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

The History of the Princess ARIMINTA, and SPITRIDATES.

THe order which I have received from the Princess, to make an exact relation unto you of her misfortunes, requires, Sir, that you arm your self with abundance of patience, for they are so numerous, that they cannot be comprehended in a short story: and necessity compels me to let you understand, not only those which relate only to the Princess her self, but those also which concern her father; the usurpation of the Kingdom of Bythinia is the real cause of all those miseries she endures: You Sir, who has won so many battels thereabouts, do know, that a river only divides the Kingdom of Pont, and the Kingdom of Bythinia, so that it is not at all strange, that an ambitious King of Pont should stretch his limits over it: But I believe, that the course he took will appear so unjust unto you, that you will hardly endure so much as the rela∣tion of it. Be pleased to know, Sir, that the Grand-father of the Princess Ariminta, was a ve∣ry violent Prince, one that was most jealous of his authority, and as adventurous as any man in the world, all his life was wholly taken up in wars with his Neighbours, sometimes against the King of Phrygia, other whiles against the King of Cappadocia and Galatia, and sometimes against the King of Paphlagonia; but in all these wars he was continually assisted by the King of Bythinia, which then reigned, who was father unto Arsamones, who now is upon the re∣conquest, yet notwithstanding he bore a spleen in his heart against him, because he once opposed a new war, which he would needs undertake against Cappadocia, without any ground or rea∣son for it; for since Bythinia was between the Kingdom of Pont and Galatia, he could not make any attempts upon it, unless that Prince gave him a passage through his Dominions, which he refused to do. After this, he always looked upon Bythinia, as a great Obstacle unto his am∣bitious designs: But Sir, it befits me, to pass this over very slightly; for since I am originally a Bythinian, the love of my Country may perhaps make me speak more then is fit, considering the

respect which I am obliged to render unto those Kings, from whom the Princess whom I serve is descended; yet must I not make that crime a secret, which is publikely known unto so many Kingdoms, since it is the very foundation of all I shall tell you. Be pleased to understand then in few words, that the King of Pont, desiring to confer with the King of Bythinia, about some important affairs, which he said concerned them both, both these Kings drew towards their Frontiers, and since the river Sangar is the limits unto both of those Kingdoms, they made choice of a most pleasant Island, wherein there was a very fair house, fit for this enter∣view, which was made ready with all possible magnificence: But yet since this Isle belonged unto the King of Pont, he therefore was at all the expences of these feasts, which lasted three days in all imaginable prodigality and splendor: The last of these three days the King of Bythi∣nia was seized upon with so suddain and violent a sickness, that the Physicians did give him o∣ver, and it was impossible that he should be transported out of this Isle, where the King of Pont stayed with him, expressing so many testimonies of real sorrow, that all the world were deceived in him, and especially the King of Bythinia more then any else. This Prince then, ha∣ving only one son, about six years of age, and having buried the Queen his wife, seeing himself in this extremity, and thinking to prevent the King of Pont, whom he knew to be of an ambi∣tious humour, from usurping Bythinia, he would declare him Governour over the Prince his son; so that being in this deplorable condition, unto which all the Kingdom believed he was brought, by a poyson which the King of Pont had given him, he assembled all the Grandees of Bythinia, which waited upon him, to this enterview, and declared unto them, how he intend∣ed the King of Pont, during the minority of his son, should have the Government of his Do∣minions, and disposure of all things, with this proviso yet, to confer the offices of Government only unto the Bythinians. The King of Pont made a shew, as if he were unwilling to accept of this offer; but at the last, this unfortunate Prince pressing him more urgently unto it, he promised him to preserve the Crown of Bythinia, as his own; and he spoke with so much seeming generosity, that he caused him to die a satisfied, though a violent death. Though all the Grandees of Bythinia did seem to approve of this resolution, not daring to desire their dying King, yet after he was dead, reports of poyson making great noise, they opposed a∣gainst it, and made use of the guards unto the late King to secure the person of their young Prince, who was within fifty furlongs of that place, in a Castle where the Kings of Bythinia used to bring up their children, until such times as they were fit to be taken out of the hands of women: But the King of Pont foreseeing such a design, caused all the Garrisons of all the towns along the river, secretly to redouble their guards, so that in drawing them out, he quickly made up a little Army, with which he seized upon the person of the young Prince, and made himself master of Bythinia, procuring the favour of some Grandees in the Kingdom by golden argu∣ments. After this, he returned into Heraclea, where he educated the young Prince Arsamones; at the first, he caused all honors due unto a King of Bythinia to be rendred unto him, to the end he might the handsomer deceive the Bythinians, and allure them to receive his orders: But af∣terwards, when he had well established himself, he published a Declaration, by which he would make it appear, that the late King of Bythinia did acknowledge his Kingdom had been formerly usurped from the Kings of Pont; and by which he said, that the late King desired his son should be only a subject unto him, who now raigned: In short Sir, Force, not Justice was his Law, and Arsamones was now created only as a Prince, not a King, and was indeed no more then a Slave which is loaded with heavy chains of gold, he wore them with an unexampled patience and dissimulation: Those who use to dive deep into the reason of things, could not compre∣hend why the King of Pont should put the father to death, yet spare the son: but whether it was out of fear, to force the Bythinians unto a war against him, or that he was restrained from it by a predominate power of the Gods, which would not suffer him, yet he did it not: Arsa∣mones then lived as a subject, and married a Bythinian Princess, which was permitted, because she was not rich; but in recompence thereof, she was at that time admirable fair, and at this time as vertuous as fair; then you know Sir her vertues and condition as well as I do, since you were with her, when you were taken for the Prince Spitridates; he permitted also a sister un∣to the King, whom he had imprisoned, to marry the Prince Gadutes, yet it was because Nite∣cris Queen of Assyria, did procure it. Mean while the King of Pont, who had only one son died, and Arsemones changed Masters, though not condition; for indeed Sir, this new King of Pont and Bythinia, father of the Princess Araminta, although he was not so criminal as the King his father; yet finding himself in possession of two Crowns, he kept them, and never would hearken unto any restitution, so that Arsemones was forced to dissemble still, and seem to be contented with his fortune, because he had no power to make it better: for the King

of Pont was then in amity with all his Neighbours, and Arsemones had neither any troops, nor money to raise them. Mean while Sir, the King of Pont had two sons, and one daughter, and the Prince Arsamones had one daughter, and two sons, the elder of which is Spitridates, who so much resembles you: As the Queen of Pont died very young, so the Princess Ara∣minta was but five years old when she lost her mother: and as my mother had the honor of that great Queens love, she moved the King her husband, to confer the Government of the Princess Araminta upon her: But to shew you the piety and vertue of this Princess, I need only tell you, that she appointed my mother to cherish as much as she could, a love and friend∣ship between her children, and the children of the Prince Arsamones, wishing heartily, that he might hereafter become so generous, as to restore the Kingdom of Bythinia unto the right heir. You may be pleased to conceive Sir, that she did most willingly obey so just a command; and truly there was no great difficulty to beget a love amongst them, since they were all so ami∣able; and it must needs be acknowledged, that never was a more jolly sight, then this little Court of young Princes and Princesses: But amongst the rest, the amity between Spitridates eldest son of Arsamones, and the Princess Araminta, was extraordinary; for the first of these two Sir, you need only to remember your own infancy, to imagin him, since truly there is a most wonderful resemblance betwixt you and him; and as for the Princess of Pont, you need only to look upon her, and judge, that she was fair from her cradle: The sister of Spitridates, named Aristea, is also, as you know, very fair; and the Prince Sinnesis, elder brother unto Ari∣andus, who is now King of Pont, was of a good stature, and handsom, as well as his brother, whom you do know; and the youngest son of Arsamones, called Euriclides, as also a very handsom Prince, of these Sir, did the Court of Pont consist; so that since peace on all sides seemed now to be solidly established, there was no thoughts but upon the education of these young Princesses and Princes, and to contrive all the pleasant recreations their ages were capa∣ble of: The King of Pont himself, out of policy, did command my mother to do the same, which the Queen his wife had appointed her to do out of vertue; for he conceived, that if his eldest son should marry a daughter of Prince Arsamones, that would more confirm the pos∣session of the Kingdom of Bythinia in his house. The state of things standing thus, all the re∣creations of these young children were together; their walks, their huntings, their balls, their musiques, caused them continually to be together; and I dare affirm, that their education was such, as made them cease, being children, much sooner then their age permitted them; and though they lived together with all equal civility, yet their inclinations began to make some difference, and I perceived that Spitridates did much more respect the princess Araminta, then the prince Euriclides his brother: I observed also at the same time, that the prince Sin∣nesis was more indulgent towards the princess Aristea, then he who is now the King of Pont: And since my mother had acquainted me with the Kings intentions, and also with the Queens, to the end I might be serviceable that way, I was even ravished to see so happy a beginning in the design, and I believe also, that the prince Arsamones, and the princess Arbiana his wife did like it well. I perceived then that love did kindle in these two young hearts, and I saw them love one another, and knew it not themselves; for Sinnesis and Spitridates did render a thou∣sand petty services unto those princesses which they adored, not knowing they were in love, more then the princesses whom they loved. But the princess Ariminta being in her fourteenth year, and the prince Spitridates his sixteenth, they began to be sensible of their passions: The joy which he was wont to have when he saw the princess became more moderate, and though she used her accustomed civility towards him, yet was he not so well satisfied, as before; his heart moulded such desires, as that he did not know what he himself desired, but not knowing very well what he wanted to compleat his good fortune, he became very melancholy: As the princess Araminta did very much esteem him, and as he pleased her eye better then any she saw in the Court, so she was the first which perceived it, and asked me whether or no I knew from whence this alteration in the humour of the prince Spitridates did arise; and when I answer∣ed her, that I knew not, she told me, that it much troubled her, and that she would ask him the reason her self. Madam, said I unto her, and smiled, it is not always fit to be so inquisitive; how do you know, whether the prince Spitridates would have the cause of his melancholy known? And why should be hide it (answered she unto me) from one that would pity him, if I could not help him? He would hide it perhaps (said I unto her, and laughed) because he does not know the cause himself. Ah Hesionida, said she unto me, Spitridates is too full of reason to be troubled without a cause, and if I thought that were all, I would quickly cure him. As I was ready as answer, the princess Aristea came in, and a little after her the valiant Pharnaces, who had the honor to be the last man that fought with you in the combat of two hundred; and also at the

same time, the coward Artanus came in, who accompanied Spitridates thither. After their conversation had continued a prety while, the prince Sinnesis made a motion unto his sister the princess to go and walk, she was so complacential as to consent. This prince was then sixteen years old, and the princess Aristea fifteen; and I believe he had already expressed some slight marks of his passion unto her, which she knew of, but neither much accepted, nor rejected them. When they were in the garden, the prince Sinnesis, after she had talked a while with the princess his sister, presented his hand unto the princess Aristea, and Spitridates took the princess Araminta by the hand, and so they walked; so that Pharnaces and Artanus seeing that their aims were prevented already by Spitridates, went away in a jealous fit. Mean while, the small experience of this young Lady causing me to fear that she would too urgently ask Spitridates the thoughts of his heart, I followed presently after, and handsomly turned the discourse ano∣ther way: for since my mother, as I told you before, was both sickly and aged, and since I was six or seven years elder then the princess, I was a kind of an under-governess, the King appoint∣ing it so, and the princess was glad of it, because she did me the honor to love me. But Sir, to return unto my discourse, the princess Arbiana being come into the garden, intending to speak with me concerning some important business, I was constrained to leave the prince and prin∣cess, and by consequence to leave them at liberty to discourse together, for the prince Sinnesis did not at all molest them, being busied enough in his Courtship with the princess Aristea: Since we walked ten or twelve paces behind them, I could not hear their words, but only guess by their manner of actions. But in the end, I saw the princess Araminta come suddain∣ly towards us, saying she was weary with walking, and would rest her self; so that leaving Spitridates, she fat down upon seats of grass. I observed all the passage very exactly, and saw Spitridates blush in quitting the princess, and she also blushed, though she did hide it with her Hood: All the rest of the day she seemed much disquieted, though she did strive to hide it with all her care: Upon her return unto her chamber, she went into her Closet, and called none of her women with her, as she was accustomed; I went in unto her, and found her lean∣ing against the window in a serious deep study. Madam, said I unto her, and laughed, since you did not think it unhandsom to ask the prince Spitridates what was the cause of his melancho∣ly, I hope you will not think it impertinent in me, if I ask you, what's the cause of your musing at this time. At the first she would have perswaded me, that she mused no more then ordina∣ry, yet seeing she could not; But Hesionida, said she unto me, did you not tell me it was not good to be too inquisitive? Yes Madam, replied I unto her, but I am not the princess Araminta, nor are you the prince Spitridates, so that without any fear of offending, I have reason to ask what it is which troubles you, since my only end is to help it, if it be in my power. Truly He∣sionida, (said she unto me) there is nothing in my mind which vexes me. Truly Madam, re∣plied I, there is something which does trouble you, and if you will not do me the honor to tell it unto me, I shall think that the prince Spitridates has discovered unto you the cause of his melancholy, and that it has infected you: The Gods preserve me, said she unto me hastily: You know then Madam what it is, said I unto her.

The Princess blusht seeing she could not deny it, and coming nearer me with the greatest ingenuity and sweetness in the world; It is true, said she unto me, I do know it; and if you did but know how angry and ashamed I was, doubtless you would extreamly pity me. But Hesionida, said she, why did you not desire me more earnestly then you did, not to ask Spitridates, the cause of his melancholy? for I do imagine that you knew it, or at least sus∣pected something. I confess unto you, that the Non-plus of this young Princess, and the anger which I saw in her eyes moved me almost to laugh at her, yet I did restrain it, lest I should have too much incensed her: And after I had intreated her to tell me, what their conference was, and she many times excusing, but at the last consenting unto my desire, told me: You were no sooner entred into discourse with the Princess Arbiana, said she unto me, but being extreamly impatient to know what it was which troubled Spitridates, I entred into discourse with him. You are so changed, said she, of late, that all your friends do wonder it, nor can they imagine the cause of your melancholy: I do not think they do, answered he unto her, nor is there any in the world unto whom I will impart it. How, replied she unto him, Is it such a displeasure as you would not have any know it? then it seems you would not have any pitty you, or comfort you: I wish the first, replied he unto her, but I dare not wish the second. How can they do either, replied she, when they are ignorant of your sufferings? Did you not tell me, answered he, that all my friends do wonder, and are sorry for my melancholy? and if so, can they not pity me, unless they know the cause of my sorrows? No, not I, answered she, for perhaps you esteem your self unfortunate in some things, for which I would not pity you at

all. What may those things be, replied he, and sighed, for which the Princess Araminta has no compassion? If you should envy at the honour of another, said she, and that trouble you, I would not all pity you for it. But suppose I were in love, answered he, would you pity me then? No, answered she, but on the contrary, I would esteem you much more for it, since eve∣ry one ought to be in love with honour and glory; But indeed Spitridates, said she, since it is not your mind I should know what it is which torments you, I shall not pity you, but shall believe you think me not discreet enough to keep a secret. Ah Madam, replied he, I do not fear that you would publish that which I should tell you. What do you fear then, (answered she, with such a pretty simplicity, as made him almost desperate.) I fear, answered he, that you would hate me. And why should I hate you, answered she, for trusting me with a Se∣cret? Perhaps you would hate me, answered he, if you should know that Spitridates is not unfortunate in any thing, but in that he loves the fair Princess of Ponts more then he ought: He had no sooner pronounced these words, but immediately I saw (said she) my dead Hesionida, a thousand things which I did not see before, and I was so confounded at my simplicity and inno∣cency, that I durst not look upon him, yet after I had reassumed my confidence, You have reason, (said she, being both angry, and ashamed) to think that the Princess of Pont will hate Spitridates, if he should love her too much, and as your friend I advice you to keep your Se∣cret so close, that none may ever know it. I will obey you, Madam, said he, you your self shall be the only one in the world, who shall ever know it, or to whom I shall ever reveal it. I no sooner heard him say so, But I was so much ashamed that I came unto you, said she, and re∣turned no answer: After that the Princess had ended her relation with many signes of shame, and anger in her eyes, she asked me, what she should do? And I advised her, to avoid any private conference with Spitridates, as handsomly as she could, without any incivility to him: and to behave her self towards him as to a Prince whom perhaps she might one day marry, and perhaps not: and to carry the matter so with him, that he may esteem you much; and to obtain this esteem, you must be neither too indulgent, nor too scornful unto him: and that since she was very young, I desired her, not to keep any thing which Spitridates should say un∣to her, or she answer him, as a Secret from me, because it was very dangerous to trust ones self with a business so nice as this was, especially in an age so young as hers. This young and wise Princess did promise what I desired, and indeed, did most exactly keep her word, and do whatsoever I desired her.

As Spitridates was one of the most wise and discreet young Princes in the world, he did for a while content himself, that he had discovered his passion unto the Princess Araminta, without any further persecution, fearing she should treat him ill. Insomuch as seeing him live in such a moderate and discreet reservedness, I did imagine that this young Princess perhaps knew not yet the difference between a bare piece of Gallantry, and Courtship, and a real declara∣tion of love, since there is used, for ought I can hear, the same language, both for the one and the other, and that there is nothing which makes the difference between them, but the tone of the voice, and the manner of pronouncing words: so that I did believe this was all his meaning in it, and I would have made the Princess believe as much, who out of modesty did give credit unto what I told her, though that belief had no ground in the bottom of her heart. Mean while the Prince Sinnesis, who was of a more froward spirit then Spitridates, and who, as things then stood, had not so great a respect unto the Princess Aristea, as Spitridates had unto Araminta, did openly discourse of his passion; yet do what he could, he could never obtain one favourable look from that Lady: she carried her self indeed very civilly unto him, yet it was, as being the Son of the King of Pont, and as Brother unto the Princess Araminta, with whom she held a great intimacy, not at all as being her Lover. All the Court were puzzled to find out the cause of this her cold aversion to him, for they all knew, that if Aristea did not marry the Prince Sinnesis, she should never be Queen: for my part I ever thought, that her reason why she treated him in that manner, was because of the incertainty in his designe, and that as soon as the King should speak unto Arsamones concerning it, she would then alter her course with him: Mean while, Sir, the Princess Araminta, did darken all the beauties in the Court, and in all Heraclea, with the splendor of her beauty: and since there was none but only Aristea, which did not seem ugly in her presence, she conquered a thousand hearts, and without any design o•• hers, did captivate a thousand Slaves. Amongst the rest, the valiant Phar∣naces, and the Coward Artanus were so captivated, that they could not conceal their passions from all the Court, though fain they would have kept them secret; Not but that they were both of them of the prime quality in all the Kingdom: yet durst they not look so high: but love is of its own nature a mysterious secrecy: and moreover the gallant Air of this young Princess made them a∣fraid

to discover themselves: They were most assiduous in waiting upon her, yet so full of respect, that she could find no fault with their proceedings, since at this time, Artanus was very young, his cowardize was not yet discovered, and since he had a good wit, and not un∣handsom, he was well enough esteemed on, and received into company as a man of his quality should be. As for Pharnaces, Sir, I need not speak of his Gallantry, since the last act of his life speaks better for him then I can. But let me tell you, that he was one of those real Heroes, which use to look with fury in the face of their enemies, and with pleasing favour in his ordi∣nary conversation: he was both wise and modest; and though he spoke but little, yet had he a pleasant wit, because whatsoever he said was so just, and premeditated, that it was agree∣able to all hearers: he was also much esteemed Princes, and Princesses; and amongst the rest, he who now is King of Pont, (but then only Prince Ariandes) loved him extreamly. Thus Sir, (you see the state of things, the Princess Araminta was courted by Spitridates, Pharna∣ces, and Artanus: the Prince Sinnesis loved the Princess Aristea, and also loved Spitridates very well: and the Prince Argandes, not being in love with any, no more then the Prince Euriclides, contracted a most intimate friendship with Pharnaces. In all publick feasts, at Horse-races, B••lls, Walkings, all these Lovers appeared according to their particular designes; and the Court of Pont for a while, was one of the most gallant and pleasant Court in all A∣sia: Since Phrygia, and Lidia were near, Musicians out of both those Kingdoms were pro∣cured, which much augmented their delights, and since Heraclia is certainly one of the good∣liest Towns, that ever the Grecians built, and the Countrey about it most pleasant, not only because of the Sea, which lies on one side, but also because of a great and delightful River, which runs under the walls: and it may well be said, that all innocent diversions and pleasures in the world, did reign in the Pontean Court: For the King, as I already told you, did out of policy desire that Sinnesis should marry the daughter of Arsamones, and that Spitridates should marry the Princess Araminta, and was much pleased with the Gallantry, and Courtship of these young Lovers, who all this while let no opportunity slip, to please their Princesses. But above all the rest, Spitridates was most officious: all his actions were plausible, every word he spoke had a charming spel in it: and his very silence was sometimes so eloquent and agree∣able, that I confess, I looked upon this young Prince, as one most worthy to marry the Prin∣cess Araminta: so that without any thing opposing his passion, all my care, was that the Prin∣cess did not receive him too favourably: But that did little trouble me, for although she did very much esteem him, and had also a good inclination towards him, yet was she so naturally modest, and preferred her honour before all things else, that she perplexed him as much as if she had a strong aversion to him: so that when he would discourse of his love unto her, she would most sharply forbid him, and plunge him into a deeper melancholy: when I perceived the alteration in Spitridates; Madam, (said I unto her one morning when she was alone) do you remember the day when you asked me whether I knew the cause of the Prince Spitri∣dates his melancholy? and will you not now take it ill, that if in my turn I ask you what it is which thus disquiets you at this time? Hesionida (said she unto me) If you will absolutely know it, you shall; but you would do me a greater pleasure, if you would save me the labour of ••••lating the follies of that Prince. Truly Madam, said I unto her, I do so much esteem Spitridates, that I am much troubled at his sorrows, and this is the reason that I desire to know the cause of them. Then did I urge so much that I moved her to acknowledg how Spi∣tridates had spoken unto her concerning his passion, and how she had sharply forbid him to do any more, and that she believed he would not be so bold as to disobey her. But (said I unto her, to pump her mind, after I had commended her for what she had done, so she had done it without any scorn of that Prince.) If Spitridates, should be exactly obedient, and ne∣ver any testimonies of esteem come from him, would you then thank him for it? Do you think, said she, and blusht, that I command things which I would have done? But Madam, said I unto her before you make any fresh questions, I beseech you answer a little more di∣rectly unto mine, and tell me truly, whether if the Prince Spitridates should speak unto you no more, wait upon you no more, neither unto the Temple, nor into the Walks: if he should ne∣ver care for pleasing you, or rendring you a thousand services every day: if he should look upon you with cold indifferent eye, or perhaps slight you, ••what would you then think? would not all these displease you? But replied she, and laughed. I did not forbid him speaking, nor com∣mand him from those things which civility requires: Then I understand you, Madam, said 〈◊〉〈◊〉 unto her, and smiled, you would have Spitridates love you, and not tell you of it. No, repli∣ed she, you do not rightly interpret my words. I do expound them as I ought to do, said I ••••to her, nor is it forbidden you to suffer a Prince, who in all appearances must be your Hus∣band to love you. But Madam, I beseech you remember, that you carry your self so unto him,

that if ever that happiness befall him, you may never repent your self of any word, either too bitter, or too sweet unto him; and it is after this rule which I conjute you to direct your selfe in your carriage towards Spitridates: for I am certain, that if you punctually observe what I say, you shall never speak any thing unto him, which may cause repentance: Thus much she did promise me, and so our conference ended. All this while, Spitridates was not the only sin∣gular Lover of the Princess: for since Artanus was as bold with his tongue, as he was timerous in combate, after he had carried himself a while in a respective manner, he did at last un••end himself unto his natural inclination, which was always insolent, if his hare-like courage had not a little restrained him: but since in this war, there was no great danger of life, he was as bold as a Lion: for upon a day when Spitridates was with the Princess, and when Artanus came in, and the Prince received a message from Sinnesis to come unto him, that they might go and hunt together: so that Artanus remaining alone with the Princess Araminta, after some common discourse, she asked him why he went not unto the Chase with the Prince hes Brother? and he answered her, that this recreation was not predominate over his passion: Though you do not go out with any love to the sport, replied she, yet you may go out of love to the Company. So I should, replied he, if you would go also: I am much obliged unto you, answered the Princess, but there is no reason you should have no more complacency towards my Brother the Prince; not that I can much blame you, for not affecting a pleasure which ought to be used only as a diversion, and not as a profession of life; for I think it most proper to preserve the health of the body by the exercise, and not to polish the minds of them that follow it in excess, and do nothing else: It is very true, replied Artanus, and I am of your mind: and I conceive it fitter for great Kings to hunt after their enemies, and to take Kingdoms: and for fair Princesses (said he with extream boldness) to take hearts: but I would not have them do, as they use in hunting, where they take all they meet with: I wish they would take by choice, and not by chance. If so, replied the Princess, there would per∣haps be many taken which are free. You may Madam, if you please, (replied he most insolent∣ly) sausfie me in many things at once concerning this subject: for you may tell me what would the Destiny be, of the Prince Spitridates, of Pharnaces, and of Artanus, if this kind of hunting were in use; he pronounced the last of these names so low that the Princess did not well understand it; yet half hearing, and seeing by the disorders in his face, that she was not mistaken, she answered him very sharply after this manner: If the destiny of those three per∣sons whom you name depended upon me, two of them should most assuredly be happy. And what of the third? (said he.) As for the third, said she, he should doubtless have what he deserves; & that is, a good share of the aversion, and disesteem of the Princess Araminta. I am very glad then, answered he, that this kind of hunting is not in fashion: And I am very sorry, said she, that you have so ill invented it. But however Madam said he, and roughly interrupted her) you know not how to make your self eternally adored by him, who the best of any man in the world knows your worth: He whom you speak of, repied the Princess, would do better to acknowledg the re∣spect he ows me: and to teach him I forbid you to speak any more unto me: then did I enter into the Chamber, and Artanus went out; and I saw so many signes of anger in the Princess, that I wondred, but she did presently satisfie me, and related the impudence of Artanus unto me, with as much anger as a person of honour could have, against one that had affronted her: I cheared her up as much as I could possible, and confirmed her doubtless in her designe to let Artanus know, that he knew not his du••y. But that she might not be ignorant in any of her Conquests, the unfortunate Pharnaces brought in the Princess Aristea unto her, where the conversation was as it used to be, very indifferent and pleasant; and ere they were awate, they fell into dis∣course concerning Lovers, Passion, Gallantry, and Declaration of love: and as the Princess Araminta was yet angry in her mind, at the passage of Artanus: For my part, said she, I cannot conceive any thing more inconsiderate, then for any man to tell her that loves him not, how he is deeply in love with her: and if any one should this way fail in their respects unto to me, it should not be an easie matter for him that committed it, to repair his fault. Then Madam, (replied Pharnaces, and sighed whether he would or no) it seems it would please you best that he should love you long before he tell you: He must not tell me at all, replied the Prin∣cess, at the least, if he will be certain, I shall not hate him. How should any know your hu∣mour, replied he? An hundred ways, said the Princess Aristea: But Pharnaces, added she is their any of your friends that desires to know it? Yes Madam, said he, and if the Princess Araminta (then he blasht, and looked upon her) had not told me what she has done, the fairest princess upon earth had been importuned: And the most faithful Lover in the world had been 〈…〉〈…〉 ••ntertained. Perhaps, said the Princess, that fairone whom you speak of, is not of my humour.

Pardon me, Madam, replied he, for it I should name her, you would say she were. The Princess perceiving by several passages what Pharnaces desired she should know, since he carried the business more discreetly then Artanus, she was not angry at him; but yet continued all that day in a very fertting humour.

In the Evening, at the return from hunting, the Prince Sinnesis, who by the rigour of the Princess Aristea, was almost desperate, came to see Araminta, and conferring in private with her; Sister, said he, Will you have no pity upon me? Are you not so compassionate as to do me a good office unto the inexorable Aristea? Did I entertain any thought of her which was not innocent, I should never desire your assistance? But loving her with such pure affection as I do, and knowing that the King will consent I should marry her, I think I may without any offence unto you, conjure you to imploy all your ingenuity, to make me acceptable unto her. I conceive your choice, and desires so just and reasonable, (replied the Princess) that I cannot condemn them, and if to speak in your favour unto the Princess Aristea, will give you satis∣faction, I shall with all joy and willingness please you, though in my opinion, that which you call rigour in her, is only an effect of her modesty: and because perhaps she does not think, that you do really intend to marry her; but looks only upon your passion as a piece of Court∣ship and Gallantry. Pardon me, dear Sister, said he unto her, for this Princess does rightly un∣derstand my intentions, and her coldness does proceed from some other hidden cause which I cannot understand. I shall use all my best endeavours, replied the princess, to discover it: and will to morrow go unto her, before she be ready, that I may with more freedom talk with her. There is another way, answered he, to prosper my designe, more easie, and more pre∣valent, then that. Then let me hear it, replied the princess: Since you cannot guess it, replied he, or at least will not, I fear you will not undertake it: Do you think, Sir, answered she, and laughed, that one can guess at thoughts? and can you suspect my willingness to serve you? Since you do assure me that my fears were causless, said he, then dear Sister, let not your cold∣ness unto the prince Spitridates cause the princess Aristea to be revenged upon me; but be pliant unto him, if you would have her be so unto me: The princess blusht at the discourse of Sinnesis & not knowing whether he spoke sincerely, or only to discover her thoughts: In truth, said she, you have so surprized me, that I almost know not how to answer you: for I am so little perswaded of Spitridates his sufferings, that if your miserie be not greater then his, I cannot conceive there needs any such extraordinary remedy as that you propose. No, no, Sister, said he unto her, you do not think as you say, nor ought you to think so: for Spitridates loves you even to the very height of adoration: and I made him confess it unto me whether he would or no, when we were hunting together. Spitridates (replied she and was much ashamed) would not have chosen a better confident: I do acknowledg it (replied the prince Sinnesis, and could not be interrupted) for if you will really oblige me, you must treat him better then hitherto you have done. But Sir, said she, since there is so great an intimacy between you and Spitridates, there is no need that I should meddle in the business, you may do it well enough without me. Cru∣el woman, said he unto her, why do you say so? Do you not know that there is more powerful eloquence in one of your looks to perswade Spitridates, then in all my best Rhetorick? In short, unless you have a mind absolutely to lose me, you must entertain the love of that prince, who deserves you better then any other, and who doubtless is adorned with all those admirable qualities, which may invite your, and the King my fathers choice of him: But, said he, and smiled, If I be not much mistaken in the Rules of physiognomy, I see that Spitridates, maugre all your severity and wisdom, is not much hated. And then not giving her any time to answer, he called that Princess unto him who was talking with me at the other end of the Chamber. The Princess was so much astonished that she knew not what to do, or say: Certainly Sir, said she unto him, you have lost your reason in hunting, and I do believe you will not approve to morrow of what you do to day: Mean while the Prince Spitridates obeying his call, came unto him. I have been as good as my word said Sinnesis unto him; and I have done that ser∣vice for you which I desire you will do for me: Sir, replied Spitridates, what you desired from me was so small in comparison of the glorious office which you offered me, that I blush for shame. It is my part to blush for shame, said the Princess, to see unto what a strange ad∣venture the Prince my Brother hath exposed me. Whatsoever it be, said Sinnesis unto her, and taking her by the hand, It concerns the life both of Spitridates, and Sinnesis: and I do here declare unto you, in the presence of the Gods who hear me, that if you use Spitridates ill, I shall become your utter enemy. After this without giving her any time to reply, speaking aloud that all they which waited upon him might hear; I will leave you Spitridates said he unto him, to speak the rest your self, and went out immediately: Leaving the Princess so non-plust, that

she knew not what to resolve upon, for she knew well enough the violent passion of Sinnesis unto Aristea, and his imperious humour. But though she did very much esteem of Spitridates, yet was she angry to see that she could not avoid his discoursing of his passion to her: So in this perplexity of mind, she was along while silent, and before Spitridates durst open his mouth: Yet since he feared she would accuse him of some indiscretion, in acquainting the prince her brother with his love to her, I did at last begin the discourse.

I do not know Madam, said he unto her, whether I shall be so unhappy, as to be suspected of rashness and imprudence; but when you shall understand how the Prince, after he was pleased to acquaint me with the honor he intended unto my sister, was also pleased to tell me, that he knew of my passion unto you, and that he would be ready to do me any good office: When you understand I say, that at the first I desired him not to meddle, and did not confess unto him my affection unto you, till he had urged me above a hundred times, then I hope you will conceive it very difficult for a man, who adores you as I do, to refuse such a prevalent assi∣stance, having such need of it as I had: For heavens know Madam, I could never find by any of your actions, any reasonable ground to build the least hope upon. After that Spitridates had done speaking in his own justification, the Princess lif••ing up her eys, which she continually held down as long as he spoke: I am glad said she unto him, that the business is as you tell me; and that I s••e this accident is grounded only upon the imagination of the Prince Sinnesis, who to induce you to do him a good office, would perswade you to love, to love me better then you do. But Spitridates, let not thi•• at all ingage you, and I do protest unto you, that I think nothing but what I thought before my brother spoke unto me; therefore I pray, let you and I rest upon the same terms we did, and endeavour only to perswade the fair Aristea, whom I should be infinitely joyed to see, matched according to her merit. An Madam (cried out the Prince Spitridates) do not so cruelly torrure me, nor render all the promises which the Prince Sinnesis hath made me, so in effectual. What hath he promised, replied she? He hath pur me in hopes, answered he, that you will give a favourable ear unto me: If he con∣tinue until to morrow in the same mind, replied she, then I shall consider what I have to do; in the mean while, I advise you to retire your self, with a resolution to do my brother all the good ••ffic••s you can unto the fair Aristea, without any other interest or design concerning me: In saying so, she rise up, and went away, so that pitridates was constrained to leave her, without any returning any answer. As soon as this Prince was gone, she called me; but though she seemed to muse upon the matter, yet seemed she not very melancholy; and to tell you truly, I believe, that since she did esteem Spitridates very much, she was not at all angry with her self, after she had well considered it upon, that she had expressed some marks of affecti∣on unto him, as without any wrong unto her modesty she might well do, since her brother had spoken so unto her I confess also, that when the Princess had acquainted me with the passage, I was ravished with joy, to see so happy a beginning of that design, which my mother was to transact by the last will of the Queen of Pont; for as she was even dying, she command∣ed her to low as many seeds of friendship and love between these young Princesses, as possi∣bly she could. Mean while, the Prince Spitridates, as soon as he was gone from her, went unto Aristeas chamber, with intent to do the like good office unto the Prince Sinnesis, which he had received from him, and thinking he had brought the best news in the world unto 〈◊〉〈◊〉 young and fair Princess. Sister, said he unto her, and speaking low, lest any of her women should hear, you ought to entertain me with more then ordinary ceremony, for I bring you such a Crown, as is not unworthy of you. If such a thing as that were in your disposition; (answered she, and laughed as well as he) I believe you would be so ambitious as so keep it for your self, and not offer it unto me. Do you not know, said he unto her, and sighed, that one violent passion drives out another; and that since I am so deeply in love with the Princess Araminta, I have no other ambition but to please her. In short, Sister, said he, the Prince Sinnesis would marry you; and I have Commission to tell you as much, and to move you to entertain him, as he deserves: I am very sorry brother, replied she, that you have undertaken any such Commission; for indeed the Prince Arsamones hath absolutely forbidden me to give any hopes of it unto the Prince Sinnesis, and therefore I dare not entertain the least thoughired it: Bu•• certainly, said Spitridates, he does not believe his design is real, asicisq Pardon me answered she, for I did ingeniously tell him that it was: And did he not acquaint your with his reasons, replied Spitridates? No, replied Aristea, though the Princess my mother did press him unto it very importunatly, as I understand by one of her women who•• heard her Then came one 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and said that the Prince Atsamones was coming into the chamber, and in∣deed so he did presently after. As soon as he entred, he caused all to withdraw, except

the Prince his son, and the Princess his daughter, who were both of them a little surprized. Af∣ter he had a while silently looked upon them; I know Spitridates, said he unto him, that you are yet so young, that your green experience has need of some advice; and though you were born with high and noble inclinations, yet may you be capable of some imbecilities which may be dishonorable, and perhaps destructive unto such as do not arm themselves against them: I would have you know, both you and your Sister, unto whom I have already spoken, that it is not my mind ever to have any alliance with the usurpers of my fathers Kingdom; I was born unto that Throne which they unjustly enjoy; and doubtless I am able to resent many things, which your young innocent years are not capable of, especially being born infortunate: But since I believe you both to be generous, and worthy to be descended from the ancient Kings of Bythinia, your Predecessors and mine, I conjure you Spitridates, stoutly to guard your heart against the charms of the Princess Araminta, which have already a little ingaged you; and I command you Aristea to keep you from the Prince Sinnesis; for it would be as dishonora∣hle in you to sit upon the Throne by such an unworthy way, as it would be in Spitridates to renounce it, as he would, if he should too deeply ingage himself in the affection of the Prin∣cess Araminta: Those who have lost Crowns, ought to be possessed with no passions, but only desire to get them again, and to ruine those that usurp them; therefore since I cannot un∣worthily degenerate, I would contract no alliance with those, whom I ought, and will ruine upon the first occasion which shall present it self: Dissimulation is excuseable in weak oppres∣sed people, but yet not so far as any such alliance; and if hereafter I shall arrive to such a con∣dition, as to pull my enemies out of that Throne which they usurp, I would not destroy my own children with them; live then with them in all appearing civility, but ingage no further, unless you will be unworthy of your selves, and my affection. I know very well, that to speak thus unto persons of your age, seems to be imprudent: but I know also, that since you are descended from so many Kings, you must needs be generous, and have souls sensible of ambiti∣on; and therefore I do not doubt, but you will honor what I say unto you, and willingly o∣bey me. As soon as Arsamones had ended his speech unto them, he went away, not receiving any other answer from either Spitridates or Aristea, but their humble reverence: For this Prince had caused all his children to respect him so much, that they durst hardly look upon him when he was gone: Spitridates did so deeply grive at it, that the Princess Aristea, who was no less sad then he, was moved to cheer him up: Brother, said she unto him, since you have both more wit, and more generosity then I have, I hope you will not so desperately resent this accident: and the excessive sorrow which I see in your eyes makes me take so much liberty, as to beseech you not to be too much overcome by it. He, my dear Sister, said he unto her, what an advantageous thing is your insensibility to the prince Sinnesis unto you? It is much more easie for you to endure that Arsamones shall hinder you of a Crown, then it is for me to be hin∣dred of the princess Araminta, not but that I have ambition enough in me, but it is because love is predominate in my soul; and because it is much more easie for me tolet the usurpers of the Kingdom of Bythinia live in peace, then for me to live without the Princess whom I love. There are other Crowns in the Universe, which Fortune and my Sword may give me, yet there is but one, only one Princess Araminta in all the world: Yes, my dear sister, she is the only one in all the world I can adore; without her, all things else are nothing to me; with∣out her, I make no difference between slavery and a Kingdom; yet for ought I can judge by the orders of the Prince Arsamanes, he intends I should nourish in my heart a design to poy∣nard the King of Pont, the father of Araminta, to kill the Princes her brothers, and whenso∣ever occasion presents itself, to bury her in the ruines of her house: He, no, no, I will never sit upon a Throne by such bloudy conditions; I do know very well that the Grand-father of Ara∣minta was an usurper; I know also, that the King her father possesseth the Kingdom which belongs to me; but withall I know, that since Araminta has usurped the Empire of my heart, she hath rendred the possession of the Kingdom of Bythinia legitimate unto these of her house. I pretend nothing unto it, dear sister, since I cannot come unto it but by the loss of my Princess, who doubtless would never look upon me but with horror, if I should wash my hands in the blood of her father and brothers: The Gods do know it is not out of any feeble fear, that my ambition submit unto my love; and I am so well satisfied with an inward testimony of my courage, that I do not care what men think of me. But you, my dear sister, whose soul is so sensible of this tender passion, certainly you are more ambitious then I am; Can you be con∣tented to lose two Crowns? Do not I conjure you? Harken unto the Prince Sinnesis, and not unto the prince Arsamones, for which way is it possible he can bring his design about? he has been five and twenty years about it, and yet can find no hope••; he has educated me as a

subject, and he would now hinder you from being a Queen, though he have no power to make me a King; For where are his Allies? where are his Armies? or where is any retreat for his security? he can have no design in it, but by way of conspiracy against the persons of the Princes; but by his favour, he shall execute it without me; or to say better, he shall perish without me, since what he would attempt is an impossibility. Resolve then, my dear sister, to entertain the affection of the Prince Sinnesis, for indeed, if once you be Queen of Pont and By∣thinia, the prince Arsamones would not, what ere he say, subvert that Throne upon which you sit; he has permitted you to dissemble, and me also; Let us dissemble then, said he, but let it be with him: The Gods do know, I would never do any thing contrary to that duty which I ••••we unto him, wherein my love is not interested; but when it concerns Araminta, I cannot obey him. Yet brother (said Aristea unto him) you run a great hazard in disobeying him: I shall run a greater in not disobeying, replied he: And what sister, do you intend to yeeld a blind obedience? I am of that Sex, answered she, which permits me not to do otherwise: Can you treat the prince Sinnesis unkindly, (said he unto her) who offers you two Crowns? he who hath spoken in my behalf unto the Princess Araminta? he who may perhaps give her unto me? he who has given you all his affections, and does infinitely adore you? I will not treat him unkindly, said she, but I will not marry him, unless my father consent unto it: Would you then have me die? answered he: Would you then have me dishonor my self? (re∣plied she.) I would have you sit upon a Throne, and save my life, and make me happy, answered this grieved prince. The Gods do know, said the princess Aristea, that I would undertake the greatest difficulties for you; but to marry without the consent of Arsamones, is a thing which I neither ought, nor can do; for I believe, that neither the King of Pont, nor the prince Sin∣nesis would offer it, if they knew that Arsamones would not consent: So that, said she, since prudence tells us we must not bring things to that pass, as that the princes should know my fa∣ther is against our alliance with them, since they would then easily suspect his reason; there∣fore all the whole business had better reflect upon me, and that I pass for a phantastical Girl, that has a simple secret accession to the prince Sinnesis. You are very prudent, Sister, replied Spitridates, and it seems your reason is at liberty: But since it is so, consider well I beseech you, into what a desperate condition you bring me, if you deny me this favour, at the least to testifie unto the prince Sinnesis, that I have solicited you with all my power, and also that I have not spoken all in vain: permit me to hope awhile, and in the mean time the prince Arsa∣mones may chance to change his design. In conclusion, Sir, Spitridates was so importunate with the princess Aristea, that she consented unto this last favour, and then he retired incon∣ceiveably disquieted: As he had a great soul himself, so he imagined some great design that his fa∣ther should have in denying a Crown unto the princess his daughter, in hopes hereafter to re∣conquer one for him. But for all that, love rooted all such thoughts out of his soul, and he re∣solved rather to be alwayes a subject, then to lose his hope of raigning hereafter in the heart of the princess Araminta. In the mean time, the prince Aryandes, who was no lover of Spitri∣dates; though he shewed fair, ever since a Horse-race, where Spitridates won the match, and where he conceived Spitridates did not carry himself as he ought unto him; Perceiving that the prince Sinnesis did patronize him in his love to Araminta, he took upon him to patronize Phar∣naces, and indeed spoke very advantageously for him; but he went another way to work then Sinnesis did, and told her, that he had no other interest in his consideration, but her own; that for his part, he could not find it fit she should ever marry Spitridates, who was of a family, which in all sound policy the Kings of Pont should keep under the hatches as much as they could; and since so, he concerved that Pharnaces was the fittest man she could cast her eyes upon. The princess thanked him most civilly for his advice, and answered him, that she was resolved to poyze her self with all quality unto all, and with medling in the business of her marriage, with one or other, she would submit that business of her life unto the conduct of the King her father. In the mean time the princess Araminta, to make good her word unto Sin∣nesis, went unto the princess Aristea, who carried the matter according as she promised Spitri∣dates; so that Sinnesis finding a little more sweetness from her then ordinary, gave most hearty thanks unto the prince, and was so officious in his behalf unto the princess his Sister, that in∣deed he moved her to use Spitridates with much more freedom and sweetness. The prince Sinnesis also did me the honor to speak unto me, and desired me to prompt the princess his Sister unto more kindness unto that prince. Now was Spitridates in all appearance the happiest man in the world; for he was highly assisted by the brother of his princess, he had the free∣dom to express 〈◊〉〈◊〉 passion without offence unto her, and had so much delight, as to observe by divers circumstances, that he stood upon no ill terms in her heart: Yet I oftentimes won∣dred

to find some signs of melancholy in his eyes, and to hear him sigh often: But since I heard say, that love was an odd kind of phantastical passion, I regarded it, as one of those ordinary effects which proceeds from such folly, as is in the souls of the wisest persons, and made no other account of it: But the princess was not a little busied, for Sinnesis had alwayes something or other to say unto her, either concerning Aristea or Spitridates: Aryandes also conferred with her very often against Spitridates, and for Pharnaces: Spitridates was alwayes speaking as much as he could for himself; and Pharnaces, though he durst not speak for him∣self unto her, yet was entertaining her with discourse upon indifferent things, as much as pos∣sible he could, to the end he might prevent others from speaking; only Artanus absented him∣self for certain dayes, because he durst not look upon her; but afterwards, coming in the com∣pany of the princess two or three times, and being infinitely respective unto her, she thought he had repented of his boldness, and resolved to forget his crime, which for all that was not the most pardonable which might be committed amongst fair and young persons; she suffered him then to visit her, but yet treated him very coldly. Thus being the state of things, there fell out to be some stirrings upon the borders of Phrygia, so that an Army must be raised, which the prince Sinnesis must command, and Spitridates must be his Lievtenant General, which did extremely anger the prince Aryandes, who was to stay with the King, because he would have had Pharnaces to be Lievtenant General. I will not insist upon relations of all the adieus which all those illustrious persons did take; I shall only tell you, that this separation contracted a strong leave of amity between Spitridates, and the princess Araminta; and that Sinnesis also departed with much satisfaction, because Aristea, out of her complacency unto her brother, did not treat him ill when he took his leave. I shall not insist neither upon any relation of this war, which lasted but six moneths, and they concluded by a happy peace. But give me leave to tell you, that Spitridates did so gallantly behave himself, as the fame of his valour did deaf all others, though both Sinnesis and Pharnaces did also very many miracles in that war; but indeed they cried up none but him, both in Court and Army: You may easily ima∣gine then, that when he returned thus loaden with honor, he was well entertained by the prin∣cess. I forgot to tell you, that Artanus was not in this war, not but that he spoke of it as high as the bravest; and provided the most sumptuous equipage that could be procured: I re∣member nothing was so much talked on, as the magnificence of his Tents, and the richness of his Arms, and the bravery of every thing; yet when he was to depart, just at that very hour he fell sick, and went not, though all his equipage was gone before; yet none did at that time suspect any thing of the cowardly cause, for he was so discontented at it, in speaking un∣to those who came to bid him adieu, that he moved them to pity, not accuse him: Yet he recovered within a few daies after & carried it so handsomly, that never speaking of his passion to the princess, nor doing any thing which might give her just cause of complaint, he gave some cause to think, that it was his love only unto her which kept him from the Army; and indeed his design did so well take, that every one did believe it so: Yet when these princes re∣turned, he seemed for certain dayes so much ashamed, that he had much ado to shew himself: All the Court made it their raillary, and talked of his magnificent equipage, which was never used; but brought back unto Heraclea, which would have drawn any other but himself into more quarrels then one or two; but he carried it so for a while, that his humour was not abso∣lutely discovered, until he had five or six quarrels came upon him, but he fought none of them. Since this peace was very advantageous unto this State, the Court continued a long time very joyful. Never was the princess Araminta so fair, nor the princess Aristea so amiable; and by consequence, never was the prince Sinnesis, Spitridates, Pharnaces, and Artanus, more amo∣rous. The King of Pont, who did not alter his design, took a resolution to execute it, and to make up the marriage between the prince Sinnesis, and the princess Aristea; and between the prince Spitridates, and the princess Araminta: Notwithstanding, he did believe, that consi∣dering the state of things, Arsamones might accept of these intentions with joy; yet since he was prudent, and knew the humour of that prince to be something imperious, he would ther∣fore try his resentments of it before any further proceedings: And he was pleased to cast his eyes upon me for that imployment, knowing that the princess Arbiana did me the honor to love me: He commanded me then, whilest he tooks a journey for seven or eight dayes, to im∣part the design unto her, to the end she might prepare the mind of her husband to accept of this honor, as he ought to do: You may imagine Sir, that I accepted of this Commission with much joy; and indeed the pleasure of it was so great, that my heart could not contain it: But I made it known unto the prince Sinnesis, unto the princess Araminta, and to Spi∣tri••ates also: Yet was I much surprized, not to find so much joy in that prince as I expected; and without any interpretation of his resentment, he seemed as if he would have hindred me

from speaking unto his Mother: yet since the order which I had received was urgent, I left him in Araminta's Chamber, and having a Coach ready, I went unto the Princess Arbiana, whom I had the good fortune to find alone in her Chamber. But though I was surprized at the melancholy of Spitridates, I confess I was amazed to observe it in the mind of Arbiana: since I loved her very well, and she me also: I beseeched her to explain her self a little more clearly then she had done: Though she knew that being originally a Bythinian as I was, the interests of her house were dear unto me: yet for all that she would not open her self unto me further then coldly telling me, that she would speak unto the Prince her Husband, and that she would give me an account of his answer before the Kings return, who was gone unto a Town in Pont, called Cabira, leaving the Princes, and the Princess his daughter behind him. I afterwards came to know, that I was no sooner gone from Arbiana, but she went unto Arsamones, to tell him, that she desired this double alliance with him, and that he must prepare himself to re∣turn an answer before the Kings return. So I shall, (said he, without any further explaining him∣self;) in the mean time speak to me no more about it, for I know very well what I have to do, Arbiana would have conjured him to tell her a little more plainly what she was to expect; but he intreated her to press him no urcher, and to believe that he had very advantagious thoughts in his heart for his children. As Arsamones was of a very violent humour, she was forced to submit, and to retire into her Chamber without any deeper penetration into his thoughts: as she went out of the Chamber, she met Spitridates, who after she had carried him into her own, did conjure her with so much tenderness to be favourable unto him, that this wise Princess was much moved unto compassion, and promised to use her best endeavours for his satisfaction; and also since she saw no appearance of any possibility for Arsamones to get into the Throne of his fat ers, she wished with all her heart that these two marriages were consummated. In the mean time, I was four or five days without any vexation, but at the in∣certainty of Arsamones his answer: not that I feared it would be absolutely ill, but the me∣lancholy of Spitridates, and the pensiveness of Arbiana, joyned unto some sadness which I saw in the eyes of Aristea, made me fear there was something in the wind which I could not understand. As for Spitridates, he was unconceivably troubled, and notwithstanding all his end avours to hide it, the Princess did perceive it, yet he was so ingenious as to make her think, that the hopes of any great good carries with it always some kind of unquiet melancholy. The Prince Sinnesis on the contrary, was in high content: for although he saw very well that the Princess Aristea was not very pleasant, yet he took a real sadness for a piece of modesty, and suted his discourse accordingly. As for the Prince Argandes, Pharnaces, and Artanus, since they knew not the secrets of things, each of them studied how to promote their parti∣cular designes, and never thought upon any ones else. The fifth day after the Kings departure, being come, three or four only remaining before his return: I remember that the Princess Ari∣stea had a long conference with the Princess Araminta, and not knowing well any reason why they redoubled their amity and affection one to another; the Princess Araminta gave a little picture which she had unto Aristea, the same which she shewed you in Bythinia, to disco∣ver whether you were Spitridates or no, as afterwards she sent word unto the Princess: And in exchange Aristea gave a jewel unto Araminta, which she wears at this day, and is the prettiest thing in the world.

After that Aristea had left the Princess, Spitridates came to see her: & since he found her full of those pleasing conceits, which those two fair ones had infused one into another; she treated him better then ever she did in all her life before: for she was then so full of obliging sincerity, as that he plainly discovered in her heart, that real esteem which she had of his vertue; and since this Prince had certainly as much sprightly wit, as ever any had; and never any knew better how to love then he; so he expressed himself unto her so feelingly, so respectively, and passio∣nately, that he did sufficiently win upon the soul of the Princess Araminta. This conference was long, though it seemed short, by reason it was pleasing, and it was very late when Spi∣tridates went from the Princess: He went afterwards to sup with the Prince Sinnesis, and he came not unto his own Chamber until almost midnight. He was no sooner in his Chamber, but one came to tell him that the Prince Arsamones sent for him. In obedience unto his Com∣mands, he went unto his Chamber, and in the way he observed the officers of the House ex∣traordinary busie: yet his imagination was so taken up with the princess Araminta, that he less regarded it. When he was entred into the Chamber of Arsamones, he found there the princess Arbiana, the young prince Euriclides his Brother, and the princess Aristea: but the sight did much augment his fears, when he found melancholy in the faces of those two princes∣ses. When he was come unto his father, Spitridates, said Arsamones unto him, we should be

weary of our fetters, and the time is now come, when we will shake them off; therefore take the princess your Mother by the hand, and follow me without any contradiction or murmur: for it concerns the Grandure of my house, my own glory, and yours, and more then that, my life: Since I do owe mine unto you, replied Spitridates most sadly, I have no will to disobey you: But, Sir, dare I ask what your designe is? You shall know it presently, replied Arsamo∣nes roughly: mean while do as I bid you without resistance, since I am in power to make my self obeyed: Spitridates hearing his father speak in this manner, and seeing that indeed he might be compelled unto it, he gave his hand unto the wise Arbiana, who in a low voice con∣jured him to make no stir, and protested unto him that she was ignorant of the designe. Then after orders was given for all things, this prince, followed by his children, and such as he had made choice of to follow him, went down a pair of back stairs into the Garden, and out of the Garden, to one of the gates of the Town, which looked towards the Sea, and whose por∣ter was bribed: there he found a Shallop, into which he caused all of them to enter, and him∣self the last; after he had thrust in Spitridates with his own hands, who at that instant staid at the side, as if he would consider whether he should enter or no; although he held the prin∣cess his Mother by the hand: all was no sooner in, but Arsamones commanded to row away in all haste, until they came unto the Cape of an Island called Acherusiades: Since he had paid the water-men very liberally, they made away so fast, that in less then an hour he arrived at the Creek, where they say Hercules landed, when he fought with that terrible Monster; the defeat of which got him so great a reputation in that Countrey: You may very well judg Sir, in what a pitiful condition Spitridates was then in, who though he did not know his fa∣thers design, yet was he sure it was contrary to his love: After arrival at the place before na∣med, out of the Shallop they went, and entred into a Bythinian ship, which waited there, and was guarded by three others, which the Calcedonians had sent unto Arsamones. None of the watermen of the Shallop daring to return unto Heraclia, left it upon the River unto the wind and waves, and followed this prince who promised to take care of their fortunes: No sooner was the ambitious Arsamones in the ship, after he had given order to make towards Bythinia, he and Euriclides entred into the Cabin, where the princess Arbiana was with Aristea, and Spitridates. When he was entred, Well, (said he unto them, with an aspect which spoke both fury and joy) though I am not yet a King, yet am I no longer a Slave: and he that would conquer a Crown, must first break off those chains which hinders him. Come Spi∣tridates (said he unto him) let us go unto a Throne; and to make the way more pleasant and easie unto you, I will tell you, that I will not oppose your marriage with the princess Ara∣minta: but on the contrary, I intend to put you presently in the head of an Army, to the end you may go and conquer her, and not take her from the hands of my most deadly enemies: when you are the Son of a King, and in expectance to be King your self, you will be more worthy of her vertue and beauty then you are, and doubtless you would extreamly injure her to have her marry the son of a Slave, and a Slave himself. I have been twenty years in contri∣ving this designe, which I now begin to execute: the City of Calcedonia is for me, as well as that of Chrisopolis, and I hope within a few dayes the King of Pont will be brought unto such terms, as to send his Ambassadours unto my Court to demand Aristea, for the prince his Son: But whatsoever falls, I render thanks unto the Gods, that I shall diefree, though I cannot live a King. Spitridates, as much taken up as he was with his passion, could not chuse but see some∣thing that was great and Heroick in his fathers design: But how ambitious soever his soul was, love was ever the Master of it, and he could not conceive that any hopes of being a King could comfort him for the loss of his Princess: also he answered Arsamones after such a manner as was not pleasing unto him; so that he was constrained, to be silent, and as much as he could shut up all his melancholy in his soul: You may well imagine Sir, what his thoughts were, during this voyage, they were such and so sad, that when he related them afterwards unto me, he almost wept. The thought not only to quit his Princess, but to ruine her, to declare war against her, and to appear her enemy after he was upon the point of marrying her, was a thing so horrid, as that he thought divers times to throw himself into the Sea: and if the Princess Aristea had not been, he had desperately done it: Ambition was too feeble to over∣come the love that was rooted in his soul. No, no, (said he in himself) thou glittering and imperious passion, thou shalt never chase my Princess out of my heart; she shall be Sove∣raign, and raign there, in spite of thee, and thy plotting power: my desires of a Throne come infinitely short of my desires to enjoy her.

But alas, what will this divine princess think of me? can she ever believe that I knew of the design of Arsamones? No, no, flatter not my self, for notwithstanding all the testimonies

of my love that ever I gave her, she will believe that I prefer the Crown of Bythinia before her: The prince Sinnesis, in lieu of being my assistant towards her, will become my mortal enemy; he will accuse me for carrying away Aristea, and will speak as much against me now, as he spoke for me before: I fear Araminta, the generous Araminta, will hate me now, as much as she loved me before; and indeed she has reason: For why, will she say to her self, did he discover his love unto me, when he was transacting as my declared enemy? But yet for all this, my dearest princess, I am only infortunate, not criminal: Ambition was stirring in my heart, I must confess, but love only did absolutely enjoy it: So not knowing what he either ought, would, or could do, the miserable Spitridates abandoned himself wholly unto sorrow, and every minute of his sad life sighed out a remembrance of his dear princess. In the mean time Sir, give me leave to tell you, how great was our wonder in the morning, when the de∣parture of Arsamones was known; indeed it was so great, that I cannot remember, but tremble. The princess was yet asleep, when the prince Sinnesis came to her chamber, where contrary to his custom, he waked her; which no sooner done, Sister, (said he unto her) Ar∣samones has carried away Aristea from me, and Spitridates from you; he is gone in the night with all his houshold, and imbarqued secretly, not being discovered by any, but by this inscrip∣tion, which is posted up at every corner in the Town, as this which I have here brought you; in saying so, he gave her the note, which contained these words:

The Prince Arsamones tells the King of Pont, that to marry the Prince his son, and the Princess his daughter, unto the children of a Slave, would be to make an alliance un∣worthy of himself; therefore to transact both justly and generously, he must restore the Kingdom of By thinia unto him, before he treat of any alliance, otherwise he declares war against him, as an usurper of his Dominion, and as his mortal enemy.

You may well imagine Sir, how this surprized the princess; yet being wise, she vented her resentments of it before the Prince her brother, but inquired of him, with much reservedness, all that he knew concerning the business; yet he, who was of a violent temper, uttered all that either love, choler, sury, and despair could prompt him unto; sometimes his rage roved at Arsamones; then presently after, he suspected Spitridates, as accessory to the design, and confounding the innocent and culpable together; or to say better, not being able to discern them, he railed against Arsamones, against Spitridates, against Arbiana, against Euricli∣des, and against Aristea also. During all this turbulent passage, the Princess spoke not a word; she had a desire to ask him, whether he had sent unto the King, to advertise him of the accident, whether he had caused Arsamones to be pursued, and what order he had taken in the business; but not knowing what she her self should advise them unto, she suffered her sorrows silently, without complaint; yet was her curiosity satisfied presently after, without any further enquiry; for the prince himself told her, that he had sent unto the King, and command∣ed two ships to follow Arsamones, in which Pharnaces was imbarqued. This news made the princess blush, because she knew, that if they were overtaken, there would be a combate, since Pharnaces was there; yet dissembling the matter as well as she could, she told the prince Sinnesis, that according to her apprehension, it was Arsamones only who had any hand in the design. Afterwards this prince being so passionately disordered, that he neither knew, why he should leave the princess, nor whether he should go, but he went out of her Chamber, and left her at liberty to lament. Well Hesionida (said she unto me, when I came to her bed-side) what do you think of Spitridates? or what ought I to think of him? Madam, said I unto her, I have so strong an inclination to interpret all things unto the advantage of that prince, that I am apt to believe he did all he could to prevent this design: If so, said the Princess sigh∣ing, he is very unfortunate; but if not, I am sure he is very culpable; for if he had any secret design to transact with his father in his just pretensions unto Bythinia, why did he testifie any particular affection unto me? or why should he engage my heart to esteem him above all the world? If he had any such privy design, said I unto her, he pretended unto you, the more to delude the Court, and hide his design the better. But Madam, I cannot believe it; and al∣though the melancholy which of late I observed in his mind, did much amaze me, yet I am fully perswaded, that he really loves you: If so, replied she, then why does he go away? How can he ever hope I should continue my affection to him, if he intend to make war against my father? Believe me Hesionida (added she, tears falling from her fair eyes whether she would or no) though I would gladly find out some good ground to justifie Spitridates, yet I can∣not: Perhaps he thought it no unworthy act, to delude the daughter of that Prince, who

kept a Kingdom from him, and to get into a Throne again, it was excuseable, if he used a hundred thousand false oaths, and as many lying protestations. But no, Spiridates, said she, you deceive your self, Heroique vertue is more difficult to practise then you imagine; not is it permitted to commit crimes, though it be to gain Crowns by it. Be not so hasty Madam (said I unto her) to condemn too rashly, who ever seemed to be vertuous. Ah Hesionida (said she unto me) did you but know all he said unto me the last night, you would tremble, that he thus abandons me to day, and that he should declare war against my father; for he must needs know, that the Kingdom of Bythinia will never be restored him without a war; and he must needs imagine, that if he fight against the King of Pont, unto whom I owe my life, I shall my self fight, and drive him out of my heart. But yet since she had not sufficient ground either to condemn him, or justifie him, she knew not how to regulate her own desires; she could well have wished that Pharnaces might meet with him, and bring him back unto Hera∣clea; yet not knowing how he should then be treated, she did sometimes make prayers for his flight, and desired that he might either not be taken, or else that he might vanquish Pharna∣ces: for truly, would she say unto me, whether Spitridates be innocent or culpable, I wish with all my heart, he may not fall again into the hands of the King my father. Then did she en∣treat me to enquire whether Spitridates had carried all his Train with him, and I found, that every one of his servants stayed behind, and not one of them went with him, and that the Prince Sinnesis, and the Prince Aryandes, had caused them all to be arrested, who all of them did say, that they were altogether ignorant in the design of Arsamones; and also did affirm, that my Master was ignorant of it as well as they, because he sent for some of them to get him to bed, when Arsamones sent for him: Though this was a strong conjecture to justifie him in the opinion of the princess, yet the two Princes Sinnesis and Aryandes were so prejudi∣cated in their imaginations, that they absolutely assured her, that Spitridates did know of the design; so that though she did not believe them, yet her soul stood upon incertain∣ties, betwixt what they told her, and what she wished to be true. In the mean while, the King returned unto Heraclea, but so incensed against Arsamones, as never man was more: And when he considered, that this Prince transacted thus, at such a time when he would have set his daughters upon the Throne, and have given his own daughter unto his son; he could not then find out any excuse for him, and never considered that he detained his Kingdom from him, but was as much incensed against him, as if he were a rebellious subject. Then did Pharnaces return without meeting with him, bringing this intelligence with him, from some Merchants ships which he met withall: That he was gone unto Bythinia, where he was in danger of a shipwrack, as he was entring into the Port; but having escaped this danger, he was received as King by the Inhabitants of Chalcidonia, and also by them of Chrisopolis, who had seized upon all the Garrisons the King of Pont had there. I confess Sir, that upon this ac∣cident, the love of my Country did much work upon my heart, and my hopes once again to see a King of Bythinia, did much joy me; for since this was towards the end of Autumn, I thought that during winter, things might perhaps be well composed, and that the Princess Araminta might marry Spitridates, and be one day Queen of that Country from whence I had my original: So that joyning the interest of my Native Country, unto the interest of my Mistress, I did endeavour all I could, to perswade her unto some hopes of it; but she al∣wayes told me, that certainly the King her father would never consent to part with a King∣dom, unless force did compell him unto it: And indeed, though the season of year was not fit to begin a war, yet Commissions were granted to raise new Regiments, to be added un∣to those which remained of the Phrygian war. During this time, Pharnaces and Artanus were so joyed at the absence of Spitridates, and were so assiduous about the Princess, that she was extremely importuned, principally by Artanus, who divers times began again to be insolent: As for Pharnaces, he was so discreet and wise, that he gave her no cause of of∣fence, or if he did, it was at such a time, when the Princess thought solitude the greatest consolation: Whensoever she walked, it was as privately as possible; and the better to hide the malady of her mind, she oftentimes faigned to be sick, and would see no body. Upon a day, when none did see her, there came such news from Bythinia, as did much surprize all the Court, which was, that Arsamones had imprisoned Spitridates, and kept him very close in a Chalcedonian Castle: Such news as this, upon any other adventure, would have extreamly grieved the Princess, but now it did most sensibly joy her, be∣cause she looked upon the prison of Spitridates, as a convincing testimony of his innocen∣cy, which did compleatly justifie him in her opinion. Moreover, since she did not fear, that Arsamones would ever attempt any thing against his life, because he was his son, she

fancied great consolation in thinking, that as long as the war lasted, he could not fight, either against the King her father, or against her brothers; so that if peace should hereafter be concluded, she could not blame him for any thing: Sometimes she would grieve for the sorrows which he endured: But for all that, as things stood, she did not desire he should be at liberty. Did I not ever say, Madam (said I unto her) that Spitridates was never culpable? Yes Hesionida, replied she, and I am very sorry I should suspect him of any such injustice. Mean while, the Princess would go in the morning unto the Temple that was so famous in Heraclea, (and which was dedicated unto the Goddess Adrastea, or otherwise called, Fa∣tal Destiny) with intentions to invoke the Goddess to be propitious unto Spitridates, and to compose all differences between the King her father, and Arsamones. But here Sir you may admire at the power of Fortune, for we met (in this Temple of fatality) with a stranger newly arrived at Heraclea, and who seeing the Princess go into the Temple, went in also: I heard him ask, which of all these Ladies that waited upon the Princess, was called Hesioni∣da, and I told him, I was she; If so, replied he, do me the honor that I may speak a word in private with you. I conjure you (said he, and spoke low) by the name of Spitridates. When I heard a name so dear unto me, though very dangerous to be named, as things stood in Heraclea, I bad him retire, and go out of the Temple, and stay at the gate, until I sent for him by a Slave, which I shewed unto him, that he might know him: Then going out of the Temple, I called this slave unto me, whom I knew to be witty and faithful, and shewed him that stranger, appointing him to bring him through the Pallace garden, by a back-door, and to conduct him into my chamber by a back stair, which was over against it. I would not acquaint the Princess with any thing, until I knew exactly what the man had to say unto me; so that after I had waited upon her unto her chamber, I went in all haste unto my own, where I presently saw him, whom I expected, coming in. I commanded the slave to stay in the outer chamber, that he might carry him back, whom he brought, after I had conferred with him; and carrying him into my Closet, I beseech you, said I unto him, what have you to say unto me concerning Spitridates? Madam, said he unto me, I have or∣ders to conjure you to help me unto the speech of the Princess Araminta; and to assure you for your particular, that you are the Lady whom of all the world he most honors, and whom he stands in most need of. After I had received this complement from Spitridates, and obser∣ved by the fashion of this stranger, that he was one of a good wit, and some quality, I de∣sired him to have a little patience, whilest I acquainted the Princess, and obtained audience for him: She was so surprized, that it was long before she could resolve what to do: But since none was with her, I importuned her much, that notwithstanding her repugnancy to see him, she consented. She sent me first to know, whether he had any Letters; and when he an∣swered, that he had, she desired they might be given unto me, but he would not by any means, so that she was forced to go unto him, saying, as she passed through the Chamber where her women were, that she must go to speak with a man, who desired her favour to the King, about some important business: But afterwards she commanded to bring the man into her Closet, where I remained with her: Madam (said he unto her, after a low reverence) I beseech your pardon, that I did not deliver the Letter unto Hesionida, when she did from you desire it: For since the Prince Spitridates did not know, whether you would do him so much honor, as to return an answer, he expresly commanded me to be present when you read it, if it were possible, hoping thereby Madam, to understand, at the least, some part of your thoughts. The Princess was so surprized, that she knew not well how to answer him; but taking the Letter, Since my thoughts are alwayes such as they ought to be, replied she, I care not much if my countenance discover them, and therefore without any difficulty I shall satisfie Spitridates so far, as to read his Letter before you: In saying so, she broke open the Seal, and read these words:

SPITRIDATES unto the Princess ARAMINTA.

I Am so infortunate, that how innocent soever I am, I cannot chuse but fear you suspect me to be fuller of ambition then love: and farther, that you have condemned me, before you understand me. He who shall present my Letter unto you, hath orders to relate the pure truth; to the end, that knowing it, you may do me no injustice: The prison wherein I am shall be most sweet, if it will but justifie me in your opinion, but most intolerable, if you accuse me, since it will not let me tell you my self, that I would quit all the Crowns in the Ʋni∣verse for the glory of one favourable look from you. Do not suspect, I beseech you, that I

have any desire▪ to conquer them, upon conditions of losing you; but on the contrary, believe, that I shall ever prefer the glorious quality of your slave, before the being King of all Asia.

SPITRIDATES.

After the Princess had read this Letter, and sighed whether she would or no, she desired him who brought it to acquit himself of his Commission: so that he related all that I have told you; that is to say, in what manner Arsamones had sent for Spitridates; how he spoke unto him in his Chamber; how he imbarked, and what he said, when he was in the Ship which waited for him: then he told her, that their Sea voyage was very prosperous until they came to Chalcedonia: but in arriving there, the Pilot mistaking his aim, the Ship was dashed by the violence of the waves against the point of a Rock, close by the mouth of the Port: that the Ship split, and Spitridates being at the Poop, fell into the Sea, just at the same time when another of the Ships of Arsamones was split a little lower: Moreover he told her, how all the water-side being full of people, there was some Merchants of Persipolis, who were extream compassionate at this accident, and desired to save Spitridates: That there was two, who threw themselves into the Sea in hopes to assist him, but both of them were drowned: and that the violence of the waves had wafted him far off: so that none could discover where he was: He further related, that when Spitridates first fell, he recollected his spirits, and because he could swim very well, he made many attempts to land, but the waves dashed so much against the Rocks in that place, as it was impossible for him to land, so that he was carried by those billows a long way off, which were so high, that those Merchants which did interest themselves in his loss, did lose the sight of him, and thought him shipwrackt. Yet the waves be∣ing not so rough where Spitridates was, with much ado he landed in a place where an old Fisher-man was drying his Nets upon the banks, about four or five furlongs from Chalcedonia: That since he was exceeding weary, he did lie himself down upon the banks to rest himself: That this old fisher-man, pitying to see a man so lovely and handsome, and well habited, in so lamentable a condition, offered to carry him unto a little house close by: That Spitridates ac∣cepted of his offer, and that not knowing any reason why, he intreated that charitable fisher-man to tell it unto none that he was with him: But Sir, when this messenger from Spitrida∣tes related unto the Princess the unquiet and restless mind of Spitridates in that place, I do confess that he made me extreamly pity him: and indeed, it may be easily imagined, that seeing himself now master of himself, and that he could either return unto Heraclea, or else go unto Chalcedonia, that his soul was in a pitiful and wavering condition. If I return unto Heraclea (said he) then doubtless I shall satisfie my love, and my Princess, but then I shall dishonour my self in the eyes of all Asia; for then I shall fight against my own father, and for him who retains that Kingdom from him which I must enjoy; yet if I go unto Chalcedo∣nia, can I ever have a heart to take up Arms against the father, and brothers of my Prin∣cess Araminta? and shall I leave that most illustrious Lady in an opinion that I have deceived her? that I have betrayed her? and that I expressed affection unto her only as a Cloak to cover my designe of getting into the Throne of Bythinia? Ha, no no, I can never consent unto it. But then, said he, what shall I do? I know not, answered be to himself: But I think, Death is the only course I can take, to put me into such a condition as that I shall do nothing, either against my honour, or against my love, or against mine own inclination: yet I must resolve upon one way, I must either go unto Heraclea, or Chalcedonia: If to the first, then I lose my honour, but satisfie my love: if to the last, then I shall satisfie my ambition, but ru∣ine my self in the opinion of my Princess, which I prefer before all things, even my very life.

In conclusion, this Messenger told us, that after a most violent agitation of mind, love was the most predominate in his heart; yet desiring to take a middle way between these two extreams, and considering that as the season of the year was the War could not begin this three months; he therefore designed to disguize himself, and return secretly unto Heraclea, without seeing either the King, or Princes, but to endeavour by my means to see the Princess, and to justifie himself unto her: to promise her never to fight in person against the King, her Father, and to beg leave from her to go and defend his own: That not doubting but the Prin∣cess would consent unto his desires, and knowing her to be just and generous, he resolved to return afterwards unto Chalcedonia, to the end he might endeavour a pacification, and so to satisfie, if it were possible, both his honour, and his love. That to execute this his designe, he got this old fisher to go unto the Town, and with some money which he had about him to

buy such necessaries as might make an handsom disguize for his intended voyage; and to enquire whether any accident happened unto the King: That this man having bought such things as he had need of, he told him, that the King and Queen of Bythinia, the Prince Eariclides, and the Princess, there had escaped from shipwrack, but were extreamly grieved out of fears that their eldest Son was perished: and that all the Sea-side was full of men, whom the King had sent to seek the Prince living or dead: that they were enquiring news of him within an hundred paces of that place, and that he answered, he knew o•• none: afterwards Spitridates fearing to be found out, presently disguised himself, giving unto, the fisher-man a very rich jewel which he had about him: and as soon as it was night, he got upon a Horse, which the fisher furnished him withall: so after he had commanded that his clothes should beSpan••id, and shewed unto none, at the least not until a long while after his departure, he took his journey: I had forgot ••o tell you, that he left a little Note with the fisher, with orders to go within eight days after unto some Officer of Arsamones house, and give him that Note; saying, that he found it by chance: the words of the Note were these:

Assure the King my Father, that Spitridates is not dead, and since he is not capable of do∣ing any thing against his honour, he will return unto him, before he shall have any need of his courage.

After Spitridates was gone, the poor fisher-man, consulting with his wise concerning their happy encounter, and searching out for a fi•• place to hide those rich clothes which Spitridates left, by ill fortune, twelve or fifteen of those men which Arsamones had sent out to search a∣bout the Sea-side, being hungry and cold, came into this house, and entred so suddenly, that those good people was forced to throw the Princes clothes hastily under their Nets: one of these men saw something shine, and moved him to so much curiosity as to look what it was: but he no sooner saw those clothes by the help of a candle, but he knew them, for he was a servant unto Arsamones: then supposing that this fisher-man had perhaps found him half dead upon the Sea shore, and had killed him our-right for his clo••hes, they began to threaten him, to confess the truth, and to tell them what he had done with the corps of Spitridates: This poor honest fisher-man seeing himself unjustly accused, and fear forcing it out, told them the whole passage, shewing them the Note which Spitridates had left with him. So that now making no question but that he was alive, and easily imagining that he was gone towards Heraclea; they sent one in all haste to inform Arsamones of their adventure, and to carry the Note which Spi∣tridates had left: since they conceived that they should do a great piece of service in bringing his S••n back unto him; they made all the haste they could unto a bridg, where of necessity he must pass: and that which did the more facilitate their design in finding, was, that they forced this fisher to d••••c••ibe the clothes and horse which Spitridates had. When they overtook him, they first addressed themselves very respectively, but yet so, as they resolved not to let him escape; for they compassed him round about. This Prince who was but ill mounted, saw it was im∣possible for him to avoid being taken, used no resistance, but prayers and promises: After∣wards, seeing that way would not work with them, because they expected high rewards from Arsamones; he began to threaten them, and began indeed to force them: yet finding all his attempts in vain against so many, he yeilded, and was carried unto Chalcedonia, where Arsa∣mones looked upon him with as many signes of an incen••••d father, as a violent Prince could pos∣sibly express: he told him, that there was no reason he should pretend unto the Crown of By∣thinia, because he was unworthy of it. But to shew him, that he would keep it without him, he would put him into such a place, as should cool him, since he could not extinguish that disho∣nourable passion which was so hot in his soul, and so opposite unto his honour. Spitridates would have excused the matter, but since he could not force his tongue to tell so loud a lye unto the King, as that he would not love Araminta any longer, he imprisoned him in one of the Towers in the Castle, not permitting any to visit him, but the Princess Aristea, and that was not obtained without much difficulty, and only twice in a week; Afterwards this Messenger from Spitridates told the Princess, that he having the honour to wait upon the Princess Ari∣stea, in three or four of her visits, and they having a good confidence in him, made choice of him, to come hither, and render an account unto her of that Princes life, since his departure from Heraclea: assuring her, that the Princess Aristea continued so firm in her affection to∣wards her, that nothing can change it. The Princess Araminta did very attentively hearken unto this relation; and since she was fully satisfied and reconciled unto the Prince Spitridates, she seemed to be most sensibly moved at those miseries which he endured in consideration of

her. I believe she would not have writ back unto him, unless I had extreamly pressed her unto it: and in conclusion, consented unto my desires: writing this Letter in the presence of him who was to carry it.

The Princess ARAMINTA, unto SPITRIDATES.

I Wish you could be innocent, and happy both: yet since the malignity of my Fate will have it so, that you must not be justified in my opinion without your sufferings; I do confess with a blush, that I had rather you were unfortunate, and not culpable, then culpable, and not un∣fortunate: But yet I resent your Prison as I ought to do, and I do not know whether my sor∣rows can keep within those just limits which reason should prescribe them. Since I require nothing from you which shall be against your honour: do not expect any thing from me con∣trary to mine. If the Destinies have ordained that we must be always unfortunate, yet let us make all the world confess that we deserve to be more happy.

ARAMINTA.

After the Princess had shewed me that Letter, she sealed it, and gave it unto him that was to carry it: she writ another also unto the Princess Aristea, and after much civility unto this faith∣ful Agent of Spitridates, she dismissed him: and the slave which brought him, conducted him out of the Town where he should lodg: you may imagine what conference the Princess and I had upon this adventure, and how often we read this Letter of Spitridates: His prison did not strike only on the heart of the Princess Araminta, but in the heart of the Prince Sinnesis also: who now did not any longer think him accessary to the designe of Arsamones, neither did he suspect that the Princess Aristea had deceived him: so that love re-assuming the same seat in his soul as formerly, he changed his manner of negotiating. He often came to his Sister the princess; and since it was important unto her, that the prince Sinnesis, should always love Spitridates, she therefore confirmed him in that opinion: So that his passion more strongly re∣viving, he left off exasperating the mind of the King his Father, as before he did, but would divers times appease it, yet the King of Pont easily suspecting the cause, was extraordinarily more angry at him: Some certain days after, the King of Pont had intelligence, that Ciaxares (who as you know, was then only King of Cappadocia, and Galatia) would assist Arsamo∣nes under hand; so that seeing the business more dangerous then he at first fore-saw; he de∣sired to compose the business betimes. He then sent unto Ciaxares to demand aid, seeming as if he were ignorant of his siding with Arsamones secretly; He who was sent unto him, negoti∣ated the matter so handsomly, that he took Ciaxares off from declaring openly for Arsamones, but yet not being willing neither to declare for the King of Pont, he proposed to be a Media∣tor between the two princes, which did extreamly grieve Arsamones, who was hereby dis∣abled from sustaining a War: for since the prince of Paphlagonia and the prince of the Ca∣dusians, had not treated with him but upon such conditions as the King of Cappadocia should declare, they also drew back from the Enterprise. Moreover the Inhabitants of Chalcedonia, and them of Chrisopolis, had been so much impoverished under the Dominion of the Kings of Pont, that they were not able to sustain the Charges of the War: so that Arsamones see∣ing upon what a weak foundation his designe did stand, resolved to entertain some propositi∣ons of peace: But since he would not trust unto the word of an enemy, because the King his Father before him, had been thereby deceived: he declared unto him whom Ciaxares sent, unless the King of Pont would give Hostages as he himselfe offered to give. Ciaxares knowing that the King of Pont had no greater a mind to trust Arsamones, then Arsamones had to trust the King of Pont, proposed that both parties should give Hostages, which should remain with him, and it was accepted on by both parties: so that the King of Pont sent the prince Ariandes unto the Court of Ciaxares, and Arsamones sent the prince Euriclides. This Treaty continued six entire months: at the end of which a peace was concluded: and the Sentence was, That Arsamones should not assume the Title of King; that he should render up Chalcedonia unto the King of Pont: That he should enjoy the Town of Chrisopolis, and all the Countrey about it, holding it as a Vassal unto that prince: and that he should not be obliged either to dwell, or go unto Heraclea, nor send the princes his children thither. Be∣fore this Treaty, the prince Sinnesis endeavoured all possible ways to move his Father to con∣clude the marriage which he designed, but he would never hearken unto it, which did so ex∣treamly trouble the prince Sinnesis, and grieved him so much that he was hardly knowable.

All this while was Spitridates in prison, and that much more close then before; for since the return of him, who brought the Princess Araminta's Letter, whom Arsamones suspect∣ed, the Princess Aristea was not allowed to see him. Pharnaces, whose patron was not now at Heraclea, did not so often speak unto the Princess; nor could Artanus with all his insolence and wit, find many occasions of conference with her. Pharnaces, though seeing that Artanus had more address unto her then he had, was very angry at his misfortune, though Artanus was no very terrible Rival unto him, yet he did divers times put affronts upon him: At the first this coward carried it so cunningly, as if he wanted no courage; yet these last in∣juries of Pharnaces, did much against his mind (the Gods do know) constrain him to draw his sword; but he did as much dishonor himself in fighting, as if he had not fought at all, and the aversion which the Princess had towards him, was so justly grounded, that none wondered she should treat him with so much coldness. Mean while, the news of the conclusion of peace be∣ing come unto Heraclea, and the Prine Sinnesis knowing that he must not marry the Princess Aristea, was so extreamly grieved at it, that he fell into a Fever, which upon the fourth day was at the height. The King his father hearing how very ill he was, and not being ignorant of the cause, such an excessive sorrow, mixed with anger seized upon him, that he died suddainly: Seven dayes after, the Prince Sinnesis quitted his Crown and his life, desiring the Princess his Sister, alwayes to love Spitridates, and protect Aristea. You may easily imagine in what a deplorable condition Araminta was, who without all doubt did infinitely honor her father, and loved her brother, the Prince Sinnesis, who though he was by nature somewhat violent, yet was he very amiable: Besides, he loved her very well, and had a great affection unto Spi∣tridates; so that in losing him, she lost a brother, a friend, and a protector of her lover: She strangely resented this loss, and was so full of sorrow, that for three daies together she could not eat: Pharnaces did not grieve so much, for the Prince Aryandes ever loving him so well, and being now King, he hoped that he would more easily move Araminta to be favourable unto him: As for Artanus, since he lost nothing but what Pharnaces found, this sad acci∣dent made no great alteration in his mind. I was not in such a condition as to comfort the Prin∣cess, for my mother died at the same time, who out of her love to her own Country, and her earnest desire, that the intentions of the Queen her Mistress should be accomplished, command∣ed me to be absolutely serviceable as much as I could unto all the house of Arsamones, and es∣pecially unto Spitridates, as that I was more engaged unto it, then before, and I could the more easily obey her in it, because they appointed no other Governour unto the Princess. Mean while, the new King of Pont, who now raigns, or to say better, who must never raign, was upon his way in returning unto Heraclea, (where they had rendred all due honors unto the two dead Princes) and it was in his journey, that he heard of the death of the King his father, and of the Prince Sinnesis his brother: Then did we understand, that the treaty of peace was performed, that Arsamones was gone out of Chalcedonia, and going to Chrisopolis, and by consequence Spitridates changed his prison. Fifteen or twenty dayes did thus pass over, whilst the Inhabitants of Heraclea prepared all possible magnificence to receive their new King: But orders came from him, which did forbid all ceremony, having no desire to mix so much sorrow with the joy. The Princess being extreamly melancholy, and doing nothing but pray unto the Gods, did lament and mourn in secret as oft as she could. I moved her one evening against her mind, to walk in the garden of the Pallace, and so take the Ayr, for I perceived so great an al∣teration in her complexion, as I feared she would fall sick: When we were in the garden, she made choice of a dark and narrow walk, which being railed in on both sides, amongst many great trees which covered it, and made it the most melancholy, and therefore the most agree∣able walk in the world; for there was two fountains at the two ends, & one in the midst, which murmured so much, as did incite a soul unto musing: The Princess making choice of this gloomy place to walk in, would have no company with her but me, of whom she had no such fears as young persons commonly use to have of those which oversee their actions, for my years were not so many above hers, as to cause any aversion in her towards me, and I gave ad∣vice alwayes, rather with respect and submission, then with any domineering pride, so that we lived together in much sincerity, and much obliging confidence. After we had repeated many misfortunes, and bestowed many a tear upon the memory of Sinnesis, she assumed some thoughts upon the unfortunate Spitridates. Is not that Prince unfortunate, said she unto me, to lose a Kingdom, in losing that person, for whose sake he was resolved to have lost it? Cer∣tainly the King my brother, though that Arsamones should permit him, yet would never con∣sent unto his good fortune, as well because he loves him not, as because he loves Pharnaces; so that I see my self exposed unto very great persecution: Yet, said she, did but Spitridates know

the justice that I render unto his merit, and how exactly I do obey the Prince Sinnesis, my brother, I should have some consolation, in that it would be a consolation unto him: But alas, it is not the pleasure of my fate I should have so much happiness, and I have nothing to do, but to prepare my self for all imaginable misery. Madam, said I unto her, never excessively grieve at misfortunes which are to come, because perhaps they may never come; and can you be obliged to follow the will of the King your brother, rather then the will of the late King your father? If I were only his Sister, replied she, I believe I should not; but since I am his Subject, as well as Sister, I think I am obliged to obey him, as I was the late King my father. After much such like discourse as this, observing that night drew on, (for it being the Spring time, the dayes were not very long) I perswaded her to retire: yet since the Moon sh••ned, she followed not my counsel, but would sit down at one end of the walk, neer the Foun∣tain, within a quarter of an hour after, I saw a man coming towards us, whom I supposed to be some of the Princesses servants coming to tell her something, but I was much surprized, when this man, whom I could not know in that dark place, came neerer us. Madam (said he unto the Princess, bowing unto her, with much reverence) will you be pleased to suffer the unfortunate Spitridates to come and mingle his tears with yours, and help to lament your misfortunes, by grieving for his own? You may imagine Sir, how much the Princess and I were surprized, when we heard a voice which we could not but know, it was so great, that the Princess cried out so loud, that some of her women came into the walk, thinking she had called; but I stepping readily towards them, said, that she did not call them, and that this was a man who had a suit unto the new King, and came to beg the favour of the Princess unto him. After this, coming neer the Princess, I heard Spitridates (since she answered him with nothing but tears) continue speaking unto her. I am even desperate Madam, said he unto her, that I should renue your sorrows, and to find that my presence in lieu of pleasing you, should grieve you: I desire your pardon, said the unto him, for receiving you so very ill: But Spitridates, my weakness has so just a cause for it, that you may excuse me: The Prince Sin∣nesis my brother did so tenderly love you, that I cannot look upon you without a revival of my sorrows, and so many several things comes into my mind at once, that it is not strange if my reason be a little disordered; for truly, the remembrance of what is past, the fear of what's to come, and surpriz'd to see one so neer me, whom I thought in prison, are lawful causes of this disorder in my soul: I was in hope Madam (said Spitridates) that this last mentioned cause would rather have rejoyced then grieved you; So it does, answered she, but not so much as it would, if the Prince my brother were yet living: Yet tell me, I conjure you, how the choler of Arsamones is appeased: It is not appeased at all Madam, replied he, and doubtless I have more incensed it by this my flight from him, which now I have made: Was it not by his con∣sent, said she unto him, that you are come out of prison? No, replied he, the Princess Ari∣stea is she unto whom I am obliged for my liberty; for after I was brought from Chalcedonia into Chrisopolis, she observed that the place they put me in was not inaccessable, as that was wherein I was before; so that as soon as I was brought thither, and before my father discove∣red the weakness of the place, she corrupted three of my guards, who out of a window, which was not barred with iron, they helped me to escape, and carried me disguised into a house of the Town, where I remained three dayes: Afterwards, when we heard the news of the King your fathers death, which as you know preceded the death of the Prince Sinnesis, my Sister advised me to come unto that Prince, whom she then supposed to be King, and out of her goodness to me, she gave me a great part of her Jewels for the accommodation of my journey: In my way hither, I heard of yours and my second loss; but though I did conceive it was not safe for me to come hither, since the Prince Aryandes was to be King; yet I could not deprive my self of so much happiness, as to come and throw my self at your feet Madam, and to ask you what should be the fate of my life. Would to the Gods (replied the Princess, and sighed) that it were in my power to make you happy; but yet Spitridates, fortune is more powerful then I am, and I am afraid she will not consent unto it: So that you will con∣sent, replied he, I cannot think she is able to hinder my happiness: I wish that all you say were true, replied she, but my reason does not shew me how it can be. However Spitridates, though I cannot deny but that I receive my consolation to lament it with you, yet I cannot chuse but tremble to see you at Heraclea, for the King my brother is to arrive here within these few dayes, and if he come to know that you are here disguised, what will he think of it? Alas Madam, said he, do you think to drive me from you, by telling me the King will come so soon, and that perhaps he may know I am here? Ah Madam, torment me not so cru∣elly, I have a very s••cure lodging; and since I have nothing to do at Heraclea, but to see you, I

shall not easily be discovered: Yet however, answered she, I may hazard both my reputati∣on, and your life, by permitting enterviews, which how innocent soever they be, may be interpreted criminal. It is not late, replied she, and therefore it will not be thought strange, that a sad melancholy Mourner should walk so long; therefore Spitridates (said she, in rising up) we must leave you: However Madam, answered this Prince, I beseech you do me the honor to promise me another oportunity of speaking with you; I cannot consent unto your de∣sire, replied she, but Hesinoida shall see you in any place: That indeed Madam, is a great fa∣vour, answered he; yet truly it cannot satisfie the passion which my soul has to you; and to discourse with you in freedom, does so much import the welfare of my life, that I do declare Madam, I will never go out of Heraclea, if you do not grant my respective passion that fa∣vour which I ask: I do not beg it Madam for any merits of my own, but in the name of the Prince Sinnesis, who has so often pleaded in my ••avour. This conjuration is very prevalent, re∣plied she, yet all that I can promise you is, to use my best endeavour that I may see you once again: I shall be every day about this hour in this walk, replied he, where I may safely re∣ceive your orders, for the Gardner is most absolutely my faithful friend, having a long time served the Prince my father, & it was he who came to advertise me of your being here. I cannot consent that you expose your self every day to the view, answered she, but tell Hesionida where you lodge, and she shall advertise you of my will. After this, the Princess left him, and Spitridates having told me where he lodged, it happened to be with one of my acquaintance, and whom I durst trust with any thing: Since the time that the Princess returned to her lodg∣ing, she appeared more studious and melancholy, then before she had seen Spitridates; and indeed she grieved extreamly, when she considered that this Prince would extreamly incense the King of Pont, as he had already Arsamones by his escape; so that to avoid this misfor∣tune, she saw a necessity of moving Spitridates to depart presently, though she knew not in what quarter of the world he could find a Sanctuary, yet the misery had no other remedy; for she knew well enough the King of Pont did not love Spitridates, but affecting Pharnaces, as he did, he would solicite her to marry him: She knew also, that this Prince did never ap∣prove of the late King his fathers policy, in desiring this double alliance with Arsamones; but on the contrary, he would often say, that the best way to establish the Kingdom of Bythi∣nia, was to ruine all the pretenders unto it, and not to exalt and magnifie them, so that on every side, she could find nothing but misfortune unto Spitridates. It was in vain to tell her, that the Gods when they pleased could change the hearts of Kings; for what confidence soe∣ver she had in them, she could not hope for that in which she saw so little appearance. The next morning news came, that the King would not have the day on which he intended to come to the Town precisely known, but that at the longest, it would not be above four or five days: The Princess seeing then so short a time to resolve, and that to defer the seeing of Spi∣tridates until he was come to Town would be extreamly dangerous, she appointed me to speak unto him, and if I could, to perswade him unto a departure without her seeing him, but that was not possible to be done: But to tell you the truth, I did not very obstinately op∣pose his design, because I did beleeve it would be in vain, and because I conceived this Prince had reason for his desire; perhaps also the love I bore my Country did induce me; but whatsoever it was, I told the Princess what Spitridates told me, which was, that absolutely he would either see her again, or die. The Princess perceiving his obstinacy, and seeing that the longer she stayed, the more danger there was, both unto Spitridates, and her self, resol∣ved to permit a conference: We were long in consulting, whether it should be in the Garden, or in her Chamber; at last, the result was, it should be in the Garden, because since the Kings death, so much respect was rendred unto the Princess, as that none took so much li∣berty in that place, as before they used: Also because, if by any misfortune the business should come to be discovered, it might there be taken for a surprize upon the princess, then for an enterview which she premeditately consented unto, as it might, if he should come into her chamber. I advertised this unfortunate Prince then, to be in the Garden that evening, and in the same walk, in which before he met the princess, who was in twenty minds to go back with her word; one who saw her, would have said, she was going to commit some crime which she abhorred; and if I had not even violently forced her, I think she had not gone: But thither she went, without any with her but her women, who according to their cu∣stom, followed her no further then that solitary walk, unless she called them, so that I was there alone with her: Since we went thither betimes, because the walk should not seem ex∣traordinary, Spitridates was not yet come, for he was to stay until it was night, not but that he was well enough disguised, and his lodging so neer the Garden door, that he might

come thither without danger: yet I did so strickly charge him to make it late before he came, that he did obey me, and make it dark: and since the Moon d••d shine, it was not strange that the Princess should walk so late, especially since she used to do so before. I cannot relate the thankful acknowledgments which Spitridates rendred unto her for this favour; all his words were so full of passion and respect, that all my expressions are too weak to manifest unto you the joy this Prince resented. The Princess for a quarter of an hour together did lend him a willing ear without returning any answer; but afterwards she fetched a profound sigh, and said unto him, Spitridates indeed has some reason to invite me to this conference, but he has much more reason to lament and complain against Fortune for engaging his affection unto one, who can make him nothing but unfortunate. Fortune Madam, replied he, has no share in that af∣fection which I bear unto you: It is only your own beauty, your vertue, my own inclinati∣on and reason which promps me unto it: and I am fully perswaded, that if it be but your pleasure to doom it so, all the malignity of foolish fortune, who often persecutes the innocent, and protects the vicious, cannot render me unhappy. Yes, yes, Divine Princess, If the unhap∣py Spitridates can but find any place in your heart, and that your goodness will always reserve it for him, he defies any misfortune that can come: all the disgraces of his family shall vanish out of his memory; his own particular dishonours shall not trouble him; the pleasing thoughts only of being in the fair Araminta's heart, shall charm all his sorrows, and root them out of his mind. I understand Madam, since I came hither, that the Prince Sinnesis upon his death∣bed, and before many people, did mediate in my behalf, and desire you to look favourably upon me. This is it Madam, which makes me thus bold, and moves me to desire you, not to deny this favour unto that prince, who never denied you any thing: Therefore, I beseech you Madam, let not the King who now is, and who loves not me, hinder me from loving you, or you me. But yet I am his Sister, and Subject, replied the Princess, interrupting him. You are also both Sister and Subject unto the Prince Sinnesis, though he be dead, replied he, and the King who now raigns, having his Crown immediately from him, ought not in justice to obstruct the performance of his last Will: since indeed he was his King, as he is now yours. Ah Spi∣tridates, cried she, the Will and Commands of a dead King, are never so well obeyed as the Commandements of a living King: a Raign of seven days, and in all that time death raigning over him, will by the Successour be esteemed as nothing: Yet if it be esteemed by you, answered Spitridates, it is enough. Yes, replied she, and sighed, you may be confident, that the last words of the prince Sinnesis, confirming in my heart those thoughts which your vertue had inspired me withall, I shall as long as I live be the same I am at present: But alas, Spitridates, it will not make you any thing more happy, but my self much more infortunate; for indeed, I do foresee, that perhaps this will be the last time, that ever I shall speak unto you: The last time, Madam? said he, and interrupted her; then must this be the last of my life: and I be∣seech you Madam, unless you desire I should immediately die, do not deprive me of some bet∣ter hopes. I pray you, hope then if you can, said she unto him, and enjoy that comfort which I cannot find for my self. Doubtless the reason is, said this sad Prince, because you will not try all ways to make me happy. Perhaps, replied she, I shall not try all ways; but I will promise you to do all I ought, though perhaps not all I can, to procure your satisfaction; but as the case stands, which way should I contribute unto it? I dare not tell you Madam, answered Spitridates, that since you do not apprehend it your self, it is a great signe, you have not any mind to do any thing for me. I would do any thing, replied she, which is not against the rules of vertue, and prudence. Can you not then assure me, said he, that all the power of the King shall not move you to marry Pharnaces? And if it be not too much to ask, cannot you per∣mit me some hopes that if any advantagious alteration in my fortune chance to fall out, it shall inseparably reflect upon you? I am very sensible Madam, that since I am without either Crown, or Kingdom, it is too much rashness to speak thus. Yet, since the reason of my unhappy con∣dition, is only because I am not upon the Bythinian Throne, which the King your Brother un∣justly detains from me, I conceive, that the Princess Araminta ought not to despise me. It is very true, said she unto him, and I shall much more esteem you because you merit Crowns, then I shall do them that wear them without desert. But for all that Spitridates, although I should promise you not to marry Pharnaces, as perhaps without any crime I may, yet I fear that you would not be nearer any happiness: for you may very well imagine that I shall ne∣ver marry you, against the Kings mind: since it is a decency which all of my quality ought to observe. But suppose I should marry you, what should we do afterwards? you are out of all favour with the prince Arsamones for the love of me: Here is no safety for you by staying in this Court: Neighbour Princes will not entertain you who are son to an unfortunate and

weak prince, lest it should incense a young King to declare War against them; therefore Spi∣tridates, though you should not hearken to all rules of reason and prudence, yet, me thinks, your affection unto me, should disswade you from any such design, since questionless you will never carry a Princess disguised and wandering throughout all Asia: No Spitridates, no, I know you would not, I am sure you love Araminta in a more noble and uninterrested way; yet do not think, that my unwillingness to follow your fortunes, how harsh soever, is any obstacle at all: I do protest, that it does not at all affright me, but it is my shame, that I should have any such resolution, which most deters me; Love, Spitridates, is a most innocent passion. I confess, provided that all the effects be innocent also, and never deviate from the ••u••s of reason; and therefore to justifie my indulgence towards you, I must not do any thing which is unreasonable: Tell me then Madam, I beseech you, what you would have me do, professing, that since you do not forbid me to love you, nor to despair of love from you, I shall most exactly obey you. Alas I am not able to advise you, replied she, yet the best course which I can think upon, is to travel as a stranger in some unknown Country, untill such time as the Princess Arbiana, and the Princess Aristea, have made your peace with Arsamo∣nes. This advice you give me Madam, answered Spitridates, is a good expedient to bring me into the subjection of the King your brother, as the Prince my father is already; but I can∣not conceive it a good course to procure me the enjoyment of the Princess Araminta, since Arsamones possessing only an unfortunate share of the whole Kingdom of Bythinia, which is his due, the King of Pont will never consent unto any alliance with poor Arsamones, more then Arsamones would with him: And therefore Madam, since the affection which you are pleased to honor me withall, will not go a little higher then the limits of ordinary prudence, I must resolve upon my death. I see the prayers of the dying King your brother are not preva∣lent, since they cannot obtain that favour from that Princess, who is the sweetest in the world to them that do not adore her, but the most rigorous unto him, who of all men upon earth does most reverence her. But Spitridates (said he) whom do you complain of? Of you Ma∣dam, replied he, who would perswade me that you love me, and yet deny me any remedy for a love-sick soul; but if you did indeed love me, you would make me an absolute promise never to marry Pharnaces; and that if the Gods would permit—As Spitridates was go∣ing on with his discourse, Artanus came to tell the Princess, that the King was coming to her chamber: By good luck I heard his voice beyond the rail of the walk, so that we caused Spi∣tridates to retreat in all hast; yet for all that Artanus did see one with us when he came first into the walk; but as soon as he had told the Princess, she gave her hand unto him, to the end she might draw him out of the garden. We were no sooner come unto her chamber, but the King came also, and Artanus having a handsom pretence to leave her, went in all hast unto the garden again, to see what that man who he saw before was: As ill luck was, Spitridates was not yet gone out, for he found the door next his lodging shut: Artanus spying him, did then follow him, and finding him one that shunned him, did conclude him to be the same who was with the Princess, he then imagined that perhaps it might be Pharnaces; but Spitrida∣tes being forced to leave the close walk, though he was disguised, yet by the light of the Moon he knew him by his gesture and walk, or at the least suspected him to be Spitridates, and so much the rather, because he heard that day by some Bythinians which were come unto Heraclea, that this Prince was escaped out of that prison where Arsamones kept him; so that his suspition filled his heart fuller of curiosity: He followed him out of the garden into the streets, and to the house where he lodged: This confirmed him in his opinion, for he knew those who dwelt there were friends unto Spitridates. I leave you to imagine how this passage grieved Artanus, yet upon second thoughts he resented it not so sadly, but resolved by it to oblige the King, and ruine his Rival, by affirming, That assuredly Spitridates had some conspiracy against the State in agitation, but he would not reflect upon the princess, because he imagined it would too much incense her, nor would the State relish it. He was much vex∣ed that Pharnaces did not share in his sorrows, to see Spitridates in such favour with the princess, as that for the love of her she permitted him to be disguised in Heraclea; but he resolved to reflect the business wholly upon him, and went into the King immediately, be∣seeching the honor of some privacy with him, concerning some very important business. The King then went out of the princess chamber into his own, where Artanus told all the story: The King no sooner heard that Spitridates was in Heraclea disguised, but he apprehended some conspiracy plotting against him; so that without loss of any longer time, he secretly com∣manded the Captain of his Guard, to go unto the house which Artanus saw Spitridates en∣ter, and to secure his person: the King was obeyed; Spitridates not able to defend himself,

is taken by the Guards, and imprisoned in a Tower, where Delinquents of high quality used to be secured: You may imagine how extreamly was the princess surprized, to hear within an hour after that Spitridates was arrested; at the first she apprehended, that the King would think he was disguised for her; yet hearing nothing but conspiracies against the State talked on, though she thought her self safe enough in relation to her reputation, yet she feared the life of Spitridates was not so safe; you may imagine then how sadly she sighed away that night. But to disguise the matter, I told all her women that the princess was not well, and therefore would go to bed, and I would stay with her to comfort her; but yet it was more then I could do, for she did look upon the matter so full of danger unto Spitridates, that it troubled her extreamly, and him no less then her: Since they said nothing when they took him, he knew not whether this enterview was discovered, or whether he was taken only, as being found disguised in Heraclea; but yet the next morning his doubts were all cleared, for the King sent to examine him, what he came thither for? what his business was? and who were his Confederates in his conspiracy? Spitridates not hearing them speak one word con∣cerning the princess, was exceedingly joyed, and answered, That after he escaped out of the prince his fathers prison, and hearing in Chrisopolis, that the prince Sinnesis was King, he came unto Heraclea, in hopes to find a Sanctuary under the shelter of his favour; that when he came hither, and heard his raign lasted but seven dayes, he was much surprized, and so grieved at it, that he had not so much freedom of spirit, as at the first to resolve what course he should take; that in conclusion, he resolved to address himself unto the King which now raigned, and to desire of him the same protection which he hoped for from the late King his brother, but that he had not time to execute his design, because he was taken within an hour after his first arrival. Those who examined him, said, That there was no necessity of dis∣guising himself, in coming to demand protection from the Prince Sinnesis, who loved him; unto which he answered, That he disguised himself only to get into Heraclea, out of Bythi∣nia, and to make his voyage more secure, then if he had travelled with a train equipage and habit suitable to his quality. Although these his answers were very reasonable, yet did they not satisfie the King, but he still believed, that there was some hid design in it: And though he was not ignorant of Spitridates his affection unto the Princess Araminta, yet he knew her vertue so well, that she would never have any consent in this disguisement, but he believed, that ambition was the only end of this adventure; Pharnaces and Artanus did much confirm him in that belief: The first of these believing ambition to be his design, because he wished it; and the other seeming to believe it, that he might the sooner ruine Spitridates: Yet since he desired that jealousie might torment Pharnaces as well as himself, he acquainted him, that Love was the greatest cause of this Princes disguisement: He imagined also, that he might perhaps by this way ruine Pharnaces in the opinion of the Princess Araminta, conceiving that Pharnaces to ruine his Rival, would infuse this new suspition into the King, which when the Princess should know, she would be extreamly incensed against him; and indeed at the first, the design d••d take as Artanus did desire it: for Pharnaces was much more troubled, to hear that Spitridates had seen the Princess, then he was to think he had designs against the State: Jealousie, as generous as he was, did rouze up his heart to insult over an unfortunate man, and moved him to tell it unto the King in all aggravating circumstances: When the Prin∣cess heard of it, she was infinitely angry with him; so that Artanus found out a way there∣by to ruine both his Rivals at once, and make them as unfottunate as himself; for his own share, he deserved it, so did not the rest, especially Spitridates, who was far from deser∣ving such disasterous destines: But yet there is all spying inquisitions used, to find out, whe∣ther this Prince had held intelligence with any; those with whom he lodged, are all arrested, and examined, but do what they could, nothing was to be gotten out of them, or any else, which did either justifie or condemn him; that which much contributed unto his misfortune was, That the King of Pont was so melancholy and sad, as none could hardly know him, so much had it altered him; at first, every one did think the death of his father and brother was the cause, but presently after it was known, that his love unto the Princess Mandana was the real cause of his distemper; for whilst he was as a hostage with Ciaxares, (as you already know) he became more desperately in love with her, then ever any, so that his soul being deeply perplexed with the absence of her he loved, it was more apt to be incensed against, and less able to know the innocency of Spitridates; yet being without all doubt a very gal∣lant man, he behaved himself very well towards the Princess his Sister; and though Pharna∣ces had told him of the meeting betwixt Spitridates and her, yet did he not speak any thing sharply unto her, but on the contrary, coming one day to visit her, after he had first, with∣out

any choller, said as much unto her as any wise and discreet Prince could do upon the like oc∣casion, to discover her thoughts; he afterwards told her, that he had perhaps incurred her dis∣pleasure in causing Spitridates to be arrested, since he understood she had a great esteem of him, both by the Command of the late King his Father, and also the late King, his Brother: yet he was nec••ssarily forced unto it by reasons of State for the good of his people. Moreover he told her that he did not at all suspect her as any confederate with Spitridates in his conspiracy, who questionless would deceive her, and make her believe that his love to her was only the cause of his disguise, though indeed it was his ambition. Sir, said she unto him, If the affe∣ction which Spitridates expresseth unto me, had not the authority of the late King my Father, and of the Prince Sinnesis my Brother, I should not speak unto you as I do intend. But since it has them both for his patronage; I beseech you Sir, to believe that this Prince had never any designe to get a Crown by depriving you of it: for had he been that way disposed, he had not been so long a prisoner unto his father. And without any scruple, I do ingeniously confess that I have seen him, and that it was by my invitation he came to Heraclea: Moreover I am most certain, that he came hither without any intentions of conspiring either against your Person, or State. If I should have the least suspicion of any such thing, in lieu of defending, I should accuse him, and move you to punish him. Sister, said the King, I do not so much endeavour the justification of Spitridates, as I do the preservation of your honour. And since I know you generous and full of reason, I cannot believe you will love Spitridates more then the ho∣nour of that family from which you are descended; therefore you must not think it strange, if this Prince being criminal, be not treated with so much indulgence as perhaps another Prince might be; for indeed, he is of that family which must be kept under; therefore Sister, the least I can do is to keep Spitridates in prison perpetually: Did I conceive him innocent, all the policy in the world should ••ever induce me to this rigour: but since he seems to be cul∣pable, I must secure him: yet to make you satisfaction for the loss of this Prince, who doubtless was owner of excellent parts, I conjure you to marry Pharnaces: O Sir, said she unto him, I beseech you speak not unto me of any marriage, so soon after the Funerals of the King my Father; nor force me to disobey those Commands which the late King my Brother, when he was dying, did impose upon me. What Commands did he impose? (replied he.) He commanded me, (said she, and blusht) to be constant unto that opinion, which he by his Will when he dyed appointed me to have of Spitridates: When he said so, replied the King, he did not foresee that Spitridates would be a Delinquent to the State. Oh Sir, said she, Spitridates is most innocent, and by your slighting of the last Will of the Prince Sinnesis, do not constrain me to disobey you also in your commands of marrying Pharnaces? though he be a man of much worth, yet one whom I never loved, but esteemed very much; and therefore shall never behave my self but with indifferency towards him: The Princess thought that the King would have returned a sharp reply, unto such an ingenious declaration: But the passion which was in his own soul, doubtless teaching him how to excuse in another that weakness which he found in himself, he left her without one angry word: yet desiring her still to marry Pharnaces, and telling her, that she should change her opinion with the Times. The Love of Mandana taking up the whole soul of this Prince, made him never think upon Spitrida∣tes: his thoughts for some certain days were wholly imployed in sending unto Ciaxares, to de∣mand the Princess Mandana in marriage, and giving all necessary orders for the magnificen••: of the Embassadour. In the mean while, the Princess foreseeing that Spitridates would never get out of prison, unless either by force or policy she resolved to set him free: and she was the sooner induced to it, because he who commanded that Tower where Spitridates was im∣prisoned, was one who was much obliged unto me; for during the late Kings raign, I saved the life of one of his children, who was sentenced to die for some grand crime, and I obtained his pardon: Then was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 imployed to negotiate in this important business, which in fifteen days I transacted so happily that I moved this man, by the memory of my past benefit, present gri∣tuity, and future hopes, to contrive a way how Spitridates might escipe, and he not suspe∣cted: This Tower did stand in the very Sea, in the top of which there was a walk: this man in the name of the prisoner asked leave for him to walk there one hour or two every day: so that briding two of the Guards which accompanied him, he tyed unto the top of this Tarrass, a Ladder of ropes, as if Spitridates had escaped that way; and none perceiving him, this Cap∣tain of the Tower did shut this Prince and the two suborned Guards in a very private place of the Castle: counterfeiting after this, to be much troubled: he asked where Spitridates was, and was answered, that he was in the Tarrass: Thither he went with many souldiers, and not finding him, he found the Ladder which he himself had placed there: he shewed it unto them

which followed him, he chafed, and said, that certainly their companions had betrayed him, and that doubtless he was gone in a little boat, since a great Ship could not approach; he be∣gan to fume and fret, and threaten all them that were present, and to accuse them as well as those who were escaped: and being in all appearance transported with fury, he went to acquaint the King, he told them, that Spitridates might certainly be overtaken, if he were immediately sent after, and that he conceived he could not yet get into Heraclea, and therefore if they sent out many Shallops they would infallibly meet with this prisoner, and all his complices; to be short, he carried it so handsomly, that the King himself was deluded; and appointed not only many Barks to be sent out at Sea, but also that there should be strict Guards kept at the Gates of the Town, left Spitridates should get in disguized, not conceiving that he durst put to op••n Sea in a small Boat; and upon search there was not any considerable Ship wanting in the Port. Moreover, Phar••aces and Artanus knowing that his passion to the Princess was the cause of all this, perswaded the King, that certainly he would get into Heraclea in the habit of a fisher, or some such disguize, and therefore what pains did not they take to apprehend him? they founlrf the Guards at the gates; they set Centuries in the streets: they searched all suspected houses; and omitted nothing that might make their wisht for discovery. The King had some light suspicions, that the Princess had some hand in this escape, and told her as much. But since he had no proofs, and was ignorant of any obligations between me, and the Captain of that Tower, for it was by the Prince Sinnesis, that I had obtained pardon for his son, all these surmises and suspitions did quickly vanish. All this while, Spitridates was in the prison where they never searched, and where he must remain a while before he durst attempt a coming out. When Spitridates was informed by this Captain, that it was by my negotiation he was in pri∣son, but not a prisoner; he supposed that the Princess did also know of it; so that he desired so much favour as to see me before he departed, which, without acquainting the Princess, I consent∣ed unto it, conceiving my self obliged to do so much for the son of the right King of Bythinia: but after I had given him some hopes of his desire, the difficulty was how to execu••e it; yet since the Captain of the Towers wife was of the intelligence, I resolved to go thither with one woman only, and to enter by a little back dore, which was towards the walls of the Town. It is impossible, Sir, for me to relate all the testimonies of grateful acknowledgments, which Spitridates did give unto Araminta, and me. But Hesionida, said he unto me, have you not set me at liberty, with intentions to exile me for ever? Is it not only an exchange of this pu∣nishment for one more cruel? Sir, replied I unto him, it is fortune, not the Princess, which ba∣nisheth you; but since fortune is a very unconstant Lady, there is some hopes that since she has changed so often unto your disadvantage, she will at length change in your favour. I wish she may, replied he, although I cannot hope it: However Hosionida, it would be the height of cruelty, for me to depart, and not bid adieu unto my Princess, or know her last will, and plea∣sure. I can easily acquaint you with her intentions, said I unto him, since she has done me the honour to trust me with her most secret thoughts: but as for seeing her, it is not permitted so much as to think upon it: Leave it unto the Gods, Sir, who perhaps will be more propitious unto you during your exile, then you imagine: But Hesionida, said he unto me, and sighed, may a miserable and absent Prince ever hope that the Divine Araminta will ever preserve her affection entirely to him? Yes Sir, replied I, you may, and without any fear of being deceived: for since your unhappiness is but an effect of your love to her, she would be very unjust, if she should not always resent your misfortunes: Go therefore Sir, and seek out some Sanctuary, until some change be found in the hearts of the two Kings of Pontus, and of Bythinia. The princess does very well know, that if you had any thoughts of remounting the Throne, you might have done it: and she conceives her self most sensibly obliged unto you for preferring her before a Crown: so that it is impossible she should ever forget it.

In conclusion, Sir, I made him resolve upon his departure: and since he had many jewels which the Princess Aristea gave him at his departure from Chrisopolis, he would not receive any of those which I offered him from the Princess; for I knew her in∣tentions was to furnish him: he therefore desired me to deliver a Letter unto her; which he writ in my presence, and which, if my memory faile not, was in these Terms.

SPITRIDATES unto the Princess ARAMINTA.

I Go Madam, since it is your pleasure, be I go the most miserable man alive; I neither know whither I shall go, nor when I shall return, no, nor whether you wish I should ever return, and yet I am bid to live and hope; but I can neither do the one nor the other, unless you command it by two lines under your hand: Therefore my divine Prin∣cess, I do beg it in the name of that illustrious Prince, who now is dead, but who yet shall live eternally in the memory of

SPITRIDATES.

After this Prince had given me his Letter, and a hundred things in charge to tell the Princess, I went unto her, and related all the passages of our meeting; at the first she lamented the fate, but upon second thoughts was not sorry for it; and I was so importunate with her, that I moved her to return this answer unto that distressed Prince.

ARAMINTA unto SPITRIDATES.

MAy you live as long as it shall be the pleasure of the Gods to permit; and hope, that as long as Araminta lives, she will pray for you; and since you desire it, she bids you live, and hope.

ARAMINTA.

The Captain of that Tower coming to take this Letter, he assured me that Spitridates would depart that night following, with those two of the guard, who helped him to escape, and whom he took to serve him. Moreover he told me, that Spitridates desired he might sometimes write u to him, to the end he might acquaint me with his fortune, and return my answers back unto him: So when night came, we were certain this Prince would depart, and the Princess was so troubled at it, that I wonder something extraordinary was not disco∣vered in her mind; but the next morning we were informed, that Spitridates was very safe∣ly gone out of Heraclea, by the same way, which it was conceived, he escaped before, the Captain providing a ship for him in the night: Though the Princess had reason rather to be glad that he was gone, then that he should continue mued up in a prison, yet her soul was extreamly sad, when she imagined that perhaps she should never see him again: But this long and tedious absence must be endu••ed and in the interim there fell out many remarkable acci∣dents; for as it is well known unto you Sir, Ciaxares refused to give Mandana unto the King of Pontus, which made him the sooner forget Spitridates, and his anger was so high, that a war against Ciaxares must be declared, under a specious pretence of right unto the Towns of Anisa, and Cerasea: You Sir are better acquainted with all the passages of that busi∣ness then I can relate, and obtained more honor then my memory can conain; I shall only re∣late what is requisite to instruct you in the story of this Princess: As soon then as the King of Pontus heard, that Ciaxares had rejected him, he prepared for war, thinking that perhaps it might move him to give the princess Mandana unto him; he sent for aid from the King of Phrygia, who promi••ed to imbrace his interest, according to the last treaty between the late King of Pontus and him, and that he would come himself in person to command his forces. Since the King of Pontus stood in need of all aid, he invited the prince Arsamones, and Eu∣riclides his second son to serve in his Army, and Arsamones durst not deny him: We under∣stood also at the same time, that this prince hearing how Spitridates came disguised unto He∣raclea, was so incensed at it, that he did protest if ever he got him within his power, he would not treat him as a son, but as a rebellious subject, and a Delinquent unto the State; who had broke out of prison; so that Spitridates, who was gone into Paphlagonia, and writ unto me as well as the princess, to know whether he might c••me safely unto the King her brother when he was in the head of his Army, she did forbid him, because Arsamones was to be there, and because the princess Aristea had acquainted her with the real resentments of Arsamones. But whilest all preparations of war were in hand, Pharnaces and Artanus neglected no addresses unto the princess Araminta, and sprused up themselves eve∣ry way to invite her love, but all their cares and courtship was in vain; for as there is nothing which fastens the knot of amity more then misfortunes does, amongst persons truly generous, so Spitridates being unfortunate, by reason of his love unto the princess, was deeper rooted

in her heart then before; and she knowing that Artanus was the occasion of his last imprison∣ment, and that Pharnaces did acquaint the King with their meeting, she was therefore so in∣censed against them, that she could not endure the sight of them; yet after that the Phrygian Regiments were drawn up to the general Rendez-vouz, and joyned with the Pontean forces, the King made ready to depart, and though Artanus had no great fancy unto any matters of war, yet he durst not do as he did before, but made himself ready as others did to go; and since the King did not all favour his design upon the princess, he took his leave of her only in pub∣like, but Pharnaces did not so; for the King of Pont going to bid her adieu, he carried Pharnaces with him, and left him there in private with her; I chanced to be then in the prin∣cess chamber, and I do confess, I saw so deep a melancholy in the face of Pharnaces, that considering his merit, I did much pity him, and wished for his sake, that he were able to de∣sist his love from the princess, since it was not in her power to render him happy; since the King was gone, and this like to be his last visit, she was not so severe towards him as sormerly, but suffered him to speak unto her: Madam, said he unto her, I come to receive my do••m from you, before I go unto the wars, and ask you whether I must fight, as one that would vanquish, or as one that must die, whether I must preserve my life, or absolutely lose it, for upon your will only, absolutely depends my destiny: Yes Madam, if you permit me any hopes, perhaps I shall live, vanquish, and return; but if you intend to tell me, that I must not have any share in any hope, then I beseech you bid me this last adieu without any bitterness, since the Gods certainly will not preserve what you desire to destroy, nor draw me out of those dan∣gers unto which I will expose my self, pronounce my sentence then Madam, and let it be with sincerity, though you will not with satisfaction: Remember I beseech you, that he whom you desire to make haypy cannot be so, and therefore you have less reason to treat me ill: If the prince Spitridates could ever enjoy your affection, I do protest before the Gods which hear me, I would rather die without complaint, then interrupt your felicity; but since that For∣tune has put an unremoveable obstacle unto his happiness, why may not you make me happy? and why divine Princess will you oppose against my glory? I do not ask so much, as that you should love me, I only beg you would not hate me, and to be more pliant unto the Kings de∣sires. I wish to the Gods Pharnaces, replied the princess, that your happiness did depend upon me, as you believe it does: But to manifest unto you that the cause of complaint against you, has not extinguished out of my soul that high esteem which all the world ought to have of your merit; I will contribute as much as is in my power unto your freedom, and move you by my own sincerity to vanquish your own soul, and to rest satisfied. Know then Pharnaces, that since I am obliged to entertain the affection of Spitridates by the commands of the late King my fa∣ther, and the Prince Sinnesis my brother, I must eternally pay obedience unto them; and the most peremptory commands of one living King, shall never make me disobedient unto the will of two dead Kings: 'Tis true, I do resolve never to marry Spitridates without the con∣sent of the King my brother, neither am I as fully resolved ever to marry any else but him; therefore Pharnaces regulate your designs accordingly, and make use of that great courage which the gods have inspired you withall, to vanquish and suppress a misfortune, which as I think requires not all the vigor of your mind to surmount it; live then Pharnaces, live I say, but let it be in liberty, that you may live happily; and since the want which the King would have of you, would be irreparable, I earnestly desire you to preserve your life, which would con∣duce infinitely unto my satisfaction, if you could so far prevail with your self, as only to e∣steem me. But suppose Madam, replied he, that I cannot so prevail with my self, would you not conceive it more reasonable that death should rather deliver you and me from that servi∣tude which displeaseth you, then to see me perpetually languishing at your feet, and vexing you? Death, said she unto him, is a thing so horrid, that I do not wish it unto my very e∣nemies; and therefore I must needs advise you, not to take so violent a remedy as that: But Madam (said he unto her with extream sorrow) is it so, that you can never love the miserable Pharnaces, nor for sake the too happy Spitridates? I must needs confess it with much enge∣nuity, (said she unto him) because I may do it with much innocency. It is enough Madam (said he unto her with a drooping sadness) and I beseech you do me the favour to believe, that this shall be the last time of all my life I ever shall importune you; and I pray unto the Gods, that the news of my death may make you know I am able to dispute with Spitridates for the glory of perfectly loving you. After this, he left the Princess with such a melancholy motion, and his countenance did so alter as he did bid her adieu, that it might well be said, all the horrors of death were in his eyes, and the Princess could not chuse but pity him. Af∣ter this Sir, we remained at Heraclea, soliciting the Gods against you Sir, for we knew

you would be in that war; but it seemed Heaven was not pr••piti••us ••nto us; for you saved the life of Ciaxares, you conquered, and triumphed, and did such wonders, that though they were unto our disadvantage, yet could we not cause but admire when we heard them related: I shall slightly pass over the beginning of this war, and in a few words tell you, that when the combate of two hundred against two hundred was resolved upon, and when all the question was concerning the choice, there was a great contest amongst the Gallantry of our Army, who should be the Combatants: and though Artanus was none of them, yet seemed he to desire the listing himself in the Catalogue of those who were to be chosen: The election was to be by lot, and the names of those who aspired unto this honour, should be put in writing, and drawn by the Captain of the Kings Guard. Pharnaces who was in the first degree of va∣lour, and who looked for nothing but death since he could not be loved, had no fancie to trust the business unto lot: so that knowing who was to draw these lots, he went unto him: and after a thousand protestations of friendship, and as many prayers to grant his desire, he gave unto him the Roll wherein his name was writ, and beseeched him to keep it between his fin∣gers, and give it unto him as if he had drawn it: The Captain smiling at his proposition, could not chuse but tell him, that every one who brought their names were not so urgent as he was to be in this Combate: Pharnaces had a suspition that the Captain did mean Artanus, told him, that he could not believe there was any which did not extreamly desire to honour themselves by such an extraordinary occasion as this; No not Artanus himself, said he unto him, hoping thereby to move him into a farther explanation: when the Captain heard the name of Artanus mentioned, he laughed; so that Pharnaces thinking his thoughts true, did press so urgently, that he told him how Artanus had been with him, and told him that this Combate being to be performed on foot, he should not be able to be an actor in it; because his Horse not long since falling upon him, had caused a great weakness in his ••high: yet he was not willing to make use of this excuse in publick, lest his enemies should make an ill constru∣ction upon it, and therefore he desired and conjured him by all possible entreaties to take out the Roll wherein his name was written, from amongst the rest: and to gratifie the favour, he of∣fered him any courtesie if he would be faithful and secret unto him. Pharnaces finding the baseness of his Rival desired to punish him for it, and beseeched the Captain to draw himself and Artanus together in the number of the Combatants, which the Captain, as well to punish the cowardize of the one, as to satisfie the generous valour of the other, promised him to do: The hour of this Ceremony being come, all the Rolls were brought unto this Captain, and he put them all into a Bag, whilest all the pretenders unto this honour stood about him: Since Artanus thought his Roll not amongst the rest, who was more forward and desirous to be one of that number then himself? but how lamentably was he damped when he heard his own name to be the third Scrole which was drawn? he seemed so qualmed at the heart as every one per∣ceived it: Pharnaces who was next him, did taunt him with some ambiguous language by way of Raillery, which Artanus did well enough understand: but afterwards the name of Pharnaces was drawn, and all the rest in their course, so that nothing more was to be done but to prepare for combate: As for Artanus, he had never been chosen, had he not been in love wi••h Araminta: but he durst never publish as much, nor complain of the Captain who had deceived him: yet however he resolved to go as far as the place of combate, though he did nothing else. As for Pharnaces, he went thither with other kind of thoughts; for he went in hopes to perish there, and also to see his Rival dye, but before he departed, he writ these words unto the Princess Araminta.

PHARNACES unto the Princess ARAMINTA.

IF Fortune second my designe, I am going thither where by dying I shall vanquish; and where I shall make it known by my generous dispair, that though I could not merit your affections by my services, and by my life: yet I shall not render my self unworthy of your compassion by my death.

PHARNACES.

The truth is Sir, you know, he fought like a Fury, and died a Hero: As for Artanus, I believe you are not ignorant, Sir, of the reason why he kept himself ••id whilest Pharnaces only was resisted by you, which was, his hopes that you would dispatch his only Rival, for he made no account of Spitridates: and so love having its several operations, it moved Pharna∣ces

to be more valiant then ever, and Artanus to be more cowardly then he could imagine himself: When we had intelligence of Pharnaces his death, and presently after heard of Ar∣tanus his baseness, we lamented the loss of the first, and abhorred the villany of the other: so that since the Combate you had with him to make him confess his lye, he durst never shew himself, neither to the Army, nor to the Princess, nor in Heraclea, but hid himself for a time in the Countrey, where he harboured an invetered hatred against you, not only because you had loaded him with an intolerable burden of dishonour and shame, but also, because he saw you resembled Spitridates. That Letter from the unfortunate Pharnaces, did de••ply imprint it self in the heart of the Princess when she read it, which as her soul was ever extreamly tender and compassionate, so she could not look upon it without tears in her eyes; and was for a quarter of an hour together so drowned in a floud of sorrows, as I believe if that illustrious Lover could have revived, and Spitridates had been a Spectatour, he would have dyed of a causles•• jealou∣sie: In the mean while we had no intelligence from this exiled Prince; and all the consolation which the Princess had, was a secret correspondency with the Princess Aristea, and in doing her all the good offices she was able. The King was so deeply perplexed at the death of Phar∣naces, as possible could be: but since the love of Mandana was more predominate in his heart then any thing else, he cheared up himself with the thoughts of her; and that seeming peace after your victory, being again broken; Wars, as you know, began to break out more violently then before: then I must needs tell you, Sir, that none could ever entertain a greater admiration of any then we of you; and when we heard the wonders of all your actions related, we had a good ground for our belief, that the Gods were infinitely favourable unto Ciaxares in send∣ing him such a Defendor: To be short, it was impossible for any to esteem an enemy more then we did the Illustrious Artamenes: Also when the Princess heard how Artanus had con∣spired against your life, and suborned forty Conspirators to destroy you, she had such a fresh and strong aversion to him, that his very name was horrid unto her ear: for since she under∣stood you had saved the King her Brothers life, she became extreamly tender of yours: and when you pardoned Artanus, and sent him back, she murmured a little (though she did ad∣mire you) against that excessive generosity which moved you to desire the King of Pont not to punish him: yet notwithstanding, she negotiated so with the King her Brother, that she procured his banishment out of the Kingdom, with a strict command never to be seen in it again. Since this Sir, until that famous adventure when you took the King of Pont prisoner, and when we thought you dead, I have nothing to relate, unless I should entertain you with those sorrows which the Princess apprehended, for the disgrace of the King her Brother, and with her Lamentations for the long absence of Spitridates. But since I should thereby only a∣buse your patience, because you may easily imagine it without my relation, I shall only tell you, that the very next morning after you came wounded unto that Castle, where the Prin∣cess Arbiana, and the Princess Aristea were, there came a messenger from the King of Pont, who was going unto the Princess Araminta his Sister with this message, that he was as much grieved for the death of his vanquisher, as he was for the loss of his own liberty: si••ce this Envoy did but only pass by, and was not to stay in this Castle, where Arbiana and Ari∣stea were, the Princess Aristea taking you for Spitridates, did write these few words only in a Letter.

The Princess ARISTEA, unto the Princess ARAMINTA.

I Hardly dare tell you that Spitridates is here, because he is here wounded: yet since I cannot make a Secret of any thing which will add unto your joy, I cannot conceal it.

ARISTEA.

You may imagine with what variety of apprehensions the Princess mind was possest upon the receipt of this Letter; and understanding by this Messenger that the King her Brother had lost two Battels in one day; That he was taken prisoner; that you were dead: You Sir, I say, in whom the King her Brother had so great a hope, her sorrows were so great, that she could not perfectly relish any joy at the pretended return of Spitridates, especially hearing by the same relation that he returned wounded: yet since love, as they say, is a most imperious passion, and will be Soveraign in that heart which is possessed with it; therefore she would sometimes rejoyce and chear up her self in hopes of seeing Spitridates again: but within two days after this, she was deprived of that hope: for the Princess Aristea did write again

unto her how she had been deceived by a most prodigious resemblance, she intimated by her Letter, that the picture of the Princess Araminta did undeceive her, when she shewed it un∣to him whom she took for her brother; and the conclusion of the Letter was, that Spitridates was not returned; so that she resented the misfortunes of her brother the King of Pont, with∣out any ingredient of consolation, but yet notwithstanding presently after, when she heard of your being revived, as I may say, it was a great mitigation of her sorrows, especially when she heard that it was you who was taken for Spitridates, at the house of Arbiana; her hopes was, that you Sir being the most generous of men, would treat her brother the King of Pont very well; and her hopes also was the more pleasant unto her, that Spitridates, ac∣cording to the Princess Aristeas Letter, would exactly resemble him. In the mean time, since this Princess had a soul which was capable of all things, she began to cast her cares upon the business of State, but she found them to be in extream disorder. The King of Phrygia was retreated after the loss of two battels in a day unto the furthest part of all Bythinia, and who when he was over the river Sangar, received intelligence, that Craessus King of Lydia was entred into his Dominions with a puissant Army, so that he was constrained to look after his own defence, and taken off from the assistance of others: All his Regiments also were ex∣ceedingly shattered and weakned; but yet when the Princess did conceive that Ciaxares ha∣ving the King of Pont prisoner, he would not make any new attempts, since he was able to make his own conditions, without any ••urther hazard of his forces, she was then a little more at rest.

But within a few daies after, she was extreamly astonished to hear, that all the souldiers af∣ter the King was taken did declare themselves for Arsamones, and that all Bythinia was up in Arms in his behalf, and were resolved to return under the obedience of their antient Lord. Moreover that Artanus, who was one of high quality, was returned into the Kingdom, and had also raised a great part of Pontus, and was himself retired unto a very considerable Town called Cabira, having before hand suborned the Governour thereof with a good sum of mo∣ney. Imagine Sir, I beseech you, in what an intangled condition this young Princess was in, to see the King of Pont her brother a prisoner, and that Arsamones, the father of Spitrida∣tes, was not only Master of all Bythinia, but was also in the head of an Army, ready to fall upon the Kingdom of Pontus, so that she was constrained with all the power she had to oppose and make war against the Father of a Prince, who infinitely adored her, and whom she her self did not hate. She furthermore saw, that he who of all men living she most scorned, and had the greatest aversion unto, had bandied a considerable party against her, notwith∣standing his great affection unto her: She, poor Princess, had neither any forces, nor money to raise them; and that State was so imbroyled, that she knew not whom to trust; and in this pittiful distracted condition, she knew not whether she should be sad or glad at the absence of Spitridates, for she conceived it not fit for him to fight for her against his own father, neither did she desire he should fight for his father against her; so that not knowing either what to wish; or what to do, she prayed unto the Gods to deliver her out of this gulph of misfor∣tunes. But in conclusion Sir, your generosity not deceiving her hopes, but setting the King of Pont at liberty, unto whom you gave considerable Auxiliaries under the conduct of Ar∣taxes, we received this intelligence with all acclamations of joy; and indeed the people of He∣raclea took fresh heart, when they heard their Prince set at liberty after so generous a manner, publike rejoycings were appointed, and the glorious name of Artamenes was as highly cele∣brated in Heraclea, as it was in Sinope or Themiscira. The Princess then hearing the King was upon his return, would go to meet him, and since we knew there was none of Arsamo∣nes his troops that way which he was to come, we went two dayes journies before to meet him; but to our great misfortune we fell into an Ambuscado which waited for us in a Forrest, and carried us a blind way which was unknown unto us; we knew not whether they would carry us unto Arsamones or Artanus, and in the choice of these two, the Princess knew not which to wish; for if it should be unto Arsamones, though she was in hopes of much mild∣ness from him, by the mediation of the Princess Arbiana, and the Princess Aristea, yet she imagined that the King her brother might perhaps suspect she did voluntarily fall into his hands, since he was not ignorant of her affection unto Spitridates, though he could not be ignorant that Arsamones did hate his son for loving her, yet notwithstanding the very name of Arta∣nus was so averse unto her fancy, that at the hazard of being ill used by Arsamones, or su∣spected by the King her brother, she wished rather to be carried into Bythinia, then unto Cabira, under the power of such a man: But yet the choice was not in her, for towards night we were brought unto Artanus, who as amorous as he was, durst not venture him∣self

in this enterprize, but committed the carriage of the business unto a resolute souldier, who heretofore was one of those who conspired against your life: When the Princess saw Artanus in the head of two hundred horse ready to receive her, she was surprized; for though he was known to be a very Coward, yet since to be a Mutineer and a Rebel is suffici∣ent to raise a party, his was not small, and we were much grieved to see so many gallant men obeying such a Captain; but we were forced to submit unto fortune, and be carried into Ca∣bira, where he was Master, and in which there was a Castle of a great strength, wherein he lodg∣ed us: I will not stay to relate unto you Sir all the insolencies of Artanus, for it is enough that you know him a Coward, to imagine how he would lay aside all due respects when he is once the stronger; and since it is most ordinary to see them who want courage never to be submissive, but when they are weak, yet he met with a soul so great in the Princess, and so resolute a spirit, that maugre all his insolence, she so charmed him, that he durst hardly come into her chamber, or to see her. Mean while the King of Pontus, as afterwards we heard, came to Heraclea, and was extreamly angry at the carrying away of the Princess his Sister, but as the state of things stood, he durst not by any means divide his Army, and he knew that Arsamones was so strong, that it would not permit him to continue a siege; and therefore since his business was either to relieve a Sister, or to save two Crowns, I believe common poli∣cy might easily incline him unto the latter, rather then the first. The condition of things stand∣ing thus, Artanus was so impudent as to send unto the King of Pontus, and offer unto him his forces, upon condition of his consent unto the marriage betwixt himself and the Princess Araminta; but the King would not hearken unto any such propositions, answering him. That if he had a desire to vanquish his enemies without any trouble, he would wish them such aid as he offered; and also bidding him have a care how he used the princess his Sister, because as soon as he had finished the Bythinian war, he would then call him to a strict account for all his demeanour: You may imagine then Sir in what a condition the princess was in, who knew of all these passages by one of her guards, who was suborned unto it: For when she imagi∣ned that Arsamones would kill the King her brother, or that the King her brother would kill the father of Spitridates, she did absolutely lose her reason. In the mean while the King of Pantus, after he had rallied all the forces he was able, went into the field to oppose Arsamo∣nes, who was already master of a great part in the Kingdom of Pontus, and in the first en∣counter the Prince Euriclides was slain, which much grieved Arsamones. But Sir, why should I busie my self in relating the particulars of a war which is known all over Asia? It is enough that I acquaint you how this Prince, as gallant as he was, yet was he almost quite bea∣ten; that which contributed much unto his ruine, was Aribeus, who calling away his bro∣ther with all his forces, did much weaken him; and though the King of Pontus would not con••ent unto it, because it was done without any order, either from Ciaxares or you, yet Artaxes obeyed the absolute authority of Aribeus, who was then Governour of Sinope; so that this Prince being much weakned thereby, was forced to make a retreat into Heraclea, and to stay there until he had raised fresh forces, and be able to come again into the field: But Sir, he had not time for it, for Arsamones, after that the Prince In••aphernes the son of Ga∣dates was come unto him, not omitting such a favourable opportunity, advanced with his Army, and besieged him within the capital Ci••y of all his Kingdom, which indeed was the only place that remained under his obedience; for that part which was not subjected unto Ar∣samones, yet took part with Artanus. We understood by several relations whilst we were in Cabira, how the King of Pontus during this fiege, did do such miracles, as that it may well be said he deserved a hundred Crowns in losing his own: But however, seeing his ene∣mies were not only Masters of all without the Town, but also of one of the Gates, and that they had now nothing to do but to enforce the last entrenchment; since he had no mind to fall alive into the hands of Arsamones, he resolved to fly away in a ship, and to go and offer his sword unto Ciaxares towards the delivery of the Princess Mandana, of whose carrying a∣way he had heard with unconceiveable sorrow, and hoping that a••ter this you would aid him to recover his Dominions: And indeed he did execute the first part of his design, for he went out of Heraclea, not any thing of two flourishing Kingdoms remaining unto him, but the ti∣tle of King, which fortune could not deprive him of. When the Princess received this sad news, she resented it with insupportable sorrow; for Sir, be pleased to know, that the in∣solent Artanus assuming new boldness upon this new misfortune, came unto her with more incivility then ever before we saw him. Madam, said he unto her, since I ever thought that the strongest reason which moved you to treat me so imperiously as you have done, was, because I was a subject unto the King your brother, I think it therefore expedient to let you know,

that now he must never be my Master again, since fortune has taken from him his Crown, and two Kingdoms which he enjoyed, and has nothing left him but one single sh••p, ••n which he has convayed himself away from his enemies; therefore Madam, since you are not now the si∣ster of a King, you may well look upon my condition as not inferiour unto yours, and for the future carry your self otherwise then heretofore you have done: Since you have only the heart of a Slave, replied the Princess, I should do you too much honor to regard you as a simple Subject of the King my brothers; and though fortune should take away his Crown, yet since she cannot take away his birth, which is infinitely above yours, she therefore cannot change my opinion of you; and though you had more Crowns then the King my brother has lost, yet should I despise and scorn you upon your Throne, as much as I do now; and though there should be an alteration in your soul (as I think it impossible) yet should you never s••e me change; therefore Artanus consider a little better what you say, and remember that my fathers were ever Masters over yours; that I have the honor to be daughter and sister unto three Princes, un∣to whom I have seen you subject, and indeed there is an undispensable obligation lies upon you, to re••pect and honor me all the daies of your life. The Princess pronounced these words with so much majestique choler, that she made him blush, and forced him to make a scurvy excuse for his insolency, and a•• last to leave her at liberty to lament the disgrace of the King her brother, which we had a more particular relation of from that guard which was very faithful un••o us. Alas Hesionida, said she, how deplorable is my destiny? and unto what a cruel fate am I exposed? I was bo••n upon a Throne, and am now a Slave, and a Slave unto him that is the most unworthy amongst men: I•• I consider the misfortunes of my brother, I have not tears enough to lament his misfortunes; If I contemplate my own, I shall find them so dismal, that I see no way bu•• death to terminate them; hitherto I have loved Spitridates most inno∣cen••ly, the late King my father desired it, the Prince and King Sinnesis my brother appointed it. But now Hesionida, since he is son to an usurper of my brothers Kingdom, and a ruiner of my Family, how is it possible I should love him without a sin? But Madam, said I unto her, Spitridates was not in this war: 'Tis true, said she, but yet he is son unto the usurper of the Kingdom of Pont; so that though my reason does not induce me to accuse him, yet it is not handsom or fit I should love him any longer; therefore Hesionida, whether he be innocent or culpable I ought not to see him any more, though he were in a place where I might do it. Moreover, in what part of the earth could he possibly be, where he could not hear the Pontean and Bythinian war discoursed on? and is it credible, that since he must needs know the state of things, I should never hear any news from him? if he was fuller of ambition then love, why did he not appear in the head of his fathers Army? and if he was fuller of love then ambition, why does he not endeavour to deliver me out of the hands of Artanus? and why did he not let me know that his heart did not approve of what Arsamones his father had done? I confess Madam, said I unto her, that I cannot understand why Spitridates should be so long silent: No more can I, replied the princess, and therefore in all reason I must imagine him dead, but I wish the Gods he may not justifie himself in my opinion by so sad a way. If I should Sir, repeat unto you all the lamentations and reflexions which the Princess had upon the King her brot••ers misfortunes, upon the mu••ability of terrene things, and upon the innocent passions of her soul, I should abuse your patience; therefore I shall slightly pass by them, and tell you, that Artanus considering himself under the verge of a victorious A••my, commanded by a Prince who had conquered two Kingdoms, he was not without some unquiet thoughts; f••r alth••ugh he had very gallant m••n in his party, yet was he not at all grown more valiant him••elf, and notwithstanding all his love unto the Princess, I believe he repented more then once of his undertakings: He also sent unto Arsamones to cap••tulate and propound some con∣ditions betwixt them. But since he desired that Cabira should remain in his hands for his secu∣rity, and that he might alwayes keep the Princess Aram••nta under his power, Arsamones ab∣solutely desiring it himself, would not hearken unto him, nor handsomely entertain those which came from him; so that after this refusal, Artanus was more perplexed then before: 'Tis true, he enjoyed some dayes of rest, because Arsamones falling sick, it retarded the march of his A••my which was coming against him. As things stood in this condition, there came a Ca∣valier into Heraclea, where then the Queen Arbiana was (for it is but just to give her that title which is her du••) there came I say a Cavalier, who on his Buckler bore the Emblem of a Slave, which seemed ••o have his cho••ce either of F••tters or Crowns, and he broke the last, and assumed the first, with th〈…〉〈…〉 M••tro, More heavy, but more glorious: As it was late when he came, so he was unknown at his entrance into the Town, and his devise was not observed that night; but as soon as he alighted from his horse, at the house of an old acquaintance, he went

unto the Palace where the Queen & Princess were; as for Arsamones he was yet sick in the Coun∣try, whither these Princesses (with the Princess Istrina sister unto Intaphernis, who was then in that Court) were the next morning to go. This Cavalier went straight unto the chamber of the Princess Aristea, and desired a servant to tell her there was a stranger which desired to speak with her in private, concerning some important business; the servant told him, that she was with the Queen in her closet, into which he durst not enter, but he was so urgent with him to tell it unto them both, that thinking the business was of some great consequence, that he went in, and returned presently back to bring him in: But Sir, he was no sooner stepped into the Close••, but the Queen rising up was extreamly surprized: I am very glad (said she unto him) to see you in a better condition then you were the last time I saw you in Bythinia, and when I mistook the Illustrious Artamenes for the unfortunate Spitridates. Madam, you give me a very glorious name (replyed the right Spitridates, for indeed it was he whom the Queen Arbiana took for you,) but yet I wonder that you should not know me. The Princess Aristea taking a candle, and looking him in the face, Madam, said she unto the Queen, without all doubt he whom now you see is my brother, and not Artamenes. Spitridates who had several times been taken for another in his travels, was not less surprized, then if he had not been formerly mistaken; therefore telling them many passages which none but they could know, they then knew him, and expressed all the signs of joy and tenderness that possible could be at the meet∣ing of one so dear unto them, whom they never thought to see again. Since the Queen his mo∣ther did alwayes love him, she had used all possible endeavours to moll••fie the incensed spiritof Arsamones, but she could never move him unto it; yet because she would not perplex this Prince at the first meeting, she spoke not any thing concerning it unto him, but only told him after some two houres conference, that he must not let it be known he was in Heraclea, un∣til she had spoken with him. After this he went a back way unto his chamber, where some tears were bestowed upon the memory of Euriclides, and the Princess Aristea staid with him, who had not seen him since the death of Sinnesis, in the memory of whom both sighed; but before he entred into discourse of any thing else, he asked concerning the Princess Araminta. I cannot Sir express the sorrows which Spitridates resented to see himself in that place where first he began to love the Princess, and she him; nor can I describe his grief of heart when he considered that it was his own father who was the cause she was not here now. Moreover when he fancied her to be in the clutches of Artanus, he was almost out of his senses, and it was long before he could give satisfaction unto the Princess his sister, who desired to know what adventures he met with since she saw him: But after many sad condolements, he told her (as we knew afterwards from himself, that when he was disguised in Paphlagonia, he writ a Letter unto the Princess Araminta, to ask her whether it were her pleasure he should come and offer himself unto the King her brother, who was then beginning the Cappadocian war, and that in lieu of receiving such an answer as he expected he had received from the Princess, the most cruel Letter in the world, and such a one as made him amazed to see it: And as the prin∣cess Aristea told him, that without all manner of question there had been some cheat put upon him, he pulled out those two Letters which he alwayes kept about him ever since he received them, and shewing them unto her, she found them to this effect.

ARAMINTA unto SPITRIDATES.

Come not hither to offer your self unto the King my brother, but rather seek out for your self a Sanctuary, in some place of the world so far from me, that you may forget, e∣ven the very name of

ARAMINTA.

Oh brother (cried out the Princess Aristea) my eyes tell me, that the princess Araminta writ this Letter, but my reason assures me, that she never thought it: Af∣terwards, without staying for Spitridates his answer, she opened the other, and found these words.

HESIONIDA unto the Prince SPITRIDATES.

IT grieves me to tell you, that Glory is above all things predominate in the heart of the Princess: and she it so peremptorily resolved to obey the King, to quench her affection unto you, and to forget it, that no arguments under Heaven can alter her. Conform there∣fore your mind unto your fortune if you can; and since you are generous, strive to forget her who is absolutely resolved never to remember you.

HESIONIDA.

I leave it unto your imagination (said the Prince Spitridates, as soon as the Princess his Si∣ster had done reading these two Letters) what I apprehended, after I received what now you have read: I do easily imagine, said she, but since I am certain that some or other has put a trick upon you, I am not surprized at it: for truly, said she, as long as the Cappadocian war lasted, I continually received intelligence from the Princess Araminta, as I was wont to do: she always enquired concerning you with extream care, she has secretly done us an hundred good offices: and until the time she was taken away by Artanus, we ever held a good corresponden∣cy together; especially since the war began between my Father, and the King of Pontus. More∣over, when the Illustrious Artamenes came into Bythinia; and when we thought it had been you, who returned thither, she expressed abundance of joy, when I did intimate it unto her by a Letter, and I am certain that she was as sad when we acquainted her with our mistake: But, said she, I must compare this pretended Letter from the Princess Araminta with some which I have; and saying so, she opened a Cabinet which was upon the Table in her Closet, and taking several Letters out, she set her self to observe them very exactly: and she found much difference in many Charactars: At the first sight all the world might have been decei∣ved; but none could be so deluded that saw the false Letter compared with the true one. Spitridates was so overjoyed at his hopes of being deceived, that for a quarter of an hour he could hardly perswade himself that it was a cheat, but seemed to doubt of it, to the end he might move Aristea to give him mine assurance of it, and to have a pretence to look longer upon the great difference between th•• hands. But how may it be imagined, said Spitridates, this cheat should come about? Pharnaces was out a man likely to do it: No, said the Princess, but Artanus may probably be such a knave: and indeed Sir, (as we afterwards came to know) it was he, who having discovered that Spitridates had sent unto Heraclea by that Captain of the Tower, wherein he was a prisoner, caused this man who had the true answer from the Princess, and me, to be followed, his Letters were taken from him, and carried unto a man, who was excellent at imitating of hands, to be counterfeited; It happened, for the favour of his cheat, that this man who had the Letters, was brought up in the house of Artanus his father, unknown unto Spitridates, so that knowing him to be the Son of his old Master, he was ea∣sily suborned to carry the counterfeited Letters of Artanus, which caused less knavery to be suspected. That which moved Artanus unto this, was because he hoped the great courage of Pharnaces would cause him to be killed in this war, and then if he could but send Spitri∣dates far enough, he himself should then be the only man of quality in all the Kingdom, which could pretend unto the Princess. After that Spitridates was well confi••med in his belief of being deceivd, he related with a far more calm mind then before, the dispair which he was in, and how he resolved to seek out a death somewhere so far off the Princess, that she should ne∣ver hear any more news of him: How in this sad designe, he went unto that Port which was nearest, and to imbarck in the first Ship which put to Saile without so much as asking whither it went: How by chance it was a Merchants Ship of Tenedos which took him in: How from thence he went to Ephesus, because reports went that Croessus would assault it: How he was in all that war, and yet could not meet with death, although he did sufficiently expose himself unto all dangers: How remembering himself, that if he would follow the am∣bition of Arsamones, rather then the love of the Princess Araminta, he might be a King: and that he preferred the Fetters of Araminta, before the Crown of Bythinia, he caused to be painted upon his Buckler, a Slave, who refused Crowns, and made choice of Chains, as I already told you: How after the conclusion of that war, he imbarqued again for Cyprus, hoping that Island which was consecrated unto the Mother of Love, would be more propiti∣ous unto him, then any other; but conceiving that journey too pleasant for an unfortunate man, he passed into Cicilie: afterwards, not being able to stay in any place, he would needs

put to Sea gain, had he not met with a Persian Magi, who being new come ashore, did ren∣der him all imaginable honour; speaking an hundred things in a language which he understood not: An Interpretor which he carried with him for the conveniency of his travel, told Spi∣tridates how this man was a Persian, who took him to be the Son of his King, whom Mer∣chants had reported to be drowned at Chalcedonia: Spitridates hearing this, answered him by the Interpretor, that he was not a Persian: that it was very true it was supposed he was drowned at Chalcedonia, but he was not: But whatsoever this Interpretor said, this Persian would not be perswaded but all that Spitridates said was but excuses. In conclusion, Sir, he was so importunate with Spitridates, to confess that which he was ignorant of, as he was forced to leave him: But this man going un••o the Magistrate of the Town, told him that the King his Master, had lost his only Son, and Succes••our unto his Dominions, who for some con∣cealed reasons, would not return into his Countrey: and how that by chance he had met with him, that he was in this Town, and ready to imbarque away. He conjured the Magistrate to arrest him, and to send him back unto the King his Father: so that this Magistrate finding the Persian of a grave Phisaognomi••, and had acquaintance with the greatest and wisest men in the Town, sent Orders to stop Spitridates, as being Son to the King of Persia, and to treat him with all respect as befiting his quality: you may easily imagine that this Prince was ex∣treamly amazed at it; he used all his arguments to undeceive these men, but the more he de∣nied, the more this Persian maintained that he was Cyrus.

In conclusion, the Magistrate sent both Spitridates and this Persian unto the Prince of the place, who after he had heard them both, and fearing to commit an errour, did send them both unto the King of Persia, and made choice of a man of a good inge••uity and quality for this imployment, and say what Spitridates could, he was sent away with a great number of soul∣diers: I shall omit the relation of his melancholy during so long a voyage, during all which time he was guarded very vigilantly: I shall only acquaint you, that the Persian Magi dyed during this voyage: and being come into Persia, where the Embassadour which went with them, heard that all the people believed Cyrus to be dead; and that the Merchants saw him drowned, he began to believe Spitridates, conceiving he had no reason to conceal his being the Son of a King; as really he was so: But so it happened that this Embassadour fell sick as well as the Magi, and dyed for company: so that Spitridates was now at more liberty, and stole away from this Embassadours men, when they were in the height of their mourn∣ing: but yet notwithstanding, he was often in danger to be stopped by several others who took him to be you Sir: And since he was resolved to draw nearer the place where we were, that he might hear in what part of the world his Princess was, he passed out of Persia, into Medea, where he was also followed divers times, not knowing the reason why: Afterwards being come as far as the Frontiers of Galatia, there he heard of the Bythinian Rebellion, and of the War which the King his Father had declared against the King of Pontus; also he did afterwards tell the Princess Aristea, that this news did so cruelly perplex him, as he fell so extreamly sick upon it, that never man was more violently tormented: for hearing every day a relation of his Fathers victories, and also of Prince Euriclides his death, he conceived this to be the worst way to regain the opinion of the Princess Araminta: not that he wished the King his Father were vanquished, but that he himself knew not what to wish. In con∣clusion (said he unto the Princess Aristea,) You see me here, dear Sister, well recovered of my sickness, against my will, and desiring your advice, what course I shall take: for though my Princess should be perfideous unto me, yet would I deliver her out of the hands of Arta∣nus, where I understand she is. That is not an easie matter for you to do, said she unto him, unless it be with the Kings forces: and the sooner to induce him to see you, it is requisite you seem as if you did not love that Princess: Ha, my deer Sister, said he, I cannot counterfeit, not know I how to owe my good fortune unto a lye. But alas, said he, what might my Prin∣cess think of my silence during all these great alterations? Perhaps she imagines that I lurk quietly till the wars be ended, that I afterwards would peaceably enjoy the fruits of the victory: but my Divine Princess, how unjust would you be in such a thought? Well Sir, after many such like complaints and lamentations as these. Spitridates retired himself unto the place where he was to lodg: And Aristea told him before he left her, that the Prince In∣taphernes, the Son of Gadates, who is now in the Army of Ciaxares, had done great ser∣vices unto the King his Father: and that the Princess Istrina his Sister, came unto the Queen Arbiana, presently after the Queen Nitocris dyed, who desired it should be so: After this, Spitridates went away, and the next morning the Queen and princess sent unto him, with advice to keep himself close, until he heard from them, and that they were going unto

the Camp where Arsamones was sick: and since the Army was not above one days journy from Heraclea, they should be there that same night: But since they found Arsomones very ill, it was the next day in the morning, before they could acquaint him how they had received some news of Spitridates, but they did not tell him he was come, because they would not expose him unto any danger: Arsamones was much surprized at the news and discourse of Arbiana, and the Princess Aristea observed both astonishment and anger in his face: yet notwithstand∣ing his angry and tumultuous thoughts, she perceived some signes of joy mixed with them: And indeed since Arsamones had no other Son, though he had some resentments of displeasure against him, in respect of the King of Pont, yet was he very glad and desirous to see him that was to be his Successour: Therefore after he had pawsed a while, If Spitridates (said he unto the Queen his wife) return with the mind of a sl••ve, as he had when he broke out of prison, it is but fit he should be fettered again; but if he return with such a mind as becomes a King, it is fit he should be treated like such a Prince as hereafter he may be. Therefore Madam, said he unto the Queen, let him know, if you please, that he himself is the Arbitratour of his own destiny: and if he have a mind to finish this war, which I have so prosperously begun, and bring the Princess Araminta into my hands as my Prisoner, I shall entertain him, and give him the Command of my Army: But if he think to return, and continue his affection unto her, whom he ought to look upon as the Daughter and Sister of our Tirantes, I shall let him see that I am Master of two Crowns which I have conquered, and can bestow them upon whom I please: He has been long enough absent, said he, to forget his passion; therefore, (said he, and looked upon the Princess Aristea) I give you a Commission to dive into the secrets of his heart and discover his real thoughts: for I p••rceive you know more then yet you tell me, and perhaps he is already in Heracl••a: Arbiana would have denied it; but it was after such a manner, that she more encreased the Kings belief, so that he said unto them, No, no, i•• Spi∣tridates be wise, let him not fear anything: therefore if he be returned, as I believe he is, re∣turn you into Heraclea, said he unto the Princess his daughter, and if you find him such a one as I say, then bring him hither; but if he be not, I permit him to return unto his exile again: yet I say, if he become with intentions of good fortune unto me, and himself, let him come hither in all haste, because I would then imploy him, since I am not well my self, against Cabira, and give Artanus no longer time to fortifie it, and himself in it: The Queen hearing him say so, confess••d the truth: and the next morning the Princess returned unto Heraclea, with private instructions from the queen, to desire Spitridates that he would dissemble his love; and to tell him, that when Araminta is under ••he power of Arsamones, she would intercede, and keep him from any rigorous treating of her: and that perhaps the rare merits of that Princess would in conclusion win Arsamones to favour her: and that to conclude all in one word, he must necessarily force himself, and disguiz•• his thoughts for a time. The Princess did negoti∣ate with him very handsomly: for as soon as she came to Heraclea, she sent to Spitridates, and used all possible arguments expedient for the business: But when she found that he could not resolve upon a dissimulation, What do you intend to do then, (said she unto him) the Prin∣cess Araminta is under the hands of Artanus, where I believe she is in a wor••e condition then she would be under the dispose of my Father, and in Heraclea, where I might be serviceable un∣to her. Ah, dear Sister, said he, my soul is ballanced betwixt two great extreams: I do know very well that it is my duty to get Araminta ou•• of the power of Artanus, but I know also, that it does not become me to release her, that she may be again a prisoner: Of two evils the least is to be chosen, replied the Princess, and as I conceive there is no comparison betwixt these two. Spitridates was then a long while silent, contemplating whether there was not a middle way between these two to be taken: but the more he thought upon it, the further was he from finding it: gladly would he have preserved his respects unto the King his Father; he wished he were out of this vexing necessity of disguising his real thoughts: he did most earnestly desire that the Kingdom of Pontus were restored unto him who lost it, and keeping only the King∣dom of Bythinia, he might marry the Princess Araminta, and so place her upon the Throne hereafter: But yet he knew well enough that Arsamones would never consent unto such pro∣positions; so that not knowing what course to take he was extreamly perplexed. Yet when he b•• thought himself that Artanus had the power to pesecute the princess, Well, my dear Sister, said he unto her, I am too long in deliberating: and since I know that Araminta is in the power of m•• Rival, it is too much to consider upon one minute longer: Come then, let us go unto the King, and tell him, since he will needs have it so, that I am not at all in love; let us transact like an enemy, that I may hereafter appear a most real Lover: and let us not think it a dishonour to tell an innocent lye, and to assume that disguize which I would never undertake, but to set

the most glorious Princess in the world at liberty. After much such discourse as this, Spitrida∣tes promised the Princess Aristea, to carry the matter towards the King, as she desired: so that without any loss of time both of them went to Court the next morning, and would not admit of any visits in Heraclea until he had seen the King: when they were come unto the Camp, they understood that this news had so much troubled Arsamones, as he was worse then he was before; and since the departure of the Princess he expressed much impatiencie of seeing Spitridates. He was no sooner arrived, but it was told the King, who commanded him to enter presently, and notwithstanding his sickness, he received him with many testimonies of tender∣ness: But after the first passion, whereof he was not Master, he assumed a more serious and se∣vere countenance: Spitridates, said he unto him, I must tell you, that if it be the pleasure of the Gods to dispose of me, I would not have you to hold any Treaty, or contract any alliance with those unto whom we have been Slaves: And if you do, I do dispense with all my Sub∣jects, from acknowledging you as their Prince: Sir (said Spitridates unto him, and bow••d) Doubtless the Gods will permit you to enjoy your Conquests long, and I shall have leisure e∣nough hereafter to understand your intentions more precisely: Therefore it will ••uffice, if you will be pleased, to grace me so far as to tell me what service I shall do you for the present, as I am your Subject: without any further discourse of what I ought to do when I am King, as yet I am not: It is my intentions, answered the King, that if my sickness continue, you shall command my Army: That you march against Artanus, and reduce Araminta into my power. Spitridates did then bethink himself of some words which would admit of an ambiguous sence, which might both satisfie the Nicety of his Love, and might make the King believe that he would punctually obey him: and indeed, he did hit of it so handsomly, that the King was satis∣fied with his answer, and imbraced him: after which being retired unto a very magnificent Tent which was prepared for him, he was visited by Intaphernes, and all the Officers of the Army; for we were informed of all these passages afterwards from Spitridates himself: within three days after, the Physicians told Arsamones, that there was no danger in his disease, but yet i•• would continue long: so that not to lose time, he gave Orders unto Spitridates to go, and besiege Artanus: yet appointing one of his Lieutenant Generals to have an observant eye upon 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the actions of this Prince: Then went Arsamones with the Queen, and the Princess his daughter unto Heraclea; as for the Princess Istrina, she was there before: So Spitridates departed for Cabira, the Prince Intaphernes being his principal Lieutenant General, with whom he contracted a great League of friendship: You may imagine Sir, how much we were surprized, when we were informed by our faithful Guard, that there arrived a Cavalier at Heraclea, having a Buckler, as I told you before, and afterwards that this Cavalier was Spi∣tridates, and that this Prince was so gracious with the King his Father, that he made him General of his Army: Our wonder for a long time was so great, that our words could not express it: Joy to hear that Spitridates was alive, and the incertainty of his designe in coming against Artanus, did so divide the mind of the Princess Araminta, that she knew not whether she should grieve or rejoice: However Madam (said I unto her, when she began to grieve) I cannot chuse but be extreamly glad to know that Spitridates is living: I have the same resentments, re∣plied she, but however, my soul must needs be in such unquietness, for Arsamones has not al∣tered opinion: and it seems to be almost without all question, that since Spitridates is in such favour with him, they are both of one mind: Oh Madam (said I unto her) censure not before you hear: But yet it is very likely, answered she, that I am not mistaken: a long absence may easily bury all his affection unto me in the grave of oblivion: and he may as easily prefer the enjoyment of two Kingdoms, above a Princess whom he has not a long time seen, and who has nothing but misfortunes to her portion. The truth is, Hesionida, if Spitridates do conti∣nue faithful, it is a miracle; and if he do not, then doubtless it is the greatest misfortune that ever could happen unto me: so that not knowing whether I should pray for or against him, whether he will see me at liberty, or take me prisoner, my soul is in a most restless condition. I did all I could to lessen her fears, and fortifie her hopes: But to tell you truly, I do believe they both raigned successively in her heart for many days, and she was not well resolved in her self: In the mean while Artanus was something sick upon the business; the very name of Spitri∣dates, and of his return, did cast him into a qualm, nor could all the power of his love cure him: since he had many brave and gallant men with him, they moved him, much against his mind, God knows, to go and meet their enemy, and to hazard a Battel: at the first, he did oppose the motion, but afterwards fearing, that if he should discover his Cowardice, then doubtless they would all forsake him, therefore he consented unto them, and resolved to be there himself: so that all the Regiments being drawn up under the walls of the Town, where

we were, he viewed them, and without bidding any adieu unto the Princess, he departed, leaving her under the Guardship of a Captain, who was absolutely his creature: I shall not relate unto you, Sir, all the particulars of this war; only thus much in short, that Spitridates was victor, and the Coward Artanus being much against his will engaged in fight, was mortally wounded by the hand of Spitridates, who took him prisoner, this perfidious wretch living only so long as to confess the counterfeiting of the Princess letter and mine: The shat∣tered part of this defeated Army fell into the Town, and all the Commanders consulted what to do, and resolved to receive their orders from the Princess, hoping thereby to obtain more ad∣vantageous conditions by a treaty with Spitridates.

All the Captains then came unto her chamber, whilst we were altogether ignorant of any passages, because Artanus had taken that guard who was our intelligencer with him, and he was killed in the battel. At the first sight of them she knew not how to interpret their visit; but one of them being Speaker for the rest, said thus unto her; Madam, we are come to beg pardon for our past rebellion, we come to tell you that Artanus has lost the battel and his life, and we come to receive orders from you as the daughter and Sister of our Kings; therefore Madam we beseech you let us know, what is your pleasure we shall do, whether you will ren∣der your self, or whether it is your pleasure we should defend you against the Prince Spitrida∣tes; which of these two wayes soever you are pleased to command we are ready to obey you. You tell me of so many wonders at once, said she, that I cannot upon a suddain precisely re∣solve you; but it is most certain that I must take no other part but the King my brothers, and that his enemies are and must be mine, and if they will not do us justice, it will be much more noble to die in defending our selves, then cowardly to submit: Yet since you are from rebelli∣ous subjects become my protectors, I do conjure you to take such orders as are necessary for the preservation of the Town, and not to attempt any thing without my knowledg, and for the present I conceive you have nothing else to do, but to defend your self if they assault you. Here Sir was a great alteration in our fortune, our guards became almost our slaves, and the prisoners command their keepers: But all this while Spitridates was not without his vexations, amidst all the joyes of his victory, since he was not so absolute Master of his Army, that he could do what he would; so that in appearance he must carry himself as a mortal enemy against the Princess, but really as a man who preferred his love unto her above all things else. He sent then to summon the Town, To render it self unto his discretion, after he had surrounded it on all sides, for he could do no otherwise, because that Lievtenant General, who Arsamones did set as an Adjutant with him, was very severe and obstinate. When the Princess heard that Spitri∣dates had sent a messenger, she commanded him to be brought into her presence, and with an incensed spirit said unto him; Tell your Master that the Princesses of Pontus are not used to pay obedience unto the Princess of Bythinia, but rather have been for a long time obeyed, and that I could never have believed that the Sister unto the Prince Sinnesis should have been thus treated withal by Spitridates: and lastly, since he goes so unjustly to work, he may assure himself he shall find it a greater difficulty to overcome the Princess Araminta, then he did in defeating Artanus. After this answer, the Herald departed, and the princess being at liberty to condole with me; Well Hesionida (said she unto me) what do you now think of Spitri∣dates? I think that he is come to release you Madam (said I unto her) and I cannot suspect that he desires to have you in his own power, but in the power of Arsamones: Servitude is not the way to liberty, replied she, and very few Lovers use to release those they love by such extraordinary wayes: But Madam, replied I, as the case is, what would you have Spitri∣dates do? I know not, answered she and sighed, but I am sure I would not be brought under the power of him who is the ruiner of my family; yet Hesionida, I have no reason to com∣plain against fortune, but rather give her thanks, since she has done all she can to give me cause of excluding that tenderness which I kept in my heart for Spitridates, because he is son unto the declared enemy of the King my Brother. I should never ••nd Sir, if I should relate all what the Princess said, and all that Spitridates thought upon the return of the Herald; for since he durst not send any obliging message, lest he should render himself suspected, he perceived by her answer that she did not think he dissembled when he transacted with her as an enemy; yet had he some consolation, that the Commanders of Artanus his Army did obey her, and that it was her self only with whom he was to treat; so that changing his opinion, he call'd a Councel of War the next day; where he declared that there was no great honor to be got by forcing a Town which was kept and defended only by a princess, but that it were expedient, first to use all endeavours to reduce it otherwise, before it came to open ••orce; so that to save blood, and the King his fathers forces, and also to carry the matter handsomely with a wo∣man,

he did resolve to send and desire to speak with her: The Major part of Officers, who began to love Spitridates, principally Intaphernes, did approve of his design, and there was none who did oppose it but that Lievtenant General, of whom I spake, and he did most violently oppose it, as afterwards we came to know; but do what he could, since the plurality of voices carried it, he was forced to submit, and Spitridates had his desire.

He sent then the second time unto the Princess by one who was very faithful and trusty, with orders most humbly to beseech her that he might have the honor to speak with her, before he was forced to make any attempts against her; he commanded him to tell her, that he conju∣red her by the glorious name and memory of the Prince Sinnesis not to deny this favour, and that she would be pleased to believe that he is and ever will be the same Spitridates which once she knew him. This messenger received this order in private, but he spoke in publike be∣fore all the Captains with less tenderness, and more sharply: Might he have followed the hu∣mour of his passion, he would never have thought upon the security of his person, but would have entred into the Town, and not so much as desired her to engage her word; but since he was not absolutely his own Master, and not to render himself suspected by his own party, he beseeched her she would be pleased to come unto one side of the wall, which was not very high, where he might with conveniency speak unto her. These, Sir, were the orders which the En∣voy of Spitridates received, whose coming was a great joy unto me, as well as to the Princess, who then began to hope she had been deceived in her opinion of that Prince; yet she was so surprized at his message, that she took two hours time before she would return an answer; and to colour the matter, she assembled all the Officers into a Councel, though it was with me resolved upon what course to follow; I saw some joy in her eyes, which spoke her hopes that this Prince was not so culpable as she believed him; and I perceived also that she was restless, and knew not whether she should see him, or not see him: Seeing her in this anxiety, I told her she was too blame in making any doubt of the matter: Ah, Hesionida, replied she, It is not so easie a matter to determine, for if Spitridates come as an ambitious Prince, who prefers the possession of two Crowns before me, I ought not to see him, since it would be to no purpose: But if on the contrary he be the same he was, yet ought I not to see him, since it is impossible I should be the same to him I have been heretofore; and the state of things being changed, I ought to change my thoughts also? therefore Hesionida, I must in reason conclude, that it is not expedient for me to see him; yet notwithstanding if they counsell me to see him, then I will, and if I find him innocent I shall not hate him: If he be innocent, Madam, (said I unto her) you would be very unjust to withdraw your affection from him, and which way soever I look upon the business, I find it expedient for you to see him, for though he be your enemy, yet as the case is with you now, you must have recourse unto his clemency; and if he be your lo∣ver and adorer, then ought you to accept his services, and rely upon his generosity and love: The truth is, Sir, I found it no great difficulty to perswade the Princess unto a parley with him; but since my expectations from this enterview were very great, so it might be in such a place where they might speak together with freedom, I told the Princess, that it would be much better if she met Spitridates upon the middle of the Bridg, which stands over that river that runs under the walls of the Town. After the Princess had well consulted, and since all the Officers could not foresee any happy issue of this siege, but by some advantageous capitulation, and also since they saw no hopes of any relief, they advised her to see Spitridates, and she caused him whom the Prince had sent to come unto her, to tell him that she consented unto the desire of his Ma∣ster, commanding one of her Captains to shew him the place where she desired this meeting might be the next morning, and also to instruct him in such orders as should be observed, and during which time there should be a cessation of all hostility. After this messenger had view∣ed the Bridg, and returned to his Master, who approved of the alteration of place, the rest of the day and night following was imployed in preparations for this enterview, and making the place fit, which indeed was a most glorious sight: As the river was great, the Bridg over it was also very large and stately, so that it contributed much unto the magnificence of this business; for just over the middle Arch were Lists made ready, and covered with rich Sidonian Tapistry; o∣ver the head was a rich and stately Pavilion, trussed up on two sides with golden strings, or to let down if the Sun did offend; so that the next morning Spitridates, who was all joy, in hopes to see the princess, did not sail of his time, after he had drawn up all his forces into Ba∣talia, in sight of the Town, and caused five hundred foot, and two hundred horse only to ad∣vance with him to the end of the Bridg. The princess on the other side commanded, that all the walls should be well lined with souldiers, and with the like number of horse and foot came

to the other end of the Bridg: She no sooner knew that Spitridates was come, but she pre∣pared to meet him, and that so fair, as I was astonished at the mixture of so much melancho∣ly, and so much beauty together: Since the Sun was not likely to annoy, I moved her wo∣men to dress her as she was used when she went to hunt at Heraclea, which was with a wa∣ving Plume over her head, to cast a shadow upon her face. The Princess being thus dressed, went unto the end of the Bridg, and waited upon by all her women, and Commanders in her Army: as soon as she appeared, Spitridates advanced, being waited upon by the like number; The princess came to the Bars, and went under the pavilion, under which we were also, but at a distance behind her: Spitridates did wear the loveliest Sute of Arms upon earth, and in spite of his melancholy, his garb was so high, and his Air so sprightly and delighting, that I never saw him more glorious then that day; as soon as he espied the Princess afar off he salu∣ted her with much reverence, and both of them meeting at the Bars at the same time, all the men of both sides remaining under their Colours and Arms, Spitridates did bow down to the very ground, and she returned him her complement very civilly: Afterwards, beginning dis∣course, When I sent unto you Madam, (said he unto her) to beg the honour of treating with you, I never had any intentions of coming to capitulate with you, but in all humility I come to receive your commands, and to render you an account of a tedious Exile, of my return, and of what I do at this present: Indeed, Divine Princess, if the actions of the King my Father, have not rendred me unworthy of your ear, I am come to give you an account of my life past, and to hear from your own mouth what it must be for the future: Since I hear you say so, (answered the Princess) I begin to think you are the very same Spitridates whom the late King my Father made choice of, for his alliance; who was so well beloved by the Prince Si••••esis, and so really esteemed by the unfortunate Araminta; I begin to think, I say, that you are the same Spitri∣dates, who for the love of me endured two imprisonments, with high generosity, and who expressed an hundred signes of a most constant affection: But yet when I look upon this Bar, and all these Souldiers about you, then I do confess, me thinks, you do not look like the same Spitridates I speak of: but I look upon you as the Son of Arsamones: that is, a mortal enemy to the King my Brother.

Oh Madam, cryed he out, if it be your pleasure to know what I am, I beseech you hear; and look not upon that which may seduce your reason, and may make me pass in your opinion for what I am not: I do confess, Madam, that if I did not infinitely and beyond all expressions love you, I should think my father had some reason to take possession of that Crown which was surreptitiously taken from off his head: yet since he cannot do it but by the ruine of your house, I shall look upon him (in spite of all considerations of ambition or nature) as an Usur∣per of his own Kingdom; and all this because my love to you has taken the whole possession of my heart. You know, said the Princess unto him, that Arsamones is not content with his own, but the Kingdom of Pont is now in his hands as well as the Kingdom of Bythinia: so that though his war were just in the getting of the one, yet it was most unjust in the getting of the other: I do confess it, Madam, said he unto her, but if it may be permitted a Lover, to speak something in excuse of his father, I should then say, that since ambition and revenge nevernse to keep within those limits which reasou and justice prescribe unto them; it is no wonder if an injured and an ambitious Prince do not act altogether according to the rules of natural equity: But Madam, loving you as I do, I will never approve of the act: I confess also that the King my Father is injurious; that he deserves the name of a cruel enemy, and that I am the son of an Usurper: But Madam, you may remember, if you please, that when I began first to adore you, you were then, if I dare say it, in the same condition which I am now, and I then as you are now; for as the King my Father has taken the Kingdom of Pontus from your house, so likewise your Father held the Kingdom of Bythinia from mine: yet for all that, Madam, I shall love and adore you, and though you be the daughter of an Usurper, (be it spoken without any irreverence unto that honour I owe you) yet I do for ever devote my self unto your service. I do wish unto the Gods with all the desires of my soul, that the state of things did stand upon the same terms they did: that I were still a Subject unto your Bro∣ther; and that it were then permitted me to hope for the same which now I do. Your very long absence, replied the Princess, did doubtless work some change in your mind, otherwise your ba∣nishment, notwithstanding my enjoyning it, would not have been so long; when Spitridates heard her make that objection, he then told in short, the cause of his departure from Paph∣lagonia: the cheat of Artanus: his dispair when he believed her perfidious; his voyages, his return, and his extream sorrows to bear of all the victories which his Father had obtained, and that she was in the power of his Rival: And now Madam, (said he unto her, at the con∣clusion

of his relation) you know not what the life of unfortunate Spitridates hath been: he loved ever, even when the King your Father detained that Kingdom unto which he 〈…〉〈…〉 pretend for a share, and he adored you even then when he believed you to be 〈…〉〈…〉 lamented all his fathers victories; he grieved at the Cor quest of two Kingdoms 〈…〉〈…〉 preferred the condition of your Slave, before the glorious Title of a King; and 〈…〉〈…〉 and ever will adore you, be you unjust, or as incensed as you will against him: 〈…〉〈…〉 devoted unto you, that there is nothing which he will not attempt for you: Yes 〈…〉〈…〉 you should command me any thing but to turn my Arms against the King my Father, 〈…〉〈…〉 do it: and truly if you should be so unjust as to command that, I know not whether 〈…〉〈…〉 ••••e were able to stand out long or no: Now, after all this Madam, can you believe 〈…〉〈…〉 ••e? I took up Arms, 'tis true, but it was only to kill Arta••us, and force you out of 〈…〉〈…〉 I carry them still I confess: but how could I have come to have known your pleasu〈…〉〈…〉 I had seemed your enemy? Therefore Madam, since I am only unfortunate, and not 〈…〉〈…〉 pable, you would be most unjust if you should change your opinion of me. Though you 〈…〉〈…〉 ly perswaded me of your innocency, replied the Princess, yet are you not nearer 〈…〉〈…〉 ness: for truly, Spitridates, true generosity will never allow me, to preserve so pu〈…〉〈…〉 ction as that which I retain for you, since you are son unto a declared enemy of the King 〈…〉〈…〉 Brother: for consider, I pray you, in what a deplorable condition is that Prince, 〈…〉〈…〉 flourishing Kingdoms which once he had, has not but one poor Ship in his power, and 〈…〉〈…〉 more in the power of unconstant winds and waves, then in his own; and would 〈…〉〈…〉 me Spitridates to surrender my self without any conditions? and can you think 〈…〉〈…〉 Arsamones would consent) sit upon that Throne which belongs not to me, whil〈…〉〈…〉 my Brother who his most right unto it, is tossed upon the waves, and languishing 〈…〉〈…〉 ble exile? Oh, no no, I never will, and if you think it, you esteem me but a little 〈…〉〈…〉 me not at all: I have esteemed you, I do confess, and do still very much: and if 〈…〉〈…〉 too weak to express, think upon one more obliging for your satisfaction, and 〈…〉〈…〉 unto it: but yet for all that, though my heart be the same unto you, that it was 〈…〉〈…〉 yet I cannot comply with you, but as with the Son of mine enemy; therefore Spitri〈…〉〈…〉 these two things must necessarily be done; either move the King your Father to con〈…〉〈…〉 self with the Kingdom of Bythinia, and restore the Kingdom of Pontus, or else you resolve never to have this place but by violence and force, or at the least, upon such Capi••ulations, as shall permit me to go whither I shall hear the King my Brother is: for I do peremptorily de∣clare my self, that you shall never put me into the hands of Arsamones, and there is nothing which I will leave unattempted, rather then I will submit unto that: I know very well that the Queen Arbiana, and the Princess Aristea would protect me: but I know withall, that all Asia would suspect me for either treachery, or weakness, which I am not capable of: there∣fore Spitridates never endeavour to make me change my thoughts, for it will be absolutely in vain: and if there be any memory of the Prince Sinnesis yet remaining in you, promise me that you will never bring me under the power of Arsamones, if fortune should reduce me into yours. I will promise you any thing, Madam, replied he, upon condition you will promise me not to hate Spitridates, if he be not able to compass all your desires. The Gods do know, that if I were absolute Master of two Kingdoms, you, and only you, should be the sole dis∣poser of them: and I should without the least murmur consent unto the loss of the Bythinian Crown once again, rather then I would in the least displease you. But alas, Madam, they are not in my power, the King my Father is in possession, and all I can do is to imploy the Queen my mother, and the Princess my Sister to perswade him: for my part, if I should quit the Ar∣my, I should then fear he would not permit me to return, and so I should disable my self from being inseperably devoted unto your fortunes, as my intentions are: But Madam, dare I be so bold as to tell you, that if Spitridates were as deeply rooted in your heart as he might be, you would not transact thus with him? You would then leave the conduct of things unto the Gods, and wait their happy time for the re-establishment of the King your Brother: nor would you then reject a Prince who for you has suffered prisons, banishments, and all imagi∣nable miseries; and who may hereafter make you change a prison for a Throne, and bring you into a condition to give a Crown unto the King of Pontus: Not Madam, but that I am resolved to obey you most exactly, but because I foresee into what a miserable extreamity I shall be reduced. I do not intend to impose any possibilities upon you, replied the Princess, something more mildly, and therefore, if you cannot obtain these my desires, I shall surrender up the Town, upon condition that I may be conducted unto what place I shall chuse to go unto: and if that cannot be obtained, then assure your self I will bury my self under the ruines

of the Ramparts, whilest you enjoy the pleasant fruits of your fathers Conquests, and ma∣king love submit unto ambition, by forgetting the Princess Araminta, you become as happy as I am miserable. Ah cruel Lady, said he unto her, I shall make it appear that I am not ca∣pable of any such thoughts: No, no, Madam, you shall never see Spuridates happy as long as you are miserable; nor will he ever be a King, until you be in a con••••tion to be a Queen, and this I solemnly protest before the Gods who hear me: But I beseech you, Madam, promise me this at the least, that when I have abandoned all the world for you, you w••ll be pleased to let me follow and participate of your destinies, and that I may never leave you. The Princess was so moved at the expressions of Spi〈…〉〈…〉es, that she repented her self that she had in per∣plexed him; I will believe, said she unto him, that all your thoughts are generous, and I will promise you, not to suspect your fidelity: and be perswaded of this, that though I act as your enemy in many things, yet you shall be still the same in my heart that ever you were: yet for all this, I must tel you, that in all likelihood we shall not agree. Oh Madam, said he, that lan∣guage is so cruel, as it moves me to part with my life, and so neither take your part, nor turn Arms against them I command: I am not of so violent a temper as you, replied she; and as I do not intend to do any thing unworthy of my self, so I do not expect or desire any thing from you, which shall be dishonourable for you: Therefore without any more unprofitable complaints, said she, and sighed, I advice you to go back, Spitridates, and endeavour to in∣duce Arsamones unto some reason: let those whom you imploy, tell him, that the best expe∣dient to preserveth Kingdom of Bythinia, (which is his right) in peace; is to restore the Kingdom of Pontus, which is not his right: Go Spitridates, and transact with all your inge∣nuity, both for your satisfaction, and mine: And if you cannot induce Arfammes unto it, yet yet however remember that you preserve my liber••••, if you desire to preserve your life.

Spitridates was so troubled at these words, as he hardly knew now ••o ••n••wer: Why Ma∣dam, said he; would you have me leave you? Because it is not convenient, answered she: And let me tell you once more Spitridates, because I desire to die in liberty: And let me tell you once again Madam, said he, and interrupted her, That I desire to die your slave. I is not for those who are happy, replied she, to desire death: Nor is it for those who are unfortunate, said he, to desire life; and therefore Madam, if I cannot alter either the mind of the King my fa∣thers, or yours, though I should set you at liberty, yet should I expect nothing but my grave: Since your life is and ever shall be, most dear unto me, answered she, I desire you should pre∣serve it: But Spitridates once wore I advise you to retire, and tell your Captains that which I shall tell mine, which is, that you cannot give an answer unto my Propositions, before you have sent unto the King your father: Your wits are at so much liberty Madam, replied he, that I perceive your heart is not over-deeply engaged: Since you have so great a soul, replied she, this answer is not becoming you, but Spitridates, I will pardon you, and wish you would not think as you seem to do of me: In saying so, she bowed unto him, and went away, agree∣ing first, that there should be a cessation of Arms, until the answer of Arsamones was recei∣ved; for my part I never saw a more lamentable parting, Spitridates was as pale as if death were in his face; the Princess for all her high soul, seemed so dejected at that instant, as it might well have been a cordial unto the Prince, had he been able to have discerned the sadness of her eyes. He looked after her as long as he could, but so P••anet-struck, that he knew not what he saw: When the Princess was gone ten or twelve paces from the Bar, I stepped to him: Sir, said I, Fortune offers you a good occasion to use your generosity: Fortune, answered he, may be more propitious unto me in the favour of Hesionida, who may do me many good offi∣ces to the Princess Araminta: I shall do all I can Sir, said she, and retired, but in the mean time do you all you can. This was spoke so low and quickly, that none could hear or take a∣ny notice of it: And presently after we went back to the Town, in which we no sooner were, but Spitridates, since he could not see the Princess any longer, took horse, and retired to his company: He told what she appointed him unto his Officers, and not to lose any time, he made choice of one Democlides to send unto Arsamones. This man was one of an excellent wit, and who loved the prince extreamly, so that he could not make a b••tter choice; and that he might the better understand all his thoughts, he related all the passages of his life unto him: He gave him a Letter unto the Princess his Mother, and another unto the Princess his Si∣ster: He writ also unto the King his father withall imaginable submission, he forget nothing, which might probable induce him to be contented with the Reconquest of his own Kingdom, with the usurpation upon the Kingdom of another: He instructed Democlides with all the subtil and politique Maximes expedient for his negotiation, and to perswade Arsamones, that it were better to possess one Kingdom in peace, then to have two upon terms of war. Whilst

Spitridates was dispatching this Captain, the Princess was exceedingly grieved, and almost wished that she had not spoken unto him in so obliging a manner: Sometimes again, she was very glad she was not deceived in her choice, and that she had no cause to repent her self for loving Spitridates; but yet these moments of consolation were very rare•• for when she con∣sidered the present condition of her fortune, and looked upon the future, she found so many sad objects of sorrow, that all hopes were as far from her soul, as from the princes, who since the departure of Democlides was full of unquiet thoughts and fears, not to obtain any thing from Arsamones; and indeed his apprehensions were not without cause, for all the perswasive arguments which the Queen and Princess could use, would not move the new King of Bythi∣nia: This excellent Princess imployed all those who had most prevalency with him, but all in vain. Democlides used all his politique arguments wherewith he was instructed, but could not perswade more then the rest; the tears of the Princess Aristea would not move him; but he answered them that moved him, generously to restore the Kingdom of Pontus unto them it be∣longed, that when he and his had enjoyed the Crown of Pontus as long as the Father and the Grandfather of this King had enjoyed the Kingdom of Bythinia, then perhaps there would be some justice in the restitution demanded: I have (said he) gotten it by more legitimate and ho∣norable wayes, then they usurped ours; and it is but just, that they who have thus long fetter∣ed others, should take their turn, and bear those fetters themselves, that they may experimen∣tally know the miseries of servitude; and therefore it is my positive pleasure, that Spitridates assist me in taking this Town wherein the Princess Araminta is, otherwise I shall let him know, that he who has not the heart and courage of a King, shall never be my Successor; but treating him as a Slave, I will cast him into prison with the Princess Araminta, whom he loves above his own honor: Democlides, according to the instructions of Spitridates, did put him in memory of what he said unto the Prince his son, in the ship as they departed from Heraclea, how he then said he would not oppose his marriage with this Princess: I remember it very well, said he, but when I said so, it was with this condition, that he should go in the head of an Ar∣my to conquer two Kingdoms, and save me that labour; but since he has not performed the condition, tell him, that as it was then dishonorable for the Princess Araminta to marry the son of a Slave, so now at this time it is a shame for him to marry a Sister of a conquered u∣surper, and the slave of Arsamones, as e're long she shall be; therefore tell him from me, that within these few dayes I will come unto the Camp my self; and because it will grieve him too much to captivate her whom he values above two Crowns, let him attempt nothing against Cabira until I come my self, bid him endeavour to overcome himself, or otherwise he shall know the difference between a Scepter and a prison. You may imagine Sir, how sadly Democli∣des carried this answer. The Queen did write unto the prince her son to comfort him, the princess Aristea did the like; But oh heavens, how in vain were all consolations? Democlides under∣stood at his coming away from Heraclea, that Arsamones sent orders unto the Liev••enant Ge∣neral his Confident, that he should keep a vigilant eye upon Spitridates; and I understood af∣terwards by this Democlides, that the despair of Spitridates was so great when he received this rigid answer from the King his father, as it was likely to have cost him his life; yet was he very desirous of the whole truth; and though Democlides had a desire to have sweetned the answer in the relation, yet he durst not, because the King did speak it so publikely before all the world, that Spitridates would certainly have known it by others, and then he had just cause of complaint against Democlides for concealing the truth, since it was that answer upon which he intended to ground all his resolutions. What (said he, after he had understood it) does the King my father intend that the princess Araminta shall be his slave? and that she who deserves a hundred Crowns, shall wear fetters? No, no, Spitridates cannot suffer it, or at the least will attempt all wayes possible to release this incomparable and unfortunate princess. Do you not admire Democlides, said he, at the strange blindness of men? The King my Fa∣ther has all his life complained against Usurpers, and now he is become one himself purpose∣ly to make me unhappy; he, who if he please, may get unto himself immortal glory, and make me the happiest man alive, whereas now he makes me the most miserable. For Democlides to have got two Kingdoms, and to keep that only which he hath a right unto; and generously to restore the other, and then to bestow the Princess Araminta upon me, these would be things which all after ages would speak on with admiration; yet since he will not, indeed he will force me to forsake his interests, though he be my Father, and my King: I must absolute∣ly disobey him, and be all the rest of my life the most miserable Prince upon earth: But the greatest wonder is, Sir, that though ambition could never prevail against his love, yet his ••ve did never excessively transport him against the King his Father: But maugre the violence

of all his sorrows, he began to contrive ways of releasing the Princess, especially since he newly received intelligence from the Princess Aristea his Sister, that the King would be in the Army within these few days. He also perceived, that the Orders unto the Lieutenant General were very vigilantly observed: but do what he could, Spitridates was so adored by the Com∣manders, and Souldiers, that he could not bring about his designe. To be short, Spitridates did publickly send unto the Princess, to tell her, that the King his Father had not yet returned an answer unto her propositions, and that within a few days he would come himself, and bring the answer. Mean while, after he had consulted with Democlides how to release the Princess, he commanded him to get into the Town diguised like a Peasant, which during the cessation was no great difficulty: and that he should go unto the Castle, and enquire for me, which ac∣cordingly he did: He delivered a Note unto me from Spitridates; the contents whereof was, That I should give credit unto what Democlides should tell me: so then, after he had delivered it unto me in private, he acquainted me with the ill success of his voyage, with the despair of Spitridates, and his resolution to release the Princess, with the orders that he had taken about it: he told me further, that the Troops which were under his particular Command, were quartered all along the River side; That our best course would be to come out of the Town in the night by boat, and unto that place where his Troops would wait for us, and be our convoy unto Sea, which was not above fifty furlongs further, and that he had taken order for a Ship at the next Port: he t••ld me further, that to move the Princess the more to trust her self with him, Spitridates would first let her see, he trusted her; therefore, said he, if the Princess please to give orders for one of the Gates which she shall name unto me, to let him enter, he will be there at midnight with one page only, and no more. You may be sure, Sir, that I went in all possible haste unto the Princess, and carried Democlides with me. Though the news was but a subject of astonishment and sorrow, yet to what purpose is complaints where there is no remedy? and therefore it was resolved upon to depart the very next night. Since all her women, were placed about her by Artanus, we cared not for carrying them with us: and since all her Captains had once been her enemies, she hardly knew whether she should trust any of them, but since they had testified much affection unto her, since the death of Ar∣tanus, she was unwilling to abandon them, and leave them in the lurch unto the victory of her enemies; yet upon more consideration she conceived it best not to carry any of them with her, and that the Officers being Masters of the Town, they might make honourable conditions for themselves when they pleased: Therefore the resolution was to confide in none of them, but such as were necessary for the business; to wit, that Spitridates might enter, and we go out; But, Sir, I have already so trespassed upon your patience by the length of my relation, as I must tell you in short, that I took such order with two Captains, as they were wholly de∣voted to serve the Princess in any thing whatsoever. About midnight, Spitridates stole un∣discerned out of the Army, after he had left one Letter for Arsamones, and another for the Princess Aristea, and entered into the Town; Democlides conducted him unto the Princess Chamber: and kneeling down, Madam, (said he unto her) are you so generous as to suffer the son of your enemy to throw himself at your feet? and will you be pleased to receive your liberty from that Prince whose Father would make you a Slave? Liberty (said she unto him, and first desired him to rise) is so secret, that one would take it from their most mortal enemy; but Spitridates, it is not just I should purchase mine with the loss of yours: It is enough for me to escape out of the tyranny of your Father, without engaging you to share in my misfortunes: Therefore, do not charge your self with my escape; seem to be sorry for it; return unto the Camp, and live happily whilest I seek out some blind corner of the world to hide my tears, and my misfortunes in. Can you Madam, give such counsel unto a man whom you have pro∣mised to honour with your esteem? And indeed, how esteem him if he should be so un∣worthy as to take it? No, no, Divine Princess, either you care not what you say, or else you say this only to make trial of my constancy: But since we have no time to spend, I beseech you, Madam, let us depart, and when we have once taken Ship, then may you command what course we shall steer: as for my part, I am resolved to wait upon you over all the world: The Princess did a while refuse it, though it was but in appearance: at last, I interceded, and said unto her, I beseech you determine some way or other, the time is almost past, and Spi∣tridates perhaps would be more in danger with his Father, then with you; and Democlides tells me, that all things are ready for our departure.

In conclusion Sir, Spitridates presented his hand unto the Princess: we got happily out of the Castle, and Town, accompanied only with the Prince, the page he brought, Democlides, and the two Captains, which were of the plot, and so took boat: Never was flight more

prosperous then this, for we met with no obstacle: The Troops which Democlides command∣ed, guarded us to the Sea: and Spitridates having caused a Bridg to be broke in the night, by which other Quarters had communication with Democlides, so that we were very safe all the way: Democlides did not expose his souldiers unto any danger, for they acted according to his orders, and it is not for souldiers to examine the Commands of their superiour Officers, but were bound to obey without any dispute, and therefore they ran no hazard. In conclu∣sion, we came to the Ship, which waited for us, and we imbarqued, not yet knowing whi∣ther to go; not thinking upon any thing but how to avoid the danger of falling into the power of Arsamones. When we were once in the open Sea, Spitridates came unto the Princess Ca∣bin; Madam, said he unto her, you are now at liberty, and there is none here who are not most willing to obey you: Whither is it your pleasure we should steer our course? This que∣stion brought tears from the eyes of the Princess, for when she could not find any place in the world wherein she had any power, she could not chuse but fall into apprehensions of sorrow; yet recollecting her memory, she told him, how she heard that the King her Brother when he went from Heraclea, did designe for Cappadocia, and to offer himself unto Ciaxares to deli∣ver his daughter, with intentions to demand some aid from you: and she said, that she could not think upon any other place of safety but that: then Spitridates told her, how he heard the day before from a souldier which came from that Army, that the Princess Mandana had suf∣fered shipwrack, and was drowned, and that certainly the King of Pont was not with Ciax∣ares; the Princess then not knowing either what to say or do, in conclusion resolved, to get far enough off from Pontus, and Bythinia, and to make towards Cappadocia, to try whe∣ther what the souldier said was true. All that night, and the next day, we steered that way, and towards evening a violent storm did arise, which lasted all the night following: at last we were almost gravelled in a Bank of sand, but by good fortune we escaped the danger without any hurt to the Ship: There we saw the Sea even almost covered with abundance of shipwrack, and neer a Rock close by us, some men that were dead, and some in whom there was some life: It was a large while before we could put out a little boat to help any of these mi∣serable men, because the Tempest was yet very high, but after a little calm we took two of them up, who did yet breath, and one of them I knew to be a Servant unto the King of Pontus: I no sooner saw him, but I cried out, and calling him by his name, he turned his eyes towards me, and would have answered, but could not; It was apparent enough that he knew me, for he lifted up his hands towards Heaven, as if he did deplore the misfortune of the King his Master, and seemed astonished to see me: whilest I was busie in applying such things unto him as common humanity required, some or other did very inconsideratly advertise the Princess of this accident, who would needs come to see this unfortunate man: since it was she who preferred him unto the King her Brother, he knew her voice as soon as he heard it, and when she spoke unto him, he began to strive with himself, and pronounced these words distinctly; Ah Madam, is it you? Yes, replied she, but where is the King? In Armenia, said he unto her, and sent me to bring you—In speaking these words he fell into a swound, and expired before he could end what he begun to speak: The other man also who we brought into the Ship dyed speechless also, and we could know no more: Then did we search his clothes for Letters, and indeed did find one, but as ill luck was, the water had defaced all•• the characters, except two or three by which the Princess knew it to be the hand of the King her Brother. This Encounter renewed all our sorrows, and whilest they were endeavouring to get this Ship from off this Bank of Sand, the Princess grieved exceedingly, not because this man had been her slave, but because he had something to say unto her, and died before it could be known: In the mean while we got unto the open Sea, and the Princess desired Spitridates to go into an Arm of the Sea not far off, where the Lower Armenia towards Pontus does border upon a little Province, which formerly was the Kings. It is a hard task Sir, to relate unto you, all the discourse between Spitridates, and the Princess Araminta, during our Navigation: But in short, they expressed themselves unto each other in all the terms that love and vertue could invent: After we were come into this Arm of the Sea, we quitted our Ship: and Democlides, whom Spitridates had ordered to take money enough for a long voyage, when he came first from his Quarters, went unto the next Town to buy horses, to carry us unto the River Eu∣phrates; for as you know, this River divides the two Armenia's. Then was it put to the question, what course Spitridates should take when they came in Armenia: and it was a most pitiful story unto him, when the Princess said, that he must leave her; for I must con∣fess unto you, said she unto him, that I dare not trust too much unto the generosity of the King my Brother, and though I do know him to be very generous, yet I will not adventure

you in the power of a Prince who never loved you, especially now, since you are son unto his enemy, and an enemy who hath taken two Kingdoms from him: Therefore Spitridates, since your vertue has preserved me from falling into the hands of the King your Father, It be∣fits me to preserve you from the fury of the King my Brother: Alas, Madam, said he, let not any considerations of my interest trouble you, nor hinder me from waiting upon you: for though the King your Brother should treat me hardly, yet would I most willingly endure it for the love of you. I doubt it not at all, said she unto him, but however I desire you should only endure the miseries of absence for the love of me; for I cannot look upon you but with an eye of great esteem, and I know that the King my Brother will not relish it, because perhaps he will imagine that my complacency towards you proceeds from my hopes of two Kingdoms from Spitridates. But Madam, said he unto her, whither would you have me go? Any whi∣ther, said she, where you may with safety to your person wait for a turn of fortune: and un∣til the heart of the King your Father be molified. But Madam, replied he, since I most wil∣lingly forsake all for you, may you not di••pense a little with that rigid Decorum which you observe in every th••ng? If you really love me, and think upon my passion and respects unto you, what sorrows I have suffered; what imprisonments I have endured, and what exile I now undertake for you, I conceive you will permit me to live disguised with you, or else to let us go and live together in some unknown place far from any acquaintance, where we may wait upon the pleasure of the Gods, until such times as I am in a capacity to restore one Crown unto the King your Brother, and present another unto you. What you now tell me, replied the Princess, is neither just nor honourable: for I should thereby incense the mind of the King my Brother, and you the King your Father, and we should expose our selves to a thousand unprofitable miseries. Then, suffer me, said he, to go with you unto the King of Pontus, with∣out any disguisement or banishment. Though he should be in a disposition to receive you fa∣vourably, answered she, yet certainly it would be upon a condition that you should bear Arms against the King your Father, which questionless you never will. nor will I advise you unto it; and therefore, Spitridates, of necessity you must leave me. Must I needs leave you, Ma∣dam, replied he in a sad ••one? Yes, said she, and if reason will not prevail with you, I will joyn my prayers and commands unto it. And however, you may be sure of this advantage, that as my fortunes are, you need fear no Rivals. Ah Madam, cried Spitridates, in taking away of Crowns, they have not taken away your unparalled beauty, nor your incomparable mind, which has not a second in vertue: Therefore, Madam, I must always doubt it, especial∣ly knowing that the King your Brother will be continually exasperating you against me. Look not upon Spitridates, I beseech you, Madam, as the son of an Usurper, but as a Prince who will never be King, till he can restore one Crown unto the King your Brother, and another present unto you: I have already said it, and I repeat it again: you Madam, shall either raign, and your Brother too, or else I will not: and therefore, you may if you please, be so just at the least, as to give him some assurance of your affection, who has consecrated every minute of his life unto you: Do not, I beseech you, banish me from you, before you assure me that I shall be entertained always in your heart, and that nothing can ever banish me from thence, for without this Madam, I cannot obey you. I will promise you, said she unto him to possess the King my Brother with your generosity as much as I can; and will eternally remember the Commands of the dying Prince Sinnesis, and by consequence keep my affection entirely for you, as long as I live. May I build upon this? said this sorrowful Prince, You may, replied she, and I should think my self most unjust and ungrateful if I failed, since you are so generous, and since my affection is so pure and innocent, that it were a greater crime to resist it, then preserve it for you. I know not, Madam, whether I should dare to tell you, that this is not enough. I know not, Spitridates, (said she, and interrupted him) whether I should tell you, that I think it a little too much, and that you do me wrong to suspect me, and complain. But Madam, replied he, what is it I beseech you that you do for me? and what can I do more for you? You do every thing, answered she, that I can desire, I cannot deny it; but though I do nothing for you, yet I do all I can, or may be, more then I ought, and let that satisfie you. Oh Hea∣vens! replied he, what do you do, my Divine Princess, which I can interpret unto my advan∣tage? I shew you, answered she, those sorrows which I cannot hide: you may see the thoughts of my soul in my eyes; and I permit you to think that my heart prefers you before all the world; and after this, Spitridates, what can you desire more? and whether is it not more then the Princess Araminta ought to do for the Son of Arsamones? However, Spitri∣dates, take heed lest ambition be too prevalent with you during your absence, since it is usual to alter the souls of all men. To be sure of that, replied he, do not banish me from you. I

would I could not, answered she, but it must be, and you must be gone: I should be too te∣dious, Sir, if I should repeat all this sad conference, which truly on both sides was so tender, so generous, and so full of sorrow, that I who heard it wept; for the Princess desiring, I was all the while present: It was in vain for Spitridates to use any arguments of d••sswasion, for since we were got a good way into Armenia, and out of any fears of Arsamones, she would needs have him leave her; and she resolved to go either into Cicilie, or Paphlagonia, and wait there for some alterations in fortune. He had a great desire not to part until they cer∣tainly knew where the King her Brother was, but she would not hearken to him, being much afraid lest Spitridates should fall into the hands of her Brother: So he obeyed her, but never was so sad a separation: he would needs have Democlides, and the two Captains, remain with her, and he keep none with him but his Page. I shall not relate every circumstance of this sad adieu, since the truth is, I cannot without tears, and so many testimonies of my weakness, as perhaps you will condemn me for it: But so it was Sir, that Spitridates departed the sad∣dest man alive, and the Princess as melancholy as ever any in the world. Then we left the Ri∣ver Euphrates, and went towards Artaxates. Since the Princess did not know the intentions of the King her Brother, she desired not to be divulged for what she was until she had spoken with him, so that all the time of our travel we did not so ceremoniously render those ho〈…〉〈…〉 which were her due. When we came to Artaxates, where we might easily conceal our s〈…〉〈…〉 by reason of its greatness, we were informed, that the King of Pontus had be••n 〈…〉〈…〉 but every one told us he was not there at that time: The Princess could not believe it▪ 〈…〉〈…〉 gined that the thing was known only amongst the Grandees, and that for som•• r••aso〈…〉〈…〉 she understood not, the King her Brother desired to be received privately, and w〈…〉〈…〉 ceremony.

In conclusion, she commanded Democlides, and the other two Captains, to be〈…〉〈…〉 tive to get true intelligence, that those unto whom they addressed themselves 〈…〉〈…〉 for some d••••e designe: Moreover, the Prince Phaartes, Brother unto 〈…〉〈…〉 nes, and second Son unto the King of Armenia, chancing accidentally to see 〈…〉〈…〉 minta enter into a little dark Church whither we went early in a morning, he•• b••a〈…〉〈…〉 his curiosity to know who that stranger was: for though our habits were after the 〈…〉〈…〉 fashion, he supposed she was not an Artaxetian, because he never heard her be〈…〉〈…〉 of: so that being extremly desirous to know what she was, and where she dwelt, 〈…〉〈…〉 one of his servants to follow her: He who was imyloyed in the business, having e〈…〉〈…〉 concerning us, told him, that we were people of some hidden designe, and that certain〈…〉〈…〉 Princess was one of great quality, though we had never spoke as much; and by his rep〈…〉〈…〉 this Prince was much more earnest to know who she was. At the same time time one of the King of Armenia's Grand-officers, who lodged near us, being informed by this Prince, that there was some disguised people in Artaxates, who had some bad designe in agitation, and since all Asia almost was in Arms, and knowing how he had incensed the King of Med〈…〉〈…〉 by refusing Tribute, he sent unto us to know who we were: At the first, we dissembled the truth, but since no credit was given unto us, and the Princess was in fear to expose herself unto some dangerous adventure, she confessed all, and told them who she was, and desired to speak with the King. But the King not being very well, he appointed the Prince Phaartes to go unto her, and to see what the matter was: Then went this Prince unto the Princess A∣raminta, whose beauty made a deep impression upon his soul: She told him her quality, her condition, and her business; he without any difficulty believed her, and did assure her that the King her Brother came not unto that Court: He was exceedingly civil unto the Princess, and went in all haste unto the King his Father, with intentions of moving him to treat her ac∣cording to her quality: But the King who ever was of a suspicious and covetous disposition, had thoughts far different from the Prince his Sons; for he would not take any notice of her, lest she should put him to some expences, and lest he should thereby incense a prosperous Prince, as Arsamones was, by protecting the Sister of his enemy: so that notwithstanding all the alliances between the Kings of Pontus, and the Kings of Armenia, he seemed as if he suspe∣cted her, and commanded that she, and all about her should be secured: as afterwards I un∣derstood by one who was a Confident unto Phaartes: This young Prince did with all his power oppose the King his Fathers designe, but the King being desirous not to have it pub∣lished, charged the Prince his Son not to speak of any thing which the Princess had said unto him; intending doubtless to serve his own ends by it upon any occasion, either by restoring her unto the King of Pontus, or unto Arsamones. The Prince Phaartes even desperate at this injurious resolution, did yet procure that we should be brought into this Castle, with

the two Captains who are here also: As for Democlides, the Princess had imployed him to go and enquire after news of the King her Brother, so that he was not taken as we were: You may easily imagine, Sir, the sorrows of the Princess, when she saw her Sanctuary was turned into a prison, and when she saw no possible means to get out without some extraordinary as∣sistance from the Gods: Since then, Sir, we have been kept here, without any consolation, but from the Prince Phaartes, who often did visit the Princess; and indeed when you did take this Castle, his frequent visits began to displease; for contrary to the King his Fathers orders we were treated with so great a respect, that it was apparent he disobeyed his Father and that love had took too deep an impression in his soul. In the mean while we heard no news either of the King of Pontus, or Spitridates, or Democlides, nor heard we the King of By∣thinia so much as talked on. This Sir, is the fortune of the Princess Araminta, unto whom, if you please, we will go, since I have no more to say, but to conjure you to protect her.

You need not move me unto that (wise and discreet Hesionida, replied Cyrus) which so many reasons does invite me unto. The beauty, vertue, quality, and misfortune of this Prin∣cess, are arguments able to move the most insensible man alive to serve her, and therefore since you think it fit, let us go and tell her as much: for I can assure her, that her misfortunes are not greater then my desires to be serviceable unto her: for though she be a Sister unto a Prince who is my Rival, and who detains from me that which is incomparably most dear unto me, yet shall I be as just unto her, as she is unto Spitridates, who does not accuse Spitridates for the ambition of his Father, but knows how to put a just difference, without any prejudicated opinion. After this Cyrus gave Hesionida thanks for her great pains, in relating unto him the story of the Princess Araminta, and going unto the Chamber where she was, he saluted her with extraordinary civility. Madam, said he unto her, when I did visit you before, I knew only your quality, your beauty, and some part of your mind; but now, since I understand the whole Story, and am acquainted with the height of your soul, your vertue, and your great misfortunes; I regard you with much more reverence and admiration, then before. The last of these whereof you speak Sir, answered she, and which is the only thing that I have any pretence unto you, does not usually beget respect in the minds of men, but since you Sir, are none of the ordinary sort, I must and ought to expect miracles from you. You may expect submission and service, answered he, from all that are capable of reason. Then to let her know, that he hearkened unto her Story with an attentive ear; he repeated the most considerable pas∣sages of her misfortunes, and condoled them: Then did he exceedingly commend Spitridates, knowing that nothing is more obliging and pleasing, then to hear the party loved well spoken of, and indeed he omitted nothing which was requisite to comfort this great Princess, from whom also he hoped for some good office, whensoever she should speak with the King her Brother. After a thousand expessions of reciprocal love from both sides, he left her, and went to give necessary orders for matters of war. He was informed that Artaxates was very quiet, that all the Guards were very circumspect, and that Hidaspes, who was gone out towards the foot of the Mountains, unto which the King of Armenia was retreated, had intercepted many Carriages of Victual and Ammunition, which the Countrey would have carried unto the King: and afterwards retiring to his Chamber, he spent the rest of the day in memory of his dear Prin∣cess: he wondred that Ciaxares came not up; he was vexed that he could not hear any thing of the Assyrian King; he was grieved that he could not know where Mandana was: and comparing the misfortune of the Princess Araminta with his own, though hers were great, yet he thought his more insupportable. Then did he remember how Hesionida spoke of cer∣tain Persian Merchants, which had seen Spitridates near shipwrack at Chalcedonia: Then did he conclude, that from thence did the reports of his death arise, since every one said, there was such a great resemblance between the Prince and himself: and that since Spitridates had been in Persia, and afterwards in Medea, from thence did arise all the reports of his resur∣rection; and so his fancie passing from one thing to another, yet never forgetting to retain a pleasing apprehension of his dear Princess, he passed away almost all the night without any sleep at all, and he did think it not permittable, that he should bestow one minute of his life up∣on any thing whatsoever, that might exclude the passion which raigned in his heart.