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

ARTAMENES, OR Cyrus the Great. THE SECOND PART BOOK II.

IT was not without good cause, that Artucas told Hidas∣pes, how the King of Medes was very glad and joyful, at a Letter which he received from Artamenes: And the joy of Artamenes did exceed the Kings, if it be per∣mitted me to put a difference between things that are both of them extreams; but to discover the true cause of the satisfaction to these two Persons, whose present conditions seemed to be so unlike: You must know, that the same day about noon, a man which heretofore had served Andramias, and who since served Artamenes in the Scythian Voyage, and was sent by him to Artaxes, who commanded those Troops which were lent the King of Pontus; upon his return unto the Castle of Si∣nope, he desired to speak with his ancient Master. Ag∣latidas was then with Andramias, who commanded the man to enter, and whom at first he knew not; yet he no sooner heard him speak, but he knew him by his voice. Andramias gave him his hand, and asked him if he could do any thing for him? Yes Sir, (answered he) for I doubt not but if you will do me the favour to let me speak with Renowned Ar∣tamenes, I doubt not, I say, but I shall help him unto such news to tell the King, as may obtain him his liberty. Andramias not imagining what this man could tell of any such im∣portance, urged the man to tell his businesse unto him, and to tell him also, why he was so affectionate unto Artamenes? for Andramias had some kinde of fear to be surprized, and thought this to be some devise of the Kings to try his fidelity. Then Ortalques (for that was the mans name) told him that he served Artamenes in the Massagettan voyage, and presented unto him a piece of a torn Letter, upon which he saw these words written, not knowing to whom they were directed, nor from whom they came.

Tell it, that I am living: That they carry me into one of the two Armenia's, but I know not unto whom I shall go; and that the King of—

After that Andramias had read this which was writ upon a loose piece of paper, he looked upon Ortalques, and asked who it was which gave it him? But the man without more adoe; Indeed Sir (said he) the Princesse Mandana is living: How (cried out Andramias and Aglatidas both together) is the Princesse Mandana living? Yes Sirs, answered Or∣talques, and this which you see writ there, is as I think her own hand. Andramias and Aglatidas having not fully satisfied their curiosity, urged him to tell them all he knew con∣cerning the Princesse; and the man told them, that when he was engaged in the Pontean and Bithynian war, he being sent thither, it was his hap to be much wounded, and stayed there a long time sick, not being able to follow Artaxes, whom Aribeus had called away: that afterwards being desirous to return home, he came unto a place which is neer the Euxine Bridge, in that place where the river Halis empties it self: that being there, and going out one morning to walk, he saw a ship on the Sea some three or four furlongs off the land, close by which, there was one of these great woodden Boats of Pine-tree, which can very well endure the waves when the windes are high, and which are used to carry Merchandize, into which he saw many persons descend, and distinguished some women. After this, the ship sailed into the open Sea, and the Boat came straight unto the mouth of the River; but since the stream in that place was very impetuous, it was a long time before the Rowers could get out of the Sea into the River: During which time, I came unto the Rivers side, and I took notice that there was a woman in the Boat, which did very attentively look upon me; that afterwards, hiding her self behinde another woman, she did something, and I suppose it was to write that which you see upon that piece of paper: after which, another of the women coming unto the Prow of the Boat which touched the Land, and came within three paces of me, having lapped up this piece of paper in a hood, which she took from her head, she threw it unto me, seeming as if the winde had wafted it from her, for it was something high, and blew it where I was: I thought that I knew the Party, and within an hour after, I recalled my self, and knew certainly that it was one of the Princesse women, called Martesia: The men who were in the Boat, were so busie in Rowing, and striving to get up the River, that I think they did not minde the action of this woman: for my part, I hastily took up what was thrown unto me, and going a little from the side, I saw that which I now give you, and I was so surprized at it that I knew not what to think: Mean while, the Boat being passed the mouth of the River, it made away much more readily, and was so soon, so far off me, that I knew not what to resolve upon. I had a better minde to follow this Boat, then to come unto Sinope, whither I understood the Kings Army was marched: for in∣deed since I knew nothing of what passed here, I could not well tell what they desired me to do, yet after I had well examined the matter, I did conclude, that my best way was to come hither; so that I embarked in the first ship I did meet with, and so hither I came. As I went down to the Port, the burning of this Town, making me very inquisi∣tive, I there heard of all the passages of Sinope, and I made no more doubt but that it was the Princesse Mandana, who sent me hither, for I verily think I saw her in the Boat: To tell you who carried her away is more then I can do: all I know is, that certainly she is living. Andramias and Aglatidas after they heard this mans relation, doubted no more then he, but that the Princesse was living: But to make it more clear, Aglatidas told his Cosin, that since Artamenes had been so long in the Cappadocian Court, it was impossible but he should know Mandana's hand, therefore the best way would be to shew him what Ortalques had brought, and not to go unto the King, and acquaint him with any thing which might move in him a false Joy. Andramias approved of the Proposi∣tion, and with Ortalques entred into the chamber of Artamenes, who then was profound∣ly plunged into cruell thoughts of the Princesse death, or at the least, at the apprehension of it. Aglatidas coming to him, and after he had saluted him, Sir, said he to him, here is a man, whose name is Ortalques, who desires to see you, and has brought a piece of paper unto Andramias, which hand perhaps you know. If I know the hand, as well as I know the name of Ortalques (replied Artamenes in much sadnesse) I shall easily tell you who writ it; for the man so called, served me in my voyage to the Massagettes, and as I went out of Cappadocia to Ecbatan, I sent him unto Artaxes who then aided the King of Pontus, and since that untill now I heard nothing of him. In saying so, Artamenes considered the Character of the paper, yet he no sooner looked upon it but he blusht; and looking upon Aglatidas and Andramias with such extream turbulency, more then usuall; Doubtlesse, cried he out, the Princesse Mandana did write this paper which you shew

unto me; and I have seen her Letters unto the King, too often to be mistaken: Also I my self had the honour when I came first into Cappadocia, to present one unto him from her, wherein she was pleased to speak too advantagiously of me, to lose the memory of it: But I beseech you, said he unto Andramias, if you can do it without danger to your self; Let me see Ortalques, for I do confesse the vertue of the Princesse has much interest∣ed me in any thing which concerns her; and I should be very glad to understand what he knows of her: Andramias who much desired to oblige Artamenes, caused the man to enter, unseen by any of the Guards; But during that time, Aglatidas easily perceived, that the joy and agitation of Artamenes his mind, had a more powerful cause then bare compassion: he beheld the paper, as if he were afraid to be mistaken: he lifted his eyes up to heaven, as if he rendered thanks for so great a happinesse; he walked up and down the room, and never regarded Aglatidas, nor spoke to him afterwards, coming suddenly to him∣self, and fearing he had been too much transported; if you did but know (said he to him) the merit of the Princesse Mandana, you would lesse wonder at my excesse of joy; for although she ought to be your Queen, I can assure you I shall interest my self as much in her service, as any subjects she shall one day have in all Medea. It were to be wished (answered Aglatidas) the King were acquainted with your zeal unto any thing which concerns her, and that he would have the same thoughts of you which I have: Mean while, Andramias brought in Ortalques, whom Artamenes embraced with exceeding tendernesse, seeming as if the more news he told him concerning the Princess Mandana, the more welcom should he be: yet notwithstanding he asked him so many things together, that Ortalques could not answer him; but at the last he told him as much as he knew, and as much as did not yet fully satisfie Artamenes: But yet notwithstanding, the certainty of the Princesse her life, that did afford him an unexpressible joy, insomuch as no other consideration, could diminish his delight: It is your duties (said he unto Aglatidas and Andramias) to rejoyce at the resurrection of your Princesse; But (said Aglatidas unto him interrupting him) Ortalques out of zeal which he bears unto you, has some thoughts which seem to me very reasonable, for indeed he desired to see you, with intention that it might be from your hand the King should be acquainted with the life of the Princesse his daughter; ima∣gining with some probability, that the joy which you should give him, would in some sort dispose his mind to hearken more favourably unto what I should speak unto him in your be∣half. Alas, (added Andramias) it may be thought, that since perhaps he will be neces∣sitated unto a fresh war for the delivery of the Princesse, he will sooner set you at liberty. That reason would be but weak, (replied Artamenes modestly) since he has so many other gallant men about him; were it not for the zeal which I have unto his service, and which may be accounted something extraordinary: But if I should send this note unto the King, would it not reflect too much upon you Andramias? and would it not accuse you for giving me too much liberty? No, replied Aglatidas, not at all; for since Ortalques did once serve Andramias, and afterwards served you, it is nothing strange that he should be re∣ceived into a place where he had two masters; and that you knowing the hand, desired to acquaint the King with this welcome news, which Andramias may carry from you: Artame∣nes, who did indeed desire to be perswaded, did consent unto the motion which Aglatidas made; and calling for ink and paper, he writ as followeth.

ARTAMENES UNTO The KING his Soveraigne LORD.

AS long as I thought my self uselesse unto your Majestie, I endured the weight of my Chains without impatience: But the happy news of the Princesse being alive, perswades me that perhaps I may be serviceable in her Delivery; and I now dare most humbly be∣seech

you, not to deprive me of that honour, to render you that service: Solemnly protesting unto your Majestie, to come into your Prison and put on my Fetters, the very next day that the Princesse is at Liberty.

ARTAMENES.

Andramias taking the Letter which Artamenes writ, also the Note from the Princesse Mandana, went with Ortalques unto the King, where Aglatidas would also be present, in hopes to perform some good office unto such an illustrious prisoner; and because the acti∣ons of my Master had begot some suspitions in him of his love, he thought that he would be very glad of liberty; and indeed, though he loved Aglatidas very well, yet he did strive to conceal his joy in his own heart. They were no sooner gone out, but being able to hold no longer, What, my Princesse (said he) are you living? need I no more fear your death? must all those gastly Images of Tombs and Coffins no longer terrifie my fancy? No, no, I can now believe you breath and live, and perhaps think upon me. Ah, whosoever it be, either gods or men which has saved my Princesse from the waves, and from such an almost inevitable danger, what does not Artamenes owe unto them? If it was a Divinity, it me∣rits my vows; If it be a Mortal weight, it is worthy of all my services: But whatsoever it be, since Mandana, Divine Mandana does live, I will permit my soul to take full delight, as she did before all sorrow. But alas, (said he after he had been a while silent) I am not so happy as I thought my self: For though 'tis true Mandana lives, yet she is a Captive; and that which is most cruel, I am in fetters also, and by consequence not in a condition to Relieve her: What King would she speak unto? to whom may it be imagined is she a pri∣soner? what would she expresse by her note? what a most cruel accident is this, that I cannot taste, in quiet, the greatest joy that ever amarous mind was capable of? yet am I not too blame (said he) to descant thus upon the present condition of my life, at a time when I see my Princesse lives, and when I may hope to see her again? For since it is the pleasure of the gods to bring her from the deep Abysse of the Sea, they may also perhaps bring me out of prison to deliver her, and set her upon her Throne. But my fairest Prin∣cesse, after all these misfortunes which I have endured, I dare not make any prayers for my self; I fear lest my own interests should be contagious and infect yours; and for the love of you I will separate them, and ask of the gods no more then what directly relates unto you. Therefore O ye Omnipotent Divinities, which govern all the Earth, cause them to deliver me, that I may deliver my Princesse; that I may have power to punish all her Ravishers; to bring her back unto her father, and let her possesse all those Crowns, which you have enabled me to defend, fight for, and Conquer for the King of the Medes: Oh ye most just Gods, do only as I say, and afterwards let me die at the feet of Mandana; and that she may never have any other sorrows but for the losse of Artamenes. Thus did the most amorous Prince in the world entertain himself, whilest Andramias with Ortalques was with the King; and whilest all his illustrious friends were with Hidaspes, where they received the advice from Artucas, which made them all impatient, and moved them to go presently unto the Castle, as I already told you: But to make you understand how Artucas came so soon to the knowledge of it; you must know, that when Andramias gave the Let∣ter unto the King from Artamenes, this Prince was in a rapture of joy which cannot be ex∣pressed, so that some of those who were then in the Chamber, without diving any further into the matter, or staying for any more, did in all haste divulge that Artamenes was in favour with the King; and it was from them which Artucas had that which he told unto Hidaspes, as knowing him most affectionate unto Artamenes. The King of Phrygia, who was with Ciaxares when he received this Letter, being desirous to take hold of that occa∣sion; told him that such good news as that well deserved liberty unto him who sent it; and Ciaxares in his first apprehensions of joy, did partly forget his anger against Artame∣nes, and was glad to receive from his hand this news as a sign of his affection unto his ser∣vice. He then did exactly inform himself from Ortalques, of all he knew, and all he had seen, and bad Andramias that he should assure Artamenes, it should be long of himself if he did not suddently come out of prison to relieve the Princesse his daughter, and that he should no sooner acknowledge the correspendency which he held with the King of Assyria,

nor should no sooner ask pardon for it, then he should forget what was past, and restore him unto his former condition, Oh Sir, (said the King of Phrygia then unto him) let not your Majesty stand upon such a uselesse piece of formality; for I do almost certainly know that Artamenes is innocent; and if there were any secret intelligence between the King of Assyria and him, it was not at all prejudicial unto your Majesties service. As they were thus in discourse, the King of Hircania, the Prince of the Caducians, Gobrias, Gadates, Thrasibulus, Hidaspes, Adusius, Thimocrates, Philocles, Artucas, Feraulas and Chrisantes came in; and immediately after Aglatidas entered, with a multitude of strangers of quali∣ty, whom this strange news did draw unto the King, every one being desirous to rejoyce with him in the happy news, which did indeed deserve a publique thanksgiving. The name of Mandana was in every ones mouth, those who knew her told it unto those who knew her not, and discoursed of all her admirable qualities; so that as the souls of all were dejected at the news of her losse, so now they were elevated at the news of her being alive: After the first resentments of satisfaction, Ciaxares much displeased that he could not precisely know what was the adventure of the Princesse, nor who carried her away, nor why they carried her unto Armenia: He knew very well that the King of that Country was his Tributary; that the Prince Tigranes his son was gallant and generous, and one that loved Artamenes: But he knew also that the old King was capritious, and humorous, and that he sent no Troops to his Army as he was obliged to do; Ciaxares therefore did not fully relish his joys, but would sometimes make his unquietnesse apparent. Sir, said the King of Hircania unto him, let not the Captivity of the Princesse Mandana disquiet you, for if you would have her prison doors flie open wheresoever they be, you need do no more but set open the prison doors of Artamenes, and set him before so many Kings and Princes as now hear me: And you may be assured Sir, that if he be our guide, we will follow him unto Armenia, and make victory follow us. When we have rendred thanks unto the Gods (replied the King of the Medes) we shall then see how they will inspire us: But for my part, I do not think, that in thanking them for their equity in saving an innocent Princesse, I ought to pardon a Delinquent; and such a one as will neither ask pardon, nor repent; no nor so much as acknowledge his fault, although it be most apparent: Ha Sir, (cried they all with one voice, both the Kings, the Princes, the Homotimes, and all the Cavaliers) Artamenes indeed is unfortunate, but never was culpable. There is not one of us but will enter into his prison, and remain a hostage for him, until he has made proof of his inno∣cency by his new services, or (to say better) new miracles. Ciaxares was much moved to find such violent affection, in the minds of all these illustrious persons, and could not answer them but with a congie; yet such a one as left them in some hopes, insomuch as they redoubled their reasons and requests. Aglatidas was not lesse zealous then any: And Migabises, (maugre their old quarrels) was amongst them in the Kings chamber, and begged liberty for Artamenes, as well as his old enemy. The King of Phrygia did extream∣ly presse Ciaxares unto it: The King of Hircania spoke wonderful boldly: Thimocrates and Philocles used as much power, as there was in Graecia eloquence: Thrasibulus did no lesse; Hidaspes, and Adusius spoke with extream violence, as well as Persodes, Gadates, and a hundred others, who seemed all to be linked unto the interests of Artamenes. Ciax∣ares then seeing himself thus urgently pressed; know, (said he unto the King of Phrygia, and Hircania, and all the rest) I wish as well as any, that Artamenes were innocent, or at least that he would acknowledge his crime with repentance, upon condition I gave one of my Kingdoms; and to let you see that I will do all I can, I do permit you (at the return from the Temple) to go one after another unto him, to the end you may perswade him unto obedience, and not to keep that secret from me, which I both will, and I ought to know. After he had said so, Ciaxares without giving them time to answer, went out of the chamber, and went unto the Temple to thank the Gods, for the favour he received from them, and that they would be pleased to compleat the blessing, in rendring unto him the Princesse his daughter: All the people followed unto this ceremony; and the happy news being divulged both in Town and Camp, caused a general rejoycing every where: At their return from the Temple, he had not forgot what Ciaxares said, and therefore in∣treated him to give order unto Andramias, that any of his friends might go unto Artame∣nes, and endeavour to discover (as he said) what the King would know. The King of Medea, since he saw the state of things to be as they were, would have been very glad if Artamenes would ask pardon, that he might give it unto him; suffered most of those Prin∣ces and persons of quality, to see Artamenes in little companies; so that at that time when

permission was given, and orders sent unto Andromias to that purpose; the King of Phry∣gia, and the King of Hircania went to visit him, accompanied with Chrisantes and Ferau∣las: leaving all the rest in great impatience to enjoy the same happiness. In going thither, they resolved to acquaint Artamenes, that they knew he was Cyrus, and that they were not ignorant of all the rest of his adventures, to the end, they might afterwards advise up∣on the best expedients to procure his liberty. Not but that Chrisantes & Feraulas did ap∣prehend he would be angry with them, but yet they saw such a necessity of it, that they would run that hazard, and rather expose themselves unto disgrace, then to hide from him a truth, which was requisite he should know: As soon as these two Kings entered, Ar∣tamenes was much amazed as well at the sight of them, as of Chrisantes and Feraulas, for although Aglatidas had seen him, during his imprisonment, for Andramias did so much favoured his Cosen, yet none els of his domestiques ever saw him. This famous prisoner received these Princes with all the civility and respect, which Artamenes as Arta∣menes did owe unto persons of that quality: but after they had saluted him, and moved him to embrace Chrisantes and Feraulas, they told him, smiling, that they came to receive orders from him, and to know what he would have them do, to deliver Artamenes out of prison, and to put him into such a condition, as he might appear to be Cyrus. At these words Artamenes looked upon Chrisantes and Feraulas; but the King of Phrygia begin∣ning to speak, No (said he to him) do not blame these two men whom you ought to love better then any men in the world; and be not sorry that we know the secrets of your life: They were not told us but when there was a great necessity, therefore murmut not, but be assured that what we know shall never hurt you. I know very well Sirs, (answered Artamenes) that Chrisantes and Feraulas had alwayes good intentions towards me, and that questionless they could never have made a better choyce then of you, and the King of Hircania; for all that Sirs there are some passages in my adventures which I wish had been never knowne, and which I should never have told whilst I had life. Had we not seen you in eminent danger, (said Chrisantes with much reverence) we would have kept in an invincible secret: but we conceived, that since we could tell nothing which was not glorious unto you, we thought it better to acquaint these Kings which hear me with your Innocency, then suffer you to perish. Artamenes although he was very sorry that they knew what he would have concealed, yet forced himself not to seem so openly, lest he should disoblige these two Princes who were thus interested in his fortune. Then they acquainted him with the alteration which appeared in the Kings mind, and with his obstinate desire to know exactly what that Intelligence was which he had with the King of Assyria. Since that you know all, replied Artamenes, you may understand that I ought not to tell him: not that I care for exposing my life by incensing the King against Cyrus: But when I think how I should displease the Princess Mandana by it, and should expose her perhaps unto the anger of the King her father, Ah Sirs, I do confess I can∣not think on it but I tremble, and therefore it is a thing which I can never do, I had much rather that Ciaxares should think me perfidious, then that Mandana should suspect me of indiscretion: Indeed Sirs, shall I tell you truly? If I have any sorrowes for your knowing the truth of my life, it is merely in respect of the interest of this most Illustri∣ous Princesse: not but that she is purely innocent, or that her vertue can be stayned by any Calumnies, yet for all that, I wish you thought me to be as faulty as Ciaxares doth, and were ignorant of that which might justifie me: These Princes hearing him speak so, could not chuse but smile, and afterwards admire the power of his respectfull passion, which moved him to prefer the interest of the Princesse, not only before his own life, but also before his own glory. In conclusion, after a long discourse, which yet would not afford them a way to resolve upon, they designed to protract the business as long as they could, and obtaine for certain dayes permission to visit him. That in the mean time, they advised him, to speak concerning Ciaxares as he was wont, which was, with much reve∣rence and affection: that on their sides, they would tell the King of Medes, how they were in some hopes to come unto the knowledg of somthing which he desired to be in∣formed of, yet he just have patience for a while: that in the interim, they would incine all the Captains and Souldiers, to ask his liberty; and in conclusion, they would Act further according as Ciaxares did appear more or less incensed against him. Artamenes thanked them most civilly for their good intentions towards him. And did that which two dayes before he could not think he should, which was to solicite them earnestly to break his fetters; for since he knew the Princess living, and that she was in captivity, his

prison became intolerable unto him. Chrysantes, and Feraulas, staying after these Prin∣ces, told him the names of all those who were acquainted with his story; and he did a little blame them for making so many privie unto it: But Sir, (said they unto him) by what other wayes can you hope to break your chaines, to deliver your Princess, if so many Illustrious friends as you have, should be all ignorant of your innocencie? Ah (said he unto them) If all you have told them will procure me my liberty, you had good reason to do it, and I have great cause to thank you: Afterwards he told of his Joy to hear the Prin∣cess was not perished, and of his disquiet in being absolutly ignorant in whose hands for∣tune had disposed her: for, said he, you know as well as I, that the King of Assyria is now at Pteria; and they assure you that Mazares is dead. Thus discoursing of one thing or other, yet all relating unto his love, he kept Chrisantes and Feraulas a long time with him. They were no sooner gone out, but Persodes, Hidaspes, and Adusius came in; after them followed Gobrias, Gadates, and Megabises: and after them againe, Thrasibu∣lus, Thimocrates, Philocles, and Aglatides; Indeed of all those who had permission to see him, there was not one but earnestly desired it: Artamenes transacted with those who had been told his history, as he did with the Kings of Phrygia, and Hircania; and with those who knew it not, according as it was agreed upon between the Princes and him. Mean while Ciaxares dispatched one unto the King of Armenia, and made choise of Me∣gabises for that imployment: appointing him to acquaint that King, how since he under∣stood the Princess his daughter was within his dominions, he desired she might be sent back unto him, in an Equipage proportionable unto her quality: and in case he refused, then to declare war against him. That which incensed Ciaxares more against him, was, that this King, refused the payment of that tribute which he ought to do, and produced some weak bottomed reasons for his exemption: he never thought upon any new war which was likely, but he was sorry for Artamenes, and harkened very favourably unto those who returned from the prison, who told him, that Artamenes did alwayes speak of him with very great reverence and affection, and that according to all appearances, he was most certainly innocent: But after all, he would needs know this impenetrable secret, which they put him in some hopes to discover, yet the opinion of every one was, that since they fore-saw a necessity of a war with Armenia, it would move Ciaxares to pas over his first resolutions. Mean time Artamenes remembred himself of his promise unto the King of Assyria, which was to advertize him exactly of every thing, to the end they might transact together for the liberty of the Princess: oh ye destinies, (said he to him∣self, in calling to memory his promises) unto what intricate adventures do you expose me? It seems I came into this world, only to do good offices unto the King of Assyria: I found out his first conspiracy to no other end, but to acquaint Mandana with his love, which himself durst not discover: I went unto the Massagettes for nothing else but to facilitate his second enterprise: And I returned back, purposely to save his life, and to help him in the carrying away of Mandana: I came now to Sinope to save him from the fury of the flames: and now at this time I do not understand of my Princess being alive; But to give him so much satisfaction as to know by what meanes, and to make the way easie un∣to him, to deliver her: For Indeed, since I have promised, I must and will keep it: But alas, how can I informe him, that she is in Armenia whilst I am a close prisoner? All his Kingdom is not yet so absolutly destroyed, but he has some dispersed troopes which he can rally together: there is one part of Assyria which does acknowledg his Authority: The one half of Cappadocia is for him; and he may perhaps as soon deliver her as Ciaxa∣res; what shall I do then? and what shall I resolve upon? But alas, what am I doing, (said he reprehending himself) do I consider and doubt upon a thing which I have pro∣mised? No, no, waver no longer upon it: and if I desire that men should performe their promises with me, let me be stedfast unto my word: And also, since the King of Assyria is so gallant, let us not give him any cause to supect it, or to say the truth, we do but in∣forme him of that, which he cannot chuse but know ere long, it not being possible, that the life and the prison of the Princess Mandana can be long concealed. Artamenes also considered that since Ciaxares did accuse him for having intelligence with the King of Assyria, he exposed himself unto absolute destruction if ever it were discovered: but the fear of any danger was not any reason at all to hinder Artamenes for performing what he had promised, and therfore he did descant no longer upon it. This generous Prince resol∣ving then to send unto Pteria did look upon Ortalques as upon one whom he knew to be full of fidelity, and since at that time almost any one had liberty to visit him, he lost not that

opportunity; so that it was an easie matter for him to excuse his designe. He sent then Ortalques unto the King of Assyria, after he rewarded him very nobly for the good news he brought unto him, and appointed him to tell that Prince from him, that he advertised him, how Mandana was living; that she was in Armenia, not knowing who carried her thither: He desired him also to keep his word with a man who is so punctual with him in so nice a businesse. Ortalques did acquit himself of this Commission with as much fidelity as hast, and going out of the Town under pretence of some particular businesse of his own, he went unto Pteria, which is not above a hundred and seventy furlongs from Sinope, where he found the King of Assyria ready to depart from thence. This Prince was ravished with the Generosity of Artamenes, and was unexpressibly joyfull at the certain∣ty of Mandana's life, for by his Spies which he had in Sinope, by the means of Artax∣es, brother to Aribeus, who alwayes had some powerfull friend or other, neer Ciax∣ares, he knew of the shipwrack of Mazares, and the fears which every one apprehen∣ded of the Princesse being perished: He received Ortalques therefore very well, and after he had magnificently rewarded him, Tell Artamenes (said he to him) that the King of Assyria cannot promise to be his Friend, since Fate will have us ever ene∣mies, but let him assure himself, that the King of Assyria will not neglect the rules of generosity, and therefore will always keep his word exactly: But whilest Ortalques was at Pteria, and came back to Sinope, to give an account of his voyage unto his Master, and ac∣quainted him with the generous answer of the King of Assyria: All the Kings and Princes were busied in observing the resentments of Ciaxares, and contriving which way they could be serviceable unto Artamenes: And all the Officers and Souldiers in the Army, moved by their own inclinations, and incited by their chief Commanders, did nothing else but ask aloud for Artamenes, that he might be rendred unto them again, else they re∣solved never to stir a foot again unto any War; whilest, I say, Ciaxares was yet very irresolute what to do, though he seemed to incline towards some indulgency, Chrisan∣tes and Feraulas were very restlesse in their transactions: for sometimes they went to vi∣sit their Master: sometimes they courted all the Princes which had interessed them∣selves in his fortune: sometimes they went into the Kings presence, and very often unto Hidaspes and Adusius; so that continually bestirring themselves, and living between hopes and fears, their souls were never in any tranquillity. They had a designe, to send into Persia, and advertise Cambyses of the life of the Prince his Son, and the danger wherein he was, but the distance of the place prevented them; Artamenes also suppo∣sing such a businesse, did expressely forbid it, telling them, that he would never have the king his father know he was living, untill he might be informed of it without sorrow: Moreover, he told them that course would be absolutely in vain, and the readiest way to let Ciaxa∣res know he was Cyrus. Upon an evening then, when Chrisantes and Feraulas were both together, walking by the Port of Synope, Artucas came unto them, and desired them to go along with him, unto a place where he would freely entertain them: They knew very well the affection which Artucas bore unto Artamenes, and remembred how he left Aribeus to become faithfull unto his Prince, and were contented to go with him: His house was far off the Port, and therefore lesse consumed by fire, but was still habitable. As soon as they came there, Artucas carried them into a chamber, and thorow that into another, where they did finde one who at first they knew not, for it was dark, and can∣dles were not yet lighted: they saw well she was a woman of a good fashion, and seemed to be fair, but yet they could not perceive her face so plainly as to know her: This uncer∣tainty lasted not long, for this woman no sooner saw them, but leaving the daughter of Artucas who was with her, and coming towards them, she began to speak, and call them by their names, to signifie her joy she had to see them; so that the Tone of her voyce no sooner sounded in the ears of Feraulas, but running hastily to her, Ah Martesia (cried he out) is it you that speaks? Can I beleeve that what I think is true? Yes, answered she, I am Martesia, and the very same you left me at Themiscira with the Princesse Man∣dana: At those words Feraulas transported with excesse of joy, did again salute the Lady which had so great a share in his heart, and had so great a confidence in him. Chrisantes for his part, so much esteemed the vertue of this woman, that he behaved himself towards her, with all possible civility. But as his soul was not so tender over her, as the soul of Feraulas was, so he was the first which asked Martesia whether or no the Princesse were at liberty? Alas, wise Chrisantes, said she, and sighed, I would to the Gods she were, or at the least, that your Illustrious Master were not a prisoner, as I understand he is, but

that he were in a condition to relieve her. What joy soever Feraulas had to see Mar∣tesia, this tale did lessen it. But since all he thought was not to be spoken of before Artucas, or his daughter, who knew nothing of Artamenes Love unto the Princesse, Chrisantes and Feraulas did burn with desire to ask a hundred questions, which they then could not enquire of; and she for her part did answer unto many things as she would not have answered if they had been by themselves; however (said Chrisantes) you can as∣sure us that the Princesse is alive? for although Ortalques told us so, yet we shall be far better satisfied to hear you confirm it. Feraulas asked her how they escaped the ship∣wrack? Chrisantes would needs tell her how they grieved for the supposed death of the Princesse, and both of them together did make the discourse so interrupted and full of con∣fusion, that it did but augment their curiosity: Martesia desired Chrisantes and Feraulas to salute a very compleat man who came with her, and was called Orsanes, telling them how he had been both her Guide and Protector. This first discourse was not long, be∣cause the night was late. But Martesia desired them to come again to morrow morning, for she should be very glad to speak with them before she saw the King, who yet knew nothing of her return, thinking it fit to enforme her self of somethings before she ap∣peared at Court, or shewed her self unto him; and this was the reason she came late in∣to Sinope, and desired to lodge in her Kinsmans house, where she might be welcome, and he having a daughter which was very fair and vertuous; therefore she conjured them not to speak a word of her return unto any. Chrisantes and Feraulas, then left her, and failed not to come the next morning as Martesia had appointed them; and would not acquaint Artamenes with her arrival untill they knew more certainties of Mandana, whereby to satisfie his Curiosity, his Impatience, and his Love. Martesia was a woman of most excellent Qualities, and one whose Aunt Artucas had married, and therefore she made choise of his house in Sinope. As she had ever been about Mandana, and that Princesse did alwayes very tenderly love her, so she did love her again most passionately, and could not at all relish her liberty, unlesse her Princesse enjoyed hers also: and though perhaps there were some in Sinope to whom she had no aversion, yet she had rather have been captive with her Mistresse, then free without her: She seemed also very melancholy unto Chrisantes and Feraulas, when they came to her in the morning; and as she knew how to carry things handsomly, she let Artucas understand, that she had some business to impart unto Chrisantes, which concerned the liberty of the Princesse, and which she had orders not to reveal unto any but him and Feraulas: So that without suspition of any thing, she received them privately into her Chamber, without any other witnesses but one woman which waited upon her, who was so far off the place where she caused Chri∣santes and Feraulas to sit down, that she could not understand any thing of their discourse: when then they were come unto her, and the first complements were passed, and they seated in their places: Alas (said she to them) what strange alterations do we find since the day you parted from Themiscira to go unto the Massagettes? and how ignorant am I of all you have done since? onely I know that the famous Artamenes has gained some Battles, and subverted Kingdoms. But oh heavens, when I came hither, and was told that he was in prison, how was I surprized and sorrowfull? and how sad the Princesse would be if she should know of this terrible alteration? Truely, said she, when I call to memory all that has hapned unto us, and that after all these hurryings away; so many perfecutions; so many warres; so many shipwracks, and so many misfortunes, that Man∣dana should be a prisoner in Armenia, and Artamenes a prisoner in Sinope, I do confesse unto you, that my spirits are confounded. I have learned to despair of nothing, since after all this I am living, and at Sinope, and with some whom I am not sorry to see: You are very good Martesia (said Feraulas interrupting her) to say so. And you would con∣tinue that goodnesse (said Chrisantes) if you would relate all your adventures since our departure from Themiscira, and by what wayes Philidaspes brought about his designe: why he being Prince of Assyria he appeared onely as Philidaspes; how he treated the Princesse after he took her away: how Mazares fell in love; how that Prince deceived the other and took her away; how you did during the shipwrack; how you escaped it; and how it comes to passe the Princesse is not free; for I do confesse, this last event is in∣comprehensible, and puts all the Court into amazement. None can imagine who it should be, who has thus saved the Princesse to destroy her, nor can any conceive who is that King whereof she speaks, and why she named him not in that Note which we received from her. Therefore sweet Martesia, I do conjure you by the Illustrious name of the Princesse Man∣dana,

and also by the name of Artamenes, to tell us exactly all that you know concerning the King of Assyria, concerning the Prince of Saces, and concerning the King whom we cannot guesse: You require so many things, said she, in requiring this, that I know not whether I can in a whole day give you that satisfaction: I will therefore abbreviate my discourse as much as I can: We do not desire you should do so (replied Feraulas) but on the contrary, we do befeech you, not to deprive us of one of the Princesse thoughts, for truly Artamenes has need of all the comforts we can afford him; and we cannot bring him a greater, then to let him know what is become of that Princesse whom he adores: there∣fore I do conjure you, to give us this satisfaction, for we are gladly disposed to give you hearing as long as you shall please. But, said Martesia, do you not think it fit that I should know also what has chanced unto you? I will engage my self to tell you all (answered he) before we part from hence, so you will first satisfie our extreamly longing desires, to un∣derstand your adventures; for as Artamenes has no interest which is not mine, so I am certain Mandana has none which is not yours. Martesia seeing her self so urged, did re∣collect her memory, to order the discourse she intended, into the better method; and after a little silence, she began thus.

THE HISTORY OF MANDANA:

TO make all our adventures more clear unto you; also the reasons why the King of Assyria did appear in the Cappadocian Court under the name of Philidaspes, al∣though his right name is Labinet; It is requisite that I do begin my story far off, and that I relate the History of the Queen Nitocris, and of the Princesse Istrina, daughter of Gadates, as well as that of Mandana: I doubt not but you wonder to hear me speak so precisely of the Assyrian affairs; and of the particular relations of two Princes, who have the greatest share in this History: But at the end of my story, I shall acquaint you by what wayes I came to know, what I am now going to tell you. Doubtlesse you know that it was the Queen Nitocris unto whom the Kingdom of Assyria did belong; and it was upon this reason, that the Prince her son, had not the quality of a King, although the King his father was dead. This great Princesse was lineally descended from the first Kings of Assyria; And there never was a Princesse ever since the great King Ninus, and the famous Semiramis more illustrious then she. The King her father died when she was very young; and she wore the Crown at an age, when any other but she had strength enough to support it; yet all the Assyrians did confesse that they never knew more wisdom and prudence in any, then she did manifest in all her actions: Yet notwithstanding, although her own reason was very ripe, she had a Councel which was composed of the most excellent men of the whole Monarchy who steered affairs. But since by the fundamental Law of the State she could not marry any stranger Prince, so all the Assyrian Princes were then at Ba∣bylon; and I have heard reported, that this Court was at that time the most magnificent of all the world. As this Princesse was very fair, and was owner of the prime Crown in all Asia, so she moved passions in the souls of all the Princes which ever saw her; and I have been assured, that of all this great number of her servants, there was not one of them which were not more amorous then ambitious: I will not stay to tell you with what wis∣dom and vertue she behaved her self amongst them; only this I must relate, that amongst

the rest, there were two which seemed to be in greatest hopes to effect their design, more likely then any of the rest, The first was a Prince called Labinet, as he who is now King of Assyria is called: The other named Gadates, who at that very time was a very miracle in beauty, in handsomnesse, in valour, in spirit, in gallantry, and in vertue: his quality also was very high, and allied unto the Royal family. But as for Labinet, although he was nothing so accomplished, and his good qualities were more dim, yet he had this advantage, that he stiled himself to be descended from one of the children of Sardanapalus, if it may be called an advantage to descend from so bad a Prince) and by consequence he pretended to have some right unto the Crown, although he did not at that time openly declare his pretentions. As the Queen was then very young, so she did not consider this reason of state, and her soul preferring him which was more accomplished before him that was lesse; therefore her inclination leaned towards Gadates, who doubtlesse was most worthy, both both for his rare qualities, and in respect of his passion, since they say he adored the Queen Nitocris with as much purity, as men adore the Gods. This innocent passion having took root in the heart of this young Princesse, who thought she could do nothing more advantagious for her people, then to give them a King whom she knew most vertuous; she began to re∣ceive the services of Gadates in such a manner, as this precedency above all the rest of them which were interested, was made known unto them. There needed no more to trouble all the Court, principally by Labinet, who by reason of his pretentions unto the Crown was most dangerous. Questionlesse this Prince had no great faults in him, although he was not owner of those heroique vertues which prefer men above their own qualities: yet not∣withstanding, ambition, and love together inflaming his heart, he talked of nothing but civil wars of revolt, and of sedition: and truly the matter was so forward, that every one began to bandy parties: All the discontented lovers made one faction: Labinet made another by himself, followed by some stirring spirits: and Gadates, he had only the Queen on his side. The young Princesse seeing the condition of affairs stand so, she was extream∣ly troubled: and after she had well consulted with her self, that perhaps it might cost her a great Kingdom, she took a resolution which made the greatnesse of her soul and vertue to appear. For calling Gadates unto her, who doubtlesse she loved very well, and more then she had signified unto him; calling him, I say, unto her to give him a testimony of her af∣fection after a new and surprising manner; Gadates (said she unto him) I have a desire to tell you that which doubtless you are ignorant of, at the least I am certain, that I have had some care to conceal it from you: Know then (pursued she) that I have thought you worthy to wear the Crown of Assyria; Madam (said he) it becomes the Queen Nitocris too well to take it from her; and he whom she shall chuse for that honour were unworthy of it, if he should not content himself with being only the first of her subjects: Reserve your thanks Gadates (said she unto him) until the end of my discourse; for after I have given you this great testimony of my esteem, I must require another testimony from you of your affecti∣on: If it be to die at your feet Madam (replied he) I am most ready to obey you, and I do not know any thing in the world which I would not consent unto: observe me I conjure you; to the end I ask you nothing impossible. Gadates, who never durst speak of his love unto the Queen, was a little surprised, yet after this which she spoke unto him, he quickly recollected himself, and looking upon her with as much respect as love; provided Madam (said he unto her) that your Majesty do not forbid me to adore you, I shal never disobey you: No (said she sighing) I do not intend that my authority shall extend it self over the thoughts of the heart; and though, may be, my dominion would reach so far, yet would I not de∣stroy those thoughts which your soul has of me: But that which I would tell you is this, That the necessity of State affairs, and the good of my people, will not permit me to make my own choice of a husband; I would have you know, I am resolved to assemble the States General of my Kingdom, and to receive a husband by the universal allowance of my subjects; If they be reasonable, you may perhaps obtain their voices, as I would have gi∣ven you mine, if they would have given me the liberty: But if you cannot procure your self to be chosen by them, then resolve with your self Gadates, never to see me again as long as you live; but to retire unto that Province which belongs unto you, and never come at this Court. I will not stand, wise Chrisantes, to tell you all the discourse between Ga∣dates, and the Queen Nitocris, nor many other passages, which depend upon this discourse, though they be well worth observation, and much concerning: I shall only tell you, (to the end I may come unto the more essential part of my discourse) that do what Gadates could, he could obtain no more from her, but liberty to sollicite the Judges of the matter.

Then the Queen assembled the states generall of her kingdome, declaring unto them, that she thought upon the good & satisfaction of her people, & therefore left them the liberty to chuse themselves a King. When all the incensed lovers heard of this, they were surprised at the declaration; they were ravished with the wisdom & vertue of the Queen, & came unto Babylon to solicite their interests: but in conclusion, this powerfull reason of state which would have all causes and pretences of civill wars removed, induced the states general to beseech the Queen that she would be pleased to marry Labinet, which she accordingly did without the least shew of repugnancy, & was all her life extreamly well pleased with her marriage, & lived very well with her husband: yet it was her pleasure that Gadates should obey her, should retire unto his province and never returne to the Court. The King who knew the business, and also was acquainted with the vertue of this Princess, did much solicite her that Gadates might returne to Babylon: but she would never consent unto it. A while after her mariage, she sent commands unto Gadates, that he should marry a Prin∣cess, descended from the Ancient kings of Bithynia who was extreamly rich and infinitly virtuous; which he did, although certainly he did ever preserve his violent passion to the Queen: He lived as well with the Princess his wife, as the Queen did with her husband. Mean while Nitocris had a son, which was he whom you knew somtimes by the name of Philidaspes, somtimes by the title of the King of Assyria: Gadates had also a son and a daughter: and as soon as they were crept out of their first infancy, the Queen who was then a widdow, and still forbade Gadates from coming to Court, commanded him to send his children unto her, that his son who was called Intaphernes might be brought up with the Prince of Assyria; and the young princess his daughter called Istrina, lived in that place where there might love grow between her and her son, unto whom she had a designe to marry him, as well to satisfie the law in marrying a Princess who was not a stranger, as to testifie the esteem she had unto Gadates, thinking she could not better nor more in∣nocently acknowledge those services which he had done her, then by preferring his daughter unto the throne of Assyria: It seems also, that she took not this resolution out of choyce only, but out of a necessity also: for all of the princes which had been pretenders unto the Queen Nitocris, the greatest part of them were resolved not to match with him, and the rest had no daughters: so that the Princess Istrina was the only Lady whom the King of Assyria could marry. But here you may well admire how humane prudence is limited, and how this great Queen, who by such publique works is rendered famous throughout all the world, and ever shall be to all posterity, was deceived in her reasons, and how that which she thought would have caused love, did inspire the heart of the young King of Assyria with aversion. The Princess Istrina was ten years of age when she came to Babylon: Intaphernes her brother fifteen, and the Prince of Assyria fourteen: But from that very time the imperious humour which we saw in Philidaspes, began to take beginning and grouth. He lived with Intaphernes after such a manner, as made all believe, he would not look upon him hereafter as a brother in law: he regarded the Prin∣cess Istrina with so much indifferencie, that every one beleeved, were it not for feare to dis∣please the Queen, the aversion he had towards her would have appeared more apparently. As for Intaphernes, as he was a Prince very well borne, so he behaved himself with the Prince of Assyria, in all such respects as was due, although he had much adoe to endure his losty humour: yet ambition, and the advise of such as had the care over him, caused him to be very complacentiall towards him. The young Princess Istrina, for her part, she carried it with all the sweetness and civillity towards Labinet, that can be expressed; for though she was very young, yet the Crown of Assyria, unto which she hoped she was destined, did shine so bright in her eyes, that she neglected nothing which might win upon the heart of that Prince whom she hoped to marry: The Queen for her part contri∣buted all her endeavours to plant a liking in these two young hearts which she desired to unite; and to that end she caused them to see one another very oft, and at all feasts and pub∣lique rejoycings, they exposed themselves unto the people both together, who by their acclamations and applauses did approve of the Queens choyce: for as I have heard say, it was impossible for any eye to behold any fairer object then the Princess Istrina. As for the Prince of Assyria, we know that he is as well made as a man can be: Intaphernes also, was handsom, and of a good garb. But do what the Queen could, the aversion of the Prince her son, did grow with his age: some ill minded spirits, perswaded him that Istri∣na was ambitious, and was only complacentiall towards him, because she would be a Queen, and therefore he accepted of all her civilities in a rejecting manner: he hated

Intapherne's for no other reason, but because he was her brother, in whom notwithstanding no fault could be found: for certainly she was of a fine spirit, and her complexion as lovely a brown as was in the world: mean while the Prince of Assyria having attained unto his eighteenth year, and the Princess Istrina fourteen: the Queen did motion her son to marry her: but he beseeched her, not to press him yet to marry, and told her that a Prince who never yet was in any war, ought not to think of marriage. The Queen, knowing the violent humour of the Prince, thought best to give a little longer time, and the rather because in all appearance, there was like to be a war with the King of Phrygia, who had made some eruptions upon the frontiers of Assyria. Since this proposition: the Prince who before seemed only indifferent, did now change his course of life, and as much as he could possible, shunned meeting with the Princess Istrina; and therefore, he used to go every day almost to hunt, to the end he might not go so often unto the Queen: But by shunning the company of the sister, he could not shake off the brother, for Intaphernes followed him alwayes, which did a little displease him: It often chanced, that Intapher∣nes thinking to get his esteem, he encreased his hatred: for as he did not love to be sur∣mounted in any thing, so the extraordinary expertnesse which Intaphernes had in darting the Javelin, shooting in the Bow, and such activities did alwayes anger him: one time above the rest, the Prince shot at a Bear, and missed, presently after Intaphernes shot, and killed him dead: and the same day also, the Prince shot at a Lion, and missed; but Inta∣phernes killed him immediatly, the Prince was so much angred at this adventure, that he could not commend him for it, but gave out some bitter expressions against the action: for as some could not forbear commending him, stay, (said he to the man) and keep your excess of commendations untill we have been both together in the wars of Phrygia: for in my opinion there is more honour in killing of a man who can defend himself, then in killing a beast which runs away. Intaphernes did not hear what the Prince said, although he was very near; but some or other having told him afterwards, his spirit was a little exaspera∣ted; and upon this passage did rise a report which spread among strange nations that the Prince of Assyria killed him at that hunting: The same report with as little truth in it, took the son of Gadates for the son of Gobrias: though the truth was only as I tell you. Mean while, the Queen, seeing the Phrygian affaires were protracted, did againe presse the Prince to marry Istrina, and imployed Mazares, Prince of Saces, who was then in Court, to perswade him unto it, for the Prince of Assyria loved him very dearly: Mazares, ac∣cording to his instructions and commission, asked him from whence this aversion unto that marriage which was propounded unto him did proceed? for truly, said he to him, the Princess Istrina is very faire: tis true (answered he) but she is not such a one as can reach my heart: why, said Mazares, she is of a sweet and complacentiall disposition as you can desire: if she were a little more fierce, (replied the Prince of Assyria) she would please me more: But do you not confess, (replied Mazares) that she is one of an excellent spirit and much virtue? I beleeve the latter (answered he,) but for the other, since she knowes not how to move my heart, I think I may be permitted to leave it dis∣putable: but after all this, added Mazares, you are not at liberty to chuse, for the Prin∣cesse Istrina is the only Lady whom by the lawes of this state you can marry throughout your whole kingdome: for my part I know not why you should not like her, and why you should not esteem your self happy in such a wife, since she is fair, sweet, sprightly, and vertuous: Ah Mazares, said the Prince of Assyria, this fatall necessity, is the cause why I cannot endure the Princess Istrina: yes Mazares, I do confess, since you will know it, that this Princess has much beauty, sweetness, spirit, and vertue; But for all that, although I confess she is very amiable, yet I cannot love her, nor ever shall: No Mazares, Kings which are above the liberty of other men, ought not to be deprived of the liberty to chuse a wife: It is a law which my predecessors have established, but which I cannot ob∣serve, especially in such a juncture of time, where there is none to chuse, or where there is such a necessity, that if I will marry an Assyrian Princess, I must marry Istrina. For al∣though that Gobrias have a daughter, yet the Assyrians make a difference between his coun∣trey and ours, and moreover he is rather my vassall, then my subject: and I am most cer∣taine, (added this violent Prince) that if the law of the state, and the Queens commands would not force me to love the Princess Istrina against my will, I should never love her. And I do confess unto you, that since I must not chuse, I cannot love her, and the Prince of Assyria shall never be captivated with any thing in the world, since he ought to be free. But (said Mazares unto him) Kings do not use to marry as other men do, and it

does not much import whether they love or not love those they marry. The Assyrians demand a Queen from you, satisfie them in their demands, and bestow your heart upon none but whom you please. My heart (replied the Prince smiling) is a thing which I esteem more pretious then to bestow it upon any but a Queen: so that Mazares, if I should chance to love one who is not a Queen, I will reserve unto my self, the liberty to give her a Crown, therefore let us speak no more of it; and if you love me, act so in my behalf, that the Queen may not be offended at my disobedience. The Prince Mazares indeed, did use his best endeavours to perswade Nitocris; But there was no way to make her think well of her Sons disobedience: She whom all the world did look upon with high esteem; and who would leave unto her Son the most flourishing state in all Asia. Then she thought good to take from her Son this pretence of War with the King of Phrygia. When the Prince knew that, and not being able to hinder it, he did think that Peace would be no sooner published, but they would presse marriage upon him; So that not knowing what pre∣tence to finde out, did bethink himself, to do what he could, in causing some other young Prince to be in love with the Princess Istrina; amongst the rest he pitched upon Ma∣zares, and extreamly pressed him unto it: My dear Mazares (said he unto him) Let me in∣treat you to love Istrina for the love of me; doubtlesse you have much disposition unto it al∣ready: for you have told me she is fair, of an excellent spirit, and great vertue: Why then do you not love her? because (answered Mazares) that fatall minuit wherein my destinies will have me begin to love is not yet come; and because the Queen will not suffer it, and because the Princesse Istrina will not favourably look upon me: after he had, and all in vain, tormented Mazares, he went unto another, whom they said was really in love with her, and durst not tell it, and who durst not so much as acknowledge it unto the Prince, nor accept of those assistances which he offered him, out of his respect unto the Queen Nitocris, and Princesse whom he loved; for indeed the Prince of Assyria, offered then no lesse then to take her away from them, and assist them in the most vio∣lent and unjust courses. Seeing then, that this invention would not take, he took a per∣verse resolution to cause the Princesse Istrina to hate him; and since he knew she loved her brother very dearly; he carried himself very coldly towards him: One evening then, when they had nothing to do but stay for him who went to signe the Articles of Peace with the King of Phrygia, the King of Assyria being gone out to walk upon the banks of the River Euphrates, Intaphernes followed with many others, and as they were of that age which is most pleasant for the conversation of Ladies, Mazares said, that those Beauties which were inclined to flaxen hair, did most move his heart, and Intaphernes assured him that the brown had greatest influence in his phancie. For my part said the Prince of Assyria, I yet neither loved flaxen nor brown, but if ever I love any, I do not think it will be that which Intaphernes loves. Love Sir, (replied this Prince) will not give us leave to chuse, and perhaps you may finde his tyranny in conclusion. Love (re∣plied this Imperious Prince) may perhaps as you say, become my conquerour, but I am very much deceived, if I be overcome by Assyrian Beauties: And I can tell you there are very Glorious ones in Babylon (replied Intaphernes when he was alone with him, some twelve paces from the company.) Yes (answered he with a malicious smile) but since the Princesse Istrina cannot vanquish me, I fear none else, and I am well assured of my liberty in Babylon. My sister (answered Intaphernes with much respect) has not so good an opinion of her Beauty, as to pretend unto such an Illustrious conquest: But Sir, that which her charms cannot do, it is not impossible but other may, who have more attractive power then she, and who beside their merit, may perhaps have better fortune. It is very true (replied the Prince of Assyria very fiercely) she is not very fortunate in her designes, and she has reason to complain of her fate, that she has not gotten a Crown, which as she thinks she deserves. I know not Sir (answered Intaphernes a little sharply) why you should speak thus unto me; but I know very well that the house from whence I am descen∣ded, has more times then once given Queens unto the Assyrian Kings: and therefore when my sister by the Queens command hoped for the like honour, she did no more then what was reasonable. Fortune Intaphernes (replied this violent Prince) is not alwayes blinde in her gifts; sometimes she gives them with choise; and I am certain, that she shall ne∣ver by my hand humorously bestow any Crown, nor shall ever by me, set such upon the Throne, who ought not to look upon it, but with a trembling eye. In other Kingdoms (answered Intaphernes) they say, the Prince is above the Lawes; but in Assyria, the Lawes are used to be above the Prince, whose Glory it is to be subject unto them: and upon this

Reason, Subjects as my Sister, need not to tremble in looking upon that Throne whereon they may sit. When Subjects, as your Sister, shall live under the Reigne of such a Prince as I (replied he) they will better learn what they ought to do, then yet she knows; and they will then see that Reason is stronger then the Lawes, and that without injustice they may be broken when the Law is found unjust. Learn Intaphernes (pursued he) not to trust too much unto the Law; and renounce all those priviledges which you think it gives you, and content your self with that alliance which you have had heretofore with the Kings of Assyria; and beleeve that if ever I Reigne, you shall never have any new alli∣ance. May be, (replied Intaphernes) that before the Queen Nitocris has left you the Crown, you may change your minde. I understand you very well (answered the Prince of Assyria) you think because I Reigne not yet, that you are almost my equal. But Inta∣phernes, undeceive your self, and to begin to let you know that there is some difference betwixt you and I, I command you to retire, and to see me no more; If you will not, you will expose your self: to finde but course entertainment. Oh Sir, replied Intaphernes, Persons of my quality ought not to be thus used. I know not whether they ought to be (answered the Prince of Assyria) but I know very well, that if Intaphernes do not obey me, and that without murmuring, I shall give an example unto Princes which succeed me. Yes Sir, (replied Intaphernes in retiring himself) I will obey you, but it shall be more out of the respect I bear unto the Son of the Queen Nitocris, then out of fear to be ill en∣tertained, since Princes that have the heart of Intaphernes, are confident that none shall do them wrong unpunished. The Prince of Assyria by good fortune did not hear these last words, and there was none but Mazares which heard them. At his departure from thence Intaphernes went to take his leave of the Queen; who would not give it: The Princesse Istrina, for her part, being infinitely offended for the ill treatment of her bro∣ther, since it was in her behalf, did beseech Nitocris to send him to her Father, but the Queen denied her, as well as Intaphernes: Alwayes telling them, that her Son would change his minde with his years, and that she would order him so to do: Mean while she was extream angry at him, and could not chuse but shew it: so that the Prince coming to know of it, and he which went into Phrygia, reporting the Articles of Peace to be signed, he took a resolution to leave the Court of Assyria, and that way, deliver himself from the persecution which he suffered, and to travel unknown, untill the Queen his mo∣ther had altered her minde, or that the Princesse Istrina was married. He departed then the next morning, which was a publike day of Rejoyning for the peace of Phrygia, and carried with him onely three of his servants, amongst which, there was one of them a man of Quality, and of the same house from which they say Aribeus is descended, at that time when Cappadocia was under the power of the Assyrians, I will hold you no longer to tell you the voyages of that Prince, who upon his going from Babylon, took upon him the name of Philidaspes: onely this I must tell you, that after he had been in many Courts of Asia, he came at the last unknown unto Sinope, upon that day wherein a Sacrifice was offered in the Temple of Mars, for the death of young Cyrus, a little before the Pon∣tean, and Bithynian war.

For (said Chrisantes, then interrupting her) was the day of that Sacrifice, the first day that the Prince of Assyria, under the name of Philidaspes, did see the Princesse Mandana.

It was so, replied Martesia, and it was that also on which he fell in love as well as the Illustrious Artamenes. You may suppose, that after this unto his first designe of ta∣king away the Princesse Mandana, the execution whereof Artamenes endeavoured to hin∣der, I have little to tell you concerning him, since you have been witnesses of the secret jealousie which moved them to hate one another: therefore I will not insist upon the violent passion of Philidaspes, nor his jealousie, nor any thing which his Love produced in his heart: yet I must tell you of some things, which you could not know. How that this man who accompanied Philidaspes, and was descended from the same house of Ari∣beus, made himself known unto him, and also presented Philidaspes unto him as a man of Quality, who desired to travel unknown; desiring him to be favourable unto him, and present him unto the King of Cappadocia. This was the chief reason which moved Aribeus to protect Philidaspes, and to present him unto Ciaxares and Mandana a few dayes before the King went from Sinope to the wars: Mean while, Love being chief Commander in the heart of the Prince of Assyria, and he finding an opportunity of a war in Cappadocia; he re∣solved to stay in that Court, and live in such a manner as you know very well.

But I would gladly know (amiable Martesia, said Feraulas) why the Prince of Assyria did not make his love known unto the Princesse Mandana, since he had not the same rea∣sons to conceal it which Cyrus had?

He had partly the same reasons (replied she) for indeed the austere virtue of the Prin∣cesse restrained him also as well as it did Artamenes: also he was not ignorant that Ciaxares would never consent that his daughter, who was to be Queen of Medea, should marry him: for doublesse you are not ignorant, how since the illustrious Deioces did set his Country at liberty, and delivered it from the Tyrannie of the Assyrian Kings, there has been an irreconcilable hatred betwixt those two people; and that all the people would re∣volt from Astyages if he should ever give his consent unto this alliance: The Prince of Assyria then durst not speak of his love, unlesse he made himself known; and he durst not make himself known for fear he should be hated and denied, as well for the reasons afore∣said, as because the Laws, both of Assyria and Cappadocia, did forbid the banes. He thought then that his only course was, to get so good an opinion in the mind of the Princesse, as might obtain his pardon when he should take her away, as he designed: but to execute this, he imagined that his absolute best way was to make Aribeus for him and his design: and since he had observed in several private discourses, that Aribeus was very passionately affected unto the Assyrian Nation, and that he could almost wish the Cappadocians were under their ancient Lords; he discovered himself unto him, and made him apprehend, that he could never find out a more innocent way to bring the Cappadocians under the Assyrian power, then by favouring his enterprize: You may well imagine by considering the acti∣ons of Aribeus since this time, that he hearkened unto the proposition, and consented unto it; and also promised Philidaspes to serve him in all things. This Prince discovered himself unto him, a little after the taking of Cesarea: and they resolved that Philidaspes should make sure of some strong place in Assyria for his retreat, when he should carry away the the Princesse Mandana; and not daring to think of carrying her unto the Court of Queen Nitocris, considering the manner how he parted from her: But since the businesse requi∣red some time, he resolved upon patience, and for a while to defer the execution of his design; yet he was in hopes of happy successe, for he did believe, that when he had took the Princesse Mandana away, then the Queen Nitocris would authorise his enterprize, since it would add three Kingdoms unto Assyria; and as for the Law, he thought that it might well admit of a favourable construction, by saying the Princesse of Cappadocia was no stranger, since the Kingdom where she was born, did legally belong to him. He sent then unto the Governour of a Town which is some eight dayes journey from Babylon, called Is, and which is scituated upon a River of the same name, to the end he might sub∣orn him, and oblige him to be faithful unto him. But whilest these things were in contri∣ving, you were a witnesse of all the passages both in Court and Army, between these two illustrious Rivals; and I have nothing to tell you, untill after the two Battles which Ar∣tamenes gained in one day: by one of which, you know, he took the King of Pontus prison∣er, and afterwards all the world believed him dead: But now in this place I must tell you, that Feraulas, before whom I speak, did perhaps hasten the execution of this first plot to take away the Princesse Mandana, some moneths sooner then otherwise it would.

I (amiable Martesia, said he) and interrupted her?

Yes you (answered she;) for when you thought that your Master was dead, in the violence of your sorrows, you could not forbear crying out in the presence of Philidaspes, Alas poor Prince, must so glorious a life last no longer? he told me afterwards at Babylon, that then he stopt you, and asked you whether you Master was in that condition? and that you fained the excesse of your sorrows, made you spake one word for another, but yet that did not hinder him from suspecting that the matter was as you had said.

It is very true (replied Feraulas) I remember that I committed this errour, and that in my extream sorrow wherein then I was, in the extream joy I was in afterwards for the resur∣rection of my dear Master, I had absolutely lost my memory. Feraulas, having done speaking, and Chrisantes desiring him to interrupt Martesia no more; she pursued her di∣scourse.

At the return of Artamenes and Philidaspes unto Sinope, the jealousie of the last did encrease, and he being assured from the Governour of the Town of Is, that he should be re∣ceived when he pleased, he thought upon nothing but ripening and acting his design: he saw also that he could never have a more favourable opportunity: for there being now a likely-hood of peace, he conceived that he should need no more Troops then he already

had, since he had four thousand men about the Town, which were under his command, and a Castle to retire unto, to give a colour for his not being at Sinope, whilest Aribeus was transacting his plot: believe you have not forgot how a Letter which this Prince writ, fell into the hands of Artamenes, and both discovered and prevented this conspiracy: But you do not know, how he which lost this Letter, coming unto Aribeus, and not finding it about him, was extreamly surprised, & confessed that he feared the man with whom he had fought, had found it: Neither do you know, how Aribeus, knowing that Artamenes had been with the Princesse and the King, went afterwards and changed the Guards, and sent to advertise Philidaspes, who after he had in the night-time dispersed his four thousand men, which he had under the Castle, in lieu of flying, as all the world believed he did, went unto Pteria, whereof Aribeus was Governour, and there did lie concealed, resolving to wait there for a more favourable opportunity. It was for the love of him that Aribeus was so desirous to remove Artamenes from the Court, since he was so great an obstacle un∣to his design, and therefore he propounded unto Ciaxares, to send him unto the Queen of the Massagettes, to the end he might more easily execute his design, during his absence: There happened one chance which much crossed him, and which made him almost despair, and made him lose much time. It was this, as soon as Artamenes was gone his voyage, Philidaspes understood that the Governour of that Town of Is, unto which he was to re∣treat, was dead, so that he must seek out another sanctuary before he could attmept any thing; which took up so much time that he could not act his design until Artamenes was expected back again, of whom they had heard no news since his departure. The Gover∣nour of the Town of Opis, which stands upon the River Pygris being then suborned, and Aribeus also having corrupted one of my companions named Arianta, and made for him almost all the Guards of the Princesse, he did execute his design at Themiscira, where Phi∣lidaspes was come without any danger, for he stirred not but in the night, and was so much disguised for this purpose, that he was not knowable. Now Chrisantes, I am come unto that part of my relation which is altogether unknown unto you; But I beseech you ima∣gine how the Princesse was surprised when she saw Philidaspes take her away, you have heard I suppose, how I followed my dear Mistresse, in spight of those which took her away. I will not stay you so long as to relate how we left the Boat into which they put us: nor how we found horses ready on the other side of the River: nor which road we took; nor who was the guide: I will only tell you that just at break of day, we encamped within a wood, under a Tent which was set up: and neither the Princesse nor I had spoke one syllable; nor were capable of understanding one syllable of all that Philidaspes said unto us, so much was her soul and mine sunk with sorrow: and I think that since the Princesse in the first rapture of her sorrow, cried out unto Philidaspes, that, If Artamenes were at Themiscira, he durst not have attempted this enterprise, she spoke not one word at all: But after we were in the Tent, and the Princesse half dead, did sit down on a cusion, which was laid upon a footcloth, that covered all the ground of the Tent; and as I stood by her as well as Arianta, who did counterfet her sorrow admirably well; Philidaspes, after he had placed his Guards and Centinels for most security, came and cast himself at her feet: and looking upon her with as much submission as he had audacity in taking her away; I know very well Madam (said he unto her) that Philidaspes is not only rash, but the Prince of Assyria also is most bold, and deserves to be punished for thus offering you one of the most illustrious Crowns in the world; Yes, Divine Princesse, I do so much prize your ver∣tue above your quality, that I do confesse the greatest King in the world cannot pretend unto the honour of your love, without too great a presumption: But Madam, since the Gods have set you above all the Kings upon earth; and that none can presume to enjoy you without an injury; I thought that I might as well as any other, aspire unto this happy boldnesse which the Gods have destined you unto: I am perhaps lesse worthy of it then some others in consideration of my self; but I am, it may be, as much deserving as others in respect of that Crown I am to wear, and more then any other in respect of my passion to you; so that Madam, how unjust soever I am, I may perhaps merit some compassion, especially if you will but be pleased to know, that I have done nothing, but what I could not hinder my self from. For truly, if there had been any other way, to advance my hopes unto the honour which I pretend to, I should never have taken this; But you know Madam, that though I should have been so happy as not to be despised in your esteem, yet Ciaxares nor Astyages would ever have consented unto that proposition which I should have made; what then would you have a Prince do who lov'd and adored you? and who

must either have Mandana or death? Death (replied the Princesse in much an∣ger) had been a choice more just and fit for you; for if you love Mandana, she will ren∣der your life more cruel unto you then you death would be. Perhaps Madam (replied he) that when you see me continually at your feet with unequalled submission, my tears and my sighs may move you to compassion: No, no, (said she and interrupted him) never expect any thing either from time, or tears, or sighs, or submissions, or any thing else; the heart of Mandana shall never be won that way; your crime is so far from being wash∣ed away by your tears, that your bloud can never do it: Therefore Philidaspes (for so bad an action, deserves no better title) expect from hence forward, that my hate of you which began at Sinope, shall increase every minute: this shall be the progresse of my soul, and believe it I will not stop it as long as I am a Captive: Therefore, if there be yet any spark remaining in your mind, which your unjust passion has not extinguished, know, that it will be much more advantagious for you, to repent of your crime, and set me at li∣berty, then thus to continue me your prisoner: we are not yet so far off Themiscira, but you may easily do it, and I will engage my word, to move the King my father not to resent this affront: I will promise you that the hatred which began to grow in my heart, since the first time you designed to take me away, shall vanish; and I shall think my self obliged unto you, if for the love of me you will surmount your self: I shall then believe you love me really; whereas, if you will not be perswaded by my reasons, I shall believe that your own interest, not mine, does prompt you to this action; and that since you have no subjects of your own who is owner of any Crowns, you refuse them, and marry rather out of ambition then love. Moreover, do not ground any hopes, because I do not rail against you for the in∣jury, my mouth Philidaspes is not accustomed unto it: neither do I know in what termes to speak unto those which injure me, since till now I never was wronged: But I am most certain, that I apprehend the injury you do me, as a Princesse of a great soul ought to do; and without suffering my self to be transported by any unprofitable violence, I can extream∣ly hate you; also I can unalterably resolve never to be moved, neither with your respects, your services, your tears, your sighs, your menaces, nor by death it self, if you put me to it: Once more, Philidaspes, bethink your self, if you can repair your fault; and consider that nothing can be more unreasonable then to commit an unprofitable crime: Think into what a condition you are putting all Cappadocia, all Galatia, all Medea, and all Assyria; or indeed to say truly, all Asia, into what an affrighting disorder it will be brought; for assuredly Astyages and Ciaxares, will not endure this wrong without revenge, and all the Kings their allies will be ingaged in the Quarrel: Fear, Philidaspes, tremble, lest you should be drowned in that River of bloud which you shall cause to be spilt: For there are Gods, and Gods that are just and will revenge: Gods, I say, that will defend oppressed innocents, and are declared enemies unto unjust Princes: But is it possible Philidaspes, that the Queen Nitocris, who is a most illustrious Princesse, does know of this unjust design? Can it be possible to find one in the world that would advise you to it? No Madam (replied Phili∣daspes) none gave me any counsel in it, I did not so much as consult with mine own rea∣son; it was love only which was my adviser in the enterprise: But Madam it is now too late to advise Philidaspes unto repentance; your glorious eyes, incensed though they be, does command me not to hearken unto your words, but confirms me in my designs: Ah, alas, if it be so said the Princesse, I forbid you to look upon me, and I for my part will never look upon you again: Go Philidaspes, go, go out of the Tent, and enter no more, unlesse you will augment your crime: Go out and walk in the woods I say, and consult with your reason, if you have any: Call unto your assistance your generosity, and dim not that ho∣nour and glory whereof you seem so amorous and jealous. The glory, Madam, which I did and ever shall aim at, is to set you upon the Throne of Assyria, and to see you command in the most stately Town in the world: Therefore, Madam, I think it but just to put all Asia in arms, since Mandana is of higher merit then to be obtained without lesse trouble, Perhaps when you see me in the head of two hundred thousand men, you will change your mind, and be upon better termes with me, then you are with Philidaspes, whom you thought to be no more then a common Cavalier, and who passed in your conceit for a man much inferiour to your quality: But, Madam, upon all occasions wherein fortune shall smile upon me, and when I have conquered all those Kings who you say will engage them∣selves in your quarrel; I shall then descend out of my chair of triumph, to prostrate at your feet, my self, and all those palms wherewith they shall crown me. Ah, Philidaspes (said the Princesse) I had rather see you in your grave, then in your chair of triumph after you

have vanquished my father. Madam (replied he) you may if you will prevent the war, and those eyes, those fair eyes, which you so conceal from me, or els incensedly glance them, makes my armes fall out of my hands, if they but look smilingly upon me. I shall never end if I should tell you that which Philidaspes spoke (wise Chrisantes;) But in conclusion, the Princesse being out of all patience, and seeing all she had said was in vaine, did then command him to go out of the Tent, by such an ab∣solute Authority, that he obeyed her. I must needs say thus much for Philidaspes; that although he was very hasty, and did many things very violently, yet he never failed in his respects unto the Princesse: After he was gone out, we remained by our selves: Philidaspes caused somthing to be presented unto Mandana for her to eate, but she would not touch a bit: yet we were not all this while he was out of the tent, at handsom freedom, for though we did not yet know that Arianta had betrayed her, yet the Princess had never any confidence in her, and for my part, she was never any of my friends: yet the Princess in this deplorable state, did make me know, she remembred Artamenes: she spent all that day, which was night to us, in lamenting her misfortune, and praying unto the gods to avert it: when night was come, they told us we must be gone, and it was with much adoe, that I moved the Princess to eat somthing: Madam (said I to her in a low voice) Artamenes can perhaps fetch you out of the hands of a Prince, who is accustomed to vanquish, but he cannot fetch you out of your grave if you be once there: Tis true Martesia (said she to me) but how can I live in such a miserable condition? It becomes the greatest soules (said I unto her) to endure the greatest misfortunes with most constancy: Ah Martesia (cryed she) that constancy should be such a difficult vertue? It is a deceitfull virtue also, which commonly never calmes my eyes and face, but it leaves my heartfull of cruell agitations: Indeed Sir, I spoke so earnestly unto her, that I constrain'd her to eat, and presently after they constrayned us to depart: we marched in this manner three nights, before Mandana would permit Philidaspes to speak a word unto her: But in the end of the third night, as we were in the tent, and I according to the direction of Mandana looking whether Philidaspes was out of the reach of hearing what she said, we heard a great noise, and presently a servant of Philidaspes came unto us and caused us im∣mediatly to depart, not giving us any time at all. Since we heard a great noise some thirty or forty paces of us, and did not see Philidaspes, the Princess did imagine that perhaps it was somerelief was coming to them; and by reason of that Imagination we used all means possible, both by prayers and promises, and also striving not to go so fast away, as they caused us to go, but all would not do, for a part of them which guarded us, were such as never could hope for pardon, if those orders which they received were not exactly obeyed: so they carried us to a place where we found a coach which stayed for us, and with a convoy of fifty horses; we stayed there for Philidaspes, who came presently after unto us.

Here Chrisantes could not forbear telling Martesia, what obstacle Philidaspes did then meet with; and how Artamenes saw her at the entry of the tent, but knew her not, and how he relieved Philidaspes; how he killed those which set upon him, and how he contri∣buted to the carrying away of Mandana. At this discourse, Martesia cryed mainly out with wonder: and after she had sufficiently testified her astonishment at such an extraor∣dinary passage, she continued her relation.

I will not stay, said she, since I have related unto you, this strange combate, and which doubtless the King of Assyria would not have kept from Mandana, but because he would not thereby occasion the memory of Artamenes in Mandanas mind; I will not stay, I say, to repeat all our complaints during our sad voyage; nor with what obstinatness Mandana denied speaking with Philidaspes: only this, that at last, we came to the town of Opis, where we were lodged in a very magnificent chamber: and where Philidaspes neglected nothing which might render our imprisonment less offensive: But to tell you truly all his care was in vaine, and the Princess sorrow was so violent, that nothing could moderate it; Mean while Philidaspes thought that if he could move the Queen his mother to favour the matter, and that she would receive the Princess Mandana unto her, then things would go according to his hearts desire: for he made no question but if the Queen Nito∣cris would take her in hand, she would gaine him the heart of the Princess: he also belie∣ved that if she did but once see Mandana, she would presently alter her designe of his mar∣riage with Istrina, for the Princess of Cappadocia; and indeed, he sent one of his men secretly to Babylon unto the Prince of Saces who was yet in that Court: the Queen Nitocris

having stayed him there ever since the absence of her son. For besides the good esteem which she had of him, he was nephew unto her, the Queen Iarinas, his mother, (An excellent and vertuous Princess,) beeing sister unto the late King of Assyria her husband. He writ then unto Mazares, to the end, he might present, what he writ unto his mother, the Queen, and forward his desires: This Prince by his letter which he writ unto this Princess, did ask her pardon for departing from the Court without her leave, he desired her to forget it, and that she would be pleased to think well of his bringing the Princess of Cappadocia unto her, and that by her good consent he might marry her. Then he layed open unto her all the reasons which might induce her to approve of it, and forgot no∣thing that might win her approbation; but the returne of the messenger did not bring him all the satisfaction he expected; for he understood, that the same day he arrived at Baby∣lon, there also arrived an embassador from Ciaxares, to demand of the Queen Nitocris, the Princesse of Cappadocia; and that the Queen did disallow of the act, and that she her self would be the first which would take up arms to restore him the Princesse his daugh∣ter: that when she read the letter which the Prince of Assyria had writ unto her, she could not forbear expressing her self, that she was willing he should bring Mandana unto Babylon, but it should only be to restore her unto Ciaxares: yet Mazares used his best endeavours to procure the Queens consent unto it, but all were in vaine: and he sent un∣to the Prince of Assyria, to advise him, not to bring the Princess whom he had taken away, unto Babylon, because he understood the Queen had promised Ciaxares by the Embassador who was returned, never to consent unto the marriage, but to use all possible wayes to send her unto the King of Medea her father: And indeed, if Mazares had not put her into some hopes that it were more easie to get her out of the hands of her son by policy then power, she had armed all Assyria against him: Mean while we were in the city of Opis, treated with all possible civility: although Mandana used all imaginable a∣version and severity against the Prince of Assyria: for she did not only forbear speaking any thing which might please him, but she would not speak at all unto him, and somtimes she would not so much as suffer the sight of him: yet Philidaspes did as much as possible he could devise to qualifie her aversion; and since he saw, she did me the honour to love me, what did he not do and say to move me unto his assistance? but say or do what he could, I could not promise any thing, and told him that all the Grandure upon earth, should not move me to faile in my duty unto the Princess: yet since I feared the extream rigour of Mandana might exasperate the minde of this Prince, and put him upon some unjust de∣signe, I did permit him somtimes to speak unto me of his love, and of his despair: in∣deed I do think it was not amiss, to prevent any desperate resolutions in him, considering the violence of his love and humour: Somtimes he would speak unto me concerning his love of Mandana, with as much reverence as is conceiveable; and sometimes againe, he would be so violent and speak so, as made me fear he was capable of some desperate desti∣ny; but when I discovered his minde so inclined, Sir, said I unto him: take heed what you say, for the Princess yet does only hate you; but if she once see, you have any thoughts of neglecting that respect, which is her due, she will then exchange her hatred for scorne. Ah Martesia (said he) mistake not my crimes and my raptures: sorrow in∣deed is able to make me do the most Injust thing, but the reverence I have of Mandana prevents me; therefore Martesia, pitty I beseech you my weakness, and though you will not advantage, yet do me no prejudice I conjure you. Sir, (said I unto him) I neither can help nor hurt you, for I dare never so much as speak of you unto Mandana. But wise Chrisantes, whatsoever I said unto the Prince of Assyria upon that subject, I think he did not believe me, but imagined, that I related all he said unto the Princess, though he was much deceived; for as long as Arianta was with us, we discoursed of nothing but our sorrowes in generall; and when we were alone, Artamenes was the only subject of our discourse. Alas, (said Mandana somtimes, when for a little liberty, we asked leave to walk by the river Tygris) in what despair will Artamenes be when he returnes unto Themiscira and finds not us there? and when he shall know that Philidaspes, that same Philidaspes whom he so much hated, has carried me away? But oh heavens! will he not suspect my vertue? can he think that Philidaspes durst execute such a designe with∣out my consent? But on the other side, can he think that Mandana is capable of any such thing? Ha no no, he will beleeve me to be innocent though unfortunate. Artamenes, the Illustrious Artamenes, will never conceive that one who has been so severe unto him, can be so pliable unto his Enemy: Thus did we spend our tedious time when we had any

liberty, but that was seldom; for besides Arianta, who alwayes kept close about the Princesse, there was a great sort of other women which Philidaspes appointed to wait upon the Princesse, who almost never left her. But it is admirable to consider how vertue will shine in those who are in adversity, although it be extream, for the Princesse had not been among them above fifteen dayes, but every one of them who were about her did adore her: but we could not for all that see an end of our misery, nor Philidaspes of his. Still he continued writing unto Mazares, that he should still solicite the Queen: he writ also secretly unto Aribeus, for relief if he should stand in any need of it: He sent also unto the King of Lydia, to desire assistance, knowing him to be no friend neither unto Astyages, or Ciaxares, though there was an alliance between them: Truth, he negle∣cted nothing that might advance his designe; either in inviting Princes unto his Party, or in putting the Town of Opis into a condition to abide a Siege, in case it should be beleagured: For our parts, we neither knew what we should do, or what to hope for; for we knew not that Artamenes was returned unto Themiscira. Therefore the Princesse, who could not endure to be so in the power of a violent and amorous Prince, did one day resolve to speak with him, intending to ask a favour at his hand, which presently I shall relate unto you. You may imagine how joyfull Philidaspes was, when Arianta told him, the Princesse would speak with him, and doubtlesse, you believe he diligently obey∣ed the Command. When he was entred into the Princesse Chamber, Is it possible Madam (said he to her) that the Princesse Mandana will speak with the unfortunate Philidaspes, unlesse it be to pronounce the sentence of his death? But though you should do so, (Di∣vine Princesse) I would vpon my knee receive the Doom with joy, so much does this ho∣nor, in commanding me to come unto you, delightfully disturb my reason. Sir said she to him, (for through my advice, she resolved to treat him as she did) since I have so often in vain desired you to send me either to Themiscira, or Sinope, or Ancyra, or A∣masia, I intend to ask you a thing which you ought not to deny me: for since it is so far from asking you to go out of your Dominions, as I conjure you to conduct me unto Ba∣bylon, to the Queen Nitocris, where I shall be in a handsomer condition then I can be here in this place: If you consent unto this favour, I shall promise you, to diminish a little of that just hatred, which is growing in my soul; for I cannot endure that all Asia should know I am in your power, and that I should have no other witnesses of my vertue, but my greatest enemy. Madam (replied Philidaspes, being a little surprized) if you will do me the honour to go unto Babylon, with intention to be one day the Queen of it, and to take from the hands of Nitocris, that Scepter which she has most gloriously swayed, doubtlesse I shall consent unto your proposition: But if in going to Babylon, your designe be to go thereby the sooner unto Themiscira, pardon me Madam, if I be constrained to disobey you: And to tell the truth, squares go not so handsomely there, because for some cer∣tain reasons I am in some disgust with the Queen, yet more for the love of you, then for any other cause; therefore in desiring that Madam, you would have me carry you unto a place that will be rather my punishment, then my sanctuary. It is not out of any fear that I refuse you, but love onely forceth it. You told me once Madam, that nothing was more unreasonable then to commit a great crime, to no end: Think not ill then, if I endeavour to prevent falling into the like fault. The Crime is already committed, Ma∣dam: I was so presumptuous as to take you away; and it behoves me endeavour for so much happinesse as to obtain my Pardon and your Love. The way you take (replied the Princesse very sharply) makes it a hard matter to obtain either your Pardon or my Love. Do you know Madam, what may be hereafter, (replied this Prince?) I know very well (replied she) that the time will never come in which Mandana will love you. Yet Madam (answered he) I hope there is no absolute impossibility in it. Whosoever should have told me, the first day I came unto the Temple of Mars in Sinope, that I should fall desperately in love with you, I should not have beleeved it: and whosoever should have told me the first time that I saw Artamenes in that same place, and on that same day, that I should mortally hate him, I could not have believed it; for truly I saw no women in that Temple which could enamour me; And I found Artamenes, very handsome, well proportioned, of a good deportment, and very civil: yet I am in extream love with you, and in extream hate of him. The Princesse blusht at the name of Artamenes, and the Prince who alwayes looked upon her, observed it: yet notwithstanding, he durst not then speak of it; and it was at Babylon where he told me of it. The Princesse, seeing her dis∣course was to no purpose, broke it off, and went away whether he would or no. A few

dayes after, we heard of the death of Astyages, though Philidaspes kept it from the Prin∣cesse as much as he could: but when he understood she knew of it, he put himself in mour∣ning and came to visit her. And not long after that we heard how the Queen Nitocris died, after she had finished her magnificient Tombe, which is in the prime Port of Babylon, and that the disobedience and bad action of her Son, was the cause of her death. These two accidents did both of them extreamly trouble the Princesse: The first, because he was so neer in kinred: The second, because she relied much upon the vertue of the Queen Nitocris. We understood by one of those women which they had placed about the Princesse, that Mazares did the Prince of Assyria very good service at this time, and that but for him the Queen had disposed of her Crown from him: We understood also by her, that the Princesse Istrina, according unto the last Will of the Queen, went from Babylon the next day after her death into Bithynia where her brother Intaphernes then was, who went thither to assist Arsamones in recovering his estate from the King of Pontus, who (as was reported) was likely to lose both his Kingdoms. Mean while we were not per∣secuted with any visits from the new King of Assyria for some certain dayes, because as indeed he had some Generosity in him, he was very sad at the death of the Queen Nito∣cris: Yet as Love was the predominate passion in his soul, and the first dayes of mourning being over, he hoped that the magnificence of Babylon might perhaps work upon the heart of the Princesse, which caused him a little sooner to cheer himself up from his sor∣rows for the Queen his mother, who put mourning into the hearts of all her Subjects. Mean while Mazares writ unto the King, that it was very requisite he came presently as soon as he could to shew himself unto the people, and that a Throne was such a place as ought not to be long empty, lest some should be tempted to fill it up: Yet for all that, there was no reason of State so strong as could move him to leave Mandana to go unto Babylon: but he writ unto Mazares, that he should prepare all things in the most pom∣pous manner against his entrance; and that he should send thither unto him all things necessary to conduct the Princesse of Medea thither, for since the death of Astyages, we will no more call her the Princesse of Cappadocia. I forgot to tell you (wise Chrisantes) how after the death of the Queen Nitocris, the Princesse by my advice sent unto the new King, to tell him she was very sorry for the death of the Queen his Mother, and how afterwards, he came to thank her for that Complement which with much ado I obtained from her. But to return unto my story; The King of Assyria came one day unto Man∣dana's chamber, aster he had civilly sent to ask leave; and after he had with much reve∣rence saluted her; Madam (said he unto her) The River Euphrates is jealous of that ho∣nour, which the River Tygris hath received from you, and it is but just that the prime Town in the World should be honoured with the presence of the most Fair, and Illustrious Mandana. When I asked you, to go unto Babylon (replied Mandana) the Queen Ni∣tocris was living: And when I would wait upon you thither (replied this Prince) the Throne of Assyria is ready to receive you, and all the people willing to salute you by the Title of Queen. No Sir (said she to him) never hope that change of place can change my soul, nor that the sight of stately Babylon can move my heart. I had rather spin away my life in a Shepherds cottage, then sit on the Throne of a King that is offensive unto me: No Sir, once for all, I will neither command nor obey you: I will never sit in the seat of that Queen whose vertues I cannot paralell; and I had much rather be in your prison, then on the Throne of Assyria. If I were able to resist, I would not I warrant you be hurried whither you would have me; nor would I willingly draw the war unto that Town which pas∣seth for one of the wonders of the World: I would if I could, save the blood of so many innocent persons wherewith it is filled: But since I cannot resist your designe, Let me tell you, that I shall be the same at Babylon, I am at Opis; and that the King of Assyria with all his great Magnificence, shall move no heart of mine, more then he could when he seemed onely Philidaspes. Time Madam (replied he, because for all her severity, he was in some hopes) will shew whether your rigorous resolution be more strong thou my perseverance; At least, if you do resolve upon my death, I shall have a more Illustrious Tombe at Babylon, then I can have here; and you will have more witnesses of that cruelty wherein you glory. So it was Chrisantes, that three dayes after, we must resolve upon depar∣ture; and to report what our equipage was, is so unnecessary it would but abuse your patience; unlesse you be of their humour who say, that liberality is the tried measure of love; for if so, then I cannot make you understand the greatnesse of the King of Assyrias passion, better, then by relating the prodigious expences at the entrance of the

Princess into Babylon. That morning which we went from Opis, we saw in a great court under the window of the Princess, Twelve magnificent Charriots, for the Ladies which were to accompany her, and another, most incomparably above the rest for her self. We saw also two hundred Camels for the baggage, with sumpter clothes of Tyrian purple em∣broidered with gold: and when we were at the gates of the town, we saw in a great plaine, fifteen thousand men in Armes, all having gilt morrions, and croslets of the same with Bowes of Ebonie, and Arrowes piled with gold, who dividing themselves into two bodies, one part marched before, the other behind, and the Charriots in the middle: As for the Camels they went some two hundred paces before the Souldiers: And as for the King, he went on horse back next after the Chariot in which was the Princess, which went last of all the Charriots, he and a thousand horse did follow him: thus went we to Babylon, untill we were within one dayes Journey, and the King of Assyria desired the Princess should rest her self a day in a Castle where we lodged; mean while, all necessary preparations were making for our enterance: questionless you will think it strange to hear talk of all this magnificence so presently after the death of the Queen Nitocris; but it is the Assyrian fashion as well as of Cappadocia who was once in subjection unto them, that the people never are in mourning above three dayes after the death of their Kings; be∣cause, say they, there is more to rejoyce then mourne, that they have so gloriously finish∣ed their raigne. See that the Babylonians had no sooner ended their pomp of mourning for their Queen, but they were in another pomp of rejoycing for the Arivall of Mandana: yet you may be assured that she her self was no participant at the feast: mean time, al∣though she was resolved to be seen that day as carelesly drest as possibly she could, yet she could not bring it to pass: For since all the women which waited upon her, and waited upon Arianta and me, were of the King of Assyria's placing, and since Arianta herself was of conspiracy with him; there was no cloaths that morning to be found, but such as were most rich, and full of pearls and diamonds: for my part, I do confess, that this device did not anger me so much as it did the Princess, who was ready to chide me for it; Madam (said I unto her to excuse my self, and because indeed, it did concur with my opinion) the King of Assyria does think questionless to Justifie his action unto the people by your admirable beauty; and therefore desires you should appear in most glory; but, never thinks, that unless he look very well about him you will make all his subjects Rebels; and if you will follow my counsel, you shall appear in all your charmes; for then, if this Prince, should ever attempt any thing against you; the people in favour of you would re∣volt from him: you are very ingenious (said she to me) to excuse your own fault, or to say better, your simplicity: But Martesia, as flattering as you are, you w••ong me much to be moved no more then you are at my dislike of this, and to counsell me unto it, as you have done, for I beseech you tell me, what will the unhappy Artamenes think, if he should chance to know, by the report of those spies which the King my ••••ther has in Babylon, that I shew my self in such a dress, as speaks Joyfull, and well pleased? All the rest of the magnificence cannot be imputed unto me; but it may be thought I consented unto this. Madam, (said I unto her) if you might do as you pleased, and had your choyce, I should not then advise you as I do; but since it is not, it is a good expedient, to draw a good out of an evill; and to endeavour if it be possible that the same beauty which caused you to be taken away, may also procure you protectors if you shall need them: And as for what you say concerning Artamenes; beleeve it Madam, that if the King your father have any spyes in Babylon, who will report faithfully what they have seen, they will speak more of your melancholy, then your dress, you need not fear it: So in∣deed Chrisantes, when the Princess could do no other, she suffered her self tobe so dressed, yet without any art or care at all: but as you know very well, her hair is so admirable fair, that her neglective comliness, was extreamly becoming. All the cloaths they brought us were made after the Medean and Cappadocian fashion, to wit, of fresh, lively, and glo∣rious colours: As for the women of quality in Babylon, they never wear any colour, but white; yet notwithstanding very magnificently and gallantly dressed, having no colours about them but Diamond••, Emralds, and Rubies, which gave a glorious lustre•• and after that day, we came to know as much, for though the Princess had much unwill∣ingness to be seen, yet more then two hundred women of quality, came to do their reve∣rence unto her: she received them very civilly, but in so deep a melancholy, that she be∣got as much pitty as admiration: in conclusion, we must depart, and in lieu of twelve Charriots full of Ladies, which we had the day before, there was now a hundred times as

many: As for the Princess, she was compelled to go into a stately magnificent chair of triumph, all the ornaments whereof were pure gold; It was drawn by four Tigers, har∣nessed the most ornamentally that could be devised: four men of prime quality carried a stately Canopy over the Chair, imbrodered with Gold, Pearls, and Diamonds, and such as the Sydiaonns only know how to do: I will not insist upon a particular description of this pomp; only tell you that all that great plaine as we came to Babylon, and which you know very well is set with palme trees of a prodigious height, was full of troopes, but such troopes as were all armed in a most strange magnificence. At every hundred paces distance, we saw Arches of triumph erected, upon which were very glorious inscripti∣ons: They were all very stately; and we saw nothing which spoke not Joy and Grandure: About two furlongs from the town, the Prince of Saces, who was a man very fashionable and handsome, also rich in clothes, and upon a horse of Isabella colour with a black mane, came in the head of two thousand horse, to present unto the Princess from the King, great keyes of gold in a box of the same mettall, Topazes and Amethists: Madam, (said he in presenting them unto her) the King has commanded me to obey you, and from him to offer, that which he only can give you. Sir, answered the Princess (for they had infor∣med her of the quality of Mazares) If in presenting unto me two keyes of Babylon, you will assure me, that I may be permitted in the morning to open the gates, to returne unto Themiscira, or go unto Ecbatane I should accept of them, and be eternally obliged unto you for the offer; but if that liberty will not be allowed me, (pursued she with a char∣ming melancholy which eclipsed nothing of her beauty) It seems unto me to be a peece of injustice, and somthing inhumane, that I my self should keep the keyes of my prison. So Sir, untill the King of Assyria, be resolved to grant me that, I pray you keep what you offer me, since I think they cannot be in better hands then yours. Mazares, charmed with the beauty, spirit, and civility, of the Princess, told her, that he would not keep what she was pleased to do him so much honour as to trust him with, but that she might use them at her own disposition when she came unto the town: and staying no longer, he Joyned his troop which was very magnificent, with the Kings: this Prince, marched by himself, next immediatly after the Princess her triumphant Chair, but so glorious, so handsome, and so glittering with gold and jewels, that except Artamenes, I never saw a man of a better garb then he: At the entry into the town, the Princess was presented with a speech, or to say better an elogy: All the houses were hung with rich Tapestry, every street strewed with flowers: All the windowes were full of women, handsomly dressed: Trumpets and Flutes made the Aire Echo: All the people were ravished at the beauty of the Princess; and expressed their wonder with such loud acclamations, as joy∣ed the King of Assyria beyond all expressions; at the last Chrisantes, we were brought unto the pallace of the Queen Nitocris: the King of Assyria presented his hand unto the Princess as she descended from her Chaire, to conduct her unto her Chamber: she had a good disposition to refuse it, but she thought that it would appear phantasticall, and to no purpose. And therefore without any incivility she gave him her hand; but it was after such a manner, as she let see, it was not the quality of the King of Assyria, did move her unto that complacency, insomuch as he was nothing satisfied with it; we passed through some chambers all upon a floor one within another, all were magnificently furnished; in the last of these, he made her a very low congee, and told her, that from hence forward, it was in her power to command all Assyria; and that he was but the first of her subjects: at the last, after an hour was spent, in accepting the complements of all the Babylonian gran∣dees, they left us at a little liberty; and we had so much consolation, as to know, that all those women which waited upon the Queen Nitocris, were appointed to wait upon the Princess Mandana, so that none came about her, but such as were persons of very vertu∣ous mindes: a little while after we were left alone, and Arianta being gone into another Chamber; the Princess looked upn me with extream melancholy: Ah Martesia (said she) where are we now? and how shall we ever get out? did you not obserue, said she to me, the monstrous walls of Babylon, which are so thick and strong, that severall Chariots may pass one by another upon them? did you not observe the high towers all about them; and did you not mark how the River Euphrates so incloses it, as makes the accesse unto it very difficult, if any should attempt to besiege it? were you not astonished at the innume∣rable company of people where with it is filled? and the gates of Brass, which shuts them in? Is it not to be feared, that if all Asia should arm themselves in my behalf, they could never get me out of it? and as valiant as Artamenes is, he can never vanquish the

King of Assyria, as long as he is within the walls of this Town: These are the thoughts, my dear Martesia, which took up my minde, all the time of this disgustive Ceremony; and thus much did all their Magnifice at the entry work upon me. Madam (said I unto her) The Gods can do what they please, and that which to all humane Prudence is im∣possible, to them is easie. You say well, said she, and I have no other hopes but what are grounded upon their Assistance. And indeed, the next morning, the Princesse would go unto the Temple, and they conducted her unto that of Jupiter Belus, which is one of the fairest in the World: Mean while the King of Assyria endeavoured to win her by sweetnesse, and feared to anger her. I visited her but one hour in a day, and that was before many people, so that the Princesse was lesse troubled at it. The Prince Mazares, by order from the King, did often visit her, the King desired him, to speak unto her in his behalf, knowing that there was not any man in the world had more charming eloquence in his conversation then he. Indeed this Prince did negotiate so admirably well to get unto himself the Princesse esteem, and gain her love, that it was not a little consolation unto himself: He was full of sweetnesse, civility, and respect: and although he did speak to the King of Assyria's advantage, when any occasion was offered; yet notwithstanding, we discovered in his eyes an obliging melancholy; and because we thought that it was onely an effect of his compassion towards us and our misfortunes, the Princesse could not forbear, sometimes commending him. But Chrisantes, that you may the bet∣ter understand the rest of my discourse, I must in this part of it, discover a thing un∣to you, which we knew not a long time after, nor which we did so much as suspect at all. It is very true, that the unfortunate Mazares did admirably well disguise his thoughts. But I must tell you Chrisantes, how this Prince in presenting the Keyes of Babylon unto the Princesse, the first day we came thither, did then absolutely lose his liberty, and was captivated with the Beauty of Mandana, as well as the King of Assyria. Since he was never in lovebefore, he was not at first acquainted with the passion. He imagined (as I since knew by the generous Orsanes, who is now come with me, and who discovered unto me all the secrets of his Masters thoughts) that admiration, onely joyned with pity to see so fair a Lady in misery, was it which troubled his minde: Yet within eight dayes after, he perceived that it was more then so: He accepted therefore of the King of Assy∣ria's Commission, to see her often, and to speak unto her in his behalf: for what reason had he to refuse it? Yet notwithstanding, he seemed at the first to scruple at it; but after∣wards, whether he wanted a lawfull excuse, or whether his secret passion would not suf∣fer him to refuse the sight of her whom he loved in spite of his teeth, he promised the King, that he would visit her, and do him the best service he could; and indeed, he did visit her, and endeavoured to do him service: For it must be acknowledged, that Mazares was naturally Generous, and that love onely caused him to do things contrary to Genero∣sity. Orsanes did assure me, that he had discovered his heart unto him; and that there was no course which he did not use, to regulate his passion, and to keep it within the limits of esteem and friendship, What unhappy destiny is mine? (would he say unto Or∣sanes) I lived all my life in a Court, amidst an infinite number of Beauties, and never was in love with any, but I no sooner lookt upon Mandana, but I am desperately captivated. Ha Orsanes, said he, how those who say, that hope begins with love are deceived? For, what is it, I can hope for? I finde a passion in my self, which I ought, and which I will resist; and though I cannot perhaps absolutely vanquish it, yet I will eternally con∣ceal it at the least: for truly I have promised a friendly office unto the King of Assyria; I am his vassall; I have the honour to be his Kinsman; and he has made choise of me for a confident of his passion: How can I ever overcome all these objections? But sup∣pose my Generosity should submit unto my love? and that I should resolve to betray a Prince unto whom I owe much respect? I should not be the better, since it is to be be∣leeved, that a Princesse who treats the King of Assyria so coursely, will never receive the Prince of Saces into favour; Therefore Orsanes (said he to him) there is no hopes for me, though I do love, and that so desperately as I have lost my reason: But, said he, since there is no hope in my passion, I will hope it will continue long, or rather think, that since my despair will not cause my passion to die, it will continue for ever: Love then, said he, love on, since it is my destiny; Love, and make no scruple at it; for indeed we cannot be masters of our affection; it is well if we can hide them, and if I can con∣tent my self with the esteem and friendship of Mandana. In short Chrisantes, when Mazares could not root his love of Mandana out of his heart, he resolved to keep it

secret, and not to give over doing a good office for the King of Assyria; but yet Chrisantes he spoke not one word in his behalf, which did not yield him a thousand secret vexations; nor did the Princess give him a word unto his disadvantage, which joyed him not so much, as he had much adoe to hide it; so that he was both faithful and unfaithful at once: his mouth spoke for the King of Assyria, but his heart betrayed him; and whatsoever he either said or did, one might alwayes see his soul was infinitely affraid to displease the Princesse Man∣dana: nor did I ever see in any one more respect then in him to her. Mean while, we suspected nothing of his passion; he seemed sometimes very melancholy indeed, but his addresses, without any words, did tell us the misfortunes of the Princesse did trouble him; and that he could wish the King of Assyria, would give over his design. Thus was the state of things, when a piece of crosse misfortune happened unto us, which did exceeding∣ly trouble us; for when the King of Assyria, found no alteration in the mind of Mandana, notwithstanding all his respects, and submissions, and all the endeavours of Mazares, he began to think that the heart of the Princesse was already disposed of; and when he called to mind all the jealousies, he entertained that Artamenes was in love with Mandana; and when he remembred what he had heard from the mouth of Feraulas concerning the quali∣ty of Artamenes, all thought of the Princesse blushing at Opis, when Artamenes was named: Then he said unto Mazares (after he had related unto him all the passages in the Cappadoci∣an Court) it is no more to be questioned, but that Artamenes is not only a Prince, nor a Prince only that loves Mandana, but Mandana also loves Artamenes. You may very wel imagine, how this conceit tormented the mind of this young Prince; and how it disquieted the thoughts of Mazares; he was so planet-struck at it, that the King of Assyria, supposing that it was in consideration of his interest, did heartily thank him for it. Mean while, to clear all his doubts, he found an opportunity to speak in private with Arianta, who unknown to us had unluckily understood our discourse the night before, and where the Princesse and I had repeated almost all the passages of his life, excepting the name of Cyrus, which happily we pronounced not. But though she understood not all we said, yet she heard enough to clear all doubts, that there was a correspondency between Artamenes and Mandana: So that when the King of Assyria had spoken with this malicious wench, he understood more from her then he desired to know: Yet notwithstanding, since she did make but a confused relation of things, he resolved to clear his doubts a little more fully, and speak unto the Princesse her self: And as jealousie is a much more turbulent passion then love; so the King of Assyria, when he entered into Mandana's chamber, seemed un∣to me much altered: There was then none with her but Arianta and my self: he saluted her with all due reverence; and began to discourse of things indifferent; yet notwith∣standing all this, there appeared so much distemper in his mind, as we could easily per∣ceive it: Madam (said he to her, after much interrupted discourse) I would gladly know one thing from you, which is of infinite importance both to me, and you also: If I may conveniently tell it (replied the Princesse) and if I know it, perhaps I may satisfie your curiosity. Yes Madam (answered he) you do know it, and to conceal it no longer, I wish you would do me the honour to tell me who is that great enemy who surmounts me, and keeps such strong possession in your heart; for such a one there is; else I know not why all my cares, my respects, and my submissions should beget such an aversion in you to me. Sir (said the Princesse unto him, not thinking he knew any thing relating unto Artamenes) trouble not your self to find out the secret reasons of my proceedings with you; and know that though I loved you, and that extream dearly, if you would take me thus away without my consent, I should never love you after it; for I have a strong aversion against all those, who once only in their lives do fail in that duty which they owe unto me. How Madam, (re∣plied this violent Prince almost against his intention) if Artamenes had done what Philidaspes did, would you have used him as you use me? Artamenes, (answered the Princesse blushing) is too wise for me to think he would ever commit such a crime: But Sir, why do you speak of Artamenes upon this occasion? I speak of him, Madam, replied he, as of a man who has overcome me more then once, but much more cruelly in your heart, then with arms in his hands; Yes Madam, this Artamenes whom I ever hated, and whom you have here∣tofore commanded me to love, is questionlesse the man who opposes my glory, and my good fortunes: As I have no unjust thoughts (replied the Princesse calmly) so I will not deny, but I have had, and still have a great esteem of Artamenes: and you your self know, I am obliged not to hate him: Those obligations, (replied this turbulent Prince) would never have moved the Princesse Mandana, to entertain a secret affection unto a simple

common Cavalier, if her heart had not been prompted unto it by some more potent incli∣nation. This simple Cavalier whom you speak of (replied the Princesse very angerly) ap∣peared to be as much as Philidaspes did at that time, and may perhaps be one day more then he, although he be King of Assyria: He shall not need to stay long for that, answer∣ed he; for since Artamenes is possessor of your affection, I value him above all Princes upon earth; though he be no more then he seems to be: you expresse much pride, and much hu∣mility together (replied the Princesse;) but Sir, after all this, I would wish you to un∣accustome your self to speak so imperiously unto me, for I cannot indure it. The King of Assyria, seeing he had extreamly incensed the Princesse, and passing out of his extream violence into extream submission; Alas Madam (said he unto her) would you have me re∣tain my reason, when I understand that the same heart, which I did think all the earth could not move, is not so insensible of Artamenes? was it not enough to know you hate me, but that I must know you love another? and that other whom I most hate? As long as I believed you to be insensible, the Gods do know that I did justifie you with my whole heart, as much as ever I could; and should have confessed, that you had good cause to scorn all the Kings upon earth, because there was none worthy of you: I should have acknowledged that my proceedings thus with you, did deserve to make me wait a long time for a pardon of my fault. But Madam, since I certainly perceive, that the only man upon the face of the earth whom I hate (though I once esteemed him) is the only man you love; Ah Madam, I cannot keep within those limits prescribed: I have complained, I have accused you, I have lost my respect in losing my reason; if I could have pul'd my soul out of this violent passion, I should have done it with abundance of joy; I have done all I can to hate you, but the Gods do know all my endeavours are in vain; for I love you more then I did: My hate of Artamenes augments, and my love to Mandana multiplies; I find fresh sparks of love in me: and Madam, I must, indeed I must chase Artamenes out of your heart; my respects, my solicitations, my t〈…〉〈…〉 and sighs must destroy him: The truth is, I must either die, or he must live no longer in your memory. The Princesse hearing the King of Assyria speak so, did no longer doubt but that he knew some passage of her affection unto Artamenes, and therefore she did not think it convenient to make a subtilty of her in∣nocent friendship; and considering in what disorder this discourse had driven her soul, she thought that perhaps when he saw that there was no hopes of ever being beloved, he would then let her alone in quiet; therefore, being to speak, Sir, (said she unto him) the Gods do know whether I use any criminous dissimulation; The ingenuity I use unto you may make you know it. Ah Madam, (said the King of Assyria then) be not so sincere, as to tell me all your advantagious thoughts of Artamenes; hide, rather from me, some part of his glory, and put not my patience unto such a vigorous test. I cannot tell you any thing more then your self knows, (answered the Princesse) for indeed, all the Court of Cappado∣cia knows, how I much esteemed Artamenes; and I told you as much at that time when you were Philidaspes; But all the Court of Cappadocia is ignorant of what I see you know, and what I will confesse unto you; which is, that Artamenes is of a quality equal un∣to yours; and that if the King my father would consent unto it, then the affection which Artamenes bears unto me, should find from me all the recompence he deserves. Thus Sir, you see upon what termes the businesse is, and perhaps you know more now, then yet Arta∣menes himself knows; and thus I have told you that important truth which you so earnestly desired to know: And now it is your part to regulate your designs and your affection to me; you have a high soul, which is full of generosity; therefore I need say no more upon this subject. You may yet take such a course as may oblige me to esteem you, and which may yet retain the friendship of Artamenes. Ha, Madam, (said this Prince) although your esteem be very glorious, yet I will have none of it without your affection: nor care I for the friendship of that man who enjoys your affection, and who is the only obstacle which hinders me from it: No, no, Madam, Artamenes and I must take more rough cour∣ses to decide our differences; his death must either give you satisfaction for your cruelty, or mine shall assure his good fortune and yours together: In saying so he went out, and left the Princesse extreamly troubled. He went to Mazares, and related unto him all that Mandana said: This unfortunate Prince did lend a most unquiet ear unto him; some∣times he would be sorry for the King of Assyria; and sometimes he would be glad, there was such an obstacle in the heart of the Princesse, as would prevent the King from being loved; and sometimes he would hope, that between a lover hated, and a lover absent, he might perhaps thrive the better in his design; so that he resolved to endeavour all wayes

whereby he might gain the esteem and favour of the Princesse: Yet he did not intend to act against the rules of generosity; for, said he, it shall not be I who will hinder the King of Assyria, it shall be Artamenes, who shall be the obstacle. But Oh heavens, (said he presently to himself!) This Artamenes, who opposes the designs of the King of Assyria, will also oppose Mazares; yet (added he) Mazares shall not vanquish him by open force, nor declared war;; policy shall help out where force is inavailable; and since there is no other way to be happy, I must have recourse unto subtilty: Mean while, since he perceived the King of Assyria was much incensed, and in such a condition as might per∣haps move him to undertake some desperate resolution, he restrained him with all imagi∣nable art, and caused him to rely much upon his solicitations. Indeed, he went to visit the Princess, and as she had much confidence in him, & was not ignorant how the King of Assy∣ria told him every thing, she spoke unto him with so much spirit, so much vertue, so much sweetnesse, and in such an obliging manner, that Mazares did almost resolve, to enter∣tain no more then a friendship with her; but oh heavens, how weak a foundation had those thoughts in him, when he hearkened unto the Princesse his heart melted: Compassion on her caused him almost to shed tears; but when he lifted up his eyes, and saw Mandana's fresh flames dryed up his tears, and choaked his first design by enflaming his soul: The Princesse notwithstanding was very well satisfied with him; for as she seemed to take some notice of the King of Assyria's violent humour: No Madam (said he to her, after such a manner as might perswade her that he expressed his real thoughts) fear not the violence of the King of Assyria; I will engage my word unto you, to imploy all my diligence, in pre∣venting all vitious thoughts in him: But, if I cannot disswade him from any such designs, I do protest unto you, that from a vassal I shall become an enemy unto him; and that as long as Mazares lives, the Princesse Mandana, shall find no other violence from the King of Assyria, then his prayers and tears, and sighs. You may imagine Chrisantes, how ma∣ny thanks and commendations the Princess gave him: Truth is, Mazares got so much into her esteem, that she loved him like a brother; and this Prince for a while, was so hap∣py, that he neither thought of Artamenes, nor any thing which might vex him: But pre∣sently after, when the King of Assyria was informed of the return of Artamenes unto The∣miscira; and of his arival at Ecbatan with Ciaxares; also of all Military preparations against him; he then hasted the execution of those orders which he had formerly given: for since that morning we came unto Babylon, he had sent into Lydia, into Phrygia, Hirca∣nia, Arabia, Paphlagonia, and also unto one of the Indian Princes: The Prince of Saces also sent to entreat his father that he would hasten all those Levies which he was to send out of his country; yet we had but a confused notion of all these war-like preparations: For Mazares who would not speak a word of Artamenes unto Mandana, told her alwayes that he knew no more but that he was returned from the Massagettes; and that there was war-like preparations in hand: The King of Assyria, in the mean while did often visit the Princesse, and was sometimes all violence, sometimes all submission; sometimes looking upon her with a deep silent melancholly; and sometimes speaking with extream anger, not daring to fix his eyes upon hers: But truly I wondered a hundred times at the goodnesse of the Gods, that a Prince so imperious as this, and of so proud a disposition, should ever observe and keep within limits of respect: At first when we came to Babylon, all Ladies were permitted to see the Princesse, and she was so infinitely loved amongst them, that they were willing to do any thing to deliver her, were it not for their desires they had that she should be their Queen; and therefore every Lady of quality, in relation to her own satisfaction; was ready to do a good office for the King of Assyria; yet since this Prince was informed by his spies, that they came very often unto her, they were debarred of that Liberty, and the Princesse was so strictly guarded, that none, unlesse Mazares, must see her; and the principal reason of it was, because the common people began to grumble, that all Assyria should be engaged in an unjust war: Thus did we live in most melancholly, and without any comfort, but the company of Mazares. The women which waited upon the Princesse, told us, that there came every day a great number of strangers unto Babylon, and none knew what they were, for these women had more liberty then we, but not much: 'Tis very true, that we were in a very fine prison, (if any can be so) for certainly the King of Assyria's palace, is the most stately thing in the world: The Princesse chamber was on that side which looks towards the great plain, along the River Euphrates, and has a prospect of above fifty furlongs from Babylon; and you know very well, how this prospect is full of variety and delightful, either in respect of the River,

which there winds and turns it self very pleasantly, or in respect of many stately houses which are obvious to the eye, and which are inviron'd round with palm trees: In that quarter was the Princesse lodging, out of which a Balcone jetted out, in which she used to sit, when the weather was fair. I remember, that one night, she was sitting there very late; and as the King her father, and Artamenes took up much of her thoughts; Imagine Martesia (said she to me) how glad and sorry both I should be, if in the morning when I open this window, I should spie a Medean, and a Cappadocian Army; really, said she, I think that I should not be able to contain my self; delight to see relief, and fear lest it should prove in vain for me, and fatal to them who bring it, would so disturb my soul, that I should never have strength, or constancy enough to live out the event: But alas, Martesia, I am not likely to be either glad or sad, upon such an occasion: solitude and si∣lence, that raigns in all this vast plain, which we dimly discover through the obscurity of the night, does tell me that my defenders are not there; and we see nothing by the gloomy light of Stars and Moon, but only trees and this great River: It was then two dayes since we saw the Prince Mazares, and he being the greatest part of our conversation, the Princesse was very sorry that she did not see her protector, for so she often called him: But after the Princesse had sufficiently entertained her contemplations, she retired into a chamber which joyned unto that where we were, and where commonly she passed away the day. The next morning, as soon as she was drest, one came to tell her that the King of Assyria desired admittance; and as soon as he was entered, Madam, (said he to her, after he had saluted her with all due reverence) will you be pleased to do me the favour, as to go in that chamber, where commonly you use to be? Sir, (said she to him, making signs unto Arianta and me to follow her) Captives must not chuse the places of their prison, and in saying so she followed him, who presented her his hand, and we also followed them. When we were come into that chamber, the King of Assyria, went unto the Balcone, and drawing a great Curtain which ran upon hoops of gold, to open and shut as one pleased, we discovered all that great plain, which the night before we saw so solitary, full of Souldiers in arms; and as they were drawn up into multitudes of Squadrons, Battalia's, and Ensigns, they seemed to be four hundredthousand men: You may imagine, wise Chrisantes, what effect such a terrible object did work in the heart of Mandana; and at the first she did imagine it to be the Army of Ciaxares, but she continued not in that delighting errour; for the King of Assyria turning towards her; you see Madam (said he to her) that my design to Conquer and deserve you, is not judged by the Gods so criminal as you think, since they thus prosper it; and since so many Kings and Princes as there is in this Army do take my part, and since two hundred thousand men are ready to expose their lives for the love of me. The Princesse, seeing her hopes deceived, did cast her eyes upon the Army; and though by reason of the remotenesse she could not discern the Ensigns, yet it seemed they were not Medeans: Then hastily turning aside, as not enduring so terrible an object; oh Sir, (cried she out) what do you let me see? what kind of punishment have you invented wherewith to torment me? would you have me all at once resent the wounds, your Souldiers shall give unto those of my party? would you have me apprehend my misfortunes before they fall upon me? what would you have unhappy Mandana do? I would have you know (answered he) that upon your will depends the destiny of all Asia: Thus many men, thus many Provin∣ces, and thus many Kingdoms, have you brought hither, in my behalf. I know Madam (added he) that the King your Father, assisted by the King of Persia, has brought his Troops into the field, and that he is upon the banks of the River Gindes, to come to you; and therefore, Madam, I put my self into a posture of defence, and try if this last remedy will mollifie your heart: Consider, if you please Madam, that the Kings of Lydia, Phrygia, Arabia, Hircania, and a hundred other most valiant Princes who are in my Army, do not acknowledge the King your Father, nor are they in love with you as I am, and there∣fore will not spare you as doubtlesse I shall do: Consider seriously, I conjure you, that amongst two hundred thousand men, one of them may easily deprive you of that person who is so dear unto you: Oh cruel man (cried she) unto what a fearful punishment do you expose me? Ah pittilesse Princesse (answered he) whose hard heart, had rather all Asia should be in arms, that it should swim in bloud, and be ruined, and that the King your Father should be engaged in a dangerous war, rather then accept the affection of a Prince who adores you, who lives not but for you, and who is ready to imply this same Army to Conquer more Crowns for you, if those he has does not satisfie your ambition: you see Madam, two hundred thousand men, ready to march, and ready to fight when

occasion requires: yet although so many valiant Captains and Souldiers be all impatient to look their enemies in the face, and fight them, yet one favourable look from you is able to make all their Arms fall out of their hands: Yes Divine Princess, the Fate of people depends upon your eyes: Cast but one pleasant look upon me; pronounce but one advantagious word unto me; be but lesse cruel, and afford me but one spark of hope, and then all Asia shall rest in peace, and the King your Father in safety: Speak then I conjure you; or if you will not speak, let your eyes speak for you; say that you will hereafter love the King of Assyria; or promise once only, that you will love Artamenes no longer. Pronounce the doome Madam, Must I fight, or must I disarme: But consider well, before you give the fatal sentence. Sir (answered the Princesse) The Gods are absolute Masters of all men, and Mandana ought not to usurp that Supream authority over them: It is my part patiently to endure the mis∣fortunes they shall send me, and not oppose their wills: If they were not resolved upon a warre they would change my heart, and also the heart of my father to pardon you. So, I am not in a condition to dispose of my own will. It is enough I know from your mouth, that the King of Medes is in Arms against you; I may know thereby, that it is not permitted me, to afford you either a favourable look, or an advantageous syllable, or to give you the least glimps of hope. Since he holds you for his enemy, I have a new cause to use you ill, nor must I pardon you, though I should be so weak as to wish it: And though Artamenes were not living, yet I should be the same I am unto you: Moreover, although your Army be very great, yet will I hope, the Gods will be favoura∣ble unto the justnesse of my Cause, making all my fathers enemies to fall before him, and giving him the Victory: Yet the Gods do know, if I could with the losse of my life, prevent the danger of my fathers, I should sacrifice it with incredible joy: Yes Sir, if you can suffer me to be that Ʋictim, which will bring peace unto all Asia, I freely con∣sent unto it, with all my heart: And if nothing will give you satisfaction, but the taking Mandana away from unfortunate Artamenes, I also consent unto it, so you will put her into her grave; and that it may be permitted her to passe out of the hands of the King of Assyria, into the hands of Death, which she would sooner chuse. But in the Name of the Gods Sir, be Generous: Do an Heroick act; surmount that passion which is in your heart: The conquest of Mandana, is not worth half the blood which will be spilt. Love does deceive you Sir, and that Beauty which thus charmes you, is but a pleasing desu∣sion: And although she were as fair as you phansie her, yet at the best, it would be but a treasure which time would certainly steal from any that enjoyes it: Recollect your self therefore Sir, and if there be any spark of reason in you, affect honour, and glory, and prefer it above Mandana; That is much more fair then she, and will treat you better: Then will you esteem Mandana more, and also she will you; nor will she then blame you for the injuries you have done her: Consider that such a Princesse as she, is not worthy of so constant a love as yours; think how she hates you, treats you coursly, and will never love you. In short, either by reason, or revenge, or out of generosity, restore Peace unto all Asia, and hate Mandana, who hates you. I would do so Madam, (said the King of Assyria) if I could, but alas, I cannot if I would; and I think, it is as impossible for me, not to love Mandana, as it is impossible for Mandana, not to love Artamenes. But Madam (added this Prince, in extream anger) If you love the life of your father the King of Medea, be moved with my prayers, for know assuredly, that there is not a valiant man in all my Army, which has not a resolute designe to encounter with him: Imagine that all the Arrows in the hands of all these souldiers which you see, are aimed at Artamenes; that all their spears are set against his heart, and that all Engines, all Strategems, all offensive Arms, are employed particularly against him; and that, it rests onely in your power to take so many enemies off him: Therefore cruel woman, if you love Artamenes, hate not me, but give me some slight signe of your good will, and repentance. No Sir, (answe∣red the Princesse) you do not yet know me; for if I would have changed my minde, it would have been when I heard the name of my Father pronounced; and that which I will not do for him, I will never do for Artamenes; Not but that (since you force me to tell it) I am infinite tender of that Prince, and shall preserve an immoveable fidelity for him: and between a Father and a Lover, I will do what befits me, without any wavering what resolution to take. Then Madam (said he in a more sharp Tone) we must go fight, and you have appointed it so. The Princesse, seeing that he was in earnest, and was going away much moved, that boldnesse which she retained in speaking unto him, did forsake her, and tears came in her eyes; she then threw her self at his feet, and fast holding him,

(Oh Sir, said she unto him) what are you intending to do? To fight and vanquish if I can, said he unto her, and hastily lifting her up: But though you should vanquish the King my Father, yet you should never vanquish the heart of Mandana (replied she) but on the contrary, I here declare unto you, in the presence of the gods, who hear me, that if in this War, either the King my Father, or the Illustrious Artamenes do die in it, you shall expect nothing from Mandana, but her death: Fight Sir, as long as you will, you shall not enjoy the fruits of your victory: And since the prize for which you fight is in my dispose, you shall never obtain it: You may perhaps overcome the King my Father; and you may perhaps, cause Artamenes to be killed, after he once gave you your life: but you cannot hinder Mandana from dying: So that Sir, if you bring her into despair, she shall also do the like for you. Think with your self once more, and consider it well; for indeed if you be vanquished, then you will be vanquished with abundance of shame, considering the injustice of the Action: and if you be Conquerour, you will finde no other recompence for all your pains, but the Coffin of Mandana. The gods Madam, answered he, did not send you unto the earth, to take you away so soon; and I will hope that if I return Conquerour, you will then change your thoughts of me. If ever I see you Victorious (replied the Princesse) and the noise of your Victory precede your returne, my death shall precede the day of your Triumph. But Madam (replied this Prince) what would you have me do? Since things are at that passe I cannot live without you; and since I cannot suffer Artamenes to live, and you to love him, but not the King of Assyria; yet Madam, I see you had rather all Asia should perish, and you hope I shall perish in it: Yes, yes Ma∣dam, I read this secret joy in your heart, which mingles it self with your sorrows; but yet for all that, I still respect you, love you and adore you: Judge Madam, whether there be any comparison between the love of Artamenes and mine: For he sees, he is beloved of the fairest Princesse upon earth, what wonder is it, that he should be faithfull unto such a Princesse who scorns all the Grandure of the World for him? To know the difference be∣twixt his love and mine, seem Madam to scorne him, as you do me, and treat but him as you treat me; then, if after that, he shall love you as do, I shall confesse he has more right unto your affection then I have. You know Madam, that I am Master in Babylon, and so can cause my self to be obeyed; Yet you have commanded absolutely here, and I let you have the liberty to scorne me, and all this because I am possessed with such a passi∣on as has no paralell, which combats with all those violent desires which are in my heart, and which will not permit me to do any thing but adore you. Indeed Madam, I must be gone, and carry sword and fire to the Camp of my enemies: I must go and seek out Arta∣menes; you will have it so, and I will obey you; In the mean time, I know you will pray unto the gods for his Victory and my ruine; but I conjure you to change your heart. I have onely thus much to say unto you Madam, That if when I am gone, the image of all those misfortunes which you cause, shall happily move you to repent of so unjust a Reso∣lution, and would have the Wars to cease; It is but sending the meanest of your servants unto me, and write onely this word, HOPE, and at that very instant when I shall re∣ceive that happie Ticket, though I were in the midst of Battle, and my hand lifted up to kill Artamenes, and although the Victory were almost sure unto me, yet I will promise you (Inexorable Princesse) to sound a Retreat; to flee before my enemies, to come and throw my self at your feet, and look in your eyes, for a confirmation of that blessed syllable. Whilest this Prince was speaking thus, Mandana was so sunk in sorrows, that she hardly understood him what he said; and found her self so weak that she was glad to sit down upon the seat which was in the Balcone; so that the King of Assyria see∣ing she was inflexible, and would speak no more unto him, he left her, after he unperceived∣ly had kissed her Robe: When he was in another Chamber, he caused me to be called unto him, but I confesse that I never in all my life saw a more desperate man: He spoke unto me a hundred things which I should repeat unto the Princesse, and I an∣swered him as well as I could, to reduce him unto Reason. And since the Princesse mena∣cing her own death, did much trouble his minde, Martesia, said he to me, you shall answer for the life of Mandana; speak no more in my behalf if you please, but be sure you look unto her preservation: afterwards he said the same unto Arianta, and all the rest of the women about her; also he spoke much more unto Mazares, whom he was to leave Governour in Babylon; and who had been busied in those Troops which his father had sent up to the Rendezvouz, and that was the reason we saw him not two days together. But Chrisantes, if I should relate all that the Princess said after the King of Assyria was de∣parted,

it would ingage me unto a long discourse: she rose up, and would once againe view this multitudinous Army: But alas what sad thoughts did it produce? Alas Mar∣tesia, (said she, after she had been a long while silent) can I ever consent that all these troops, should march against my father, and against Artamenes? must I expose the lives of two, who are so infinitly dear unto me, to a long and dangerous war? Can I who ever had an Antipathy to war, consent, that so many thousands of men, so many Prin∣ces, so many Kings, should be killed for the love of me? must so many innocent soules suffer for my sake? Ah no, no, Martesia, I am infinitly wronged; and there was some passages in the King of Assyrias discourse, at which I doubt whether I had my reason a∣bout me or no: yet I do confess that neither my heart nor my tongue had so much power as to afford him one advantagious word: I know not whether it be an effect of hatred unto him as the Ravisher of Mandana, or an effect of love unto Artamenes: But per∣haps, I have not said enough to qualifie him; yet what should I do? said she upon a sud∣den, doubtless I have lost my reason; my heart and my tongue have been more Just, then my conceipt; for the truth is, neither peace nor war are in my dispose; though I should expell that hatred, which I have of that Prince who has so injuriously taken me away: though I should think no more upon Artamenes, and though I should resolve to be so wicked as to submit unto the King of Assyria, yet all these base courses would not advan∣tage me, since the King my father would not give over the war; and since the Illustrious Artamenes would become more bloody and furious, for culpable Mandana, then he would be for Innocent Mandana. Moreover, do I not know very well, that ever since the famous Dejoca who set Medea at liberty, and delivered them from the tyrannie of the Assyrians, there has been an irreconciliable hatred between those two people? & were it Just that a Princess descended from the illustrious blood of the restorer of her countrey should bring it againe into servitude? no Martesia; for whether I do consider the King of Assyria, as the Ravisher of Mandana, or as an enemy unto the King of the Medes, or as the enemy of Ar∣tamenes or as the tyrant of my countrey; I have behaved my self towards him, as I ought to do. But Artamenes is in the same Army that my father is: he hath already saved his life, & may do so againe, and considering the justness of their cause, it may be hoped, the gods will protect and preserve them both. But Chrisantes, all her contemplations of the Justness of her cause did not procure her so much rest, as the sight of this vast Army did disquiet her: Madam, said I, look no longer upon those troops which so much trouble you; or if you will needs view them, then look upon them as a subject of glory for the King your father and for Artamenes: Ah, alas my dear Martesia, (cryed she) who can tell whether amongst all these I look upon, I do not see the murderer of my father, or of Artamenes? truly Chrisantes, I was forced to pull her away violently unto another Chamber: mean while, we were informed, that the Army would depart the next morning, and that the King of Assyria had intelligence how the Medean Army had passed the River Gindes, by a prodigi∣ous invention which you are not ignorant of since you were there; and how they had repulsed some Assyrian troops which were on this side the river: the King therefore de∣parted in all hast, and caused the army to march: the Prince Mazares, moved with thoughts of honour, did much desire to accompany him: But the King of Assyria would trust the guard of Babylon and the keeping of the Princesse unto none but him: so that he conjured him to stay behind: and I know not whether, thoughts of love (notwithstan∣ding the great heart of this Prince) made him glad of it: It was the King of Assyrias mind that the troops which belonged unto Mazares should stay in Babylon; to the end, that if the people did murmur at the injustice of this war, in his absence, those forraigne forces might keep them in obedience: but that which was most admirable, was this, that the King of Assyria, a little before he left Mazares, he drew him aside; and with an un∣quiet and much disordered mind spoke to him in these termes: you see my dear Mazares, that Artamenes is alwayes very fortunate and invincible: he hath got over that River in eight dayes, which might have been well a years work: he hath done that which was only the work of a god, and if I be not mistaken, fortune has not thus friended him, to forsake him afterwards, not but that I know my army is thrice as strong as the King of Medes, for, for all that I may be overcome, and also killed in the fight: know, that by rea∣son of my unexpressible passion for the Princess Mandana, I am terribly tormented with this cruel thought, that if I die, then will Artamenes quietly enjoy the affection of Manda∣na: promise me therefore, I conjure you, that if I die, you will fight with Artamenes, and never deliver up the Princess unto the King her father untill that too happy Rivall be

dead also: promise me this I entreat you, and seal it with an oath: for after that, I shall be at some rest; and be less tormented with that envious Jealousie which persecutes me: and I confess unto you, that if I thought any one should enjoy Mandana, I should die desperate: But considering the extream affection she has unto Artamenes, I shall hope that if you kill him, she will never love any other nor ever marry. This Mazares, is the service I expect from you, and which doubtless you will not refuse me, though it be som∣thing difficult, it must be acknowledged that you cannot kill Artamenes, but it will be a great glory unto you; and you will that way find a recompence, in doing this office for me. I leave you to Judg whether Mazares was not much surprised at such discourse, and you may easily think, that without any denyall he promised the King his desire, it being most certaine, that since reports went in Babylon, Artamenes was drawing towards it, his passion grew more violent. So Chrisantes, the King of Assyria went away much satisfied with what Mazares promised, which was, to fight with Artamenes, in case he died. Now were we under the dispose of Mazares, who doubled his civilities and goodness to us; and in the tormenting fears in which we continually were, to hear some ill news, it might be said our captivity was not rigorous, yet it was very much notwithstanding that. The Prince Mazares, never came into the Princess chamber, but she trembled, and looked for some ill tidings from the army. As for him; he was more and more amorous, and I think he had need of all his generosity, to wish the King of Assyria victory. I re∣member, one day, that when he saw the Princess much troubled, and that according to his custom he was very melancholy, Mandana, thinking compassion of her misfortunes, was only the cause of it, Sir (said she unto him) I am not a little beholding unto you, since being what you are unto the King of Assyria, you are so good as to interest your self in any thing which concerns me: Indeed Madam, answered he, you have wrought a strange alteration in my heart: I confess notwithstanding, that I cannot wish the King of Assyria were vanquished, yet I have much ado to wish him victory; and all this Madam out of my love to you; and I hope you will not condemn me for it; no said she but on the contrary, I much commend you, and think you more innocent for truly, not to be prejudicated in the business of a Prince whom you love, and to favour the interest of an un∣fortunate Princess whom you scarsly know, is truly generous: Ah Madam, replied Ma∣zares, do not say I beseech you, that I do not know Mandana: for I know her so per∣fectly well, that none upon earth knowes her betters; and therefore I do in some sort be∣tray the King of Assyria: also I do know (added he) her own misfortunes better then she her self does: I doubt it not, (replied the Princess) for since you know him who is the cause of them better then I do, you may also better see those dangerous consequences which that cause may produce. Thus Chrisantes did Mazares, somtimes speak such things as might move some suspition of his secret thoughts, and thus did the ingenuity of the Princess cause her to expound them without any subtilty: In the mean time, we were alwayes upon extream incertainties: the least noise troubled us: I never came into Man∣danas chamber, but she looked in my face to see if she found any ill news in it; and she often thought, that she found signes of victory to the King of Assyria in it, and the death of her father and Artamenes. But presently after, as we stood in that Balcone, which I named before, we discovered a great thick dust, arise from the earth in that great plaine a great way off: and presently after, we discerned a great body of horse appeared: this tight, and the Princess feares, made her look pale: But after we had well considered them; me thought they came too fast, and in too great disorder, towards Babylon to bring victory with them: Madam, (said I unto the Princess) certainly we have had the better on it; it is easie to be seen; for besides that they are no great number, they come in such hasty con∣fusion, as conquerors would never do. But Martesia, (said the Princess to me, alwayes fearing the worst) how know you, whether or no these be prisoners of war, which they send away; and whether the King my father, or Artamenes, be not amongst these I see? But Chrisantes presently after, our doubts were all cleared: for a little after these troopes were come into the Town, we heard a great noise upon the staires〈…〉〈…〉 and after that; we saw the dore of our Chamber opened, and the King of Assyria enter: with his Arms all broken, and stain'd with blood in divers places: his scarfe all to••n and bloody ••his plume all ruffled, broken and bloody likewise, for he had a slight wound in his shoulder: There were such signes of sorrow in his eyes, and so many marks of fury in his face: that the Princess was out of all fears of her father or Artamenes. As soon as this desperat Prince was come into the Chamber; your prayers Madam are heard. Artamenes has got the better of us; and I hoped once in my life not to displease you, in seeing at your feet him whom

fortune has conquered: It is none of my fault Sir, (replied the Princess) that this misfor∣tune is fal'n unto you; and if you would have suffered my prayers to have overcome you, Artamenes never should have vanquished you; and the victory which you would have obtained over your self, had been more glory to you, then that, which Artamenes has, is ho∣norable unto him. Madam, (replied the King of Assyria) can Mandana whom I have often seen so sweet and compassionate over the meanest subjects of the King her father, hear with dry eyes, and calme soule, that for the love of her, there is a field full of dead and dying men; Charriots overthrown; Armes broken; Kings lost their lives: Princes wounded or prisoners: an infinite number of souldiers wallowing in their own blood; & that neer four hundred thousand men have fought for you, can I say, this obdurat Princess, see me wounded, and vanquished at her feet, without one thought of compassion? me, I say, who have quite lost all my fury as soon as I saw her; who as soon as I look upon her has no sorrowes for my defeat; and who should esteem my self very happy to suffer all these disgraces if it were permitted me to hope, that she would once pitty my misfor∣tunes. Yes cruell Princess, though I be vanquished, wounded, and misfortunat, yet you can if you please, make me the happiest of men: but I beseech you, do not insult over a miserable man; and consider, that Artamenes is not yet got into Babylon: and Madam to temper your Joy a little, give me leave to tell you, that it is not so easie a thing to enter it, as it is to vanquish in the field: Battles doe more particularly depend upon fortune then fieges, and therefore I can answer more absolutly for the event of the one then of the other: and Babylon shall all be butchered, & also I will burie my self in its ruines, then suffer Artamenes to enjoy you: Sir (said the Princess, interrupting him without any passionate disorder) fear of death, does not tremble my soul, and you have so accustomed me to de∣sire it, that it is not a threatning which affrights me, if you should tell me of perishing in flames: Ha Madam (said this Prince kneeling unto her) I beseech you pardon an unfortunat man, in whom you have not left the use of reason: I thought not of what I said, when I said so unto you: but yet, what would you have me do? I have often told you and do so againe, that Artamenes shall never enjoy you as long as I live, nor shall Artamenes over∣come me without some danger to himself, as brave and fortunat as he is. But Sir, (said the Princess unto him) Is it possible you should be so blind, as not to see the gods are against you? But Inhumane Princess, (replied he) Is it possible you should not consider that you are the cause of this war, and are the most cruel woman in the world? which way can your heart be moved? when I last spoke unto you, I said in my self to excuse you, that great souls are never flexible with armes in their hands; and you speaking almost in the head of two hundred thousand men, said that there would be found some way to resist me: But now, I come unto you vanquisht, wounded, and miserable; (confess the truth) is it not somthing Inhumane, Barbarous, and Cruel, not to look upon me with some com∣passion at the least? the gods do know Sir, (replied the Princess) that I am no lover of war, and that I am a wisher of peace unto all Asia: But for all that I can contribute no∣thing towards it but my prayers, my will depends upon my fathers; and my affection is a thing I cannot take away again after I have given it: Oh Madam, (said the King of Assyria; interrupting her) speak no more in the name of the gods, drive me not into absolut despair: for I confess, I am afraid my reason has forsaken me, and that those respects which I would have unto you untill death, will (whether I will or no) so sake me also: speak not at all, when you can speak nothing but what is insufferable: yet (said he in go∣ing away) since my blood mingled with my tears will not move you, and since the vanquish∣ed King of Assyria, is no pleasing object unto you, I will leave you to rejoyce at the victo∣ry of Artaments, in saying so, he went out of the Princess chamber; and after he had taken all necessary order for those troops, which escaped the Rout; and for the preserva∣tion of the town; he went to bed: for though the wound he received was not very con∣siderable, yet he having lost much blood, it had a little weakned him: though he was dressed at a little town about twelve surlongs from Babylon: you may imagin Sir, what variety of thoughts the Princess had: and how impatient she was to know all passges, but it was not possible for us to be better satisfied: we understood that the King of Assy∣ria, after he was vanquished, apprehending there might arise some sedition within Baby∣lon, came in all hast, that he might be in the town, before the reports of his defeat: yet what questions soever we asked, we could receive but confusedly the particulars of the Battle: yet they kept us up more close then before, and changed chambers, with inten∣tion doubtless to deprive us of that consolution, in seeing the victorious army of the King

her father: I will relate unto you no more of the King of Assyria's despair, and how ir∣resolute he was in coming to Babylon, whether he should see the Princesse or no: The shame of his defeat denied it, but his extream desire to see her constrained it; also he thought that happily he might move her to pitty his misfortune: since he was not much wounded, he left his bed the next day, and began to prepare for a Siege, and to take all re∣quisite orders to hold it out. He imagined that since the time of lying in the field was al∣most at an end, the King of Medes could not take Babylon in one winter, but would be compelled to raise his Siege, and defer it until the spring; during which time he would use all the wayes he could to move the mind of Mandana, either by fair means or foul; and also would in the mean time prepare himself for a new battle. For our parts, Chrisantes, we did not fully relish our joys; for we saw Mazares so sad, as caused us to apprehend he had discovered some ill intentions in the mind of the King; also it was easie for us to conceive that the Siege of Babylon could not be without much danger; yet this happy beginning gave us good heart; and so much joy as drave a great part of our fears out of our souls. The Gods (said the Princesse) are too just and good to forsake us; and I have greater confidence in their justice, then in the arms of the King my Father, or the valour of Artamenes. Mean while, we treated Mazares much more civil then ordinary; for since we feared nothing so much as the violent humour of the King of Assyria, Mazares was the only hopes we had, to preserve us from him; but we did not know all the interest he hoped for in the Princesse. In conclusion, as you know better then I; the Siege of Ba∣bylon began, and both sides did as much as men of great hearts could do, both in assaulting, and defending: It was now, wise Chrisantes, that our fears were without intermission; for we know there was not a day in which the Besiegers did not make an assault, and in which the Besieged did not make a Sally; so that our whole life was but a continued fear: Our fears were not only for the King, and for Artamenes, and Mazares, whom we under∣stood commanded the parties which Sallyed very often; but I remember the Princesse one day, could not chuse but complain her self unto him; Generous Prince (said she, when she was informed he had been fighting) I look upon you as the only protector which I have in Bubylon; as one who is infinitely dear unto me, and as one who is infinitely ser∣viceable unto the King of Assyria, and as one whose vertue is a great consolation unto me; yet I do know that as soon as you are out of the wals of Babylon, you do become one of my most dangerous enemies; since you are one of the most valiant amongst them; and that the illustrious Mazares, whom Mandana cals her dear protector, does endeavour to kill not only that man whom she respects as her deliverer, but also the King her Father: In∣deed (said she unto him) you are very cruel to take away from me the liberty of praying for you, for indeed all that I can do upon this occasion, is, to wish that you be neither con∣queror nor conquered by those whom you assault, and who are assaulted by you: you are all goodnesse, (replied Mazares sighing) to say so unto me Madam; but yet honour, Ma∣dam, will not permit me to be continually mewed up within wals, whilest so many brave men arefighting: when I leave you in Babylon, I do confesse it is with much regret; And it is extreamly against my mind, that I should quit the glorious title of your protector, to assume that of your enemy, but yet reason will have it so, and there is no way to help it; for besides that honour which I told you of, and besides other reasons which I have, what would the King of Assyria think if I should do otherwise? I should become suspected, and perhaps be deprived of the honour and liberty to see you; Therefore, Madam, if I be cul∣pable in any thing, it is not in this; yet notwithstanding, I do confesse, that I am infi∣nitely to be blamed, and the condition I am in is extreamly unfortunate. Alas, said the Princesse, I am very sorry to be any cause of your disquiets, and if could find out any way, to let Artamenes know how much I am obliged unto you; I am certain he would not fight against you, if he did but know you: But rather he would fight against those of his own side, if they should assault you in his presence: I question not Madam, (replied Mazares blushing) but if Artaments did know me by your report, he would esteem me, but if he did know me by my own addresses, he would not perhaps use me so: you are very mo∣dest (said the Princess to him, who did not suspect any hidden sence in his (words) & you make me wonder; but however, said she, I beseech you remember two things when you go to fight: The one is, that there are in the Army which Besiegeth Babylon, two Princes whose lives are infinitely dear unto me; and the other is that in you only is all the con∣solation and support that I have in Babylon against the King of Assyria: As Mazares was making answer, one came to tell him that the King enquired for him, and certainly it was

advantagious for him to be so interrupted, for doubtlesse he was much nonplust to give a direct answer unto the Princesse without contradicting his own thoughts, which were not very quiet, since I verily believe, that never was soul more passionate then the soul of Ma∣zares, nor any more vertuous, although the violence of love induced the Prince unto some things that were not over just. Mean while, winter, contrary to the common custome of that Country, did draw fast on us, and the weather was very sharp, which did as much rejoyce the King of Assyria, as it grieved us, out of our fears that the King of Medes and Artamenes would be compelled to raise their Siege. We had then no other recourse, but unto our prayers; and the Princesse, by the mediation of the Prince Mazares, obtained permission, to go unto the Temple of Jupiter Belus every day; which Temple is the most most stately and famous Church in all Babylon: as well because that this god is the protector of the Assyrians, and him whom they pray unto at the beginning of Battels; as also be∣cause of the Oracles which are there given by the mouth of a woman, whom Jupiter Belus made choice of to declare his will unto them who would know it: And since, I think, if my memory deceive me not, that you have heretofore told me, how you never was at the place of those Oracles all the while you staied at Babylon; and since there is no likelihood, that you should see it since, considering the tumult and confusion in which you put the Town, at the taking of it; It is therefore requisite, that I represent it unto you in a few words; after one is entered into the stately court of the Temple, and passed through those most magni∣ficent gates of Braffe which opens into it; one shall find the door of that prodigious Tower, which supports seven others above it, unto the top of which one ascends by winding stairs, supported by pillars of Copper: In the midst of every pair of stairs, there are seats to rest upon, and when one is come unto the heighest Turret of all, one shall find a little, but most magnificent Temple, wherein is to be seen a great Statue of Jupiter Belus, made of massie Gold, a Table of Gold also, and a Throne of the same metal, and many both great and rich vessels; there is also a most stately Altar; upon which the Chaldeans who first con∣stituted Ceremonies of Religion in Babylon, did every year at the grand Sacrifice, burn above a hundred Talents of Incense. As one goes out of that, they enter into another, but lesse, in which was a Couch all covered over with gold, and a Table of the same metal, with a great Lamp of gold also upon it, which was alwayes burning. This place was not open on any side but the door, which being shut, there was no light at all; It was in this place, where that woman whereof I spoke, did reside in the day time, and on that Couch sleeps in the nights, after the example of one who is reported to be in Egypt at Thebes, and another at Patares a Town in Licia,: Here I say does the Prophetess live, separated from all the rest of the world, and delivers Oracles unto those who come, and consult with her. After this, Chrisantes, I shall tell you, how being moved unto it either out of devo∣tion, or by a kind of curiosity, when we were one day in the Temple of Jupiter Belus, to wit, in the great Temple below, where every one does ordinarily walk, the Princesse had a great mind to go into the top of the highest Tower, and to visit this famous woman of Babylon, and to desire her assistance unto the Gods, without any design of consulting with the Oracle at all: How, Chrisantes, may the chance of things be admired; Mazares, who was then in the Temple, presented his hand unto the Princesse, to lead her up those stairs which were very steep; but both he and we were much amazed, when we came to the top of this high Tower, and found the King of Assyria, without any with him but the Captaine of his Guard, who was come thither to consult with this woman; certainly, if the Princesse had known of his being there, she would not have come thither that day: since be was but only entered into the little Temple, and had not yet spoke with the Pro∣phetesse, he thought this accident fell out happily for him, and intended to inform him∣self what he was to expect, as the event of his passion; but before he spoke unto the Pro∣phetesse, he addressed himself unto the Princesse, and told her very civilly; Madam, said he, doublesse you are come hither to solicite the gods against the King of Assyria: But be∣fore the prayers of one so vertuous as your self have incensed the god of this place who is here adored; I beseech you permit him to consult, and in your presence to enquire the in∣tention of the Deity: The Princesse, who though she could expect nothing from heaven which was not advantagious for her, considering the innocency of her life, and purity of her thoughts, told him that she was glad to see such signs of piety in him, and consented unto what he desired: we entered then into that little place destined for Oracles, where the woman who was very fair, and in very magnificent habit, asked him, as she would have done the meanest of his subjects, and with no more respect, what he would know? I would

have you (said he to her very submissively) supplicated that god who reveals the secrets of men unto you, that he would be pleased to tell me by your mouth, whether the Princesse Mandana will be eternally inhumane, and whether ever those torments which I endure will have an end? At these words this woman opened a great gate of Gold, which was close by her Couch, and kneeling down upon a Cushion, she was a long time, holding up her head unto the mouth of a little obscure Vault, which that golden grate did shut up, and which was hewed out of the thicknesse of the wall: afterwards, being wrapt, and possessed with a divine spirit which transported her, she unfolded the tresses of her hair, which spread about her shoulders; then rising up and turning towards the King of Assyria, with a face quite altered, her eyes sparkling more then before, her complexion ruddy, and her voice more clear, she distinctly pronounced these words.

The ORACLE.

Well mayest thou hope, to make her mourn For all her cruelty and scorn, Because hereafter in her arms, Thou there shalt find such pleasing charms, As quite shall terminate thy pain, And turn thy sorrows into gain.

I leave you to imagine Chrisantes, how much was the joy of the King of Assyria, and how great was the grief of Mandana: how deep was the despair of Mazares, though he durst not shew it, and what a wonder it was unto me; the truth is, I cannot expresse it: for we did almost certainly know there could be no cheat in this Oracle, since the King could not know that the Princesse would come thither; and certainly the woman was of a very great reputation, and extraordinary sanctity, so that we could not suspect the least trick in it; also it was by reason of this good repute that the Princesse desired to see her: but oh heavens, how many tears did this curiosity cost her! she went presently out of the Temple, and spoke not a word unto this woman as she did intend, and went unto the Pa∣lace extreamly melancholly: The King of Assyria went thither with her; and he was no sooner in her chamber, but looking upon her with many signs of satisfaction in his counte∣nance; Well Madam, said he to her, will you contend with the gods? The gods, answered she, are not unjust, and thats all my hope: They are not unjust I confesse (replied he) but withall you must acknowledge with me that they can be no lyers: I know it well (re∣plied she) but I know also that they are incomprehensible; and it is presumptuous rashnesse in men, to think they can perfectly understand their language. They do explain themselves so clearly (replied he) that I can doubt no longer of my good fortune: They explain themselves so unjustly in appearance (answered she) that I cannot believe they are well understood; But Sir (added the Princesse, who desired to be alone and at liberty to bewaile this new misfortune) if it be the pleasure of the gods to make an alteration in my soul, leave all the care of it unto them, and meddle you no more with it; they have power enough to do it themselves, if they please to have it so; and I pray you leave me a little quietnesse; cruel woman (said he in leaving her) do you resist both heaven and earth? but however it is my part to obey you; as he went out, Mazares, who left us in the Temple came in; but so sad, that I wonder we did not suspect the true cause of it, yet we had not the least thought of it: but he disguised his melancholly, under pretence of that which he discovered in the Princess, which was not a little: you are very generous Mazares, said she to him, not to parti∣cipate of the King of Assyria's joy, or at least to hide it from me at this time; I protest Ma∣dam, answered he, you have no cause to thank me, for being more sensible of your sorrow then the King of Assyria's joy, since, to tell you truly, my heart does it without any consultation with my reason, & since I do nothing but what I cannot chuse. Indeed Orsanes told me after∣wards

that he was no less troubled at the Oracle then the Princesse was; and this conversation at this time was not very regular, for sometimes Mandana would be reserved, and sometimes Mazares would silently entertain his thoughts; and Orsanes has told me, that when he did secretly call to minde the present condition of his Fortune, he could not deplore it enough: Alas, said he to himself, what can I hope for? if Mandana speak, it is after such a manner as makes me believe that Artamenes is the onely happy man she loves: and if I hearken unto the Oracle, then the King of Assyria must have his hopes satisfied, and Artamenes must be as unfortunate as Mazares: But whilest this Prince was thus ruminating, the Princesse coming suddenly out of her musing; how can I think, said she, that my heart should change its resentments; and how can Mandana, ever resolve to make up the felicity of that Prince, who is the cause of all her misfortunes? which way can I ever comprehend it? If ever this Prodigy come to passe, the King my father must first die; Artamenes must not be upon earth, and I must lose my Reason; for without these I cannot comprehend how Mandana can ever be Queen of Assyria, as she must be, if the Oracle be interpreted after the King of Assyrias exposition. I shall never make an end Chrisantes, if I should re∣peat all the discourse between the Princesse, Mazares, and my self. The next morning, the King caused a Magnificent Sacrifice to be offered, to thank the Gods for the Oracle he had received. But here, I beseech you, admire the destiny of things; That same thing, for which the King did thank the gods, the same did incense the people; who began to grumble, and say it was fitter to offer a Sacrifice to appease the Gods, then to thank them: That the war was unjust, that the Princesse Mandana was wronged; that the Babyloni∣ans ought to restore her unto the King her father: Thus when they began to descant upon the actions of their Prince, they fell to murmur, and from murmur it grew to insolence; and from insolence to sedition, and at the last an absolute Revolt. Mean while Winter came fast on, and all was covered with snow: but all this did not make the besiegers give over their designe, and continued it so close, that notwithstanding the vast greatnesse of the Town, there entred no victuals into it: Yet notwithstanding, the Oracle kept up the heart of the King of Assyria; but for all that he was necessitated a few dayes after; for the famine beginning to encrease, and pinch the people, they began to cast off their obedience unto their King; and in one night, this great Town had more enemies in Arms within the walls, then without; although the King of Medes Army, as you know, was become vastly great, since the defeat of the King of Assyria, because many Princes did then quit him, and joyned themselves with Ciaxares. Never was greater confusion then this of Babylon. Some took up Arms, to force the King of Assyria to restore the Prin∣cesse unto the King of Medes: Others were in Arms to keep her, and by her to make an advantagious Peace: Some there were, who being not onely deprived of all reason, but humanity, did speak of sacrificing her; Others, on the contrary, maintained that she de∣served to have Altars erected unto her vertue and constancy: Some would now get, to maintain themselves from those who had too much: And others, without any other pre∣tence, maintained they were in Arms to shake off the yoak of Royalty, and make them∣selves free, since fortune afforded them such a favourable opportunity: And indeed, they all talked so insolently, and high, as I am verily perswaded, that they did contri∣bute as much to the taking of the Town by their Revolt, as all the strength of Ciaxares his Army; or to say better, I think the gods intending to protect the Innocency of the Princesse, and to punish their Rebellion, did make use of themselves for that purpose, and blinded them to their own destruction: And although it seemed, that the furie of the peo∣ple was advantagious unto the Princesse, considering the state of things: yet in lieu of rejoycing her, it did much grieve her; it being most certain, that nothing is more hor∣rible, nor entrencheth so much upon the soveraigne Authority of the Gods, as this re∣bellious Crime, which entrencheth upon the soveraigne Authority of Kings, who are the Images of the gods. Yet, as the King of Assyria is a Prince of a great heart, and Ma∣zares of no lesse to second him, so he hoped to appease this disorder, and resolved to take the onely course by which popular insolencie is reduced unto Reason, which is by example, and punishment of mutineers: But since the thing could not be done without some dan∣ger, because if the besiegers should make an assault upon the Town, at the time that the people were so much incensed, it was to be feared, they would yeeld up the Town; and the King of Assyria apprehended, that then he could not save the Princesse, especially in the night, when the besiegers were most busie in giving Alarms, and when the people are aptest to attempt any thing, because they who are most forward in such tumultuous occasi∣ons,

cannot be known in the dark. He consulted then with Mazares upon it, who told him, that it was Prudence in those who do not resolve to flee, yet to know how they may do it, if any necessity should presse them unto it. It is good reason (said the King of Assyria unto him) for all Babylon and my Crown to boot are nothing to me in compa∣rison of Mandana: And at this time, if I should lose Mandana, I should be in danger to lose my Scepter as well as her, it being to be imagined, that the people will not then endure me, nor suffer me to carry away Mandana with my life: The main difficulty will be to finde out a way to escape, and get out of Babylon if I should be put to it: for, as for a place of Retreat, it is easie to finde one; for since Aribeus is in Pteria, and keeps half of Cappadocia, I cannot wish a safer Sanctuary, This Traitor was so cunning, as to make the people beleeve, that the Princesse was not averse unto such an advantagious marriage; and that it was onely the King her father whom she feared, and caused her to do as she did: But before he could go unto Pteria, he must get out of Babylon, and that was the great difficulty, there being dangers in it both without and within the Town. All this while, the soul of Mazares was in torment, and his minde much divided. As he was good and Generous, he could not without great difficulty contribute any thing unto the misfortune of the Princesse: but as he was passionately in love with her, it was much more difficult for him to consent that ever she should come into the power of Artamenes: and for his own particular interest, he had rather she were in the hands of a hated Lover, then a beloved Lover: Not but that he was terrified at the Oracle, yet the aversion which the Princesse had unto him did make him lesse esteem it: and he found much more danger in Artamenes then in him. Jealousie therefore being predominate in his heart, he applied himself mainly to the King of Assyria's desires, and that with successe, though it was not easie to get out of Babylon unseen: But Chrisantes, I am perswaded, that there is nothing so difficult, which love and jealousie together cannot bring to passe. This Prince then, told the King of Assyria, that he would finde out an expedient for it, and bade him, since he desired him to do his endeavours in it, to command the women which waited upon the Princesse, to let her have no clothes but such as were white, according to the Assyrian fa∣shion, which yet she had not worn, and also the like unto Arianta and my self: The King of Assyria urging him to explain himself and his reasons for it; Mazares told him, that the course would prove infallible; and indeed, made the King confesse that it was in∣genious; and presently gave orders for it, so that the next morning, Arianta and my self, much wondred when we found all our clothes taken from us, and white ones left in their roome, such as women of Quality use to wear in Assyria. I asked the reason of it, and they told me, the King would have it so, because if it should chance the sedition increa∣sed, he might more easily put the Princesse into the Temple, and for her better security to have them passe for Assyrians: Since Mandana was not yet awake, Arianta and I did dresse our selves in them, thinking indeed, that this way might conduce to her safety: But when she called her women, and went to dresse her self, and when she saw they gave her white garments, after the Assyrian Mode, although they were very rich, yet she had such and ex∣tream aversion to them, that I am verily perswaded the gods did foretell unto her, her misfortune: she would not by any means wear them, but when those which waited upon her, told her with tears in their eyes, that it was not in their power to give her any other, she did much against her minde, put them on, and sighing said, that the change of her ha∣bit, should never change her heart: I would make her understand the reasons which they gave for it, but she was not satisfied with them, nor any thing pleased with this new kinde of compulsion. Mean while, the King of Assyria, and Mazares, being resol∣ved to punish the people, were very diligent in giving out orders to that purpose. The King in person, with all the Grandees of the Court, was ready to teach the people the duty which they owed unto their Legitimate King: when a Spie which had been in the Army of Ciaxares, came unto him in a great amaze, and told him that within three or four hours within night, he should see the River Euphrates dry, and fourty thousand men enter at both ends of the Town. At the first, the King of Assyria would not believe it, but the Spie did so directly name the place, where Artamenes caused two great Tren∣ches to be digged, and turn the River into them, that he gave credit unto his words; and the example of the River Ginde, rendred this more probable: The Spie further told him, that if the snow had not hindred the Pioners, the designe had been executed before now. But though he was very circumstantiall in his relation, yet notwithstanding the King of Assyria with Mazares, went unto the top of the Tower of Jupiter Belus, the better

to discover the Works of his Enemies, and when they were there, then the Spie shewed him, though it was far off, the earth which the Enemy had thrown up, as well to shelter themselves from being seen, as to empty the Trenches which were to receive the River Euphrates. You may imagine, Wise Chrisantes, in what a condition this Prince was. He saw from that high Place a whole great Town in Arms against him: and he saw, that he was ready to be assaulted in such a manner, that though the people had seconded him, yet he should have much ado to repell his Enemies: for since the River Euphrates was very broad, he conceived the enemy would enter at both ends of the Town in compleat Battalia; and that he had not time to raise up such works as would prevent them: But this was not the worst he feared; for he thought that as soon as the Enemy appeared, the people would endeavour to take away the Princesse, and make their own conditions with Ciaxares, by rendring her unto him: And seeing himself driven to such a necessity, as that he must defend the Palace where she was, both against the people and the King of Medes, he concluded it to be a thing impossible. At the last, being out of any hopes to keep Babylon, and the Princesse, and love prompting him unto some other course, he endeavoured to execute that designe which he and Mazares had contrived: He went down from the Tower in all hast, and seemed as if he would appease the people by lenity, hoping thereby to gain time, whilest Mazares put all things in a readinesse for the execu∣tion of their enterprize at the beginning of the night, if there were any need of it: The King of Assyria resolved not to depart, untill the designe of his Enemies was in execu∣ting; for he imagined that Artamenes would enter the Town at both ends of it, and that other places would therefore be lesse guarded; because those two places would take up most of their men. But upon a sudden, we heard a terrible noise, for the River being drained in a moment, and the besiegers entred, they caused a most horrible disorder, and confusion. I shall not need to relate any further of it unto you, since I do imagine you were there; but for my Part, I never in all my life heard such an astonishment as this caused in all the streets of Babylon; In the mean time we were in great fears; for al∣though the Princesse did imagine, that perhaps it was Artamenes, who would come and deliver her, yet the danger wherein she apprehended him, caused her fears: As for the King her father, she imagined that he would not venture himself in this attempt. As we were thus betwixt hope and fears, the King of Assyria came in to us; Mazares stay∣ed in the garden of the Pallace; with them who were appointed for our Guard: But the King entring furiously, Madam, (said he to the Princesse, to the end she should make no resistance) the people of Babylon are in great disorder, and since they beleeve you to be the cause of the War, they would have you in their power, therefore I must put you into some place of better security then this. Sir (said she unto him) since I have put my self into the custody of the Gods, it is my duty to wait upon their pleasures, and submit unto what they shall ordain me; and you would do me a great favour, if you would leave me unto their protection; But when she saw four or five men in Arms enter, knowing she was not in a condition to resist, and not knowing that what the King of Assyria said, was untrue, she went with them, and Arianta and I followed her: she asked then, where Mazares was; and he answering her that she should see him presently, she went whither they conducted her. Then were we led into the Garden of the Palace, where Mazares did indeed stay for us: Mandana no sooner saw him, but letting the King of Assyria's hand go, she gave hers unto him, supposing now she had no cause to fear, since he was with her. Then they led us unto a back door, which almost joynes unto the Gates of the Town, which the Troops of Mazares guarded, and who were acquainted with what was de∣signed. When we were ready to go out of the Garden, which was of a huge bignesse, we saw by the help of a candle, which was brought, that the King of Assyria, the Prince Mazares, and ten men who were to be of the Party, took every one of them a white Cassack, which covered them all over, and that they covered their heads also with white. This caused us to think, that the white Garments which they gave us, were designed for the same use: as those which these Princes, and those mens were, al∣though we could not imagine unto what end. Afterwards they brought twelve white Horses; Saddles and Bridles were of the same colour: The King of Assyria got upon one of them, and would have the Princesse to ride behinde him, but she refused, and did chuse Mazares, though with much reluctancy: yet the noise in the Town did so encrease, though we were far enough from the place where it was assaulted, that her fear of falling into the hands of rude and insolent people,

caused her at the last to let Mazares have the care of her safty: Two men of quality of those ten took up Arianta and me behind them: the candle being put out, and the dore open, we went straight unto that gate of the town, which as I already told you was near it: then the King of Assyria and Mazares, commanded a Captain, in a low voice I mean a Captain which guarded that gate, to go and advertise, all the Princes and Souldi∣ers, that they should fight it out no longer, since the town was already lost, and that as many as would might take the advantage of the dark night to save themselves, and take the benefit of this gate: we were not above twelve paces from the walls, but the King of Assyria who went a little before, did ride very softly, lest his horses feet should make to great a noise, more fearing the ears then the eyes of those we should meet: for Chrisan∣tes, the ingenuity of this devise was, in that the Prince Mazares considering that all the fields were covered with snow, and because there was a great mist when we went out, it was impossible that Artamenes should make good his round, and therefore he thought it would be no hard matter to pass between two Courts of guard, and never be perceived, since white is not easily discovered in the snow, and in the night; especially since the moon did not shine: This invention of white horses, and white habits made us invisible, to those who met us, and they who we did meet not being in white as we were, were discovered a good distance off, so that we could shun them before they could see us: there was nothing therefore that the King of Assyria feared but the neighing of the horses and the horses feet: as for the first of these he put it unto fortune, but as for the noise of the horses feet, the snow was so soft that they could not be heard: the King of Assyria find∣ding this, went a little faster and presently after we discovered the guard of Ciaxares his Army. To tell you Chrisantes, what the Princess thought, to see her self in this Equipage, and out of Babylon at that time of night, and on horsback amongst a company of men all in white going in such great silence, I should lengthen my story: at the first she was glad that she had escaped the fury of the rude multitude, so insolent as to mutiny against their Prince: and she thought that whithersoever they carried her, it would be incom∣parably, more easie for Artamenes to get her out of the King of Assyrias power, then in Babylon which she thought impregnable: therefore conceiving it to be most advantagious for Artamenes, and for her own liberty, she went with them without any resistance; and thinking of nothing, but a ready way how to advertise Artamenes, that she was out of Babylon: but she no sooner discovered afar off the guard which before I told you of, but she changed her mind, for when she saw her self so near relief, she was in a mind to cry out, but thinking that if she did so, she should cause Mazares to perish as well as the King of Assyria, therefore she was silent; but whil'st she was consulting in her mind about it, the King of Assyria turned more upon his left hand, and fortunatly escaped this first danger. Yet notwithstanding, since she imagined that we should meet some other troops, she began to speak unto Mazares, who presently desired her to hold her peace, generous prince (said she unto him notwithstanding his desire, and speaking very low lest the King of Assyria should understand) if you have any reall compassion upon me and my misfor∣tunes, permit me, as soon as we shall meet any of the King my fathers troops, to call them unto my relief, and I beseech you promise me that you will not oppose their endea∣vours to deliver me: and by that consequence, you will not hazard your own life which is very dear unto me: you may conceive I could have done it, without speaking unto you, but being so much obliged unto you as I am: I should think the gods would punish me if I should cause your death: Madam (said he unto her, lower then she spoke) the gods do know how much I wish you satisfaction: But Madam I only promised you to prevent the King, from attempting any thing against that reverence which is your due: And I promised that without any scruple, because I did him service also by it, in preventing him from committing a crime: And I do againe promise you Madam, that as long as I live you shall not suffer the least violence from him: But Madam can I in honour betray him thus? to let him be killed, and commit you into the hands of his enemies? yet notwithstanding Madam, if you will do it you may, but I do protest unto you before the gods who hear me, that though I do escape from the fury of your souldiers, yet will I run my sword through my heart, to the end I may not be blamed and shamed by such an act which doubtless you have not considered before you did solicit me. Moreover Madam, since it is night, in striking at me they may chance hit you, and so your desires to recover your liberty may become your death: In the name of the gods therefore Madam, do not expose your self unto a danger, whereof perhaps I cannot heal you: the Princess was so

troubled, and Mazares spake so movingly that she knew not what to resolve upon: somtimes she resolved to cry out: somtimes pitty of Mazares restrained her. Afterwards taking up the resolation to call the first she saw, she found that she had not the power to do it, and that she determined upon a thing which was impossible for her, for my part, I know that it was not in my power to pronounce a word, and when I would have spoke, I trembled out of astonishment and fear: for we saw in the field, many Tents, Sentinels, Courts of guard, men which marched, and others which stood still; But the King of Assyria who was our guide, did somtimes turne to the right hand, and somtimes to the left; and very handsomly avoyded all those, whom the whitness of the snow discovered unto him: But Chrisantes, to leave that place, which troubled us so much, give me leave to tell you, that after we had avoided the troops of Ciaxares above a hundred times, and were not above two furlongs from a wood, in which the King of Assyria feared no dan∣ger, because it was very thick and dark, and he was acquainted with all the turnings in it, having been often hunting in it. But the horse on which Mazares and the Princess did ride began violently to Neigh when we were within forty paces from a place, where a company of archers who were horsed, did then quarter, who having received or∣ders to come neerer Babylon, did leave that place, and go thither in all hast: some of these Archers, being already horsed, and having heard this neighing, from that side where they were took the Alarme, and went towards the place where they heard the noise; but seeing nothing, they would have returned, had not one of their horses Neighed, in answer as it were unto the first, and caused them to advance further on; mean while the king of Assyria who conducted us, mended his Pace, and we went faster then before: so that somtimes we saw these men come streight towards us, and somtimes againe go from us: for their parts I beleeve they much vexed to hear horses and could find none, but at the last being out of hopes to find us, because we changed our way somtimes on the one side, and somtimes on the other: they shot their arrowes at random and levelled so unluckily, that one of their arrowes did give Mazares a slight would in his shoulder, and another came so neer Mandanas head, that the extreamity of her fears, made her to recover her voice, and to cry out, though she did not intend it: this cry, being heard by those who shot, they galloped directly to the place where they thought they heard it; But in the mean while the King of Assyria shifted places; and in lieu of going forward he went backward, and bad us ride faster. But since we were not above thirty paces from the wood, he caused those eight which carried no women to stand still, until such time as he imagined us to be in the wood, and then he and his men galloped away as fast as they could, and vanished out of the sight of them whom he fought with a while, who doubtless did think there was some enchantment in the place: At his returne, we understood how they saw two of those who assaulted them to fall dead, and one of his troop received a slight hurt. As the wood was dark, and black, the very same whitness which made us invisible in the plaines did help the King of Assyria to dis∣cover us againe and to Joyne companies: In conclusion, Chrisantes, being come into this wood as I told you, the King of Assyria did lead us unto a little kind of habitation, where a sort of poor menlived, whose profession was to find out a kind of earth whereof the wonderfull cement wherewith the wals of Babylon were built, is made; and when day begun to break, we lighted from horse, and passed away all the day in that Cabin, where our weariness afforded us more rest, then the accommodations of that place could. But Chrisantes not to spend more time, in relating things of little consequence, we went with much weariness the next night unto a little town which our army had not taken, nor as yet been on that side; neither was of strength to defend themselves if you had come unto it: the King of Assyria there got a Coach for the Princess, where Arianta and I found room also: and, both Princes went on horsback as our convoy. But without any further particularizing the way we went, we came at the last into Cappadocia, and a little after, unto Pteria: at our first arivall the Princess was very much joyed to see it; yet, a while after she found her self much more unhappy then she thought for the thought of being then a captive in that place where she had been so long free and absolute, did extream∣ly double her sorrow: moreover, the imagination she should so domineer over the King her fathers subjects, was a great vexation to her: but the great torment of all was, that she was still in the King of Assyrias power, and that she knew no way to let Artamenes know where she was: mean while Mazares continued alwaies very civill, obliging, and amorous, and the king of Assyria was still very coursly treated. A few dayes after when

the taking of Babylon was more certainly known, he consulted with Aribeus what was best to be done, but when he heard that Ciaxares his army was marching towards Cappa∣docia, they brought us hither by reason of the conveniencie of the sea, which the King of Assyria thought would be a way to prevent the Princess from ever coming into the hands of Artamenes. Aribeus and he endeavoured all they could to get up fresh troops, ma∣king their Rendezvous at Pteria, to the end it might not be discovered we were at Sinope. But presently after, they had intelligence that your army came up so fast, that it was im∣possible for them to get any such considerable force together as could give a second battle, which did drive the King of Assyria into extream despair: and spoke with much more violence then heretofore he used: yet whether he was submissive, or whether he was furious, all was one, for he could no way move Mandana, to give him one favourable word. Yet one day, he called Mazares unto him, and layed before him all his misfor∣tunes: truly (said he unto him) I am brought to such a pass, that I have no other consola∣tion to hope for in my life, but to make Artamenes as unfortunat as my self, although it be in a different manner: The oracle indeed does make me hope well, but Mandana drives me into utter despair, and fortune has so defeated all my designes, that I am reduced unto such extremities, as are above both my patience and my reason: that which I intend (pursued this desperat Prince) is to make sure of the gallies and ships within this port, so that as soon as I see the army of Ciaxares appear, and find that I am not able to oppose it, I can then embark with Aribeus and the Princess, and be sure to carry her out of the reach of Artamenes. But Sir, (answered Mazares much grieved) what course will you then take? I know not well, (replied the King of Assyria) but if all the Princes my allies do deny me sanctuary within their dominions, I will rather turne pirat, then yield up the Princess unto Artamenes: yes Mazares, I will rather perish a thousand times: And if I see that I am pursued at sea by Artamenes (which as yet he cannot do, having no ships for it) I will rather split my ship against a rock, then be taken and lose the Princess: moreover I must not be far off Mandana, but keep close with her and wait upon the event of the Oracle: As for you, said he, my dear Mazares, it is not just that I should engage you any deeper in my misfortunes; though you would, I would not suffer it. Therefore I wish you to go back unto the King your father, and endeavour to be more happy then I am. Mazares was now put to a shrewd dilemma, for he could not consent to leave the Princess alone with the King of Assyria; and yet he perceived by the Kings manner of speaking unto him, that he would not suffer him to accompany him any longer; yet he pressed him to stay, but the more urgent he was in it, the more obstinate was the King: furthermore, he perceived, that if he departed, the Princess would be the most unfortunat woman in the world; so that both in respect of his pitty, and in respect of his passion, he was infi∣nitly to be lamented: at last being transported with such passions as was unknown unto himself, he came unto the Princess, and ingeniously discovered the King of Assyrias de∣signe: you may well imagin what sorrow and despair this newes brought unto her, espe∣cially when he told that he would by no means permit him to stay any longer with him: Ah Mazares, said she unto him, I shall absolutly die if you forsake me, and there is no resolution so violent, which I shall not take, if I be left alone under the King of Assyrias protection: In the name of the gods, said she unto him, perswade him, and tell him, that he shall never obtaine the least part of my affection; and by consequence, you will do him no ill office, if you can move him to harken unto my prayers and tears, and if you can procure my liberty: In the name of the gods once more consider what a most lamenta∣ble destiny will it be for Mandana to wander upon the seas, with a Prince whom she hates, and shall more and more hate him; and who shall resolve to throw her self into the bot∣tom of the sea, the first time that he shall speak of his unjust passion unto her: consider well Mazares what you have to do, and know that the gods will require at your hands, an account of my life, if you be the cause of my death: would you not have me live & acknow∣ledg my great obligations unto you? would you have me die the most miserable woman upon earth: Oh Madam, (answered Mazares, with extream melancholy) I wish the thoughts of my heart, and how much I would do for you were well known unto you: I do know (answered she) that you are the most obliging Prince upon the earth, and that nothing hinders you from satisfying my desires, but an ill grounded scruple of generosity: for indeed Mazares I am fully perswaded, that you do compassionate my misfortunes, and that you intend friendship unto me: But yet since you cannot save me, you will suffer me to perish, and all because you are affraid to do an unj••••st act. But know generous Prince,

that it is no injustice to prevent another from committing a most horrible piece of injustice: In short Chrisantes, the Princesse spoke so prevalently unto Mazares, that he desired two dayes time to resolve with himself what to do; But oh heavens! Orsanes told me, that he verily believed that the turbulency of his thoughts during this time would have cost him his life: Sometimes he resolved to be faithful unto the King of Assyria in spight of his pas∣sion; sometimes he would not quench his love, but in favour of Mandana; afterwards not being able to resolve either upon the one or the other; he thought how he might benefit himself by the misfortunes of another: At the last (said he unto himself) I see Mandana does esteem, and is very friendly unto me; yet it is but a bare esteem, and a friendship only, though she must know that I love her: Moreover, there is a great difference be∣tween the termes on which the King, of Assyria stands, and those on which I am with her, for there is a natural antipathy between her and him; but she is very friendly unto me, & I am perswaded it is not far off a disposition to receive some impressions of love, as well as much tendernesse and esteem; yet I know very well, that there is more likelihood that I shall be unhappy, then he has hopes of Mandana's love: But alas, from what other course can I find any more sweetnesse and satisfaction from her? If I continue faithful unto the King of Assyria, then he will put to Sea with the Princesse, and if I leave her, I am certain she will hate me for being so inhumane, as to expose her unto so great a torment: I am certain I shall never see her again, and I am sure to endure an intollerable torment, in thinking she is with the King of Assyria, who still has great hopes of her. On the other∣side, if I betray a Prince from whom I have the honour to be a kinsman, to whom I am〈…〉〈…〉 vassal, who has made choice of me to be his confident, and if I should put the Princesse into the hands of Artamenes, should I not then be the most unhappy man alive? I should commit a crime, and such a one as would make me most unfortunate, there being nothing more insufferable, then to see the party loved, in the power of a Rival who is loved: Oh no, no, Mazares cannot make choice of either, since he sees a crime, and a misfortune on both sides. If he hearken unto reason, it will tell him, that we ought not to betray those who trust us: If he give ear unto his passion, it will tell him quite con∣trary, that we must never forsake the party loved, and that all one can do to possesse her, is just. Which way soever I carry the matter, I must either betray the King of Assyria, or the Princesse, and betray my self also, since I wound my reputation in it; Therefore if I must needs commit a crime, let me commit that which is most advantagious to me, and which will keep me from dying desperate. In conclusion, Chrisantes, this amo∣rous Prince, in spight of all his vertue, was so transported with the violence of his love, that he resolved not only to betray the King of Assyria, but to delude Mandana also: yet truly, I think, never any did more severely punish himself then Mazares did, by his perpetual remorse of soul; for I never in all my melancholly did equal his; yet since he was fully resolved what to do, he sought out means to assure himself of a Galley, and easily found one; because the King of Assyria intending to make use of all the Galleys and Ships in Sinope, he did put out those who formerly commanded them, and put in others which did more absolutely depend upon him: There was one of these Captains, who know∣ing certainly he should be put out as the rest were, who grumbled exceedingly at it; and unto him Mazares addressed himself, in whose soul he discovered such adisposition, as was fit for his design: Mazares then having made sure of this Galley, was certain he could carry away the Princesse when he pleased; for his commands passed within the Castle, as well as the King of Assyria's; and since the Castle was so near the Haven, he had not above twenty paces to go before he was at the Galley which this Captaine who was of the conspi∣racy commanded, for by fortune the Galley was on that side: But since he was an expert man, and used to war, he told Mazares, that the better to secure his design, and also to satisfie his revenge upon his companions, he would set fire in all the Galleys and Ships which remained in the Port, lest they should follow after, and that all these new Captains might not long enjoy their new conferred offices, or at least put them into such a condition as they should not be able to do any execution. Although Mazares did see it was well thought upon, and almost necessary for his design, yet it went against the hair of his di∣sposition, not for fear of the Ships, in which few people would be lost, but lest it should fire the Town: notwithstanding the Captain said thus unto him; Sir, although Sinop•• should be set on fire, yet it is a Rebellious Town, and deserves it: And as for the King of Assyria. who troubles you so much, the fire will be quenched before it can reach the Castle: Truth is, this Captain spoke so rationally, that Mazares consented unto him,

and the Captain took upon him the execution of the enterprize. This Prince intending to gain the heart of Mandana, designed to carry her into Bithynia, where he was in hopes to find some place of security, and indeed he could not make a better choice; for he was kinsman unto Arsamones, and Arsamones was enemy unto the King of Assyria, by reason of the Princesse Istrina, with whom he was in good favour all the while she was in Babylon: Moreover he made war against another lover of Mandana, who was the King of Pontus, and Artamenes having moved Ciaxares to lend some forces unto his enemy, therefore he thought that he could not make choice of a safer sanctuary. At that time there came into Sinope a famous Pirate, who was reported to be a man of quality and great courage, who being much weather-beaten, put in there to repair his Ships; The King of Assyria recei∣ved him very kindly, and told Mazares that he was even ravished with the happy meeting with him, because that by that time the Ships of this Pirate were ready to make sail, he would put to Sea with him, and be under his conduct, for he was a man whom none ever knew conquered; and knew all the Seas, better then any other man. Mazares, understanding the King of Assyria's design so well, did make more haste to execute his own; and went unto the Princesse, Madam (said he to her, in a most melancholy manner) there is a pre∣dominate power, which I cannot resist, and which makes me resolve to betray the King of Assyria, and carry you out of his reach: He has a design to carry you away very shortly; therefore he must be presently prevented; I asked you sometime to resolve with my self, and my resolution is setled; therefore, if you please, there is a Galley ready to receive you the next night: Ah, Mazares, (said she unto him) is it possible it can be so soon? To tell you Chrisantes, all that Mandana said, by way of thanks for the compassion which he had on her misfortunes, would be a very difficult task, so much did she aggravate her acknowledg∣ments unto him. Mazares received her thanks with so much confusion, & turbulency of mind, that she thought her self the more obliged, supposing that the betraying of the King of Assy∣ria was the only cause of it. But Mazares (said she unto him) which way shall we go, to go safely unto some place where the King my father is? Madam (answared he) when we are out of the power of your enemy, we shall then think better upon that: Its true, (said she) and so presently left him: But night being come, and well on, the Prince Mazares, who had not only gained the good will of those who kept the Castle gates which was towards the Port, but also all the Souldiers in the Castle, went to fetch the Princesse, who was much troubled, what to do with Arianta, in whom she did not confide; she thought therefore to carry her with her, because if she were left behind, she would make a great noise of the matter: We told her therefore that the King of Assyria, had sent Mazares unto the Prin∣cesse to tell her, that she must take Ship, and because she should not suspect any thing, we seeming to be very sorry in yielding obedience to him; for we began to think that she kept intelligence with the King. I forgot to tell you, that Mandana, who would as well as she could make it known unto Mazares, that she had a care of his protection, had writ a Letter unto the King of Assyria: but whilest we were staying in the outer chamber, at that hour when Mazares told us we were to depart; the Princesse bethought her self, how she had forgotten to leave the Letter upon the Table, and entreated him that he would take so much pains as to carry it thither, telling him, that if he would open it, he might there find what she had written unto the King concerning him, so that the Prince took it, and carried it unto the Princesse chamber, where, as I advised him, he did read the letter; I will not relate the contents of it, for you will presently after imagine it. So Chrisantes, we got out of the Castle, and we took Ship, and were presently out of Sinope; immediately after, we saw the Port all on fire, and in a moment after that, all the Town also, which did extreamly surprise and grieve the Princesse; for her soul was so tender and full of pitty, that she would never have consented unto it, if she had known of the project; but yet her joy to be out of the King of Assyria's power, did comfort her in those sorrows which proceeded only from compassion; and she termed Mazares her deliverer a hundred times over: Mean while, the Sea began to be high, and the Marriners told us there was like to be a storm, as presently after it began, and the wind which was so favourable for us, turned quite contrary, and whether we would or no, did blow us above twenty times towards the Port of Sinope: To tell you how the Princesse was troubled at this accident, would make you sad, as we were; It will be sufficient to tell you, how she moved Mazares to promise her, that in case the Tempest was above the Pilots art, or the force of Oars, he would rather split the Galley against the Castle tower, then to land again in the Port of Sinope: at the last, day beginning to dawn, our fears were lesse, as well be∣cause

the terrors of darknesse vanished, as because at the Sun rising, the winds were calm∣er. The Princesse being then upon the deck, discovered that there were Souldiers in Sinope, fighting in the midst of the flames, at the foot of the tower: She no sooner saw it, but looking upon Mazares with extream joy; Ah generous Prince (said she unto him) per∣haps the tempest has been our friend, since if it had not been, I should not have seen what I do. See (said she unto him) look upon the Troops which are fighting in Sinope; without all doubt it is the King my father his Army, and perhaps Artamenes is there also; if so, it is easie for him to become master of a burning Town, and to take the King of Assyria also: Therefore my dear deliverer, give command unto the Rowers that they make no such haste away; Let them send one in a little Boat to see whether it be as I say, or no: For if it be, there is no need of going any further, since we have relief so near. Mazares hearing the Princesse say so, began to change colour; and looked a long while upon the Troops which she shewed him, and he knew much better then she, that they were the Troops of Ciaxares; therefore without giving any answer unto the Princesse, he gave command to Rowe away with all possible haste. Mandana being extreamly surprised at this command, and believing that she did not well understand him, or that the Prince had mistook himself: My dear deliverer (said she unto him) do you know what you say, and did your hear me? Oh Madam, (said he unto her, and kneeled) bestow no more that name upon me, whereof I am unworthy; and suspend your judgement of me, I beseech you, until you know what I have done against my self, before I will attempt any thing against you: Do not call me either your deliverer or your ravisher, nor pronounce an un∣just sentence against him who is the most passionate of all your adorers: How, (said the Princesse, in a mighty maze) can Mazares not be generous, is it possible he should deceive me? Is not then Mandana at liberty? Mazares, (replied the Prince, with unequalled sorrow) was born generous, and has lived so, until love of Mandana did force his heart to degenerate: But Madam (pursued he) you shall be free; and I do protest unto you in the presence of the gods, whom I have incensed, that you shall never have any cause to complain of my violence; I will only carry you unto a place, Madam, where I may perfect∣ly make known unto you, the most respective passion that ever was; you have testified some signs of friendship towards me, and I beseech you do not presently passe from friend∣ship unto hatred; give me a few dayes time to acquaint you with my thoughts of Mandana. No Mazares (sad she unto him) I cannot consent unto your desire: you are now either the absolute master of my hatred or of my friendship: and if you do not immediately repent of your crime, I shall hate you a thousand times more then ever I hated the King of Assy∣ria, and shall esteem you incomparably more culpable, but also (interrupted the Prince) more amorous: No, no, (said she unto him) deceive not your self in that; I shall never terme an unjust passion, love, but will phrase it phrensie, fury, or that which is worse. Why Mazares, (said she all in tears) will you lose my esteem and friendship? you whom I re∣spected as my protector in Babylon, as my deliverer in Sinope: I perceive you had rather be my ravisher and my enemy, and see me die in sorrow, then live a happy life? Do you not see, (said she, in observing how the Seas began to be a little more boistrous) how you do incense the gods, and that if you do not appease them by a speedy repentance, they will with shipwrack punish your crime? Ah Madam, (cried out this unfortunate Prince) so they will be pleased to save you from the shipwrack, how happy should I be, if I perish∣ed in it? and how happy should I have been, if I had died in Babylon whilest I was inno∣cent? But Madam, what would you have me do? how could I every day look upon Man∣dana, and find her so sweet, so civil, so pleasing, and so fair, and yet not love her? some who never saw you but angry at them, yet could not chuse but love you; and since I found you so infinitely obliging, was it possible but I should be possessed with most violent pas∣sion? No, no, it was absolutely impossible: When the Princesse saw that Mazares con∣tinued in his resolution, she began to be so desperately incensed, as I never saw her in my life: Alas (said she) into what a pittiful condition am I brought? and what unhappy con∣sequences does this little beauty which the gods have bestowed upon me produce, since it in∣fuseth into those who have any affection unto me, only unjust thoughts? But let me take cou∣rage (said she when she saw the Sea more boistrous then ever) I shall presently find an end of all my misfortunes in ending my life; and shall have so much comfort as to perish with one of my enemies: When Mazares, saw the Princesse so very angry, and in so great a danger, and also that he had committed an unprofitable sin; he became so extreamly desperate, that he offered to throw himself into the sea; and I think if his thoughts of the

Princesse and her interest had not restrained him, he had done it. Madam (said he unto her) I am infinitely sorry, that I have exposed your life unto so much danger: No, no, (said she unto him) It is onely repentance which I desire from you; and I wish you to steer your course another way, that if I do suffer shipwrack, the waves may waft me un∣to the Cappadocian coast. But Chrisantes, I cannot repeat all that the Princesse said un∣to Mazares, nor all his replies, but certainly although he was culpable, yet he expressed such moving language, as made appear he was full of pity: The Princesse also expressed her self in such just and lamentable termes, that she was able to move cruelty it self: Mean while it was not possible to chuse our course, we must now obey the winde and storme: It did often blow us towards the foot of the Tower, and then upon a sudden turning quite contrary, it drove us far off Sinope: We continued all that day, and the night following in continuall tossings upon the surges of the Sea; sometimes to the right hand, sometimes to the left, and which way soever we went, we found danger: Oars were of no use; Sails would not abide the winde, which whifled from all sides; and all this while there was no hopes of any thing but present death. As soon as day appeared and the Tempest still con∣tinuing as boisterous as ever, the Princesse desired Mazares to repent of his Act; for as long as it was night, she kept in her Cabin, where out of respect, Mazares would not enter, although he knew Mandana could not sleep: but it beginning to be light, the Princesse as as I told you, renewed her complaints and prayers, with so many Tears, and in such a violent manner, that Mazares without giving the Princesse any answer went unto the Pi∣lot; and whether it was by vertue of his order (as Orsanes beleevs) or else by the force of the windes, we saw the Pilote turn the Galley towards Sinope. But, Oh Heavens, a huge blast of winde, meeting with a great Billow, made the Galley lean on one side; the Rud∣der broke, and the Galley grated upon the point of a Rock, so that it turned, and broke in turning; I catched hold of the Princesse, Arianta hold of me, and I heard a ter∣rible outcry, amongst which I knew the voice of Mazares, who cried out; O ye Just gods, preserve the Princesse; after this I knew not what became of us: onely this I re∣member, that in lieu of seeing water, me thought I saw a great fire, which overwhelmed me, and made me lose all my understanding: Yet Chrisantes, the prayers of unfortunate Mazares were heard, and we escaped this great danger: But let me tell you, it was most strangely, and will astonish you, perhaps, almost as much as it did us. Be pleased to under∣stand then, that the first thing I saw after our shipwrack, was as I did a little open my eyes, I saw men who endeavoured as well as they could to make me let go my hold of the Prin∣cess (for you know Chrisantes, it is the quality of those who are in water to hold whatsoever they catch at): this sight, and the hurt these men did me, did more revive me then all the re∣medies they gave me afterwards; so that striving with them, what would you have (said I to them) and who are you? We are such (answered they unto me) as would save the Princess Mandana, and help you: at these words I let go my hold, and loosed the Princess, also told them, that the gods would recompence them for so charitable an office. After this, coming a little better unto my self, I first saw Arianta, and then the Princess, who revived also as well as I, and who after she opened her eyes did call upon me, almost not knowing what she said: I was yet so dizzy, that I had much ado to rise from the bed whereon they had laid me, but her voice did infuse such fresh strength into me, that I came unto her as she was very attentive∣ly looking upon a man, who was kneeling by her bed side, and who holding her by the arm, did try by her Pulse, whether she had strength to revive; when I was come unto her, and she knew me; Martesia (said she unto me, and pulling her arm out of the hands of that man who held it, with as much hast as her weaknesse would permit her) where are we? Madam (replied the man) you are in a place where you have absolute power and authority; the voice surprizing both her and me, she raised her self to look upon him who answered; and then we both together found that he who thus had saved us, was the King of Pontus.

The King of Pontus (said Chrisantes, and Feraulas, interrupting him) is he in love with the Princesse whom Artamenes took Prisoner? Oh heavens, can such a most prodi∣gious accident prove true?

Yes Wise Chrisantes (said Martesia) and see how it fell out: You very well know, I beleeve, the ill successe which he has had in his Wars against Artamenes; and how in both his Kingdoms he has but one Maritine Town left, in which he was besieged. But I beleeve you know not, how when he saw this Town was ready to be lost, he resolved to convey himself out of the victory of his enemies, and flee away in a ship, as he did. That which is the greatest wonder is, that this Prince not knowing where to finde any safety

for himself, and perhaps being pressed unto it by the violence of his passion, which in the midst of his misfortunes did not forsake him: did intend to come and offer himself unto Ciaxares, to help him in regaining his daughter from the King of Assyria; for he had intelligence of her being taken away, before he was besieged: So that embarking himself with that resolution, he came upon the coast of Cappadocia to informe himself in the state of things: and he came thither just in the nick to save our lives: his ship which the tem∣pest had tossed as well as our Galley, was not far off us when we began to suffer ship∣wrack, although his Pilot endeavoured the place where we were. This Prince being ever very Generous and Noble, and seeing us ready to perish so neer him, commanded that all those who appeared above water, should be saved if it were possible: for as ships do better endure a storm then Galleys can, so he might do it without any great danger unto himself: Presently, as if the angry waves were appeased by our shipwrack, there happe∣ned a sudden calm at Sea, the windes were husht immediatly; and all the mountainous waves levelled in a moment; so that the King of Pontus putting a small boat into the ••ea his men saved many others, amongst which Orsanes who came now with me was one: As they were all busied in this charitable office, and this Prince being upon the Deck of the ship, and perhaps, thinking himself more unfortunate in the losse of his two Kingdoms, then those men whom he saw floting, were in the losse of their lives, he discovered a∣mongst the waves some women, whose clothes kept them above the water: This object moving him unto much compassion, he commanded in all hast that his men should save them; though no other interest in the world did move him unto it, but his own naturall pity: But imagine you Chrisantes how this Prince was surprized, when after they had took us out of the water, and brought us into his Cabin, he knew the Princesse Mandana. He presently forgot all his losses, and thought upon nothing but saving that life, which had long since made him lose his liberty. These were this Princes cogitations; when, as I told you before, he assured the Princesse, that she was in a place where she had absolute power, and authority. Mandana, knowing his voice as well as I, Sir (said she unto him) you see that you are not misfortunate alone: But to acknowledg the good office you have done me, I wish that you would make such use of this opportunity, which the gods have given you, to assist an unfortunate Princesse, as that you may oblige her to assist you a∣gain: Madam (said he unto her) I will complain of my destinies no longer, but I think my self obliged to thank the Heavens for the losse of my Kingdoms, since if I had not lost them, I should not have had the good fortune to save your life, and should not have hindered the Universe from losing her fairest Ornament: But Madam, you are not now in a condition to be spoken unto without troubling you; and since Martesia is with you, also able to help you, the respects which I owe you, bids me withdraw: All my men has Orders to obey your Women, said he to Arianta, and my self: they need but ask what is wanting, and follow the advice of a Physitian, who is here with me, and who has already begun to assist you; And indeed by good fortune, there was a Graecian Physitian, who followed this Prince in his flight, who was very helpfull unto us; for certainly he was a man very knowing in his Art, being a Practiser under that famous Hippocrates, who is so cried up thorowout the whole World. This Prince being gone out, and his men supplying us with all necessaries, we undressed the Princesse, and got her into bed: and afterwards Arianta and I having dried our clothes, and taken an admirable water, which the Physi∣tian gave us, whose vertue was to comfort the heart, and temper the agitation of the blood, we passed away all that day and the next night in very good rest; for to tell you truely, our fears of death, and the wearinesse of our bodies, did whether we would or no, cause sleep to suspend our unquiet thoughts. The Princesse she sighed very often, and could not chuse but admire at the prodigiousnesse of our chance; so that after she waked, and saw I was there, and that Arianta slept on, she called me; as our bed by her order was in her Cabin, I no sooner heard her, but I rose, and dressed my self hastily, then went unto her: I found her indeed not ill, considering the illnesse of the accident, yet I found not her minde very Serene. Well Martesia (said she unto me) what do you think of our Fortune? where is our hopes? Madam, said I unto her, there are such miraculous accidents which do befall us, that I do think it much rashnesse to judge what our future events will be; for truely Madam, since the Prince Mazares has deceived me, I can trust no more in any one, but must needs mistrust all, yet I am most certain we have escaped a most miraculous danger, which seemed inevitable, and I hope that the same gods who saved you, wil•• protect you: For my part, I beleeve the tempest did onely rise to punish the unfortunate

Mazares. Perhaps (replied the Princesse) he is escaped as well as we; for when our Galley was split, and after we were in the water, I either saw him, or imagined that he held me up by a scarf, which I then had about me; but when I resisted him, and did strive to be loose from him, the scarf did loose of it self, and after that I lost both my reason and my understanding faculties: Madam, said I unto her, that which you tell me is more then an imagination, for your scarf is not to be found, and therefore it is to be thought, that the unfortunate Mazares is perished, and therefore the Tempest, as I said, did rise onely to punish him: And perhaps also (added the Princesse) that the gods have preserved me, to make me more miserable; for truly Martesia, it is very strange, that these two, the King of Assyria, and the King of Pontus, whom of all men living in the World I most feared to fall into their power, that one of these Princes, whom I thought engaged in a troublesome War, and who perhaps, never was at Sea but this one time, that this Prince I say, should lose both his Kingdoms, and fleeing from a Town (which as his Physitian told me) he could not keep, he should take the direct way to meet me; and that his ship, which in all reason, should have shun'd the Land, should get no further from it; and that he should come just at the minuit of our shipwrack; that he should save me, and keep me in his power; I tell you Martesia, these prodigious casualties make me all fear. But, Madam, (said I unto her) the misfortune of this Prince will be your security: for what can a King without a Kingdome do? and what Sanctuary could he finde if he should of∣fer any violence unto you, or detain you against your minde? I know not my Martesia, (answered the Princesse) but I am sure my fears are above my hopes: not but that I have prevalent Reasons to induce the King of Pontus to do as I would desire; but Martesia, my Fate is to make all men I deal with to lose their Reason: I banish vertue out of the souls of them who love me; I alter all their good inclinations: And I think it a miracle, that Artamenes in loving me, should retain his Generosity. Then Chrisantes whilest the Prin∣cesse was thus discoursing with me, the King of Pontus, who had changed his course, and made towards the main Sea, was no lesse unquiet in his minde then the Princesse was; and going into another chamber with one of his servants, called Pharnabases, in whom he had great confidence, he began to relate the present state of his soul unto him. Orsanes who is here, and who endured the shipwrack better then we, because he could swim, was in another little Room neer them, where he could hear all they said, and all which he related unto me the next morning: for although he had been the servant of Mazares, yet he was so serviceable unto us whilest we were in Babylon, that we did not use him ill: Orsanes then being in that place I told you of, heard the King say unto the man; It must be ac∣knowledged Pharnabases, that my destiny is odde, and that the gods do treat me in a rigorous manner: For besides the consideration of the ancient misfortunes of my House, If I call to minde all which hath happened unto me by reason of my passionate love of Mandana, may I not well beleeve that I am reserved for crosse adventures. I was left as a Hostage with Ciaxares, and I became enamoured with Mandana his Daughter: I durst not then declare it openly, because that then there was no hopes of my being King: Yet I was no sooner out of that Prison, but I was presently in the Throne, and then I deman∣ded the Princesse Mandana of Ciaxares her father, by way of Marriage, and he denied me: I began a War, and was unfortunate in it: I was taken Prisoner, and did passionately love my vanquisher: I came out of prison by the assistance of his Generosity: Then did I enter into a Civil War; not being able to break those chains which tied me unto Mandana: What should I say Pharnabases? I have been beaten, pursued, besieged, and persecuted by them who my Father left subjects unto me, and who are now become my mortall ene∣mies: I had once two Crowns upon my head, but now I am forced to flee in one single ship, as my onely safety and retreat: I am reduced unto this extreamity; I finde Man∣dana, whom I ever adored in my heart, at the very point of death; It was my hap to save her, and now I have her in my power; Ah Pharnabases, how much would this last ad∣venture advantage me, if I could make good use of it? I should value the losse of both my two Kingdoms at a low rate, if I could but conquer the heart of Mandana. But alas, that likelihood is there, that the gods will ever permit me to so glorious a Conquest? If ••ver they had intended me such a happinesse, they would never have taken my two Crowns ••rom me: But also what likelihood was there to finde this Princesse in such a deplorable ••ondition? or that they should ever afford me so much joy, as to have her in my power; ••urely they intended me some consolation for the losse of my two Crowns: No, no, I will ••ill hope that since they have given me possession of such an unestimable Treasure, which

does not belong unto me, and which I am unworthy of, they will render me that which does belong unto me. But oh heavens, I am not rightly amorous to remember any crowns, at the feet of Mandana: no proud passion, which vaunts and domineers in the hearts of all men, thou shalt not do so in mine, and love shall surmount thee: yes, in spite of all my losses, all my disgraces; and all my ambition, this very one thought that Mandana is in my power, shall rejoyce me, and make me willingly forsake them all: But yet, thou unfortunat Prince, what canst thou do? Is it possible that a King who is turned out of his dominions, whose imaginations can think of nothing but, subjecting thrones, Bro∣ken Scepters, and Crushed Crowns, can be sensible of any delights? but on the other side? is it possible to see Mandana, and Mandana risen from the dead, and risen by thee, and not be sensible of so much Joy as may comfort thee in all thy sorrowes? No, no, this is a priviledg of love, which ambition cannot dispute for: The Joyes of ambition are not alwayes serene; and the remembrance of my losses do somtimes trouble me: but the Image of Mandana no sooner comes into my memory, but all those melancho∣ly thoughts forsake me, those mists vanish and, I see nothing but Mandana; yes Pharnabases, I no sooner apply my self unto this pleasing thought, but I know not whether I am still upon a throne, or whether I be thrown out of it; whether I be upon the sea, or whether I am upon earth: I know only that I never think upon regaining my kingdomes, nor of revenging my self upon my enemyes: All my thoughts are how to vanquish the ci∣vility of my Princess. But Pharnabases the enterprise is extreamly difficult, and I shall have much a do to find out such reasons, as can give me any hopes of softening the severity of Mandana. The obligation Sir, which she owes you, (replied Pharnabases) is argu∣ment sufficient to move her mind; and I think that such a one as▪ owes unto you a life were extreamly unjust, if she did deny you her affection: alas Pharnabases (said the King unto him) it seemes you are not acquainted with Mandana: yet know thus much, that although I should expose my own life a thousand and a thousand times to preserve hers, yet would she owe me nothing; for it is no more then duty of all such as have the ho∣nour to know her, to do as much, out of their love unto her, and I should do as much, although I were certain to be extreamly hated eternally. But Pharnabases, my Joy to have such a treasure in my possession, which I value at a far higher rate then the empire of all Asia, is both a most sweet, and a most bitter, grief unto me, since I shall not now be troubled by the misfortune of any Rivall; for I understand by one of them who escaped the shipwrack, that the Princess was ever very averse unto the King of Assyria; and that though he had her in the prime town in the world, yet could he not move her at all: what can I then hope to do? who cannot present her with any crowns or scepters and has no∣thing left in my power to give her but that same heart which she has so often refused: Ah Pharnabases! Ambition is a great incitement unto love, Crowns and Scepters moves hearts which are most insensible: I cannot think, a Prince who is driven out of his do∣minions, and can present nothing but a share in his misfortunes, is in a condition to strike deep into the mind of Mandana: For my part, (said Pharnabases) I think you complaine of this accident, which you rather ought to rejoyce at, because if you restore the Princess Mandana unto her father, I am certain that the same army wherewith he intended to take Babylon, and since is master of it, and which as these men who have escaped from the shipwrack, do say, will be presently returned into Cappadocia, shall be imployed to re∣conquer your estate againe: and I am certain, that Artamenes who you so much speak of will not deny you his assistance: I do confess Pharnabases, and am fully perswaded that it would be more prudent and Judicious to take the course you speak of, rather then to humour my extream passion: But yet in doing so, I should be more ambitious then amo∣rous, and love a crown better then I do Mandana, and not prefer her as I do above all the Crowns and Scepters upon earth: for although he do give me his army, yet will he not give me his daughter: so that if I part with her I shall be almost certain to regain my Crown, but then I shall be certain also to lose Mandana: Ha Pharnabases there is no comparison in the choise of these two; and I had much rather never get my Crown, then never see Mandana againe: But Sir, answered Pharnabases, all your thoughts of ambition and Crowns will be but thorns in your heart, and you would be still unhappy un∣less you were loved: and I do make it a grand question whether you ever will be so: as long as you are without a Crown, without a Scepter, without a habitation, but as thus a wanderer, a fugitive, and an unfortunat man: consider Sir, I beseech you, that by resto∣ring this Princess you will gaine a potent protector, and find a safe sanctuary: and that if

you do not restore her, then you know not where to find a place of retreat in all the earth: and you will ruine your self under the arms of an enemy, who in the turning of an eye can command two hundred thousand men: I do confess Pharnabases (answered the King) that all you say is true: But I know also that I have a more formidable enemy in my own heart which I know not how to overcome, and who I should be sorrie if he did so: yes Pharnabases, the sight of Mandana has so much inflamed my passion, that I can harken unto nothing but what will satisfie it. I know that in lieu of a gallant act, I shall com∣mit a crime; but what should I do? It is the violence of love enforceth me to it: and I conceive it a thing absolutly impossible to have one who is beloved as I love Mandana in ones power, and voluntarily to part with her: moreover there are not the same reasons why she should hate me, as there are why she should hate the King of Assyria; for I did not take her away as he did, but on the contrary I saved her life, and rescued her out of the arms of death: she cannot therefore without great injustice call me her Ravisher, since I did only preserve that treasure which the gods did send me as a cordiall after all my losses: But alas, how can I keep this unvaluable treasure in a poor single ship without any refuge or retract? and can I find in my heart to make her unto whom of all the earth I wish most happiness, so infinitly unhappy? Truth is, Chrisantes this Prince after such an extream agitation of his mind, could not resolve upon any thing; but when he understood by the physitian that the Princess was in so good a condition that she might be seen, he sent, to desire permission that he might visit her. At his first approach unto her, he expressed much Joy, to see so many signs of health in her countenance, considering the accident; not but that there was much melancholy in the eyes of the Princes; but since she was ever so fair that she could not ever look ill, he thought better of her then indeed she was: moreover, rhe King, seeing her the day before in a worse condition, did think, she Looked well then: The Princesse, as owing her Life unto him, Received him with a Civilitie, and after she had caused him to sit down, she said unto him with as much spirit as sweetnesse: you see here Sir a wonderfull effect of fortunes inconstancie: for when you Left me last at Sinope, I was in a condition then to doe you a favour; but now, I am in a con∣dition to Receive one from you: War, brought you into my fathers prison, and fortune has brought me into yours: and I rejoice in my captivitie, since I have an opinion that he who has saved my life, will suffer me to enjoy it; and perhaps will remember that he went out of Cappadocia without any ransome; but Sir, I do not speak this with any in∣tention to quit my own; but on the contrary, I am certain that the King my father will both pay it, and also if you please, assist you in the reconquest of the kingdomes of Pontus and Bythinia: I am at this present Madam, (replied the King) so rich, since I have the honour to see you in a place where I have power, that I cannot think of any conquests: and if you had not remembred me of my misfortunes, in speaking to me of my prison, I think I should have absolutly forgot all my losses and disgraces: But they are so conside∣rable (replied she) that they cannot chuse but be remembred at all times, and in all places: yet generous Prince, there wants a remedy, against them: doubtless Madam, you may, (said the King sighing) if you please, yes, (answered the Princese) but it must be by the valour of another: therefore Sir, I beseech you make towards Sinope, that we may send one of your men on shore to get information where the King my father is: my designe was, (replied the King) to go and offer my self unto him, that he would be pleased to accept of my assistance, in recovering you out of the King of Assyrias power; but now the course and end of my voyage is altered: you may better proceed in your voyage (said the Princess) since in rescuing me from death, you have done that alone, which you could not have done with two hundred thousand men, if you had been to deliver me out of the power of the King of Assyria: so that Sir you shall come into the camp of Ciax∣ares as a Prince who has done more then a puissant army could do: yes Madam (answered he kneeling notwithstanding the opposition of the Princess) but Madam do you know my thoughts? and if you do know them, can you think that the loss of my two kingdoms, can alter them: I think Sir (replied the Princess) that if you did esteem me, you will do so still; and you may in all reason think, that since you have not changed your thoughts, no more have I mine, but that I continue still the very same I was; oh Madam (replied he) will you continue so insensible, and so inexorable for ever? did the gods send me to raise you from the dead, that you should so cruelly give me my death? I do confess Sir, (answered the Princess raising up her self a little) that I owe my life unto you; but if you gave it me, with any intentions it should be a torment unto me, I do freely permit you

to take it again when you please: No Madam, replied he, you shall never lose it that way, for it is a jewel which I will ever defend with the hazard of mine own. Sir, (answered she) do you think that there is neither fire, nor sword, nor poison, can send me to my grave: No, no, you deceive your self if you think it, and there are other kinds of death more cru∣el then they, though they do not look so horridly: yes Sir, said she, I do prefer the most violent death above a servitude; and I shall think you more innocent in killing me, then keeping me by force, or in making me die by despair: but generous Prince, I cannot be∣lieve you have any such design, and when I remember how bravely you treated a man, who did every day endeavour to catch you into his power; when I remember, I say, how you advertised Artamenes of the conspiracy against his life, and how you did command he should not be shot at; I cannot think that since ambition left you your reason free, love should so deprive you of it, as not to consider in what state your businesse is in, and though you were not generous, but prudent only and interested, yet would it be very ad∣vantagious for you to restore me unto the King my father, and absolutely prejudicial unto you to retain me long: I see very well Madam (answered he) that all you say is most reasonable, yet I must be master of more reason then I am, before I can execute it: That which most comforts me in this adventure, Divine Princesse, is, that I see you never were in love, so that I have no other impediment to remove, but that of insensibility: For indeed Madam, if you did but know what it was to love, you would never speak thus unto me, and you would know that all other passions in comparison of it are nothing: But Sir (replied she and blusht) I think that they who love, desire to be beloved again, and that it is a general rule, all lovers would not incur the hatred of them they love: if so, then consider if you please, that by restoring me to my father you will at the least obtain some of my esteem, and perhaps my friendship; and that if you do not restore me, I shall then hate you above all comparisons, more then I think you love me. Your esteem, Madam, and friendship (answered the King) are two things which are infinitely pretious, and ought fully to satisfie such as do only esteem and honour you: But love, Madam, is a passion, much more tyrannical, and will be satisfied with nothing but the same; think it not strange then, I beseech you, if the hopes which you give me to enjoy your esteem and friendship, do not move me to forsake the interest of my love: But Sir, replied she, then in lieu of obtaining my love, you will find my extream hate: who knows, Madam, (answered he) whether a little time may not move an alteration in your heart? and whether pitty may not procure that from you which nothing else can? Consider, I beseech you Madam, that he whom you see here before you, has a soul so pos∣sessed with violent passion, as never man had the like; and if you will know it, be pleased to consider but two things: First, that one only favourable look from you, does comfort, more then the regaining of my two Kingdoms would: Secondly, that though perhaps, I might obtain sufficient forces from the King your father, to reconquer them, if I should restore you unto him; yet I had rather chuse to lose them both then be deprived of you: Take heed Sir what you say, replied the Princesse; for in restoring me my liberty, you will only want the sight of me; but if you do not restore me, you will not only lose my esteem, but also in a few dayes my life; whereas on the contrary, if you please, you may sit in your Throne again in glory, and have this satisfaction to boot, that I shall be most extreamly obliged unto you: A Throne, Madam (answered he) is not necessary for that Prince who cannot live without you; and if during my late wars I had not retained some hopes, to find out wayes whereby I might move your heart by my perseverance, I should not have so obstinately disputed the victory with those who have vanquished me: not Madam, but that I know you have great reason to despise and scorn that Prince whom fortune has forsaken: But yet Madam, it is worth consideration, to think how inconstant this fortune is: who one day, perhaps courts him, whom the next day she cruelly persecutes; and this very accident in meeting with you, perswades me that all my misfortunes are blown over, and that a serene calm will follow my boistrous storm; yes Madam, the sight of you speaks serenity unto me, and infuseth lively hopes into the souls of them who before were sunk in sorrows; I hope therefore Madam, that good fortune will follow, as long as I am with you, and that there is no Country, I shall not find a sanctuary in, as long as I carry you thither; yet notwithstanding Madam, I do promise you, never to use any thing but my tears, and sighs, and prayers, and perseverance, wherewith to overcome you: fear not therefore Ma∣dam, to be engaged in my fortunes; and believe it, that when I see I cannot obtain your love by these innocent wayes, you shall then receive your liberty by the end of my life:

How Sir, (replied the Princesse, with her eyes full of tears) must I not have my liberty till ••ou die? I beseech you do not force me to desire it, it is a thing I never yet wished unto ••y most mortal enemies; and I should be very sorry to be compelled to wish it unto a Prince who has so many excellent qualities, to one who has saved my life, and one who doubtlesse will never forsake the wayes of vertue, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 persecute me; moreover, Sir, into what part of the world soever you shall carry me, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 King my father will follow yo〈…〉〈…〉 Artamenes, whose valour is not unknown to you, ••ill perhaps compel you to d〈…〉〈…〉 now will be a favour, if you will be pleased to do it: If I could Madam, (r〈…〉〈…〉 in a most passionate gesture) doubtlesse I would do it, and prevent 〈…〉〈…〉ers and menaces: But alas, Divine Princesse, I cannot; all that is in my 〈…〉〈…〉s to tell you, that if it be your pleasure, I will cast my self into the Sea, or run my 〈◊〉〈◊〉 through that heart which I have dedicated unto you; I shall do it willingly at the very same minute you com∣mand it, and so by my death set you at liberty; it is not the will of the gods (replied the Princesse) that we should expiate one sin by committing another, and therefore I shall ne∣ver bid you die in that manner: But Sir, I do intreat you with all the affection which I am capable of, that you would not make me unhappy by making your self culpable, or by ma∣king me bear the burthen of your misfortunes; when the King 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that all he said, did but more incense the Princesse, he rose up, and in all reverence co〈…〉〈…〉eeing, said unto her; We shall see madam, whether the gods will change my heart, o••pitty move yours: after this, without giving any time to answer, he went out of her Cabin, and presently after Orfanes entred, who not knowing what the King had said unto the Princesse, came to tell as what he had heard. Mandana thanked him, and told him that his masters crime should not be imputed unto the servant, but that if ever she came into a condition to be able, she would requite him: My master, Madam, (said he unto her) was so infinitely respective of you, that if he were alive, certainly he would repair his fault; and I verily believe we had not suffered shipwrack if he had obeyed you, and changed our course when you desired: However Orsanes, replied the Princesse, if I have any need of your help, I believe you will not deny it; you may command me Madam, the the most difficult services, (answered he) and shall certainly be obeyed. And truly I think there was not a more officious man in the world then this, nor more understanding; it was by his reports I came unto much of what I have related unto you. Orsanes being gone out, the Princesse began to lament her mis∣fortunes, and Arianta also began to repent that she had been a cause of them, and that, with such extream sorrow, as she almost lost her reason; for this woman, though none did think of accusing her, did begin to accuse her self, and beg the Princesse pardon, with a promise hereafter of inviolable fidelity: She told her further, how she conceived it would have been a good piece of service unto her, to contribute all she could to make her Queen of Assyria: and truly, she spoke so ingeniously, and with so repentant a sorrow for her fault, as the Princesse pardoned her. Mean while the King of Pontus had his share in sor∣row; he neither durst visit the Princesse, nor could for bear it: fain would he deliver her up to her father, and fainer would he keep her; and not knowing whither to go, or what to do, we wandered many dayes together upon the Seas, and the Pilot received no other orders, but to keep far from any land, and avoid meeting with any Ships. You may judge unto what patience we were put; I spoke often unto the King of Pontus, but all in vain; and the three last days which we were upon the Sea, he came not into the Princess chamber: But at the last, when the King bethought himself, how the King of Armenia would pay no more Tribute un∣to the King of the Medes, since the death of Astyages, he believed that he might find a safety there, for there was alliance between them: So that one morning as our Ship lay at anchor, close by the mouth of the River Halis, the King sent a little Cock-boat to procure a greater boat, to Rowe up by stregth of Oar the said River; and one was presently gotten, so that then he came unto the Princesse Cabin: Madam (said he, with a disordered countenance) it is not just to let you any longer endure the inconveniency of the Sea, you will find lesse discommodity in a River. I shall suffer equall inconveniency in both (answered she) as long as you continue thus unreasonable. Madam, said he unto her, my design is to carry you unto the King of Armenia. The Princesse was glad when she saw that we were indeed to leave the Sea; and she hoped for more help upon Land, or in a River, then in a Ship on the midst of tossing waves: And although she knew that the King of Armenia had an ambitious and stirring spirit, also would be glad of any pretence for a war; yet the Prince Tigranis his son, who was very vertuously disposed, and who she had heretofore seen at Sinope, did comfort her a little: She went therefore whither they carried her without any

contradiction: It was the Princesse desire that Orsanes and two others might go with which was all we could obtain, of fifteen or twenty which were saved from shipwrack, and the King of Pontus took only thirty of his own men; but we knew not what he did with his Ship: Then began we to boat up the River by force of Oar, but because the River did run there with a very swift current, it was a long time before we could get into it, and we were almost alwayes upon the Land, because the middle of the River did run more rapidly: As we looked about us, the Princesse esp〈…〉〈…〉 Ortalques upon the River banks, and knew him at the first; but I suppose that I need not particularize any further concerning this pas∣sage, since 〈…〉〈…〉magine that you already know them by him, for Artucas told me, that he came hither: sh〈…〉〈…〉 sooner saw him, but pulling out a little inkhorn, which she ever carried about her, and hiding her self behinde Arianta and my self, she writ what doubtlesse you have seen, or at least heard of it by Ortalques: but as ill luck would have it, the King of Pontus, who was busie in seeing them Rowe, turned his head towards us, as she was writing, so that she had not time to end her Note, but gave it unto me; I lapped it up in my hood, and as the Boat almost touched the Land neer Ortalques, I threw it unto him, as if the winde had carried it from me, and seemed as if I did not care whether or no I had it again; so that they stayed not the Boat for it, for if they had, the current of the water would have driven the Boat back again into the Sea: Without doubt Chrisantes you know that this River has its originall among the Mountains in Armenia; that it runs along by the side of Lydia; and that it spreads it self upon the right hand towards Mantiana, and on the left hand towards Phrygia: that afterwards on the right hand it moistens a great part of Cappadocia, and on the left hand Paphlagonia; so that there were some places by which we were to go, that the King of Pontus feared very much, and which the Princess also feared, because it was on that side of Cappadocia, where the people by the perswasions of Aribeus were revolted, and took part with the King of Assyria: But as soon as we were past Cappadocia, he suffered us sometime to stay in the night time, that the Princess might more quietly take rest and sleep: and to that end, they made her a Cabin in the Boat, which separated us from the rest of the company, and where none but her own servants entered, excepting the King of Pontus: At last Chrisantes, as necessity is alwayes ingenious, the Princess did not apprehend it an absolute impossibility for us to make an escape, so that I consulted with Orsanes, and we resolved to endeavour it: The Princess would have a candle burning alwayes in the night time, in our Cabin; but the better to execute our designe we put it out: And prosecuting our resolution, one night when we were neer a great Wood, Orsanes who lay on the outside of our Cabin, came under the hangings on our side, and went quietly into the water, which was not very deep in that place, intending to take us, one after another, and carry us ashore, and then to hide our selves in the thick of the great Wood, which we observed very neer us: And since the night was very dark, and we but two to be carried, the Princesse would not be carried first, because she should then be alone upon the Banks, so that she would have Orsanes carry me first; But Oh Heavens, what ill fortune was it that I obeyed her? and how much injury did the Princesse do her self in commanding it? For Orsanes and I were no sooner at Land, but the King of Pontus waking, and seeing no light in our Cabin, cried out to him that stood Centinel (who had not perceived us because it was very dark) and bade him look well to the Princesse; so that at this Cry, the Watermen who alwayes kept a dark lanthorn, did bring it, and there they found the Princesse all alone in a great amazement. Orsanes and I, see∣ing this, would have returned what danger soever would hap unto us: but the Watermen Rowing away with all their strength, by order from the King of Pontus, Cry and call as long, and as loud as we could, they would not stay to take us in: The King questionlesse imagining, that we had got some considerable strength upon Land to execute our designe; We heard the Princesse call sometimes Martesia, and sometimes Orsanes: but presently af∣ter we neither heard nor saw any thing, although the Moon presently after began to break out, and the River in that place did so turn and winde, that it was impossible for us to see the Boat: You may well imagine Chrisantes, how great my sorrows, and my fears were: First, to see I was separated from the Princesse: Secondly, to finde my self alone with a man upon the banks of a great River, neer a great Wood, in the midst of the night; The rest of the night we passed away and followed the River side, hoping alwayes, that the Moon would shine so cleer, that we might once more discover the Boat: At the last, we being very weary, and having found a little habitation of Fisher-men by the water side, we stayed there, and found there more helps then we could hope for from men of such

Quality. We told them our adventure, disguising our names, and the qualities of the persons, because we were in Paphlagonia, and desired them to informe us, whether it were possible to overtake the Boat we told them of: they told us that it was absolutely impossi∣ble to overtake them with another Boat, considering the number of their Oars, and the time we had lost to follow them: nor was it more easie to follow with Horses, because the River doth turn and winde very much: and their Boat taking alwayes the middle of the River, has by consequence lesse way to go then they who go by the sides: Moreover, not far from thence the River divides into two, and who can tell which way they would take? In conclusion Chrisantes, we had no other course, but to finde out some way how to come hither; where I did suppose I should finde the King. I had by good fortune the Picture of the Princesse about me, in a very rich box, which upon this occasion did us very good service: for when I had taken out the Picture, I sent Orsanes unto the next Town to sell it, and to buy a Coach and Horses, whilest he left me amongst the fisher-men: At his re∣turne we did recompence those honest men for their courtesies, and came in all haste hither, where we thought verily to finde Artamenes also, but little did we think to finde him a Prisoner. Now wise Chrisantes you know thus far of the Princesse her fortune: and I did very much desire to relate it unto you, before I spoke with the King, to the end that when you were informed of our adventures, and my self also better instructedin the state of things, I might more judicially know what to say, or not to say.

Martesia having ended her story, Chrisantes and Feraulas thanked her for the pains she had taken, and began to consider the wonderfull passages she had told them. They could not sufficiently admire the constancy of the Princesse, and her immoveable vertue wherewith she acted throughout all her adventures. They considered her as carried away by the greatest King of all Asia, whom she hated: they then looked upon her as in the power of a Prince, whom she very much esteemed; and yet they think upon her, as she is in the power of a King, without a Kingdome: They observed the greatnesse of the first, did not terrifie her from treating him lesse rigorously; That the esteem which she had of the second, did not alter her heart; and that the misfortunes of the third, did not move her to treat him lesse civilly, then if he were upon his Throne: The truth is, they saw Mandana was so worthy of Artamenes, and Artamenes of Mandana, that when they considered how they were separated, and how both of them unfortunate, their conver∣sation could not chuse but end in sighes and teares, and all other signes of compassion: First, for so many misfortunes as the Princesse had been exposed unto; Secondly, by reason of that strange Oracle which threatned a greater misfortune unto Artamenes, then his imprison∣ment. Feraulas was over-joyed to see Martesia again; and Chrisantes, who did very highly esteem her vertues, did bid her very welcome back: yet before they parted, they made a short relation according to their promise, of all the adventures of Artamenes: As well his voyage unto the Massagettes, as his returne to Cappadocia: and also all the As∣syrian War: They related also the lamentable encounter that Artamenes had with Mazares, when he was dying, who had from him the scarfe whereof she spoke in her relation, and which Artamenes knew to be the same which Mandana had refused him, a little before he went to fight: But (added Feraulas) I am certain he was much more sad, when he received it, then he was when it was denied him: Truly (said Martesia) the destiny of that scarfe is very strange; for I beseech you consider by what an odde way Fate has brought it into Artamenes hands: First you know that it was of most rare Golden Tissue, and admirably wrought by the Princesse her self, for her own diversion, and that was the reason why she valued it so much, though she had other reasons to deny it Artamenes, when he desired it from her at Anisa: But as if she valued it at a higher esteem, because Artamenes had desired it, she commanded me to have an extraordinary care of it, and would wear it no more. Afterwards when we returned to Sinope, I carried it thither, and when we departed from thence, and went unto Amasia, and from thence to Themiscira, I left it there amongst a hundred other things which belonged unto the Princesse; so also, when we returned thither again with the King of Assyria, there I found it; for Aribeus did not suffer any disorder in the Castle: and that same night we went away, this scarfe, I know not how, fell out of my hands; and immediately, being moved unto it, by I know not what conceit, Madam (said I unto the Princesse, who came in as I took it up) shall this scarfe which you value so much, and which you denied Artamenes, remain in the hands of the King of Assyria: No Martesia (said she unto me) it shall not: for if Arta∣menes should hereafter see him wear it in any combate, he would imagine perhaps, that I

gave it him: In conclusion, Feraulas, she took it, and wore it, and see by what Fate Mazares came by it; and how Artamenes received that from one of his Rivals, which the Princesse had refused him. Last of all, Feraulas and Chrisantes, resolved that Martesia should stay a day or two before she shewed her self, to the end they might have leasure, first to relate what she had told them unto their dear Master, and whilest they had con∣sulted with his friends, when would be the fittest time the King should see her. Marte∣sia desired Feraulas to assure Artamenes that she would most seriously interest her self in his fortunes; and that she did most passionatly wish, that this little shadow of liberty which was permitted him of late, might be speedily seconded by an absolute freedome, so as he might be in a condition to go and relieve the Princesse. After this, Chrisantes and Feraulas left her, and went to give Artamenes so much satisfaction, as to hear of Mandana's Fidelity and Constancy.

The End of the Second Book.