The History of TIMANTES and PARTHENIA.

I Beseech you Sir, doe not expect I should relate any thing of those wonderful events wherein Mars has a greater influence then Love, or wherein fortune workes the greatest alterati∣ons, in acquainting you with the Adventures of the Princesse of Salamis, whose name is Parthenia: but on the contrary, be pleased to know, that all the accidents in Cyprus can∣not be of that nature. Indeed, it may well be said, that Love, who in all other places does often cause tragicall events, is contented, when he is angry, to produce onely fantasticall and capri∣tious effects in our Isle. However, those who find these effects in themselves do think themselves most unfortunate, and complaine as much as those whom Fortune, Love and Ambition all at once doe torment: After this Sir, I know not whether it be necessary to put you in minde, that Page  18 Love in our Court is not a simple bare passion as in other places; but a passion of necessity and decency: All men must Love; and all Ladies must be loved: no hard-harted insensible man ever gets any esteeme amongst us, except the Prince Philoxipes, who yet continued not so long: This obduracy of heart is branded as a crime, and liberty of this kind is such a shame, that those who are not in Love, will at least seeme to be so. As for Ladies, custome does not necessarily oblige them to love, but onely to suffer themselves to be loved, and all their glory consists in making illustrious conquests; and not to lose their Loves which they have captivated, though they be rigid unto them: For the principall honour of our Beauties is, to returne in their obedience those captives which they have made onely by the power of their Charmes, and not by their Favours: so that by this custome, there is almost an abso∣lute necessity of being a Lover, and unfortunate: yet it is not forbidden Ladies to acknow∣ledge the perseverance of their loves by a pure affection; Venus Vrania allowes it; But some∣times it is so long before they can win the heart of the person loved, that the paines of the Conqueror does almost equall the pleasure of the conquest: yet it is allowable for beauties to make use of many innocent Arts wherewith to take hearts: Complacency is not a crime: care to seeme faire is no affectation, obsequiousnesse is extreamely commendable, so i•be without baseness. Plausibility is a vertue: and to conclude all in short, all that may make themselves a∣miable, and all that may make themselves to love, is permitted, provided it be not against the lawes of modesty and chastity: which manage the Gallantry of our Isle, is the predominate ver∣tue of all Ladies. Thus allowing Fate, Innocency & love, they live most pleasant & merry lives: This Sir I thought requisiteto hint unto your memory, that you may better comprehend what I am to relate. I shall not neede to tell you Sir, that Parthenia was borne with a taking beauty; such a one as charmes at the first sight, & which seemes to augment, every moment one lookes on her; for it is impossible you should have been in Cyprus and not know it, though she was at Paphos when you were there: But give me leave to tell you Sir, that her witt sparkles as well as her eyes; and her discourse charmes as well as her beauty: Moreover, her minde was none of those narrow ones, who knew one thing, and was ignorant of a thousand: but on the con∣trary, it was so miraculously large, that though it cannot be said Parthenia knew every thing equally well: yet it is most certaine she could give an excellent accompt of all things: there was also such a delicate sharpenesse in her witt, that those whom she honored with her con∣versation stood in feare of her, and though all her expressions were simple and naturall, yet were they full of strong soliditie: moreover she could turne her witt as she pleased: shee would be serious and wise with those that were so: she would be gallant and pleasant upon necessity: she had a high heart, and sometimes an humour of flattery; None knew the newes of the World better then she: she was of a naturall timerosity in some things, and bold in others: shee was full of heroique Generosity, and Liberality, and to conclude her descrip∣tion; Her soule was naturally tender and passionate: and it may justly be said, that never any did so perfectly know the differences of love, as the Princesse Palmis: And I never in my life heard a more pleasing discourse then her, to make a distinction betwixt a pure refined love and a grosse terrestriall passion: between a love by inclination, and a love by acquaintance: between a sincere Love and a Counterfeit, between a Love that hath endes in it; and a Love Heroique: For indeed, she would penetrate into the very heart: she would describe jealousie more ter∣ribly by her words, then those who Paint it with Serpents, gnawing the heart: she knew all the innocent sweets of Love, and all the Torments, and every thing that had any dependency upon this passion, was so perfectly knowne unto her, that Venus Urania her selfe did not know them better then the Princesse of Salami•. This Sir is her description of whom I must speake, who was no lesse loved, then she was lovely. And indeed, whosoever would Catalogue the Prodigious number of her Lovers in his memory, would questionlesse be astonished, since it is most certain, the fair Parthenia hath Captivated many, above a thousand hearts since she began to appear a Glorious Starre in the World: The greatest wonder in Paphos was, that she was never taken away, because the Fa∣ther of Philoxipes being Governour of Amathusia, caused all his children to be taken away untill they were in a fit condition to appear in Court: So that the Lustre of Parthenias beau∣ty was not like that of the Sun which we see every day, and unto whose Rayes we are ac∣customed unto: For she appeared upon a suddain at Paphos, all Lustre and Glory, and dazeled all beholders: It may most truly be said, that she dimmed all other beauties, and scorched more hearts in one day, then other beauties could onely warm in all their lives. But that which is most observable in the Conquests of Parthenia, when she came first to Paphos, was, that she never made use of her admirable wit, because her beauty was so Prodigiously charm∣ing, Page  19 that those she Captivated, were fettered by her lookes, before ever she spoke; so piercing were her eyes, and so inevitable were her Charmes. But Sir, as I told you already, that none durst be insensible at Paphos, or at least seem so; you may well conceive Parthenia found not many men at Liberty; and that she could not gain so many hearts without robbing others; and since so, she must needs be loved by inconstant servants, who quitted their first Chaines to assume hers: For in the changing of a Mistrisse, it is no good reason to alledge, he found one more faire, and therefore changed: since I am confident that whoever quits one whom once he loved for another more faire then she, doth most certainly quit her for some end or o∣ther. Look then upon Parthenia as one that hath many Lovers, and many haters: for it is to be supposed that they who lost those hearts, she found did not love her: And not one of them but did set their wits on work to cavill at her beauty, and find some defect in it; And since they found that not any easie matter, they would at least quarrell with her dresse, though it was never so handsome, and devised all manner of Plots to disparage her. In the meane time, Parthenia perceiving their envious aimes, tooke much pleasure in revenge, by Captivating each day their Lovers; not caring for new Enemies, so she could make new Captives, for she was taken of a fit age for it, and wherein it is a difficulty to keep with∣in limits of Conquests and unjust suites and sacrifices unto her beauty: She was infinitley pleased to see such a croud of Adorers about her, whom she carried in Triumph which way soever she went: But since she did Captivate them onely by the lustre of her eyes, and not her wit or tongue, all her Amorites were not equally worthy of her Chaines: Some of them dull and grosse: others light and fantasticall, and some again envious and troublesome: So that finding her selfe troubled with that which at first she delighted in, she did what she could to restore them unto those from whom she drew them, at least to be rid of them; yet she found this to be no easie matter; and now, it may well be said, her beauty put her to abundance of trouble and vexation: For many Quarrells did arise amongst themselves; But at last, her seve∣rity to some, and even incivility to others did rid her of this doting and troublesome mul∣titude: For though the Custome of Cyprus, was for Ladies to suffer themselves to be loved; yet it was not with all sorts indifferently. Thus Parthenia, being delivered from that perse∣cution, which this abundance of Lovers, and her own beauty caused, she retained onely three, who being more agreeable to her fancy then the rest, she banished not: These three were not onely different in quality, but also in humours: The first was a kinsman unto Timoilea, whom you saw in Cyprus, called Polydamas, whose inclinations were all generous: Hee was fair, handsome, and well compacted, he had a high and noble Aire; his wit was pleasant, but ordinary: And he pleased more by an unexpressible charm which was in all his actions and his Person, then by what he spoke, which tooke more by the manner then the matter ex∣pressed. The second was the Prince of Salamis: infinitely Rich, of great qualitie, and of a handsome presence, having wit enough, but a little fantasticall. And the third was of a mean and base birth, called Callicrates, whose wit was incomparably above the best in all Paphos; and highly esteemed both amongst Men and Women. He writ both in Prose and Verse most admirably, in such a pleasing and unusuall way, as may be said, he invented it; at least I am sure, I never saw any for him to imitate, and I think it may be truly said, none will ever imi∣tate him, but imperfectly; For of a very trifle he would compose a pleasant Letter: And as the Phrygians said of Midas, all he touched was Gold; So all that came from Callicrates past for current: He would make Glasse passe for Diamonds, and out of the poorest subject extract ex∣cellent matter: His company at some times was wonderous pleasant, but not alwaies alike; for sometimes he would be as i••rome, as most of the World were alwaies unto him: And hee had such an excessive delicacy of wit, that sometimes it might better be phrased Phantasti∣call then delicate: His Person was not very well composed; Yet he made an open profession of Courtship and Gallantry: but it was of an universall Gallantry, since he loved all sorts, of all qualities: Yet had hee one most dangerous quality for a lover, which was, that hee did as much affect to be thought he was loved, as really to be so. These Sir, were the three assiduous Servants about Parthenia, who yet would not let her heart be engaged unto any one of them; For Polydamas had not wit enough, though will, the Prince of Salamis was fantasticall; and Callicrates was of so inferiour a quality, that she could not look upon him, only as an admirer of his parts, not as her Lover: So that to make up such a one as she could fancy, was to finde one who had the heart and person of Polydamas, the quality of the Prince of Salamis, and the wit of Callicrates: But since this was a thing impossible, she content∣ed her self, to esteem every one of them according to their merits, but to love none of the three. Yet Polydamas, and Callicrates were more in her favour then the Prince of Sala∣mis: For the person of the one did extreamly please her, and the wit of the other made h••Page  18〈1 page duplicate〉Page  19〈1 page duplicate〉Page  20 merry. In the mean time, all these three Lovers had different designes upon Parthenia: For Polydamis his chief care was to be loved, and unlesse that, doubtlesse he would not marry her. On the contrary, the Prince of Salamis, rather then not enjoy her would have married her, though she hated him; and therefore he was as diligent to gain those who had any prevalence with her, as to please her; and Callicrates whose soul was all vanity, his prin∣cipall care was to carry it so, that the people should suspect Parthenia was in love with him; and I am confident, he would have been better satisfied that all the Court should have be∣leeved it, then he would, if she had really loved him and none have known it. Therefore all his actions had some sacret design in them, which Parthenia did not perceive till a long while after. But the strangest humour of Callicrates was, he never so much loved out of his own judgment, as by that of others: And if Parthenia had been fairer then she was: had it not been for the great reputation of her beauty, he had never loved her: For the lightnesse of his fancy commonly never fixed upon any thing, but such as made greatest noise in the world: Stately houses, Greatnesse, Pompous Traines, high Quality, and such like, sometimes made him quit the fairest Lady in Cyprus; and therefore it is no wonder, if meeting with Quality, Beauty, Wit, Reputation, Honour, Riches, and all in one person, he should apply himself more to her then any other; and his chief felicity was in perswading all the Court he was in no mean favour with her: Not that the meannesse of his birth durst presume to act as Po∣lydamas and the Prince of Salamis did; but he took upon him another kind of familiar air, and he did insensibly allure Parthenia to let him commend her; to speak unto her often in whispers, and sometimes to say aloud in Rallary, that she was a most dangerous person. Since he did not so much care to be loved, as to have it thought he was: He never spoke any thing to her in private which might displease her, lest she should banish him. But he was exceeding∣ly careful to carry it so, that people might perceive he was in love with her: Therefore when at any time he went out from Parthenia with any one whom he thought had wit enough to observe him, he affected to seem melancholy. Sometimes he would not speak; otherwhiles he would speak of nothing but her; and follow almost into all places, affecting to look atten∣tively upon her, when she looked not upon him; yet very carefully watching for an oppor∣tunity to make some secret sign unto her, upon some trifle or otherwise which he had trusted her withall, purposely to that end: For his humour was, to peruse one favourable looke which might be perceived above any reall favour in secret. The strangest humour of Callicra∣tes was, that though he had such fitnesse of wit, as he could seldome find any that were worthy of any Elogies, yet he had certain extravagant and fantasticall conceits, which some∣times made him love others, which were not at all amiable, unlesse it was because he would be loved; and according to his own sence, he had the vanity to beleeve he was: He had such an imperious wit, as he affected alwaies to have some whom he might scorn; and since none such could be found either amongst persons of quality, or persons reasonable, he looked a little lower for some whom he might torment, and be rather their tyrant then their Lover; so that it may rightly be sayd, never had any so many thoughts in their heart so opposite to one another as his. Moreover, all the world knew, that he was a greater Votarie unto Venus Anadiomena the Lascivious, then unto Venus Urania the Chast, and he had such adoe to be∣leeve there was any such thing in the world as pure affection; yet he was not only allowed of amongst all the Ladies, but also by many of them loved; so that it was not to be wondered that the wisdom of Parthenia should permit him her esteem; and the more, because he was more respective to her then all others, and because he never spoke of any such thing unto her as Love, unlesse in Rallarie, and after such a manner as could neither offend her, or make her beleeve him. In the mean time Polydamas and the Prince of Salamis being of such qualities as they might publish their loves of Parthenia, they courted her by wayes very different: For the Prince of Salamis was onely very assiduous about her, and Polydamas, who had not wit enough to hold out any serious and long discourse, did expresse his passion by a thousand diversions, as Balls, Musiques, Collations, and Walks; and since he was very amiable, and danced well, all his actions pleased her, and his presence and pleasant humours was enough to infuse joyes into the most melancholy souls, so that Parthenia did not hate him, nor had any indis∣position to marry him if her Parents would consent. But since there was then some factions in Court, which divided the Great Families: Some reasons of Interest moved those who had the dispose of Parthenia, not to marry her unto Polydamas. On the other side, Callicrates seeing Polydamas in much favour with Parthenia, he moved her to observe the shallownesse of his wit, and did it with so much art, as for all her inclination to Polydamas, shee began to think she should be blamed if she loved him, or made choice of him, so that checking her Page  21 own thoughts, Callicrates had the joy to see she began to be a little more cold towards Poly∣damas, then accustomed. Yet since she had a very strong inclination to him, she could not up∣on a sudden vanquish her self; and Callicrates stood in need of new wit to hinder her. As he was one day with her, he brought it about so handsomely, that she began so insensibly to speak of Polydamas, and to speak very advantageously of his great courage, of his Libera∣lity and Magnificence. I confesse, Madam (said he unto her) that Polydamas merits all the commendations you give him, and if he did but know as well what you deserve, as you doe what he deserves, he would be the happiest man upon earth, he would honour you more, and •e more in love with you then he is. Polydamas (replyed Parthenia) is not in love with me; but though he were, I am confident more or lesse wit does not get more or lesse love; and there are some dul blockheads more in love, then all your spritely wits are. Ah Madam (said Callicrates) if I durst but tell you what I think, I should induce you to change your minde. I give you leave (said she unto him) Then, Madam (said he) let me tell you, that poor Poly∣damas does but love the one half of the fair Parthenia. Dare you swear, Madam, that he understands all you say? Doe you not observe that he looks more upon you then he hears you, and that there is no coherencie between what you say, and what he answers? For my part (said Parthenia, who was not very glad at what Callicrates told her) I think Polydamas answers as others doe; but it is the noble qualities of his soul which is most com∣mendable: since you will not consent with me (replyed he) that Polydamas hath a very shal∣low wit; I will apparently prove unto you that you have ten thousand times more then hee hath. You would doe me the greatest pleasure in the world, replyed she. Truly Madam, said he unto her, I doe not beleeve you. Doe you think then, replyed she, that I love Polydamas better then I doe my self? since I preferre his glory before my own. I doe not say so, (said he, and laughed) but I must tell you, I fear it, and think it. But I pray, Madam (said Calli∣orates, with the same freedome he used to all the world, whilst Polydamas loves one half of the fair Parthenia, let a certain man whom I know love the other. Yet, Madam, when I say Polydamas loves the one half of Parthenia, I say not truly; for certainly he loves not halfe her beauty, though he see it every day. I think indeed he knows that it is great, that she is of a good stature, that she hath faire eyes, that her neck is whiter then snow, that her complexion is admirable, her hair fair, her mouth lovely and all excellent; but as for that charming air, which is an ornament to all these, he knows it not at all. I am confident that though you please him infinitely, he knows not why you please him. There are such pretty, I know not whats, in your face as infinitely transcends his sphere of knowledge. He understands not the language of your eyes; your sighs which are so subtle and eloquent, and which some∣times makes known the sweetnesse or bitternesse of your heart, doe not produce the same effects in his heart which they doe in others; and to expresse my very thoughts in one word: I am confident, that he who can be so happy, as to obtain so much favour from Par∣thenia as to love all in her, that Polydamas knowes not; will have a better halfe then he. Cal∣licrates spoke all this with so much audacity, that Parthenia had a mind to be angry, but she had no time; For the Prince of Salamis coming in, Callicrates retired with as much se∣riousnesse in her lookes, as if he had been all day talking upon nothing but Politiques, or Morall Philosophie. In the mean time, since Parthenia did very much esteem him, she was ve∣ry sorry she had such an inclination to love a man whom he esteemed not: For since she did not suspect that Callicrates was in love with her, his words had a great influence upon her heart: Yet she was not absolutely resolved to banish Polydamas at that time, as afterwards through the malice of Callicrates she was, and thus it came about. Parthenia being one day ill, she kept her Chamber, and by consequence, was visited by very many, amongst the rest, Polydamas and Callicrates, who being that day in one of his dumpish moodes, which eve∣ry one did chide him for; did sit in a corner of Parthenia's Chamber, seeming not to un∣derstand what any said. In the mean time, Polydamas not thinking that Callicrates was so silent, to the end he might hear the better, began to talke, as he used, to wit, with little cohe∣rence, lesse eloquence, and least wit; yet with acceptation, because his Person was very ami∣able? And as an amorous man is apt to speak more unto her he loves then any other; So Po∣lydamas to Parthenia: On the other side, Callicrates, having a close design, and an admirable memory, not regarding what any of the rest said, harkned very attentively unto all Parthe∣nia and Polydamas said to each other: as he listned well, so he remembred better, since cer∣tain•y he remembred word for word, all that passed between them: So that the conversation ending without a word unto any, and in all hast went home; when as soon as he was come, he writ dialoguewise all that he heard Polydamas and Parthenia say, putting their names to Page  22 each Paragraph, without any alteration. So that Parthenia speaking alwaies as well as any in the World, and Polydamas the worst; the words of Polydamas wanting the grace of accent wherewith they were pronounced: and the words of Parthenia gracing themselves, this Di∣alogue was very delightfull to read: For beside the difference in their answers, the discourse made most pittifull gibberish, as if it were a continued discourse: But though Polydamas was not to be blamed or upbraided with this; yet Callicrates made use of it to serve his malice: Who to lose no time, went next morning betimes to Parthenia, whom he found alone: As soon as he was entered, the Princesse remembring his silent dumpes the day before, began to chide him, and to ask him whether he was yet in the humour of speaking: No Madam (said he to her) but on the contrary, I am come hither this day to tell you what I thought yester∣day: You seemed so melancholy yesterday, answered she, that I doe not think it will be any delighting matter, unlesse you were in the humour of composing Verses: For I have heard say, those who compose them, are as much separated from themselves, as you were yester∣day from the company whilst you were in it. I assure you Madam, said he, I had no confe∣rence with the Muses, yet I was in the merry vain of writing something as pleasant; But 'tis in Prose, not Verse: since I know you are as good at the one as the other, replyed she, I much desire to see it, and therefore since you came hither this day to tell me what you thought yesterday, I pray shew them: I swear Madam, said he unto her, though I came with that in∣tent, yet I know not whether I should shew you what I writ: No no, Callicrates, (said Par∣thenia, and supected nothing) never pumpe for any excuses or denialls, for I will see them: Then promise me Madam, (said he unto her) to doe me so much honour, as to tell me sin∣cerely who you find ill in them; and observe unto me all the faults. I professe Callicrates, (answered she) this is a most admirable good one, that you should think I can correct any thing you write: But to take all colour of excuses from you, I promise you to tell what I think of them, that is as much as to say, I will promise you to commend them and you both. I assure you Madam, (said he unto her) you will be very indulgent, if you commend all I have writ: but to be sincere, let me tell you that there are some things in what I shall let you see, which are not unworthy of your selfe: And let me also assure you, there are other things, which are not so much as worthy of my selfe, and which cannot please you, unlesse you be strangely prejudicated: You doe not use such inequalities in what you write (replyed Parthe∣nia) and I am confident you would not satisfie my desire in seeing if they were so: You shall your selfe be judge (said he unto her, and gave her the Paper writ word for word, all the discourse of Polydamas and Parthenia) But how comes it to passe (said she in taking it) that you put me to read what you have writ? The reason is, (replyed he) because I shall be more delighted to hear you read them then my selfe, and I am confident you understand them better. Callicrates being accustomed to vent a hundred witty trickes, Parthenia upon a sud∣dain suspected one: But however she had rather expose her selfe to be deluded, then not satisfie her Curiositie, and therefore shee opened the Paper, and first found this Title.
The answers of POLYDAMAS and PARTHENIA, and of PARTHENIA and POLYDAMAS.

She had no sooner read this, but she began to laugh; yet not with a blush, (and looking upon him) as being more desirous to read in his face then in the Paper what he meant by this piece of knavery: Yet did she not imagine the truth; for she thought he would have in∣formed Polydamas and her selfe of something: But in reading on, she found her own very words, as well as those of Polydamas; and indeed all their discourse verbatim. Then had she various apprehensions, for at first she thought it a pleasant Piece of work, but immediately after, she could not chuse but be angry at Callicrates, at Polydamas, and her selfe: at Callicrates for his knavery, at Polydamas for his little wit, and at her selfe for her weak∣nesse. Yet out of honour, she concealed her thoughts as well as she could, thinking it much better to hear his Rallarie, then shew her resentment; and to that end, she read the Paper from one end to the other, and was so extreamly ashamed, that her heart should ever have any dis∣position to love him who spoke so, that she absolutely resolved to Cashiere Polydamas out of her Soule. All this while Callicrates looked attentively upon her: So that as soon as Parthe∣nia had done reading, well Madam (said he unto her) do you not confesse there are many things in that •ou see, which deserve your Censure? I confesse, replyed Parthenia, that you have as much knavery as wit: and I had need be as good unto you as I am, not to hate you extreamly for this trick which you have put upon me: Madam (said he unto her) you are Page  23 not so good as your word, for you promised to correct all my faults in what you read. You are so farr from wise (said she unto him and smiled) that I should be as foolish as you are, 〈◊〉 I should take the paines to answer you seriously: However Madam (said he unto her) certainly you will confesse, that yesterday you did not thinke that Polydamas spoke so ill as you doe to day: I assure you (said she) I did not •eed the answers of Polydamas, but my owne, and I am beholding to you for nothing but for undeceiving me of the over good opinion I had of my selfe; for I thought I had spoke better then I did. Ah Madam (said he, and would have taken the paper from her) certainly you did not read them so well as you spoke them: I be∣seech you give me leave to read your words; yet Callicrates could not get the paper out of Parthenia's hands, who kept them whether he would or no; perhaps if you desire to see what was writ in this paper, that you might see the difference between the wi•t of Polydamas, and Parthenia: But Sir that a sister which I have, who waites upon this Princesse did tell them un∣to me, yet I cannot remember them; yet certainly nothing could be more different from ano∣ther then the answers of Parthenia and Polydamas. In the meane time this conference of Cal∣licrates and Parthenia, which began in rallerie, did end in a more serious discourse: for passing insensibly from one thing to another, Callicrates moved Parthenia to confesse she could not but wonder Polydamas should be so Amiable and have so little Witt. For Heavens sake Madam (said he unto her) doe me the favour the first time you see him and are in discon∣tent with him, turne away your head and winke, that you may heare him and not see him: and if after that you doe not confesse you have no cause to love him, I will for ever forsake those hopes I have that you will never hate me: for really Madam; there cannot be a greater difference between any two, then between the Princesse Parthenia and Polydamas. Therefore Madam take my advice, prophane not those excellencies which the Gods have given you, by giving your selfe to one who cannot halfe understand them; but finde one out that is able to know and adore you. This Sir was the conference between Parthenia and Callicrates, who left her with much sa∣tisfaction, that he had so well prospered in his designe: and indeed, ever since that day, Par∣thenia was Mistresse of her selfe, and disengaged her heart, able to look upon Polydamas as a lover, whom she would condemne unto despaire, which was no small joy unto Callicrates, who as of• as he met Polydamas, did treat him most cruelly, and abuse him in the presence of Parthenia; yet in such a manner, as Polydamas did not perceive it, because it was by ap∣plauding him for things which were not at all commendable, and in admiring all he said, and making an Elogie upon every word he spake: and he had been more gross in his abuses, if the Princess: had not imposed silence, and forbidden him to use him so. In the meane time the Prince of Salamis continued to see and serve her, though he made no great progresse into her affection; and observing that Callicrates was much in her favour, but had not the least thought of his being in love, though it was already noised in the world, he indeavoured to oblige him, and made him the confident of his designe; but Callicrates having no minde to turne solicitor for another in matter of love, told him, that he could doe nothing for him, and that Parthenia was one who would take advice from none but her selfe: But since he per∣ceived that Polydamas was not yet enough out of Parthenias Bookes, he hinted such things unto the Prince of Salamis, as moved him to apprehend, that as long as Polydamas was a visi∣tor of Parthenia, none ought to be pretender unto her: yet he told this as a mighty secret, for his designe being to make the world beleeve Parthenia loved him, he would not publish that she had any inclination to Polydamas. But he told him all that he could devise which might move the Prince of Salamis to hate his Rivall, and to make him quarrell with him, hoping thereby to be quit of two Rivalls at once, either by killing each other, or by banish∣ing them for fighting: and indeed his plot did hit, and that which did advance it, was, the Prince of Salamis being one day in Parthenia's closet, she went out for something, and left this Prince with others in it, and the company coming out presently after, left him in the Closet expecting Parthenia's return, so that looking upon divers things which lay upon the Table, he found a paper which the Princesse had left and forgotten, and it proved to be that which Callicrates writ, with the answers of Polydamas and Parthenia; for the Princesse would not burn it, because she kept it to cure her spirits in reading of them: so that the Prince of Salamis seeing the name of Polydamas and Parthenia, took up the Paper, and would see the contents of it; yet seeing there was much to read, and fearing the Princesse would re∣turne before he had finished, and being transported with a curiosity as great as his love, he took it and went away before the Princesse returned into her closet: but he was strangely a∣mazed when he saw it, for it passed all mens understanding, nor he could not thinke that Page  22〈1 page duplicate〉Page  23〈1 page duplicate〉Page  24Parthenia, who had so much witt could thinke well of all that Polydamas had said, nor could he imagine it writ by Callicrates with her consent, though he knew it to be his hand; nor could he beleeve, considering his suspitions, that Parthenia loved Polydamas, that she should take any delight to see Callicrates full of such raillery against him, so that not knowing what to thinke, he resolved to make him who writ this fantasticall Dialogue, tell the truth: he sent then to seek Callicrates, and rather then faile of finding him; went himselfe to look him: but since this man, maugre his vanity he had in being thought to be Parthenia's Idoll, and her lover, had many other passions lesse honourable then that, the Prince of Salamis could not easily finde him, though he went unto twenty severall houses to enquire: but at last, accidentally seeing him come out of a house which he never thought of, he sent for him, and conjured him to tell him what was his designe in writing those answers of Polydamas, and giving them unto Parthenia. Sir (said he with an answer as quick as his witt) I wonder much you should not understand my designe, and that you should not see I have no other but to doe you service, in letting faire Parthenia see the odds that is between her witt and your Rivalls. Ah Callicrates, said the Prince of Salamis, why would you keep secret my obliga∣tions unto you? and why did you not let me know Parthenia suffered you to abuse Polyda∣mas? As she hath much witt, replyed Callicrates, what resentment soever she hath, she makes no expressions of them; However it be, said the Prince of Salamis, all will doe no good, since after this I see Polydainas in as great favour as ever. Callicrates perceiving that this Prince was not jealous of him, he kindled it against Polydamas by a hundred cunning expressions, so that when he left him, he left him more jealous then ever, but with more hope of revenge also against his rivall, imagining that since Parthenia out of her prudence had winked at Calli∣crates his jeering raillerie, she would be also discreet as to hide her resentments at his quarrel∣ling with him. The Prince of Salamis having this Fancy, it was not long before he put his designe in execution; for as there never wants a colour of a quarrell between two Rivalls: The first occasion that he met with, he began to contradict all that Polydamas said very obstinate∣ly, and passing from contradictions unto angry disputes, they fell from words to blowes, and fought a Bloody duell. For the Prince of Salamis, having a secret designe upon him, stay¦ed for Polydamas in a great plaine, which is before Parthenia's Palace, so that this Princesse was a spectator of the Combat out at her Window, which was endedbefore they could come in to part them. Which of these two had the advantage could not be judged, for they were both of them equally wounded, and their swords both broke when they closed, and fell; doing both of them what they could to vanquish each other; this combat made a great noise in the Court, butas for Callicrates, he laughed in his sleeve: yet hewent presently to the Priuceffe to grieve with her, or rather to see how she took it: but she thought him to be her friend, she did not dissemble how this combat had a great influence upon her heart; which newes was nothing pleasing unto Callicrates: for she let him know, that she hated the prince of Salamis, and that she loved Polydamas better then before, taking it very ill at the hands of the first, that he should be so bold as to quarrell with the other in any consideration of hers; not being ignorant, that it was he who first assaulted, and knowing that there could be no o∣ther fallings out between them but for her interests. Truth is Madam (said Callicrates to her) you have reason to be angry with the Prince of Salamis, and it is but just to hate him for his soe little respect of you: But I cannot find you have any cause to love Polydamas better, since he hath done nothing, but that he would not let himselfe be killed: for I cannot beleeve Madam, you should thinke he had any other end in defending his life, but to keep it for the love of you; and were I to judge upon the actions of these two Rivalls, I should thinke you are more of the two obliged unto the Prince of Salamis, then unto Polydamas, who for all this, hath no more witt then he had; for I protest Madam, I am confident, that if he were himselfe to relate his Combate with such Eloquence as he hath, you would wish the Prince of Salamis Victory. I assure you Callicrates (said she unto him) I have much adoe not to be offended at you, for scoffing at a thing which both grieves and angers me: And the the truth is Sir, though Parthenia had not contracted any affection with Polydamas, yet she could not chuse but be very sensible of his misfortune, and the more, because falling in a Feavour he dyed of his wounds, the sixth day after the combat, so that Callicrates need∣ing not now to oppose that affection which he feared was in her heart towards him, he be∣gan to pitty him in her presence, saying, that the high qualities of his soule, and the handsom∣nesse of his person, did serve to excuse the imperfections of his wit, desiring if it were possible, that her sorrowes for his death, might keep her from any affection to the Prince of Salamis, and moved him to goe out of Paphos untill all things were appeased: but when CallicratesPage  25 was out of Parthenia's presence, he scoffed as much at Polydamas dead as living; and said that all the Court was beholding unto the Prince of Salamis for ridding it of a man who spoke so much nonsence. In the mean, to satisfie his vanity, whilst there was no professed Lovers of Parthenia, he was an eternall visitant, and saw her every minute she was visible; and when she was not, he affected to speak of her, and oftentimes to name her in lieu of another: So that he called every one Parthenia, seeming alwayes to reprehend himself, and be angry that his tongue should so betray the thoughts of his heart. In short, he carryed it so, that all the Court suspected him to be in love with Parthenia, none yet daring to speak of it unto the Princesse: For certainly (said every one) she must needs perceive that which all the world sees; and if she does see it, why does it not displease her, and move her to banish Callicra∣tes from her? So they thought Callicrates in love with Parthenia, but never told their thoughts unto her, who never suspected any such thing, since he never talked unto her but of things indifferent, and of small consequence. As for him, since he affected more the satis∣faction of his vanity then his love, fear of banishment would never let him tell her seriously that he loved her, to the end there might be more suspition that he was loved. In the mean time the Prince of Salamis having setled his businesse, and the Physitians reporting that Po∣lidamas dyed rather of the ill disposition of his humours then of his wounds, he returned unto the Court as soon as he was recovered; and he knew so well how to tamper with all the Parents of Parthenia, that his Marriage was concluded upon before ever he spake unto her. I shall not relate unto you, Sir, what unwillingnesse was in Parthenia to obey the commands of her Parents, in looking upon the Prince of Salamis as the man whom she was to marry; nor how Callicrates did augment her aversion to it: But give me leave to tell you, Sir, there was no remedy, Parthenia must marry the Prince of Salamis, and Callicrates must be contented: His comfort was, Parthenia loved him not, and in his hopes she would make him her secret Confident. Also his hopes were, that all the world knowing Parthenia loved not her Hus∣band, it would be more easie for him to make them beleeve, she loved him. Yet what vanity soever he had, and what ill opinion soever he held of women in generall, I am confident hee could never think Parthenia, whose virtue he knew very well, could have any vitious thoughts in all her life, though she had a sensible and passionate soul. In conclusion, Sir, the Prince of Salamis marryed Parthenia much against her will, and he expressed so much love unto her at their Marriage, that shee sweetned her bitternesse, and diminished her aversion to him. Hee gave her, in case he dyed before, the Principality of Salamis, being more submisse unto her then ever any was. But, Sir, as I have before described the beauty of this Princesse unto you, so, is it possible you should beleeve that the eyes of this Prince being accustomed unto the beauty of Parthenia, should take lesse delight in looking upon her, then in a fresh beauty, which was a thousand degrees inferiour unto hers? Yet it is true, that this Prince loving her onely because she was fair, and his eyes being glutted with the custom of seeing her, his pas∣sion lessened, and his soul insensibly fell off from lukewarm to indifferency, and from indif∣ferency to scorn: For since he was of a fantasticall spirit, the humours of Parthenia and his kept no correspondency. I leave you, Sir, to imagine, how sad this Princesse was when shee found her self slighted: Indeed it troubled her so much, that she fell sick, but in such a lan∣guishing disease, as though it did not much hazard her life, yet it robb'd her of her beauty. And you may imagine, Sir, that he who scorned her when she was the fairest in all Cyprus, did not love in the Autumn of her beauty, but began to be harsher then before unto her: He had twenty severall Paramours, who for all their glittering beauties were yet inferiour unto Parthenia, notwithstanding her decayed alteration. The mutable mind of this Prince did so amaze the World, that none could imagine the secret cause of the ill correspondence between Parthenia and him; and every one had his censure for him: In so much as he having a hint of it, grew angry, and began to speak aloud, that hee could not conceive why they should think it strange he could not love his Wife, since according to his sence, it was neither hand∣som nor reasonable: For (said he unto me, when I asked him what answer I should returne unto those who wondered why he loved not Parthenia, who was yet the fairest in Cyprus?) I think there is no such extravagancy in the world, as for a Husband to be alwaies in love with his Wife; and if Parthenia would have kept me still in love with her, she should never have marryed me. I confesse, Sir, (said I unto him) there ought to be a difference between a Husband and a Lover; and I agree with you, that there are a hundred gallantries which are or∣naments in a Lover, that would be ridiculous in a Husband. But, Sir, by your favour, this difference ought not to reach so far as the heart; certainly one ought to love and honour her he marries as much after, as before marriage: Civility and Respect must not be banished, but Page  62 preserved as preservers of Love; lest incivill familiarity should intirely root it out. Alass, Megasides, said he, it seems you were never marryed, nor very well know the nature of Love. Truly, Sir, said I unto him, I think you doe not know it your self; for if you did, why doe you not love Parthenia, since she is as fair now, as when you were in love with her? The reason is, said he, because, that beauty which one enjoyes is like perfumes, which continuall custome brings one not to smell at all. And for my part, I am perswaded, that as one doth ac∣custome himself unto a beauty, one may likewise accustom himself unto uglinesse; so conse∣quently whosoever will marry, ought not to be so curious in chusing one that is fair. Then Sir, said I unto him, why did you marry Parthenia? I married her, said he, because Love led me out of my wits; and I chose rather to run the hazard of being her Lover, then not to enjoy her. The truth is, there is something in Marriage, which is so inconsistent with Love, that I cannot endure people should blame me for not loving Parthenia. I cannot conceive, re∣plyed I, you can love other women, who are a thousand times lesse fair then she. Were you marryed, answered he, you would know how, as well as I: The truth is, whosoever takes away the sweetness of Novelty from Love, takes away Love it self; and whosoever doth ba∣nish fresh desires, and fresh hopes from it, leaves no zeal or delight in it. Consider what the passion of a man will be, who alwaies sees the same woman; who has no new hopes, no fresh desires, and who sees nothing in the time to come, but that his Wife will grow old and ugly. But, Sir, said I unto him, though you are not capable of a constant love, yet let me advise you at least to esteem Parthenia; let your love become friendship. Had I never been in love with her, replyed he, or had I married her for no other interests, I could have done as you ad∣vise me. But, Megasides, to fall from love to friendship, is a thing I cannot think possible, nor am I capable of it. Indeed I am sometimes ashamed to see how weary I grow when I have been with her one poor quarter of an hour. Yet since I cannot love her, she must sute her mind to her fortune, and let me alone to live as I list. These, Sir, were the thoughts of this Prince when he began to leave loving Parthenia; but hee was not the onely man who changed his thoughts of her; for Callicrates also finding that she was not now the glorious Star of the Court, he fell off from his frequent visits; all the Beauties whom she had robbed of their Lovers at her first arrivall in Paphos, were ravished at her misfortune; and all her Lovers whom she had rigorously treated, rejoiced: Insomuch as Parthenia, seeing she had lost all that her beauty had gotten, had such an indignation against her self, that she left the Court, and went unto Salamis, where she lived most obscure and solitarily; but where she found a hundred things to charm her sorrows, and solitude afforded her much sweetnesse, since the cause of her grief was out of sight; and as she saw nothing which pleased her, so she saw no∣thing which vexed her; and the absence of her husband, and all those that forsook her with her beauty, made her mind very serene; so that using her self by degrees unto a kind of me∣lancholy which seiseth upon a soul and never troubles it, she grew wonderous well contented, and recovered her beauty. This being the state of things, so it chanced, that the Prince of Sala∣mis died suddenly at Paphos, in his return from hunting: And the King made choice of Calli∣crates, as him that was the ancient friend of Parthenia, to carry the news of his death unto her. I am confident, Sir, you wil imagine that it was impossible this Princesse should grieve violent∣ly for the death of her husband who had so scorned her; yet was she much more moved at it, then in all possibility she would: For when Callicrates acquainted her with his death, she shed tears, but not in so great abundance. But Callicrates could discern her eyes had recover∣ed their first lustre; and he found her so admirably fair, that in lieu of telling her what he had premeditated, he stood and gazed upon her, only telling her that her husband was dead: Yet he could not see her long that day; for she retired, and sat upon herbed, purposely to re∣ceive the visits which she foresaw would be made: And indeed about two hours after the news was known, all of any quality in Salamis came unto her. In the mean time, she sent back Callicrates the next morning, though he had no desire to goe so soon; but when he was returned, his report of Parthenia's beauty was so high, that all the Court talked on nothing else but this wonderfull alteration. I shall not spend any time, Sir, in telling you how the Corps of the Prince of Salamis was carryed to the place of his name; but give me leave to tell you, Sir, that as soon as all ceremonious mournings were over, Parthenia made a voyage to the Court upon a businesse which concerned the Principality of Salamis; also that perhaps she was not sorry that she was as fair as ever; for Parthenia was not above eighteen years of age: However she returned unto Paphos, where she dimmed all that could pretend to any beauty, and captivated no fewer hearts then she did at first; but hers was more difficult to be caught then ever, and she was so resolutely determined not to receive the affections of any, Page  27 that shee did not thinke her selfe so much as obliged unto any that profered theirs unto her. And as Callicrates one day chid her for this cold indifferency; and telling her that solitude had made her salvage and unsociable, shee stiffly maintained, that shee had no reason to think her self beholding unto those who loved her, because her beauty plea∣sed them: For the truth is, said she, I am resolved not to expose my selfe unto the same mis∣fortune I have had: and as long as I believe, that they do not love me, but because I please their eyes; and for a fading thing which a little sicknesse may take from me, I cannot much build upon such kind of affections. But Madam, replyed Callicrates, if you take beauty a∣way from love, you may as well take away his arrowes and bow, and quite disarme him. I would not take beauty away, replyed she, but on the contrary, I would have such use made of it as of a Candle: do you not see, that when fire is put unto a faggot, it burnes, though the Candle which lighted it be taken away? or extinguished? So would I have beauty do, which sets hearts on fire: but I would not have them extinguish, when it which set them on fire is ex∣tinguished: Your smile Madam, replyed Callicrates, is full of wit: Yet certainly, the fire which lasts long, must have something to maintain it: Tis true, said she, but it must not be beauty, for that is onely to kindle the fire, not to preserve it: It would be a rare World, if love should alwaies change as oft as the face of those they love doth: if so, a Rheume would kill a thousand lovers: and a gentle feaver would break a thousand Chaines, and set as many Slaves at liberty: No, no, things must not be so; and whosoever loves onely the beauty of Par∣thenia, shall never get her love: I would have them love all Parthenia, and not by halfes as you told me when Polydamas lived; I would have them love her for something besides her beau∣ty, that they may not fall off when it fades: did not you do so Callicrates before I went to Salamis? Tis true Madam, I did; answered he, but it was because I could not endure to see you miserable: Fie, fie, replyed she, you cannot make me believe that: but I am perswaded you left me, either because I had fewer Company, or because my friendship was lesse conside∣rable: But know, said she and smiled, that I never loved Callicrates, but for the wit of Calli∣crates, I liked his f〈…〉 Letters and his smooth verses, and his pleasant conceits: other∣wise what did I care 〈◊〉 he were happy or miserrable? Also I thought 〈◊〉 daies in which you shewed m〈…〉one of my letters (said she in such a manner as might let him see she was not ignorant of his proceedings) or verses, or on which you were not pleasant, to be ill spent in your company, and but for them, I should very near have hated you, for I cannot endure 〈…〉constancy, either in friends ot lovers; but it is most of all odious in friends; since so, Madam said he, I beseech you do me the honour, to ranke me amongst your Lovers that I may be lesse criminall. Since I cannot revoke what's past (said she, and smiled) I cannot though I would make yo〈…〉ore or lesse innocent then you are, but in justifying you on the one side, I shall condemn you on the other; therefore it is much better I look upon you as an unfaithfull friend, then as an unconstant lover, since which way soever you shall become the last of these, you will be alwaies criminall, and alwaies ill treated. However I should be glad Madam, said he unto her, that yo〈…〉uld do me the honour I ask, for I must confesse, I cannot endure to be dishonored, and called an unfaithfull friend, since in being one, I should have renounced all virtue and generosity: but it is otherwise in being onely an inconstant Lover, for such a one is onely accused of lightnesse and weaknesse: Yet I think folly may be added unto them (reply∣ed she.) Since that is a thing which is not dishonorable, replyed he, it shall be no great ob∣stacle unto me; and I had rather you should think me foolish and out of reason, then thinke me culpable. Though Callicrates was formerly wont to speak many times as boldly as thus, without any supicion of speaking seriously; yet now Parthenia took it ill he should speake thus, for he spoke it with such an Air, so bold as displeased her: So that both she and Callicrates stood a long while silent, and Parthenia had no mind to begin discourse, for she observed that Callicrates was not sorry for her anger: but this silence lasted not long, for company came in; and Callicrates went out, very glad Parthenia understood him: Yet he resolved to appease her at what rate soever, though it cost him a hundred oathes that he did not love her, and that he spoke as he did onely to put her into a quarter of an houres impatience. How∣ever Sir, there was such a Fatalitie in the beauty of Parthenia, as brought upon her a hun∣dred miseries, either by those who loved her, or by those who envyed her, or by Callicrates. There was also a man of very high account who loved her, but not long; and she was so assaulted by all the Court, and all the World, that she was not able to endure it; and so much the lesse because the Prince Philoxipes returning from War, Courted her in marriage, for a friend of his; so that to deliver her self from so many importunities at once, she re∣turned to her solitude. She had no fancy to Salamis, but to the Country; and since I had Page  28 a Sister whose name was Amaxita, whom she loved very tenderly, she entreated her to goe with her unto her accustomed desart, which she willingly consented unto. In the mean time, since Parthenia had ever a passionate Soul, she was something perplexed to see that she could meet with none whom she could love: Also the custome of Cyprus requiring that all Ladies should be loved, she was something vexed that all those Ladies, who were her Enemies, be∣cause she was fair, should Triumph in her absence. But that which most vexed her, was a piece of knavery which Callicrates played her. I think Sir, I told you not that since their last conference which ended in silence, he never spoke in private with Parthenia, who alwaies tooke occasions to prevent him, and who treated him so coldly, that if he had not found out a way to make this coldnesse serve his Vanity; he would have dyed with sorrow: But since this happened a little before the departure of Parthenia, he made every one believe, but did not say it directly, that this coldnesse of hers to him was but dissembled; and the more to confirm this beliefe after the Princesse of Salamis was gone, he writ unto her very often; yet writing nothing that could possibly displease: Moreover he sent her a hundred pretty knackes, and sent them so handsomly, that it had been hard for her to refuse such diversions as were but necessary in that solitude wherein she lived: So that to make it last the longer, she resol∣ved to answer. But though her letters were onely Jollities, and of things very indifferent, and written with design that he should shew them; yet he did not shew one of them. So that every one knowing Parthenia writ unto him, and seeing that he made a mysterious secret of her letters; the Enemies of this Princesse endeavoured to make it thought that the Correspon∣dency which she held with Callicrates was more then matters of wit onely. But the further to satisfie his vanity, he dissembled an intended journey, and gave out such unlikely preten∣ces of it, as made every one full of Curiosity: And to make it more generall, he bad adieu to all the Court: After which, he departed without any with him, and in the Evening, saying that it was hot, and therefore best travelling in the night; Moreover, since he made no questi∣on but some would have very observant eyes upon all his actions, as soon as he was out of the Town, he took the way which leads where the Princesse of Salamis was, and went within fifty furlongs of the house; they turning upon the left hand, he went to hide himself with a friend he had thereabouts, not telling the true cause; and there he stayed fifteen whole daies: After which, he returned to Paphos, where those who watched him, had published that hee was gone to the Princesse of Salamis: So that when he returned to the Court, every one asked him why he would conceal the place where he had been: But the more to make it beleeved, he seemed to be in a mighty chafe against them that said so: The businesse made so great a noise all over, that I writ unto my Sister, purposely that she might let Parthenia know it, who made no question, but that this was some knavery of Callicrates; So that this did more and more confirm her in her aversion which she had to the World. In the mean time, Par∣thenia did so clearly make it known at Paphos that he was not with her, as none did doubt it; but yet they could not accuse Callicrates of this imposture, because he alwaies said he was not with the Princesse of Salamis. However Parthenia broke off all manner of commerce with him: But as if the Gods would have death Triumph over all those whom the eyes of Parthe∣nia had vanquished, Callicrates, a little while after this imposture, dyed, extreamly lamen∣ted by all those that knew him, and even by those also whom he had most cruelly deluded: for his excellency of wit, and other rare qualities, excused the malignant vanity of his Soul. The fair Parthenia amongst the rest lamented him: notwithstanding all Causes of complaint which he had given her: Now was the time Sir, when the Prince Philoxipes, fell in love with Policrite: So that being busie with his own Passion, he let the Princesse of Salamis live as she pleased: Yet would he sometime invite her to quit her Solitude; but this was not often: Yet since he was married, he began to importune Parthenia to return un∣to her friends, and not to passe away the rest of her daies as she did. But all his pressures were in vain: For she told him, that her resolution was to submit the conduct of her life unto the Gods: and in order to that she had sent unto Delphos to consult with the Oracle, and to enquire what she should do to be happy, expecting the answer with much impatience; yet when it came, she was not much satisfied with it: For the Oracle answered her in these words; That if she would be happy, she must marry a man who loved her without the helpes of her beantie: and that on the contrarie, if she married any one of those whom her eyes had Cap∣tivated, she should be the most unfortunate woman of her time. I leave you to imagine Sir how much this answer perplexed Parthenia, for to imagine that any one could love her and not see her, she could not comprehend it possible: To think also one should see her, and not think her fair, and in seeing her, separate her spirit from her body, and adore the one, without Page  29 loving the other, this was as far fetched a conceit as the other: So that she concluded it to be the will of the Gods not to love any but that she should still live in solitude: For, said she, since the Gods doe tell me, that if I marry any one of those whom my eyes have captivated, I shall be the most unfortunate woman of my time: they doe tacitely tell me, I must never marry. But though you should take this resolution, (said the Prince Philoxipes who loved her ex∣ceedingly) is it therefore necessary that you should banish your selfe from all civill Society? Certainly I should (said she unto him) for why should I expose my selfe unto the assaults of any that will professe service, and perhaps perswade me to slight the counsell of the Gods? For my part, replyed Philoxipes, I doe not thinke we understand this Oracle as it ought to be, for the Oracle of Delphos would never counsell you unto a thing so opposite unto the Laws of the Goddesse whom we adore, who would have us love and beloved: for my part, if I thought it, I should advise you to supplicate this Goddesse, for a resolution of this doubt which I thinke is well raised. The opinion of Philoxipes seemed so reasonable unto Parthenia, that she went her selfe into the Temple which is upon the farthest part of the Isle towards the East, to consult with the Oracle of Venus Vrania; The Princesse Policrite carryed her thither, and I had the honour to goe with her, and to be present, when she asked, whether she ought to understand the Oracle of Delphos as she did? But Sir, she was extreamely surprised, and so was all the company, when the Oracle answered her, That it was not more true that you were the greatest Prince in the world, and that you should be hereafter as happy as heretofore unfortunate, then it was true that this which the Oracle of Delphos said should come to passe. The Prince Phi∣oxipes Sir, was beyond expressions joyed, to see that you were so highly in favour with the Gods, as that their Oracles should Trumpet your prayses over all the earth: and it may be truly said, that never since the time of Licurgus, who heretofore received the like honour from Delphos, did the like happen till now. The Prince Philoxipes then was much comforted by it, for the slender satisfaction which the Princesse of Salamis received from this Oracle: for indeed she could make no other construction of that from Delphos, and this Oracle, but that the Gods would have her passe away her life, unseen of any, and unlo∣ved, which is a kinde of shame and malediction in our Isle. But Sir, that which the Prince Philoxipes most rejoyced at, was to see the Gods not only truly to commend you, but also to promise a period to your misfortunes, so that he no sooner carried the Princesse of Salamis into her solitude, but he embarked one of his Servants to bring you this pleasing newes: yet by misfortune the Vessell in which that man imbarked suffered Shipwrack, and the man pe∣rished; the Prince Philoxipes not hearing any thing of it untill a long time after, so that he could no sooner let you know the glorious testimony that the Gods did render unto your vertue, and I am confidently perswaded that it was the pleasure of the Gods, you should not know this Oracle untill that which concerned the Princesse of Salamis was found to prove true; so that there might be more ground for your hopes and belief of what they said con∣cerning you. Give me leave to tell you Sir, that since this Princesse received the last answer from Venus Vraia, she looked upon her Cell, as the place where she was to live and dye, and took as much paines to hide her Beauty, as others did to show theirs; The reading, the walk∣ing, and conversation of my Sister who would never forsake her, were all her recreations: the Prince Philoxipes, Policrite, and Dorida, did sometimes give her a visit, but it was very rare∣ly. Parthenia imployed her selfe sometimes to make her Prison more ple〈…〉nt, in causing the Chambers to be painted, and making Gardens: In the meane time, though she strove to E∣clips her beauty, yet it did every day increase, her Cheeks had fresh Roses grew in them, and the lust〈…〉 her eyes shined more glorious then ever: But the pretyest wonder was, that though Parthen〈…〉w no body, yet she was nothing negligent in her dresse, but still had as great a care of her beau〈…〉 as if she had a designe to conquer a thousand hearts, as if she had thought, that though it was forbidden her to love any, yet she would imploy her inclination to love, and be beloved of her selfe: and certainly a more beautifull object could not be seen, since Parthenia was never so faire at Court, as I saw her in her solitude, where she suffered me som∣times to come and visit my sister: yet for all that, on some certaine day's she would be som∣thing out of tune, and so give over her selfe to Melancholy, that she would fall out with her own Beauty: 'Tis true her humors angred none but her selfe, for she would even then then vent a hundred excellent things to those that could understand them. I remember one day when I was there, and found her in one of those humors when she was off the hookes in her conceit, and when I heard her wish she were not of so high a quality, to the end she might be more Mistresse of her selfe and lesse observed by others: and when I heard her wish her selfe of ano∣ther Page  30 sex; however Madam said I unto her, you cannot desire to be more faire then you are. Ah, Megasides, said he unto me, how infinitely are you mistaken? For I protest in the humour now that I am in, I had rather bee such an one as Aesop is described, who they say, was the most ill favoured man in the world, then to be the fairest woman, eye ever saw. I confess Ma∣dam, said Amaxita, that I cannot beleeve you, or be of your mind. Perhaps so (said Parthe∣nia, and smiled) but however, I cannot think beauty to be so great a jewel as it is imagined; at least it is none of those sweets which have no mixture of bitterness with them. For my part, Madam, said I unto her, I am not of your opinion: For I am perswaded that beauty is one of the most excellent gifts of the Gods: Doe you not see what a soveraign influence it hath up∣on all hearts above any thing else? It charmeth Marble, and makes it mollible; it tames Tygers, and makes them affable, and subjects the most cruel, rebellious and ambitious spirits. 'Tis true, said Parthenia, but it cannot keep those who are inconstant; and I have known some, but of common beauty, which have been more constantly loved then any others. Since the number of Inconstants is less then those I named (answered I) and since Inconstancie hath its birth from the hearts of Lovers, and not from the eyes of their Mistresses: It is not to be wondered that it should be so. Yet, Madam, without all dispute, of all the excellent gifts of Nature, Beauty is incomparably the greatest. But not most durable (replyed she) and therefore I can∣not think a thing so fading, can deserve the Epithite of good, since its sweets are mingled with so many bitter Ingredients. I pray examine what pleasure those find who are owners of Beau∣ty: In their Infancie they are not so much as sensible of it; in more ripe years they injure o∣ther beauties; or which is worse, are injured: if they be of fair complexion, then they can∣not endure the brown; or if they be brown, they cannot endure the fair; all, that's as fair as themselves, displeaseth and frets their hearts: Moreover, if a Lady look a little pale, or her eyes a little hollow, there needs no more to make all the Town say, Alass, how she's changed! She was fair sayes one; There goes a withered beauty sayes another; and every one hath his censorious vote. But say they should not say so, what's the result of the finest Beauty? It gets one many Lovers, whose love lasts no longer then it doth: It attracts at randome, both the wise and the foolish, the handsome and ugly; and vanisheth often before youth, and in∣fallibly when age comes. So that those who love their Wives because they are fair, will most certainly come to hate, and at least slight them. I pray then judge whether Beauty be a thing so desirable. Though all should be true (replyed Amaxita) yet I had rather be fair, and run the hazard of being slighted when I am old, then not to bee faire, and be sure to bee slighted when I am young: For truly if one be not fair, there is requisite abundance of wit to supply that want: And since more men are able to judge of the beauty in a face, then they can of wit, or soul, the world will follow the fair, and let fine soules shift for themselves. However it be, said Parthenia, since I am perswaded that the highest misfortune is to be once loved, and then not to be so; and since Beauties are more exposed unto that danger then any others, I doe not recant of any thing I said. These, Sir, were the opinions of Parthenia, whilst shee was in her melancholly moods; and this was the life she lived when a Gallant of high esteem, called Timantes came to Paphos, with an equipage proportionable to his quality, and high birth, and sutable to the magnificence of his mind and riches, which were both as high as his Quality. This Timantes, Sir, was descended from King Minos, who raigned •ong in Crete: And though the Crown was not invested in his house, but the form of Government changed, yet the people did highly respect those who were descended from their ancient Kings, inso∣much as they had the highest honours, and greatest authority amongst them. So that it may be said, that though the Father of Timantes had not the name of a King, yet 〈◊〉•ad very near the authority, especially in matters of War. 'Tis true, that since he did st〈…〉 observe the Lawes of that famous King which before I named, and who was a pat••rn 〈◊〉 the Le∣gislators of Greece, hee did not deceive that trust which the people repo〈…〉 him, but did infinitely purchase their love; and no wonder; for I am confident, that 〈◊〉•oever is an ob∣server of the Laws, will easily get love and obedience also. This, Sir, was the descent of Ti∣mantes, whose person was extreamly handsome, and whose wit was above ordinary capaci∣ties. The reason of his voyage had no matter of privacy in it, and being born in an Isle which had a controversie with ours in point of Reputation, he had a longing curiosity to see whether Cyprus was to be preferred before Crete, or Crete Cyprus: So that his travel being a voyage of pleasure and curiosity onely, he arrived at Paphos, as I said, with a most magnifi∣cent Train and Equipage. His Quality was no sooner known, but the King did him all ima∣ginable honours; and his merits were no sooner discovered, but he was esteemed beyond all expressions: So that in a few dayes Timantes was no stranger in our Court: The Queen A∣retephilePage  31 much honour'd him; the Prince Philoxipes had contracted a close friendship with him; Policrite esteemed him, and not a Lady in all the Court, but had a good word for him. As it is the custom of all Courts to double their diversions in favour of strangers, the like was there for Timantes: But whether in company, or Balls, or Sports, or Walks, or publique Feasts, Timantes was the onely man of spirit, wit, behaviour, and magnificence. So that no one was talked on in Paphos but him, his reputation rung as loud, and reached as far as where the Princesse Salamis kept her solitudes; and I think I was the first who described him unto her. Yet she did all she could to hinder me, saying, she would not willingly know any more what passed in the world, since she had quitted it: But notwithstanding, presently after, she asked me, which of all the Ladies in the Court was it that most moved the heart of Timantes? Be∣leeve me, Madam, said I unto her, hitherto his civility hath been so equall unto all, that it seemes he's not in love with any: For at a grand Feast, where there was used a kind of de∣lightfull Combat, where those which fought had their devices upon their Bucklers: Timantes represented upon his, a Phoenix with this Motto;

Certainly, said Parthenia, this Stranger puts none of the Ladyes out of hope to conquer his heart, to the end none should hate him as long as he stayes at Paphos. In the mean time, Megasides, you would oblige me very much in acquainting me with these diversions which I am ignorant of: And therefore when you visit your Sister hereafter, I pray you acquaint me with what the Court hath more then it had when I was there; what new diversions, what fresh gallants, and what the old ones, who are past diversions, say. This, Sir, Parthenia heard me speak of Timantes the first time; but I was not the onely one who told her of him: For the Prince Philoxipes went to see her, and did the same; Policrite also, and Dorida writ unto her; so that she had a most exact Idea of Timantes: Yet would she never consent that the Prince Philoxipes should bring him thither, as he affected; this Prince telling her, that a Stranger would not interrupt her solitude: But she did so earnestly forbid him, that hee durst not bring him; or, to say better, the Gods would not permit him, since they would have Timantes and Parthenia acquainted in another manner. But, Sir, before I tell you how it was, be pleased to know, that there was a fair house of Timocleas Fathers, about a dayes journey from Paphos, about half way unto the town or place where Parthenia lived; in this place there was a Labyrinth of Myrtle trees, whose hedges were so thick, and so high, that one shall be as much puzzled to get out of it, as out of the famous Labyrinth of Egypt, or that in Crete; but this was made with such art, that those who were in them of Egypt or Crete, yet could not finde out the issues of this: For as that of Crete was made by ingenious Dedalus, when Minos kept there the Minotaure, whose modell Dedalus borrowed from that of Egypt: So likewise that which is at Paphos was made by a man, who, having seen both the other, took something out of the one, and something out of the other, and contrived one of the most pleasant diversions in the world: The Architecture seemed in Myrtle as if it had been in Marble, conveighing from room to room, from closet to closet, and from galle∣ry to gallery: In divers places there were erected Statues of Alabaster, and Brasse, which yet were no notions of the wayes in, or out, because the very same were pla〈…〉 in many places a∣like; there were also severall seats of grasse-cushions, whereupon to r•st the weary limbs of wanderers, or for those that knew the passes to sit & contemplate. The center of this Labyrinth, where 〈…〉ese wayes did meet, was a most pleasant round, in the midst of which was a most admira〈…〉•ource of water, which was conveighed over the hedges as high as they were. This; Sir, was the Lab〈…〉nth which Timantes had so much curiosity to see, & with more longing de∣sire, because he 〈◊〉 seen that in Crete, which was visited from all parts of the World: He spoke often of going to it: and the Prince Philoxipes intended to make one, but falling sick, his jour∣ney was stopped: So that Timantes turned his intentions into a hunting design, with some o∣thers of quality in Paphos: But as chance would have it, Timantes lost his way, and wande∣red from the rest of the company with a friend who travelled with him, whose name was Antimaques; So that not knowing were they were, they espied at their comming out of a Wood, a very stately house, standing in the midst of a great pleasant Plain; They no sooner saw it, but went thither, both out of curiosity, and to ask where they were, and which was their way to Paphos: Timantes going first, went straight to the dore, and found it open: Then came into a great Base Court, where he saw no body: Yet he and Antimaques lighted from their horses, and leaving them with a servant which followed them, they entred into a Page  32 Garden of a prodigious bignesse, whose door also they found open: But as soon as Timan∣tes had taken two turnes in the Garden, he saw a great Copps of Mirtle Hedges, so that he made no question but chance had brought him thither, where he had such a desire to go, and that this was the Labyrinth he desired to see; So that walking hastily towards it with a long∣ing desire to satisfie his Curiositie, and never thought of any guide: For since he was ac∣quainted with the turnings and windings of that in Crete, he imagined, he should hit of this also: He entered therefore with Antimaques into this Labyrinth, and as soon as he had passed through five or six of the Roomes or Closets, he found, that he was ignorant of the turnings, and that it differed from the other at Crete: But it was no longer considering, for he was already so far wandered, that the more he sought to find the way out, the further he was carried in. Yet was he much delighted with this pleasant Wildernesse: for since Anti∣maques and he were both in hunting habits, Antimaques had a horn about him: So that they feared not losing themselves, imagining they could make themselves heard when they would: As they were thus talking together, and Antimaques jeasting with Timantes at their wandering, and telling him they stood in need of Ariadnes thred to get out of this Laby∣rinth; and hinting unto him, that being of that Queens Race, it was more a shame for him then any other, to be thus entangled, upon a suddain, he heard a woman singing, and that most admirably: so that silently walking towards the place from whence the voice came, they found there was but one thick hedge between them and her that sung: But it was so ex∣traordinarily thick and high, that they could by no meanes possible see her they heard, nor get to her; For when they tryed, they found themselves farther from her: So that not being able to withold commendations from one that sung so well; And Timantes hoping there∣by hee might perhaps get out of his wandering, he began to cry out, in a loud tone of admiration, as soone as she had done singing; Ah Antimaques how happy is this wande∣ring unto us, provided we meet not with the same destiny by Land, that Ulysses did by Sea, & that harmonious voice we hear be not onely a baite to draw us unto a farther loss of our selves. But Sir, to make the reason of the fantasticall encounter the more pleasant unto you, be pleased to know, that she who sung, was the Princess of Salamis: who having planted such a Labyrinth as this at her own house, onely the hedges not yet grown above two feet in height, she knew all the turnings very wel: So that comming thither that day to consult with my Sister, whether she should place the Statues in hers as in this; She came into this Garden at a little back door, where her Coach waited for her. More over, since she affected to be solitary, she kept this voy∣age very secret, and therefore she came in a poor Coach, without one man with her, and her chiefe reason why she made such a mysterious secret of it, was, because this Garden belonged unto a man whose Son was deep in love with her; and therefore she would not have it knowne who she was, l•st they should imagine she desired to recall him whom she had banished: And it was the easier to conceale, because the Porter and the Houskeeper, who let her in, had been her Domestique Servants whilst her Husband lived; so that they were more for her then for their Master, and therefore they took an especiall care none should know it? And in order to that, they went to the place where her Coach stood, lest any should enquire whose Coach it was: They left another Gardiner at the other door, with orders to let none enter, though it seemed they were ill observed; for Timantes it seemed found the door open, and entered, as I told you before: But Sir, he had no sooner expressed himselfe unto Antima∣ques (as I said before) but Parthenia was much surprised to heare one so near her, and would remove from that place: But Antimaques answering Timantes, that he was so farre from fearing this sweet voice would make them lose themselves, as he hoped she would hap∣pily help them out of the Labyrinths, she understood by this, that they had really lost them∣selves, and had no Guide, especially; because she peceived by the accent of their voices, that they were strangers: So that recollecting her selfe, and imagining that t〈…〉 could never get unto the place where she was, and knowing they knew her not, she resolved for diversions sake, to answer them that spake unto her: So that she said, the voice they heard would not charme them, since they cared not for the hearing it, but onely that they might by it get out of that Labyrinth in which they were entangled: Oh Madam, said Timantes, I be∣seech you mistake me not; For I am so glad of my entanglement, that I wish not to come out: and am so far from seeking for the issues of this Labyrinth, that I seek onely how to get unto the place where you are, that I may know whether there be as much sweetnesse in your eyes as in in your voic: It seemes by your expressions, replyed Parthenia, that you have as much wit as Civility: but I know not whether I may chide you or no, for offering to engage your self without a guide in a place where you cannot get out without one. Whilst Parthe∣niaPage  33 was talking to Timantes, Amaxita, and Antimaques, did both of them, what they could, on their sides of the hedge, to open the boughes of Mirtle: but they were so extraordi∣nary thick and entertwined, that Amaxita labored long in vain: Yet at last she found a place by the beames of the Sun, which pierced through the thick of the hedge, so that though the place was very narrow, yet she spied Timantes talking to Parthenia, but saw not Antima∣ques, who was as busie as she some four paces off, but could see none of them: Amaxita no sooner saw Timantes, but she made a signe unto Parthenia, who imagining that since they might see on that side of the hedge, as well as she on this, pulled down her hood, and caused all her women to do the like. Yet she removed a little to look upon the man whom Amaxi∣ta spied, and whom she easily perceived to be a man of some great quality, not onely by the richnesse of his Clothes, but also by the Garbe, and Aire of Timantes; Parthenia stayed not long there; for she no sooner saw him, but she made no question but that he was the stranger of whom they reported such wonders: Insomuch as without any reason, she perceived in her selfe a strange agitation of that, for which she could find no cause, but onely the odnesse of the adventure: But at last Antimaques found out a place where he might see Parthenia. 'Tis true, see her but with her hood pulled down, no more then he could Timantes who saw her so also: So that all this while, every one was in a husht silence:: For Timan∣tes not knowing that the Lady whom he looked upon, desired not to be seen; hoped still she would lift up her hood as he earnestly desired: His curiosity wasthe more zealous, because he saw a Lady of a very handsome stature and Symmetry, and had the whitest hands in the World, for Parthenia pulled Amaxita by the Gown to whisper unto her, that she thought this to be the man so much extolled by every one: So that by this meanes, Timan∣tes might judge of her beauty by her voice, by her stature, by her armes, and by her hands. As for her dresse, nothing could be concluded from it: For that day, she wore such a dresse as ladies of highest qualitie sometimes use, and which those of a more inferiour Ranke use also, so that nothing could be drawn from it! Nor had he time to observe how her women kept that respective distances, for the hole through which he looked was so little, that hee could see but one at once, and Parthenia removing from that place some two paces, he could see her no more, do all he could: I beseech you Madam, said he unto her, though you will not give me leave to see you, yet for Heavens sake let me hear you; and be not so inhumane as to let an unfortunate stranger wander, and wander for the love of you: For truly Madam, had not your sweet alluring voice becharmed my eare, I am confident I had found the way out of this mysterious Labyrinth: And though I am deceived in this, yet to let you know that I have seen others which I could have better understood: Let me tell you, that I am a Cretan, and I beseech you, let me not find the Cyprian Ladies lesse pittifull then they there: For doubtlesse you know how Ariadne helped Theseus out of the Labyrinth there: And be not so cruell I beseech you, as to leave him wandering here, who has the honour to partici∣pate of that illustrious and charitable Ladies blood: but help Timantes out of this place as Ariadne did Theseus out of that: For I must needs have the same passion to you, that shee had unto him, if you do the like for me. Since you are such an absolute Master of your passi∣ons (replyed Parthenia, very glad to see she was not deceived) that you can love, when and whom you please: It is to be likewise feared, that you can also hate when and whom you please: and that if I should do for you as Ariadne did for Theseus, you would not do for me as Theseus did for Ariadne: Therefore Sir, I have no disposition to free you from your La∣byrinth upon that condition which you propose, for on the contrary, you could tell me nothing which would sooner withhold me: Also since now I know your qualitie, I cannot find in my heart to see you, because I am much ashamed that I have rendred you no more respect: But Madam (replyed he, and smiled) would it not be uncivill, if you should not permit me the sight of you, but to leave me wandering in a place, out of which I cannot get without your help? and do you not fear I should complain against you? Could you know Sir who I am, replied she, doubtlesse I should fear it, and should not do so: However Madam, I beseech you tell me why you use me thus? The reason is (replyed she, and laughed) because having never captivated any by my own charmes, I should be glad to take hold of this opportunity, and at least to make one Prisoner. If there want nothing but that, to give you satisfaction (answered Timantes) I promise you to be your Captive, and Prisoner both: I consent not to follow you out, but to remain in this Labyrinth; therefore I beseech you, deny me not the happinesse of seeing you, but instruct me which way I should come unto the place where you are; since I shall be nothing but a peece of incivilitie towards you, replyed she, I cannot allow my self to let you see me: but must be guilty of this cruelty wherewith you charge me: The cruelty of fair ones, will absolutely be forgotten, (replyed he) if they will but once shew Page  34 themselves, how can I give credit unto your words (replyed she and laughed still) since you rank me in the number of faire ones before you see mee. I know already (replyed he) that you have a most Angell-like voice, not only in singing but in speaking: moreover I know that you are of a most admirable stature & garb, & that you have the whitest hands upon earth: so that if your eyes be answerable, and as far as I imagine them, you must needs be the fairest upon earth: Since you imagine them so faire, replyed Parthenia, I will keep you still in that imagina∣tion, and not show them unto you; yet that you shall not say I am altogether inhuman, I promise to send you one that shall help you out of that Labyrinth, assoon as I am gone. Timantes perceiving Parthenia prepared to be gone. I beseech you Madam said he unto her, let me at the least know your name as I have told you mine: I had rather let you have a sight of me (answered she) then tell you my name, but I pray you give me leave to conceale both. After this, Parthenia went away, and Timantes heard no other noise but what she and her women made as they departed, who never feared being followed; yet they went very fast, and took Coach in all hast, commanding the Porter to goe and help those strangers out who were wandring in the Labyrinth, but not untill a full hower after she was gone, command∣ing him also not to tell who she was, but to say they were some Ladies of Paphos unknown to him. After this, Parthenia went away, and the porter in obedience to his former Mistresse, stayed an houre, before he went to release the strangers she spoke of. In the meane time Ti∣mantes and Antimaques were as busie as could be to follow her, but they were so far from getting out as they came into the middle of it, that is to say, in the round place where they resolved to stay and expect the performance of her promise. But as every minute seemed an age unto any that are in expectation of any thing, Timantes began to expresse his sorrowes unto Antimaques that he could not see the face of her who sung, and his extreame desire to know her name; yet his impatiency was not so earnest to be out of the Labyrinth, as that he might endeavour to learn who this unknown one was, whose voice, stature, hands, and witt, did so pleasingly surprise him, & sweetly charme him: so that Antimaques, thinking the sound of his Horne would the sooner cause some unto their release, began to winde it as loud as he could, but all in vaine, for the Porter who walked in the Garden till the hower after Parthe∣nia's departure; hindred the Gardner from going to them also: but when the hower was o∣ver, he went and released them: assoon as he saw them, according to Parthenia's order, he told Timantes, that a Lady unknowne unto him sent him to release them, and asked pardon for coming no sooner, because he mett with a man with whom he had some businesse of impor∣tance. Ah my friend (answered Timantes) you tell me not truly, for it is impossible you should not know one who is so well acquainted with every turne of this mysterious Labyrinth. Sir, (said the Porter with a seeming ingenuity) since I have not been long a Porter unto this house, it is no wouder I should not know this Lady; for I assure you my Master hath a Daughter I know not yet: Timantes did not yet beleeve him, but pressed him to tell him who she was; but all in vaine: then did he promise him a very considerable reward, if he would but satisfie his longing curiosity, but since promises are not so prevalent with such men, as present gifts, and since Timantes had nothing about him to give, he kept himselfe faithfull unto Parthenia. When Timantes saw he could not win him to reveale, and indeed beleeved he was ignorant who she was; however tell me said he unto him, which way she went: Sir (said the man most subtilly) I shall easily doe that; and then he shewed him the high way to Paphos, assuring him confidently that her Coach went that way, though it were quite contrary, and he told it with more confidence, because the way was much beaten, and Coach-Wheeles might be seen lately gone that way, so that Timantes giving credit unto his words, took Horse with Antimaques, and without any thoughts of Hunting, went in hast and hopes to overtake the Coach: yet he asked the Servant whom he left with the Horses, whether he saw any thing, but though he answered, yet did not this undeceive him, so that he went as farre as Paphos in hopes to overtake it: and so it chanced, that asking some men upon the way whether they mett a Coach, they answered that they mett two: so that Timantes not questioning but she in whom he was in quest of was one, he went on: but when he came at Paphos, and told every one he spoke with, that the Lady he met with at the Labyrinth came thither, none ever looked towards the Princesse of Salamis, nor could they beleeve she would ever leave her desart, and come unto that place for the reason aforesaid, and therefore none ever thought upon her: but to consider who there was in Paphos who did so well sing, but since the number of them was great this afforded no light, the Prince Philoxipes never thought upon the Princesse his Sister, but on the contrary imagined her whom Timantes heard to be a woman of inferiour ranke, who had a good voice but was very ugly, and for that reason would not show her selfe, and indeed every one was of that opinion, and chid Timantes for his curiosity: But he for his further sa∣tisfaction Page  35 would see this ugly woman, and heare her sing; but when he saw and heard this woman, he was confident she was not the same: but his imagination was filled with so much curiosity, that Timantes began to suspect it was Parthenia which he heard. In the meane time, he would not declare his thoughts unto any but one woman, who was his friend, and this wo∣man beingone of those whom Parthenia had heretofore robbed of her adorer, she hated her; he had no sooner asked her whether this woman whom he mett with might not be the Princesse of Salamis, whose Beauty, Witt, and Voice, he had heard so much extolled; But she cryed out, and answered with as much envio•s hast as any Rivall could, that if she whom he met was of a good stature, white hands, and sweet voice as he described, it could not be Parthenia. For said she, however she be cryed up by the world, yet she is tall but not hand∣some, her hands are white, but not well made, and her Voice is shrill, but not pleasant. You may imagine Sir, after this, that all the suspitions of Timantes dyed, for he knew that he whom he saw was of an admirable proportion and height, her hands the whitest and best made in the World, and her voice the most sweet and pleasing: so that this pleasing Idea swelling his imagination more and more, and augmenting his curiosity, he continued his quest after this amiable unknowne one, he went unto the Temples, to the Walks, and all Visits, with an intended designe to seek her out in all places: but all his labour was lost, and he still continued in the same unquiet curiosity. In the meane while Parthenia being return∣ed from the Labyrinth to her solitude, began to talk with Amaxita of their encounter, ex∣treamly commending the handsome garb of Timantes, and the gallantry of his witt. Madam, (said Amaxita unto her) if Timantes prove the man whom the Gods have reserved for you, our journey was very happy, and I am confident your voice and witt did charme him more then you imagine, for he spoke in such an obliging Emphasis, as certainly expressed more then common civility. Alas Amaxita (answered Parthenia and laughed) doe you thinke I could wound Timantes through so thick a hedge? I know they say Love has wings, but I cannot thinke he can fly so high as over it: therefore never imagine that Timantes has any thoughts of me: his curiosity happily lasted a quarter of an hour, or so, and after that, dyed, and there's an end: and I pray let us doe the like, and never trouble our selves, with chimeri∣call Fancies in the Aire, which have neither beginning nor ending: For truly Timantes will never love me unseen, and if he should see me, and chance to be captivated by that poore pittance of Beauty which I have, I durst never trust him; not only be∣cause of that cruell experience I have had, that love founded upon Beauty will never last, but also because the Gods have fortold me, that I shall never be happy if I marry one whom my eyes have captivated. These, Sir, were the thoughts which Parthe∣nia had of Timantes, whose person and wit did much please her: yet had he easily slipt out of her memory, unlesse the Prince Philoxipes had visited her, who revived him in her fancy; and thus it came to passe. After that Prince had been a long while in conversation with her, shee asked him whether he would give her leave to shew him the alterations she had made in her Garden: And Philoxipes desiring the same, P arthenia carried him into all the places which she had tricked up since he saw her; for he had an admirable fancy and judgement in such things, his stately house of Clara having learned him knowledge in such things. After a long discourse of Fountains, Walks, Statues, and Flowers, Philoxipes casting his eye upon the La∣byrinth which I told you before shee had made, and whose hedges were not yet grown up; Your Labyrinth, said he unto her, will be a long time in growing up before they will be fit for such an adventure as the Stranger had of whom I spake the last time I saw you; for these hedges are yet very low. Parthenia, hearing Philoxipes say so, changed colour: 'Tis true he did not take notice of it, because his head was turned towards the Labyrinth: So that Par∣thenia recollecting her selfe, asked Philoxipes what that adventure was, which shee knew of better then he did? And he related from the beginning to the ending all the story, aggravating the applauses and commendations which Timantes gave the unknown Lady, purposely to make his relation seem more pleasant: For after he had told Parthenia, how Timantes had extolled her hee knew not, and he thought him in love with her, hee added his further con∣ceit, that he thought she whom he so excessively commended, was a woman of low Quality, and ugly; then hee named that woman unto Parthenia whereof he spoke before, and with whom he had so upbraided Timantes. Me-thinks he may be soon satisfied, whether or no it be she (said the Princesse, and laughed) for he need only see and hear this woman. He hath done so already (replyed he) but he is certain that it was not she, and is angry when any names her unto him, most confidently affirming, that she whom he saw is the handsomest woman in the world, and seeks out for her in all places. You may imagine, Sir, how much delight the Page  36 Princesse of Salamis took in hearing a relation of an adventure which concerned her self, un∣known to the Prince Philoxipes; yet this was not her greatest delight; for her certainty that she made some impression upon the mind of Timantes, or at least his memory gave her so high a satisfaction, that how joyed soever she was in the company of Philoxipes whom she tender∣ly loved, yet she was impatient till he was gone, that she might the sooner tell Amaxita all he had related. She offered a hundred times to discover unto the Prince the truth of the ad∣venture, but some secret suggestion of her thoughts did hinder her: However she asked Phi∣loxipes a hundred questions concerning Timantes, which induced him to tell her, he would bring him to her; but she forbade him more violently then ever; telling him, the more com∣pleat Timantes was, the lesse desire she had to see him: For truly, said she, when one is re∣solved upon a course of solitude, to bring any pleasant company which is not to stay there, doth but redouble sorrows, and leaves one in a more deep and serious melancholy and mi∣sery: And truly, whensoever you doe me the honour to see me, 'tis two dayes at least after, before I can take any delight either in Fountains or Gardens. You could not in a more civill manner tell me (replyed Philoxipes) that I should not come so oft to see you; and indeed I am partly acquainted with your humour, which is not to affect such pleasures as are seconded by sorrows, and that's your chiefe reason why you would not bee loved, lest you should run the hazard of not being so after. 'Tis very true, replyed she, I place that unhappiness in the high∣est rank of misfortunes; and as I think there cannot be a greater: But you see (said Phi∣loxipes unto her) that all those who love do not prove Inconstants, as the Prince of Salamis was, and as many others who loved you did. And to shew you one example, I doe protest unto you, that the enjoyment of my dear Policrite, does not at all lessen my love: I am as much charmed as I was before I married her; and if handsomnesse would permit it, I would cast my self as submissively at her feet now as ever: For my heart is not at all altered, and I am more troubled to hinder my self from expressions of my passion, then to continue my zea∣lous affections to her. Policrite is still admirably fair, replyed Parthenia, that your Constancy hath not yet been put to any difficult test: For I confesse there are a sort of men, not like those, who fall off from loving, before the beauty doth which first moved them, and whose passion does last as it doth. Fie, Sister, said Philoxipes, wrong me not so much as to think, that though Policrite were not fair, I should not love her as much as ever; but beleeve me that her beauty is not the onely cause of my Constancy; her soul, and her mind has a million of reall beauties beyond it, which time and age can never ruin, and which I shall dote upon eternally. I need no confirmations of my opinion, said Parthenia, that it is not beauty which causeth constant and faithfull love. Philoxipes would then have said more, but it was late; and there∣fore he concluded with Parthenia, that as the absence of the Sun causeth darknesse; so the losse of beauty causeth lukewarmnesse and inconstancy in those who love onely for it. After this he returned to the Court, and left Parthenia at liberty to talk with Amaxita, unto whom she related all that the Prince had said concerning Timantes, taking great delight in talking with her; wishing sometimes that Timantes knew it was she, and sometimes again checking her self for wishing. Since Amaxita would have been glad to have Parthenia lesse solitary, she used all her arguments to perswade her, that Philoxipes might bring Timantes to her; but she could not be moved unto it, still protesting, that her beauty should never be the cause of her misfortune, and that both reason, experience, and the authority of the gods obliged her not to change her opinion. After this, Sir, Parthenia would sometimes unawares talk of Timan∣tes, and then cease for many daies together; so that perhaps she would have quite forgot him, but for another adventure which I shall acquaint you withall. It was now at that time of the year when the Adonian Feast was celebrated in the Town of Amathonte, which is so famous for the magnificent Temple there, and the ceremony there celebrated. I know, Sir, you will be a little surprised to hear talk of this Feast in a place where Venus Urania had not more Al∣tars then hath Venus Anadiomena. But be pleased to know, that when that famous Queen, of whom ye have heard reports, did re-establish the Temples of that great goddesse, shee was forced to tolerate some customs which were not quite repugnant unto good manners: For as the herd of people doe oftentimes love the Ceremonies of Religion, better then the Religion it self, she thought it not expedient to incense those who were apt to murmur at an universall change: So that she was in some sort forced to tolerate the Feast of the Adonians for the sa∣tisfaction of the people in Amathonte: So that since that time this Feast is still kept, and be∣come so famous, that they resort from all parts of the Isle unto it. Parthenia knowing the day when it was to be observed, resolved to go thither, and more for the satisfaction of Amaxita's desires, then to content her own curiosity: And so she designed for Amathonte, but to goe Page  37 unknown, lest it should be laid in her dish, she should quit her solitude, to see such a Feast as that. Since she was acquainted with one in Amathonte whom she could absolutely command, because she was brought up with the Princesse her mother, she lodged at her house: And since she was wel in years, & had neither husband nor children, nor any great Family, she did so well conceal her self there, that none ever suspected she was at Amathonte: For coming in the night, & in no magnificent Coach, & having none with her but my Sister, & two women to wait up∣on her, it was no difficulty to be unperceived in that Town, especially at a time when so many strangers were there: But, Sir, give me leave to tel you, that this Feast of the Adonians is a Feast of Tears at the beginning, & of Joy at the end, as you shall ere long know. In the first place, it was the very essential part of the Ceremony in mourning for the death of Adonis, to forbid all Ladies that day to enter into the Temple with their masks off, or hoods up, it being not per∣mitted those that come to lament over the Tomb of Adonis to have their faces uncovered as long as the Ceremony lasted: For since all the Ladies could not cry, they said it was better they should come vailed, then that Joy should be seen in their eyes at a Feast of Tears. The first thing that is to be seen in the Temple that day, which is full of Lamps, and no other Light, is a great Coffin of Gold covered with Roses, Mirtle, and Cypresse, lifted upon four steps co∣vered with black Tapestry, full of enflamed hearts, and drops of tears in silver: These foure steps stand upon four great Pillars of black and white Marble, twenty paces in diameter; a∣bout which stand all those that are spectators of the Ceremony: These Pillars being half cover∣ed with the richest Sydonian Tapestry; Close about the Coffin kneel fifty of the fairest Virgins in the Town, dressed like Nymphs; but Nymphs in mourning, and all in despair, that is, with loose Robes of black Tiffeny, with a mixture of silver their hair dishevelled upon their shoul∣ders, yet not in a negligent manner, testifying by dissembled tears, or at least deep-fetched sighs, their extream sorrow of soul. About this Square, on which the Coffin lies, is hanged all the Equipage of a Hunter, but a Hunter most magnificent, that is, with a Bow of Ebony garnished with Gold, with a Quiver of the same; a Horn of Ivory, adorned with Jewels; a Hunters staffe headed with Rubies and Emeralds. Then two of those mourning Beauties, which were about the Coffin, began to recite in verse the Praises of Adonis in form of a Dialogue; and when their Panegeric was ended, twelve others began to sing other Verses, condoling his death, and to say truly, the Song was sad, and so full of grieving expressions, enough to melt any heart. But before I end the relation of this Ceremony, I must needs tell you, Sir, how the gods having determined that Timantes should love Parthenia, prompted him to come unto this Feast, and so he did; and was not only there; but had placed himself between Parthenia and Amaxita, who according to the custo• of this place had their hoods pulled down, and therefore the beauty of Parthenia could not attract his lookes more then any other of the Ladies who were all hooded, except those who were about the Coffin: But since Parthenia and Amaxita spied him, they made a sign unto each other as soon as he came in, signifying thereby their meanings. Parthenia confessed afterwards unto me, that she no sooner saw Ti∣mantes, but her heart did beat, and she thought of changing places; but thinking afterwards that perhaps it might more attract observance, shee stayed where she was. As for Timantes, since hee saw no Ladyes unvailed but those about the Coffin, and knew not that shee hee so sought after was so near him, he regarded the Ceremony with close attention, untill after the twelve had sung their Song of sorrow. One amongst them turned towards all the Ladies of the Assembly, and conjured them in the name of Venus to conjoyn their complaints with theirs, and sing with her six verses which she would immediately recite unto them, to the end that which they made for the death of Adonis might bee a publique mourning; and she no sooner began to sing these six verses (which all the Cyprian Ladies knew) but all with∣in the Temple began to sing after her; so that Parthenia singing as the rest, not think∣ing that in such a crowd of voices Timantes could distinguish hers: But however, Sir, shee no sooner began to sing, but amongst this great abundance of severall voices, which made the Temple eccho, he distinguisht hers from them all, and knew it; and the voice no sooner struck his ears, but his heart, and let him know he had found her he long had lookt for. So that without any further regard unto the ceremony, he turned towards her, to see whe∣ther he could find the same conformity in her stature as in her voice; and as she feared, lest her hood should not be enough down, she cunningly, puld it down with her fair hand: So that Timantes seeing the same stature, the same hand, and hearing the same voice which he heard before, did not question but she was the same he met with before. Yet he would not speak unto her untill she had done singing; Meane while hee endeavoured to discover through her Vaile, whether her face was as fair as all he knew, but his endeavours were in vain: For the Page  38 Temple having no light but that of Lampes, he was uncertain whether Parthenia's Vaile was thicker then others; for since her intention was to conceal her self, she wore one of those which our Ladies use to wear when they travell, to keep them from the Sun. Timantes could therefore see no more, then what he said before: Yet it did not much trouble him, for his hope was, that after the Ceremony was ended, he should satisfie his curiosity. So that Par∣thenia had no sooner done singing with the rest, but Timantes bowing and speaking unto her in a low voice; I need not ask Madam, said he unto her, what is become of my curiosity to see this ceremonie, for certain it is your selfe, who drew me hither, without my knowledge. Sir answered Parthenia, if I did draw you hither without your knowledge, pray adde this, that it was without my knowledge: For since I have neither the honour to be known unto you, nor to know you, certainly we met without design: But since Sir, the end of the ceremony will quickly separate us, and since you came to see it, not talke with me, I beseech you observe the end with as much attention as you did the beginning: Ah Madam, (said he unto her) I cannot do as you bid me: And to shew you, that I ought not, be pleased to know, that I am the same Timantes, who had the honour to meet you in the Labyrinth, and who since that have sought you in all places. You need not tell me who you are (replyed she subtlely, and purposely to amuse him) for I have seen you in other places then here or there: Timantes was so surprised at this answer of Parthenia's, that he knew not what to say, for he knew not that she saw him through the hedge, but imagining that she had seen him at Paphos. However, he knew none that did sing like her, nor who spoke as she did; so that hearing her say so, he knew not what to think or say: Also she imposed silence, during all the rest of the ceremony, not, said she, I have any such great devotion unto this Feast, as I should if it were unto Venus Urania; but because it is not just, since you came from Paphos hither, and since I am here not to observe it, and be able to tell you what we have seen. For your part Madam, said he unto her, you may do what you please; but for my part, I am resolved to look upon nothing but your self: For I am so afraid to lose you again, that I am resolved not to be put to the cruell necessity of being separated from you the second time, before I see you. Parthenia hearing Timantes say so, and having no mind to expresse her self, that he should not see her, or know who she was, lest she should augment his curiosity, gave him no answer, but imposed silence, and observed the rest of the ceremony. Her example was nothing to Timantes, who could see nothing they did, since he had Parthenia to look upon. In the meane while, the ceremony continued still: a consort of hunting instruments was heard: another of Shepheards Musick, and another of Lutes: after which, they put most rare Odors in the perfuming pannes which made a little cloud, and by an engine which invisibly moved the Coffin of gold vanquished in the blood, as well as the Tapestry of sable full of enflamed hearts, and teares of Silver: and in Lieu of so sad an object, was seen a little Garden set with Rose tre•s, and Mirtles in huge magnificent basins standing upon the square, where the Coffin did lie in the midst, of which did grow above all the rest of the flowers, that sweet flower, into which 'tis said, the Gods at the request of Venus, did metamorphose Adonis. So that those sweet Odors dissipating by degrees, the ceremony began to look with another face, and the same women which before sung songes of sorrow, throwing away all their Mantles of mourn∣ing, appeared in rich and magnificent dresses, and sung some verses which declared the im∣mortality of Adonis unto all the Assembly: So that the ceremony ended in joy, and a sacri∣fice of thankes: But Sir, since the custome is, that as soon as this little Garden appeares, all the Ladies must unmask themselves; Parthenia who was not ignorant of it, though she had never seen the Feast, made a signe unto Amaxita to retire; and indeed, when the perfuming Pannes sent forth such clouds of sweet smokie Odors as did both darken the Temple, & almost stifle the Ladies; Parthenia seeming not able to endure it, changed places with Amaxita and her two women, and retired with varietie of thoughts, for she feared Timantes would know and follow her: yet she was very glad, that he did not perceive her when she changed places; yet quickly he found her, and changed place as well as she, and followed her under one of the Arches of the Temple, where she was set with Amaxita, intending to goe out amongst the croude when the ceremony was ended, not daring to go out sooner, least Timantes should follow unto the place where shee lodged. In the meane time, as she was sitting, and causing my Sister to sit with her without any ceremony, (the better to disguise the matter) Timantes came and kneeled down before her, asking pardon for that liberty which he tooke, and beseeching her not to be as rigorous unto him, as she was in the Labyrinth, for Madam (said he unto her) though I doe infinitely honour your sex in generall, and you above all in particular, I am resolved this day to faile in that duty which I owe you, by importuning you to doe me the honour to lift up that envious vaile which Page  39 covers your faire face, and hinders the beames of your beauty from shining upon me, or else to tell me in what place and time my eyes may have a sight of her whom my heart already ho∣nours. Since Nature hath not bestowed upon me, replyed Parthenia, any such beauty as your imagination gives me, I will not my selfe put you out of that pleasing Idea, which you have formed of me in your Fancie, but which does not at all resemble me: for truely when you see me, and see me so infinitely below what you thinke I am, I shall then perhaps in lieu of cha∣sing curiosity out of your minde, put aversion into your heart. Ah Madam, said he, though your eyes should not be suitable to your stature and proportion, nor to your voice, nor to your hands, nor your witt, yet I should infinitely honour you. Yet Beauty does not consist in any thing you know of me, replyed she, for the most exact and handsome stature in the world, the fairest hands, the sweetest voice, and the finest witt, may notwithstanding all these be the ugliest woman in a land; if her complexion be thick and muddy, the symmetry of her face dis∣proportionable, and her physiognomy savage or dull. Ah Madam, answered Timantes, all these you name makes me beleeve you are such an one as my imagination Fancies: for true∣ly if you were not so faire as I thinke you are, you could never make such a handsome de∣scription of uglinesse, and I am confident, that to make up your owne picture, there needs no more but the just contraries to what you have said: Therefore Madam I beseech you in the name of that Goddesse which is here adored, let me at least know who you are, for I am re∣solutely determined to follow you untill I know. Parthenia perceiving Timantes to speak as a man fully resolved to see her, and to know who she was, was exceedingly perplexed, she knew well enough, that if she should lift up her hood, he could not know her; but she thought also, that the sight would more augment his curiosity then diminish it, and that he would then follow her as earnestly as before, she durst not trust unto his discretion, and shew her face or tell her name, because she was not so well acquainted with him, as to thinke he would be faithfull, nor would she in the minde she then was in, suffer her beauty to make a conquest of him; and though she did already very much esteem him, both by all reports, and by her owne knowledge, yet she would not let him see her face, nor put her selfe upon such tearmes as should oblige her to shun him: But she knew not very well what advantage she could draw unto her selfe by not letting him see her and know who she was; yet for all that, since the Gods had let her know she should never be happy by procuring love unto her selfe, by any allurements of her Beauty, she could not resolve upon it, but concluded it to be her duty to submit unto the opinion of the Oracles, both of Delphos, and of Venus Vrania. Thus was she fully resolv∣ed not to shew her selfe, or name her selfe unto Timantes, therefore beginning to speak, Sir said she unto him, I perceive that you have some sleight curiosity to know who I am, and therefore to be just, I must not thinke it strange you should desire satisfaction from me, espe∣cially since certainly you are perswaded, that in importuning me to lift up my hood, you thinke to doe me a civility by it: But Sir, to testifie that I will deale with you as with one whose vertues I honour, I will impart something unto you, and tell you, that it does so much concerne me, that you should not at present know who I am, as perhaps the wellbeing of my life depends upon it: therefore I conjure you, by all that is deare unto you, not to aske me who I am, nor to follow me. It seemes Madam, replyed he, that you dare not trust that ver∣tue which you say you know in me, since you dare impart nothing unto me: But Madam, one is not obliged to doe impossibilities, and since I must not for ever lose you, therefore I doe professe that I will never leave you untill I know who you are, but withall I doe assure you I will never reveale who you are, since you would not have it knowne. Parthenia then perceiving the obstinacy of Timantes, bethought her selfe of another expedient to prevent his knowing who she was, and presently propounded it unto him, because she saw the ce∣remony was ready to end. Sir, (said she unto him) I confesse I cannot hinder you from fol∣lowing of me, and therefore you may know where I lodge, and perhaps know who I am; but I doe here professe and declare unto you, that if you doe so, you shall never see or speake unto me againe, but on the contrary, if you will be so observant of my desires as not to follow me, nor to enquire who I am, nor ever tell any without exception, that you met with her the second time, whom you first met with in the Labyrinth, I promise you my com∣pany in a place which will afford better conveniency of talk then here; Therefore make your choice Sir, but first consider well, that if I tell you this day who I am, I will shun you all the dayes of my life after, so that you shall never see me more; and if you doe not follow me, but exactly doe this I desire, I will keep my promise with you: but doe not thinke of promising (addeth she) and not performing, for I am confident there is not one in all Paphos unto whom you can impart these adventures, which will not communicate it unto me againe the same Page  40 hower: therefore take heed what you say, for I doe the second time reiterate my resolution never to see you againe as long as I live, if you see me this day, and doe not punctually ob∣serve all my desires. Madam, said he unto her, what would you have a man answer who is ready to dye with desire of knowing you, and whom you would have run the hazard of ne∣ver knowing you: No, no, (said she hastily unto him, seeing that the people began to go out of the Temple) provided you doe not follow me, but doe as I desire, you shall infallibly see me, and speak with me, within these eight dayes. Sweare then unto me, answered Timantes, in the presence of the Goddesse who is here to be adored: I doe said she unto him, but after that, doe not follow me one pace further, and to keep you to your distance, think that the on∣ly meanes of seeing me hereafter, is not to follow me now. But Madam, answered he, you doe not tell me where I shall finde you: I will let you know it at Paphos, said she, and went away. Once more (said Timantes in following her) may I trust unto your words? Yes an∣swered she, so you do not follow me. Parthenia spoke these words unto Timantes in such a resolved manner, as he saw she would be obeyed, and therefore he thought his duty so to do it; yet this thought had not fast root in his heart, fearing that unknowne beauty should break promise with him, he still looked after Parthenia, who turned her head two or three times to see whether he obeyed, and still looked after her as long as he could with intention to fol∣low her maugre all her promises: But assoon as she was mingled amongst that great croud of vailed Ladies which went out of the Temple, doe what he could, he lost the sight of her; yet he thought he saw her in the street joyning to the gate of the Temple, but he was deceived, for assoon as he was out, she turned upon the right hand, still observing whether or no, Ti∣mantes did punctually obey her, and perceived that he had much adoe; and though she did not desire he should see or know her at this time, yet I know not whether or no she desired he should obey her without repugnancy; yet she was very glad she was out of sight, and gladder when she was come to the place where she lodged, out of which she stirred not, untill she re∣turned homewards the next morning: As for Timantes, he had a mind to stay some dayes in Amathonte, to enquire who this unknown Lady was; but since she promised him, to let him heare of her at Paphos, he returned thither, after he had walked over all the streets of this stately Towne, above twenty times, in hopes to find her, who was already in his heart; but after all his unprofitable quest, he returned to Paphos, having brought with him one servant and two Lacques, for Antimaques stayed behind by reason of some indisposition he found in himselfe. In his returne, he did nothing but muse continually upon his adventure; yet accord∣ing to his promise he resolved to tell it unto none, unlesse she brake promise with him; he examined all reasons, and considered which of them it might be which caused her to deale thus with him, and there was nothing which his imagination did not suggest unto him; somtimes he thought, that perhaps she was not faire, but that thought vanished upon consideration of her faire hands, handsome stature, sweet voice, and her admirable witt, which were strong Arguments unto his faith that she was Faire. Af∣terwards he suspected her to be some woman that came to Amathonte upon some designe of secret gallantry; but afterward considering that she concealed her selfe aswell in the Laby∣rinth as at Amathonte, and that he saw no men with her, he changed his thoughts: At last he arrived at Paphos, and there he knew not what to do or think: In the mean time this ad∣venture came so near his heart, that he thought upon nothing else, during the eight dayes of his longing expectation: As oft as he went out of his own lodging, he left word, that if any came to speak with him upon any business, to bring them unto him: And he never came in but he asked whether any were there to speak with him, or brought him any Letters: His life was so unquiet, and his curiosity so full of impatience, that hours seemed dayes, and dayes ages. But whilst Timantes was in this condition, Parthenia was in a confused irresolution: Her first thoughts were to break premises with Timantes, and not to see him; yet she continued not long in that mind; for considering that if she broke with him, he was not obliged to keep promise with her, but divulging unto all the world this last meeting, they might come to guesse the truth: so her first resolution held not, but she asked counsell of my Sister. I pray Amaxita (said she unto her) tell me what you would doe if you were in my condition? Ought I to break my promise with Timantes, or keep it? For my part, Madam (replyed Amaxita, who did all she could to drive her out of her solitary humour) I cannot see any rea∣son you have to break your promise with him, nor can I discover any ill that can come unto you by observing it; for if hee doe see you, then he will love you, and then the Oracle is full∣filled; and truly, Madam, I am so confident that Timantes is the man whom the Gods have reserved for you, that I dare not advise you to break your word with him: For you have Page  41 met him twice in so strange a manner as induceth me to this opinion: For doe you not ob∣serve, that as unknown unto him as you are he is unquiet, and as full of respective curiosity as some Lovers who have seen you a thousand times, and who did not think more of you then Timantes doth? Though all you say, were true, replyed Parthenia, yet am I not much be∣holding to him, since his curiosity is not an effect of my merit; but because naturally one loves to know that which he is ignorant of, especially in some things: Yet I am confident, reply∣ed Amaxita, that if your voice had been harsh, your stature and composure ill favoured, your hands ugly, and your wit grosse, when you spoke unto him, his curiosity had not lasted halfe a quarter of an hour: I doe not say that Timantes is in love with you; but I dare confident∣ly assure you, that if you will, he will be: For I perceive by his expressions that there is such a tender and passionate kind of inclination betwixt you and him, as useth to be between two who really love. By this account, said Parthenia, you think my heart has the same incli∣nation to Timantes as the heart of Timantes hath to me. Truly Madam (replyed she, and smiled) If my respects I owe you would permit me, I should freely and ingenuously confesse, that I think Timantes hath a strong inclination to love you, and that you have also an incli∣nation to suffer him he should love you. Therefore I beseech you consider, being born in an Isle where it is a shame not to be loved, and not to love; whether it be handsom to muse a∣way your life in this manner: If it be not, I would advise you to doe more then all the Beau∣ties of the Court can, and captivate the heart of Timantes, which would not be taken by all their Charms. Amaxita (said Parthenia to her) to lay open the secret of my soul unto you, I must confesse that I thinke the chief felicity of life consists in the having soveraigne authority over the heart of some one, and in a pleasing communication of joyes and sorrowes unto a suitable disposition: This sympathy of soules and spirits, doth doubtlesse find great sweetnesse in pure affections; but yet, for all that, there is too much equality between two friends to find that satisfaction, as may be had in an affection of another nature; for one shall not finde in friendship a blinde obedience, secrets are commonly disclosed; and though friend∣ship have a fire in it, aswell as love hath, yet that fire is but a light without heat, whereas love both heats and lights; and indeed my deare Amaxita (pursued she and blushed) it must needs be confessed, that a pure and innocent love is the only joy of the world, if it be lasting; But the cruelty of it is, when a firme and constant soule contracts affection with a light and perfidious heart. But do you think Madam (replyed Amaxita) that it is an absolute impossi∣bility to finde a constant lover? I doe not think it impossible, said Parthenia, but I thinke it a great difficulty, especially amongst those who love only for beauty, and no other reason; the truth is, to make love lasting and perfect, there must no interest be mixed with it, he must love because he is forced unto it; reason must be excluded, and not at all contribute: And in∣deed I confesse Amaxita, that if I thought I should finde Timantes to be a man who could love me, without any confideration of my quality, or my riches, or without grounding his passion upon that little pittance of Beauty which I have, I would doe any thing to get his affection: I doe not say I would commit any crime to purchase it; but I should goe a little further then that exact rule of prudence which would have one hazard nothing. I pray you Madam said Amaxita, what hazard do you run, in this occasion which presents it selfe? you know Timantes deserves you, both by his birth, his riches, his person, his witt, and his vertue; moreover you know, the Prince your Brother loves him dearly, and you see Timantes courts you and seeks you out in all places; moreover yet, it appeares by the manner of your meetings, that it is he whom the Gods would have you mary: for it is not by any influence from your eyes, that you have captivated, or at least filled him full of curiosity; and therefore Ma∣dam, if you will follow my advice, keep your word with him, let him see you, but not know who you are if he does not love you, yet you run no hazard, because he knowes not who you are, and if he doe love you, then you have found in Timantes the man that must make you happy: But though I would keep my word with him and see him, replyed she, yet how shall I doe it? unto whom can I trust the secret? and how can I handsomly see him unlesse he come hither? Moreover, since it ought not to be by that little beauty I have, that I must captivate him who must make me happy, I conceive it ought rather to be by my vertue then my witt, that I must make this conquest, and therefore I make a question whether in consenting that Timan∣tes shall see me in secret, I bring my vertue in suspition, for certainly I have a most invinci∣ble aversion against any thing of immodesty. Amaxita seeing there was no difficulty in the minde of Parthenia, but how to carry the matter handsomely, began to consider how it might be done, and she considered so well, that her imagination had contrived a way how to satisfie the Princesse. But Sir, it is fit I tell you, that the Principall reason which moved Page  42Amaxita to perswade Parthenia that Timantes might speake with her, was, because Philox∣ipes and Policrite had desired her a thousand times that she would perswade this Princesse to quitt her solitude, and not to rely so punctually upon the strict words of the Oracle, which they thought was ill interpreted. This Sir was the motive which induced Amaxita unto what she did, and to induce Parthenia to lay hold of this expedient which she pro∣posed unto her, she moved her to read over againe the Oracle of Delphos, which was as I told you before in these words, That if she would be happy, she must not marry a man whom her eyes had not captivated, and by consequence (said Amaxita) it must be concluded that there is one in the world who may love you and never see your eyes; for the Gods doe never foretell things impossible; so that it is almost evident that Timantes is the man whom the Gods have sent to make you happy: therefore Madam if you will take my judgement thinke no more upon it, but let him speak with you. But I pray you Amaxita, said Parthenia, how can I goe unto Paphos and not be known? and how can I see Timantes, but he must see my face? or talk with him, but he may guesse who I am? However, after this cruell experience which I have had in the inconstant resolutions of those who only love Beauty; I will not have Timantes know whether my eyes be faire or ugly, nor know my quality; for truly if I doe conquer his heart, it shall not be by fading beauty which dies, and his affection dies with it, and which will leave me in such a sad despair, as I have had but too much tryall off. Amaxi∣ta hearing Parthenia say so, would not contradict her, because she thought it not impossible, but Timantes might fall in love with her, and not see her face, and that he was not of their opinion, who thinke the eyes only are the givers and receivers of love. But Madam, said she, you must act your part, and therefore you must give it out you intend a journey of fifteen dayes, and in lieu of going to the place pretended, go secretly iuto Paphos, and lodge ata friends of my Brothers, and stay there all that time, during which time, upon some pretence which we will think upon at leasure, I will procure that your Chamber shall be a ground room to∣wards the Garden, with a Belcone which opens upon a Jessimine Arbor, which is much dark∣er then any other; this friend is a woman of quality and vertue, her Husband and Sonne are both at Athens, and she is much obliged unto my Brother, and he to her; she it is we will trust in the businesse. But if it should come to be knowne I was at Paphos (said Parthenia) what would people say? and what would they think? At the worst (replyed Amaxita) they can but say you had a mind to se a Horse-race and not be knowne; and indeed this was a handsome excuse, for there was to be one, and the end of the race was to be behind the La∣dies house; yet Parthenia could not bring her mind unto it, untill the sixth day when I came thither, where I was no sooner come, but she desired to ask me concerning Timantes, pur∣posely to know whether he had been secret, for I had the honour to see him after with the Prince Philoxipes. Amaxita in obedience to Parthenia's commands, asked me before her, whether the stranger of whom such wonders were reported was still at Paphos? and whether he was as pleasant in the Court, as he was at first? Timantes, replyed I, is questionlesse as compleat a Gallant as the World hath, but since a journey he took to see the Adonian feast, he is become much more reserved, and unquiet then he was before; yet certainly it is by reason of some distemper in his body, not minde, for no ill accidents have any way crossed him: Perhaps he is in love (said Parthenia) No, no, replyed I, for since his return from Amathonte, he never visited one Lady: Then certainly (said she laughing, and looking upon Amaxita) the Adonian feast hath inspired him with such a melancholy, as it cannot be cured againe. After this, passing from one discourse to another, I began to relate what expectation there was of a Horse-race to be at Paphos, so that Parthenia, whose heart desired to see Timantes, took this occasion to colour her designe: then she told my sister, that she would not eternally detaine her from all manner of pleasures, but would have her go and see this Horse-race; and therefore (said she unto her) you shall have my Coach, and Megasides shall go with you to Paphos, and bring you back when the sport and Feast is done, that you may relate all the passages of it unto me. Amaxita hearing Parthenia say so, knew this was but a colour for her owne voyage, so that seeming to think she was in good earnest, she told her, that she would not goe unlesse she went also, and in conclusion, the journey was agreed upon, and Amaxita seeing the Horse-race, was her umbrage: But for all this she was full of anxious circumspections, such as were like to break off the voyage, and she alledged so many obscure and intangled reasons, to make me understand what cause she had to keep this journey close, as I wondered, and afterwards she made me sweare a thousand oaths of secrecy, though hea∣vens knows I knew nothing then but that she would goe to see this Horse race? after which I went before to prepare her who was to entertain Parthenia, and order all things for the Page  43 concealment of her voyage, my Mother her selfe knew not that my sister was at Paphos, and the matter was carried so handsomely, that none did so much as suspect any thing; and cer∣tainly it was not a businesse of difficulty, for since Parthenia told none at her owne house whither she went, and since she arrived in the night, and the house where she lodged, very neare the gate of the Towne where she entered, it was not any easie matter for any to discover any thing, especially Parthenia having no women with her which stirred out. In short Sir, Parthenia came to Paphos hardly conceiting that she came to see Timantes; and when she was there, and Amaxita asking her whether she would performe her promise? she replyed reso∣lutely that she was not able to consent unto it, and that she would only see Timantes at the Race which was to be the next morning: It was in vaine for Amaxita to tell her, her term was expired that day, for she had setled her resolution: Amaxita was in a hundred minds, whether or no she should acquaint Philoxipes with the businesse: But for all that, she thought that the two Oracles which Parthenia had received, had made such a deep impression in her mind, that she would be extreamly offended if she should have caused the Prince Phi∣laxipes to have importuned her; so that fearing to incense her to no purpose, and thinking that if the Gods would have Timantes to marry Parthenia, they would find out the means to bring it about, she did not resist the Princesse. However, the Horse-race was to be the day following, and all the Court would be there, and since the house where Parthenia was, was used to entertain Ladyes upon such occasions, she who owed it could not deny those who came that day to lookout at the Windowes, unlesse she should give cause of suspition that some were there whom she would not have seen; therefore Parthenia was put into a Closset, whose Window was so dressed with boughs and leaves of Palme, through which one might see, and not be seen, and through which Parthenia saw the Horse-race, which was in a great plaine before that window. I will not offer to describe this Race unto you Sir, it will suffice I tell you that Timantes appeared there in glory, and won the prize; But the most remarkable passage was, that Timantes imagining that the unknown Lady who filled him so full of curiosity, was one of the Ladies of Paphos, and that she would see this Race, did change his Motto, which he bore upon other occasions, which represented a Phoenix upon his shield, with this Motto,

he now represented a Faggot set on fire by the heat of the Sun, which was Eclipsed, with these words,

I leave you to imagine Sir, how the sight of this device surprised Parthenia, since the Closset wherein she was shut up, was very low, and the Race ending just under it, she might easily perceive this device upon the shield of Timantes; for all those who were of this sport, carried a Javeline and a Buckler. Parthenia no sooner saw this device, but she made the Ap∣plication as Timantes would have wished, and told it unto Amaxita, who taking that oppor∣tunity, asked her with a smile, whether she would let that Sun which burned Timantes be al∣waies Eclipsed? As my sister did not speak altogether seriously, she answered her in the same manner; however, Amaxita observed, that Parthenia was very glad Timantes had not forgot her; & though this device might be taken as much for a common piece of gallantry, as a mark of love, yet it touched to heart Parthenia & obliged her: It seemed also, that Timantes then had a more melancholly aire in his aspect, then ordinary, & she imagined that the reason per∣haps was, because she had broke her promise with him; yet she could not consent to send him word that he should come into the Garden by a back door which was under the Walls of the Towne, and speake unto her through the grates of her window: But Sir, it was not long that she was in this trouble, for the same Gods who brought them twice to meet, brought them the third time to speak together, and thus it came about. The Lodging of Timantes was so neare Parthenia's, that the lodgings looked into the Garden; those with whom Timantes lodged having no Garden of their own, and being people of good quality, and intimate friends unto this Lady where Parthenia lodged, they obtained leave of her to walk there sometimes, and obtaine the same liberty for Timantes: Timantes being melancholy & hot with Riding that day, he desired to refresh himselfe, and walk there that evening; and so he did, but all alone, and walked so long a time, afterward he sat downe in an Arbour of Jessimine, just under Page  44Parthenia's window, and there stayed near an hour, finding much pleasure in musing in a place where the air was so fresh and sweet. The Sun was set, and hardly day enough to di∣stinguish Flowers, when Parthenia opened her window over the Arbour of Jessimon, pur∣posely to let in the sweet smel which every Summer evening in Cyprus ariseth from the ground: She no sooner opened it, but she saw the Moon arise, so that speaking unto Amaxita, but not naming her, That Planet, said she unto her, is not Eclipsed, as that in the Device of Ti∣mantes was; it was long onely of your self (said Amaxita unto her) that the Sun of him you named, shined not more bright then this Planet you behold. You may imagine, Sir, how Timantes was surprised, when he heard himself named, and thought it to be the voice of his amiable unknown Lady: Yet he was not sure of it at first; for since Parthenia spoke not very loud, he was in some doubt, but to be satisfied, he started up in all haste, and went unto the window gently; and he was no sooner there, but Parthenia answering to what Amaxita said, since it is the work of the gods to un-eclipse the Planets, said she, it is therefore unto them Timantes must addresse himself, if he would have them unvailed. I have already follow∣ed your counsell, Madam (replyed Timantes) since doubtlesse it was the gods that brought me hither, when it is onely long of yourself that the Sun which burns me, though Eclipsed, does not reduce me unto ashes if it should discover its whole light. When Timantes came near, Parthenia not knowing who it was, pulled down her hood, and retired from the window: But Amaxita, not so frighted as she was, knew it to be the voice of Timantes at first; so that this encounter more confirming her in her opinion, that the Gods would have Timantes and Parthenia marry, she gave him a complement, and went unto the other side of the room to fetch Parthenia, who was very backward, but at last came unto the window: Shee did not trust unto the mask of night to hide her beauty; for since the Moon shone, neither she, nor Amaxita would appear before Timantes but with their hoods pulled down; so that he seeing she was not disposed to give him satisfaction: You must needs be, Madam, said he unto her, what I ever thought you, that is, the fairest person in the world, since you doe not think night with all its vayles can hide the lustre of your eyes. However, Madam, I beseech you shew me that which I know already. Let me receive some consolation by hearing you speak; and tell me why you would have me be a debter unto chance for my good fortune and happinesse in meeting with you, after you had promised me the honour of talking with you, within eight dayes? When Timantes began to speak, Parthenia was infinitely troubled because she could not conceive how he should come into the garden, unlesse he knew she was there, and unlesse some had betrayed her; but when she heard him attribute the meeting unto Chance, she grew more confident, and her mind was in disposition to answer him with more tranquillity; yet would she know more precisely how he cam into the Garden, & did so earnestly pres him to tel her, that he told her how it was, and moreover told her ingeniously without any dissimula∣tion, that he did not doubt but to know unto whom he spoke, since she was in a house so near his; yet he did not know who dwelt in the house. But after Timantes had told all she desired to know: You see, Madam, said he unto her, that I tell you all I can, doe the same I conjure you for me, and hide not your eyes so long, since certainly they carry their own light with them, I shall see them in spight of all obscurity. Therefore, for Heavens sake, Madam, deny me not this favour; for I desire it more passionately then I did ever any thing in my life. I doe protest, Madam, though I have seen all that's fair in Cyprus, yet I find not one amongst them all whom I desire to see again with half that zeal I doe your beauty. I never appeared in all these publique Feasts, but with all the symptomes of a man who adores you as he doth the gods, that is, without knowing you. Therefore, again, and again I implore you, Madam, not to deny my suit. Sir, said Parthenia, I would I could consent unto what you seem so earnestly to desire: But truly there is something so odde and fantasticall in my face, that I cannot doe as you desire, unlesse I should resolve never to see you again. But if it be so, that my conversation does not glut you, the time may come in which you may know who I am without losing mee, therefore I pray content your self at this time, that I suffer you to talk an hour of things indifferent. Of things indifferent (replyed Timantes sharply) alass, Madam, 'tis more then I can do, and I must tell you, that I can speak of nothing but your self, until you grant my desire. Our conversation then will not be very pleasant (replied Parthenia, & laughed) for you know so little of me, that we shal but stil repeat the same discourse again, yet I am most certain, replyed he, that I shall never be weary of it, & after I have told a thousand & a thousand times how I am charmed a thousand times with the excellency of your voice, and more with the graces of your witt, yet I shall still be delighted with repeating it againe, provided you will not deprive me of the hopes of knowing you better hereafter then now I doe. As long as Page  45 you tell me nothing but that you have a strong desire to know who I am, replyed Parthenia, I shall easily beleeve you; but that you should perswade me that as long as you are ignorant of who I am, yet that I should have any power over your soul, this is a thing I cannot easily comprehend, and yet it is that, if any thing, will oblige me to tell you who I am; for truly to trust all the secrets of my life unto one who has no affection to me, is a thing I cannot doe; and therefore since it is impossible you should love me unlesse you did know me, and since you cannot know me unlesse you love me first, I pray you therefore after a disengagement of our promises at Amathonte, let us part for ever. Oh Madam, said he unto her, since the meanes to know you is to love you; I doe now most infallibly professe it, for truly, there is some superi∣or power which whether I will or no, does force me unto it, and to love you better then ever any I yet know: Yet Madam I must declare this withall, that since I must and doe love you, my love is love and not friendship-love; for as for my friends of either sex, it is my minde that makes the choice, and I will know them long before I trust them; But it is otherwise with my love, for it is above my reason, it is the worke of my heart, not of my Braine: Therefore Madam, since I sensibly find that inclination unto you, which I never found unto any else, I may well beleeve that this my inclination is love. For my part, said Parthenia, I am not of your opinion, because I am perswaded, that if you talk long with me, though you did not know who I was, nor saw whether I were faire or foule, yet perhaps you might af∣fect in the degree of friendship; for by long conversation one may come to know the soul of that person they converse withall, and it is not impossible but friendship may spring from such acquaintance, though they are ignorant both of quality and face: But as for love Sir, it is of another nature, for it is beauty only which can claime the priviledge of creating love. Alas Madam; said he unto her, how little doe you know what zeale love is, if you think that Beauty is the only cause of it? doe you not consider that if it were so, none but great beau∣ties could create it? then two or three high beauties would engrosse all the Adorers in a great court: but on the contrary we see it otherwise, and find some women who have neither much beauty nor great witt, yet are loved by very compleat men, and somtimes it is seen also, that the fairest women in the world cannot so much as win one single heart unto their service; and since so Madam, love is a powerfull effect of that sympathy which operates whether we will or noe; and beleeve me Madam, I beseech you, that since there are some men, yea and witty men, who love women who are not very faire, I may love you, whom I know already to be a great beauty, and whom I think to be very faire. However it be Sir, said she unto him, you shall not know it this long time: Is it possible Madam, replyed he, that you should have any reason for doing so? Yes, answered she, a most prevalent one, such a one as if you render your selfe hereafter worthy to know it, you will confesse I doe but what I ought to doe. Yet Madam, replyed he, though perhaps it concerns you not to let your selfe be known here, yet dare you not trust my discretion? I protest Madam, that I never revealed unto any whosoever, any thing which you did forbid me: At Amathonte I know it very well (said she purposely to puzle him) for I am informed as much from all your friends, and therefore know∣ing that you are able to keep a secret, I will trust you with one, and acquaint you with the resentments of my soul, to the end you may not be absolutely ignorant of me: Know then that I am very sincere, that I have a very tender heart, that my affection is a little Tyrannicall, that I love vertue and honour, that I hate a divided heart, that I never will bestow my owne, but where I am fully convinced by all imaginable waies, that I shall soveraignly raign in his heart that shall have it; that I am a mortall enemy to inconstancy, and to avoid that unhap∣pinesse principally, I neither desire to love, nor be loved: And more then this Sir, never ask me, for I assure you, that you shall not obtain it. Oh Madam (said he unto her) I beseech you doe not subvert the universall order of the World; I have knowne the faces of all my friends a long time before I could know their hearts, and you would have me know your heart a long time before I must know your face; once more I beseech you Madam be not so preposterous in your actions, but after you have shewed me your soule, let me see your faire eyes also. No, no Madam (said he after a little pause) upon second thoughts, I desire nothing but what you please, and I confesse, I ought to be so well satisfied with this rich discovery of your divine soul, that I ought to desire no more: But Madam, to the end you may know my soule as you doe my quality, my spirit, and my person, be pleased to know, that whatsoever I pro∣mise, I alwaies performe; that where I love, I love till death, unlesse I be forsaken or betrayed; that I am none of those lovers who professe service that they may command; on the contra∣ry, I would not be loved, but only to be the more captivated; I am not of their humour who valew the witt of women, but only as an ornament unto their beauty; on the contrary, I Page  46 valew their beauty only as an ornament unto their minds; so that not building the founda∣tion of my love upon so transitory a ground, but upon such as shall last as long as life; it will last as long also. If all this were true replyed Parthenia, and smiled, you should not despair of knowing who I am: Since I beleeve all you say Madam, said he, I hope you will beleeve all that I say; you may enquire concerning me of all those that know me, but I can enquire of none but your selfe: You might have said, replyed Parthenia, that it was not permitted you to enquire of any body else: However Madam said he unto her, I beseech you permit me to talk with you here, untill you have had a longer tryall of my discretion: Parthenia then stayed a while before she answered; but Timantes was so importunate and full of urging expressions, that indeed she feared lest he should attempt more then she would have him, to know who she was; therefore beginning to speak: I am contented Sir (said she unto him) that you shall speak unto me for some certain dales, at the same houre, and in the same place, provided you sweare unto me by Venus-Vrania, that you will not tell unto any whosoever without exception, how you met with the unknowne person, nor reveale where she is; for if you doe, I shall in∣fallibly know it, and I shall no sooner know it, but I shall immediatly resolve never to speak with you againe, and take such a course as you shall never know me, and therefore satisfie your selfe with thus much. Madam said he unto her, since it is in your power to make lawes, and since it is my duty to observe them, certainly you shall be obeyed: But I beseech you Madam, what security can I have in your promise, that I shall see you here to morrow at the same time and place? My word (replyed she.) But Madam, said he, you did not keep your word before, for the eight daies were past, and yet I heard not from you. To set your mind at rest replyed she, I allow you to reveale all I have said unto you, if I be not here to morrow. After this, Timantes retired, and assoon as he was gone, she shut her window, and sent to de∣sire her with whom she loged, that the door which was towards her neighbours house might be shut, lest Timantes should return and harken what they said in her chamber; she had a desire to quit it, and did so, taking another one story higher, which looked not into the garden; moreover she charged a new all those that knew of her being at Paphos to keep it secret, no other reason appearing unto them, but that Parthenia had no minde it should be known that she quitted her solitude to come and see any publique sports, especially, since she did not lodge with the Prince her Brother, whither she said she would not go, because there it was impossible her voyage could be kept secret; she had also this advantage, that the wo∣man with whom she lodged, was easie to be deceived. But after all these orders were given, and that she was alone with Amaxita, she began to discourse of their adventure; one while was ravished with joy that Timantes had found her out, without her giving him any no∣tice; otherwhiles one would have thought she had been angry with her selfe for seeing him at all; afterwards she had an imagination, that Amaxita gave him notice, that she was in the house, and that she had caused it to be told unto Timantes what was her humor; for in∣deed said she unto her, he hath told me all that I could desire a man should say, or all that he could tell me if he had known my minde. This ought to perswade you Madam, replyed Amaxita, that it was the Gods who prompted him to speake, for as for my part, you know I never was out of your sight, nor have I any acquaintance with Timantes: I know it very well replyed Parthenia; but I know so little how it should come to passe, that Timantes should find me out so often, and should tell me almost all my owne thoughts, that you must pardon me, if I had and still have a little suspition of you; and since I must confesse the truth unto you as unto a second selfe, I think that I did not accuse you for it, to the end you might more powerfully perswade me, that it was the pleasure of the Gods Timantes should love me; and I did positively beleeve all he told me, for I could not stifle the only pleasant thought which I enjoyed since my solitude, which is, my hopes to finde a man capable of a constant love. But Madam (said Amaxita unto her) why have you given orders contrary to the promise which you made of seeing Timantes againe? The reason is, said she, because I would speak with him, but I would not have him know me, and because I thought you would find a way tomorrow that the garden door which I caused to be shut, may be open: For truly, untill I am assured Timantes loves me, and assured by a thousand tryalls of his affection, I will not have him know yet who I am, or see me; but that which I would at present know, is, whether Timantes be faithfull or no, and whether he hath not told our adventure, neither to the Prince, nor any other of his friends. After Parthenia had expressed her selfe, Amaxita (who knew that Antimaques was in love with Dorida, and that Dorida wished well unto me, and would trust me with any thing) told her, that if she would trust it unto my discretion, I should easily make a discovery of what she desired to know. At first Parthenia paused upon Page  47 proposition, but afterwards she was so well perswaded of my fidelity, that she trusted me with the secret. In the mean time Timantes had his share in sorrow; for after he was entered into the house where he lodged, he enquired, not telling any reasons why he asked, what women those were in the house w•h belonged to the Garden where he walkt, but he was amused when he was answered there was none but the Mistris of the house, who was well in years, and some servants which waited upon her: Yet he very well knew, that she unto whom he spoke, was neither a servant nor old; for her conversation assured him of the first, and her fair hands, her sweet voice, and handsome stature assured him of the second: Also the two other times which he saw her, he knew by her colours which she wore, that certainly shee was young, though by it he could not know her qualitie: So that all these circumstances compared, they puzzled him exceedingly: He saw that all he knew of her was most admirable; and that she had such a c〈…〉ming Emphasis in the accent of her voice, as any thing sounded better in her mouth a thousand times then in any other: He found her to be of such sharp, so gallant, and easie a spirit and wit, that hee was ravished with her discourse, and hee beleeved she was of such a sweet nature, as could love most tenderly, grounding his opinion upon her hatred a∣gainst Inconstancie. But for all this (said he, upon serious examination of the matter) there must needs be something that is very strange, either in the qualitie, or in the beautie of this woman; for why else should shee bee so nice as to hide her selfe from a man whose acquain∣tance shee does not absolutely reject? And yet shee must needs bee faire, for I have seen as much as argues it; and shee must needs also be a woman of Qualitie, her language, her spirit, her wit, her port, does sufficiently prove it, and convinceth mee of these doubts. Whatsoever shee bee (said hee) shee does infinitely please me; and though it bee onely to know her name, I must obey her; for shee hath told mee, that if I doe as she would have me, I may not despair of knowing it hereafter, and yet it is a very odde way, that I should know a thing by not enquiring of it; for he considered, how she po∣sitively told him, that if he enquired of any one, she could know it; and if ever she knew he enquired of any one, he should never know her, nor speak unto her; therefore his curiosity wrought such effects in his heart, as never did the like in any, since it hindred him from en∣quiring of that which he most earnestly desired to know: And truly, though Timantes had a most longing desire to ask all his acquaintance who this amiable unknown one was, whom he already loved, and hardly knew it, yet he durst not speak of it, so much as to Antimaques, lest he should blab it unto Dorida: So that he passed over that night and the day following in extreame impatience. In the mean time Amaxita, having sent me unto him, I became his spie, and I kept all the day where he was, and at night reported unto my Sister, how he seem∣ed very reserved unto all those he met withall; that he refused supper with the Prince Phi∣loxipes, or to goe into the Walks upon the Sea-side, as he used, where all the Court did ren∣dezvous, and that he retired unto his own lodging very timely, not rendering any reason why: So that Amaxita, told all this unto the Princesse; she was exceedingly joyed, and more readi∣ly resolved, not to faile in her promise unto Timantes, and in order to that, appointing A∣maxita to get the Garden door open, and Amaxita knowing how to doe it unknown unto the Mistris of the house, all things were so handsomly carried, that at the appointed hour, Timantes came to the window of the low room where Parthenia was, under pretence of writ∣ting. But when Timantes came, he could see no more of Parthenia then before, but yet found her in a disposition to receive him more civilly, the reports which she had from me, giving her more satisfaction. She no sooner saw him, but she began to speak: I desire your pardon Sir (said she unto him) for being perhaps a hindrance unto your pleasure in walking by the sea-side as you use, but that which comforts me a little is, that it hinders you from the sight of all those Beauties which use to walk there. It sufficiently appears, Madam (said he unto her, after he had most respectively saluted her) That I hoped for greater pleasure in your com∣pany then in the sight of all those Beauties you speak of, since I quitted them to come unto you; and therefore I need not any complement upon that. But, Madam, since you know all passages of the world so well, it seems you are not unknown unto any but me. 'Tis true, Sir, replyed she, but it is upon a reason so advantageous to you, that if I could now tell it, I am confident you would confesse your self obliged unto me for it: How much soever I am re∣solved to honour you, replied he, yet I can hardly think I am obliged to thank you for deny∣ing me a thing which I desire with as much zeal as the most violent Lovers do the enjoyment of their Mistresses. Yet it appears (said Parthenia craftily) that the conversation you had here yesterday, gave you no great satisfaction: For as for my part when I passe any night away in any agreeable satisfaction, there remains in my countenance all the next Page  48 day a great impression of joy, whereas on the contrary, when I have been in any wearying company, melancholy sads my eyes at least four and twenty hours after it; and therefore if you be of my humour, I have cause to think you were weary of our conversation yesterday; for I know you were very melancholy, and reserved all the day after. 'Tis true, Madam, re∣plyed he, I was very reserved, but it was upon a reason quite contrary to yours, since truly I am never so melancholy as after a great pleasure. And this, Madam, which I enjoy in talk∣ing with you, is far from a serene delight, but on the contrary is so mixed with inquietude and curiosity, that it torments me as much as if you should deprive me of all hopes; for you know me, and all that I doe, but I cannot so much as know your name, or what you are, though I desire it with such a zealous passion as will never let me rest till I be satisfied. But, Sir, said Parthenia unto him, me-thinks you should not be so vexed to know who I am, since if I be worth your thoughts, it depends upon your self to know it hereafter, b〈…〉 if you have onely a bare curiosity to know me, doubtlesse then it will be nothing difficult to overcome your self without that satisfaction, since you need onely come no more hither, but forget me, and there's an end. Doe you think, Madam, sayd he unto her, that it is such an easie matter to forget you? I think indeed, said she, that it is a harder matter to remember me then to for∣get me. No, no, Madam, replyed he, do not deceive your self, I shall never forget you, nor be contented •ill I have obtained two most precious things from yo•, I mean, the sight of your beauty, and the knowledge of your heart. The knowledge of the one, replied she, must ob∣tain the sight of the other; and therefore to teach you what you ought to doe to obtain your desires, Know, that before you see me, or know who I am, you must win my heart, and therefore consider well with your self, whether you can doe all I would have you without knowing me; for that is the onely way to winne my heart. And since I am very sincere, and will not disguise my mind so much as my face, I will tell you, that for divers reasons which now I must conceal, I am resolved never to entertain any affection which is built upon such a fading foundation as Beautie and Riches are, upon which time and fortune have such influ∣ences: I would have one love me by a naturall inclination, by the knowledge of my soul, my mind, and my humour: Moreover, I would have him love me either ugly, or poor, as I am, or may be: I would have him love none but me, and love me extreamly, and alwaies; to doe nothing but what I would, nor to desire any thing but what pleaseth me; to obey mee blindly, and without any repugnancy. I pray, Sir, after this, judg whether it be so easie as you think to enjoy the sight of me: For I shall never grant it but unto such a one as hath won my heart, and my heart will never be won but by such wayes as I have told you. Moreover, sin•e blood and birth are not things so transitorie, since neither time nor fortune can hinder me from enjoying them till death, I will confesse unto you that the house from whence I am descended is •s noble as any in Cyprus: But after all this, Sir, ask me no more; for you will ask in vain. Whilst Parthenia was speaking, Timantes was in a maze of thoughts: For as all Greece is full of certain women who make publique profession of an universall Gallantry, and who doe not confine themselves unto the limits of modesty, but who by prostituting their honours doe enrich themselves; and there was some such in Cyprus, so his fears some∣times suggested unto him, that Parthenia was one of them. But hee found she spoke in such an air as perswaded him to the contrary; and when she considered that she was in the house of a woman of Quality and Honour, and that it is not the custome of such kind of persons to hide their beautie, he repented of his former thoughts: And when Parthenia had told him all the qualification which she required to be in a Lover, he found his own humours de∣scribed, and told her immediately, that he would engage himself unto all she had propound∣ed provided she would promise him, that after she had made tryall of his constancy, shee would give him her hear, and shew her face. And these promises passed on both sides in ap∣pearance, rather as bare complements and peeces of Gallantry, then any reall promises. And though there was already a violent inclination in the heart of Timantes to love Parthenia, and a most strong disposition in Parthenia to love Timantes, yet since both of them were persons of great wit and reason, they thought this so odde and unreasonable, that they could not resolve to speak seriously, and many dayes passed before they could understand the reall thoughts of each other in earnest. In the mean time before Timantes went away, Parthenia made him swear not to speak a word of any passages, nor to enquire of her, but that he should stay untill she gave him assurance of her affection, and let him see whether she was fair or foul. The truth is, Sir, Parthenia's wit did so charm Timantes, and she had such an absolute power over him, that he durst not tell so much as Antimaques his adventure, lest he should tell it unto some other. And it was easie for him to conceal it, because Antimaques being Page  49 in love with Dorida, he was continually every night with the Princesse Policrite, so that Timantes could be at his appointed times unperceived; yet for all this, he indeavoured by one of his servants to suborne one of that Ladies house where Parthenia lodged, to tell who it was which lay there, but all businesses were so handsomly and closly carried, that nothing could be knowne. In the meane time, since he feared that if this unknowne Lady should know how he broke promise with her in the enquiring who she was, she would cast him off, he laboured by all meanes to stop the mouthes of those that were enquired of, and to oblige them unto silence: so that indeed Parthenia never knew it: 'tis true, he was every way so ob∣servant, and faithfull, that she had reason to be contented; for notwithstanding all my obser∣vant eyes over him, both in all his words and actions, I could never report any thing unto my sister which could displease Parthenia, and indeed he much altered his manner of living, for his only designe being to find out this lovly unknown one, and being perswaded that she was some Lady of Paphos, who came to that house only to talk with him, he went from visit to visit, not staying long any where, hoping still to discover by voice this Lady whom he so much desired to know: but all his enquiry and visits were in vaine, for he could not find her; and Timantes became more deeply in love with Parthenia then any of her former lo∣vers who had seen her: He grew also much more unquiet in his mind, and certainly was tor∣mented more then other lovers use to be; sometimes he would so complaine unto Parthenia that she would pitty him, and sometimes he would so dote that he made her laugh: For my part, (said he unto her when the Moon shined cleare, and when he pressed her to lift up her hood) I cannot indure you should so long deny me what I ask, not that there is any necessi∣ty of your Beauty to make my passion endure, for since it begun without it, it can continue without it: But that which makes me I cannot endure you should use me thus, is, that you tell me you will let me have a sight of you when I have won your heart, and perceiving that you are more and more carefull to hide it, I have cause to think I am further off from making that illustrious conquest. You would have it at too cheap a rate (replyed Parthenia) if you should so soon win it, and therefore that you may the more esteem me, I will hold you off a little longer. In the mean time I beseech you Madam (said he unto her) let your words form your Image, that I may adore it, and which passing from your mouth into my heart, it may there remaine, untill the reall substance drive it out: for truly Madam, I wander all the day long, from house to house, from Temple to Temple, and every where to seek you out: my imagination fancies your beauty every day in a hundred severall Idea's: sometimes I see you faire, sometimes brown haire, sometime fresh complexion, sometimes pale, sometimes I am perswaded that you have sweet, languishing, and compassionate eyes, and sometimes I think you have sprightly and sparkling eyes, such as kindle fire in the soules of all those that look upon them: sometimes I think them gray, and sometimes black, and not knowing what they are, I still equally adore them, what ever they be: But I beseech you Madam, tell me on∣ly whether they be faire, or black, or gray, or blew, or what they are? When you have told me (replyed she craftily) what colour you desire them to be, then perhaps I shall tell you which they are. Timantes at this was puzzled, for he durst not tell which he desired, lest he should hitt wrong, nor did Parthenia positively promise him to tell which they were, so that not daring to answer precisely, he began to accuse her of inhumanity, and she interrupting him accused him of weaknesse; for said she unto him, I perceive by your own words, that you would have me fair, because you say your imagination fancies me to have the fairest eyes in the world, and consequently I have cause to feare, that if I be not so, you will change your opinion of me. Oh Madam, said he unto her, I beseech you doe me not so much wrong as to think, that though you be not fair, that I shall love you lesse: but however, as long as your eyes doe not bely my imagination, I must still think you are the fairest person in the world: and I beseech you, why should I not proportion your beauty unto the excellency of your soul and witt; and therefore if you will be sure of my fidelity, shew your selfe as you are, and if after that, I doe not adore you still, though you should be never so ugly, then hate me as much as I love you. Love is a most fantasticall passion (said she unto him) Those who are in love with any beauty, doe professe that it is the soul they love, and that they onely desire the possession of the heart, and not the beauty: That this is the limits of their hopes, and summe of all their desires. Yet I see Love is of such a nature that it slights all that it enjoyes, and prizeth that which it doth not enjoy. Fruition gluts desires, and if so, you have more reason to thank me then complain against me: For truly, I begin where others end: I have confessed unto you, that I esteem you: I have told you that I should be glad to have you love me, and I have not forbidden the hopes of being Page  50 loved: You have consented not to ground your affection upon beauty, I have discovered my soul unto you; I have taught you which way one may obtain my heart, and I never told you it was invincible: But after all this you complain, and presse me to shew you my face. Go, go, Sir, keep it within the limits of our conditions, unlesse you would have mee break off with you. There is so much charm in every word you speak, replyed Timantes, that you still augment both my love and my curiosity: And therefore I most humbly beseech you, Madam, Give me leave to beg this favour upon my knees. Let it content you that I attempt not violent courses to know who you are, and that I have so much power over my self as not to ask all my acquaintance about the Court. But, Madam, that I may still continue in my obedience, and enquire of none else, I beseech you give me leave sometimes to ask your self; And be not offended, I conjure you, if I importune you with my prayers and impatiencies. Did I not infinitely love you, I should not be so desirous: But since I love you beyond all ex∣pressions, I must needs entreat you, and presse you, to let me know whom I love. I know there are a rich Mine of Beauties in your mind; all that I can see of your person is most ad∣mirable; The thoughts of your heart doe ravish me: There is some secret charm in your conversation, which I never found in any other: You doe so powerfully and pleasingly cap∣tivate my spirits when you speak, that I think I could look upon you, and not perceive whe∣ther you be fair or foul, you utter not a word, which pierceth not my heart as soon as my ear. But for all this (said he, and smiled) me-think I doe not know you yet sufficiently, and my curiosity is so violent to see your face, as well as your heart, that I cannot chuse but beg the favour, and to trust unto my love and discretion. Whilst Timantes was talking thus, Par∣thenia bethought her self of a very odde way to make tryall of his Constancy; therefore be∣ginning to speak unto him, and seeming to yeeld unto part of his desires, I am content, said she, since I see you so much desire it, not to deny you all you ask: But since I am resolved not to conferre favour upon favour, and to loaden you all at once, I will not let you know who I am, onely I will let you see my face in open day; but upon condition that you shall not speak unto me in the place where you shall see me, which shall be, if you please, to morrow morning at a little Church close by the Gate. There I will be just two hours after the Sun is up: I will wear the same cloathes I did, when you saw me at the Feast of Adonis: I will sit by the second Pillar upon the right hand, and will lift up my hood as soon as I see you, to the end you may satisfie one part of your curiosity. I beseech you, Madam, said he unto her, why may you not now shew your face? I know it is too dark to see you as I would, but it wil not hinder me from seeing you better to morrow. I see you have forgot one of our condi∣tions, which was, to desire nothing but what I shall please. How great soever your power is o∣ver me, Madam, said he unto her, it cannot extend so farre as to bound my desires: And all I am able to doe, is to hide them from you. After this Parthenia parted from Timantes, not con∣senting to his desire, telling him, that if he did offer to speak unto her, or to follow her to morrow morning, she would never see him again. So that Timantes promising all she desired, he went away full of hope and joy that he should see her in the morning who had filled him so full of love and curiosity. But as those hopes, whose causes are love, are very restlesse, so he could not sleep all that night, but did rise so early, that his men wondered, and the more, because they saw him dress himself, as if he were to go unto some Ball, or great Feast, though it was onely unto a little Church where few of any quality ever resorted, and so early as women of Quality were hardly awake. But Parthenia was as busie as Timantes was impa∣tient; for she was so carefull to make sure of the heart of Timantes, as nothing should ever after be able to take it from her; and therefore she resolved to try whether he could love her after a beleef that she was not fair: And in order to that, she dressed a woman of hers, who was well bodied, and about her height, in the same habit that she wore at the Feast of Ado∣nis; and since the woman had never been at Paphos before, she could not be known. But, Sir, be pleased to know, that this woman had one of the ugliest faces in the world, for all the parts of her face were so unproportionable, that one would have sworn they were never made one for another: So excessively ill favoured, that I never in all my life saw an object so displeasing as the face of this woman. In the mean time, to the end that Timantes might bee the more deluded, Amaxita followed this counterfeit Parthenia, as if she had been her wo∣man, and they went unto this Church in the Ladies Coach with whom Parthenia lodged. But for the more security, Parthenia would have my Sister send for me, to be in the Church, and to fall in with Timantes as soon as he came in, to the end that he might keep him from speaking to her, whose sight was enough to blast a Lover, giving me orders to doe as occa∣sion should require, and to speak what I thought fit to keep Timantes from discovering the fallacy. Yet Parthenia did not intend to keep Timantes long in that belief of her he should Page  51 see, but on the contrary resolved when he had seen how, he would speak unto her after this in∣nocent imposture, to let him see that evening the woman with her, to the end that hee might know his error, and to root this terrible Image out of his mind. To be short, Sir, as this device was phantastically plotted, so was it cunningly executed. This woman went unto the Church earlier then th• hour appointed, that she might be there before he came: Yet it was not above a quarter of an hour, for he burned in such impatience to have a sight of her he loved, that he was also there before the hour appointed: But as I was there before him, and knew the businesse, I saw him enter earnestly and hastily: Hee was no sooner there, but he looked to∣wards the place where Parthenia told him she would sit, and saw a person of a handsom sta∣ture waited upon by one who indeed was the same hee saw with Parthenia at Amathante. Moreover, he saw she was in the same place nominated, and that she was in the same dresse and habit which he had formerly seen; so that he did not at all doubt, but that shee whom he saw was his beloved unknown Lady: And though there was a little difference between the height of this woman, and that of Parthenia, yet the fancy of Timantes was so prejudica∣ted, that he did not observe it: He advanced hastily to the place where she was. But as it was covenanted betwixt Parthenia and him, that he should not speak unto her in that place, so he set himself down some or four paces upon the left hand over against her, that he might the better see her: He was no sooner set, but Amaxita advertised this counterfeit Par∣thenia, who knew not Timantes, to put up her hood, which she immediately did, lifting it up so c•nningly, that he could not see her hands; for Parthenia so ordered her. But, Sir, I beseech you imagine how Timantes was amazed, who fancying the Idea of an admirable beauty, saw the ugliest vizard in the world: His wonder was so great, Sir, that it appeared in his face and all his actions; his colour went and came twenty times in a minute: he con∣geed towards her with a lowring look in spite of his teeth; and was so frighted at such a monstrous object, that hee did not so much as strive to hide his amazement, nor had hee the least suspition of any delusion put upon him: So that being extreamly troubled at this ad∣venture: Oh ye just Gods (said he to himself, as he told me afterwards) why did you put so sweet a voice, and so rare a mind into such an ugly body? And why did yee joyn such an admirable stature and body, with such fair hands, unto such a witches face? But how comes it to passe (said he immediately after) that this person should know all the niceties and delicates of Love, so w•l as she doth? Some one sure has loved her, else how could she ever know them? For my part (said he, and sighed) had I seen her face before I had known her minde, I should never have made her so much as my confident, and farre from making her my Mistris; and I think I should have falne from love to aversion. Had she been but indifferent ugly, or one of those women who neither attract nor loath: Had she any thing in her physiognomie which promised either wit or goodnesse, I should have some inclination to love her, and zea∣lously adore her. But what doe I say? Can I forsake her who hath the most charming wit, and the most divine soul of any woman in the world, and who hath most sensibly allured my heart? As Timantes was thus discoursing with himself, with as much sorrow as Amaxita took pleasure in observing him, and continually looking upon her whom he thought to bee Parthenia; This woman forgetting Parthenia's order not to shew her hands, did pull her hood down, and did not hide them; so that Timantes espyed them, when he was perhaps ready to resolve upon the breaking off with Parthenia, though he would never confesse it; he saw they were not the same snowy hands which he saw both at the Labyrinth, and at Ama∣thonte, and also at the window where he talked with her. He saw, I say, that they were thick and short, and not at all white; so that recollecting himself, he knew he was deceived, and was so glad, that there appeared nothing but joy in his face, as there appeared sorrow before: Then was he sorry that he did no better gloss his first surprise, but to repair it, he resolved to go to her who had only the habit of his beloved unknown Lady, saying, that it was not unto her that he made a promise not to speak unto in the Church, nor to follow her, and since she had broke her word with him, he was not obliged to keep his with her. Just as he was fixing up∣on this course, the counterfeit Parthenia went away with my Sister, and perfectly undeceived him in her walk, since she had nothing of that Majestique port which Parthenia had, that she was of a handsom stature. In the mean time, since I saw he followed her, I met with him, before he could overtake her. Sir (said I unto him, as I accosted him) this Lady whom I saw you salute, is she of Crete? No, (replyed he, and was very angry that I interrupted him in his designe) I beleeve she is of Paphos: and because I thought her to be some woman of quality, therefore I saluted her though unknowne. I thought Sir, said I unto him, and smiled, that it had not been the fashion to salute Ladies who are unknowne, unlesse they be some superlative beauties; Page  52 but I see your civility goes farther then ours. I have something more to say then you have (answered he, and still went on) for I am more inquisitive then you are, and would gladly know who this Lady is: Certainly Sir (replyed I, not seeming as if I designed to hinder him) your curiosity in this, is like theirs who have a desire to see Monsters, and who never think they have seen all Aegypt, if they have not seen those dangerous Beasts which devour passen∣gers: However said he, I would gladly know who this Lady is: Sir, said I still to keep him from following, I beleeve it will be an easie matter to know that, for I know the Coach which brought her to the Church: I know it also said he to me, but I know not her that is in it: I will promise you to enquire replyed I, and to give you an account. In the meane time, the counterfeit Parthenia and my sister took Coach, and Timantes durst not speak to them in my presence, as he intended, so fearfull was he to incense his beloved unknown one: But when they were gone, and Timantes saluted them at parting, he put me in mind of my pro∣mise, and desired me to perform it, colouring his curiosity with such poor pretences, as I had much adoe to keep from laughing; I knew well that he only desired to know her, that he might be acquainted with her who sent her: and you may well think Sir, that at that time I would promise him any thing: After this, I went home with him, and presently after that, I went to give my sister an account of what had passed. Since she said that Parthenia did this only as a tryall of Timantes his fidelity, she would not acquaint her with the extreame sorrow that appeared in his eyes, when he saw the face of this ill favoured woman, but told her only that he seemed to be surprised, that notwithstanding he saluted her most civilly, and would not follow her when she went out of the Church, never telling how the woman undeceived him by shewing her hands, so that Parthenia thinking that Timantes imagined her to be as ugly as that woman, began to repent her of that imposture, fearing he would not return any more according to the ordinary appointment; for though she did this only to make Timantes think she was not faire, yet she could not indure that he should have such a horrible imagination of her, so that she waited for the evening with a restlesse impatience, sometimes she entertained her selfe with those joyes she should have if Timantes did return, since then it was an infallible signe that uglinesse would not alter his minde; otherwhiles she feared that he would not come at all; so that tossing h•r thoughts continually be ween hopes & feares, she passed away the day with as much perplexity, as Amaxita did with pleasure, in remembrance of all she saw in the mind of Timantes, unto whom Parthenia commanded me to tell, that I could not learn who that Lady was whom he saw in the Church: However, night being come, Timantes did not faile to come unto Parthenia according to his custome. But she had no sooner opened the window, than she began to speak unto him: Sir, said she unto him, are you yet satisfied? can you find a heart to love such a one as you saw this morn∣ing in the Church? To shew you Madam, said he unto her, and smiled, that I can alwaies take delight in seeing you, I beseech you lift up your hood which hides you, for since I saw you in the morning, me thinks you should conceale your selfe no longer: Why Sir, said she, do you think you saw me? Indeed I doe not, said he unto her, and therefore I am come to complaine against you for breaking promise, and consequently disobliged m• from keeping promise with you: No, no, Madam, said he, never deny the truth, for if you will deceive me, you must not only give your habit unto her who did so scurvily personate you, but you must give her your hands also, your aire, and your port: yet I confesse that at first, the con∣fidence which I had in your sincerity, deceived me, and my owne eyes betrayed me; but yet my heart did quickly find it was not you. However (said she unto him, and confessed the im∣posture) I pray you tell me unto what height you hated me, when you thought that I was she you saw? I doe protest Madam, said he unto her, I had not one thought which could of∣fend you, and I was more angry with the Gods then you: But yet (replyed Parthenia) what thoughts had you at that time? Since you will have me confesse, replyed he, I will tell you, that I murmured against the Gods, for placing so many opposits and contrarieties in one per∣son: yet I murmured only for the love of you; I had respect unto your honour, and not mine owne; and I had not one desire but what was for your advantage. Ah Sir, you are not sin∣cere, (replyed Parthenia, and interrupted him) but yet I wish you were, and would really tell me, whether you would not have forsaken me, if I were such a one as you saw? Since you desire I should lay open all my heart unto you (answered Timantes) I must tell you, that if you were such a one and could not speak, I think I should have much adoe to continue my affection: but if on the contrary, you were such a one as I saw, and would speak alwaies as you doe, I would eternally follow you. But Sir, replyed Parthenia, I would not have you dissem∣ble, nor speak in raillery; but in very serious earnest: I will Madam, said he unto her, and the Page  53 more exactly to obey you, I doe protest before the Gods who heare me, and as I hope they will assist me, that what I say is most really true; and I assure you, Madam, my heart is so absolutely tyed unto you, that I will never disengage my selfe: yet I must confesse Madam, that if you be as faire as I think you are, I beleeve I shall perhaps love you a little more then I doe; but still I must confidently assure you, that though you be not, I shall not love you lesse. Ah Sir, replyed she, this cannot be, for since you can love me more if I were faire, you must needs love me lesse if I be not: yet Sir, this is most certainly true, that though perhaps I be not ill favoured, yet I shall be: and therefore if you cannot love me unlesse I be faire, I pray you cease loving me now; for I ever told you from the first beginning of our acquaintance, that I never can endure a heart which can change, I would have one should alwaies love me alike, and if I should love you one day, I should love you ever, which can never be, if you can love me lesse; and indeed how is it possible one should endure without high anger, and just resentment, that one should fall back from love to luke-warmnesse, to see ones selfe sleight∣ed when one should be most esteemed: and yet Sir this is ordinary, and happens a thousand and a thousand times, and will doe againe; and the cruelty of the businesse is, that they both become equally insupportable; and if there be any difference between the sleighter and the sleighted, between the party who falls off from love, and the party who is constant, certain∣ly he that falls off is least to be pityed: this inconstant doth certainly lose some pleasure, in losing his affection, but he can easily recover it in others; whereas on the contrary, a constant person in losing the sweets of being loved, doth at the same time lose all the sweets of his life, and is overwhelmed with all sorts of sorrows; and indeed, how is it possible he should ever think of any thing that hath the name of a diversion, how can he be able to live unlesse to revenge. Therefore Sir consider seriously, whether or no you can be constant, doe not make me more miserable then I am, in making me hope for a good which I shall be deprived of. I doe protest unto you Madam, said he unto her, that I think it an absolute impossibility that ever I shall love you lesse: the thing which most perplexeth me, replyed Parthenia, is, that when I aske any assurances of affection, the most inconstant man in the world does think he shall never be inconstant, and he will tell me the very same things that the most faithftll lover 〈…〉n. Madam, said Timantes to her, since there is no waies to make sure of the time to come, but by what is past, and what is present, I deserve not to be punished as an inconstant man, because I expresse my reall and true thoughts by the same words that a perfidious lover expresseth his; therefore I beseech you, be pleased to make tryall of my constancy, by any manner of way your witt can devise: but then Madam, I beseech you first, before you put me to the teste, tell me who you are, you must discover your faire eyes unto me, and stuffe not my imagination with the Idea of a witch, as lately you would. Then Sir, Parthenia thinking that perhaps Timantes was not fully undeceived of the opinion which he had, that she whom he saw in the Church was really her selfe, and therefore she would have that wo∣man speak to him open faced, so that Timantes seeing them both at once, might plainly see, she was not the same he saw in the Church. But assoon as Timantes saw her, and she retired againe, he began to speak: No, no Madam, said he unto Parthenia, you need not show me this woman twice, thereby to undeceive me, my error lasted not a minut, and my heart did not long fancy an image that was unworthy of your selfe. You tell me too much to be be∣beleeved, replyed Parthenia; and to say truly (added she and smiled) I cannot altogether blame you, though you should not tell me the whole truth at this time; for truly I can hardly en∣dure to let this woman serve me, she is so ill favoured, and therefore I ought not to think it strange, that another should be backward to serve such a resemblance as she hath for a Mistresse. After this, their conversation was sometimes mingled with a thousand sincere protestations of eternall affection; another while with pleasing joyes of minde, which made both Timantes and Parthenia know, that they were worthy of each other, and that they loved more then they would speak of. In the mean while, since the most difficult things in the world unto a lover is, to keep lockt up in his heart all his adventures, and never tell them unto any; Timantes was of the same mind, and therefore altering his intentions of hiding it from Antimaques, lest he should be telling it to Dorida, he resolved to acquaint him; and on the contrary thought it an easie matter for one lover to keep close the secrets of another; so that after he had left Parthenia, and was returned home, he stayed untill Antimaques was returned from Policrite, to the end he might acquaint him with all the adventure, and ask his counsell which way he should satisfie both his love and his curiositie: yet before he would open unto Antimaques, he made him promise more then once, never to speak of it unto any whosoever, and then he told his adventure: At first Antimaques harkened unto it Page  54 as a pretty pleasant story, and as a very merry and phantasticall adventure; not thinking that his friend was really in love with one he never knew: But when he heard him aggravate his inquietudes, hee knew that his curiosity was of an amorous nature, for which hee began to chide him: But when he perceived that Timantes was the more serious, he began to pitty and laugh at him. Then Antimaques asked him pardon for wondering at the odnesse and novelty of the adventure; and told him that he could not beleeve it to be any more then a bare peece of gallantry, and not a real passion: But since I perceive you are really in love, I do infinitely pitty you; and so much the more, because one of these things must necessarily be, either she whom you love is very phantasticall, or else she is foul, or else a woman of inferiour quality, and I pray heaven she be not some thing worse then all these, and that you be not cosened. Ah cruel, and unjust friend (said he unto him) it seems you know her whom I a∣dore. I know her as much as you doe (answered Antimaques) for it was I who first shewed her unto you in the Labyrinth. 'Tis true, said Timantes, that you then saw her handsome stature and proportion, her fair hands; you heard her voice, and her excellent wit, yet all these are nothing in comparison of what I know: For I finde such a charme in her conversa∣tion as ravisheth me; and though she will not tell me who she is, yet I can discover as much as assures me of the greatnesse of her minde, of the noblenesse of her birth, the generosity of her soul, and also the beauty of her face: For there is such a kinde of charming aire, and gallantry in her speech, as any one may know shee is faire, and never see her. Alasse, Sir, (cryed Antimaques) I cannot chuse but pitty you, unto what a cruell point are you arrived? And I cannot chuse but pittie you the more, because I doe not see which way I should serve you, since you forbid mee to speake of it un∣to any, and consequently I cannot enquire who shee is you love: And yet I thinke that if you will follow my counsell, you may perhaps have some light of that which you desire to know. Timantes then asked him, what he would advise him to doe? I perceive, replyed he, by what you have told me, that you have employed all your arguments to perswade her you love, to let you know who she is: You have used your best rhetorique and reasons; you have earnestly entreated her; you have added complaints unto your reasons and prayers, but I doe not see you have tryed the eloquence of Liberality. Love would have offerings and sacrifices as well as the rest of the gods; and therefore if you will be rul'd by me, find out a handsome pretence of presenting a rich present unto her: If she be such a one as you think her, she will refuse it, and not shew her self after it: Or if she be not such a one and fair, she will take it, and let you see her. If it be the first of these, you have discovered a new beauty in her soul; and if the second, you have at least satisfied your curiosity: And however, if she resist your perswasions, your sighs, and your presents, you will reap so much satisfaction as to see that I shall not condemn your passion. Though I know very well, re∣plyed Timantes, that Liberality is inseparable from Love, yet I cannot chuse but fear to in∣cense the person whom I love in presenting it. But if I doe follow your counsell, the present must be so rich and magnificent, as that she may judge of the measure of my love by it. Then Timantes resolving to follow the counsell of Antimaques, hee chose amongst all his Jewels that which was most rich and rare, and the number out of which it was taken was not small: For as persons of his Quality use alwayes to carry many with them when they travel, so Timantes being very rich and magnificent, he had a great abundance of Jewels: And af∣ter hee had taken one of them which he thought to bee most worthy of her hee loved, and put it into a very magnificent box enamelled with gold, he resolved to present it unto her the next morning with such a complement as might make it acceptable. Then after he had talk∣ed awhile with her of severall pleasant Subjects, Timantes who was accustomed to complain, and knowing that nothing pleaseth beauties better then to complaine of something, he began thus; How long, Madam, must I love you (sayd he unto her) without giving any testimonies of my love? When shall I obtaine so much liberty as to doe such things as love useth to in∣spire into such as are under his empire? Did I know you, and were it permitted me to manifest my passion, I should be as forward in my expressions as the most passionate lovers, and as mag∣nificently you should be courted, with as many Musique entertainments as there are dayes; I should ere now have made three or four publique Feasts; the Ball should be continually left with you, and you should have seen whether we know how to treat in Crete, as well as they doe in Cyprus. Moreover, since I am confident that I have many Rivals, I should let you see that perhaps they were not worthy to be preferred before me: I should follow, and court you in all places: I would endeavour to be a friend unto your friends, and an enemy unto your enemies: I would not look upon any but such as you favour, and I should find out a thousand Page  55 wayes to let you see the grandure and merit of my passion: But as things are, what should I doe to expresse my love? You may obey me, said Parthenia, and that's enough; for in do∣ing so, I shall think my self as much obliged as by all you tell me you would doe if you knew me. That is so little, replyed he, that I cannot beleeve it will oblige you at all, Madam, or that you can so much as esteem me for it; for thereby you cannot know whether I bee gene∣rous or no, you will be ignorant whether I be liberall or courteous. I may have a thousand virtues or vices which you can never see; and therefore, I beseech you, Madam, let me not be confined unto such narrow limits, but give love leave to appear some way or other: To make it appear in my eyes, answered Parthenia, it must bee hid from the eyes of all others: At least, Madam, said he unto her, give me leave to regulate my whole life according to your directions, and that I may ask your advice in all my actions. As for that, replyed Parthenia, I shall most willingly consent unto it; for I desire nothing more then to know your heart. Then, I beseech you doe me that honour, Madam (said he unto her, and presented unto her the enamelled box in which the Jewell was) as to tell me to morrow whether this which I present unto your fair hand be worthy to be offered unto a great Princesse; for I design it unto one who certainly merits to be a Queen. At the first Parthenia did not think that it was in∣tended unto her, but perhaps unto Policrite, or Aretaphile, and therefore without any diffi∣culty she took it, yet she no sooner had it in her hand, but she changed opinion, and thought it intended unto her. This imagination did swell her heart both with anger and curiosity: The first of these, because she thought Timantes did not think of her as she would have him; and the second, because she would see whether Timantes would give it unto her; therefore seeming as if she never thought to have any share in his liberality, she told him that she would not stay so long as to morrow before she gave him her opinion of it, but would goe unto the candle which was at the further end of the chamber, and see whether this which he would give was worthy of himself; for certainly (said she, most obligingly) if it be worthy of your self, it is worthy of her you intend it for whosoever she be. In saying so, she went to see what it was which Timantes put into her hand, with intention to restore it unto him the same hour; and he also went away as well as she, the better to shew that he would not take it again: So that Parthenia hearing him walk, went back to the window purposely to call him, but hee was already gone out of the Jessimin Arbour which was under the window: So that after she had stayed a long while to see whether he would return, and hearing nothing of him, she shut the window, and went to look upon that which Timantes had left with her. She did not look upon it alone, for she shewed it unto Amaxita, who was not a little ravished at the lustre of it; but Parthenia did lesse regard all those Pearls and Diamonds then she did a Letter which she found with them in the box, which was thus written.

After Parthenia had read this Letter, she gave it unto Amaxita, who reading it also, could not sufficiently admire the liberality of Timantes, and told Parthenia, that if his love were measured by his gift, he loved her better then ever any could. I know not, replyed Parthenia,Page  56 whether he love me as much as you talk of, but I am sure he does neither sufficiently esteem me nor know me at all: For it seems he thinks to blind my eyes, and winne my heart with Dia∣monds, as children with toyes; he thinks me of a weak mind, and mercenary soul; and yet I must confesse he is something excusable; for my manner of dealing with him is so phan∣tasticall and extraordinary, that I ought not to thinke much of him; nor am I resolved to treat him rigorously, but will onely let him see he was mistaken in his thoughts that I would receive a present of any importance from him; and that he may not doubt of my generosity, I will not onely refuse what he offers me, but I will present him with a gift, and a gift of that magnificence, as he may conjecture at my quality and riches; for the Gods have not menaced me with misfortunes, though he who is to marry me doe know that my birth and quality is not base. Parthema was as good as her word; for she did not onely put those things which Timantes gave her into the box, but she put also into it the Case of a Picture set with Dia∣monds of a most considerable greatnesse. She did not fear they would be known to be hers, though Timantes should shew them unto all in Paphos; for she lately got them made in Sala∣mis, purposely to put the Picture of Policrite in it, which she took out before she sent it un∣to Timantes: Also she answered the Letter of Timantes in another hand then she usually writes: After which I procured a trusty person to carry this box unto him in the morning betimes: and the matter was so well carryed, that it was given unto one of Timantes his servants whom he put much confidence in, to give unto his Master: This was as well as Par∣thenia desired; For the servant of Timantes knew not the man who gave it unto him, nor took any notice of him, nor ever was like, for he was not one of Paphos, but departed the next morning into his own country: So that Timantes when he awaked was strangely asto∣nished to see that upon the Table which hee thought was in the hands of his unknown Mi∣stris. At first he thought his eyes deceived him, or else that he dreamt, and was not well a∣waked. But his servant telling him, that a man whom he knew not, nor would tell his name, nor would stay until he awaked, did charge him to give it unto him, then he thought it to be true. But since he imagined that his admired 〈…〉own one had sent back his present, hee was exceeding sorry, and so much the more 〈…〉e hee feared that since she was so generous as to refuse a gift of that value, she 〈…〉 be of〈…〉ed at him: Therefore he opened the box with much impatience, not to s•e whether all his Jewels were there, but to see whether shee had returned an Answer unto his Letter. In the mean time he was infinitely astonished to see upon the tops of all his own Jewels, that Rich Picture Case which Parthenia sent him, and which he was certain was not his: Hee no sooner saw it, but hoping her Picture was within it, he never considered the beauty and richnesse of it, but opened it in all haste; but in lieu of seeing what he so extreamly desired, he saw these words written in the place of the Picture,

Ah most cruell Lady (said he, as I heard afterwards) will you never be weary with making tryall of my patience, and let me see what I so much adore? After this he found a Letter containing these words.

Page  57 As Timantes ended the reading of this letter, Antimaques entered, who found his friend much taken up with this new adventure, which he related unto him, notwithstanding the prohibition of Parthenia, thinking it no treason to make that man his confident, whom he loved as a second selfe: But as Timantes was astonished, so Antimaques was much more, having no reason after this, to doubt neither of the quality or generosity of this unknown Lady. For indeed the present which Timantes gave her was so rich, that it was an argument of a great soule to refuse it, and the Case which Parthenia sent him was so magnificent, that she must be both rich and liberall who gave it: so that Antimaques after this confessed, that Timantes had reason to prosecute his adventure, and to try how far it would go; he moved him to show this Case unto some who perhaps might know it, and thereby to learne where it was made: he moved him also to shew her Letter, thereby to find out the writer by the writing: But since Timantes observed in discourse with his beloved unknowne one, that she knew all passages in the World, he durst not put it to the venture, but desired Antimaques a thousand and a thousand times, not to reveale his secret unto any, yet he had sometimes a great desire to speak himselfe unto the Lady at whose house Parthe∣nia lodged: but she had so often told him, that if ever he enquired of her, she would then never see him more, that he durst not attempt it. In the meane time, he waited for night with much impatience; yet he was much unresolved what to doe with the picture case which Parthenia sent him: for since it came from the hands of her he loved, he had no will to part with it: on the other side, it was so rich that he thought it were to be lesse generous then she, if he did not restore it; so that not knowing what he should doe with it, he carried it unto the place of meeting: but he was not so happy as he hoped to be, for Parthenia to perplex him the 〈…〉re, sent Amaxita to tell him, she could not see him that night; and as Timantes asked 〈◊〉 the reason, she gave him some cause to think by her answer (though she told him not so expresly) that it was because she was preparing her selfe to goe unto a generall Ball, which the Princess•Policrite kept the next day: so th〈…〉Timantes ravished that Amaxita had told him this ere ever she was aware, began to resolve not to faile being at this meeting, and there to talk with all the Ladies, so that he made no question but to find her whom he looked for: but since he hoped to pick somthing out of Amaxita, he talked with her a long time, and since he collected by her discourse that she was of Parthenia's Cabbinet counsell, he told her a hundred things to tell her, and began to aggravate his sorrowes, that he could not resolve to restore the picture Case which she sent him, and which he thought too rich to keep: yet (said he unto her at the end of their discourse) I doe conjure you to tell that excellent Lady, I will restore the Case that day she gives me her picture; but to the end she should not think I keep it out of any covetous inclination, I will within this four daies proclaime a Horse-race, and will give that for the prize which I presumed to offer unto her, and so I may safely keep that present which otherwise might make me suspected of covetousnesse. Amaxita used all her Rhetorick to perswade him to an alteration of his resolution, but all in vaine: However they parted, agreeing that the day following at coming from the Ball, he should come unto the usuall place of meeting. After this Timantes was all hopes and joyes, for he beleeved he should know this unknown one by her voice, or at least he would set such spies about the house whither she would come into at her returne from the Ball, as should tell him who she was. Then he prepared himselfe with all care possible, and went unto the Ball so timely, that the Hall was not made cleane when he came there. In the meane while I was advised by Amaxita to observe Timantes very close, and to render her an account a little before the Ball ended: I was so forward to doe the Princesse of Salamis any service, and considering that in this I might also serve Timantes, and the Prince Philoxipes, who I knew desired the Marriage, that I was almost assoon in the place of assembly as he was: For my part, I never had so much pleasure in all my life, as I had that day in observing Timantes, for there did not one beauty enter, which I perceived by his eyes, he did not wish might prove his unknowne one; and not one entered which was foule, but he feared that was she, and I saw so many several turbulencies in his countenance, that after I laughed at him, I could not chuse but pitty him: That which did most stick in his stomack was, that there were at this assembly three or foure women of Paphos who were very rich and very ill favoured, and except the Queen Policrite, Timoclia, and one more, he saw not one beauty there as was likely to send such a present as he received. In the meane time he knew it was not one of those foure, for he knew it by their Tones, and saw moreover it could not be the two first, who were both married and virtuous; and he knew it could not be the other two, for they had both of them declared Servants, and Ser∣vants whom they did not hate: Thus not knowing what to thinke, he went from place to place, Page  58 talking to all the faire ones, and foul ones, one after another, but could not finde her he looked for: then as he was walking from one to another, a Ladie of Amathonte, a high beauty and one whom Policrite received as a person of quality, did enter; she being wonderfull faire, and he having never seen her before, though she had been three daies in Paphos, he looked upon her with hopes that this was she he loved; and hearing her speak, he thought he heard something in the sound of her voice which resembled his unknown one, so that being ravish∣ed with joy, he waited till the complements between Policrite and she was passed, and she seated in her place; and she was no sooner set, but Timantes according to the freedome of our Court, talked to her, to the end he might move her to answer him, but this Lady being one of that countrywhose custome is not to talk with any she knows not, had much adoe to an∣swer him: Besides, she was as dull as she was faire, and when she did answer, it was so con∣fusedly and little to the purpose, thas Timantes hardly understood what she said. However, his imagination being forestalled, he thought her stupiditie and silence, was only affected, and that she would disguise her selfe, therefore he continued on, still hoping she would speak more; but long did he stay before he could get any thing from her, unlesse a yea or no: yet at last he found his error, for a man of Amathonte coming to her, she told to him so freely after the rusticity of her country, as fully undeceived Timantes, and since there was not one woman of any reasonable quality in all the assembly which he had not spoke unto, or heard speak, he satt downe, but so sadly, that he minded nothing which passed in the company; yet they forced him to dance, but it was so carelesly, and far from his accustomed garb, that Poli∣crite could not chuse but chide him. In the mean time, since I thought the Ball would quickly end, I went out, to render an account of my observations unto my Sister, and told her ex∣actly to the least circumstance all his actions, naming all the principall Ladies of the assembly which Timantes talked with, not forgetting the Lady of Amathonte: I told her also that I thought there were men about the house watching who entered, but I did not think they could know me, because it was very dark: After I had told all I knew, I went out at another dore then I intended at. But Amaxita had no sooner well informed Parthenia of all passages, but Timantes came unto his accustomed place. However, Parthenia the more to deceive him, wore many Jewells that night more then usuall; for though it was dark, yet there was so much dim light from the Moon, the Starrs, and Candle which was at the further end of the room, as might make the Diamonds sparkle: so that Timantes knowing that Parthenia was better dressed then ordinary, he thought then that she had really been at the Ball: though he knew he had spoken unto all the Ladies, and knew that none of them was her he talked unto then: Moreover since he understood from his spies, that there entered none into the house but one man, he thought againe she was not at the Ball: so that he was driven to such a cruell necessity, as he knew not what to think: But to compleat his amazement, Parthenia no sooner saw him, but not giving him so much leasure as to speak. Well Sir (said she unto him) what think you of the spirit of the Amathontine Lady, with whom you talked longer then with any Lady of Paphos? doe you not feare that all the Ladies of our Court should hate you, for preferring a Lady of that Country before them? and doe you not further think I may well be Jealous? I pray heavens Madam, said he, that it be the last of these, for since that passion cannot be in your heart, but it must arise from another, I should think my selfe very happy; for then you must love me, and let me see you, and consequently I must not be driven to the cruell necessity of seeking you out every where, and finding you no where, but here where I cannot see you with a full satisfaction. But Madam, I beseech you tell me sincerely, whether you were at the Ball or no? Is it not a sufficient answer, said she, to tell you all that passed in this meeting? and then she told him all that Amaxita had related unto her, and so puzled him, that he knew not what to think. But yet (said she unto him) who would you wish me to be of all the Ladies you saw with Policrite? I wish you were none but your selfe, replyed he, and that I could know who you are, for if you use me thus long, I shall infallibly lose my witts and reason. Very well (answered Parthenia and smiled) I begin to think so, and that which makes me most feare it, is, that unlesse you had been out of your witts and reason, you would never have offered me such a rich gift, which I could not accept of, without a stain unto my vertue. You may think it from another conjecture Madam, (said he unto her) for after you had sent me such a glorious example of generosity, and sent me back my gift with another more rich then mine, yet I keep it, and keep it without rendring you thanks: yet I shall keep it no longer then untill you are pleased to honour me with your picture, which you have not forbidden me to hope for. So did my woman tell me, replyed Parthenia, but I must tell you, there are many things to be done, before I give you my picture, for I will be first Page  59 well assured of your heart for ever; but untill then, I pray tell me, who doe you think of all the beauties you have seen in Cyprus, does in your judgement best deserve the prize? You have so accustomed me to make no use of my eyes (said he unto her) that I think them to be very ill Judges of beauty; for since I think upon none but that of your soul, and mind, and cannot see yours, I cannot tell whether I should love the fair or the brown. Parthenia did then exceedingly presse him to tell her whether he liked the beauty of Policrite or Aretaphile bet∣ter, purposely to prepossesse him with what he should hereafter find hers to be; but doe what she could, he could not clearly expresse himself, because he knew not the complexion of her he spoke unto, but striving to divert the discourse, hee told her, how all the men and women in Cyprus (except one woman, whose judgement was opposite to all others) told him that all the beauty he had seen was nothing comparable to the beauty of the Princesse of Salamis: Parthenia hearing her self named, did think at first, that perhaps Timantes knew who she was, but she was mistaken; for Timantes going on with his discourse; 'Tis true, said he, I doe beleeve this singular woman as much as I doe all the rest; especially because she is one of a good wit. Wit, replyed she, is not so necessary to judge of beauty: But there is a necessity of Justice and Impartiality, and without envy at the beauty of another. But I pray tell me, said Parthenia, who is the woman which speaks thus in disadvantage of the Princesse of Sa∣lamis? Timantes thinking of no inconveniencie by naming this Lady, needed not many en∣treaties: But he had no sooner named her, then Parthenia began to wonder at her injustice. I beseech you, Sir, said she unto him, do not judge of the Princesse of Salamis and her beau∣ty by the reports of this woman, who without reason hates her. But if she be so amiable as they s•y she is, replyed Timantes, how is it possible she should hate her? No, no, Sir, replyed Parthenia, doe not deceive your self, you must never judge of the beauty of one faire one, by the reports of another beauty: For I am confident that amongst a hundred, you will not find two that are just, but every one will think to adde glory unto themselves by detracting from others. The truth is, said Timantes, I did wonder very much this woman should be so opposite unto the judgement of all others, concerning the Princesse of Salamis. I pray tell me, said Parthenia, what shee did say in particular of her? For I take the greatest pleasure in the world to see envy and jealousie work in the spirits of those who are inspired with those humours. Since it is your pleasure, Madam, said he unto her, I will confesse, that after I had the honour to meet you the first time in the Labyrinth, and could not finde you in any place after, nor none could tell me who you were, I had an imagination that you were this Princesse whereof we speak: Yet I durst never reveale my thoughts unto any but this Lady, who was my indifferent good friend; but she kept me not long in that errour; for she told me the Princesse of Salamis, had a shrill voice not at all sweet; that she was grosse and ill made; that she had white, but not handsome and fair hands. The truth is, said Parthenia, There is no certain conclusions to be made by the reports of others; and since I love Parthenia very well, but doe not love her who speaks against her, perhaps I shall be partiall, and favour the one, and wrong the other, then I would have you see the Princess of Salamis, and be judge your self. In the mean time I am beholding to you, for thinking me to be her; for though she were not as all report her, yet my obligation is not the lesse, since your imagination fancied me to be so, and not as that Lady described her. 'Tis true, replyed Timantes, That I fancied your Idea like that of the Princesse of Salamis, bee shee as fair as shee can be. However (said Parthenia, exceedingly desiring to know what Timantes would think of her beauty) I pray doe me so much favour as to see that Princesse. How can I see her, Madam, replyed he, for the Prince Philoxipes asked her leave to bring me into her desart, and she would not honour me so far: And to tell you truly, Madam, all my curiosi∣ty is confined unto your self, and I desire to see none else: Yet I should think my self obli∣ged to you (answered she) if you would see her. Once more, Madam, said he, pray tell me how I can see her. You may easily doe it (said Parthenia) for I know she goes almost every day unto a little Temple of Venus Urania, not above thirty furlongs from her house, towards Amathonte. I doe know the Temple, said hee, for it was shewed unto me as I went unto the Adonian Feast. Since so, said she, I pray you goe thither to morrow; for I confesse I should be very glad if the beauty of that Princesse should please you, to the end you may hereafter suspect the reports of that Lady who I love not, and may put her out of the Cata∣logue of your friends. Alass, Madam, said Timantes, there is no necessity of my seeing the Princesse of Salamis, for I know enough from you to make me discard that Lady from the number of my friends; for since she does not please you, she cannot me. No, no, said she, I would not have you do• so out of complacencie, but out of reason, therefore I conjure you to Page  60 doe as I desire. But, Madam, said he, if this Princess be as fair as reports make her, me-thinks you should have some care of my heart, in exposing it unto so great a danger: at least you should shew me your eyes, that I may with them defend my self against hers. On the con∣trary, said she, since I doe intend never to give my entire affection untill I am first most certainly assured of yours, I wish the Princesse of Salamis were a thousand times fairer then she is, that she might be a stronger tryall of your constancie: For since I value not a perfideous in∣constant heart, nor would be loved for beauty if I had it, but would have good security a∣gainst all those evils which beauty causes, I should be glad you saw all the beauties in Cyprus, to the end I might not fear it. In conclusion, Sir, Parthenia ordered the matter with so much art, that Timantes promised to go next morning and see whether the Princesse of Salamis were at that Temple, not having the least suspition of the truth, nor thinking she had any other design in her commands, but onely that she loved to be punctually obeyed: So that he prepared himselfe for it: And after he went from her, Parthenia gave all requisite orders for his journey in the morning, and so did she: Amaxita writ a Letter unto me to send a Coach by break of day; for Parthenia would not make use of the Ladyes with whom shee lodged, because Timantes knew it. So she did rise betimes in the morning, and dressed her self in her richest habit, and neglected nothing which might set her self out with advantage: When she was all ready, and had looked the last time in her glasse, Amaxita asked what was her design? not being yet satisfied with all the reasons she had told her, I would exactly know, said she, what Timantes will think of me, which I can never doe, if I shew my self unto him, and discover who I am. But, Madam (said Amaxita unto her) since you doe not feare that your beauty will attract the heart of Timantes, why doe you tell him the truth? No, reply∣ed Parthenia, I have not changed my mind, but still fear the menaces of the gods, and these fears are my reasons why I goe so fantastically to work. But for all that, Madam (said A∣maxita) I am confident Timantes will think you the fairest that ever he saw; and I beleeve all the excellings of your spirit, your soul, your hands, your stature, and your voice will have much adoe to hold out against the glory of your eyes; and therefore if you think you cannot marry him, if perchance he should be in love with your beauty as well as with your soul, never expose him unto that danger, but seek out some other way to make tryall of his fi∣delity. Yet Parthenia would not hearken unto Amaxita: But not well knowing what she should think if Timantes should commend her either too much or too little: She went into the Temple so early, as she was in no danger to be known in the Town: She went also by a blind way, to the end that she might come as if she came from Salamis; for so her Desart was called: But since she feared that if Timantes did see her in the Temple, he would know her by her stature: as soon as she came; she offered her sacrifice; and afterwards seeing that Timantes was not come, she went unto the Sacrificers house under pretence of resting her self, whose house was close by the way as one comes from Paphos. So that being in a Parlor, shee leaned against the window talking with Amaxita, whose hood was up as well as hers; for in favour of their design the Sun did not then shine. She had not stood there a quarter of an hour, but Amaxita espied Timantes coming towards the place where they were, having with him only one servant, and she no sooner espied him, but she shewed him unto Parthenia, just as Timantes turned his eyes towards them, but it was so far off as he could not discerne her beauty, and therefore he advanced with no hast; but when he was so neare▪ Parthenia as to distinguish that attracts in her face, he made no question but she was the Princesse of Salamis, and was so surprised at the lustre of her beauty, that he changed colour, and confessed to himselfe, that the Idea which he had fancyed of his beloved unknown Lady, was not fairer, nor so faire as this Princesse: he went then as gently as possible, he gazed upon her with at∣tention full of rapture, and bowed unto her with most reverent respect, and did not go into the Temple untill he had seriously contemplated upon it, and meeting with one of the sacrificers of that place going into the Temple, he stayed and fell into discourse with him, purposely for a pretence of looking longer upon her; at first he intended to go unto her as upon a visit, knowing she was not ignorant he was the friend of the Prince her Brother, but having only one servant with him, and being in a course and common habit, he could not find a mind to be so neare a person of that Beauty and Majesty, who struck so high an admiration and respect into him; therefore since the sacrificer went into the Temple, and he durst stay no longer there, he went into the Temple also, hoping still he should see her againe at his coming out: But Parthenia having no intention he should speak unto her, or follow her, assoon as she saw him gone into the Temple, she took Coach and went towards the place of her solitude, yet she went out of it againe, assoon as she was in a wood about two furlongs Page  61 distant from the Temple, and since she would not come unto Paphos untill it was night, nor meet with Timantes in the way, she took a blind way through the Forrest which went unto the house of one who was acquainted with my sister, and there she passed away the rest of the day. In the meane while Sir, since Parthenia had observed that her beauty had produced its customary effects upon the spirits of Timantes, to witt, admiration, and tu•bulencie, she knew not whether she should be glad or angry, yet she desired to please Timantes; but for all that, when she considered the menaces of the Gods, she could not chuse but be sorrowfull, that her beauty had any influence upon the mind of her lover, and feared, that since he was so sensible, he would not be so 〈…〉nstant, as she wished and hoped. However, (said Amaxita to her and laughed) though I 〈…〉antes doe change the object of his passion, yet is he not incon∣stant, because still he loves none but you: I assure you, answered she, that if he should, I should be no lesse jealous of my selfe then any other: Oh Madam (said Amaxita and interrupted her) it is not possible you should so scrupulously rely upon the Oracle, as to have any such thought, and be jealous of your selfe; for would you have Timantes have no eyes? or in ha∣ving be worse, and think you not handsome? Truly Amaxita replyed she, you put me to the question, for I should be sorry to seem ugly in his eye, and yet I would not have him dote too much upon beauty, and if I should find that he prefers the Princesse of Salamis before his unknown Mistresse, I doe confesse I should be very sorry: Truly Madam, replyed Amaxita, I cannot beleeve you, and I am confident, that maugle all the menaces of the Gods, you doe not think as you speak, since certainly it is not possible any beauty should be an enemy unto her owne charmes. But Sir, whilst Parthenia and Amaxita were thus talking, Timantes was en∣tertaining himselfe very sweetly with the rare beauty which he had seen. Is it not possible would he say, to joyne the spirit of my beloved unknown owne, to the beauty of her I saw? Alas, alas, I would it were, that I might be the happiest man alive, in the enjoyment of the most accomplisht person in the world; but that would be too much, and if there were a wo∣man in the world so faire as the Princesse of Salamis, and whose spirit were as great and sweet as hers I love, there would be more Altars erected unto her, then either unto Venus-Ana∣diomena, or to Venus Vrania: Be contented therefore with what the Gods have given unto her whom I adore, and wish only that she be but a little lesse faire then the Princesse of Salamis. Timantes was not long in these thoughts, for his hot desire of seeing this wonder of beauty a∣gaine, moved him to go out of the Temple almost assoon 〈◊〉 came into it: But sore was he grieved, to understand from those that looked to his horses, that the Princesse of Salamis was gone, he asked which way she went, and followed a while, but since she was in the wood be∣fore he took horse, he could not overtake her, therefore he returned towards Paphos, so ravished with the beauty of this Princesse, that he almost feared his falling in love with her. In the mean time, since his unknowne Lady did not prohibite him, from speaking of this journey, he told every one where he had been, only concealed the cause; and the chiefest motive which induced him so to doe, was, because he could not forbeare commending the beauty of the Princesse of Salamis, which he knew he durst not doe to the height, when he spoke with his un∣knowne one at night, for he knew that it was the greatest indiscretion in the world for any lo∣ver to commend the beauty of another before his Mistresse, & the most of all in him, because his Mistresse would not have him so inamoured with the beauty of the body as the mind, so that he did nothing but extol the beauty of the Princesse of Salamis, unto all the men he met with that day, he told it unto Philoxipes, Policrite, and Dorida; and he went himselfe to tell that Lady who so discommended this Princesse, that she knew not what beauty was; he had not the least suspicion that this Princesse was his unknown Lady, supposing it a thing impossible that a woman so faire, could hide her beauty from a man that was in love with her, especially from one she hated not, and whom she wished eternally to love her: for being igno∣rant of the Oracles which the Princesse received, he could not guesse at the true cause of her so fantasticall and extraordinary proceedings: None could think it strange that the Princesse should come so neare Paphos as this Temple, and not come into the Town, because it was her ordinary humor. But Philoxipes and Policrite murmured a little that she did not send to know how they did, imagining no other reason, but that she had no desire to have it known she was there, for feare she should be invited to come into the Town: However, night being come, Timantes went unto his accustomed place of meeting, being resolved to commend the beauty of the Princesse of Salamis, but not too highly for the reasons aforesaid: He was no sooner there, but Parthenia asked him, what he thought of the Princesse of Salamis? I think she is very faire replyed he, and I think that she who told me otherwise, did her much wrong, for truly if that Princesse had a mind answerable to her eyes, and a soule as faire as her face, Page  62 questionlesse she were a rare woman: But though she be only faire replyed Parthenia, is it not possible to love her? Yes (replyed he, and smiled) if those that look upon her were all eyes and no spirit: No, no, said Parthenia, doe not dissemble, I see you have a mind to answer me according to my thoughts, and not your owne, and to tell me rather what I would have you say, then what you think: Suppose I did Madam, replyed he, is it a crime to be com∣placentiall? Complyance said she, ought not to go so far as to dissemble ones thoughts, it is enough if it submit unto them, and too much to hide them; true delight consists in con∣formity of thoughts, and not of words only; and truly I am more joyed to see one whom I love, think just as I doe, then I am to see them who for my〈…〉ke force themselves in every thing to a complacency: certainly there is nothing more sw〈…〉nd pleasing then this, sym∣pathy of spirits, thoughts and opinions; therefore never strive to find out what I would wish you to say, but be cleare and ingenuous, and speak your owne thoughts, for you cannot de∣ceive me. Madam, replyed he, I doe ever speak sincerely unto you, you ask me whether the Princesse of Salamis be faire? I answer you that she is very faire, am I farre from the truth? Parthenia being then angred to think her beauty had not so much pierced the heart of Timantes as she thought, began to speak in a little higher tone: You commend the Beauty of the Princesse of Salamis very coldly (said she unto him) that it is plain to see, you doe it out of complacency only, or else out of subtilty to perswade me your heart is not sensible of beauty. 'Tis most true Madam, replyed he, I am at this time sensible of nothing but your spirit and soule, and all I know of you: and therefore Madam doe not wonder (said he, think∣ing that he could not please her better) if I be not so much charmed with the beauty of this Princesse, as I should have been, if I had not been in love with you: and truly Madam, my desires of returning hither were so hot, that I did not spend much time in contemplation of her. This Sir was the conference between Timantes and Parthenia that night, Timantes hardly daring to commend the beauty of the Princesse of Salamis, though Parthenia seemed to desire it, and Parthenia not well knowing whether she should commend him for it, or no: But after he was gone, she resolved with her selfe, and concluded that her beauty did not charme him, and was mistaken when she thought to see nothing but signes of admiration in his face and actions: No, no, said she unto Amaxita, certainly I am deceived, and all that which I thought to be admiration is only astonishment; Timantes questionlesse is surprised, but it is to see that the world should so much commend me with so little cause, certainly he loves beauty in another shape then that which the Gods have given unto me; there is some∣thing in my face which distasts his eyes, and will certainly make me to lose all that my spirit hath gotten. Madam (said Amaxita unto her) you said you would not have Timantes love you for your beauty: 'Tis true said she, but however, I would not have him hate me because he finds somthing in my face which does not please him: I know Amaxita (said she) that this I say seemes unreasonable unto you, but I cannot help it, for had you tryed as I have done, what a monstrous misery it is to be sleighted by him who once adored me, you would excuse all my imperfections and weaknesses, and would confesse, I had reason to try all waies possible, which might make me know the heart of Timantes. However Sir, Parthenia was not long in the beliefe that her beauty did displease her lover, for as it was my chance to be in three or foure places where he had so highly extolled her, the next morning I acquainted my sister, and she Parthenia with it, and since I thought there was never any danger in telling a beauty that she was extolled, I told the story with as many aggravations as I could, and therefore said, I think Timantes was as much in love with her beauty as her spirit. Madam said Amaxita to her, it may truly be said that Timantes loves two and is not inconstant, since he loves but one person, and by giving his heart to one he does not take it from the o∣ther: and it may be further said, that you have a Rivall whom you cannot hate, for I doe not think your spirit can envie the power of your eyes, nor your eyes oppose the conquests of your spirit. Parthenia hearkned unto all that Amaxita said, and never gave her answer; but after I was gone, and she had commanded me to keep an observant eye still over Timantes, she did complaine of him almost asmuch for extolling her beauty too high unto others, as she did for extolling it too little the night before unto her, and finding that he did not speak sincerely, she was very sad, yet not so much as when she thought that she did not please his eye, and when Amaxita asked her what security she desired of the heart of Timantes? she told her that she did not know her selfe: Truly Madam, said Amaxita to her, I cannot see you can either expect or desire better assurance then you have, that Timantes is the man whom the Gods would have you to marry; for he began to love you without the power of your beauty, and not knowing whether you were noble or rich: he still loves you, and knowes not that Page  63 you are faire, and loves you in a place where there are a thousand shining beauties, who doe all they can to engage his heart; you would have perswaded him that you were ill favoured, and indeed he had great reason to suspect it; yet for all this he continues loving you, you have also imployed your owne beauty to make tryall of his constancy, and you see he is faithfull to you, that he dares not commend her in your presence, for feare certainly he should thereby give you cause to think that he can be sensible of beauty. All that you say is true, replyed Parthenia, but yet for all this, if Timantes can suffer his heart to be drawne from his un∣known Mistresse, by the charmes that are in the beauty of the Princesse of Salamis, though his unknown Mistresse and this Princesse be all one, yet I have reason to feare, that if he can quit my spirit for my beauty, he may hereafter quit both my spirit and my beauty, for some other person, unto whom the grace of novelty will give advantage; so that to have better assurance of the heart of Timantes, I will yet try what absence will doe, which questionlesse is the strongest test of all others, therefore I will return into my solitude, and returne without so much as bidding him adieu, fearing that if he should know, he would set so many spies about the house, that he might follow me. Amaxita did oppose her designe, and perswaded her as much as she could to let Timantes know of her departure, but all in vaine, for she would not hearken unto her; yet she could not depart the next morning, because some orders were to be taken for the privacy of her journey, so that she saw Timantes once more, whom she chid for the excessive applaudes which he gave the Princesse of Salamis, and for not speaking unto her in the same tearmes when he told her his opinion; and therefore, said she unto him, I have cause to beleeve that they who accuse you of being in love with her had reason for it: but I pray you if it be so confesse it unto me, I conjure you unto it, to the end I may not ingage my selfe in any further affection, and that I may be no impediment unto you in that conquest: but Sir deceive not your selfe, you will not find so easie a matter as may be you think; I know Parthenia, and I know she is harder to please then I am, and more deli∣cate; so that in all likelyhood, if you quit me for her, you will lose me, and not find her. Timantes hearing Parthenia say so, did protest that he was not in in love with the Princesse of Salamis, nor ever would be,: You promise me now said she and smiled, more then I ask, and it will be sufficient if you only assure me you doe not love her at present; as for the time to come you are a little too bold with it, if you speak for it with as much certainty as for the present. But Madam, said he unto her, since I am not at present in love with the Princesse of Salamis, it followes of necessity I never shall be, for as I doe not seek to see her, so though I would I cannot, since she hath already denyed me that honour, and therefore it is not likely I ever shall: I doe confesse (since you know I said it in other places) that the Princesse of Sala∣mis is the fairest that ever my eye beheld, but since I find a greater beauty in your mind and spirit, then in her face, and since I am resolved to serve you all my life, and never see her againe, it doth of necessary consequence follow, that I doe not love her, and that I shall for ever love you. However once more let me tell you, said Parthenia, it is good to submit unto the providence of the Gods, for the time to come: Why Madam? said he, have you not told me a hundred times that you would not valew any affection which you were not sure would be eternall? so that you had an eye unto things to come, aswell as things past and present. How∣ever it be, said Parthenia, I would not have you answer equally for the present and the future, lest you make me suspect both. After much such discourse as this, Timantes retired, and the next morning Parthenia returned to her solitude, leaving a letter with me for Timantes, with orders to convay it so secretly unto him, that he could not suspect or guesse how it came; but since the difficulty was, to find out a way how Timantes might answer, and not know which way his letters went. I was a long time before my invention could hit on it, but at last I found out a way to convay Parthenia's letter to him, and his answer to her unknown to him by whom, and thus I went to work. I sent the first letter of Parthenia to Timantes as I s〈…〉t the Jewells, that is to say, by an unknowne person, who gave it unto his servant; but I added a note unto this letter, counterfeiting my hand as Parthenia did hers, by which I in∣timated unto him, if he would return an answer, he should give his letter unto one who in the morning early should be at the statue of Venus in the great Temple of Paphos; and to the end that the matter might be carryed with more safty, I employed one of my friends, and made him beleeve, that it did highly concern me (upon a design which hereafter I would im∣part to him, when I had commission for it from a person who had absolute power over me) to receive some letters which none should know by whom I received them, nor for whom I received them; and I did so entangle the matter, that he could never know whether I nego∣tiated for my selfe or for another, or whether it concerned matter of State, or matter of Page  64 Gallantry, so that he not knowing whether I transa••ed in things concerning love or ambi∣tion, he did as I desired him, and I giving him full instructions, and he being both ••ld and trusty, the businesse was done aswell as I could wish: He delivered the Letter which Parthenia left at parting, and which did extreamly surprise Timantes, and it was thus indited.

This Letter did not only surprise, but extreamly grieve Timantes, and he was so passionate∣ly both in love and sorrow for her absence, that he was nothing but a lump of Melancholly, and so continued many dayes. The greatest augmentation of his inquietudes, was, that it was not permitted him to enquire of that which he had the greatest desire to know; and that he was not able to keep within those strait limits which were prescribed him. He went himself to carry his answer unto my friend who expected it in the place which I directed him to; but he was exceedingly surprised when he saw him to be a man he knew not, and a man of Quality: He offered any thing unto him if he would tell him unto whom he was to give that Letter, but all in vain, insomuch as he was driven to the necessity of conjuring him not to tell hee asked the question. So that my friend giving me the Letter which could have no suspition, I sent unto Parthenia, who found these words.

This, Sir, was the answer which I sent unto Parthenia, who writ many times to Timant〈…〉 and he also unto her: Yet since the beauty of this Princesse who he saw in that little Temple which is in the way towards Amathonte, did make a deep impression in his heart, he spoke of her very much; so that Amtimaques who was in love with Donida, and would have been even ravished with joy to see him marryed unto Parthenia, he alwaies was hinting unto him that was only this Princesse that he could marry with honor, and not with an unknown woman, who perhaps had no beauty, or at least was of some fantasticall disposition. Timan∣tes then did remember him of his promise not to condemn his passion if the unknown Lady did refuse his present: But Antimaques answered that when he said so, he did not think there was in Cyprus any match for him so advantagious as this of this Princesse: but now Page  65 he unde•••ood that the Prince Philoxipes did really wish that he should marry his sister, he could not be any longer in his first opinion: For I pray you Sir said he unto him, do but compare your unknown Lady with Parthenia a little; as for her quality, it is most certain it cannot be more high, nor so high, for there is none in all the 〈…〉e that is comparable unto her; as for her beauty, according to your owne description, the comparison must needs be as unequall; as for her vertue, •ou know what high reputation she hath; and as for her spirit, the world knowes no equall, and would you preferre you know not who, before her? Doubt∣lesse I would replyed Timantes, for I love her, and she does not hate me: as for the Prin∣cesse of Salamis, though I could love her, and though her ravishing beauty should force me to be perfideous, yet it were very doubtfull whether she could love me; for I have heard say she is of a nice spirit, and few men can please her, though many not without some merit have courted her, therefore I pray you talk no more of this Princesse, whose Idea is but too deeply imprinted already in my imagination. In the mean time, Dorida, who for the interest she had in Antimaques, desired that Timantes might stay in Cyprus, used all her arguments to perswade Policrite, that she would importune the Princesse of Salamis to quit her soli∣tude; so that unknown to Parthenia, Philoxipes, Policrite, Dorida, and Antimaques, plot∣ted her marriage with Timantes: and truly it was happy they did so; for otherwise, I think Parthenia would never have made her selfe known unto Timantes; for since her reason was not quite prejudicated, she would often think her proceedings with him so fantasticall, that she could not beleeve Timantes could really esteem her; and as an effect of this opinion, she did so firmly resolve never to discover her selfe, but to break off absolutely with him, that Amaxita quite despaired of ever altering her. In the meane time, Philoxipes knowing that Timantes thought his Sister very faire, he thought that if he could make her like him, aswell as he liked her, the design so much desired might happily take effect: But since she could never like Timantes unlesse she saw him; and since Philoxipes knew not that she knew him aswell as he did, he resolved to carry him unto the Princesse, and to surprise her in her solitude: But Timantes excused himselfe saying, he respected her more then to force her to see a man whom she did not think worthy of that honour, and had denyed it before, adding further, that it would be a meanes to make her hate him: so that Timantes refusing to goe in a civill complement, Philoxipes knew not what to think: But Antimaques who was acquainted with the passage, told it unto Dorida, to the end she might tell Policrite, that the reason why Timantes would not go to see the Princesse of Salamis, was, because he would not ex∣pose himselfe unto the danger of falling in love with one who perhaps would be insensible of him: So that Dorida preparing the mind of Policrite, and Policrite the mind of Philoxipes, it was plotted and resolved amongst them, to get out Timantes under colour of taking a journey of pleasure, and in lieu of carrying him unto the pretended place, to carry him unto the Princesse: But since the Prince Philoxipes knew the humour of Parthenia, it was thought expedient to gaine Amaxita; therefore he made a visit unto the Princesse, and ne∣gotiated the matter so dexterously, that she found an opportunity (whilst Parthenia was dressing her selfe, for it was very early) to talk with Amaxita in her chamber, and imparted unto her their designe of marrying the Princesse his sister unto Timantes. Let us tell her said he, to satisfie her concerning the Oracles which she received, that he is fallen in love with her reputation, and with the commendation which every one gives of her spirit. At first, Amaxita thought that the Prince Philoxipes knew something of the passages between Timan∣tes and Porthenia, but she was greatly undeceived of that, by severall passages he told her: so that seeing it was the zeale and earnest desire of this Prince to promote this Marriage, she resolved to impart the secret of all the story unto him, conceiving that if she did not, perhaps the Prince Philoxipes (when he saw the amazement that Timantes would be in, when seeing and hearing Parthenia speak, he would know her, and his unknowne one to be one and the same person) would not know what to think, and perhaps would have some disadvantagi∣ous thought of Parthenia; therefore ••e intreated the Prince Philoxipes to beleeve the sincerity of her words, and conjured him not to discover what she had imparted, aggravating the scruple which Parthenia made, to marry a man who was in love with her beauty; so that Philoxipes crediting all that my sister told him, he was so strongly confirmed in his designe, that he thought of nothing else but how to promote it: He concluded then with Amaxita upon the day when he would bring Timantes unto Parthenia, to the end that the Princesse mig•• not be that day in her negligent dresse, though she should not be acquainted with the reason: After which he returned into Paphos, where Timantes was droning out a life of melancholy, for he was profoundly in love with his unknown Mistresse, and could not forget Page  66 the beauty of the Princess of Salamis, from whom he received divers Letters, no• knowing them to be from her. In the mean time Parthenia was almost absolutely resolved to disengage her self from the affection of Timantes, for she stood upon such terms of honour, that she could not resolve to make her self known unto him, after all this fantasticall gallantry: And indeed she writ unto him as if it were to be the last he should ever receive from her: Yet I think it was not her full intention, for I think she writ another after it, purposely to know his sorrows af∣ter this sad news, and the better to know how he loved her. However, Timantes received the Letter after he had engaged himself to Policrite and Philoxipes to goe the next morning unto a place where yet he never had been; not thinking that it was unto the Princess of Salamis. But since he grieved excessively at the Letter from Parthenia, he did what he could to dis-en∣gage himself, but he could not; all his pretences would not serve for an excuse, nor content Philoxipes: Hee went himself to Timantes to oblige him unto this journey. Policrite sent severall times unto him, and sent him positive word, that for her part shee would not goe, unlesse hee did. So that as sad as hee was, there was a necessity of going with them; but Heavens know it was with so much unwillingnesse and sorrow, that it appeared in his face, in his words, and in his habit; for it was carelesse. He did strive, and force himself to seem a little pleasant, but his sorrows were stronger then himself. Phi∣loxipes would have exceedingly grieved had he not known the cause; but my Sister did write unto him, intimating it, and her desires of hastning the execution of the design. I forgot to tell you, Sir, how Timantes answered Parthenia's Letter that night, and I sent it away so, that she received it two hours before Philoxipes and Timantes came unto her: But never was there such a condoling Letter written; it moved Parthenia to repent of her rigid dealing with him: In the mean time Amaxita knowing that some company would come that day, was much puzzled how to get her out of her negligent dresse, and bethought her self of a way how to move her unto it. The Princesse long since promised my Sister to suffer her to take her Picture, and therefore my Sister told her that I had writ unto her by him who brought the Letter from Timantes, intimating that the Limmer would be there that day, and would in∣fallibly be there within two hours. So that Amaxita in this consideration entreated the Princesse to dresse her self as well as possibly she could. The Princesse told her at first, that he should stay untill to morrow: but Amaxita told her, the Limmer was so full of work, that he could not stay so long, and that there was no time to spare: So that Parthenia loving my Sister very well, did let her women dresse her as if she were going unto some publique Feast, Amaxita telling her that the Limmer was to work upon her clothes that day, and that the better dressed she was, the more lovely would her face look, and would inspire a hand∣some fancy into the Limmer, and also that it was necessary that Parthenia was to dresse her self, to the end he might draw her whole Picture. But whilst Amaxita was making choice of such Jewels and clothes as she desired Parthenia to wear that day, Timantes not knowing whither he was carryed, left the conduct of himself to the Prince Philoxipes, and the Princess Policrite; Antimaques made one in this voyage as well as Dorida, and I had the honour to be there also, Philoxipes knowing by my Sister, that I was a confident in the businesse. But, Sir, the more melancholly Timantes was, the more inclination had Philoxipes and Policrite to be merry, being more fully perswaded that he was the man whom the gods had reserved for a happinesse unto the Princesse of Salamis, since it is hardly possible without some spe∣ciall order of divine providence, that Timantes should love Parthenia in so odde a way. In the mean time this gallant company went on, and came at last so near that Desart of the Princesse of Salamis, that Timantes coming out of a deep study, asked whose house that was, and whither it was they went unto. It is the same that we goe unto, said Philoxipes, but you shall not know whose it is, untill you have seen her who will entertain us. Timantes was so deep in his melancholy, that he never minded this indirect answer, or had any suspition. We came unto the Base Court of the Castle, and then went on foot: Timantes led Policrite, and Antimaques Dorida: As for Philoxipes, he told the Princesse his Wife, and Timantes, he would goe before, and acquaint them they were come; so that commanding me to fol∣low him, we went befor unto Parthenia's chamber, who had newly done dressing her self, and who being told by some of her servants that the Prince her Brother, and Princesse her Sister was come, she was coming in hast to entertain them: So that Philoxipes giving her his hand after he had saluted her, he did not oppose her civility which she intended unto Policrite, but led her unto the midst of the outer room where they met. Sir, it is a most difficult matter to relate how Timantes was amazed when he saw the Princess of Salamis appear, whom hee knew at first, though he never saw her but once before; and how the Princess of Salamis was Page  67 surprised when she saw Timantes, who knew assoon as ever she spoke that his unknown Mistresse and she were one and the same; certainly this adventure was full of wonder, at the very first Parthenia blusht: and in lieu of advancing towards Policrite, she thought to stop; Timantes did the same, and never were two persons of such spirits as they so planet-struck with amazement; yet Timantes amidst his wonder, had some glimps of joy aswell as sor∣row, the first of these, because the beauty of Parthenia made such a print in his heart, as he could not but joy at the sight of suth a beauty; the second, because as things stood between him and his unknown Mistresse, he feared left this visit would ruine him in her opinion. But when Parthenia was a little recollected from her first astonishment, and with much adoe was able to tell Policrite she was glad to see her, Timantes fell into a second fit of wonder, much greater then the first; for Parthenia had no sooner pronounced four words, but he perfectly knew her voice, and made no question in the world but that she was his un∣known Mistress: but yet this last amazement was much different from the first: for he was beyond all expect tion joyed to find, that all he loved in two persons were conjoyned in one, and that his unknown Mistresse and Parthenia were one and the same, the motions of his heart did beat in his eyes; joy danced in his lookes, and he had much adoe to hinder his expressions of it; especially when Policrite having ended her owne complements, presented him unto Parthenia, who saluted him civilly, but yet very faintly; for since she was ignorant how Timantes was compelled to come unto her, she thought that since he was so jocund after such a letter as she sent him, that he did not love her; so that though she was not uncivill, yet he observed she was angry: Also she was so ashamed, that Timantes should know her, that she could no longer hide her selfe from him, and that it was no obligement in her, the making her selfe known unto him, that all her thoughts were so intangled and confused, that she knew not what to doe or think, yet she imagined there was some secret designe or other in this visit, and she suspected that Amaxita had revealed her secret; she looked earnestly in her eyes to find in them a confirmation of her suspition, but she could not discover any thing by them. In the mean while Philoxipes began to chide his sister and laugh, because she was not sufficiently joyed at the sight of Policrite, and because of her incivility in not thanking her for bringing to her the bravest and most gallant man in the world, in bringing Timantes: I beleeve, said she unto her, that the Princesse my sister is so well perswaded of my affection, as she will not doubt but I am ravished with joy to see her, and as for this illustrious stranger (added she and blushed) I think he hath so little cause to thank you for bringing him hither, as I have not so much interest in him, as to thank you my selfe for him. I assure you Madam (replyed Timantes, and looked upon her with equall love and joy) I think my selfe so happy in the honour of seeing you this day, that if you had any interest in me, you would render abundance of thanks for me unto the Prince Philoxipes, and so much the more (said he, thinking to justifie himselfe, and not thinking that the company took any notice) because the Prince Philoxipes forced that happinesse upon me, in compelling me to come hither, where I should have feared to disturb your solitude. After this Parthenia brought all this good company into her chamber, her mind being as full of various thoughts, as the mind of Ti∣mantes, whose eyes were still fixed upon hers, and she on the contrary durst not look upon him, but shunned his looks as much as she could: In the meane while Philoxipes and Policrite, asked her how it came to passe she was so finely dressed in a desart, and afterward chid her for coming nere Paphos, and never sending to see how they did; and thus the time was spent untill dinner. But as Timantes did burn with desire to tell his adored unknown Mistresse that he knew her, so he watched the opportunity (whilst Philoxipes and Policrite were talking of the best expedients to get Parthenia's consen• unto their desires) to addresse himselfe unto her, and to talk with her when none heard. Why Madam, said he unto her, have you so long eclipsed the greatest beauty in the World? why would you rather put it to hazard then your owne will that I should see you? The last letter which your unknown Mistresse writ unto you (said she unto him) has so little reached your hart, that I cannot tell whether her acquaintance with you, will be so pleasing as you imagine; or whether the consolation which you look for from the Princesse of Salamis will be so great as you hoped: it was not she whom you saw at the Temple, but she whom you saw at Paphos, whom I desired you should love. Ti∣mantes hearing Parthenia say so, protested that he never intended to come and see her but that the Prince Philoxipes had deceived him, and forced him to come whether he would or no, and that she might observe by his negligent habit, that he had no such intentions when he rose in the morning. The truth is Sir, he set all his Rhetorick upon the rack for arguments to perswade her, and make her beleeve, that he had no intention of seeing the Princesse of Salamis, and said asmuch as if he were to justifie himselfe for intending a visit unto her most Page  68 mortall enemy, or as if his unknown Mistresse and the Princesse of Salamis were not all one person: and he was in a faire way to make his peace, when Philoxipes and Policrite came towards them; Philoxipes taking Parthenia aside to talk with her in private, and Policrite to talk with Timantes. But Sir, why should I so longe hinder you from knowing the good for∣tune and happinesse of these two lovers, which is a happy Omen of your owne? Therefore let me tell you without making any particularities, that Philoxipes let the Princesse of Salamis understand, that he knew how Timantes loved her, and she made no difficulty to confesse she did not hate him. Afterwards he made it apparent unto her, that the Oracles were accomplished, since Timantes loved her without the influence of her beauty, and he perswaded her to put the fidelity of Timantes unto no further tryalls, protest∣ing unto her, that he durst answer for his constancy. On the other side; Policrite told Timantes, that Philoxipes knew of his passion and approved of it. Thus were all things so prosperously transacted, that it was resolved upon before Philoxipes returned unto Paphos, Antimaques should return to Crete to procure the consent of Timantes his Father. In the mean time, left solitude should infuse fresh scruples, and more fantasticall thoughts in Parthenia, Philoxipes would have Policrite carry her unto his stately house of Claria, and there continue with her before she returned to Court. In conclusion, Sir, all things were happily composed; Parthenia pardoned Amaxita for revealing her secret: Timantes rendered a million of thanks to the Prince Philoxipes, and was infinitely more in love with Parthenia then before, but durst not tell her as much, lest she should thinke he loved her beauty more then her soul. Antimaques returned with the consent of Timantes his Father; and to recompence his pains a match was made up between him and Dorida, and they were marryed eight dayes after Timantes and Parthenia. I shall not trouble you, Sir, with a rela∣tion of the great rejoycings in Paphos, for you are not concerned in them, onely let mee tell you this, Sir, that never were two so happy as Timantes and Parthenia; and to let this Princesse see he loved her above Parents, Country, and and all the world, he would not goe into Crete, but resolved to dwell in Cyprus. The King, for Philoxipes his sake, conferred up∣on him the Government of one of the principall parts of the Isle: So that Parthenia found a full accomplishment of her joyes, insomuch, as you, Sir, have reason to hope, that the same gods who declared her happinesse and yours at the same time, would produce the same happy events unto you, Sir, as unto her. Also it was the Prince Philoxipes his pleasure, that I should come and acquaint you with the happy conclusion of this adventure, that you might with greater hopes wait for a happy end of all your misfortunes, and for an accomplishment of your felicity, which he desires with all his heart, and wishes with as much zeal as he doth his own.

Megasides having ended his story, Cyrus expressed a thousand thanks to the Prince Phi∣loxipes for the hopes he gave him of an end unto his miseries; and thanking Megasides in particular for his exact relation of this pleasant adventure, he thought he had good reason to hope, that since the Gods had made Parthenia so happy so odde a way, they would also make him happy after all his miseries. After this Cyrus asked Leontidas where he met with Megasides, and he was answered, at Milete; then he dismissed them, assuring Megasides and Leontidas, that he would take orders for their dispatch, as soon as he had taken a little rest. But they both beseeched him to give them so much leave as to stay and see the end of the Siege of Sardis: Leontidas importuning him to send his orders unto Thrasibulus by some other; and Megasides desired he might not return unto Cyprus but with news of a new Victory, to the end he might be more joyfully welcomed by Philoxipes. Cyrus consented unto their re∣quests, and giving them both thanks and commendations, he bad them retire unto their rest, being himself in more quietness of spirit then he was the day before; for though the Oracle of Babylon did threaten him; and the Sybill declared sad things unto him, yet since Venus Urania spoke him fair, he did not so sadly resent the rest, nor despaired of happinesse, since he might as well beleeve the one as the other. Thus this news did invigorate his spirits amidst his sufferings: He had fresh hopes of happy success in his siege of Sardis, and hoped also that the unjust jealousie of Mandana would shortly end: So that after he had given some Military orders, he refreshed himself with two or three hours of sound serene sleep: His Dreames also which used to be horrid, now smiled upon him, and he saw Mandana, and Mandana not jea∣lous nor angry: He thought he saw her sitting in an Arbour set round with Flowers, and that she called him with as much sweetnesse in her voice as in her eyes; but as he was going unto her, and ready to kneel unto his Princesse, he thought he heard a great noise, which made her vanish, and him awake, very sorry he could no longer enjoy so fair and sweet a vision.