him restless; and that which he has lost makes him des∣parate: I was such a novice as I knew not that grief and melancholy were inseparable con∣comitants of love, That a Lover never gets a conquest without pain: That he can never keep his Mistress without trouble, nor cannot lose her unless he lose his reason also: But yet I rested not long in this ignorance, for I had such sad experience of its rage, as never man became more knowing then my self in all the fantasticall, giddy humours of love. After I had throughly consulted with my apprehensions, I did conclude, that without all manner of doubt, I was in Love; and that restless disposition which reigned over me, did very appa∣rently proceed from that fear which is alwaies born with Love, to wit, least he which loves should not be beloved by her he does Love. And when I began to think, that perhaps all my services would not finde a favourable reception; this word perhaps did seem most sad unto me; and that uncertainty was so tormentive, that I became almost mad: So that if I durst have followed that folly which possessed me, I should have accused Amestris of that which she never thought upon, and desired her to recompense a love which yet she knew not of, and of which I my self but a little before was ignorant. I shall desire your pardon Sir, if I do particularly relate unto you the rovings of my passion: For I conceive it will be pertinent unto my design, that you should know them; least you should be astonished to finde with what violencies I have been tormented in all the sequel of my life. After I had then passed over that night with much turbulency of minde, I arose in the morning, and in∣tended to present my self with my father unto Artambaces, to accompany him when he went unto the King, supposing it to be in some kinde a rendring of service unto Amestris, in pay∣ing it unto one who was so near and dear unto her: In conclusion, Artambaces after he had saluted my Father, thanked me for my last civility, as a thing which obliged him very much; for he was not ignorant that Astiages looked favourably upon me: We went then unto the Court, and to the King, where I could not chuse but speak of Amestris unto every one I met. I published unto all them whom I knew to be in love already, that their constancy would be put unto a dangerous triall: and I warned all them which were not in love, that if they had any desire to preserve their liberty, to be sure they never looked upon Amestris. Upon the matter, I may say I spoke so, that I spoke too much, as you shall know by the sequel of my discourse. Presently after I asked my self what design I had, in desiring to gain so many hearts unto Amestris? and where some secret resentments of jealousie bad me be silent in the midst of all my discourses of her. Going the next day unto Hermanista, I understood she was not to be seen, because she found her self very ill the last night. Then I went to visit some other Ladies, not in hopes of any diversion, for there was now no thoughts of any such things in me, but only with Amestris: but my intentions were to speak of her, not fearing to procure my self any Rivals: so I went unto the rarest beauties of all the Court and Town; and though it was not very judiciously done, to commend unto any fair one, the beauty of another, and that so extraordinarily as I did: yet I did it with such aggrava∣tions, as I was sure that I procured my self the hate of all those I saw that day: And I used the matter so, as there was none but Amestris her self, who was ignorant that I was in love with her. I moved jealousie in some, envy in others, and a curiosity in the wisest: The next day Hermanista found her self to be reasonable well disposed: all the Court came to visit, and I amongst the rest the first: Amestris was very hansomly drest that day; and I thought her so wonderfull fair, as I wisht a hundred times that I might be so happy as to be her slave: She entertained me with much civility, and desired me sweetly, that I would tell her the names of all those which came to visit her, least she should out of ignorance commit a fault against their quality: You may well suppose Sir, that I received this command with abun∣dance of satisfaction, and went not that day from her. I confess unto you that I passed it over with different thoughts: both joy and sorrow mingled in my soul; so that I could say I enjoyed not pleasure without pain; nor any pain without pleasure: It is very true as I told you before, that the whole Court came to visit Hermanista; and it is more true, that the beauty of Amestris did charm them all: Not a man did enter, but was amazed; nor a wo∣man, though the fairest in all the Court, but blusht to see her self excelled by any Country Lady: It would be a hard matter to tell you Sir, how much I joyed at the glory of Amestris, or to tell you how it troubled me to think that I was sure to have as many Rivals as men which saw her. That which moved most admiration in me, was, that in this first day of her visits, she committed not the least absurdity in all this so great and so long a conversation; and that she received the commendations which every one did give her with so much mode∣sty, that the fairest of our Ladies, in spite of their ecclipse, could not chuse but love her, and Page  108 confess she deserved the esteem of all the world: When most of the company was gone, on∣ly some five or six, whereof I was one; I began like the rest to commend her, but she told me that though perhaps she had not committed any gross absurdity in this meeting, yet she had so many obligations to me, that though it may be she did deserve some commendations, yet she was not to receive them from me; I would have answered her, and told her that she might very well pretend unto my best commends and praises, yet she would not suffer me, but began to discourse of what she had seen before: She highly commended the beauty of all those who visited her, and enquired more particularly of them; praising sometimes the wit of one, and sometimes the hansom behaviour of another: I must confess unto you Sir, that I was very much perplexed; for I observed every one found her to be so fair, that I was afraid to satisfie her curiosity, in speaking over well of any that might be my Rivall: And I found by her inquisitive curiosity of every one, that she had a desire not to be hated of them: I spoke therefore with as much moderation as I could: I commended my dearest friends, though contrary to my custom, with less zeal; lest I should perhaps help them to destroy my self. Night drawing on, I must leave her; and as soon as I went from her, I went unto the King, where we talked of nothing but the beauty of Amestris, and that so advan∣tagiously, as the King design'd a visit unto Hermanista; and Artambaces told her she might expect him the next day; though his age, you know, might very well have dispensed with thy curiosity of seeing fair Ladies: But the next day the King went thither, and, as the rest did, acknowledged Amestris for a miracle: I cannot tell you how many slaves this Beauty captivated; how many Lovers threw off their old fetters, and entred into hers; and what a strange Revolution she caused amongst all the Gallantry of Ecbatan. But I can very well'tell you, that there was not one in all the Court which had not seen her, and which did not love her, or at the least admire her, except one who was my friend called Artabes, brother unto Megabises, who was there; and who as you know is al∣lied a little unto the Royall Family; This man was of a good disposition, and shewed much affection towards me; and I also returned unto him so much fidelity that I pre∣ferred him before all the rest of my friends: Arbates affected solitude, and never car'd for the conversation of Ladies, so that say what you would unto him, he could not be won unto this visit; He was contented to see Artambaces, but he had never seen Hermanista, and by consequence Amestris; yet I visited this bright Star with a constant assiduity, and I had better opportunities then any other for it, because there was a very great League of friendship betwixt Artambaces and my Father: Amestris had such an absolute power over my soul, and I so much reverence of her, that I dust not discover the passions of my heart unto her, but did hide them with as much pains as others to make theirs known, such were my fears to anger her: Amongst many others I perceived that Megabises was one who was fettered in the chains of Amestris. This did very much vex me, and as I never used to con∣ceal my soul from Arbates, so I acquainted him that his Brother Megabises was become my Rivall, and asked his Counsel in the business: He gave it me, and doubtless most faithfully; He told me that if he could possible he would cure me of my dangerous disease; but if he found that he could not, then he would endeavour to cure my Brother: But he told me in the mean time how he thought it fitting that since I was the first Lover of Amestris, since she came to Court, So I should be also the first which should discover my Passion unto her: I thanked him for his faithfull advice, and was so importunate with him to see Amestris, that in the end I prevail'd, upon condition I would undertake to prepare her so as the conversa∣tion might be solitary, without multitudes of company. I went then unto Amestris, whom by good fortune I found alone, so that I had an opportunity to speak unto her unheard by any: Madam (said I after other indifferent Discourse) you will perhaps think me very bold in not being contented with that honour which I have in coming to you my self, but that I must also beg leave to bring a friend of mine, who passionately desires to receive the same honour, although it was never his custome to visit Ladies: I am the more obliged (answer∣ed she) and since you think him worthy to be your friend, it would be a happiness to me to become mine: Madam (said I and changing colour) I would desire one favour from you, and if it be possible obtain it, that you would carry it so with my friend as he may only e∣steem and admire you without loving you: I think (said she smiling and blushing both to∣gether) that you desire a very difficult matter: but since you forbid only impossibilities I will do what I can to satisfie you; Ah Madam (said I unto her) little do you think what you have said, you would think this which I desire to be impossible, if you did but know your self as well as I do: Aglatidas (answered she with a more displeased smile) know, that I pre∣tend Page  109 unto no more, then that you who are a friend unto Artambaces my Father, should not live with me as others do, from whom I endure their flatteries out of complacence and cu∣stome; but as for you I would not have you use it, and if you continue these kinde of speech∣es unto me, you will force me to carry my self so towards you, as perhaps displease you: Why Madam (said I to her) will you let all the world commend you, and will you not permit Ag∣latidas to say that all the world does love you? or at the least I am certain it is so, if I may judge others by my self. I confess, (said he smiling, and turning her Discourse unto a jest∣ing) that since you speak your affection unto me after so unusuall a way, and since, not in speaking of your own fancy but the fancy of the Court in generall, I have no reason to blame you in particular: But (said she then, and changed her Discourse) Go, bring your Friend, and as for the rest, leave the care of it unto my small merits; without any fear of his being captivated. I wish Madam (Replied I) that he may be more happy then one of his dearest friends is: You are so unwise (replied she) that one may finde of your speeches more subject to pity you then to quarrell with you, therefore Aglatidas for this once I will be more indulgent to you; in saying so, she rise, and went unto a Balcone which opened in∣to a Garden; she called two of her women unto her, so that I saw she desired to break off discourse. Then I went unto Artambaces and Hermanista, from whom after I had held a little discourse, I departed, and went to finde out Arbaces, unto whom I imparted the per∣mission I had obtained from Amestris: I related unto him all that I spoke unto her, and all her answers, and how I desired her to give Arbaces leave to enjoy his freedom: It seems (said he unto me smiling) that you are not only jealous of Megabises and others who have seen your Amestris, but you are also jealous of Arbaces who never saw her, and who never desired to see her, and who never would have seen her if you had not desired him: Arbaces spoke this with such an angry smile, that I was much puzzled; certainly if I had not already asked leave of Amestris to bring him, I should have been well contented to have let it alone: But as the case now stood I should have seemed too giddy-headed unto my Friend, and A∣mestris would have thought it strange if I did not bring him: yet when I considered that Megabises was his Brother, and a Lover of Amestris, I thought my self safe enough; and that which so much troubled me before, did now not at all disquiet me, supposing that Arba∣ces would never become a Rivall unto his Brother and his Friend both at once: I remained silent a good while after I had propounded unto my self that Arbaces should not see Ame∣stris: but upon a sudden I said No No, I will not deprive Amestris of the acquaintance with so compleat a man as Arbaces; or him of the incomparable delight in hers; but if she should chance to enchain me (said he smiling) what would become of our friendship? then if you break those chains (answered I) for the love of me, our friendship will be more strong; But what if I cannot (Replied he) will you then blame me? I know not (Replied I) but yet I know that I do not see how any one should love a Rival: Never then (answered he) put me to the hazard of losing your friendship; and since Amestris is so terrible and dangerous, leave me to my solitude, and let me enjoy my liberty; for if I should have the misfortune to lose it, I know not whether I should hate you more for being the cause of it, or you me for being your Rival: not that I finde any disposition in my self why I should fear any such thing at all; but on the contrary I perceive the spirits of the most rationall men are so weakned by this Passion, as I will never be without an Antidote, against this so dangerous a poison: Fear me not Aglatidas (said he to me) and beleeve, that if I do lose my Liberty, it shall not be without strong opposition: When you were catcht, Love took you unprovided, and put a trick upon you: You went into the Countrey to enjoy your solitude, and unexpectedly you finde Amestris there; you were not prepared for so sudden an assault: Your eyes were blinded with over-sudden light; Your reason was confused, and your heart was suprised: and therefore it was no wonder if she captivated a man who had no Arms wherewith to de∣fend himself. But it is not so with me, for all the world tels me of it, you your self tell it, and that a hundred times, how Amestris is the Fairest upon earth; and from these Reports I have fancied so perfect an Idea of her, that I am absolutely perswaded she cannot surprise me; and perhaps too I have over-fancied her, and shall finde her a meaner Beauty then my expectation lookt for: Moreover, I go with resolved intentions to dispute with her for my heart, as much as possible; and since my Brother loves her, and you love her, very reason saies, that there is no danger I shall be captivated: I told him that I wished as much; yet I could not chuse but fear the contrary. Arbates not being able to forbear laughing, you are so simple (said he to me) that the very fear which I have to be like you, may well Page  110 make your minde at rest; yet notwithstanding let me tell you whilest it is time, if you please, I will not see her: since there is nothing but hazard in it; I confess unto you Sir, that I was in a hundred mindes whether or no I should take him at his word, but I could not re∣solve upon it; I found such folly in my procedure, that I was confounded at last, I told Arbates that I would not alter my minde, but to morrow after dinner we would go unto Amestris. Arbates as I have described him, was something solitary, but he was none of those angry Melancholiques whose conversation was clownish or incommodious; but on the contrary he was of a very pleasant disposition in any company which pleased him. The cause of his reservedness was not any melancholique composition in his natural temper, but it was because he was of a more delicate fine spirit, which without much difficulty could not endure the least fault in his friends: he looked for perfection in every thing, and could not endure defects; so that since it was a hard matter to finde many exactly perfect, therefore he found but few to love, and many to shun: As for me, he did me the favour to finde an exception for me out of the generall Rule, and forced his inclination to love me. The next day we went unto Amestris, with whom we found Megabises who was the most astiduous observant of all my Rivals, and most to be feared, being without question the handsomest and compleatest man about the Court. As soon as we entred, I presented Arbates unto Her∣manista, and after to Amestris; They received us both with much civility, and treated us after such a manner as I might discern they esteemed those whom I did; for besides the com∣mon respect which was due, and which they rendred unto his condition and merit, they did things in such an obliging manner, as told me without words that the Favours which Arba∣tes received, were partly done for the Love of Aglatidas. To speak truly those first wel∣comes which he received, because they could not be attributed unto his merit, in so short acquaintance, therefore they were far from moving any jealousie in me, but rather much joyed me, not but that I had some farre fetcht fears lest this civility should engage Arbates more then I would have him, but because she did quickly dissipate them. The Conversation therefore was very pleasant that day, for Megabises was so surpris'd to see his brother a∣mongst Ladies, that he could not forbear telling Amestris this was one of the greatest mira∣cles of her beauty: Think not Madam (said he) that my Brother comes hither to finde in you all those excellencies which all the world admires: But on the contrary Madam, I dare assure you that he would be ravisht with joy to finde if it were possible any imperfe∣ction in your beauty; or any fault in your Language: any dullness in your wit; or any harshness in your humours. Perhaps it would be advantagious unto Megabises, and many others (Replied Arbates) that the fair Amestris had some imperfections, so that she could censure theirs; but as for me (who never look for any defects but because I look for per∣fections) I am ravisht with joy to finde them all in one; and to see my self undeceived in that errour wherein I have been, in beleeving that there was nothing perfect in the world; You are a very good flatterer, for a solitary man, Replied Amestris. I am very sincere Ma∣dam (Replied he) and therefore I freely tell you what I think: After this Hermanista diver∣ted the Discourse; News and Court-diversions was all that afternoons entertainment. For my part I spoke but little all the day: I was so taken up with looking upon Amestris, and observing Megabises, Arbates, and Otanes, that I cared not for discourse: I saw Megabises grew every day more in Love; and a hundred others also were daily captivated: Arbates for a man who affected solitude methought was much pleased with this first daies conversa∣tion: and Amestris did deal her civilities with such equalitie, and covered her thoughts with so much modesty, that I could not discover any partiality: Indeed I was very unquiet all the time, insomuch as Amestris perceiving it did pleasingly chide me, saying, that if she had not known how I had a better reputation then my friend, she should have taken Aglatidas for Arbates, and Arbates for Aglatidas: Yet I thought my self happy that Amestris would take any notice of my naughty humour; and Arbates was very well satisfied, so that his accustomed solitude appeared no more Melancholy then any other. Night being come, every one retires to his own Lodging: I carried Arbates unto my Fathers house, and because I had a minde to treat him civilly I carried him upon a Tarrass where we saw the River Orontes, which runs by Ecbatan: We took two turns upon that Tarrass, and spoke not a word: Ar∣bates not daring perhaps to tell me what he thought of Amestris; nor I daring to ask him his opinion: But here Sir, you may admire at the fantasticallnesse of Love: I protest unto you, I equally feared that Arbates would commend Amestris too much, or that he would not commend her enough: I feared that he would not disapprove of my choice; and I feared that he himself would chuse where I had chosen before him. I being then thus perplexed, Page  111 as I have told you, and walking silently two turns about the Turrass, at last I broke the si∣lence, and said with a little forced sight, Well Artabes, have you defended your self very well: has not the fair Amestris made a Rivall of the dearest friend I have? You are so jea∣lous (answered Artabes) that to break that ill habit, I will not satisfie your curiosity: I will only tell you thus much, that I think Amestris to be worthy of all admiration: But if you admire her (said I to him) I believe you love her also: That is not an absolute necessity (answered he) nor a necessary consequence, yet I will not talk any more of it; for I would work a cure upon your minde, and insensibly unaccustom you not to fancy monsters to fight withall: Ah my dear Artabes (said I to him) leave me not in the midst of these uncertain∣ties; Tell me I beseech you, what are your reall thoughts of Amestris? What would you have me tell you (answered he) if I commend her, you will say I am in love; and if I dis∣commend her you will say that I either deceive you, or have lost my reason: It is no matter (said I to him) though you should let me know that you only esteem her, but I would know whether your heart be not taken; and whether you love her so much, as you must one day hate me for it. I know not what's to come (answered he) but for the present I know I am infinitely obliged unto you, for bringing me to the knowledge of the fairest Lady in the world. I consess Sir, that seeing Artabes spoke with such freedom of spirit, I did beleeve all his tart answers had been only in jest, and mocks at my imbecillity: so that being ashamed of my self, I left off troubling him, and went quietly to supper. In conclusion, I found, that though Artabes was extreamly wounded with the beauty of Amestris, yet he would not be forced to love her, and by the power of his vertue, he resisted it as much as he could, and strove with all his strength not to become a Rivall unto his brother and his friend, such a friend too, who had made choice of him to be his confident, and without whom he had never seen Amestris. It is to be beleeved that what he told unto one who was a friend both to him and me, was true; that he did all things possible not to love her: But Sir, all was in vain; love made a wonderfull strange alteration in him: Untill now he seemed to be the most sin∣cere and faithfull friend unto me of all men that ever I did meet withall; but he became up∣on a sudden the vilest cheat upon the earth: We met many daies, but not a word of Ame∣stris, as if he had never seen her: He did so cure all my jealousies of him by this cunning, that I desired him to let us visit her sometimes, but he denied it very stifly: and indeed he was many dayes and never went unto her: But to my misfortune, I knew afterwards that he had seen her thrice in the Temple, twice walking in the Garden of the Kings Palace; and once walking upon the banks of the River Orontes, where she often used to walk: Artabes then seeming unto me to be farre from any design upon Amestris, I kept correspondency with him, I spoke to him concerning my Passion, and asked his counsell. When I told him that I had not yet followed his counsell in discovering my love unto her as soon as I could, because she did shun all such occasions; then he answered me thus; When I counselled you to speak of your passion so soon, I did not then know Amestris: But oh Gods, Aglatidas (said he) I have much altered my opinion upon sight of her, and finde, that the grave mo∣desty which I observed in her countenance, doth tell me you must not discover your love too hastily and lightly unto her. Beleeve me (said this treacherous friend) you must not think to tell Amestris of any love, untill you rendred her a hundred services, and untill you have brought her to that passe, as she cannot deny you without ingratitude. This way (said I) is very far fetcht; Yes it is so (said he) but it is very sure, and the other very dangerous: for (said he) what if she should be displeased when you discover your passion? if she should forbid you to see her? if she should shun you, or if she should hate you; what course would you take then? Surely (replied I) I should die: But (continued I) if she be never acquain∣ted with my passion; if I never must tell her, but let my Rivals be more favoured then my self, and speak of their loves, how can she come to know of mine? Would you have her recompen•e me for that which she is ignorant of? I would have her know it (answered he) but I would have it after such a manner as will not displease her; I would have her heart engaged a little to embrace your love when you tell it openly: But who shall engage, repli∣ed I, this illustrious heart of Amestris? Your endeavours, your services, your reverence, and your silence (answered he) whereas others procure her hatred by their importunities: And believe me Aglatidas, although I am not acquainted with matters of love, more then by report of others; as I have examined the passion in it self, knowing the cause, I can guess at the effects: Be assured then, that if you love, Amestris will come to the knowledge of it; Love is a fire, which shines as well as burns; and cannot be, but be discovered. Therefore Aglatidas rest contented concerning that: Let all your cares be to finde out waies of serving Page  112 her whom you adore, and make her plainly know your love without telling her. Thus Sir, this cunning Artabes, who knew well enough my disposition, caused me to resolve not to discover my passion more then I had already, unto Amestris, or any else: But though all the Court did suspect me to be in Love, yet I confessed it unto none but Artabes: And though many others did appear to be before me, yet I kept my self within the limits which my un∣faithfull friend prescribed me; I promised to order my self according to his directions: and he also promised me to take off one of my most dangerous Rivals, not conceiving it; as he told me, that this design was advantagious unto Megabises. Indeed he promised very fair; but alas, all was for his own ends, as afterwards you shall know. Then Sir, the true reason why he would not go so often unto Amestris, was, not only to hide from me his love unto her, but also that the counsell which he intended to give unto Megabises his brother might not be suspected. In the morning therefore he went into his chamber where he found him alone, and after discourse of a hundred indifferent matters, he asked him how he would be∣stow the day? Megabises who did not suspect the subtilty of his brother, answered him in∣geniously, that he would spend the day with Hermanista: You should have said Amestris answered Artabes laughing and scoffing at him) for what vertue is there in Hermanista: If Amestris had no beauty, I believe you would not visit Artambaces so often. It is true (an∣swered Megabises) but what do I more then all the Court does? Aglatidas who is your special friend, is not he continually with Amestris as well as I? Yes (answered the false Ar∣tabes) and I would to heavens he were not so; for loving his quiet as I do, I wish he would not trouble himself with a design which cannot be advantagious unto those who are so much bent upon it. I know very well (replied Megabises) that love is a restless passion, which af∣fords no serene delights; yet for all that, if Artabes did experimentally know it, he would not be so forward to blame those who are possessed with it; and would finde, that how ri∣gorous soever the pains of love do seem to be, yet it affords more delight, then all the plea∣sures in the world, which are not caused by it. Yet this wherein you are engaged (answered Artabes) is so full of danger, that I would do any thing in the world which were in my pow∣er to divert you; begin then with Aglatidas (said Megabises embracing his brother) and beleeve me I shall be more obliged unto you for curing his disease then mine. I'le do my best (replied Arabes) and perhaps I have already done more to him then you. Oh heavens (replied Megabises) is it possible that you can divert Aglatidas from prejudicing me con∣cerning Amestris? Certainly (answered Artabes) I will do all that is in my power that Ag∣latidas shall not prejudice other lovers of Amestris: But deceive not your self, and know that it is not with any intention that Megabises shall get any more interest in her by it. But on the contrary, I wish with all my heart that he would prejudice others no more then I would have Aglatidas prejudice him: What then would you have me do? (replied Megabises) I would (answered Artabes) have you strive to stifle a passion which has much weakness in it in generall, and will in this particular procure you much unprofitable trouble: for, said he, there are a hundred more which promote the same design; and which is more; you are to Court one whose heart is stone, and therefore difficult to be pierced. Difficulty (answered Megabises) is the life of love: Yes, replied Artabes, but impossibilities will make it die: It is true, answered Megabises, but why is it impossible that one of my quality should marry the daughter of Artambaces? I do not hold it absolutely impossible, replied Artabes, that Megabises should marry Amestris: But I do not hold it an easie matter to be beloved, for I know by Aglatidas, who is very well informed of it, that Amestris, for all her modesty, is so passionately in love with her own beauty, that she is absolutely incapable of loving any thing else: Then brother, do you imagine it such a happiness to marry a woman who loves her looking glass better then her husband? and whose soul is sensible of nothing but her own attracts. Moreover, continued he, assuming a more serious countenance, Amestris is daugh∣ter to Artambaces, a banished man eighteen years since, and who has made his peace no otherwise, but because Ciaxares (who hates him in behalf of the Queen of Persia his sister) is not now here: Do you not think, since Astiages is so very old, that Artambaces must pack out of Ecbatan the very same day that Ciaxares leaves Cappadocia, and assumes the Crown of Medea? Imagine then Megabises, what pleasure you will have in leaving this Kingdom to live in the Province of the Trisantines with a proud insensible woman, who will wast your fortunes in lieu of advancing them; and who then perhaps will not be so fair (for a hundred things besides age may decay a beauty) nor contribute anything to your satisfa∣ction. Ah brother, said Megabises, you are deceived, Amestris will be for ever fair: Do but assist me so farre as to marry her, and never trouble your self with my good fortunes Page  113 afterwards: What though I be banished? I care not though she be insensible, it is no mat∣ter, so we be banished together; for then I shall enjoy my good fortune with more freedom, and if she be incapable of loving any thing, then I shall be free from all causes of jealousie: Therefore if you love me, assist, but no more oppose my passion: You desire that of me which I cannot do (answered Artabes) we must not give poison unto frantique friends when they ask it, principally to you. Hard-hearted, insensible brother (replied Megabi∣ses) I do almost wish you my Rival to punish you for condemning my passion so severely, and to teach you experimentally that love is not a voluntary business: You would perhaps repent you of your wish; replied Artabes, if it could possibly be; but however confess unto me thus farre, that you would be more happy if you were at liberty, then you are at pre∣sent: then promise me only that you will endeavour a while to break out of your prison: Never think it possible for me to do it; replied Megabises, but because I will not deny you in every thing, I will promise you to try; though to tell you truth, it is as good as if I promi∣sed you nothing. Artabes perceiving that he could work no more upon the minde of his brother, left him for that time; resolving to dispense with the interest of a brother and a friend, and promote his own love before theirs. I was perswaded, as he said himself, that he was forced unto this by the extremity and violence of his passion; and that he did take up the humour without much resistance unto himself: But I am perswaded that let love be ne∣ver so potent, it neither can nor ought to force us unto things which are contrary unto Ho∣nour or Honesty: and that though this passion be the most noble, yet it must not excuse any base or wicked act. However Artabes was involved into a most perplexed condition: He was deeply in love with one whom he durst not visit, least changing his retired life; he should grow to palpable and become suspected by his brother and my self: He was violently in love, but durst not discover it: He had two Rivals whom he loved and whom he was en∣gaged to love: His brother commanded him not to be his hinderance; and he had passed his promise to assist me: He assured me that he would do all in his power to reclaim Mega∣bises; and he told Megabises that he would set Aglatidas free: What should he do then to see Amestris; to betray his brother; to deceive his friend; and to promote himself unto their prejudice: He knew they were inseparable from Amestris: what course could he then take to visit her every day without being suspected by us both? and what cunning could he use to bring about his design? Prepare your self Sir, to hear the most notable piece of Treason that ever love did prompt any man unto, and be perswaded that you must needs be amazed at what I am to tell you. Artabes then a while after came and told me that he had imployed the best of his endeavours to reclaim his brother, and cure his passion; and indeed, as the thing was true, so he related it so punctually, as I made no question of the truth: I thought my self so obliged unto him for it, that I think if he had discovered his own love unto me, I should have returned so much friendship unto him; as to have died, and yielded up my interest of Amestris to him also; so sensible was I of so great a benefit and addicted unto the Laws of Generosity. Whilest Artabes had sufficiently amused me for some time by the relation of all he had said unto Megabises, and all Megabises answers unto him; He personated himself of another hu∣mour with his Brother, and feigning himself by little and little to be very compassionate unto his Brother, heacted his part so well, that Megabises made him his dearest confident; He was his only Oracle, and was guided only by his Orders as well as I. As Artabes feared nothing more, then that Megabises and I should finde him alone with Amestris, and moreover, finding that according to his plot there was a necessity of our being often with her, so I was sure to give notice unto Megabises of the time when I ought to be with her, and also to give me no∣tice in my course when my brother should be there; Insomuch as since he transacted in our business we never saw Amestris one without the other: Love and jealousie moved him to fear one Rivall single with Amestris more then many together. Yet he had this piece of prudence to desire me both for my interest and his own, not to quarrell with my brother, and to as∣sure me alwaies upon his word, that he would transact with all his power to ruine the de∣signs of Megabises, which also as he told me did not please him: He also advised my Brother not to quarrell with me, lest when we were gone far off to fight, others might in the interim step in and supplant him: And thus we lived: Megabises he complained that I was a per∣petuall obstacle unto him; and I complain'd that Megabises was the same to me; As for Amestris she lived in such wisedom and reservedness that her vertue could not discover any of his Projects. It is certain that notwithstanding her impartiall behaviour and civility which she used unto all that came unto her; yet every one observed that Megabises and I had a greater share in her esteem then any else: and that Otanes who doubtless you have seen in Page  114 the Court of Medea, was the man most hated and scorn'd: for my part I could not disco∣ver any more extraordinary favour from her then unto many others: but thought that Me∣gabises was the happier of the two; insomuch as I could not forbear to complain continual∣ly of Artabes: Megabises for his part he thought that I was better treated then himself, and complained also of his Brother, who indeed intended to betray us both alike: One night then, when we were alone in my Chamber, My dear Artabes (said I to him) how long will you hold me in hopes? and how long must the Passion of Megabises persecute me? Why has the enticing eyes of Amestris made a Lover of my Friends Brother, and such a Lover upon whom they look more favourably, if my jealousie do not much deceive me? Ah my dear Artabes (said I) if Migabises had not such relation unto you, my sword should long since have done me right, and revenged that injustice which is done unto my Love, which I am sure preceded his, and which perhaps would have been more faithfull and sincere unto me. Artabes seemed much touched at my complaints and sorrows: Sometimes he would de∣sire pardon for his Brothers injuries; sometimes thank me for the respect which I had unto his friendship; and sometimes he entreated me to continue it: After he had asked as much as he desired, looking suddenly upon me with a troubled countenance: You shall see Agla∣tidas (said he) If Artabes did not love you, and love you as much as one can love another, he would not make that Proposition unto you which he is about, and act such a piece of Treason as he has premeditated: Know then (said he) I know but one way which will infal∣libly break the designs of Megabises upon Amestris: Ha my dear Artabes (said I) let us quickly take that happy way, if it will rid me of my Rivall who is so much to be doubted; You know (said he to me) that Megabises loves me with abundance of tenderness, so that he will perhaps do that for my preservation which he would not do for my prayers and rea∣sons: I must then (said he) for a certain time seem more troubled and melancholique then I use to be; and when he asks me the reason of it, and presseth me importunately more then once, I will tell him that I am in love with Amestris; and that all my trouble and me∣lancholy was nothing else but my endeavours to overcome my own passions which I could not do; In conclusion, I will entreat him, and press him to take some care of my life, and with tears, and sighs, and sorrows dispute with him for the Victory: I know very certainly (said he) that he loves me most dearly, and that it will go hard with him to resist me: I blush (said this vile perfidious Artabes) my dear Friend, to propound so horrid a Treason, but what will not one do for a Friend he loves? But My dear Artabes, (said I, embracing him, and fearing he should be offended at what I was intended to tell him) since the Friendship you have with me moves you so strongly to deceive Megabises; what would you not do both to him and me if you should chance become in love with Amestris? And may I not fear that counterfeiting to be so in Love, you should become really so? Is it so (Replied the crafty Artabes, seeming very angry) do you thus take the proofs of my affection? Take heed Aglatidas, lest if I keep within the simple limits of reason, I do not assist Megabises against you, and prefer the consideration of bloud before that of Friendship: Artabes pronounced these words with so serious a look, that I thought I had angred him; so that checking my self I began to trust in his Promises, and spoke him so fair that his counterfeit choler was appeased, and his answeres were so well that my fears did vanish: I confess Sir, that at the first this Proposition did astonish me, but considering the benefit which I might perhaps re∣ceive by it, and resolving that I would never lose Amestris without losing my life; I thought it better to have recourse unto gentleness then force, and consented unto his Plot, having no suspicion or jealousie; or any imagination of his real being in love with her: fearing only lest he should hereafter be entangled: Mean time this was sufficient for him to have the freedom of seeing Amestris without incurring any displeasure from me; but yet he wanted the same advantage over his Brothers minde, therefore the next morning he went unto him and deceived him as well as me, and almost after the same manner, though the reasons which he used were not the same: he found Megabises in the Kings Garden, where he was infor∣med he might finde him: as soon as he met him; What makes you here Brother (said he unto him) whilest perhaps Aglatidas is with Amestris: at least I am certain he went this morning to Artambaces: You would do much better (answered Megabises roughly) to be no more his friend, but rather leave him unto my fury and jealousie, then to tell me of his tenders to Amestris: Never think that I am able to endure this complacentiall way; my Patience will not alwaies suffer Aglatidas to be the Friend of Artabes, and to be favoured by her I love; Aglatidas I say who of all my Rivals is the only man I fear, and he alone can come in competition with me. Artabes was surpris'd and astonished at this, and looking upon Page  115Megabises, Why Brother (said he) would you have me break with Aglatidas, because he is your Rivall? He who is so generous as not to break with me although you be his Rival and I your brother; who has asked me pardon a hundred and a hundred times, for that it was his ill fortune to be so engaged in the Love of Amestris; who moreover loved her before you knew her; and who has lately given me some hopes to conquer his passion for the love of you and me? yet for ought I see (said the crafty Artabes seeming very angry, and offer∣ing to go away) you take all the good offices which I have done you in so bad a sense, as I will trouble my self no more about them. Ah my dear Brother (said Megabises, staying him) I pray you pardon an unfortunate man who hath lost the use of his reason, and leave him not thus in despair: I saw (continued he) that you loved my Rivall so much that I took you for him, and against my will my anger surprised me, and forced me to say some∣thing, which perhaps has angred you: But pardon me I most heartily beseech you: and since it is so that you love me and love Aglatidas both, cause him, I conjure you, to leave loving Amestris, for I am not able to endure it, he must either leave loving or else I must leave living: You are very violent (Replied Artabes) and what likelihood is there to help a man who is so uncapable of reason? one who would have to renounce all manner of gene∣rosity, to satisfie an unruly passion? Love (replied Megabises) excuses all sorts of injuries; Remember what you say (Replied Arabes) and to prevent such an incovenience as that my Brother and Friend should quarrell, I will become a Traitor unto Aglatidas in behalf of Me∣gabises. At these words Artabes stopt, the better to examine himself concerning the Propo∣sition which he was to make (for Megabises related it all afterwards) and after he had a while ruminated upon the matter, he began to speak in a more serious Tone, Hitherto Bro∣ther (said he) I have transacted with Aglatidas only by perswasive reasons, to give over his Passion, he I say who respects you much, and who doubtless bears as great a Love to you as me: But now since I perceive your Love is grown unto such an extremity, and since I fear my affection to Aglatidas should hazard his life, I will follow your own Maximes with∣out consideration of what is just or what unjust. I will therefore counterfet a false friend∣ship unto Aglatidas, and ask his pardon for a secret which I am to reveal; I will tell him that when I endeavoured to reclaim his Love, that it was meerly for my own interest, and not for his nor yours; In concusion, I will earnestly pray him and press him, that he will give me leave to love and serve Amestris, as a hundred others do the like; telling that o∣therwise it will cost me my life, conjuring with all feigned tears and sighs not to hate me or suffer me to despair: But how will this feat advantage me (Replied Megabises?) I hope (an∣swered Artabes) that perhaps he will yeeld Amestris unto me, or at the least when he knows that I am in love with her, he will not think it strange if I visit her, and not suspect that I am with her upon your account: Ah Brother, said Megabises, if Aglatidas knows how to love he will never yeeld unto you, but will dispute the matter as well with you as me: However (Replied Artabes) you will get this advantage by it, that you will have a faithfull man about Amestris, who will defeat all the designs of your Rivall, and advance your own: Your reason is good (answered the too credulous Megabises) but Brother (said he) I saw you once with Amestris, was it not because you did then a little love her? When I was there (Replied Artabes smiling) I loved your Rivall too well, and it was at his importunity that I came thither; and he thought so little of any such thing, that I think you need not be jea∣lous of your Brother: Consider it well (said he) and resolve whether I should serve you, or whether I should not: For I assure you I should think my self much obliged unto you, if you would not imploy me in any such infidelity to my friend: Megabises seeing such an in∣differency in the minde of Artabes, assured himself, nor could suspect that man who loved both Aglatidas and himself so much, would ever fall in love with Amestris: And thus Sir he cozened both him and me, and brought all things to the passe he desired: In conclusion he assured me that he had acted his part unto Megabises according as was covenanted be∣tween us: He expressed his sorrows and despair to the life, and told me that he would not absolutely promise him to see Amestris no more, but he had given him permission to see her, and to endeavour with her in his behalf, swearing unto him, that if I found her more tra∣ctable, he should then absolutely retreat, and leave him in quiet possession of his good for∣tune; Then Sir, the same which Artabes told me he told also unto Megabises: and perswa∣ded him that I respected you so much as to yeeld up Amestris unto you, and that he should al∣so permit him his leave to see, and then Sir there was nothing which could oppose his joy; so that he told us severally there was no more to be done, but for him to court her in their be∣halfs daily, and to gain her esteem by some particular civility: But said I then to him, My Page  116 dear Artabes, if she should chance to love you in earnest, during this fiction, where were we then? I fear not that (answered he, and doubtless it was the least of his fears) for my own defects assure me of the contrary; And moreover (continued he) I will faithfully promise you that when I am alone with her I will not then speak a word to her but in your behalf, and therefore there is no danger at all: In a word Sir, Artabes did so work upon the minde of Megabises, and mine, as we did consent that he should visit Amestris, and that he should be very assiduous with her, I leave you to judge Sir, if ever the like chance happened: and if ever there was a more prosperous cheat for a while; for since I thought that Megabises retired himself, because he thought Artabes would be better treated then himself: I wisht Artabes all good success: Also Megabises having the same thoughts, had also the same de∣sires: Thus did both of us pray for our greatest enemy and our most dangerous Rival: and whilest he was transacting our Ruines we gave him as many thanks as if he were perpetua∣ting our felicity: He went daily to Amestris who treated him with abundance of civility, and shewed him more favours then any else, because she conceived his visits were only in consideration that he had quitted his solitude, and changed his course of life: he had free∣dom of discourse with Amestris when he pleased, and that with more respect then either of us: for as we were both of us perswaded that when he discoursed alone with her, he spoke unto our severall advantages, we endeavoured to facilitate the way unto him; and we our selves furnished him with Arms to destroy us: for in lieu of imploying those precious mi∣nutes with her in private to the advantages of Megabises or me, he all the while was endea∣vouring to get himself into her good opinion: But for the first daies, it was after so hand∣some and respective a way, that she could not be angry: and if she did suspect any such thing as love, she thought also that he had never given her any occasions of displeasure; she be∣haved her self unto him with much reservedness, but yet as I have said with very much civi∣lity, because indeed he was worthy of it, both in respect of his quality, and of his wit; Me∣gabises asked him every day whether I began to change my thoughts, and I asked him very often, if his Brother did pity his counterfected Passion: To this he answered me, that he be∣gan to have very much hopes of him; and to the other, that yet he knew not what to hope of him: To the one, that the thing was possible, that the thing was possible, but difficult; to the other, that notwith∣standing all the difficulty he would bring it about: and to them both that nothing ought to be done precipitately, if they would have it done will; and that they ought to give time of consideration and contrivance of the matter: In short Sir, this Impostor transacted his en∣terprise so cunningly, that whereas he should have acted for us, we both of us acted for him, and gave him a thousand thanks for his knavery: We met oft all together at the Cham∣ber of Amestris, and both Amestris, and both Megabises and my self endured torments beyong imagination: Sometimes our Passions were turned all into despair, sometimes jealousies mingled; Mega∣bises suspected his Brother was more my Servant then his: I also thought that Artabes would betray me to favour him, sometimes we were all fears, and sometimes we did appre∣hend that Artabes neither was in love nor ever would be. As I remember I told you, that by the orders of my unfaithfull friend I was never to speak openly concerning my Passion for Amestris: But though I observed that order most exactly, yet dare say the fair Amestris was not ignorant what power her bewitching eyes had over my heart: And although my tongue did never reveal the secrets of my soul, yet all my actions, my looks, and also my common discourse of indifferent matters, did clearly evidence (I knew not how) the violence of my love, especially unto any that was possessed with any inclination to judge things for my ad∣vantage: I was obliged for the justification of Amestris, and her favours to me, to say, that since it was her pleasure to honour one so much, it was because she knew that Artambaces and Hermanista allowed of it; it being certain, as I was well informed since, that it was their desire I should become a servant unto Amestris, because I was the first man of all the Court which had the honour to be known unto her, and because I had never said or done any thing which displeased her, but was upon all occasions diligent to serve and direct her: Yet not∣withstanding her slight disposition not to hate me, did not at that time afford me much hap∣piness, because the severity of her wisdom, and prudence of her civilities was such, that none could reasonably guess she bore any good thoughts of me; neither fear she had any ill, be∣cause of her aspect, such was the wisdom and judgement of her behaviour. Yet I dare say that Artabes as prosperous as he was in his knavery, had some angry times; for when he was with Amestris, between Megabises and me, it was impossible but he should be stung with some remorse of conscience, for betraying his brother and his friend, and sometimes apprehend the end of the adventure; not but that he had foreseen all things; and that if his design did Page  117 not hit, he was not to seek for excuses: His design was, that when he had assured himself of the favour of Amestris, to ask pardon of us both, for covering his love to Amestris with the cloak of a seeming it to be affection unto us, and to seem so extreamly sorry for the accident, that we should pity him: He imagined that for his brother there was no fear of his life from him, and as for me, he believed that our friendship, and the reverence I bore unto A∣mestris would hinder me from spoiling his desing; and after all, the fair Amestris would not expose her self unto any danger of causing a quarrell. Thus had Artabes laid the foundation of his Plot: But Fortune, which meddles in many matters, would not suffer it to hit: And thus we lived for a reasonalbe long time: Then Artabes seeing how he was baited both by his brother and himself: and thinking that he was upon good terms with Amestris, he began to express his passion more openly then formerly he had, and intended to open his design un∣to her; and a while after he found a favourable opportunity. He told Megabises and me severally, that now he was resolved to know which of us two stood best in the favour of A∣mestris; but to that end we must not go unto her this two daies, but give him the opportu∣nities to entertain her in private: We both consented unto his desire, though on my side with much ado: He went then unto Amestris, unto whom he could not speak the first day, by reason of much company; there happened to be then there one of her lovers, called Ol∣tanes, an illfavoured man, and most displeasant both to her and all the Court: This man was seldome from her; not but that Amestris had a very great dislike of him, but because he being a man of quality, Artambaces would not forbid him his house: It was this man who did most hinder Artabes from speaking unto Amestris the first day: but the next day after proved more happy, for he found her without any company besides her own women: She her self was leaning upon a Belcone which looked into the Garden; so that he might deliver his minde without being heard by any: At first their discourse was upon indifferent things; but since he had a hidden design, and desired to fall insensibly into discourse of something which might discover it unto her: Madam (said he to her) I found you yesterday in such a solitude as was not usual with you, very like unto that humour out of which you have drawn me; I should think my self much honoured (answered she) in being a means to re∣gain you unto your friends: But I believe it rather the perswasions of Megabises and Agla∣tidas which had that power over you, then that I contributed any thing at all. Megabises and Aglatidas (replied he) has not so much power over me as the fair Amestris: You are very unjust then (answered she) for in my opinion they have more right unto that power then Amestris hath, who desires power over none but her self: That which you reserve unto your self (replied Artabes) is doubtless much better then all the rest of your Empire: though I assure you, that you have an absolute dominion over all those who have the honour to come near you; and for my particular, I preferre you before all the Crowns in the world: If difficulty in getting of any thing (answered she) do add any thing to the value, then you have reason to esteem me so, since it is most certain, that it is no easie matter, ever to get an absolute power over the heart of Amestris. That would be too much, Madam, to desire an absolute Sovereignty in so glorious a place (replied Artabes) and I know some men, whose ambition would be contented with less, and account themselves most happy if you would ac∣knowledge them for your slaves: For my part (replied Amestris) without thinking that Artabes would more clearly explain himself, I would advise none, either to give or receive any fetters; and by my good will, none of my friends shall ever become unhappy: Ah Madam, (said Artabes then) continue alwaies in so just a minde, and never repent it: To repent of things which are just, replied she is doubtless a crime, which I do not intend ever to commit: If so Madam, replied he, why do you suffer one man in the world (who adores you without pa∣rallel, and whose rigorous silence cannot express himself) without shing upon his misfor∣tune, by your favourable aspect? you I say, who expresse your self so divinely, and say, that by your consent none of your friends shall ever be unhappy? Amestris stood a while without an answer, not knowing well whether Artabes spoke concerning Megabises, my self, or him∣self: She was so susprised at the discourse, that she knew not well how to expound it: but the first disorder of her spirit being passed over; I know not Artabes (said she in a higher tone) whether or no you have any design upon me, to make me follow your accustomed humour, and preferre solitude before society: but I know very well, that though you do not change me, you move me to advise you to rest your self quiet in your own closet, and trouble my chamber no more: I cannot be any where but with you (replied Artabes pre∣cipitately, who was naturally of a hasty violent temper, though he seemed dull and melancho∣lique unto those that knew him not very well.) Surely Artabes (said Amestris in looking Page  118 upon him with many marks of anger in her eyes) you do not know me? Pardon me, Ma∣dam, answered he, I know you very well, and cannot be ignorant, that you are the fairest, and most amiable in the world: but it is you Madam, added he, who knows not the unfor∣tunate Artabes; he, I say, who adores you, as devoutly as men adore the Gods; he, whose thoughts are all upon you; and who seeks nothing upon earth else; I say, who will die, and die a thousand deaths rather then live without the love of Amestris: Then you must pre∣pare your self for death (replied she and broke off his discourse) for Amestris will not be∣stow her esteem esteem nor love, nor friendship upon any, who want those respects unto me which are fitting. It to adore you to want respect? replied he: To tell me as much, is, answered she: Do as the Gods do then (answered Artabes) and know my thoughts, and like them, receive my praiers, and grant me that which it is your pleasure I should not ask: I'le grant nothing, said she, unto them who render themselves unworthy, no not my compassion, which I seldom refuse unto any in misery: But Artabes (said Amestris) I desire no more of your company, and forbid you ever visiting me any more: In saying so, she would have gone away, but he staied her: Since this is the last time (said he unto her) that I must have the blesledness of your company, you may very well hear me all I would speak, and it is but fit I should let you know what Artabes is; to the end, that before you do absolutely destroy him, you may consider well whether you have any reason for doing it: I know but too much, replied she, and it would have been better for him if I had known less: You do not yet know Madam, said he, that he who speaks unto you does love you so extream violently, that there is no crime which he hath not committed for your sake; he hath betraied his friends, he hath cosened his kindred, he hath dishonoured himself, and there is nothing which he hath not done, which might make him rest capable of getting your affection, and to hinder all others from possessing it. The reason, Madam, why I tell you what I have done, is, that you may know what I can do: If there be any of my Rivals which displeases you, do but seem to wish, and I shall presently rid you of them; but (continued he) Megabises and Aglatidas they are more fortunate then I, if you desire to preserve them, hide so all your advantagious thoughts of both of them, that I do not perceive them, and that they themselves do not perceive them. Megabises and Aglatidas, replied she, are wiser then you are, in my opinion: I know not Madam, answared he, whether they be wiser; but I know very well, that if they be more happy then I, they shall not be so long: At these words Amestris grew so extreamly angry, that she used all the vile and ill terms she could in∣vent against Artabes, who doubtles did often repent him of his violence, though in vain: This crafty and subtle man, by the violence of his passion and sorrow, had lost all policy and craft upon this occasion. As they were upon these terms, a servant came in and told Ame∣stris that there were a great number coming to visit her; but since she found her spirits a lit∣tle disordered, and left any signs of anger or sorrow should appear in her face, she left Artabes upon a sudden, and went into her Closet to compose her countenance. Mean while Artabes went out of the chamber, but in such a fury, and so desperate as possible a man could be: Sorrow so possessed him, that because he could not resolve to see either Me∣gabises or me: he took his horse and went for some certain daies into the Çountry, leaving order to tell every one, that important business so hapned that he was forced to go without bidding adieu to any of his friends, or seeing us: Mean while, Megabises and I, who knew nothing of the truth, and who were in absolute dispute, because Artabes had rendred us no account of the discourse which he had with Amestris, we would go the next day unto her; but we were told that she was not well, and would not be seen: The next day we went again and saw her, but much more melancholike then accustomed: Methought she treated us more coldly then formerly she was accustomed. I leave you to imagine Sir, how troubled I was; for as I beleeved that Artabes had spoken to her concerning me, the last time he was with her, so I expounded this coldness in her, in a cruel sense: Megabises, as I have heard since, he was at no more rest then I, and therefore passed all that afternoon in much melancholy: But here may be admired Sir, how Fortune disposes of things; All the while I was thus tormenting my self, and had trusted the conduct of my Love unto a Friend who had betraied me, my Father, I knowing nothing of it, was an earnest solicitor for my happiness, as you shall know. I was then very melancholike both at the absence of Artabes, and the coldness which I observed in the Countenance of Ame∣stris; when my Father sent for me, and propounded unto a Marriage, with the Daughter of Artambaces, not only as a thing which he wished might be, but as a thing al∣ready done up amongst them. Sir, Replied I, this which you propose is too advantagious to Page  119 be consented unto without much Joy: But do you think Sir, that Amestris does resent it with the like gladness? Amestris, answered he, does not yet know of it; but I beleeve she is so well educated to be obedient unto her Parents, who I know do desire it as much as I; Sir, said I to him, I would know it from Amestris, and not from Artambaces; It is your own office (replied my Father) to inform your self of her thoughts and desires: I leave you to judge Sir, how infinitely I was joyed at such welcome news: it was so abundantly pleasant, that I relished it but imperfectly, and it moved such violence in my soul that I could not resent it as I ought: Oh Heavens, how oft did I wish, the perfidious Artabes were there to be a witness of my good fortune, and to ask him pardon for the displeasure Megabises did resent: Mean time, because I thought it strange, that they should marry me Amestris, before I had acquainted her with my Love; I took an occasion the next mor∣ning to visit her, and it was my happiness to finde her alone: I observed, that she did of∣ten change colour, and I imagined, as indeed it was true, that she had been acquainted with the intention of Artambaces concerning our Marriage, of which he had spoken unto her, an hour before I came: But alas Sir, what strange inquietudes did this fair and amiable divinity afford me? and how great were my fears, that she had no dislike of me, because they had propounded it unto her! Madam (said I to her almost trembling) dare Aglatidas be so bold as to ask the fair Amestris, whether the many changings which he perceives in her fair face, be a good or a bad omen for him? I think, said she (blushing very much) that I have heard the Magi say, that men ought not to consult with any but the Starres, to know their Fortunes, and not to trouble themselves at such lame and slight observations. I think (replied I) that those who desire to know whether they shall be Rich, or fortu∣nate in War, ought to do as you say; but I beleeve that they who would know nothing else but what the heart of Amestris thinks, ought to consult with nothing but her eyes; and ought to ask their good fortune from nothing else but them. Amestris (answered she) is is not considerable enough to give Felicity or bad fortune unto any: But, Aglatidas may believe that Amestris will never seek her own good fortune, but by the will of those who ought to dispose of her: But Madam, said I, if those whom you speak of should advise you unto a thing which is repugnant unto your minde, would you obey them without murmur? I would, doubtless (replied she) as long as I have life; and I hold it better for my self to do that which I ought, then to do that which pleaseth me: It is a most severe virtue, repli∣ed I, and methinks it is a little too blind an obedience; for Madam, unto how much despair would that man be driven, who should be so happy as by the choice of your parents to be a husband unto the divine Amestris, if he should afterwards know that she obeyed her pa∣rents only, and married him by constraint? I would hide my thoughts so close, answered she, that he should never know it: Ah Madam, said I to her, do not abuse your self so much, this is a thing which cannot be; Therefore Madam, I conjure you by all that is most yene∣rable and holy, to tell me ingenuously upon what terms am I in your heart? for I cannot think my self more unhappy, then that you should be ignorant how you are absolute Com∣mander over mine; yes Madam, said I, you know that since the first minute I had the ho∣nour to see you, I have loved you with unequalled passion: that I have served you with as much reverence as any can the Gods; and secretly adored you with every atom of my heart: Then Madam, it's your part to let me know whether I must hope or fear, whether you can endure me without aversion, or whether you like me out of Complacencie without compulsion; it is absolutely in you to determine upon either my good or my bad fortane: I have already told you (replied she) that I have no power in my own felicity, and therefore by consequence cannot have in anothers: But Aglatidas, since I have received a command from Artambaces and Hermanista to entertain you, when you speak of your affection, let me tell you with much sincerity, that I think the choice which they have made for me is very advantagious for me, and so much, that when I understood it, I was in much confusi∣on; and if you observed any alterations in my countenance, doubtless it was, because I was ashamed to be no more worthy of the honour which you do me, then I am: Amestris pro∣nounced these words with such reservedness, that I could not discover her heart, which put me into great perplexity and melancholy: I was at this time almost angry with my father for so soon putting forward my good fortune; for, said I to my self, how should I know now whether or no Amestris loves me; Amestris, I say, who is the wisest Lady upon earth, and one who would dwell with the ill-favour dest man if she once married to him: So very much was I possessed, Sir, with this kinde of unquietude, that I could not hide it from Ame∣stris: Madam (said I to her) you see here before you the most happy and the most unhappy Page  120 man both, of all men upon earth: The most happy, in the noble hope which Artambaces gives unto my father, that Amestris will not refuse me; but the most unhappy, in that I cannot know whether Aglatidas be the choice of Amestris or Artambaces: What will it ad∣vantage you to know it, or to know that which I know not my self? For as I have ever been strongly of this opinion, that I ought not to dispose of my self, so I am contented to deny my heart my own choice, and submit my self unto a blinde obedience: Then Madam (said I un∣to her) if your Parents should command you to accept of Megabises or Otanes, would you obey them? I have already confessed it if I be not much mistaken, replied she: Oh heavens (cried I) Madam, why will you not make me happy? I will not deny you happiness (an∣swered Amestris) if my consent be necessary unto it: But Madam (said I, interrupting her) how shall I be assured that your consent is more then a constrain'd obedience? since you tell me that you will obey, though never so repugnant to your minde: You are very unjust Aglatidas, said she to me, to desire that I should tell you my thoughts, and I only to guess at yours; therefore endeavour to discover them if you can, and content your self to know thus much, that Artambaces has the heart of Amestris in his power, and if he dispose of it unto you, as very likely he will, then you shall have an absolute and lawfull power over it: This is not yet enough Madam, said I unto her, I would precisely know what you thought of Ag∣latidas at that very time before Artambaces did speak unto you in his behalf? I thought, said she, doubtless as all other reasonable people would think: But were you so absolutely in∣different, said I to her: You are too inquisitive (answered she smiling and blushing both) and if I should continue answering you thus, it should go hard but I would say something which should be either to your disadvantage or my own. After this manner Sir did this wise and nimble Lady free her self from my persecution, and cured me a little of my melancholy humour; for I thought she spoke these last words in such a manner that I might very well expound them in a favourable sense for my self: Then thought I my self most happy; and if Artabes had but been at Ecbatan, there was nothing more which I could have wished; yet since persons of Quality do never marry in Medea, without the Kings consent, Artam∣baces and my Father did conceal it some certain daies, untill they found a fit time to acquaint Astiages with it; But Sir, they were happy daies for Aglatidas, what delights did he not finde in the conversation of Amestris: for since her Father commanded her to respect me as one that was to be her husband, I found in her soul so sweet a complacence, and observed such tenderness towards me, that I might very well say, I was fully recompensed by these blessed minutes, for all the ill ones that ever I suffered: Yet she would never confess that she loved me, or ever did love me; but permitting me to hope what might be hereafter, she said enough to satisfie me that she did not hate me: Artambaces and my Father having met with that fit opportunity which they waited for, spoke unto the King concerning our mar∣riage, who presently consented unto it, because he knew not that Megabises pretended unto Amestris: The consent of Astiages was no sooner obtain'd, but immediatly the matter was divulged about the Court: Megabises being presently informed of it, went presently unto the King, and desired him to forbid the Banes; but the King told him he spoke too late, that his word was past, and the thing was absolutely without remedy: Megabises went a∣way from the King sufficiently Malecontent, and resolved of another way to compass his end, he sought an occasion to meet me, and having found me, without any more pream∣ble, Aglatidas (said he to me with a low voice in my ear) you shall not enjoy Amestris, but by the death of Megabises; therefore, without more ado, let us go out at the gate which opens towards the Mountains, and compleat your joyes by my destruction. Megabises (said I to him) I need no pressing to go whither you would have me; but I confess I would not, if possible otherwise, take Sword in hand against the brother of Artabes: But you may (re∣plied he) if you will yield Amestris unto me: Amestris, replied I, Ah, no no, Megabises, I can never yield her, and if there be no other way to give you satisfaction, we must follow your intention: In saying so we went out, as soon as we were rid of those which were about us, and came unto the foot of a great Rock under a great Hill, where he would have us fight, I confess that the friendship of Artabes troubled me a little, and I had no minde to lose the bloud of his brother: But when I began to think that Megabises was my Rivall, and that the possession of his Amestris depended upon his life or death, all other considerations va∣nished, and fury become master of my spirit: We were no sooner at the place which he aimed at, but we drew our Swords, for it was so near the Tower, that though we were on foot, yet we need no taking our breaths: Megabises came up to me with so much fury and violence, as let me know I had a dangerous enemy to deal with; and I dare say he received Page  121 me with so much resolution, as he had no ill opinion of my courage; We being both of us nimble and well skild at weapon, did hold out many blows without a wound, which I believe did anger us both: So that we resolved to put the matter unto Fortune, and not to stand fencing any longer. Artabes, the politique Artabes, having in all likelihood invented some new cheat for us, and returning to Town, saw us afar off at the foot of the Rock; who not knowing who we were, rid up unto us with drawn Sword to part us: But, O heavens, how he was surprized when he knew us; and what variety of thoughts he had upon it: Megabises being his brother, it may easily be beleeved, he would intreat me to hold, and regarding me as his friend, he obliged his brother to use his Sword no more against me: But when he did resent us as his Rivals, I know not whether he had a minde to set upon us both, and lay aside all respects of fraternity or friendship: yet natural resentments alwaies appearing first upon sudden accidents, Artabes no sooner saw us and knew us, but he cried out as loud us he could to hold our hands: his voice being known unto us both, and both Megabises and my self being moved at it, we turned aside and saw Artabes with drawn Sword, as I said before, who having got between us, in parting us, not lighting from his horse, What strange fury pos∣sesses you (said he unto us) and what new quarrel is risen between you? The fault's not mine, my dear Artabes (said I to him) the Gods do know with what unwillingness I came to it; Why then 'tis you Megabises (said Artabes to him) who without consideration that Ag∣latidas my friend, and contrary unto your promise, have begun this quarrel in my absence? It was I indeed (replied he) who invited him to it, and who will send him to his grave, un∣less he either send me to mine first, or yield Amestris to me: Artabes, who knew not how things stood since his departure, and would not have his brother Megabises to enjoy Ame∣stris, no more then he would have his friend Aglatidas; therefore looking upon us both; You are too furious (said he) and have lost your reason; I never heard say that Artambaces would give his daughter unto him that was most valiant, therefore in lieu of fighting to no purpose, go both unto him together, and he to him he consents, let him continue quiet pos∣sessor of Amestris: Ah my dear Artabes, you have pronounced a most favourable sentence, for Artambaces has promised his daughter unto me: Yes, said Megabises, and the King has consented; therefore judge you if it be not time to fight with Aglatidas, or whether I am in such a condition as to follow your counsell. At these words Artabes, who doubtless would never have given that counsell, but that he imagined Artambaces would never bestow his daughter upon men that would quarrel about her, and thereby he might get advantage by it, therefore he began to change coulour, and looking upon me with eyes full of rage and de∣spair; And is it true, said he unto me, that they have promised you Amestris, and that Ame∣stris hath consented? It is true, said I to him, and I rejoice in the good fortune, and Amestris did obey without any murmure: Hah, if it be so, said he, Megabises let me sight with the happy lover of Amestris, and do not you meddle, for I have more interest then you have, and Aglatidas shall be more innocent in causing my death, if it chance, then yours; In saying so, he fell upon me with much fury, and I stept aside, not being willing to fight with my friend, and yet wondering from whence these words should proceed. Megabises very generously stept in betwixt us (and incensedly said unto him) What wilt thou shame us both, and make all the world beleeve we were two against one? Retire, or else my thoughts of honour and love shall make me forget those of nature; at these words I let fall the point of my Sword, to let Artabes see I had no desire to fight with him: How now Artabes, said I to him, can I beleeve what I see? and can Aglatidas imagine that Artabes is become his enemy? Ah, no no, said I, I can never believe it; for I cannot hate any unless the lovers of Amestris And it is under that notion (answered the furious Artabes, lighting from his horse, and advancing towards me) that I cannot suffer your good fortune, and which prompts me to dispute the matter with you unto my very last drop of bloud: Are you a lover of Amestris? (said Me∣gabises) as well as I? Yes, I am (replied he unto us) and so zealous a lover too, that none shall ever enjoy her as long as I live: I leave you to judge Sir, how Megabises and I did wonder; and admire a little the various effect of Artabes his language: I who a little before did love this perfidious friend, and hated Megabises, as soon as I heard him so express himself, the love I had formerly to him extinguished, and the hate which I bore unto the other sus∣pended, this new jealousie operating upon my fancy more strongly then the old one: Me∣gabises for his part, looking upon me as one that had been deceived by Artabes as well as himself, 〈◊〉 lessen his aversion to me, and increase his hate of the other: And Artabes be∣ing all despair and violent passion, made no difference, as I thought, between his brother and me his friend; although I think he was the most unhappy, it being to be thought, that the Page  122 mage of his crime and double treason did often present it self into his minde, and tormented him without cessation; yet Artabes could not now fight with me, because indeed I refused, and because Megabises would not suffer him; and on the other side, he would not stay to be a witness of the Combate which was begun between Megabises and my self, nor was he as furious as he was able to fight against us both, nor would I have suffered him to fight with his brother. But because Megabises was not less amazed at the love of Artabes then I was; Since when, brother (if I may call you Rival, said he to him) have you been in love with Amestris? Since the first minute that ever I saw her: (answered he) What (said I to him, interrupting him) did you fall in love with her that day I carried you unto her? Yes, cruel friend, replied Artabes, it was you which forced me to go, and who forced me to betray you afterwards; to deceive Megabises, to offend Amestris, and to dishonour my self: There-Aglatidas (said he) since I can be no longer your friend, it must of necessity be that either you or I must die: It were better, said I unto him, that you did repent of your crime: I cannot repent (answered he) untill Aglatidas and Megabises leave loving Amestris: Since it cannot be but upon those terms (said Megabises and I both together unto him) we must bethink our selves whether it be better to pardon or to punish you: As we stood thus argu∣ing the matter, we saw a number of people coming towards us, who being told that we went out of the Town together, came to seek us, having some suspition of our quarrell: The furi∣ous Artabes, having no minde to stay, took horse, and told me in my ear, that three daies hence he would expect me from morning till night, in a certain place which he appointed, and told me that if I were not the basest coward that ever lived, I would come thither and give him satisfaction: Then he presently rid away, and we lost the sight of him. Those men who sought us, did finde us, and brought us to the Town, but for all their vigilance, both Megabises and I escaped them, and went out to fight some five hundred paces from Ecbatan. I will not trouble you with relating the particulars of our Combate; I will only tell you, that I was so fortunate as to hurt Megabises slightly in the hand, and disarm him: I thought it not fit to go into the Town the same day, because Megabises was allied unto the blood Roy∣all, and it would seem some disrespect in me to fight with him, though it was not I who be∣gan the quarrell: I went therefore unto a friends house, without thinking that this way led me unto the place which Artabes had appointed: for if I had considered it, it may be I should not have took that way, so much was my former love to him stronger then my present hate: But Sir, I forgot to tell you that in disarming Megabises, my own Sword did break, so that in the end of the Combat I could not restore unto him his own, since it seemed not just unto me that he who had the good fortune to be Conqueror, should himself be disarmed: There∣fore I had then Megabises Sword, by reason of the f•ilt which was of a very extraordinary fashion: So that as I came to the place Artabes had appointed, and where he punctually ex∣pected me: he no sooner saw me but he knew the Sword of Megabises, and thought I had killed him: This fight suspended all other thoughts for a time: Why now (said he in com∣ing towards me) I do not only see him who enjoyes Amestris, but also my brothers mur∣derer: Your brother (said I to him in going back) is not in that condition; and if it were as easie for me to leave loving Amestris, as it is to render you your brother, we should be quick∣ly friends: That cannot be so, said he, for none of our Family use to quit their Swords but with their lives, but however it be, you must fight with me, and though that should not be, yet I have other causes to hate your life; and wish your death: In the name of the Gods Artabes (said I to him) do not urge me to kill the man I so much love, and lend me so much patience as to hear me a little: Artabes at these words stayed, and did not press upon me so hard: I began then to speak of a hundred things (notwithstanding my hate, and my resent∣ments) to bring him unto reason, though I could not do it; Why, said I to him, do you not remember that I was your friend? Yes, said he, but I remember better that you are my Ri∣val, and such a Rival who is to marry Amestris: The Gods are my witnesses (said I to him) I would yield her to you, if it were in my power, notwithstanding all your treasons against me: So would not I, answered this desperate man) if it were my case; for if I thought my heart could stoop to yield her unto any one, I would run my Sword through it, for a punish∣ment for a thought so base and unworthy of Amestris, But, replied I, though I should not marry Amestris, perhaps Artabes would never be the better, but another might be more happy then us both: That other, replied he, should be unto Artabes as Aglatidas is at pre∣sent, that is, a man whose sight nor life I could endure: If I look upon you a〈…〉 friend, I am confounded at my treacheries which I cannot reperit of; If I look upon you as the Vanquisher of my brother; I must revenge his dishonour: If I look upon you as my Page  123 Rival, I must hate you, and kill you if I can: But, said I to him, must I sight with you with the Sword of Megabises? and wound you with the Arms of your brother? My brother, said he, is my Rival as well as you, and you imploy none but the Arms of an enemy against me, when you imploy his: In the name of our former friendship (said I to him) do not force me to fight: In the name of our hatred and love to Amestris (replied he) discourse no more: Upon these words he fell upon me, and I was forced to look to my self: I was a long time only putting by the blows he gave, so long that I observed his an∣ger and fury had lost him his judgement; he struck at random, and laid himself open all the while, and if I had a minde, I could have run him through a hundred times: But when I observed how he fought, I pitied him: and he should not have died if he him∣self had not caused his destruction: When the Combat had lasted a long while, he observed how I spared him, and then that which should have relented him, did the more exasperate his fury; so that making a Pass at me, and stepping on the wrong side with great violence he ran himself upon my sword, which pierced him to the hilt; I drew it out instantly, but it seem'd I gave a freer passage for his soul, for he died immediately without speaking one word. I confess to you Sir, I never found my self more troubled then now, for indeed I loved Artabes very dearly, more I was sorry it should so fall out as as to be with his Bro∣thers sword; but that which I was most sensible of, was, because it would retard my marri∣age, and force me for a time to forbear the Court, since Artabes was a man of that Qua∣lity: yet it so fell out that Artabes fell upon me, there were divers people Spectators of our actions, and such as were able to testifie in my behalf if necessity should require it: But as my sorrows were extream, after I had entreated those people to take care of the body of my unfaithfull and unfortunate friend, I went unto a Kinsmans house not far off that place: I was no sooner there but I dispatched a Letter to my Father, to Artambaces, and to Ame∣stris, to acquaint him with the accident, and I neglected nothing which was fit to be done upon such an unlucky occasion: I will not lose so much time as to relate the various censures of several men, since you will easily conjecture them: The death of Artabes made a great noise throughout the Court: The chance to fight with two Brothers in a day, and to kill Artabes with his Brothers Sword, were circumstances, that in appearance did aggravate the matter; but in substance did not at all make me more guilty: yet notwithstanding, Astia∣ges seemed much incensed, and Megabises thought his Brother had betrayed him, and was his Rivall, yet he could not chuse but shew much resentment of his death, and cloak the inte∣rest of his Love with Revenge of his Brothersdeath: Artambaces therefore and my father re∣solved that for a while I should keep close, and get from Ec•atrn as I could, to the end a new quarrell with Migabises might be prevented; and they did both of them contribute all their endeavours to compose the matter: they had no sooner resolved upon my departure, but I was acquainted with it; and that I did foresee as much, yet I could not chuse but be much surprised at it: The thought of that felicity wherein I was before, and the condition where∣in now I was fallen, did so much sad me, as I hardly had the power over my own reason; I therefore sent to beseech my Father that he would be pleased to give me a little time to re∣solve upon this irksome departure, and to prepare my self for it, which was easily granted unto, because he knew I was in a House which you safely conceal me; and he thought, though Astiages was much incensed against him, yet he supposed that he would not long con∣tinue so against the Son of one who had so long time served him. I stayed here some few daies, during which time I want three Letters unto Amestris, to obtain leave of her that I might come, and bid her adien, but notwithstanding all my urgent praiers, and reasons, I beleeve she would never have suffered me, if I had not employed a Kinsman unto net, who was also a prevalent friend of hers: In conclusion Sir, I obtained License to come one night into the stately Gardens which are about a hundred paces from Ecbatan upon the South side, and whose vast extent was such, that it deserved the phrase of a great Park rather then a great garden: Hither it is where those who are weary of the tumultuous Town, use; to come and walk, there being much lesse company then in the Kings Garden, or upon the Bank of Orantes. Perhaps you remember Sir, that in that place there is a great Border whose Partitions are grasse, in the midst of which there is a stately Fountain whose Bassin is half sa∣ble, half argent; whose sides are coloured Massie green, whose largeness and coolness af∣fords a very pleasant neat unto those which desire to rest themselves: Then Sir, this great border is environed with a Table and thick wood, in which is many paths cut, and which by a hundred turns and returns makes the walk very long and difficult to finde the way out. Also it is much less frequented that not at all less pleasant then the rest; But because the other Page  124 borders are neerer the entrance, therefore they were more used, and none but solitary and melancholy persons used to go unto this Fountain: It was in this place where the fair Ame∣stris being perswadeed by my Kinswoman and her Friend resolved to meet me: It would be hard Sir for me to tell you all the joy which I received at this welcome news: I forgot that I was to see her upon terms of bidding her farewell, and never thought of what might fol∣low this enterview. I thought only of her permitting me to see her in a place where I might discourse of my Love; and where perhaps I might receive some testimony from her that she was not displeased with me. I came thither before break of day for fear of discovery: I pas∣sed away all the morning and the afternoon in a little Lodge at the farre end of the Walk, where none dwelt but the Gardiner, who for a little money will do what you please; the Sun no sooner began to decline neer her Bed, but I arose, and went into the thick wood which compasseth about the green border of grass, looking and longing with much impa∣tiency for the coming of Amestris with abundance of impatience; The winde whifled not a leaf, but I thought I heard her coming, and her fair Idea presented it self so lively in my fancy, as though I saw her often when I saw her not: At last, the Sun being set, this glo∣rious Star appeared, and I saw her come out of a part of the Wood, attended by my Kins∣man, and three or four of her women; for though this secret meeting was no crime, yet this wife Lady did chuse rather to come accompanied with a reasonable number then a few. I no sooner saw her, but I went to meet her, and presenting her my hand, I led her unto the Fountain, where we were certain to be heard by none, nor fear any surprisall: At first I thanked her for her goodness towards me with all the reverence and respect that was pos∣sible; but since time was precious, she was no sooner seated, but I kneeling unto her, whilest my Cozen and the rest of her women discoursed of the beauty of the place, some six paces from us: Madam (said I to her) may the unfortunate Aglatidas beleeve that you have honoured him so far as to see him here with a good will? and was it not by chance that he hath this delight to meet you? No, Aglatidas (answered she) it was by my own consent that I see you, and I beleeve that my Father having commanded me to honour you very much, would think it no crime in me to give you this testimony of my esteem, and (if I durst say it) of my friendship: Ha Madam (said I to her) hide not my happiness from me, and if it be so that I am so happy as to move you unto any slight acknowledgement of my Passion, let me know Madam, whether it be your pleasure to preserve my life, and think not that I am of their humour who use to flatter themselves, and expound all things to their own advantage; but on the contrary I do alwaies use to be jealous of my self, and doubt whether any can esteem me: therefore Madam, I beseech you be so indulgent unto my weakness as not to incline so much unto that severe humour, which makes you think Love to be a crime, and which causeth you to use only these cruell words of esteem and friendship in all your discourse, but those of Love and Passion are never heard from you: Be pleased to consider that I am an unfortunate man, and am to be an Exile in some Coun∣trey where I can finde no joy: Think I conjure you that I have need of some consolation, during this cruell absence, and that if you do not afford me some signs of your affection, I must die with despair and sorrow; Do you think Aglatidas (said she to me) that these are small things which I do for you? to come into the Garden, to admit you private Discourse, and to hear you discourse of your Passion, which how lawfull soever it be, yet has danger in it since it is so powerfull? and which cannot be endured by a maid without injury to her modesty, if she be really reasonable: Why Madam (said I to her) does a Passion which Ar∣tambaces and Hermanista approve of leave any scruple in the minde of Amestris? and is it a crime in Aglatidas, (who has not one single thought to offend you) to tell you of his Love? Ha Madam, if it be so, I shall think my self the most unhappy man upon earth; No No, Ag∣latidas (said she to me) I will not be so severe: I consess (said she casting down her eyes) that I esteem too much to be angry with you for loving me, and I wish you may alwaies do so; I know not Aglatidas, if it were true that I did love you, since you would have me be∣leeve you love me; I know not I say whether it be not out of course to tell you as much, or whether it be not better to let you guess at my thoughts, then to explain them plainly; for indeed Aglatidas (said she) absence does often weaken the strongest affections: and if it should so fall out that you should alter, Amestris should never enjoy her self, if she had once confessed her self sensible of your Love: Ha Madam (said I unto her) let not that con∣sideration deprive me of one favourable word from you: and be confident that when Ag∣latidas does not love his adored Amestris, then he is not in this world: Time and absence are two potent enemies (Replied she) Yes Madam, against weak men (replied I) but Agla∣tidasPage  125 is not of that number, your fair eyes have too strongly tied his heart ever to be disen∣gaged. But you Madam (said I) whom all the earth adores, does tell me that you have re∣served one corner of your soul for some one of my illustrious Rivals, which you have not given unto me; for Madam I must conclude this from all that you have said, that I am be∣holding unto Artambaces for all the favours of Amestris: You are not beholding to him for this Walk (replied she) since none knew of it: Good gods Madam (said I to her looking upon her) will you not determine my fate? and either positively tell me you hate Aglati∣das, or you love him? the first is not just (Replied she) and the other though it were no fault yet it were not very handsome. I beseech you then Madam (said I to her) be pleased to let me explain all your actions, and all your words unto my advantage, to make your eyes confess you love me, and let silence be a consent since words must not. I permit you (said she to me blushing) to think all that will preserve the life of Aglatidas, and to bring him to me full of fidelity home again; It is enough Madam (said I to her) it is enough, and since it is your desire I should be constant, there needs no more to make me the happiest of men: But Madam since you have by such a glorious Commandment engaged me to be faithfull, dare I then perswade my self, that since you have done so, you will be so your self? Beleeve it Aglatidas (said she then unto me) Amestris does not use to engage her heart upon easie tearms, and since you have a Place in it, nothing shall take it out but death: I leave you to judge Sir what effects these favourable words wrought in my soul; Then I took Amestris by the hand, and kissing it whether she would or no, with as much reverence as love, I thanked her in such passionate terms, that I dare say they mollified her heart; yet since I left Megabises, Otanes, and a hundred more in Love, Ma∣dam (said I to her) I have one favour to desire which I dare hardly name, and which yet I cannot conceal: then she pressed me to know what it was, assuring me that any thing which was not unjust, should not be denied: that which I desire Madam is, if without forfeiture of my respect I may name it, that you would be pleased to be as reserved of your favors as you can both unto Megabises and Otanes, and a hundred others who are your servants, and not to let all my Rivals be happy, whilest the unfortunate Aglatidas suffers unimaginable tor∣ments: I do ingeniously confess, Madam, that my desire is unreasonable, but Love knows no Laws of reason, nor can be kept within limits: I cannot promise you (answered she) not to see them whom you call your Rivals: but I will assure you I will not give them any favourable respect: This is too little to satisfie my jealousie Madam (Replied I) unless you will be pleased to do me so much honour as to promise me to respect them as little as can be possibly: for Madam (said I) though your eyes be never so much displeased, yet they are alwaies lovely, so sprightly and so divine, that it is much better to see them in their anger, then not to see them at all: Therefore Madam I beseech you have compassion upon my im∣becillity, and refuse me not the consolation to hope that my enemies shall not gain by my ab∣sence: and that I may not be the only man which shall be deprived of that happiness in see∣ing you: I would Aglatidas (said she to me) see your heart at rest concerning that, and as∣sure your self that I will with as much care affect a solitude, as I should rejoyce in your pre∣sence and preservation: But in consenting unto this which you desire, I must tell you thus much, that I will engage my self no further then civility will permit, thinking it not just I should promise more: That perhaps may be too little Madam (said I) to satisfie my Love, though it be enough to satisfie one that gives Laws unto the whole world, and receives none from any but his own will: And indeed it is too much for me, if I do rightly consi∣der my little and your great merit, I should consume too much time Sir, if I should relate all that was spoken at this sad but pleasant conference, but since it was grown very late, A∣mestris would part, and I parted from her both with sorrow and satisfaction: The more ob∣liging words she had given me, the more unhappy did I conceive my self in leaving her: and I could almost have wished that she had been lesse favourable, that I might have been lesse grieved: After I had a while continued my so much interested thoughts, I did so much love the cause of my grief that my grief became precious and pleasant unto me: And I cherish∣ed them with more care then I can express unto you: and from that fatall minute when I left Amestris, until this, wherein I speak unto you, I almost never ceased from entertaining them: I followed Amestris by my eyes as long as possible, and parted from her sighing, not being able to speak adieu: I returned unto my melancholy lodging, not minding my way, nor any thing else but my sorrows; The Idea of Amestris with all her attracts, and charms, and all her splendour, appeared unto me, notwithstanding the darkness of the night. Two daies after this enterview, I went into the Province of Arisantines▪ where Ar∣tambacesPage  126 procured a convenient Retreat for me, with one of his Friends who had been Go∣vernour of a considerable place; I will not relate my Melancholy sorrows all this voyage and exile. It's enough you know that the violence of my love was so predominate in my heart, and my soul was so much infected with that Passion, as I was never at rest: And to more augment my sorrows, I was no sooner departed but I received the sad news that Her∣manista being seised upon by a violent Feaver, did die the seventh day, and that Artambaces who loved her with unspeakable tenderness, was fallen sick upon it; But the misfortune en∣ded not here, but a few daies after I heard that the loving Husband followed his wife to the grave: And that Amestris by Orders from the King was committed unto the Guardianship of one that was allied unto Megabises, and not at all a friend unto me: Imagine Sir, into what a condition this dismall news transported me; for I was infinitely bound unto Artam∣baces and Hermanista; and moreover I resented the sorrows of Amestris: I imagined that I saw her in the hands of her enemies, who would not easily suffer me to see her, and upon the whole matter, I had nothing to relie upon but the fidelity of Amestris, which me thought I had not well enough deserved, to put too much confidence to it: Not but that I knew my Father did very much desire our Marriage: But yet there was some cause to fear, lest if when he saw the King alter his minde in favour of Megabises, who had already made his peace, that then my Father should comply with the time and alter his minde, in hopes he might more ea∣sily obtain my pardon: Thus I lived in such Melancholy as may be more easily conceived then expressed: Amestris also for her part her life was very full of bitterness: I did write unto her constantly every week by an express messenger whom I sent, and she did me so much fa∣vour as to answer me, and that with so much wit and wisdom both, as her Letters moved no less wonder then love in me. As she was extreamly troubled for the loss of Artambaces and Hermanista, so she writ unto me in such sad expressions as would have inspired sorrow in a soul that was in its height of jollity: She expressed such tenderness for those she loved, that I almost wished my self in the room of Artambaces and Hermanista, that I might so re∣ceive the feeling testimonies of her affection. Alas, said I, how well does this fair Lady know how to love those whom it is her pleasure to love? and how infinitely happy should I be in the enjoyment of her affection in quiet and liberty? But whilst I sigh't and complain'd away my daies and nights, without any other comfort but the Letters of Amestris, my busi∣ness rather went worse then mended, because Megabises having ingratiated himself in the Kings favour, did impede it; in so much as my Father alwaies sent me word I should come no nearer Ecbatan but rest in patience: Amestris also feared I should run some hazard for the love of her; and least I should expose my self unto some fresh quarrell with Megabises or Otanes, who were busie about her; he praied very importunately not to return too ha∣stily: Thus I saw I was arrested, and remained in the most cruel anxiety that eve• did Lover; I knew that Megabises was ever upon better terms with Amestris then any other of my Ri∣vals; that for a long time she had treated us with equal respect: that Megabises was han∣some, and had Courage, Wit and Quality enough. Moreover I considered that his Estate was much augmented by the death of his brother Artabes, and that he was much in the Kings favour: So that as I made all these things Arms wherewith to persecute my self, I did charge my self with all those misfortunes which I feared; imagining, that if I had not killed Artabes I should not have had such cause to fear that Megabises could marry Amestris, because he was not so rich, nor perhaps in such favour: Thus did I live the most unhappy of men, al∣waies perswading my self, that what I wisht for, would never happen; and that which I fear∣ed would fall out every minute. Sometimes I could not hope that Amestris would continue sincere and faithfull; sometimes I conceited her Letters were but disguisements of her thoughts, and that all the testimonies of her affection were but tricks to delude me; but yet (as I knew afterwards) the amiable Lady preserved her faith, and her self inviolably for me; for she did not only reserve her Love for me; but she acted so vigorously and so severely with all the rest of her Lovers, that if she had inspired meaner passions, her cruelty to them had absolutely cured them. But as her beauty never begot any but violent loves they could not quite give over their design, but did daily persecute her; yet her time of mourning which she did really (as well in her heart as her habit) observe, furnished her with a specious pretence of reservedness and melancholy, she kept her self within those limits as exactly a〈…〉 upon such occasions is required: And she became so solitary and retired, as those who loved her had much ado to get so much opportunity as only to see her: The first moneth of her mourning being over, still she did not alter her sable mode, but did refuse all manner of di∣versions whatsoever; only the conversation of Menastes (for so they called him that was Page  127 my kinsman and her friend) was some comfort and pleasure unto her: They went out sometimes together to walk in the same Garden where I saw her last, and she testified all that love could infuse into a virtuous Lady, and certainly he infused in my behalf as much resent∣ments as he could into the adored Amestris: But alas, I was not a jot more happy; and I looked upon things much otherwise then they were: not but that I supposed Amestris to be faithfull unto me, and did really love me: But, O heavens, this pleasant imagination, how delightfull soever it was, yet did it not free me from impatience; but I had an extream de∣sire which moved me to go unto Ecbatan, with greater hopes to see Amestris constant, then to see Amestris unfaithfull: In conclusion, I was so prompted both by my Love, and by my Jealousie, that I resolved for Ecbatan secretly, and to go unto that Gardiner, where I staied a day, when I took my leave of Amestris, and whom I found very pliable to receive gifts, and do me any good office I should imploy him in; so I went with one man only, ma∣king all possible haste to be at Echatan, before any report of my departure could come ei∣ther to my Father or to Amestris, because I had obliged him with whom I dwelt, not to write of it unto the Court: My design was to arive in the night for fear of being known; and having sent my servant unto the lodging which I appointed him, I went presently to the Garden resolving to inform my self secretly how Amestris did before I saw her; after my servant had carried my horses unto their lodging at the next Town: I passed away all the night in that place where I saw her last; and calling into my memorial the favourable words which I had from her fair self; I was in such delighting satisfaction as I cannot express unto you: I know not by what secret charms this place did qualifie the turbulency of my soul; but I am certain that since I came thither, not any jealousie or melancholy, or any other distempered passion troubled me, only my impatience, and longing desires to see Amestris; and that was so great, that as I told you, I walked all the night, it being an absolute impossi∣bility to sleep. Then, as I could no way let Amestris know of my arivall but by my kins∣man, I must therefore stay untill day time; but I had the misfortune to understand that he was gone into the Country, and would not return untill the next day: Yet notwithstanding I conceived it better to confine my self unto my patience, then to hazard the displeasure of Amestris, by letting her know the news by any way then as she was accustomed to receive it. I will not tell you Sir, how restless I was that day in the Gardiners house, whither I was re∣tired, to prevent my discovery: But I will tell you that as soon as the Sun was set, that I thought there was no danger to be within the little paths of the thick wood which compassed about the grass border, in the midst of which was the Fountain, as I have already told you▪ then I went thither to rejoyce my self in that place, where I last saw her I loved: I look up∣on all the places where Amestris had been, especially that where she did sit: It was here, in this very place (said I) where the incomparable Amestris assured me of her constancy, when she commanded it upon me, and where she permitted me to think any thing that might con∣duce unto the preservation of Aglatidas, and bring him back full of fidelity unto her: See (said I to my self, and as if I had seen her) see here adored Amestris, the same Aglatidas, the very same you desired him to be, that is the most faithfull, the most amorous, and most pas∣sionate of all your Lovers: But my loved and adored Amestris (said I) I hope you also will retain the same I left you; and I hope to have nothing to contend about, but that severe vertue which forbids you things most innocent: As I was in the midst of these pleasant con∣templations, I discovered through the boughs of trees, on the other side of the green Bor∣der, one who seem'd to be Amestris, waited upon by three other women. I looked upon her most earnestly, and I was confirmed in my belief: I saw she made towards the Fountain, after she had looked about her, to see if the coast was clear from any interruption of her so∣litude, she sat down by that pleasant source, directly in the same place where I kneeled unto her when I took my leave: She leaned her head on one side upon her left hand, which did lie upon the moss-colour edge of the Fountain, and letting her right hand negligently upon her garment, she looked upon the water like one that was in a profound study, at least as I might judge by her posture, for her face was not towards me: But, O heavens, what operation had this vision upon my soul? My heart trembled, my spirits were disordered; and I was not master of my reason; I would have advanced towards her, though I had not power to stirre: and I know not what odd fancy, which I cannot express, moved me to stay unseen, rejoycing a while at that good fortune which chance afforded me beyond my hopes: Indeed Sir, my joy was so absolutely predominate to my soul, as I was never sensible of the like; for I did not only see Amestris in a place where I hoped presently to speak unto her, but I saw her in such a place as moved me to think she thought of me; and that the end of Page  128 her coming thither was but to remember our last discourse: O most happy Aglatidas, said I to my self, what dost thou muse upon? Why dost thou not present thy self unto thy faith∣full Amestris? upon these words, violently bending the bows which hindred my passage, I was going out of the wood to throw my self at her feet, and to interrupt the thoughts she had of Aglatidas, by rendring her Aglatidas himself: But when I was almost out of the Wood, and ready to enter into the green Border, I saw one on the other side, who by his garb and gallant aray, seem'd to be a man of quality: Then I retir'd with as much hast, as I advanc'd before, and as Love is alwaies ingenious to persecute those who acknowledge it for their Soveraign, I suddenly exchanged my joy for inquietude; which of my Rivals is this, said I, which comes to interrupt the thoughts of divine Amestris from her dear Aglatidas? Ha, said I, if it be true, that I am in any corner of her heart, why should I envy him that throws himself at her feet, to acquaint her with his passion? But who knows, said I presently, whe∣ther or no Amestris does not stay her to meet this happy Rivall? and whether she do not prophane that place by her infidelity, which I took to be a testimony of her affection? Doubtless (said I, being much transported, and hardly my self, when I saw him advance to∣wards her) this inconstant woman stayes for him; for if it were not so, he would not make such haste, but would approach her with less straining himself: But, O heavens, what multi∣plicity of sorrows seized upon me, when I perfectly saw that he who came unto her was not only my Rival, but the most of all dangerous Rivals, Megabises▪ I could not think on it with∣out extraordinary turbulency: Yet since from the place where I lay hid I could not see the face of Amestris, neither durst I change place for fear of making such noise as might discover me, therefore I could not precisely know whether she saw him coming or no: Yet as jea∣lousie blinds all objects, I did imagine she saw him coming towards her; and by consequence, because she did not rise and go to him, therefore I beleeved she staied for him; and that there was a great familiarity between them, because she did him not the honour to salute him, nor use any manner of Ceremony: I know not Sir how I should express unto you my sad resentments at that time; but I am most certain that Love did never invent any so cruel to torment those she would punish, then that which I endured upon this occasion. In conclusion Sir, to make it known unto you, that what joy soever the sight of that fair and dear Person had given me in the instant before, I must tell you I could not chuse but passio∣nately desire I were destroied, I wished she would rise and be gone from that place: But, said I, if she go away I shall see her no more, yet if she stay, I may perhaps see her bestow her favours upon my Rivall; If she should rise he would follow her, and I should not see the manner of his treatment: But if she do not go away, said I, is it not an infallible proof that Megabises and she are upon good termes? Go then, adored Amestris (said I, joyning my hands) and stay not for my greatest enemy: But alas, this illustrious Lady, never thought of going; for she was so taken up with thoughts of Aglatidas and his long ab∣sence, that she never saw Megabises, until he was so neer her that she could not shun him. She no sooner perceived him, but she rose, contrary to my expectation: and as I knew af∣terwards, asked him with much severity, why he came to molest her solitude: But, oh Hea∣vens, as I did not see the face of Amestris, nor her sidelity to me, nor her rigour towards Me∣gabises, so I was not a jot satisfied: I was in a hundred mindes to rush out of the wood, and break off their discourse which I could not understand: I thought to assault Megabises be∣fore the face of Amestris: yet seeing he had not a Sword, and I but one, I changed that de∣sign and deferred my revenge; and notwithstanding my despair, my jealousie, and all I saw, I had so great a respect unto Amestris, that though Megabises had had a Sword as I had mine, yet in consideration of her, I think that I should not have dared to have set upon him; besides the consideration of a scurvy noise which this manner of doing it would have raised: Therefore then I remained an immoveable spectator of this tedious discourse: for as I exactly learned aftwards, after she had shewed Megabises how ill she took his abrupt intrusion, she would have gone away: but he did conjure her so urgently to hear him, as the last time, protesting unto her, that if after he had expressed himself, she should then for bid him any hopes of her affection, he would never importune her any more, nor see her; Amestris thinking she had found a good occasion to be delivered from the persecution of Megabises, told him at the last, that he might speak, upon condition it should be the last time; and upon condition he would absolutely resolve, to follow her order whatsoever it might be: Megabises being glad in the midst of his despair, that he had obtained permis∣sion to speak, after a low reverence, thanked Amestris for the favour she had done him: But alas Sir, How deep a wound did this thanks make in my heart? and how little did I Page  129 understand the truth of the passage? the Fountain was in the midst of the Green Border; the Border was very large; the Wood which compassed it about, was every where equally distant from the midst where they were, and the Border round: I was too far off to under∣stand: I could come no neerer without discovery: I saw not the face of Amestris: I saw Megabises in a posture of thanks for some favour, and I could conceive nothing but cause of despair; nor do nothing, but endure the most intollerable Hell that ever was. Yet Mega∣bises, not to lose his precious time, whereupon the joy or the sorrow of all his life did depend, began to speak unto her in these termes: You know Madam, said he to her, that my Love to you has ever been so full of reverence, that it never almost durst appear in your eye, but when despair had robd me of my reason, and forced me to reveal it: Yes Madam, I have suffered, I have endured without complaint, untill the news of that good fortune which Aglatidas was to enjoy, for me to dispute with him for an Honour, unto which I thought I had as much right as he: For, indeed Madam, our Qualities are equall: I have Loved you since the first minute I saw you: I have served you with an unparalleled assiduity, and unexampled fidelity: and all this Madam without receiving one favourable word from you, nor one common Smile which had the least sweetness intended in it towards me: I have found you civil, it is true; as long as only matters of indifferency were in agitation: but as soon as I had discovered my Passion, ha Madam, then, those eyes, those fair eyes which I adore, never looked upon me but in anger: you have shun'd me as an enemy: and to lap up all in a few words, I beleeve you have hated me: Yet for all this Madam, I have not left adoring you: you I say, who has deprived me of my rest, and troubled the tranquility of my life: who has made me lose a Brother whom I much loved: you rob'd him of his reason and vertue, and caused me to hate him; you have preferred the man who kil'd him with my own Sword: Yet Madam, I Love you still, and shall eternally Love you: yet notwithstan∣ding there remains some beams of understanding in me, though my soul and spirits be infi∣nitely troubled: and I desire to conjure you to tell me without dissimulation, What is the Cause of your aversion towards me? to the end I may regulate my resentments: for al∣though I know well that your Marriage was resolved upon with Aglatidas, and I know that Artambaces Loved him, yet I am not resolved whether it was by his choice or yours. Therefore tell me Madam I conjure you, Whether your insensibility of my Love, be an ef∣fect of your Sumpathy with Aglatidas, or your naturall Antipathy to Megabises: Speak Madam, I beseech you, to the end I may know after what manner I ought to transact; and fear not my despair: but on the contrary I promise to acknowledge your sincerity for a double favour when you shall pronounce the sentence of death upon me. I could Madam (said he) without further troubling my self to discover your true thoughts, make use of other means, and take other courses to effect my designs: you know that I do not stand upon ill termes with the King: and that you are at present with one of my friends and allies, who might advantage me more wayes then one; and that either by cunning, or the Authority of Astiages, I could take more violent and infallible courses. But Madam, I cannot, I am not capable of such wayes: the heart of Amestris is a thing which can never be gotten with sa∣tisfaction, but by her self: therefore Madam, it must be you only which with ingenuity can tell me the secret of your soul: for if it be not engaged, then I shall esteem my self a most happy man, and will not despair of good fortune; but if Madam it be engaged, it is but just, that I only should be unhappy and not be perpetually a trouble unto you, either to your self, or to that happy Rivall whom you have chosen: Speak Madam I beseech you (said he to her in a most suppliant and passionate manner) and deny not unfortunate Megabises this small favour: At these words he stopt, and with much impatience waited for the answer of Amestris, which I could not understand: But alas mine was more cru∣ell? and when I thought that perhaps the answer of Amestris unto Megabises was fa∣vourable: I was upon the point of resolving to leave the place where I was, and inter∣rupt their Discourse: Yet notwithstanding it being the nature of jealousie to nourish poison, and to seek that which will maintain it, and shun that which would destroy it, so I kept my station, and endeavoured to know by the countenance of Megabises, whe∣ther the answer of Amestris was gracious to him or no: for (as I told you before I could not see hers: This wise Lady then, being moved with some compassion towards Magabises, resolved to try if she could cure him, by telling him her very reall thoughts: But here admire Sir the fantasticall effects of Love: Amestris discovered more things now to my advantage, unto Megabises, then ever she had discovered unto me in all her life, and whilest she was telling them, I took them for so many injuries done unto my Page  130 own heart, supposing all her actions and gestures to be Testimonies of a new Passion: and all those words which I could not understand to be so many infidelities: After then a little study upon that which she would answer, I know not (said she to him) whether what you tell me be your reall thoughts or no; but I know very well that I will not dissemble mine: Know then Megabises that I have esteemed you according to your deserts, and I held you in a de∣gree of friendship as long as I beleeved you intended nothing but civility towards me; but since you have given me such testimonies of a violent passion, I do think that I ought not to deceive you by any false ill-grounded hopes: for since I was resolved absolutely to obey my father, I would never give my own minde leave to determine upon any thing: What (said Magabises interrupting her) if Artambaces had commanded you to accept of my ser∣vices, would you have consented? Doubtless I had (answered she:) But (said he) have you the same resolved blinde obedience for Aglaridas? and did not your own choice precede the choice of Artambaces? It did not precede his,: answered this lovely La∣dy: But Megabises, it is so strongly confirmed that nothing can alter it: Never think (said she) that by acknowledging I do not hate Aglatidas, this should give you any ground for hope, that since my heart is so sensible of him, it can ever be so of yours: No Mega∣hises deceive not your self, I love Aglatidas, because my Father when he was dying com∣manded it, and because my own inclination does not refuse it, and because my own rea∣son argues for him: But besides all this I must acknowledge something more unto you, and tell it in hopes to cure you, though I cannot without blushing tell you that I doe love him, and I will love him eternally: I have no other reason to give you but I do and will love him: Love (said she) is doubtless a Passion, which if it were possible we ought not to have: But when it is entertained, and innocent as mine is, it ought to be made illustrious by an inviolable constancy; My Fathers command hath rendred the originall of this Passion in me to be no crime; and I must not make it become criminall by infidelity; never think Megabises that there is any thing offensive unto you in the affection I have unto Aglatidas: I chose him not, but he was given unto me, but since I have ac∣cepted of him, I must preserve him till death, and keep my self for him as long as I live: yet notwithstanding to restifie that I will do all I can for you; I perswade you to regulate your thoughts if you can: Content your self with my esteem and friendship, and be confident you shall enjoy both them as long as I live: Amostris having done speaking, the unhappy Megabises, who bore an unconceivable respect unto her, in lieu of breaking into complaints and reproaches, thanked her for her freedom and sincerity, and testified with tears in his eyes that he was much obliged unto her for offering unto him her esteem and friendship; but as he had a little changed his starion, so that I could see no more then his side; I could not perceive any melancholy in his face, I only saw a gesture, as if he had gi∣ven thanks for something, which (as you may conceive) did not a little vex me; yet Mega∣bises after he had a little deplored his misfortune, and admired at the change and his own mo∣deration, told Amestris, that he durst not promise her an alteration in his thoughts: But at the least Madam (said he) I will so hide them that you shall never perceive them, and so far I will promise you: I will not have you (said he sighing) divide your heart: No Madam, since I can have no room in your affection such as I with never bestow your esteem nor your friendship upon me neither: Drown all those petty favours in the love you bear unto too happy Aglatidas, and give nothing unto unfortunate Megabises, only one favour which he design'd to ask you: After this Madam he will be as good as his word, he will speak un∣to you no more: therefore Madam (said he with eyes full of teans) refuse not to grant me this Request; and permit me during this Banishments which I intend, to say, that you have not absolutely forsaken me▪ Assure your self (said Amestris to him) any thing which will neither offend against my own duty, nor Aglatidas shall not be denied you; Say then only Madam (added he) that if despairing Megabises had been happy, he might have been loved by the divine Amestris, and that being unfortunate she hath only some slight compassion upon his misfortune: I have already said the first (answered she) and for the second, as I am neither blinde nor stupid, and do see things as they are; and as I ought to see them, and to say more, I think as I ought to think of them: but ask me no more and remember your Pro∣mises: I die, if I remember them Madam (answered he) but I will never forget them: at these words he kneeled to give her thanks and bid his last adieu, and before she had any time to hinder it, or make any sign, she was displeased with it, he kissed her hand twice: Oh Heavens Sir, what did I think I saw what I now tell you? at that very instant both my Love and my Love and my Jealousle gave place unto another passion, and that was hatred; or to say bet∣ter, Page  131 Hatred, and Love, and Jealousie, Anger, Fury, Rage, met and mingled all together in my minde: and all striving to be predominate in my soul, put it into a great disorder, so that I had no respect for Amestris; I began then to come out of the wood where I was hid, and resolved to bestow a thousand taunts upon her, and perhaps worse upon Megabises, when presently I discovered the King attended by the whole Court, who contrary to custom came to walk there: the Guards no sooner appeared but Amestris parted from Megabises, who for his part went to lament his misfortunes in some solitary place; But they neither of them came towards the place where I was, and staied alone, not being able either to complain or revenge my self: I went into the thick of the wood, but so tormented by all passions that I could not fix my minde upon any object; I no sooner began to think of the infidelity of Amestris, but I thought of Megabises his good fortune: and as soon as I thought to come plain of my Mistess, but I began a design to revenge my self upon my Rivall: My soul was so tormentingly tosled that I was not a minute at quiet in my self; yet as the King came late, so he staid not long: Night coming on apace I only waked and staid in the Garden, I remember the Moon shined very weakly that night, because she was at the last end of her course, and that dim Melancholique light suited best with my humour, after I had sent my Servant to fetch my Horses, I passed away the night without setting down or resting my self, only a little while upon the side of the Fountain: I walked in every path, and one might have said I was seeking my Mistress and my Rivall in every corner of the wood, al∣though I knew neither of them were there; But when I came to the place where I saw them together, It was here (said I) where I saw the unfaithfull Amestris bestow a favour upon my Rivall, such a one as I durst never pretend unto: Here it was, in this place (added he) where I received such a favour as I thought none could ever have obtained but my self: Yes Amestris, I thought your virtue was so precise that without the assistance of Artambaces I should never have obtained any place in your heart: but for ought I see, Megabises needs none to help him unto the Soveraignty of your heart; and your inconstancy has excluded the unfortunate Aglatidas: But cruell Lady (said he) must you needs chuse the very same place which was the only Testimony of that love you gave me, and there bestow your fa∣vours upon Megabises? Must you needs betray me there where you promised your fidelity unto me? Is it possible but that in speaking unto Megabises you should remember Aglatidas? Does not the murmure of this Fountain, with which you saw me mingle my tears at parting, put you in minde of him? Did not that mosse-green Cushion upon which you leaned re∣member you that I bedewed it with my tears? Cruell and perfidious Lady, have you forgot how you drew back your fair hand which I would have kissed, and which Megabises hath obtained with your full consent: Why (unjust and ungratefull Amestris) were you so li∣berall unto him, and so •igardly of your fayours unto me? Do you not remember how you permitted me to think of any thing that might preserve Aglatidas, and bring him back un∣to you full of fidelity? Would you have him preserve himself only to ruine him? and did you desine him to continue constant, to the end he might be more sensible of your infide∣lity? If it had been your minde I should have been unhappy, had not that been enough, but you must make me sensible of it also? Had it not been more honour for you to have treated me ill then to betray me? You had been only cruell then, and perhaps less unjust; but as you have now used me; you are cruell, wicked, perfidious, and inhumane; But alas (said I) is it possible that all the while I courted Amestris, she did not love me? Whether it is that she alwaies did deceive me or has changed her minde? Must I look upon Amestris, as one that is a cheat, and insensible, such a one as laughs at the misfortunes of another? or must I think her weak, unconstant, and a Lover of novelty? who loves those she sees, and forgets those she sees not? Such a one as gives her heart to any, that asks it? But alas (said I) that heart, that glorious heart, has cost me too dear in the obtaining for that to be so. How many tears have I dropt? how many unprofitable sighs? and what abundance of pains have I taken be∣fore I could receive the least shadow of any good will unto me? what then can I think of you unfaithfull Amestris? have you ever loved me? or have you ever hated me? Ha, No No (said I presently) you did love me when I last left you; I discovered your heart moved, I perceived in your eyes whether you would or no, some tears of tenderness which your mo∣desty did strive to keep in: You did hide some of your resentments from me, you grieved when I left you, and certainly you did then love me most lovely Amestris; But unhappy man▪ that I am, you did not love me more then you had reason for: I 〈◊〉 (said I) that absence is most dangerous, but alas, I was absent for the love of you. More∣over you have alwaies writ unto me, as if you had continued faithfull and 〈◊〉 I see you Page  132 the most unfaithfull woman that ever was: Ha, too happy Megabises (said I) never think you shall enjoy your happinesse quietly: for I must revenge the wrong that you have done me. Is it thou, who by some trick or other has altered the heart of Amestris; and seduced her from her good inclinations to me: It must be thou doubtless who is the only cause of her Crime, and my misfortune: I will therefore have this respect unto Amestris, as not to speak any thing unto her concerning it; nor complain of her injustice, nor charge any but him only who has made her culpable. But Oh Heavens (said I) Amestris is one of an excellent wit and judgement; she cannot easily be deceived: Artabes as cunning as he was, could do no good upon her: No, no; let me not flatter my self (said I) the heart of Megabises holds correspondence with Amestris; she is as culpable as he: and he enjoyes not her affection, but because she has given it unto him. If I should tell you all I said, Sir, and all I thought upon, I should not finish my sad story this night, but should too much abuse your patience and goodness: I will only relate, that I intended a hundred times to quit Amestris, to forget her, and scorn her: then again I resolved a hundred times also, to repent and Love her eternally, maugre her crime: there was only one resolution which I kept constantly in my minde, which was, to kill Megabises, wheresoever I found him; but yet I did not know sometimes whether I should Love or hate Amestris: yet however I was fixed upon it to ruin my Rivall: Day and my Horses were no sooner come, but I sent my Servant to know whether Megabises was with her, and inform me of it; but to my ill fortune, he was gone into the Country, and none of his men could tell which rode he took: This chance did much displease me; and the thought, that this meeting of Megabises and Amestris, was only to bid adieu in that place, did double my despair: Then I sent to see whether Menasta was returned out of the Country, to the end I might make my com∣plaints unto her of the perfidy of her friend; but I understood she was fallen sick, and could not so suddenly return: Then was I the most despairing man upon earth: I had seen such passages as moved me not to doubt of the Infidelity of Amestris: I saw her more fair then ever, at least in my imagination: My Rivall was absent; my only confident was sick, so that I had no opportunity either to lament or revenge my self. I stayed two dayes close in a little Town neer Ecbatane, in this deplorable condition, with intentions to be informed whether Megabises was gone; but do what I could, there was no certainty of it to be learned: I was only told that he went that way which leades into the Province of the Arisantines, which was the place of my retreat: yet because there was divers cross wayes conducting to severall places, I could not conclude any certainty thereupon; yet I did imagin that he was gone to seek me out and fight with me, that so he might more quietly enjoy Amestris: This thought made such impression in me, that I took horse to return, enquiring very exactly all the way for him: sometimes thinking I had found him, and then presently found my self deceived: I came at last to the place of my retreat without any intelligence of Megabi∣ses: At my return I found a Letter from Amestris which came during my absence, and which did vex me so much as it would have pleased me if my minde had not been prepossessed: but since it is not very long, and serves to the purpose which I intend, I will relate it to you; and if I be not mistaken it was thus indited;

I beseech you Sir, to wonder at the odness of this accident; If I had received this Letter, be∣fore I had seen what I did, I had been ravished with joy: for then I should have understood this solitude whereof she speaks, to have been for the Love of Aglatidas; I should have ta∣ken that only Person which she could endure, to have been my Cozen with whom she had discourst of me; I should have thought her going to the Fountain in the Green Plain, had Page  133 been to remember the last time I saw her: and should doubtless have thought her Letter to be infinitely obliging, since in telling me it would not conduce to my quiet, that I should know her musing thoughts, I should have interpreted her meaning was, that the knowledge of her sorrowes would augment mine: And I should have thought that none could express affection more strongly and gallantly then she did in the end of her Letter, in saying, that per∣haps also it would be advantagious for her that I should not guess her thoughts: But Sir, this Letter did work a far different effect in my minde; and I expounded it in a quite oppo∣site sense to what she did mean it: I did apprehend it so inhumane, that seeing she betrai∣ed me and had written to me in a double sense, I beleeved that the more to oblige Megabises, she had shewed him the Letter: yes yes perfidious Amestris (said I in reading the Letter, and commenting almost upon every word) I have some desire to know what you do, and what are your diversions, I know indeed that you do not lie when you write unto me that you shun the tumult of the Court, and that there is but one person whom you can endure without regret, and that you also do what you can to have that conversation in a solitary and retired place: you tell me cruell Amestris, that I may imagine you shun the Gardens of the Palace for your walks; but perfidious as you are. I cannot imagine you go unto the Fountain in the green Plain unto any other end then to entertain Megabises: yet I do un∣derstand and saw with my own eyes that the only person in Ecbatan which can please you is the too happy Megabises: You say further, that you entertain your self: Ah, I have seen too much, cruell Amestris, I wish the gods I had not seen it: But you have reason (said 〈◊〉) to say, that it would conduce unto my quiet to be kept ignorant of your Musings, and more reason to say that it would not be advantagious unto Amestris that I should guess at them: But how (unjust Lady) can you acknowledge them a wrong, and not repent of them; but perhaps you writ this Letter before that cruell discourse with Megabises: and indeed I was not mistaken in my conjecture, for looking upon the Date of the Letter, and remembring the day I saw them together, I found it was writ the day before it: This did put me into so hot a chafe, that I was resolved to use all possible means for the curing of my ill-grounded Passion: You may easily conceive that I took up this resolution with abun∣dance of sorrow, and that I was to endure more then one Combat before I could overcome: I resolved to wait until Fortune gave me an opportunity to be revenged of Megabises, and not to travell the world over in quest of him, as I once intended: and I resolved to sur∣mount those resentments which Love had infused into my soul: I would not answer Ame∣stris nor seek for any Consolation in reproaching or taxing her for her crime; but I com∣manded him who used to receive the Letters, to send them back again without letting me see them or opening of them: If you ever were in love Sir, I need not tell you what I endured upon this occasion: You will easily know that it is a most difficult thing to break ones heart of a violent passion: That I have reason enough not to think upon Amestris; yet I thought perpetually upon her: and it is in vain to make any offers to scorn her, since I did ever e∣steem her more then all the world: I sought out company and discourse, thinking to divert my self that way; but it was so distastefull that solitude was less supportable: I called books to my relief, but in them I found nothing but good improfitable Counsels: I went to hunt▪ but I found that my weariness of body did nourish the distempers of my minde: In conclu∣sion I resolved to let time cure that which nothing else would: But O Heavens, this remedy was long and tedious. All this while the innocent Amestris, she hearing no news of me, and seeing all her Letters sent back, gave over writing to me any more, and was in a very sad condition: Sometimes she imagined I was dead, but my Cozen understood from my Father that it was not so: They endeavoured, but in vain, to finde out the cause of my silence; and the innocence of Amestris was such as she could not guess at it: She had some fears that Megabises would render but an ill account unto me, and had told him some tales of her: But upon second thoughts she could not beleeve him so base as to do such a vile act, nor me to be so weak as to beleeve him since I was his Enemy and Rivall; so that there was no like∣lihood of any such thing; for he was too much a man of honour to use any such cheats▪ also he was going to live in a place where he could enjoy no fruits of his policy, since it was then known that his despair had carried him into those wars which were then up in Lidia: What did not then the amiable Amestris think? and of what crime did she not accuse the unfortu∣nate Aglatidas? She thought him to be unconstant, that some new beauty and fresh passion had wrought a change in him, and upon that thought she would forget her sorrows, and repent she had ever loved him: She told a hundred Stories against me and my Love, and did all she could to take that heart from me which she had given me; Menasta who loved Page  134 me very well, and who was returned out of the Countrey, was not able to excuse me, but she nourished all her angry thoughts against me: Indeed Sir, it might very well be said that we were both of us as unfortunate as we were innocent, In the mean time, he with whom Amestris lived, and who had a desire to pleasure Megabises, and who seeing that he was ab∣sent, also knowing that there were abundance which pretended unto Amestris, intended to take a Voyage in the Province Arisantines, where the greatest part of his Estate was, to take some order concerning urgent business there; for Sir, it was unknown at Court, whither I was retired, and this man did not know I was there. Amestris who could not endure the Court was much against her minde, and who desired to hide her sorrows, was very glad of the motion, and much the more (as I heard since) because she hoped coming into that Province where I was, she might finde out the cause of my alteration, of which yet she was ignorant: In the mean time, as the absence of Megabises did facilitate the matter, my Fa∣ther having obtained my favour with the King, commanded me to return unto Ecbatan, just at the same time when Amestris went out of it. I confess I received this news with sorrow, and should have been content to have continued longer in banishment: Yet notwithstand∣ing I thought to tell things as they were, and seemed to beleeve that my heart was sufficient∣ly cured from fear of any more wounds at the sight of Amestris: I then returned unto Ec∣batan and met her not, because she took another way: I cannot relate Sir what troubles my minde was in when I came near Ecbatan, when I entred into it, and passed by the Palace gate of Artambaces. I feared to meet Amestris, and I looked about me exactly in passing through all the streets: I would have deceived my self, and not known the place where she was: But alas, that I should know my self so little, and that I should be so ignorant of what was to come: I was no sooner lighted from my Horse, but I went to my Fathers chamber who received me with unexpressible joy: though he resented some sorrows to see my face so altered as it was: for indeed Sir I was so much changed, that I doubted whether I should have been taken for my self: My Father at last told me that he had been so sollicitous about the business which concerned my life, that he never thought of pressing forward the busi∣ness of my marriage, because that might have too much incensed Megabises both unto love and unto revenge: Sir, said I unto him, you have done very well, for at the present, Mar∣riage is a thing which I more fear then desire: My Father desired me to explain that Enig∣ma, but I excused it, and went unto my old Chamber in a mighty melancholy. The next mor∣ning my Father carried me unto the King, who received me very well, and who would have reconciled the Family of Megabises and ours, but as for Megabises he was not yet returned unto Ecbatan. In going from the Court, I was not long alone, for the report of my return was no sooner divulged in Ecbatan, but many of my friends came to visit me: And since my Love unto Amestris was known unto every one; After the first complements were passed Arbatan the Brother of Harpagus (whom the King had heretofore employed to destroy young Cyrus) who was in the Catalogue of my best friends, asked me if I did not meet the fair Amestris upon the way as I returned to Court: I blusht at the name of Amestris, and asked my friend whether Amestris was in Ecbatan or no; to which he answered, that que∣stionless she was not: But here Sir, admire what Love can do! I was no sooner assured of her absence but I resented both joy and sorrow together: and my minde was so divided up∣on this occasion, as I could determine upon nothing: yet notwithstanding I think that if the ground of my heart had been well examined, I should have more desired her re∣turn to Ecbatan then rejoyced at her absence: not that I was fully resolved never to make the least shadow of Love unto her, but, not to disguise the matter, I did yet love her more then I thought I should: and it is the naturall quality of Love to desire the sight of the party loved: I reserved my minde so closely all the time of this converse, that I never was the first which spoke: I had a hundred desires, that every one should speak unto me of it, but I never durst speak of it my self: since I had no other confidents unto whom I durst open my Passions; but Artabes who now was dead, and Menasta who was gone with Ame∣stris: I could not make misfortunes known unto them who already knew them not. Yet notwithstanding I altered my resolution, and Artaban did so diligently seek my friendship, and enquired concerning the causes of my profound melancholy which appeared in my face, and all my actions, that I being moved by his affection and my own sorrows, did acquaint him with the originall of my Love, with its progress and end; for sometimes I was so bold as to speak as if I were no more in Love. It chanced one day when we were both alone to∣gether, and discoursing of some Passages at Court, I took the heart to tell Artaban that the time was when I loved Amestris; But Sir, in pronouncing these words I blusht: And Page  135Artaban, embracing me, said, Ah my dear Aglatidas, you do love still, your face does be∣tray you, your heart has more sincerity then your tongue: I know not whether I love yet (said I unto him sighing) but I do know very well that I ought not to love her any longer, and more then that, I will not love her any longer. Love (answered he unto me) does not use to ask counsesl of reason, nor desire the consent of our wills to subject us; The same vio∣lence which made it master of our hearts whether we would or no, can maintain it by the same waies: Love (said Artaban) is not a lawfull King but a Tyrant, which does not more kindely use them who do not defend themselves, then they who will dispute with it for their liberty, and who will have the Soveraignty where it would reign: Whatsoever it can do (said I) whether I love Amestris or whether I love her not, she shall never have any more shews either of Love or hatred from me: You will soon change this Opinion (Replied he unto me:) There needs not many words to prove that every minute of your Life speaks Love unto her; all your Discourses, and all your actions do manifest that you will be alwaies faithfull unto her: your Passion of her is very lively painted in your eyes: for (said he, not giving me time to answer him) From whence else can this strange alteration which appears in your face, in your spirits, and in all your humours procede? from what causes can arise this profound melancholy, this Solitude which you prefer before all your friends; these con∣tinuall sighs; that indifferency wherewith you look upon all Court-diversions, from whence can these proceed but from your being in Love? I do not nor will not love Amestris any more (replied I) and I hate all the rest of the world besides, except Artaban. And why do you hate them? (answered he) so many brave and gallant men, who do court you, and in∣finitely honour you? what will they do? what will so many fair and amiable Ladies as are in Ecban say? what has nature and they done that you should thus hate them? No no Agla∣tidas (continued he) deceive not your self, you do love Amestris and you do love her so much as you hate all the world besides: If you did not love her, doubtless you would not hate others, but would love them as all other grave men use to love them: If I did love Amestris (said I to him) I should have wished her return, and have known of her depar∣ture, and have resented it: This resentment (Replied he) is no less a mark of your Love then your wishes; for Amestris cannot be terrible unto you: you cannot fear her return but you must love her: Moreover (said he) what other ground can you finde for your Melan∣choly? You are beloved of all the world; you have a Father which consents unto any thing you desire; your quality is inferiour unto few; you are abundantly rich; you enjoy youth and health; you are of a compleat and handsome deportment (said he flatteringly) you have courage and reputation enough: What is it then Aglatidas that you want? Where is any ground for your Melancholy? The remembrance of my misfortunes (an∣swered I) the remembrance of your misfortunes (replied he) should cause your joy when they are past: You had better have said your misfortunes do continue: But I beseech you (said he) what will make you happy? They must be things impossible (said I to him) no∣thing else but that Amestris had never been perfidious: What then (Replied Artaban) is your good fortune so inseparably annexed unto Amescris? Can you never be happy with∣out Amestris? You are very urgent (said I to him) and I will answer you no more: Tell me you cannot answer, but at the same time confess that you are the most in love of any man in the world: But my Dear Aglatidas, (said Arbatan) why do you conceal so great and dangerous a disease which can never be cured but by discovering it? I hide it (said he and changing colour) because I think it incurable; and if I did not infinitely love Arbatan, I should not tell him as I do, that in despight of my reason and against my will, Amestris the perfidious Amestris does take up all my thoughts, and possesses my heart whether I will or no: As I left speaking, Artaban embracing me, began; Now (said he to me) you have told me your disease, I will endeavour to cure it: I beleeve you wish it (said I to him) but it is not so easie to do as to say it; for know Artaban, that though Amestris should repent her of her infidelity, and come to me with tears in her eyes, I could not yet be perfectly satisfied: the remembrance of what is past would keep me in continuall inquietude for the time to come; and I should possess a treasure which I should be in perpetuall fears to lose: As often as she gave me any obliging language, I should imagine that the same expressions were used in favour of my Rivall: And I could not respect the heart of Amestris otherwise then as a prophaned Altar: What if Amestris (said then Artaban) should with all her charms and beauty ask pardon for her weakness and change, would you refuse her? Ah cruell friend (said I to him) what delight can you take in persecuting me in lieu of preser∣ving me? and telling me of such impossibilities? But if it should so happen (said he to me) Page  136 how would you use her? In spight of all my inquisitive jealousies which fills my heart, I think I should throw my self at her feet, and hearken unto her repentance, to assure her of my eternal love, and to require more exact fidelity from her, then hitherto she has ob∣served. But alas, how far am I from that condition? But will you follow my counsel (said Artaban to me?) I will do any thing (said I to him) that would procure me some conso∣lation. If so (said he) neglect not what I shall tell you, and know, that considering the state of your soul, I have found an infallible remedy, either to make Amestris give you full satisfaction, or else to rid you of your passions to her. If I should hearken unto Reason (said I unto him) I should rather chuse the second then the first; but if I hearken unto my own heart, I should prefer the first before the second. Know then (said Artaban unto me) since Love is so noble a Passion, as nothing can recompense it but it self; and is so powerfull, that nothing can overcome it but its own forces: you must love, to make Love cease; and the hatred which commonly succeeds that Love, is but Love disguised under an appearance of anger; which is more dangerous then if it appeared in its natural colours. In short, Aglatidas (said he to me) you must cure one Passion with another; and to make you leave loving Amestris, you must love another Beauty. Alas (replied I then) how easie a matter it is for Artaban to give such counsel, and how hard it is for Aglatidas to follow it? But (answered he me) the Remedy which I will tell you shall be easie, and not so impossible as you think it: Truly, said he, as long as you remain in this kinde of solitude wherein you now live, it will not be an easie matter for you to engage your self in any new love: But you ought to look upon those which may entangle you; you must expose your self unto the waves, and throw your self into the Sea, to avoid shipwrack: The disease is so dangerous, and the physick so extraordinary, that you must almost die in hopes to live the longer. But do you believe (said I to him) that it is possible that I should not only love any other Beauty, but that I can endure it? You may questionless if you will (answered he;) but at the first you must only feign a love of some other, and perhaps it will at length become a reall Love. If it do come to pass, that you do love another, then you'l jeer at the inconstancy of Ame∣stris; and if it do not come to that pass, yet at the least, it will be a handsome revenge for the injuries you have received. Perhaps, said he, this fiction may bring your Mistris unto some reasonable tearms; and her jealousie may give you that your love could not bring about. This Remedy, said I to him, is very dangerous, very uncertain, and very difficult; for you say, that perhaps I shall love, and perhaps I shall not love another; perhaps I may revenge my self; perhaps Amestris will see her error. In a word, all is grounded upon perhaps'es; that is to say, upon little or nothing; and I see so much uncertainty in this remedy, that I cannot think it good. Will you have another, said he to me? I have one, said I to him, which is infallible, and that is death, which will doubtless rid me from all my sorrows. That is the last Remedy which you must use (answered Artaban) and it must never be made use of, but when all others have failed. In conclusion, Sir, what Arguments soever he could use, I could not consent unto him that day: But a while after, hearing that Amestris was to return, he did so importune me to follow his counsel, as I resolved to follow this counsel, though it went much against the strain of my mind. There was then in the Court a Lady called Anatisa, one indeed of great merit and beauty, yet one whose beauty had never made many conquests, and was doubtless far less fair then Amestris; yet fair enough: Chance would have it so, that the same day whereon I had consented to try the remedy which Artaban had prescribed, I found her in the walks of the Garden in the Palace, where I had not of a long time been, because I had shunned company as much as possible: And as I neither had nor could have any particular inclination unto any, nor had any liberty to chuse in a time when none but Amestris could please me. Chance, I say, making me meet Anatisa sooner then another, I did not refuse dis∣course with her, as I was used to do with all other Ladies, since my return to Ecbatan; I mean as much as civility would permit me: I spake then unto that Lady divers times that day; and although our discourse was upon nothing but upon very indifferent things, she thought her self much obliged to me, because I had done more unto her then unto any other Lady since my return to Court. And certainly it was advantagious to me, that the solitude wherein I had lived, did help me to perswade the world unto that which I would have it believe; else doubtless it had not been so easie for me to deceive it, as it deceived it self, and likewise if Anatisa had not helped me to delude it: For Sir, I did not think that the complacency which this fair Lady rendred me, was any effect of my merit; but on the contrary, I plainly saw it had a reflexion from Amestris, it being most certain that Anatisa would not have treated me so favourably as she did, but that she conceived it did redound Page  137 much unto her honour, that the man who had formerly loved the fairest Beauty of the World, should quit those fetters to be captivated in hers. This petty jealousie of Beauty, caused Anatisa then to treat me with all possible civility; and I finding so much facility to execute what Artaban advised me unto, did transact as he would have me: Not Sir, that I could ever resolve to tell Anatisa that I loved her, as well because in very truth I had no such passion in me, as because I thought it did too much trespass upon the Laws of Gene∣rosity; yet my manner of living with her did tell the Court as much, and likewise told the thoughts of Anatisa the same, for I did visit her very oft, I almost spoke unto none but her, I appeared very melancholy and disordered; so that all the world took these things to be effects of a fresh passion. Anatisa, on the other side, did see that I was chained unto her society, and that I did upon all occasions which were offered, commend her; that I refused the company of all other women but she; and that in our Discourses I did often appear as if I were a little frantick, not knowing what I would say. But alas, all these which she took to be effects of my love to her, were onely effects of that which I bore unto Ame∣stris, how perfidious soever she seemed to be unto me. Really, I did sometimes repent the following of Artaban's counsel, and all others also, when I began firmly to resolve of lo∣ving Anatisa, and to banish Amestris from my heart and memory. Change, change, (said I to my self) this feigned Passion unto a real one, and be no longer faithful unto one that hath betrayed me; do not betray one that has nothing in her but sincerity for me. 'Tis true, Anatisa is not so fair as Amestris, yet perhaps she will love me more faithfully: Tell her then that thou lovest her (said I to my self) although thou yet dost not; so that being ob∣liged by Generosity not to lie, thou maist no longer remain in any fears of returning unto inconstant Amestris, or to ever see her, or speak unto her, when she returns, as they say she will. This thought, Sir; did so fortisie it self in my minde, that I went three or four daies together unto Anatisa, with intentions to tell her I loved her, but some intervenient passage or other hindred me from executing them; but when I found the opportunity, not∣withstanding all my determinate resolutions, I was dumb when I was about to speak unto her; I diverted the discourse, my tongue would not obey, my heart revolted against my will, my will it self altered and was unsetled; and indeed, not desiring that which I desired but one moment before, I dejected my eyes as being equally ashamed of what I did, and what I would have done. But, Oh Heavens, that which should have destroyed me in the opinion of Anatisa, did confirm me; for she supposing that the love and reverence which I bore unto her, had caused all these disorders which she discovered in my minde, she did treat me more kindly, and would not see it. All the Court Sir, beleeved I was in love with Anatisa; one of my Cousins did write as much unto Menasta, who, as I have told you, was with Amestris; but this Lady who writ, did mention it very obscurely, knowing that such news would be resented with sorrow, and therefore she would not plainly tell it, untill she came to Ecbatan to see it. Mean time, I heard of two things together which much grieved me; the one was, That Amestris would presently come back; and the other, That Megabises would very shortly be in Town; This business which fell out onely by accident, did seem unto me a thing agreed upon; and I did absolutely conclude, that the voyage of Amestris was caused by the absence of Megabises, though I could not guess at the reason. But as jealousie al∣waies inclines more unto that which will augment it self, then that which would lessen it, I did not busie my self to reason the matter, from whence I might perhaps draw some con∣jectures unto my advantage, but I sought out those conjectures which would more tor∣ment me. They return, said I, to triumph over my miseries before my eyes; and they can∣not esteem themselves happy, unless I be the witness of their felicities. However, perfidi∣ous Amestris, you shall not have so much satisfaction, as to think that I am unhappy; I will carry the matter so with Anatisa, as you shall not so much as suspect that I love you. But as for you Megabises, never hope to enjoy your conquest quietly, for though I will pre∣tend no more unto her, yet I will take away the enjoyment from thee, in taking away thy life, or at least dispute it unto the last minute of my life. These tumultuous thoughts being a little appeased, I had some comfort to think, that Amestris should believe I was in love with Anatisa; and I was for a certain time so closely with her, as I my self did wonder at it. In the mean while Amestris came to Town, and Menasta was much confirmed in her be∣lief of my new passion; yet notwithstanding, she would speak with me before she would absolutely condemn me; and she quickly found the opportunity; for indeed, as she was my Cousin, I was in civility obliged to give her a visit, which with much ado I resolved up∣on; yet I would not go alone: but do what I could, she spoke unto me particularly of it. Page  138 Is it possible (said she to me) that what I hear can be true? Can any man who has been so happy, as not to be hated by Amestris, think upon loving Anatisa? Amestris (said I unto her) has not thought Aglatidas worthy of her; and I do not know Menasta, whether she or I has made the worse choice: She perhaps did that out of weakness or an humour, which I have done out of Reason, and to be revenged on her. But Menasta, let us talk no more on it; she was alwaies your friend, and I my self believed she concealed it from you, to be∣tray me. It must needs be (answered she) that she has kept it secret, if it be true that she be∣trayed you, for I never knew of it; but I confess, I have much ado to be perswaded of the truth. I have had more to do (replied I;) and if I my self had not been a witness of her in∣fidelity, if I had not with my own eyes seen her perfidious Treason, I should never have believed it; no, though you your self should have assured me of it: But as I would not have believed you, so you your self would have spoke against her; nor do I think that you will justifie her now. No, no, Menasta, speak no more on it, Amestris has betrayed me, and I have left her; she has not thought me worthy of her affection, and I have not thought her worthy of mine; though, setting her infidelity aside, she is the admiration of all the Earth; and since she either hates or scorns me, I am dispensed from that fidelity which I promised unto her. I confess, said Menasta, if she be culpable you are not to be much bla∣med: But however, you are to blame; for did you ever complain unto Amestris? have you ever accused her? did you ever give her time to justifie her self, or to repent of it? Com∣plaints, said I, are requisite, when the Crime of the party beloved is in any doubt, or when it is so small, as a Confession may wipe it off: But when the offence is of such a nature as that is which I have received, complaints do but procure new matter to be again deceived: Spare therefore your pains unto Amestris (said I) and move her not to confess a thing which she cannot confess without confusion, as anticipated as she is in the Love which she posses∣seth. Menasta was so surprised to hear me speak so, as she could not answer; for since Amestris never told her of any converse which she had with Megabises, she could not ima∣gine any other colour of complaint which I could have: she thought, that to excuse my in∣constancy, I had supposed a Crime whereof she was innocent, as appeared by her eyes, and that I was much more culpable than she. That which confirmed her in her opinion, was the disorder which she had observed in my minde; not doubting, but that the disorder was grounded upon my being ashamed of my weakness, and upon this change which I had made; yet notwithstanding, being desirous to augment it, I do assure you (said she) that during all this voyage which Amestris hath made, there was not one Lover which could com∣mend her for her indulgency towards him, nor brag of any favour. I do not doubt it (an∣swered I) for she is more faithfull unto him whom she has preferred before me. But who is that so happy Lover of Amestris (replied she in anger) that Menasta should not know him? Since you would have a secret of it (said I unto her) I will have so much respect unto her, as not to reveale what I know, and help her to hide that which cannot but be too much pub∣lished, and of which within this little time you will make no doubt of. As we were upon these tearms, there came in so much company, that our discourse could not continue longer, and I went from Menasta in a doubled perplexity: For said I, if Amestris were within the compass of repentance, her soul would have confessed some part of her weakness, or at least would have found out some handsome pretence and excuse for it: But in denying all, it renders her culpable of all; and since so, I have nothing to do but to revenge my self: Revenge then, said I, the real infidelity of Amestris, by a feigned infidelity. I will render my diligence unto Anatisa, though I cannot render her my heart; I will punish her by this bad choice, and neglect nothing that may satisfie my resentment, though I cannot satisfie my love. Mean while Menasta, who was really incensed against me, and thinking none would tell Amestris of my new Passion, thought fit to tell her of it, and went unto her that same evening. She was not the first who brought her the news; for amongst so many as did visit her, there was some who out of malice or simplicity had told her of that thing, wherein all the world knew she had so much interest. Menasta found her very sad; for Sir, to make you understand my misfortune the better, I am constrained to acknowledge, that Amestris did love me, and loved me with such tender affection, as I cannot yet think upon it, without extreme joy, and extreme sorrow, and strange confusion both together. She no sooner saw Menasta, but she made it evident by her melancholy, that she was acquainted with my new Passion, yet at the first she spoke onely of indifferent things. Menasta for her part, not knowing well where or how to begin so vexatious a discourse, nor knew well what she should say, did answer her with half broken off words. But in the end, the adorable AmestrisPage  139 not being able to hide her resentments any longer, asked her whether she had seen me? and whether my new love was so strong as to make me forget my Civilities unto her? I have seen him (answered she) but I have seen him so deprived of reason, that I would no longer acknowledge him for my kinsman, nor believe that it was Aglatidas, whom I formerly knew, and so much esteemed. Indeed (said she to her) he courts Anatisa, he follows her every where, and I think he really loves her. But although this Crime be too great, yet it is not that which animates me most against him, for those who are naturally weak and inconstant, do deserve rather compassion then reproaches, since they do no more then what they can∣not help: But Aglatidas would excuse his fault by laying it upon you; this is that which I cannot endure, and this is that which I thought fit to tell you, to the end that you may pu∣nish his folly and ingratitude by your hatred and scorn. What (said Amestris) doth Agla∣tidas accuse me of any thing? Yes, replied Menasta, he saies that you have betrayed him; he saies he saw it with his own eyes, that he cannot doubt of it; and that your new choice is more unreasonable then his: Indeed (said she) I can say no more, but that he is full of folly and malice both. Amestris was so surprised at the story, that her Soul, as great as it was, could not choose but tremble; she changed colour, tears stood in her eyes, and her wisdome had much ado to restrain them. If she called to minde the love which I professed unto her, and the reverence wherewith I served her, she considered my change as an un∣repairable loss: If she remembred the goodness which she used to me, she could not enough condemn my ingratitude: If she considered the Fidelity which she constantly preserved for me, she abhorred my perfidie: And if she observed the difference which was be∣tween Anatisa and her self, she could not but be astonish'd at my weakness and blindness. But upon the whole matter she must needs conclude me capable of both, and she could not possibly doubt of it. Menasta did assure me afterwards, that the wrong which I did unto her Beauty, in preferring one who was in all things so much inferiour to her, did not so sen∣sibly move her, as the wrong which I did unto her Vertue, in accusing her of inconstancy. What, said she, does Aglatidas take from me that heart which he had given me? Will he neither love me, nor see me? And has he forgot all his Obligations which were upon him for suffering him to manifest his Passions? But for all this, I will punish my self without anger, and perhaps I will cheer up my self by reason. But Menasta, that he should excuse his own imbecilities by accusing me, this is a thing which is above my Patience; and makes evident unto me, that Love is a most dangerous Passion: For truly, did he ever meet with any more excusable then I, or more innocent? I loved Aglatidas it is true, but I loved him not onely because he loved me, but because my Parents did believe him to be a man of wis∣dome and judgement, and that he had all the qualities requisite to be in a compleat man. Moreover, might I not well believe, that Fortune having made me rich enough, his own interest might move him unto that which my mean Beauty could not? And whether it was Love or Ambition which he was sensible of, I might well hope he would be faithfull. Yet it seems I was deceived in my conjectures, and I was ignorant that he could not love any thing. But alas, said she, is it not in our power, when Innocense and Reason has planted Love in my heart, to finde a means to root it out? Yet it must be, added she, and I am so fully resolved, that I cannot hope to bring it to pass. In short, Sir, the adorable Amestris being not well at peace in her self, could not resolve what to do; and she designed the next day to take some solitary walk with her dear Confident, and endeavour to settle her reso∣lutions upon the business, and to shun the conversation of all indifferent people, who as the state stood with her soul, did but importunately trouble her. They went the next day unto the Garden, whither very few used to resort, and where Artaban by accident did meet them; he no sooner saw them, but he had a great curiosity to understand their discourse; to that end, he hid himself behind a thick hedge, and following them by the eye, he saw them sit down in a green Arbor. Thither he went, shading himself by the boughs of a great tree which hung down, and there couched himself behind a little bush of Myrhe, which was close by the Arbor; he was no sooner setled, but he understood that Menasta answered un∣to something which Amestris had said, and which he could not understand: No, no, said she to her, you must not take revenge upon your self, it is fit that Aglatidas alone should bear the burden of his Crime. Do not confound Innocency and culpable together: Hate Aglatidas if you can, and do not punish Amestris who is in no fault. Amestris (replied this lovely Lady) not being able to hate where she loves, what would you have her do? and why should she not think her self as culpable, for loving where she should hate, as Aglatidas is for hating where he ought eternally to love? After this, these two Ladies Page  140 began to discourse upon that which might have given me the boldnesse to accuse Ame∣stris; for (said Menasta) what likelihood is there that without any pretence or colour, he should be so inconsiderate? Amestris reflecting upon what Menasta said, began to tell her that which she knew not before, to wit, the converse which she had with Megabises; but (added she) if Aglatidas had been present at it, he would rather have thanked me then complained: but he was far off, and Megabises for his part, being ever since in Lidia, could not inform him any thing: No No, said Menasta, that cannot be the cause, for he did not so much as name Megabises unto me, and without all question if it had been he, Aglatidas would have named him to me, and spoke of him: so that it must be concluded, that he be∣ing ashamed of his weakness, was forced to fly unto this imposture, thereby to excuse him∣self when he spoke unto me: Truly those who commit crimes, said she, do severely punish themselves in committing them; and had you seen how restless and unquiet Aglatidas was when he spoke unto me, you would have consented unto it: That which does most wonder me, said Amestris unto her, is, that when we were in the Province of Arisantines, we did understand that Aglatidas seemed alwaies to be melancholy: If his change had chanced since his return to Ecbatan, then I must needs conclude, that out of a capricious humour, or else out of reason, he has preferred the beauty of Anatisa before that of Amestris; But I conceive Menasta, that his change took beginning during his exile, in a time when he recei∣ved most testimonies of affection from me, for I writ unto him, and that in a most obliging manner: But after all this (said Menasta) what do you intend to do? I intend (said he) to punish my self for my misfortune, To lament it eternally, To repent me of my weaknesse, and strive to forget Aglatidas, though perhaps it is not in my power; and to leade a close and more unhappy life then ever any did. But (Replied Menasta) I had rather you would take into your consideration one of these two important courses: The first is, that if you cannot perswade your self to hate Aglatidas, then to try all possible means that may bring him unto reason: The second is, that if you can bring your self to hate him, then to punish him severely for his crime: Alas, Alas, Replied Amestris, how difficult a thing is to hate where one hath resolved to love all their life long, and how hard it is to punish where one loves: I have one infallible way (said Menasta) but by the way you may admire Sir the odd destiny of things in this world; for Menasta did propound the very same way unto Ame∣stris, which Artaban had propounded unto me: to wit, that she should feign to entertain some one of her pretenders very kindely: for said this Lady unto her, I have ever known Aglatidas to be extream sensible of honour, so that when he plainly sees that his mutability has put Amestris into a capacity of preferring another before him, then one of these two things will come to passe, that is, he will either forsake Anatisa, and return unto Amestris, or else at the least he will be sufficiently tormented in his heart; Moreover, who knows but that by permitting your self to be loved, you may come to cease loving him? Love for ought I understand (said he) is never cured by contrary remedies, nor by any violent applications; Time and reason by more insensible waies brings many things to passe, therefore if you will beleeve me follow my advice; It conduceth much unto your honor (added she) that the world shall not suspect you ever loved Aglatidas; and to prevent it you must do as I advise: This last consideration was very forcible upon the soul of Amestris; who after much other discourse, resolved to take my counsell. In the mean time Artaban who was ravished to hear the dis∣course of these two Ladies, did gently steal away without being perceived; going in haste unto all places where he thought to finde me, but as my ill fortune was he could not finde me: After he had in vain sought me at the Court, in the Palace-Gardens, and at Anatisa's Lod∣ging, he resolved to stay till night when I should return, not imagining that the ignorance of what he knew could be of that importance as to be so prejudiciall unto me: But O Heavens, how fatall it was unto me? and how many sighs did that journey which I then took cost me? I have already told you Sir, that the Garden where Amestris was is a very solitary place, where very few people use to walk: But all ill Fortunes conspired together to afflict me, and to make me the most unhappy man upon earth. Anatisa, prompted by my evil destinies, de∣signing to walk with some of her friends, made choice of that place because she had never seen it; and I did particularly chuse it that I might there enjoy my sad thoughts, because I did verily think not to meet Amestris there, nor Anatisa, nor any thing that might interrupt my musing contemplations: But Sir I was wonderfully surprised, when in entring into the Garden, I saw Amestris afar off walking with her dear Menasta, and at the same time I saw Anatisa at the the foot of an Arbour, composing some flowers which she had gathered: This unexpected sight did much trouble me, and so surprised me that I stopt upon a sudden: I Page  141 knew not whether I should apply my self unto her whom I loved and had betraied me; or to her who loved me and whom I betraied: I stood in such an anxiety as I could not re∣solve nor can express: I was in a minde to go unto Amestris, and my jealousies did almost submit unto my Love; I thought to go and throw my self at her feet without regarding Ana∣tisa; But her crime coming fresh into my memory, I altered that determination, and began to incline towards Anatisa; yet I made my approach so gentle, and was so unwilling to turn from Amestris, that I was in a minde to go unto neither, but to sink down under the load of my sorrows; yet my disdain driving me out of an extream anxiety into an invincible ob∣stinacy: I regarded not Amestris, but went unto Anatisa, unto whom I spoke as I was ac∣customed: But yet I acted it with such distraction of spirits, as that if this Lady had not been distracted her self with observing the actions of Amestris, she might easily have perceived the cause of my inquietude; But she was wrapt into such an extasie of joy to see her self prefer∣red before the Fairest Lady in the world, as she neither minded the alteration in my counte∣nance, nor the obscurity of my words. Amestris (as since I heard) now seeing that her self which before she had heard only by reports, was extraordinarily surprised: Until now, this adorable Lady resented only sorrow for my change, but now, seeing with her own eyes, Aglatidas at the feet of Anatisa, her anger began to rowse up her spirits: and a secret re∣sentment of honor did infuse into her so great a desire to be revenged for the scorn which I offered unto her, as she could not forbear to testifie as much unto Menasta. Here Sir may be admired the prodigious accident which chance only brought about in this business: I think, I told you how Megabises was to return within a few daies; and after he had been in the wars of Lidia, he resolved to returned unto Ecbatan, and never thought to call me unto any ac∣count, neither for the death of his Brother whereof he knew I was culpable, nor for any o∣ther of our ancient differences. The King did send unto him to forbid him absolutely, after the reconcilement which was made between our Families, and had commanded me to quar∣rell no more, but to shun meeting as much as possible, it being but just to have respect unto a man whose Brother I had killed: Megabises came into the Town in the night that he might be more particularly informed in the state of things before he received any visits; and resolved to pass away the rest of the day in the Garden where I was, knowing it the least frequented, and where also was Amestris and Anatisa; Megabises then who knew him un∣to whom the Garden belonged, entred into it as soon as he lighted from horse, and at the very same instant when Amestris being transported with anger to see me with Anatisa, did say unto Menasta that she had good reason to counsell her to punish me: Megabises entring in confidently, was infinitely surprised to see both his Mistress and his Rivall in that place: But he was more amazed to see me not with Amestris; yet Sir, since Megabises had not seen her since the time he promised to see her or speak to her no more, I would make it known unto her by his respect that he had not forgotten to keep his word; so that after he had made her a most low reverence, he retired and would have gone out of the Garden; But Amestris whose spirit was highly incensed, and thinking it a fit occasion to be revenged, called him unto her, and received him with much civility: This afforded him as much joy as me sorrow: For Sir, I saw Megabises enter; I observed how he would have gone away, and she to stay him; I supposed that he offered to go away because he saw me there: And I doubted not but that Amestris knowing of his coming, came thither purposely to meet him: I leave you Sir to guesse at the trouble of my soul, and the agitation of my minde: For my part I never think upon the condition wherein we were, but I wonder at the capri∣tious humour of Fate: For Anatisa was wrapt up into the height of joy to see her self prefer∣red before Amestris by Aglatidas, who neither preferred her nor loved her: Megabises for his part he was infinitely glad to be called back by her who had for ever banished him, though she which called him back did it not out of any affection she bore unto him: onely Amestris and my self, who if we had rightly understood one another, had been the happiest of all, we were the most perplexed souls upon earth: Mean time, though Megabises thought himself very happy in being with Amestris, yet the remembrance of his brothers death, and the sight of him who killed him, did so reflect upon his heart as he had no good minde to be where I was: Madam (said he unto Amestris) I should make a doubt whether the command which I received from the King could work so prevalently upon my spirit as to hinder me from my just resentments against a man whom I see before me, if the respect which I owe unto you did not restrain me; Therefore Madam, fear lest this respect should not be strong enough to resist the apprehensions of bloud and nature, I most humbly beseech you to par∣don my incivility, and give me leave to leave you: Upon those words he made a very low re∣rence Page  142 unto Amestris, and without staying for any answer he went out of the Garden; She who only staied him to anger me was not forward to retain him: As for me Sir who never understood what they said, I no sooner saw him gone, but I was in as great a chafe as I was to see him enter, imagining that he only went out to disguise the appointment which Ame∣stris had given him. Not being to stay where I was, and thinking I should better hide my perplexity in walking then staying there, I proposed a departure unto Anatisa, who consent∣ed unto it: But she, more out of vanity then complacency, would needs, do what I could, go unto Amestris, thinking it would be a Triumph unto her to carry her slave whether she pleased: Then we went to meet Amestris and Menasta, and as we came near one another, Anatisa, not telling me her design, began to speak unto Amestris, whereat I was so angry that I was in a minde to leave her, and be gone from that place where the object of my love and the object of my hatred were together: I neither durst nor would look upon Amestris, I wished with all my heart that Megabises were there that I might fight with him: Some∣times I thought Amestris lesse fair, and Anatisa more: But O Heavens, that sometimes was quickly over, and I thought Anatisa ugly, and Amestris Angelike fair: yet Anatisa who as I told you, would needs triumph, and better assure her self of her Conquest, spoke very spitefully unto Amestris; and in accosting her, I am very happy (said she unto her) to meet such good company in a place which is used to be very solitary, and I have reason to think my self so, since expecting only the pleasure of the walk, I have met also with the delight of company; My company (answered Amestris very coldly) is so far from plea∣sant, that you have rather cause to complain, if you had not some other to divert you. If you should put to Judges (replied Anatisa maliciously) I am sure Megabises who I saw with you would not be of your minde; and as for Aglatidas, he is no competent Judge, for he would give sentence in my behalf: As for my part (said I in a great confusion) I do not doubt but Megabises findes Amestris to be incomparable in all things; and I con∣fess (said I changing colour) that he has good cause to publish, that the conversation of A∣mestris is the most complacentiall of any in the world when she pleaseth: Ah Madam (repli∣ed Anatisa, who was ravished with joy to see such signs of anger in the face of Amestris) be not now of that humour, and be pleased to suffer all those commendations which I will give you: I deserve so little (answered she) that I will not advise you to imploy your time to so little purpose. There is a kinde of humility (replied Anatisa) which honour will not admit of: Yes (replied Amestris) and there is also a kinde of false humour, which covers oftentimes abundance of basenesse: I suppose (answered Anatisa) that neither you nor I are guilty of either: I know nothing (replied Amestris) for none do know themselves ve∣ry well: It is much more hard (said I unto her) to know the thoughts of another, especial∣ly of those (replied she) who do counterfet to be generous and sincere, but indeed are not so; I am confident (said the malicious Anatisa) that Megabises cannot disguise his thoughts; Those who like him (answered Amestris thinking to spight me) do affect true honour, do ne∣ver use to do so: there is none but base men use to dissemble their thoughts. I confess unto you Sir, thas I was infinitely perplexed to hear Amestris thus express her self, that I could not possibly stay any longer in that place: As I came not into Garden with Anatisa, I thought my self not engaged to stay with her: Furthermore I was not in a condition to observe an exact correspondency in my actions. I had seen Megabises pleased so well, I observed Ana∣tisa so well content, I saw Amestris so fierce, contrary to her custome; and I found my self so sad, so angry, and so desperate, that at last being stirred by my Love, my hate, and my Jealousie: I left this both dear and intollerable company: I went then out of the Garden with an ill intent, resolving to be revenged upon Megabises, for all the wrongs that Ame∣stris had done me: And to that end in lieu of entring into the Town, I went to conceal my self in the house of one of my acquaintance, with intention to send the next day unto Mega∣blses, to meet me with his Sword. I would not advertise Artaban of my design, because I knew he would contradict it; but alas, I did not know that I should have been the happiest man upon earth, if I had seen him, whereas now I am the most unfortunate. In the mean while, Amestris who had not treated Megabises so well, but only to anger me, had no soon∣er lost the sight of me, but not being able to endure the company of her Rivall, she thought out a pretence to leave her, and went to complain of her misfortune in secret unto her dear Menasta. As for Megabises it may be said, that his good fortune was but a flash and away; which ending as soon as it begun made it more dusky and intollerable then before. And as for Anatisa, though her joys to be preferred before Amestris did last a little longer, yet it was but to torment her more sensibly afterwards. For my part Sir, I never thought my self Page  143 so unhappy as now I found my self: At the first time when I saw Amestris favourable unto Megabises, I had this advantage as that she took a little pains to delude me; she knew not that I saw her; and at that time when she spoke unto him so mildly, she did not write roughly unto me: I might then think that her heart was divided, and that he did not so ab∣solutely possess it, but there might be a corner of it for me: Moreover, he then saw her to bid her adieu: but now, doubtlesse he came not with any intention to leave her, and Ame∣stris was certain in the Garden staying for him: She now saw me before he came in, and cared not whether or no I was a witness, since she did not go away before he came: As for Megabises he would be something more discreet, he seemed to have no desire to stay when he had discovered me; but she did most cruelly call him back to spight me; she looked upon me with anger, but upon him with sweetnesse, and commended him before my face: She (I say) who heretofore made profession of such austere vertue, she who denied me her affecti∣on so obstinately, she who was so severe and rigorous unto me: How comes it to passe A∣mestris (said I) that you have thus changed your humour? But however, I must be so bold as to trouble your felicity as well as you have done mine, and though my respects be such as I will not revenge my self directly upon you, yet you shall give me leave to be revenged upon Megabises: See Sir, how I did draw poison out of the most innocent things; and how I interpreted all the actions of Amestris; who for her part did as much upon mine, and who determined to be revenged upon me in a most cruell manner: But Sir, I must tell you be∣fore-hand, that he with whom Amestris lived, being bribed unto it by Otanus, did no longer take the part of Megabises for her, and did continually persecute her, to the end that he might bring her unto that passe as to preferre Riches, before all other things in the world, and never to consider the good or the bad qualities of him whom she was to marry: Moreover, Artaban not finding me went to her, but her minde was not for any conversati∣on, therefore she left me alone with Menasta in her chamber, and shut her self in her closet. Then Sir, the discourse between these two was only upon me: Menasta, who knew that Artaban was my Confident, did so press him, as he acknowledged that it was a terrible jea∣lousie which had taken me off from the service of Amestris: but do what she could, she could scrue no more out of him; for since he was to meet with me at night, therefore he would not discover any more unto her, least I should perhaps not allow of it. His visit con∣tinued not long with Menasta, because he did sit upon thorns untill he had discourse with me: He was no sooner gone but she went unto Amestris in her closet, who was retired thi∣ther under pretence of writing some Letters of importance: She told her how after much other discourse Artaban had confessed that it was a horrid jealousie which caused my change. How (answered Amestris) Aglatidas extreamly jealous? Good Gods, how is it possible he can be so? What cause have I given him? Which of his Rivals is it that I have favoured so much as to give him any colour or cause of change? Has any observed any such complacence in me? Have I sought out any occasions to see and be seen? Have I held any private discourse with any one? Have I been a frequenter of any suspected walks? Have I received any secret letters or writ any? Is there any one that can vaunt of any fa∣vour received from Amestris, except the perfidious Aglatidas? Indeed Menasta what have I done? what have I said? or what have I so much as thought, which can excuse his incon∣stancy? for my part (said she) I never knew the like jealousie to this; But I pray tell me; suppose I could learn the ground and commencement of it, what can I do to help it? I must certainly never look upon any, but mew upon my self eternally; How is it possible, in a great Court, in a populous Town, where I am seen by all the world, and where I see with equall indifferency all those who come to me, that I should ever finde out who it is which causeth his inquietude? For perhaps it is Andramias, perhaps Araspes, perhaps Megabises, and perhaps the King: How should I then help it Menasta? How should I cure him if I would? It must needs be confessed (answered my cozen) that Aglatidas has carried it very ill: Say (said Amestris) that he has lost his reason, in losing that esteem which he ought unto me; for considering how I have carried my self unto him, he ought never to have made an ill interpretation of my actions, or suspected them, nor beleeved any thing against me, though his own eyes had perswaded him unto it. Must inconstancy be a consequent of jealousie? For my part, I think that jealousie makes men unhappy, but I do not believe that it ought to make them perfideous: That Aglatidas, because he thinks no sincerity in my words, will not see me, nor love me any more, but hate me, I do not blame him: I look upon his hatred as a consequent of his violent love unto me; but that Aglatidas as soon as he thinks that I do not esteem him, should at the very same instant have a soul sensible of a Page  144 fresh new passion; this Menasta is a thing which cannot be. If he had loved me very well, what cause of complaint soever I had given him, it was impossible but he should love me yet, or at least not hate me; and it is more impossible (if I may say it) that he can so soon love Anatisa. Ha, said she, whosoever should have told me heretofore, that I should see Aglatidas come into a place where I was, and leave me to go unto Anatisa, I should not have beleeved it: Yet it was injustice (not to speak of love) after he had seen me this last time, entertaining thoughts very advantagious for him, to accost me in so offen∣sive a manner; Could he not have restrained Anatisa from coming to me? Might he not have shun'd the meeting? No, no, said she unto Menasta, he would not, but he on the con∣trary had a desire to put my patience unto the most vigorous Test: I know, added she, that at the last he quitted the company, and went alone out of the Garden; but it was confusion and anger, not repentance which drove him away; he was ashamed of his crime, but he had not so much vertue as to disingage himself: So that after all this, though he should have repented, yet I should not have been satisfied. But (said Menasta unto her interrupting her) what do you resolve upon? I will (answered she with a quite altered complexion) never think upon Aglatidas any more, and so carry the matter, that he shall whether he will or no think eternally upon Amestris: I will make him acknowledge his own crime by the thought of my innocency, and that he shall know my innocency by my misfortune: I must make him see that I never loved any but him, and that I have been ever faithfull unto him: But in letting him see it, it shall be done after such a fashion, that he shall get nothing by it. If he do not repent of his fault, said she, I shall punish him for loving, and if he do repent, then I shall punish him for betraying me, and punish him according to his desert. I do confess (said Menasta to her) I cannot easily devise what kinde of revenge it is that you have con∣trived: It is so strange a one (answered Amestris) that I dare hardly tell it, least you should divert me from it either by your reasons, or your praiers. But how can you make him certainly see that you have continued faithfull, since you do not know what it is which hath made him jealous? 'Tis true indeed, replied Amestris, I do not know the cause of his jealousie, but I do know him who is not the cause of his jealousie; and that shall serve me, both for my Justification, for my Revenge, and for my Punishment all in one: Menasta hearing her speak so, and finding little sense in her obscure words, was very urgent with her, to explain her self, and did oftentimes assure her that she would not contradict her intenti∣ons, untill at length she told her: You are not ignorant (said she to her) neither you Menasta, nor the inconstant Aglatidas, what an extream aversion I have ever had against Otanus, notwithstanding all his wealth and quality; for I have told you both a hundred and a hundred times, that for all his Riches and condition he is the man whom of all the world I do most scorn and hate: You know also, said she, that he has loved me ever since the first day I came to Ecbatan; and that I have hated him ever since the first minute I saw him: Know then Menasta, that before I will in any part reclaim the perfideous Aglatidas, I will obey my kinsman who is my Guardian, that is, I will marry Otanus, who is the ill-favour∣edest man alive, and thereby make Aglatidas see whether I ever loved any of his Rivals: What, said Menasta, will you marry Otanus? Yes, answered Amestris, I will marry him, and I cannot make choice of a greater punishment wherewith to afflict my self for loving Aglatidas, and also to chastise Aglatidas for betraying me: This is the way Menasta, said she, whereby I will both justifie and revenge my self, although I do not know him whom Ag∣latidas thinks to be my partner in my crime: By this course I shall be sure to cure Aglati∣das of his jealousie: for indeed Otanus has so many defects that I am sure I cannot deceive my self, it being absolutely impossible that Aglatidas should have been jealous of him. Ah Amestris, said Menasta then, Do not confound innocency and crime together; punish Aglatidas alone, but do not punish Amestris; rather marry Megabises, and beleeve that you will be sufficiently revenged of my perfidious kinsman that way: No Menasta, said she, that which you propose is not just; that way would be a revenge upon my self, and not up∣on Aglatidas; for Megabises is hansome enough to make Aglatidas think that I loved him; so that if it were so that ever he loved me, he would then quit that passion, and stick close unto his dear Anatisa: Then indeed he had some ground to beleeve that I might love a man who indeed was worthy of it: But when he shall see that I have chosen one for a husband, whom he knows certainly I could never love, then perhaps his heart, as perfidious and in∣constant as it is will repent it of its fault: But it shall be an unprofitable repentance, for when I have married Otanus, I will then be as faithfull unto him, as if I did love him, and as if he were the most accomplished man of the world: Ha heavens (said Menasta interrup∣ting Page  145 her) take good heed what you say. Can you have such a resolution (or to give it a fit¦ter phrase) can you be so inhumane unto your self, as to expose your self unto the greatest of misfortunes? Do you think, that you can all your life long endure the presence of a man whose conversation has glutted you in one single hour? I cannot endure it doubtless (an∣swered Amestris) the torment which I shall endure will justifie me yet in the minde of Agla∣tidas; and after I have in that manner cleared my self, my death immediatly and infallibly following, will beget such a torment also in his soul, as shall never extinguish: If there were any other way to justifie my self, then perhaps I should not take this: But upon the whole matter, since Aglatidas does not himself complain, how can I guess at his disease and cure him otherwise? Yet (said Menasta to her) appearances are oftentimes fallatious, and for ought you know there may be some other cause which has begot this jealousie in Agla∣tidas, which you are ignorant of: Though that should be so (answered Amestris) yet Aglatidas is not more innocent: I do confess he might be a little jealous, and I should not have been offended at him; but it seems he could not love Anatisa sufficiently, without do∣ing me this irrepairable wrong: Therefore Menasta, I must, if it be possible, I must choak this new taken up love in him by an eternall sorrow, and an unprofitable repentance: But do you not consider (said Menasta) that in destroying this love in him, you destroy your self also by such an unheard of way? That's it which I desire (replied Amestris) and if I did not know that melancholy is a gentle poyson, which by insensible degrees does operate its effects, I would not abandon my self unto it: Permit me (said Menasta) to speak once more with Aglatidas: When I am dead (said Amestris) I will permit you; and then I conjure you to aggravate my sorrows unto him that it may increase his: What (said Menasta to her) do you speak of death and marriage together? Yes (replied Amestris) and as I am going to the Church, I will imagine it to be unto my grave, and shall hope that the Nuptiall Torches will soon be changed unto Funerals: But why would you die, replied Menasta? Because (answered she) I cannot both live happily and inno∣cently, since I finde it to be very criminall to love Aglatidas. In conclusion Sir, Me∣nasta was constrained to leave Amestris because it was very late. This prudent Lady was no sooner come unto her lodging, but she sent to seek me, being resolved to speak unto me, and if she could to cure my minde both of this jealousie and this new pas∣sion, for she did verily beleeve that I was in love with Anatisa, but all her labour was lost: The next morning she sent also unto Artaban, to desire his help in seeking me, but she sent a little too late for he was newly gone out: Mean while Artaban, as well as Menasta did despair of finding me: And these two which had such pleasant things to relate unto me, were both of them much troubled that they could not learn what was become of me: They were not like to know, since I concealed my self as close as I could with intention to let Megabises hear from me. Indeed, day did no sooner dawn, but I sent a man with a note unto him, which acquainted him how I de∣sired to fight with him upon that Quarrell which he might easily guess at; and to let him know that the man whom I sent would conduct him unto the place where I would expect him with a Sword in my hand: But so it chanced that he whom I sent unto him found abundance of company with him, because three of his friends came to him and would have him go unto the King who intended to hunt that day, and to be with him before he went; this Note therefore could not be so hansomely delivered, but it was perceived, and suspected what the business was, so that it was impossible for Megabises to give me satisfaction. Artaban coming to hear of these reports acquain∣ted the King, who gave order to secure Megabises, and commanded to look out for me: But here Sir may be admired how fortune does sport her self at the destinies of men: Although I did challenge Megabises, yet there was almost none in the Court that would beleeve it, unless those which were with him when he received the Note; and the report of it being spread abroad that Megabises and Aglatidas would fight, it was not thought likely that I who had killed his brother should also call him to an account: Amestris thought it to be Megabises who called me in question, and not I him; and did imagine that this would more confirm me in the opinion I had of her, so that she re∣solved to go on in her odd determination: Mean while Artaban with ten or twelve of his friends took horse and all the care they could to finde me out: I knew by the re∣turn of the man whom I sent that Megabises was clapt up, and that he sent me word by him he would give me satisfaction as soon as he could: But when I perceived Arta∣ban some two hundred paces off, and because I would not be clapt up as Megabises was, Page  146 I galloped away, and as I often turned my head, I saw Artaban before the rest riding as hard as he could, and making signes with his hand to stay me, because he would speak with me. But as my misfortune had resolved my ruine, I perswaded my self that the wisdom of Artaban thought it not fit I should call that man in question whose brother I had killed, and indeed I my self did think it unreasonable; so that imagining that he had nothing to say unto me, unless that the King would make Megabises and me friends, the more he made signes to stay, the more I spurred my horse: I did oft understand what he said, but would not make answer; and I think he had overtook me, had I not met with a great Ditch which my Horse did freely take, but his would not under a quarter of an hours beating: In the mean time, I having found a thick wood which hindered his sight of me, I quit the common road, and took such an obscure path that Artaban was con∣strained to return very sorry and angry that he had not spoke with me. I not well knowing what resolution to take after I had contrived and devised a hundred designes, I went unto a Church which was not farre off, the Priest whereof I knew, with whom I had an intention to stay four or five daies concealed, imagining that they would re∣strain Megabises very long, and that as soon as he was at liberty, he would give me satisfaction; It would not be at all advantagious to you Sir, to tell you what kind of life I led in this place, supposing that you will imagine it to be most restless and melancho∣lique. This Church was built in an ancient Forrest, the trees whereof were so thick, that the Sun did never shine upon it: I wandered all the day in places least frequented; Some∣times I passed away the time with the Magi which dwelt thereabouts, and with him with whom I lodged: I had told him that some grumblings at Court caused me to retire for a time: But whosoever I entertained my self withall, and wheresoever I walked alone, Megabises and Amestris took up all my thoughts: Perhaps, said I, they are just now toge∣ther; perhaps Amestris is talking of me unto him with scorn, perhaps she is entreating him not to expose himself unto a new Quarrell; perhaps she is praying against my life; and perhaps Megabises and she are married: To tell you Sir, how sadly this last thought was resented, and how deeply it wounded my soul, is a story which I cannot possibly re∣late. Upon a day then when I was most dejectedly walking in the Forrest, I discovered a Coach full of Ladies; I no sooner saw it but I rusht into the Wood: But one of the Ladies spying me, Aglatidas (cried she) do not fly, and but suffer me I beseech you to speak one minute with you: I knew the voice full well to be Menasta's, and imagi∣ning that perhaps Amestris was with her, I knew not whether I should stay or shun her: But at last hearing her call very earnestly and very often, I turned and came to her, as she was coming out of the Coach, which was very near the Church; she having two friends and one servant with her, did leave them, and desired them to go and stay in the Church whilst she did speak with me concerning some business she had with me: we being cosens, the Ladies which were with her did not think strange at her freedom to me, so that Menasta giving me her hand, and walking some twenty or thirty paces into the Wood without speaking a word to each other, she said unto me, looking me ear∣nestly in the face; I do not know Aglatidas whether what I have to tell you will be welcome or unwelcome unto you, for since you love Anatisa so well, you will not regard the marriage of Amestris. Amestris (cried I out being transported with sorrow and jealousie) is she married? Yes, replied Menasta faintly, but Aglatidas, what does the news concern you, that you should be so troubled at it? you who have told me you did not nor would not love Amestris any longer? I think so to, replied I, and I beleeve I should not love her; but I do hate Megabises so much that I cannot hear of his happiness without an unimaginable despair: If Megabises (answered she) have no other joy but what the marriage of Amestris affords him, I would advise you not to trouble your self at his good fortune: What (said I to her with a minde full of ha∣tred, sorrow and jealousie, not knowing her meaning) can Megabises marry Amestris and not be the happiest and most satisfied man in the world? Ha Menasta (said I not giving her time to answer) this is not possible, but you have more reason to say that since he enjoyes so much good fortune, that he shall not enjoy it long: for indeed that unjust Ravisher of the Treasure which belonged unto me, and which I thought to obtain, shall die by my own hand: Menasta wondering to see me so troubled, and transported with anger, she looked upon me, and interrupting me said, If you do not hate Megabises, I tell you again, but as the husband of Amestris, you may let your soul be in quiet, since it is not Mega∣bises who has married her: Is it not Megabises that has married her, said I? No, said she: Ah Page  147Menasta (said I with a lesse troubled minde) do not mock me but speak more sincerely unto me; I protest unto you (said she) I do not lie; for Otanus is the man whom the incompa∣rable Amestris hath married: Otanus (said I to her) married Amestris? Otanus the ugliest of men; he whom she most hated? Ha, if it be so, then either her Kindred or the King has compelled her unto this strange marriage: Not at all (Replied Menasta) and you had more interest in her affections then any had: I (replied I) being all amazement? I confess unto you (said I not knowing well what I said) that I had rather she should have married O∣tanus then Megabises: But for all that, know Menasta, that Aglatidas could not marry Amestris; or if he had been disposed it would not have been advantagious to him: yes (Replied Menasta) it would before the Beauty of Anatisa had rased out of your heart the love of Amestris: Anatisa (replied I hastily) had never any place in my heart: Amestris the perfidious Amestris only did reign there with Soveraignty: Menasta not being less asto∣nished to hear me say so, then I was to her say Amestris was married, did ask me if it were very true that I loved Amestris yet? yes Menasta (said I unto her) I do love her yet; and though my own eyes did see such things, as I did not think I should ever see, yet I did leave adoring her perpetually: The love I shewed unto Anatisa, was but counterfeit, and a meer effect of my despair: But Menasta (said I to her) what was it that set Me∣gabises and Amestris at odds? and what moved her to marry Otanus? Megabises (said she to me) was never in league with Amestris: Ha Menasta (Replied I) you saw not that which I saw; Ha Aglatidas (said she) you saw nothing but what I know: You may here admire Sir what strange effects Love produced in my soul: The news of Amestris her mar∣riage did infinitely afflict me; but because I thought she had been married unto Megabi∣ses, and afterwards heard she was not, I did a while resent some joy to mingle amongst my sorrows; this gave me a little comfort: But in conclusion Sir, after that Menasta had caused me to swear a hundred and a hundred times that I did not love Anatisa; She began to aggravate the Obligations which were upon me unto Amestris for her fidelity to me, and her rigour unto Megabises; And to make me more resent it, she told me how Ame∣stris had forbidden Megabises for ever seeing her, and how he promised her that he would not, at the Fountain in the Green Border within the Garden, where accidentally they met. Ha Menasta (said I interrupting her) then have my eyes most cruelly betraied me; and done me very bad service; So it was Sir, that Menasta telling me nothing but truth, and finding my soul softened with sorrows, it was no hard matter for her to per∣swade me: The Mist of Jealousie which was before my eyes did vanish; and I immediatly saw that which I saw not before; that is, I saw Amestris appear extreamly innocent, and my self infinitely to blame; After this, Menasta told me all that I have told you; the de∣spair of Amestris to see me unconstant, and to know that I was jealous not knowing of whom, and at last to justifie her self in my minde, she undertook this sad destinie to mar∣ry Otanus, knowing well that it was impossible it should be he of whom he was jealous. In conclusion Menasta told me that whereas I might have been the happiest of men, and given Amestris satisfaction, I had made my self the most unhappy, and made her more un∣fortunate then my self: Ah Menasta (cried I out) this is not possible, if it be, then never was misfortune equall unto mine: She told me further, that the quarrell which I intended with Megabises, did haste on her odd resolution: That my absenting my self, and Anatisa going into the Countrey at the same time, caused her to think that the voyage was agreed upon betwixt us: and she told all those who spoke unto her in the behalf of Otanus, that she was resolved to marry him, so that the business was not protracted but quickly dispatch∣ed: At the same time she asked the Kings consent, who consented willingly thereunto, sup∣posing it to be a good expedient to reconcile Megabises and me, both of us being equally in the principall cause of our differences: Menasta told me also that the King spoke to my Fa∣ther concerning it; and that my Father seeing the coldness that was in me towards Amestris, and being glad that I should be no longer interested in the Love of Megabises, did himself desire the King to conclude up the match: In short Sir, Menasta told me that the business was so closely carried as almost none knew of it when they went unto the Church to be mar∣ried. Alas Aglatidas (said she unto me) had you seen Amestris in that condition, you would have rather thought her going to a punishment then a Marriage; and might very well have seen her innocency by her sorrows: I saw her (said she) an hour before this sad Ceremo∣ny, and she no sooner saw me, but looking upon me with tears in her eyes, I know not (said she to me) whether the unconstant Aglatidas, if he saw me, would resent my sorrows, and re∣pent of his crime; But however Menasta, it were requisite that I did justifie my self: I would Page  148 let him see his jealousie was ill-grounded, and I must die for grief; but if my praiers have any prevalency in them he must eternally lament it: As soon as she had uttered these dolefull words, they called her to the Church, and I followed after with tears in my eyes like a sad Mourner: Every one who saw her wept also: all that knew of the Marriage were amazed, Megabises although he was very patient at it, yet it infinitely stung him: Artaban was ready to forbid the Banes when the Ceremony was almost finished, coming into the Church no sooner: Otanus himself. was so surprised, and not so well satisfied as he might be, be∣cause he did not very well understand how this good fortune did come about; and because he was so conscious of so many defects in himself, as he knew that he could not be beloved: indeed it was the discourse of all the world, and every one vented their conceits concerning it, though there was none but Amestris and Menasta which knew that Aglatidas was the only cause of this so unjust, so unreasonable, and so discordant a Marriage. Never ask me (said she unto me) what Amestris did after this dismall day; she was all Melancholy, all altered, and I could never look upon her but with tears; if you saw her your self, you would pity her and be sad. As we two were thus together, Artaban (to compleat my misfor∣tune) having at last discovered where I was, came and found me hearkening unto Menasta: He no sooner saw me, but coming to me, Ah cruell Friend (cried he) what have you done? And why did you so obstinately fly me? I who had the best and most delightfull news in the world to tell you? I that could have told you that your own eyes had deluded you, and that Amestris was most innocent. Menasta much surprised to hear him say so, as∣ked him what he meant by saying so? Then he told her before me, how he heard Amestris and she in the Green Arbour, where he had learned by their discourse, how that Amestris was faithfull unto Aglatidas, and that she never loved Megabises: how that their meeting in the green border by the Fountain, was by meer chance and not appointed, how that she had commanded Megabises never to see her more, and that accordingly he went away and observed her order, and in conclusion that he heard how Amestris was purely innocent. I hearing then Artaban speak thus, and being no longer in any suspicion of the fidelity of A∣mestris; Tell me some more cruell friend (said I to him,) And double my misfortune by telling me thus of my good: Forget nothing which might have made me happy, to the end I may be eternally miserable. It is hard for me to tell you Sir, what confusion my thoughts were in upon this accident; I looked upon my errour with a horrid shame: I hearkned un∣to the justification of Amestris with abundance of joy; and I resented my own misfortune with a strange despair: But when my imagination presented unto my soul, that Amestris the fairest Lady in the world, should be in the possession of the most ugly and odious man; I quite lost all Patience, and could not chuse but lament and be stupid: But since Menasta could stay no longer, she left me: at last I said to her, May I not once more see Amestris? I do not think (replied Menasta) that she will permit it; and in that minde which I left her, you can never hope for any more favour from her: Ha Menasta, (said I) do not add to my despair; I would gladly see Amestris, I would discourse with her, I would throw my self at her feet; and if you would be pleased to facilitate the way, I may perhaps do some∣thing which would please Amestris, and which might render my despair more publique: In short Sir, I spoke with such violence as moved Menasta to pity me: and promised me to deceive her friend for once: and to let me hear from her when she found a sit time for her to meet me in some place: After this, Menasta went away, and Artaban who had no other business but to finde me out, and tell me that it was his design to prevent my misfortune, he staied with me, and would not leave me in that condition wherein I was: and so much the willinger because he saw the Counsell which he had given me took such unfortunate ef∣fect: But I was so just as not to be angry with him for it: I accused only my self not my friend: Must it not be confessed (said I) that I am the most unfortunate, the most culpa∣ble, and therefore the most to be blamed of any man in the world? for indeed (said I to Artaban) I have had a greater losse then ever any had; I have been in greater fault then ever any was; and I have suffered more then the most unfortunate man ever did; After I had said so, I was a while silent, then again upon a sudden I began to speak: But Artaban (said I unto him) did you see Amestris in the Church? No (answered he) for I was so troubled when meeting Menasta who told me that Otanus had married Amestris, that I could be no more inquisitive concerning a business which I could not help, and which I had helped doubtlesse, if I had but known it one quarter of an hour sooner: What then (said I to him) is it most true that Amestris did alwaies love me? and is it also certain she never favoured Megabises? and after all this can I be happy? How Artaban can this possi∣bly Page  149 be? No, no (said I) I cannot comprehend it; since Amestris is Fidele, and Megabises not happy, in this respect the heart of Aglatidas must needs rejoyce: But alas, the thought that Amestris is Fidele, and must never be mine, this respect makes dead in sorrow; No, no I had rather you were unconstant then faithfull; and since you are never to be mine, Why do you, cruell Amestris, preserve your affection for me, yet deprive me of all the conse∣quents? To deprive me of your sight; your discourse, and your fair self? This is (inhu∣mane Amestris) to conceal a Serpent under Flowers; This is the way to poison your pre∣sence; and indeed it is to be barbarous under a colour of being pitifull; Alas, had it not much more availed me not to have justified your self, then to have done it in such a strange, such an extraordinary, and such a cruell way? For in beleeving you to be unconstant, I had none but my own misfortunes to support: I then thought you happy whilest I sighed; and I did not know that your felicity did not cause my greatest punishment: I had not ex∣perimentally tried that I should be more sensible of the misfortunes of the party beloved then of my own. What, Amestris? Must you be for ever unhappy, and unhappy for the Love of me? Must you eternally endure the sight of a man whom you hated, and never see another whom you once honoured with your Love? and all this because Aglatidas seem'd to be perfidious unto you, and because he was jealous without reason, though not without some kinde of appearance, and by consequence without any shew that I loved you still; though none are ever jealous of that which they do not love. Alas Amestris (said I) Did you so little know your own Beauty, that you should suffer your self to be deluded by a trick so easie to be discovered? Could you ever think that any heart which once loved you and adored you could offer any Victims unto any other Divinity? As for Aglatidas, he might with reason think himself not beloved by Amestris, his own defects might authorize his suspition: But as for Amestris, how is it possible, she should so much as conceive, much lesse firmly beleeve, that any one could cease from loving her? and so cease to love her as to love any other? yet she did think it, she beleeved it; and she has revenged her self, and after such a sad manner as must make me eternally sigh: for to say truly, there neither is, nor was, nor I think ever can be any misfortune comparable unto mine; I know not (said Artaban then unto me) whether all those who are not beloved will acknowledge what you say; Those who are not loved (answered I) may hope that one day they may be, and that hope may support them amidst their inquietudes. But as for me, on the contrary, though I confesse I was beloved, I shall never receive any signs of that affection: I must never see Amestris again, never speak to her; she will never write unto me again, but shall be treated as one she hates: No, no Artaban, I am certainly the most unhappy man in all the world: yet those who lament for the death of their Mistresses will dispute with you for the first rank in unhappinesse, although you would have all they would yeeld it unto you: they do dispute with me for it without reason (Replied I) for who hinders them from following those they love unto the grave? There are a hundred waies which leade to death, and the end of their evils is in their own disposition: But it is not so with me, for as long as Amestris lives, this remedy is denied me: I must preserve my life as if she were delighted with it: for indeed I cannot leave Amestris, because I cannot omit any occasion which may serve her, and because after all this I would see, as well as I can, how far the fidelity of this Lady will go; Then confesse, said Artaban, that those who see their Mistresses not only unconstant and married, but married unto those whom they are more indulgent unto then the first they loved, have more cause to complain then you; I staied a while at this before I answered; but presently beginning to speak as if I had seen Ame∣stris: Pardon (Divine Lady) my imbecillity, and do not hate me, if in this accident I do consider my self more then you: Yes yes Artaban (said I in turning towards him) I do confesse that I do contradict my own thoughts: and although I am desperate at the mis∣fortune of Amestris, yet I would not have her happy with Megabises, but I had rather she should be unfortunate with Otanus; I had need to call all my reason and my generosity to assist me, and to keep this criminous joy from entring my heart: I cannot forbear the en∣tertaining it when I know that he who now enjoys Amestris shall never enjoy her love: and when I know she thinks upon me with sorrow, and eternally regrets me: I would have her know my innocency as I know hers, and that I should be justified in her thoughts as she is in mine: I know (said I) this will augment her sorrow, since it may come to passe that despite will choak some part of that affection she bears unto me: But, adorable Amestris (said I) seek out some other remedies for your sorrows, and finde it rather in the sweet∣nesse to know, that you are perfectly though improfitably loved: After this I went silently Page  150 to walk: afterwards upon a sudden I began to speak, answering unto what I had thought upon: No Megabises, said I, I will not fight with you: and though you should offend me, yet if you still love Amestris, you are more cruelly punished then any death can inflict: And afterwards to speak the very truth, without that Passion which hath blinded me, I did owe so much respect unto the bloud of his Brother which I had let out, as not to think of spilling his: But as for Otanus (said I) how can I suffer him to live? and knowing the ver∣tue of Amestris, how dare I so much as to desire his death? What then (said I to Arta∣ban with more anger then I can now expresse) must I all my life long see Amestris, the incomparable Amestris, subject unto a man unto whom the gods have denied all things ex∣cept his bare condition and his Riches? and unto whom they have not given any more soul then as much as will render him odious? Why Artaban is it not permitted me to set Ame∣stris at liberty? Ha No No (said I to my self) I dare not attempt it, I dare not propound it unto her; I dare not so much as have a thought of it lest she should forbid it; what shall I then do (said I to Artaban) and what should I think? So it was Sir, that I can well say, that I suffered as much as was possible to be suffered, and not die: the joy which I re∣sented at the innocence of Amestris did doubtless keep in my life, it not being possible with∣out that cordiall to have kept my heart from breaking when I heard she was married: But though I lived, yet surety it was to endure more sorrow: for certainly the obscurity of a grave was much to be preferred before the trouble and misery which I endured: Sometimes Otanus did not seem so odious unto me as he alwaies before did seem; sometimes I thought that Amestris did not apprehend his defects so great, because it was grown habituall unto her to see them: I feared also that the Treasures which Otanus possessed did not really reach his heart, but those fears lasted not long: My greatest Consolation was to think that Ame∣stris could not love him who possessed it: In the mean time the night drawing on, it was time to retire: I passed that night away without sleep, and I complain'd away the two next daies; Upon the third in the morning I received news from Menasta, who sent me word that if I would be in the Garden about the green Border where the Fountain is by six of the clock at night, she would bring Amestris thither, as not knowing that I would be there; but to prevent any discovery of this meeting, it were requisite she went into the thick wood on the right hand of the Fountain: Whosoever should have told me Sir but one minute before that I should have another minute of joy in all my life, I could not have beleeved him: yet I no sooner knew that I should see Amestris again that day, but I abandoned my self entirely: I went thither an hour before, never thinking either of Megabises or Otanus, or of the marriage of Amestris; and never thinking of any thing else but that I should see her, that I should speak to her, and that perhaps she would answer me favourably. And afterwards reviving upon a sudden out of the pleasant Lethargy of thought: Alas! (said I) what can she possibly answer me, which can render me lesse miserable, since the more sweet she is unto me, the more miserable does she make me? yet for all that I desire her to be so, and not incensed against me. I entertained all that day on this manner with Arta∣ban, and I sent unto Menasta that I would not fail to be there: Mean while, this witty Lady did really delude Amestris (as since I came to know) and propounded this solitary walk un∣to her, as most suteable to her humour and present condition: yet notwithstanding, she thought it convenient, that Amestris should not resent me so culpable as formerly she did, therefore she brought her an hower sooner unto the Walk then she appointed me, to the end that she might have more time to prepare her: As they were then in that little Wood where she led her, the fair afflicted Lady did her self begin to contribute unto the design, and begun a discourse of which my Cozen was very glad: It must be acknowledged Mena∣sta (said she to her) that the misfortune which thus persecutes me, is very rigid against me, since it will not suffer me to have that comfort as to know what Aglatidas does think of my misfortune: He is so taken up with Anatisa, that perhaps they mock at my Me∣lancholy destiny: and perhaps Aglatidas thinks my Marriage rather an effect of my hu∣mour then as a misfortune whereof he is the reall cause: But (said she) my soul is a little more reasonable, for I cannot forbear wishing two different things at once: I no sooner had wished to know that Aglatidas was sensible of my misfortune, but presently after I de∣sire for my own quietness to understand no more of him; never to meet him as long as I live; nor hear no more spoken of him: but alas, all these designs have but an ill bottom in my heart; and I have more reason to resent my Marriage as a great punishment for any loving such a perfidious man: I wish, said Menasta, that you had never thought him such a cruell man, or that you would no longer think him so; but as I think you are more Page  151 unhappy by resenting him so; What (said Amestris interrupting her,) should I not be∣leeve that Aglatidas was perfidious? and can I think that he is not so still? Ah No No Menasta. I must not think him otherwise, and for the future I must not perswade my self of any thing that may justifie him: I wish only that he would repent of his crime, to the end that he may be a punishment unto himself: But know that as long as I do not think Aglatidas repentant and unhappy, he does not put the stability of my soul unto any dan∣gerous triall: And it would be more cruell unto me to tell me that I was deceived; that Aglatidas was never culpable; that what I have seen was but an illusion; that he hath been alwaies faithfull unto me; That he never loved Anatisa, and that he hath ever loved Amestris; I confesse Menasta, that if I could be perswaded of all this, then I should be more unhappy then I am: and though I should not become more criminall, yet doubtless I should become more unfortunate: But this is a thing which can never be, and a thing which I need not fear: I would to God (said Menasta to her) it were possible you never were acquainted with the innocency of Aglatidas: The innocency of Aglatidas (replied A∣mestris? Ha, I do entreat you not to make merry at my misfortune; it is too great Mena∣sta to be used for your diversion; and I am more your friend then to be treated so. No No, replied she, I speak seriously; Aglatidas it is true was very unwise, but he was ever faithfull: What, replied Amestris, did not Aglatidas love Anatisa? Aglatidas, answered Menasta, never loved any but you: O Heavens (cried out this wise Lady) merciless and cruel woman that you are, why do you speak thus unto me? If this you tell me be false, why do you tell it? and if it be true, why did you not either tell it sooner, or eter∣nally conceal it from me? I could tell it no sooner, replied Menasta, because I knew it no sooner; and I could not hide it, because Aglatidas is resolved to tell it you him∣self: Oh (replied she with a quite altered countenance) whether Aglatidas be culpa∣ble or innocent, I will never see him as long as I live; if he be culpable he is not wor∣thy of it; and though he be innocent, yet I shall be criminall to suffer it; therefore Menasta talk no more of him, he does but too much take up my memory; he is but too much in my heart, and I wish to heaven he were less: After these words she was si∣lent; and Menasta seeing her minde was so much troubled, did repent of her promise and was a good while before she durst speak any more unto her: After some minutes had thus passed on, Amestris looking upon her with eyes swimming in tears, and beginning to speak with less violence; But yet, said she, Menasta, what moved you to speak thus unto me? I durst tell you no more, answered Menasta, for seeing the innocence of Aglatidas did torment you as much as if he were criminall, I thought it better to speak no more of him, neither as faithfull or as inconstant: Know Menasta, replied she, that I love you so much as to pardon such a fault, and know (said she blushing) that I desire you to tell me all you know concerning Aglatidas, and disguise nothing from me: Menasta, seeing Amestris desired it, told her all she knew concerning my adventure; to wit how I came to be jealous by seeing Megabises with her in the Garden: how that moved me to leave wri∣ting unto her: how I did not cease to love her: how Artaban had counselled me to love Anatisa, or at least to seem as if I did; and how I challenged Megabises, and hid my self to no other end but to fight with him; and in conclusion, seeing Amestris hearken favoura∣bly unto what she told her; then she told her further what I had told unto her; and con∣fessed she had discovered in me so many signes of absolute despair, that she was not able to deny me one request which I made unto her, which was that I would be a means that I might once more see her: In conclusion, Madam (said she) that you may not be too much surprised at it, be pleased to know, that I induced you hither, only to the end that Aglatidas might present himself unto you: Ah Menasta (said Amestris) what have you done? unto what have you exposed me? how do you think I can endure the sight of a man whom I have made so unfortunate? and how can I deny that unto a man who might have made me all happiness? Yes Menasta, you have done me great wrong, if this meeting should be discovered, would the world not think it was by my consent? What will all the Court say? what may Otanus think? unto how much danger do I ha∣zard my reputation? No no, I must never consent unto what you have promised him: how would you have me speak unto him? what would you have me say? Shall I tell him I love him still? alas I cannot do so without a crime, or at least it is not hansom to do it; Shall I tell him that I hate him? Ha, good Gods, how can I say it? I who did not so, when I thought him perfidious? Speak then Menasta, I conjure you; you have wit and virtue, and discretion, I beseech you advise me, and advise me faithfully: Yet (replied she, not Page  152 giving her leave to answer) it is better to ask no counsell at all, and shun so dangerous an occasion: In saying so, she began to walk, and go away; When Menasta did bid her look where I was coming; she no sooner saw me, but she shed tears; and as she turned from me to hide them, I kneeled down at her feet, before she was well recovered in her sight; I thought Sir that I had such a share in those sorrows which I observed in Amestris, and they did so augment mine, that I had much add to speak; yet after much straining my self, I said unto her, You see at your feet Madam, the most culpable, the most inno∣cent, and the most unfortunate man that breathes, who as criminall comes to ask punish∣ment; who as innocent comes to justifie himself before you; and who as unfortunate comes to beg compassion, and some comfort in his misery: Not Madam, that I seek to live, but that I desire to die more cheerfully and gloriously both: And this will be (Di∣vine Amestris) if you will be pleased only to acknowledge that I have not meritted my misfortune; and that you would not judge me unworthy of a more happy destiny. I know not Aglatidaas (answered she, and raising me up) neither whether I should answer you, nor whether I should hear you, but I know very well that you are the only cause both of your misfortunes and mine; for indeed Amestris is not one of whom one ought to be jea∣lous: Why Madam (said I) should I give the lie unto my own eyes? Should I trust more unto your merit and your goodness, then to their testimony? Do you not know Madam, that except the last time when I had the honour to speak unto you, you never had given me any strong arguments to beleeve but that I stood upon any good terms in your minde? What then would you have it Madam which should sustain my weakness upon such an oc∣casion? If I had received severall proofs and trials of your affection to me, then it had been a horrid crime to suspect your inconstancy: But what engagements had I from you Madam, which might create in me so great a confidence: It is true indeed that I have had some favourable expressions from you, and was permitted to interpret them in the best sense for my self, and that I have received some civil and obliging Letters from you: but Madam, were all these sufficient to belie my own eyes; and had my passion been worthy of you if I had retained all my reason upon such an accident? No Madam, to love you perfectly is to lose all reason as I have lost it; and to preserve only respect as I have preser∣ved it; for indeed I did not complain it before all the world; I lamented in secret, I sought out folitude to sigh it out there; and when I returned to Ecbatan, I was forced to it: You returned (said Amestris to me interrupting me and changing colour) to wait upon Ana∣tisa before my eyes, and to force me against my will to receive a passion which could not enter into a soul that was not preceded by another. Ah Madam, said I to her, I beseech you do not upbraid me with a fault which indeed I have committed, but I committed it by the counsell of another: 'Tis true I did counterfeit a love unto Anatisa, but it was only because I ever loved you; that open love was but an effect of my true concealed love; and I know not how the adorable Amestris should suffer her self to be deceived by so grosse an artifice, and which I used with so little care; Do not think Madam that I have prophaned the same words which I imployed to perswade you of my affection, and that I ever courted Anatisa; No, I never told her that I loved her; I let her interpret my melancholy as she pleased, but I never did say so much as I love you. I do confess that I once did intend it, but my heart and my tongue were, whether I would or no, faithfull unto you: Yes Madam, when I fled from you, when you thought I courted Anatisa, even then I gave you con∣vincing testimonies of the greatness of my affection: For to love the fairest Lady in the world as long as she is gratious and favourable, this is a thing most ordinary; but for me to continue loving her, when I thought she had forsaken me, when I beleeved she had be∣traied me and loved another, and I for fear of discovering my weakness seemed to love another; Ah Madam, this is it which makes it evident, that nothing can extinguish my passion but death, and that you will reign eternally in my soul: Amestris all the time of this discourse dejected her eyes, and afterwards upon a sudden lifting up her eye-lids with extream melancholy: Justifie your self no more (said she to me) for you are yet but too much in my minde; and let me imploy that little time I have to be with you in telling you ingenuously my reall thoughts: I would Madam (said I to her) if it may be with∣out prejudice to that reverence I owe you, beseech you first not to make me despair, but to let me die less violently; I would gladly ask you why when you thought me culpable, you should then be revenged upon your self? Could you not invent a punishment which I alone might have suffered the misery which you thought I deserved? Why did you not rather doom me to die before your eyes? Why Madam did you punish me by making your Page  153 self unhappy? I thought it best (answered she) in my opinion to make you miserable by this course, because I could not otherwise justifie my self in your minde, and I thought I could not do it more certainly then by marrying Otanus, whom you knew well I did not love, and of whom I knew most assuredly you were not jealous: Ah Madam (said I to her) what do you tell me? Must Aglatidas hear from your own mouth such cruel words? What Madam, Otanus? that same Otanus who I have seen to be the greatest object of your aversion: Can he ever be the husband of Amestris? Yes, answered she, since Ag∣latidas would not: I beseech you Madam, said I to her, have not such a thought of me; but on the contrary beleeve that if you will but let Aglatidas alone, Amestris shall not be long the wife of Otanus; I pronounced these words in a very passionate violence: But oh Heavens, how astonished I was, when I saw Amestris go back and look upon me with an imperious aire, wherein appeared no less anger then sorrow: Know Aglatidas, said she to me, that as I have not changed my opinion of you, so I have not changed my vertue, I am the same you knew me, and ever will be, It is incapable of any injustice; I have lo∣ved you, I confess, but I loved you without a crime; Never think then, that although I ever had a great aversion towards Otanus, and had never married him out of such a thought as I cannot my self express, yet I say never think that I can ever desire not to be his Wife: The time was indeed when I did not desire it; but since I am so, it befits me to live with him as my Husband, and not to deceive. You know (said she, with eyes full of tears which she would have restrained) that I will live out all the rest of my daies with Otanus, whom I have ever hated, as if I had ever loved him; and with Aglatidas whom I ever loved, as if I ever hated him: Why Madam, said I to her, will you live with Agla∣tidas as if you ever hated him? What rigid vertue can impose such a severe law upon you? No, no Madam, said I to her, do not fear that I will use any violence; do not punish me so cruelly for one word pronounced against my will in passion, and without any design to execute it: I would have killed Megabises because I thought you loved him, and I will not attempt against Otanus, because you do not love him, and I will hope that you will never love him: Let then this happy Husband of the fair Amestris live, so I may have so much happiness as sometimes to see her, that I may be put in minde of those glorious hours, wherein by the will of Artambaces I might have possessed the place which Otanus not en∣joyes; let him enjoy that glorious place in peace, since the fatall Destinies would have it so; but let me also possess in peace that which you have given me; let me Madam enjoy some glimpse of that felicity to the last minute of my life: You may, if you will, bring me to my death, as they use to bring Victims, that is, with Songs of joy and Crowns of flowers: Yes Madam, I should die with joy and honour, if you would only permit me to render you an account of my sorrows: And never fear that I shall ever desire any thing from you which can displease you; No, divine Amestris, I would only have my complaints to be favourably heard, and I would only be comforted by some words of pity: you have hearkned unto Me∣gabises whom you do love, and will you refuse the same favour unto a man whom you have not hated, nor perhaps do yet? That's the reason (replied she) why I ought to deny it; for indeed Aglatidas I did love you, and I cannot hate you, so that for that very reason I ought to mistrust my own thoughts: It is not (said she) and the gods do know it, the affection which I bear unto you can ever cause me to fa•l in that duty which I owe un∣to Otanus, nor in that which I owe unto my self, but because I am not in a capacity ever to be yours, therefore I ought not to admit of seeing you or loving you: What then Madam, said to her, do you intend then to hate me? I cannot do that if I would (answered she) but I can forbear speaking to you: Ah if you can do that (said I to her) then you will not love me any more: And take heed Madam, you do not renew a fresh jealousie in a des∣perate soul, and perswade me, that perhaps the riches of Otanus did gain your heart: Doe not Madam stir upon such a violent passion in my minde; and to prevent it afford me at the least some small signs of indifference: For indeed Madam, If you should cause me to despair, I should again lose my Reason absolutely, as I did in my first jealousie, and per∣haps shall not be able to preserve that respect which I ever have done: Tell me then, ado∣rable Amestris, that you do not hate me, and that you would have me love you: and also permit me sometimes to tell you that I am ready to die for the love of you: I will tell you more then that (said she;) for I will confesse that I esteem Aglatidas, as I ought to esteem him; and that I love him as well as ever I did love him; and that I will love him so untill I die: But after all this; he must see me no more as long as he lives: All that I can do for you is to permit you to think that when you shall hear of my death (which I beleeve will Page  154 be ere long) that melancholy was the cause, and that my last thoughts would be of Agla∣tidas; Now (said she) you see all I can do, and perhaps more then I ought to do, and therefore never hope for any more: Who ever saw (said I unto her) the like adventure unto mine? You tell me that you have loved me, and that you love me still; you tell me that you will die in thoughts of me, and why will you not whilest you are alive hear me sometimes? It is because I cannot (answered she) without some offence to vertue, and without too much exposing my reputation: Does not your innocency (said I) suffice to satisfie that? No (answered Amestris) it behoves to appear as well as be vertuous: Ap∣pear then (said I to her) to be good and pitifull, if it be true that you are so: Do you (said she) appear reasonable and generous, if you will continue to be alwaies what you are: Would you have Aglatidas Madam, said I, see you no more, and perhaps love you no more? I ought to wish the latter as well as the first (replied she) but I confesse I can∣not: What would you then have me do, said I? I would (answered she) have him love Amestris without any hope; that he should comfort himself without seeing me; that he should live with desire of death; and that he never forget me: In saying so, she would have left me, but I took her by the hand whether she would or no, holding her by force, and kneeling down: In the Name of God Madam (said I) either grant me what I desire, or do not forbid my death: I can consent unto no more (said she to me) honour bids me deny what you desire, and my affection bids you live at least as long as I: Have Pa∣tience Aglatidas (said she) perhaps the time will not be long: Ah Madam (said I to her) speak not thus of your death; Rather forget Aglatidas then let the Fairest Lady in the world finde a Tomb; you might do better (said she) to phrase her the most unfortunate, and perhaps also the most unjust, and the most inhumane: But in the Name of those gods which I have already invoked Madam (said I to her) let me speak unto you but once more: A∣dieu Aglatidas (said she) adieu, I begin to think my heart would betray me if I should hearken to you any longer, and that I ought to trust unto my own vertue no longer: Live (said she) if you can, and if it be possible love none but Amestris, and never see her more; she praies you, and if you will admit of it, she commands you; I pronouncing this sad sentence she left me all in tears; and all that I could do was to kisse her fair hand which she drew away from mine with too much violence: you may judge Sir in what a condition I was when I saw Amestris going away with Menasta, who all the while of our discourse, stood five or six paces from us, to watch lest any came, and understood nothing at all what we said: I will not insist Sir upon repetition of my apprehensions, for it would but too much abuse your patience: Let this serve for all, that there was never any esteemed him∣self more undone and unfortunate then I: for indeed I found that I loved and was belo∣ved, but for all that there is not any ingredient of hope left for me: I found that it was not permitted me to force my happinesse from him which enjoyed it: I had no more Ri∣vals to punish, I had no more inconstant Mistresses to complain upon, What comfort could I ever hope for amidst my sorrows? I had no power to forget one which loved me, who had all my heart, my spirits, my soul, my memory, and all, and for whom I forgot all the word besides: There was not any hope for me to speak unto her; She had forbid me to die; Indeed I found nothing but what did extraordinarily afflict me; yet notwithstan∣ding I would try whether by the assistance of Menasta I could speak once more unto Ame∣stris, but Sir it could not possibly be obtained: and from that day this cruell Lady would never walk in any place, lest she meet with me: also she feigned to be sick, to the end she might not go out at all. When I understood by Menasta the full resolution of Amestris, ne∣ver to alter, I then determined to remove from that place where I could not see her; •est in consideration of me, I might perhaps have contributed unto her death, by causing her restraint: As for Megabises who was as much vexed at the marriage of Amestris as I was, although he was thought not to love any longer when he came to Ecbatan: yet he found as well as I that it was not such an easie matter to extinguish a violent passion. Astiages ha∣ving heard where I was, did reconcile us, without seeing or embracing one another, comman ding me because I had killed his brother to shun meeting him as much as I could possible. The cause of our last querrell was not known unto any, no not unto Megabises himself, who was alwaies ignorant that I had seen him in that fatall garden, near the Fountain in the green border: As concerning Anatisa, I left Ecbatan before she returned out of the Countrey: so that I cannot tell you what she thought of me: I did write a Letter at my departure unto Amestris, which I sent unto Menasta, but I never had any answer unto it. I went wandring a while from Province to Province, not well knowing what I did, nor what course to take Page  155 until such time as the War begun in Assiria; I hoped there to put a period unto my misfor∣tunes, in finding out an honourable death. During all the time I was there, I never recei∣ved any news, neither from Menasta nor Amestris; although I used all possible means to engage some or other to enquire of them: And ever since that you have been a witnesse of my Melancholy, although you knew not the cause: And since that I never heard more of Amestris, unlesse what I knew by Araspes, how that Otanus was yet living, and that yet she was unfortunate, and in all likelihood, since Melancholy did so remain in her face, she yet perhaps loves the unfortunate Aglatidas; Now Sir, you understand what the adventure was which you desired to know, and what were the misfortunes of that man who more then any man in the world wishes a happy end unto yours, and who expects nothing but death to put an end unto his own.

After these words Aglatidas was silent; and Artamenes thanked him for the pains which he had taken: asking him pardon for causing him to revive his sorrows, and did seem to be extreamly sensible of them: I confess, said he to him, that you are much to be lamented, and the accident which has made you so unfortunate was a very extraordinary event: But for all that, said he to him sighing, you do know that Amestris is living, and you need not doubt but that yet you are beloved: So that you may hope that Time and Fortune may work a happy change in your affection; But I do know some more unfortunate then you: I know not that Sir, replied Aglatidas, but I do know very well that I did lose an inestima∣ble Jewel in losing Amestris, and that if ambition should join it self unto Love to persecute me, I could not be more Melancholy then I am; yet Sir, it is very generous in you, to interest your self more in the misfortunes of others then your own: You have unjust and heavy fetters of your own to complain of, and need not trouble your self to lament the un∣happiness of Aglatidas, who is not worthy of that honour. Aglatidas, answered he, is wor∣thy of all that is great in the world, and therefore I hope that one day, the Gods will put a period unto his misfortunes: Although I had all the qualities in the world, replied Ag∣latidas, those which you do attribute unto me, would not create any hope in me; and as long as Artamenes continues unhappy, I know not why any who have any vertue, should ground their hopes upon that reason which is not alwaies infallible: Thus did Artamenes and Aglatidas discourse away the time untill Andramias told them that it was time to re∣tire: Aglatidas asked Artamenes whether he could do him any service, desiring to let him know that he could contribute something towards his delivery; but Artamenes thanked him, and told him that his prison was not so great a misfortune, but if he could he would never come out, unless by the same hand which put him in.