Aretina; or, The serious romance Written originally in English. Part first.

The Second Book. (Book 2)

FOrgetfulnesse did now begin to claim soveraignity over what past, and the pleasures of that famous Solemnity, which had not long since been in its flourish, was now in the fall of its leaf; and every man returned to his former imployment, sorry that pleasure, which had only shewn them a glimpse of the face, should have passed by so quickly; and they resembled now poor Gally∣slaves, who after some short recreation, are called back to their former Oars. But Phila∣rites, besides the common melancholy wherein he shared with others, had likewise a private stock of his displeasure, wherewith his melan∣choly soul traded continually: for, nothing pleased him, seing he could not please ARE∣TINA: his dayes seemed nights, because not illuminated by the sunshine of her smiles; and his nights seemed death, because not quickned by hopefull thoughts: and fearing that Bona∣ria should bring home her daughter with her, he entreated Eudoxa to cause Agapeta inter∣cede for her stay at Court, which Agapeta did,

and prevailed so, that Bonaria returning home left ARETINA with the Princess.

Whilest all others went abroad to hunt, Philarites stayed at home, hunting occasions to meet ARETINA, but all in vain; for Agapeta (whom vertue had glued to ARE∣TINA) thought alwayes she wanted com∣pany when she wanted ARETINA; yet, one afternoon ARETINA'S waiting-mai•• (with whom he kept constant correspondency, and whom his generous carriage, and rich dona∣tives, had gained) acquainted him, that she was to stay at home retiredly till six a clock; for she had alwayes endeavoured, since the last Combat, to wash by her wishes that tauney colour, which the armour and device represen∣ted, and was divesting her self of that indif∣ferency towards Philarites which she had used formerly, weighing all his qualities in the bal∣lance of love (which would have proven weighty enough even in the ballance of truth) and his very fame (which is but naturally a thing very light) appeared heavie here.

Whilest she was curiously recapitulating to her self all his endowments, Philarites enters the hall, asking if ARETINA was quiet? she finding her mind in disorder, and accusing her very thoughts, as if they had divulged her se∣crets to Philarites, (for none knew them but

they) resolved not to admit him, yet that re∣solution was presently re-called by a second, which condemned the first of unmannerlinesse; whereupon she desired that he might advance: for love perswaded her, that the gods, who were his favourites, and are mortals privie-counsellours, had inspired him to choose so favourable an opportunity.

Philarites, at his entry, making a low reve∣rence (as if he would have kist the ground, be∣cause she had once trod upon it) said, Madam, I fear that as I am fortunate in finding you so∣litary, so I am unfortunate in having an op∣portunity to disquiet your solitarinesse, but my obedience in retiring, if commanded, shall te∣stifie that my errour streamed from ignorance. Sir, (replied ARETINA) your company would be preferred by the finest Wits at Court to any else, and why should I refuse to accept that favour which better than I would entreat for.

Philarites being seated in a chair near ARE∣TINA, did, like a ship newly entred the har∣bour, discharge a volley of sighs; but his spi∣rits, who had retired to assist his heart pre∣sently wounded by a dart, short from ARETI∣NA'S eye, had left his tongue frozen by the cold chilnesse of fear; yet she perceiving by what he had spoken formerly what he would

have spoken now, (her cunning supplied his dumbnesse) to enter him in some discourse, and fearing he should enter upon that subject, asked what newes were currant at Court? Philarites lifting his dejected eyes, said, Ma∣dam, why should one who hath no interest in the world, such as I am, ask what the world is doing? Truly, said ARETINA, if ye have as much interest in the world, as ye have courage to astonish the world, or had as much need of the world, as it hath of you, I am confident your interest would cede to none. Since my courage cannot he serviceable to you, Madam, (replied Philarites) I value it not; or, at least, since you will not imploy it, for I shall never use it but either in Vertues, or your quarrel; and seing your goodnesse will never engender enmity, my courage shall be uselesse: neither vallue I Vertue so much for any reason, as be∣cause it is a thing wherein ye take some plea∣sure. I thought (quoth ARETINA) that ye had swept away these cobwebs of folly (or of love, as ye will term it) from the cabinet of your generous soul; and I judged alwayes formerly, that none but fools and mad-men were taken in these cobwebs, which that crafty spider, Cupid, weaves, to ensnare poor mor∣tals, but that such strong Courages as yours would easily break through them.

Fair Lady, replyed Philarites, I am not pri∣soner in follies cobwebs, but in those golden chains which loves fair hands have twisted for me. Alas, Madam, I would have thought my self happy once this morning to have received your commands, but now I think my self un∣happy, seing when I have received, I cannot obey them. Ye command me not to love: but that is as unpossible as to command me to ba∣nish my reason and senses; for, love and they seem now to be incorporated in one: and ye would think him an unskilfull Physician who would apply nothing to his patient, but would intreat him only to convalesce. Wherefore, Madam, apply the lenitives of clemency to cure my wounded heart, which else is incurable. If ye be really distempered with that passion (said ARETINA) imploy your reason. Alas, Madam, quoth Philarites, ye send me to the wrong Physician; for my reason confirms my passion, and perswades me it is reasonable to love a person of your extraordinary qualities, and that seing all your acquaintances adore your perfections, it were vanity in me to be singular, it imploys, as a guard for it, my me∣mory to remember those excellent discourses which I have heard from you; it imploys my eyes to behold those ravishing looks, and my judgment to ponder the singular effects of your

rare prudence: So that (fair Lady) the only sanctuary I can refuge my self in, is your fa∣vour. But think ye (said ARETINA) that I will prove so great a stranger to my parents, as to choose without their advice? (for, to chuse without ones consent, is to chuse against his consent, seeing possibly his consent can never be extorted from him, and so by chusing before he consent, we care not whether he con∣sent or not) and especially being a woman, whose reason is weaker, and whose passion is stronger than that in a man, and so the one hath more need to be directed, and the other more need to be restrained than in men; and thereupon she opened a book which lay upon her table, wherein she made him read this sub∣sequent discourse. Experience teacheth that a womans miscarriage is more prejudicial to her self, and more dishonourable to her parents than a mans; and so where the wrong may be greater, the consent of the party wronged seems more requisite; seing the consent is required to skreen the consenter from a future wrong: Whereon hath been built that signal Law, that a man may necessitate his daughter to marry, but not his son: because, if the daughter not marrying, tash her repute, her fathers repute is irrepairably wronged, and her own being, dy∣ed black by immodesty, can never return, nei∣ther

to its own, nor any other colour. And there is reason it should be so, because where the crime is most to be feared, there the Law should be most strict: And surely women are more prone to imbrace what their passion prof∣fers them than men are; as also, because there is more modesty required in them, the offend∣ing of modesty must surely in them be a grea∣ter vice. The reason why modesty is more re∣quired in them than in men, are first, Because seing that is the main vertue which Nature hath bestowed upon them, they should therefore endeavour to be rich in that; and as men should exceed women in courage, because cou∣rage is the vertue of their sex; So women should exceed men in modesty, because modesty is the vertue of theirs, nature having bestowed something upon every species, wherein they are to excel others, suffering them for their grea∣ter ornament, to monopolize the perfection of some one quality. Whence every species is nece∣sary in the world, and adds some ornament to it; But the politick reason why modesty is by the Law thought more requisite, and immo∣desty in the Law more punished in women, be∣cause immodesty in women can be more destru∣ctive to the Commonwealth, rendring herita∣ges uncertain, and fathers carelesse of their posterity, not knowing if their supposed chil∣dren

be come out of their own loyns; Which was the cause likewise why Adultery was only reputed such, when there was an unlawful fa∣miliarity betwixt a married woman and a man, whether married or unmarried; but familiarity betwixt a married man, and an unmarried woman, was not reputed Adultery, albeit now both be punished equally, as being perjury against the immortal gods, whereas then no vow was made.

Philarites laying aside the book, ARETI∣NA continued thus; Sir, as it were absurd in me to love without my parents consent, so it were yet more absurd in me, without his con∣sent, to match with a stranger (for, whom I love, him I intend to match with) for how can I know his extraction whose person I know not? and I will never love him whose extracti∣on I am ignorant of: For I have oft heard my father say, that it was probable that mens spi∣rits alwayes corresponded to their birthes; Whereupon she put in his hands the former book of Essays, wherein she desired him to read this subsequent discourse.

It is certain that the gods who have chosen Princes and Nobles to be their Vicegerents upon earth, will replenish their souls with en∣dowments requisite for the discharge of so weighty an imployment; and seing the im∣ploying

unfit persons, is a folly scarce incident to men, it were blasphemy to charge the gods with it; for, albeit the gods sometimes shewes their soveraignity in acting above the reach of our reason, yet seing man is formed after the image of the gods, and seing the rational soul is this image, surely what reason teacheth us, that the gods will do. It might be thought likewise injustice in the gods, if they subjected us to those who could not command; and as it seems prejudicial to us, so it may prove dero∣gatory and destructive to their interest: for, either the arrogant folly, or despicable simpli∣city of Governors, are the nurseries of all pub∣lick combustions and commotions; wherein the very Temples are not exempted from the edge of popular fury. But besides these, No∣bility wants not its other advantages, as that of breeding, which seems to be the ••oul's soul, and the cream of all humane perfections, and that of confidence, their birth being a rock si∣tuated above the reach of malices greatest shot. The distance likewise which others must keep with persons of quality, is no weak bulwork to defend their honour, and to maintain their respect: for, the best of men, having much of naughtinesse in them, the retirednesse enjoyned to them by their dignity, and the distance en∣joyned to inf••••••urs by their duty, is a skr••en

which vails over all these imperfections, and conceals what is not worthy of the noticeing; man being like bad merchandize, which looks best when looked upon at a distance, or when presented in a dark shop; so that oft-times what is gilded by retirednesse, passes for the real gold of prudence.

Philarites laying aside the book, looked as if his tongue had been with childe of somthing which it wanted strength to bring into the world, at last said, Madam, ye are loved by one who is subject to none but to ARETINA, and who albeit he be a Prince, yet accompts it a greater happiness, and a more sublime honour to be your Subject, than a Prince in his own Nation. Here he stopped, as if he would have accused himself for not stopping sooner. ARE∣TINA (glad to be now assured of what she formerly conjectured) told him, that there was yet one ingredient requisite to be infused in loves potion, which was constancy; neither resolve I (said she) to cast the anchor of my love but upon some sure ground, which will not suffer it to slip: for, constancy is more re∣quisite in a Lover, than Nobility in a Courtier; and as the one will be required by my parents, so the other will be required by my self, neither will ever I marry but him in whose generous person I see those accomplishments first mar∣ried.

Six a clock striking, advertised ARETINA that she behoved to wait upon Agapeta, so bidding Philarites adieu, she left him to ad∣mire his own happinesse, who returned now as deeply fraughted with joy, as he entred fraugh∣ted with grief; like a ship who had unloaded her self of her pricelesse ballast, that she might load her self with rich and precious commo∣dities.

Now love did begin to kindle its flames in the chimney of Megist••s breast, which were continually augmented by the bellows of fame, whose mouth brea••hed nothing so much as ARETINA'S praises; but that chimney, ne∣ver heated by the like fire formerly, suffered these coals to kindle but slowly: In the end, Cupid, who had long hovered whether to shoot or not, fearing that Megistus heart, (hardned by the continuall exercise of martial imployments) should be unpenitrable by his darts, at last loosed a shaft (resolving to ha∣zard a dart to conquer such a noble soul) which did wound his poor heart so deeply, as that the hand of his courage could never there-after pluck out the dart; nor yet could the hand of his reason cure the wound: for one morning, going to fetch a walk in the Garden Royal, he perceived, unexpectedly, Agapeta, who was pulling some Cherries, the trees bowing their

branches, that she might by her own hand pull their fruit: Megistu•• saluting her, would have retired, yet so 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that he shewed a desire to advance; like 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Fencer, who by a feint would have his adversary believe what he in∣tends not; but Agapela willing to discourse with him, whose discourse each man at Court so much commended, intreated him to advance, telling him that these Cherries would rellish the better that they were eaten in his society, whose presence could make the worst fare a feast.

Madam, replyed Megistus, who feeds on your ravishing looks, feasteth beyond all the dainties that Venus table can afford him. But whilest she was pulling these Cherries, Me∣gistus was pulling the poysoning hemblocks of poysoning love: for, looking upon Agapeta's eyes, he thought they were Cupids quiver, wherein he kept all his mortal darts; every trait of her face seemed a storehouse of sweet∣ness, and her hair, which because of its colour, and curlings, resembled so many gold rings, proved to him chains to fetter the feet of his trembling soul: he was in end awaked out of his extasie of admiration, wherein his love had lulled him asleep, by Philarites, who had tra∣ced him from his Chamber, whom Agapeta saluting courteously, they fetcht some walks

in the pleasant Alley, recounting the various and charming pleasures of the ••ast Solemnity; and amongst the other pleasing passages that had occurred, Agapeta told h••m how a Lady had fairded her decayed looks, with the youth∣full colours that she had borrowed from Art, was deciphered by a young Gentleman, who by the reflection of a burning-glasse, melted away those splendid colours, who seemed shamefully to hast away•• how soon they were discovered. I remember, said Megistus, of such an affront, wherewith just providence re∣warded a young Ladies cheating pains in our Country, who being mistris of a Ball given her at her own lodging, retired alwayes to an in∣ner chamber, where, by a little feather, she sprinkled her face with some white Lilly water, with which she seemed continually to recruit those auxilaries, which she had hired out of Arts territories to assist her weak beauty: a Gentleman perceiving that the Phyol wherein it was, stood in the dark corner of a chamber, which she had purposly obscured (fearing lest light should discover that work of darknesse) went and removed the Phyol, exchanging it with another full of Ink, which the Lady at her return made use of as formerly, besmearing her face with it, and returning, was welcomed by the unrestrainable laughter of all the spectators.

It is just, said Agapeta, that the gods should punish those, who by the pencil of vanity will undertake to amend any thing in a piece which hath once past their hands, they are (added Megistus) like those cunning hunters, who cover branches with birdlime to ensnare some silly fowl, which little expects their Art; yet I think that as these are sk••llesse merchants, who hazard much, where there is but little to be gained, and where the gain, albeit they escape, cannot ballance the losse if their voy∣age thrive not; So those Ladies will lose more in their repute, if once entrapped, than the re∣pute of a fine face can advantage them, if dis∣covered; for the one will cry them down be∣low all those at Court, albeit the other can never plead preference to them before all those raying faces which shine there: Yea, I think they accuse themselves of some notable defect, which they think cannot be palliated but by some notable cheat, and detracts extreamly from their own sex, shewing that colour is its greatest ornament, and from ours, in thinking that colour is a sufficient price for our dearest liberty. Agapeta being called-for by a Lady from the Queen, left Megistus in a drooping condition, like a lowring Solsequium at the Suns absence, or like the disconsola••e body re∣ceiving the flitting soul's last adieu.

Not long after this, an accident at Court di∣sturbed somwhat the quiet of both the Knights, who dragging after them one link of misfor∣tunes fatal chain, were followed by all its fel∣lows.

Some Noblemen at Court not daring to at∣taque Sophanders grandour in his own person, resolved to affront him in the person of these Knights, his avowed minions, and petitioned the King that their priviledges might not be infringed by his nimious respect to strangers; and that seing their predecessors had planted by their pains, and watered by their bloud, the thriving Vine of blossoming Monarchy in that Nation, that they their successors might now eat with pleasure, and in safety, its delicious fruits; and that strangers might not reap what they had sown, Therefore they entreated his Majestie not to prefer these strangers to them, seing albeit they might be Nobles at home, yet they could not be esteemed as Nobles in Egypt: for, albeit Gentility (because it is a quality dyed with the bloud) be the same everywhere, so that a Gentleman in one Nation is a Gentle∣man in every Nation, he having received that honour from the hand of Nature, whose sub∣jects all Nations are; whence it comes that a Gentleman of one Kingdom may by the Law of Arms challenge another, seing he leaves not

his Bloud when he leaves his Country; yet Nobility is the donative of the Prince, which none are obliged to acknowledge who are not his subjects, and so out-reaches not his Terri∣tories, but, like the Loadstone, loseth its ener∣gie when without the spheare of its allowed activity: Therefore by the Law of Nations, and of Arms, Noblemen are not accounted such when amongst strangers.

The King calling Megistus and Philarites privatly, told them the quarrel; who entreated his Majesty to satisfie his Nobles, and not to put them in the scales with strangers, whose assistance was lesse valuable, and more uncer∣tain than that of his natives. But the King ashamed of their insolency, and willing to gra∣tifie the generous Knights, told them, that he would advance them to be Knights, and honor them with the Collar of Iupiter, an Order instituted in Egypt, to difference highly-de∣serving persons from the rabble of ordinary Knights, whom the ambition of the Subject, and lenity of the Prince, had, by making it or∣dinary, made it despicable; and that thereby they might claim preference from all the other Subjects every-where, without the verge of National Solemnities, such as in Parliaments, Senates, Councils, where none could be ad∣mitted but these, whose fortunes lying within

the circle of the Nation, might oblige them to riske their lives for their Countries safe••y; men being alwayes most willing to go when interest pouseth them: As also it is dangerous to ad∣mit strangers to the intimacy of national myste∣ries; neither is it thought prudence in a King, to admit those to manage affairs who have not estates to be hostages for their fidelity, and to repay the injuries done, during their Govern∣ment, to private persons. The Knights did on their knees acknowledge his Majesties civili∣ties, but told him that they wished his Majesty not to prostitute these honours to ignominy, by conferring them upon persons, so little me∣riting; for they were sensible how destructive the impressa of honour was to subjects, drain∣ing the purses of su••jects in buying them from the hands of profuse Courtiers, who, as they sinned against the King, in abusing his favours; so they sinned against the Gods and Common∣wealth, in imploying its price, as suffultors to support the shield of their matchless pride, and how when these abject richlings, or richlesse Gentlemen had once come by them, they be∣hoved to make vanity and luxury to bear up the train of these useless honours: these disad∣vantages are swelled to a prodigious excrescen∣sie, by another as bulkish as any of the former; for, by that means trade is every-where almost

starved, Nobility hindring those who are stoc∣ked with money to imploy it in merchand••zing, and poverty disabling those who now traffick, from driving a trade suiting with the exigency of the Nation, which makes me entitle my Country to an infinit happinesse, seing traf∣fick and trading effaces not their true Nobility, wh••ch two our custom accounteth most com∣patible; whence accresces this great advantage, that young venturers being descended of noble families, are often recruited by the well-stored C••sh of their friends, after that a rude storm, or some other inevitable accident, hath preyed up∣on their first adventures, Whereas, if they were destitute of this assistance, they behoved to lose their hopes when they lost their stocks, and so the Commonwealth would be robbed of their endeavours, whose spirits were as great as their misfortunes; and, on the other hand, Noblemen by their means are encouraged to put their na∣tive commodities to the best fyne.

The K••ng, vanquished by their obstinate re∣fusal, condescended not to accumulate them with these his justly tendered favours, telling them that opportunity might ripen for them more satisfying honours.

But the well-spring of Philarites hard fate, ceased never to bubble up fresh misfortunes, imploying all the weapons of discontentment

to rout his unconquerable vertue, hating al∣wayes spirits of such a noble detramp, because they scorn to make her the center of their hap∣piness; as if she would perswade men, that they could not subsist without her assistance: Wher∣fore seing his quiet could not be disquieted by pride, she resolved to imploy jealousie, whose subtile hands twisted this curious snare for him.

A Lady, sister to the Prince of Goshan, named Pinasa, whose beauty suited well with her birth, and whose birth furnish'd her respect enough at Court, had of a long time looked upon Philarites with loves spectacles, but finding that her portracture could never be drawn upon the ground of Philarites heart, till ARETINA'S were first defaced, studied all means to perpetrat happily, what she de∣sired so passionatly; yet finding that Phila∣rites love could not be cheated, she endeavour∣ed to cheat ARETINA, whose modesty she expected might more probably co-opere with her malice; not permitting her to trace the crook••d path of her sinistrous designs, so nim∣bly as Philarites male passion doubtless either would or could; but finding that she alone was not able to draw malices chariot, yoaked with her self an old hagg in the same imploy∣ment, and bribed her venal spirit, which be∣cause it was venal, might easily be bribed; who

measured every thing; yea, vertue it self, by the yard of money, not caring for heaven, but be∣cause it was said to be paved with gold; nor respecting the gods, but because their favour was a mine, out of which much precious trea∣sure might be digged: this wretch did under∣take the conduct of that wretched affair, pro∣mising, because of her easie addresse to ARE∣TINA, and intimacy with her servants, to pousse it to a wished-for period; Thus laun∣cing out into the deeps of malice, the sails of her diligence, were filled with an unexpected gale of success: the barrennest earth being fer∣tilest of such poysonous weeds; and she, who was fit for nothing else, was by malice exceed∣ingly fitted for this.

And now Philarites hard fortune, which had decreed the event, had likewise marshalled very orderly all the means, by which, as by sinews, this great body of jealousie was to move: for, one day walking in a meadow (whose face was by over-spreading Nylus hid twice a year, that it might appear the more beautifull) did, as unfortunatly, as unexpectedly, encounter a clew of Ladies, whose rec••eations had trysted them hither. Megistus and Philarites had alwayes valued highly such company, but ne∣ver so much as now, seing they appeared to them coppies of their Mistrisses original beau∣ty:

after them followed the Martial Knight, and Aristo, Pinasa's brother; thus the num∣ber of the Ladies and that of the Knights was equal: salutes being interchanged, Philarites fearing lest the conduct of the Ladies might hatch some private disgusts amongst either the Ladies, or themselves, about their attendance, (and so that they might ignorantly, though in∣nocently, relapse into the same danger out of which they were but lately escaped) and to de∣termine that indifferencie which might oblige all equally to wait upon all, he entreated each Lady to lend him some concealed token, which when he had gotten, and had hudled up in a hat, he desired each Gentleman to draw out one, and that each should attend and entertain her, whose unseen token should fall to his share: for (said he) incomparable Ladies, the hazard is not great where none can chuse what is not excellent, so that I may say, there was never more of Lottry seen where there was lesse of hazard; each of us is happy in the share he hath gotten, and yet each of us may be thought unhappy in wanting what share we want; So that pleasure and disappointment never met so amicably as in this particular.

Thus they spent some time in walking (Lot having coupled them cunningly together) but Pinasa finding that this disappointed the desire

she had to banquet her eyes upon Philarites lovely countenance, intreated they might pass some time under the shadow of a neighbour∣ing Arbour; which all obeying, they retired thither, where being seated, Pinasa broke si∣lence thus; Gentlemen, as there is nothing lesse taking than a confused look, and dejected countenance, (where the runaway looks repre∣sent the sad spectacle of a flying Army) so there is nothing that can discompose a countenance more, than the fixt eye of a confident Gentle∣man, whose silence alloweth him time for that imployment, whereby modesty is twice a suf∣ferer, both by the Gentleman who s••reweth it a note higher, and by the Gentle womens selves, who tune it a note lower than is either allow∣able or seant; wherefore I wish we might use some game to sport away time, and to prevent our blushes: But seing our accustomed recre∣ations are covered almost with the gray hair of loathing, I wish Megistus, ye would invent some new one, that the Court might hereafter hug it, as a memorial of your sparkling vivaci∣ty of spirit. Madam, replyed Megistus, I have no other sufficiency for the discharge of that duty but what I borrow from your Ladi∣ships commands, wherefore, Madam, it were injustice to refuse you what is your own.

Since there is no absolute perfection but in

heaven, nor absolute imperfection but in hell, (the earth participating of their extreamities, as it reconciles both their distances) and seing those even who see their dearest objects in the mirrour of love, see some blemishes in them, (which proveth that the most accomplisht of things wantteth some accomplishment; for if it could be seen any where, it would be seen there) I wish every Lady would tell what im∣perfection she could dispense best with in that person she most loveth.

What will ye propose, Philarites (continued Pi••asa) for this nights entertainment? Truly Madam (answered Philarites) seing discourse is the best physiognimy of our thoughts (the tongue being but Secretary to that skilfull En∣diter, the heart) and seing neither prudence, nor respect, will suffer us to pry narrowly in∣to one anothers thoughts; I wish we might hit at some indirect way whereby our enquiry might be somewhat gratified; wherefore I wish one of us might tel her who sits next him, in the ear, some remark of any person here present, at which all the rest might divine, according to their fancy, every one of us en∣deavouring to conjecture what was the first speaker observation, and he or she who shall be by maniest voices judged to have been most mistake, shall forfeit some pawn, to be dispo∣sed

of at the discretion of the Society. This last pleased them best; and after they had by its help diverted themselves sufficiently, the night summoned them to remove: and Pinasa willing to bestow something upon Philarites, which might terrifie ARETINA'S jealousie, did let a Ribbon fall carelesly (which she had worn in so remarkable a place at all the last So∣lemnity, as none could but remark it) which Philarites (in whose hand hers was) taking up, presented her with; but she, willing to im∣ploy it as a chain to fetter his passion, desired him to keep it, as a memorial of her grateful∣nesse, for that unparalell'd favour she, and all the remanent Ladies had received at his hands.

Whilest times glasse was thus running, the old Hagg was by the coals of diligence and treachery, kindling the flames of jealousie in ARETINA'S breast, whose ardent affection to Philarites had softned her to an easie re∣ception of it; contentment being like other de∣licacies, whereof the sweetest becomes soonest putrified, and the souls of the delicatest tramp are like the bodies of the poorest complexion, whose purity bowes soonest to decays scepter; and the fear to be surprized in following the hidden tract of mis-information, is the mean whereby they are often mis-informed; thus love, which perswaded ARETINA that she

was unworthy of such a lover as Philarites, did likewise peswade her, that Philarites would pearch his love more worthily upon some other object, and, by being inconstant, would make inconstancy a vertue: But there was more Rhetorick musted up in that dumb R••bbon than in all the loquacious Oratory of old Pla∣••eta, and jealousie did enter by the same porch that love first entered: She impeached now Philarites as guilty of high treason against love, and adduced her own eyes as witnesses, who seemed to deluge themselves in tears, lest they should see the sad effect of his prodigious inconstancy, which durst upon his arm brave the sight of affl••cted ARETINA; yet her jea∣lousie was glutted with a more pregnant argu∣ment of his assured change: for Placeta, who had studied the musick of what enchantment the Tarantula of ARETINA'S melancholy was best pleased with, caused a cunning fellow (who traded in the adulterating of Writs, and resembling every mans character) writ a Let∣ter with his greatest cunning, (giving him a stoln Letter for his pattern) wherein Philari∣tes might be made to exchange his Mistris; whose tenour was thus:

The disconsolate PHILARITES, to the peerless PINASA.

MADAM,

THe torrent of my boundlesse passion, hath in fine swelled to such an excrescency, that the banks of reason are no longer able to re∣strain it. I find my self guilty, if I evaporate my passion, and choaked if I evapor it not. My reason hath chosen your pleasure as Arbiter, to reconcile these, else irreconciliable antagonists: who••e conflicts harrasse that heart, which is on∣ly yours. If I courted ever any else but you, it was only to facilitate to me the great task of your love, in regard whereof all my former passions seem but essays. Assure your self, fair Lady, that whilest Philarites lives, he must love; and whilst he loves any, he will love you. I shall keep my love in the prison of privacie, till ye send it a remission; neither shall it ever come abroad but upon the paroll of your per∣mission.

This Letter was given to Pinasa, who being one day at Court, watched by the diligent eye of sorrowing ARETINA, did carelesly, as it seemed, let it fall, within the command of

ARETINA'S reach, who stealing it into her pocket, retired to her chamber, to see what she could pick out of it, and having shut the door, did read her ruine in these fatal characters.

O pattern of basenesse, how hast thou be∣trayed my credulity! how hast thou stifled my hopes, and stained thine own valour! Yet alas, poor ARETINA, thou hast prostitute thy faith to his roguishness, and thou appearedst as willing to be entangled, as he was willing to entangle thee; it was strange thou couldest be so infatuated with a stranger, and now it ap∣pears more strange that thou shouldest startle at so necessary an event; thou who wast the envy of Ladies, and the Image adored by Gal∣lants, wilt now be the object of both their laughters; and seing Philarites's bewitching deportment will bundle up respect for him at all hands, the same carriage will surely blun∣der thee, and thou and he will be like two buckets in the Well of fate and fame, whereof the one must rise to the same proportion that the other falls; and as the ocean of fame ebbs upon the shoar of thy repute, it must flow up∣on his; and surely his propitious fortune will make all thy acquaintances conclude, that he left off to love thee because he discovered som∣thing in thee which was not lovely. Miserable ARETINA! who hast banquerouted that

stock of fame, which the indulgent gods had once bestowed upon thee, and who hast now rendred thy self as despicable as once thou wast lovely; misery hath once ••atched thee in its arms, and will never dismiss thee; fame hath banished thee, and will never rehabilitat thee; thy parents joys are massacred in thee, and in the roll of thy crimes stands likewise the black crime of thy paracide; all those additions of honour which served once to adorn the shield of thy repute, serve now as diminutions to it; and, as a punishment of thy crime, thy name shall still last in the registers of infamy.

Thus did ARETINA stand streaming out lakes of tears, as if she would have drowned that Letter, because Philarites's name was written in it; like an implacable Judge, ordain∣ing the malefactor to be hanged in effigie, be∣cause he cannot be found in person; and ri∣ving out her hair because it afforded him once contentment, her passion verged upon destra∣ction, and the musick of her sury, like the six notes, did raise themselves a degree alwayes higher; she evited company, lest they should upbraid her with her misfortune; and her re∣tirements were as racks wherupon her unapea∣sable grief did torture her, and her disease was so much the more dangerous that she durst ad∣mit no Physician: Thus she lived alwayes

dying, and thus she dyed whilest she was yet living.

Yet love, for its own defence, did alleadge, that jealousie might be mistaken aswell as hope, and especially amongst women, whose genius byassed most that way: for as men, because of their courage, are oftenest befooled by hope; so women, because of their innate timerous∣ness, are oftenest betrayed by fear: and of all women, lovers are soonest overcome by fear; for, as their love multiplieth perfection in the person loved, so those perfections multiply fears in the person loving; even as they whose coffers regorge with treasures, fear most the losse of their treasure. Love likewise teacheth us to overvalue others, and undervalue our selves, and so perswadeth us that all the world gapes after what we affect most, and that of all pretenders we deserve least; and so there is reason to fear, that seing we deserve it not, albeit none pretended to its enjoyment, that there is much more reason to fear a losse of what we love, in the throng of so many com∣petitors.

Now Pleasure intended to change its camp, and, like the Sun, to make all the world debtor to it splendor by turns, intending often to ag∣greage its respect by its absence, and to conci∣liate respect elsewhere by its presence, so that

oftentimes it doth (like all other agents) by the same means, produce contrary events; so that some by being merry, others by being retired; some by being proud, others by being humane, attain, by these contrary midses, to the same end of glory; like two men by opposite wayes meeting others on the other side of perfections globe, to which men may go by contrary moti∣ons: For, whilst the Court was bathing them∣selves in their pleasure, a Currier comes, telling the King that a Navie of strangers were riding before Iris, expecting a safe entry from the next tide; and that some Fishers had by their Flags perceived them to be the Navie of Pra∣stus King of Persia, who disputed propriety in the Kingdom of Egypt: For, Xistus, grand∣father to the King who now liveth, was by birth King of Persia, and for his valour, elected King of Egypt, and so Prastus's father, being his first-born, was righteous Heir of both Crowns; but the Nation really scorning to be annexed to Persia, and thinking that slavery too unworthy a recompence for their respect∣full choice, elected the second son; because, al∣beit he was but second son to Xistus, yet he was their Kings eldest son, Prastus's father being born before his fathers acquest of Egypt, and so they preferred him to his elder brother, so that ever since he and his successours, have

still waited a quarrel to revenge their unjust resentments.

The King allarmed with these news, did by his fear, adde to the strength and number of Prastus Forces, and by looking upon his own Forces through the wrong end of truths pro∣spect, did see them lesse, and more inconsiderable than really they were; his danger was eminent, and his Forces scattered; his Courtiers dissatis∣fied, and his Adversaries rich; his Soldiers un∣experienced, and theirs most expert; as also, their remoteness from their Country would make them stack all the stock of their courage upon the game; whereas his Souldiers, know∣ing where to retreat, would care the lesse how to fight. Megistus perceiving that the waves of the King's doubts raged extreamly, intended to calm them by the oyl of his courage, where∣upon accosting his Majesty as he was solitary in his Cabinet, he desired a Commission to mu∣ster under his Majesties Standard, such as would make their lives their Countreys bul∣work, and who might catch some advantage of the unwary Persians, whom either pre∣sumption or Sea-sickness, might weaken be∣yond expectation.

The King loth to hazard that ominous En∣counter (for so the first alwayes is) upon so great odds, told him, he would reserve his

courage as the spurre whereby all his Army might be incited to ride triumphs carreer, and that a skirmish was not a theatre large enough to Megistus to display his courage upon, nor a handfull of men witnesses enow to so renow∣ned a valour; yet at last, confiding in Megi∣stus's courage, and afraid of the peoples dan∣gerous commotions, he authorized his De∣signe.

Megistus name was a trumpet loud enough to call together all those who longed to draw the swords of their Courage out of the sheath of laziness, and to sheath them in the bowels of their Countries enemies; and now he had clewed some twelve hundred, who like a snow∣ball became more bulkish the further it was rouled; wherefore he intended in this his first addresses to Agapeta, to usher himself in, with this happy opportunity, and after a profound reverence, said,

Madam, I come to levy new forces out of your looks, to assist me in this combate against your fathers enemies, and to have my Com∣mission sealed by the hand of your pleasure; Who dare resist when ye command? and who would love that bloud which would not kisse the ground for your satisfaction? I know ju∣stice will take off that vail wherewith we see her eyes ordinarily mufled up, to behold your

quarrel, and will put victories garland in your hand, that ye may crown those who stand in your defence; wherefore, Madam, I am come to resign my heart to you, and to leave it un∣der your cure, and in the hospital of your mer∣cy (where many thousands besides it lies) seing its wounds forbids me to take it alongst with me, and in place of it, I shall fill my breast with a drachm of hopes which I am to expect from the scales of your Ladiships favour.

Agapeta fearing, lest her rudenesse might unfit him for the journey, and desiring to ani∣mate him, who only by his example could ani∣mate the rest; and who was the axletree whereon courage's wheels was then to roul, told him, that she wisht her wishes could assist him, whose valour was to assist her, and that she thought her self most fortunate, who could salary such Warriors with so little expence of treasure (her smiles being all the solde which was sought) wherefore she entreated him to expect all the favour that a Lady could indulge to him.

Megistus being ready to reply, was called by a Gentleman, who told him, that his Troups were ready to march; so that leaving Aga∣peta's chamber, he rendezvouzed his glorious Troups, whose glory was sublimated by the presence of Philarites and the Martial Knight,

who seemed to be the Diamonds that set the great price upon the Golden Ring of that As∣sembly: from thence they marched about mid∣night, and did the next morning arrive at Iris, where they lurked all night in caves, expecting the enemies landing (whom the boisterous wind had hindred from landing till then) which was not a tedious attendance; for the next morning Sotorus, who commanded these Na∣val Forces, fearing no resistance, because of the unexpectedness of their voyage, and the covert∣ness of their designs) did foot the shoar, as if he had come rather to triumph than to con∣quer; and expected that victory would meet him half way to welcome him to Egypt: but whilst he was shoaring his Regiments, Me∣gistus giving the signal to those who were in the other two caves, commanded by Philarites and the Martial Knight, did so terrifie by shouts the surprized Persians, that they wished they had never seen Egypt, since they saw nothing in it but unavoidable dangers: That which affrighted them most was some Fire-works, which Megistus (well skilled in the Pyroman∣ticks) had caused dress, whose noise and light∣nings perswaded the Persians, that Iupiter had lent their adversaries his thunder-bolts, to pu∣nish the unjustness of their quarrel: they saw nothing because of the darknes and the smoak,

but what the light of these flames discovered to them, which was nothing else but Death in all her pontificals, and arrayed so variously, as that she seemed not the same every-where; in one corner of the field valour was punishing resistance, and in another, courage was tram∣pling under feet cowardishness; here the soul was flying out of the body at a wounded head, and there at a wounded heart, and in both, the afflicted body was volleying the great ordnance of groans at the beloved souls departure: some sought to seek their graves in the waves, and others, fleeing death, did meet it at their boats (which Megistus did at the first encounter fire, as if by these bonefires he would have testified his gracious acceptance of their visit) Phila∣rites did by his sword subscribe two hundred's pasports for eternity; and the Martial Knight evidenced, that it was easier to overthrow Troups of Persians than to combat Megistus alone: Thus these three conquering Gentle∣men, wounded as fast as they could strike, and killed as fast as they could wound, the Persian souls not daring to lodge any longer in their bodies, than they were by their swords sum∣moned to remove, one stroak summing up all the minutes of their process; and the souls themselves most willing to remove, seeing their appartements falling about their ears; Phila∣rites

making breaches in the ranks, and in the bodies also of those who stood in them, had his sword bound (as Fencers speak) by the cryes of a young Gentleman, who seeing Phi∣larites ready to strike an aged man (whose courage was in its spring, albeit his body was in its autumn) called, Noble Knight, pity the father of Arethusa, as ye shall be answerable to your fair Mistris; this was the young mans Mistris, whose beauty he imagined all men knew aswell as he. Philarites, moved with his passion, did condonat him his life, desiring him to be debitor for it to ARETINA, and so secured them both as his prisoners.

The fields were become a perfect landskip of terrour, and the greenest pile of grasse was scarleted by the Persian bloud: but the Persi∣ans fearing both what they saw, and what they saw not (expecting no relief from the boat∣lesse ships) were at last compelled to sanctuary themselves in their enemies mercy, and to be∣come their prisoners, because they could not be their conquerours; and albeit the Egyptians would have glutted their revenge with the Persian bloud, yet the noble Knights barred them from that piece of inhumanity; alleaging that seing War was only instituted to secure Nations from danger, and all just Wars were meerly defensive, (for to recuperate our own,

is but to defend our own, and so invasion, if it be to repeat what unjust enemies have rob∣bed us of, is but a species of defence; and if it be to rob others, it is no War) that necessarily all who were killed by the hand of revenge, were rather murdered than killed; and that to kill those whom they might save, imported that the killers feared that they durst not coap with them except they were disarmed, and so their cruelty was not only injustice, but verged like∣wise upon cowardishnesse; and that in killing them, they wounded their own interest: for, thereafter all enemies would by despair heigh∣ten their courage, this barbarous custom com∣pelling them either to fight, or dye; and would oblige their enemies, in requital, to deny them their lives upon the like quarter: and as all men should love to save their own life, rather than to cut off their enemies; so all men should be prone to grant quarters when but once de∣manded: and if War should by that means be∣come a meer butchery, few would frequent it, and the number of cowards would become ve∣ry bulkish; for, scarce the stoutest of Warri∣ors would go, where he behoved either to gain the field, or lose his life. This discourse per∣swaded the Egyptians to save alive nine hun∣dred captives (two thousand lying dead upon the place) amongst whom, Sotorus had ren∣dred

himself to the valiant Philarites, and they now remained rather masters of the field, than of much spoil, and had bootied little be∣sides the ransom of their numerous prisoners.

Whilst they were thus combating, a caprici∣ous Mathematician, who waited upon the Mar∣shal de Camp, fearing lest death should have surprised him before he minded to die, fled at the first shock, and retired to a little Mount, where he observed the Battel, as he used for∣merly to observe the Stars, by the help of a Telescope, which he carried in his hand in lieu of a Musquet; this Gentleman perceiving Me∣gistus conquerour, posted to Court (being mounted upon a horse, which, because he was fleet, he had bought to carry him away from any danger, valuing his fleetnesse for no other reason) hoping, in requital of his news, to have some donatives bestowed upon him; ri∣ding in this equipage faster to Court, than he would have pursued his enemies, he arrived at last at it, where he threw himself at his Ma∣jesties feet, describing the Combat to him after this fashion.

Sir, we marched from this City, as from the point A. (demonstrating all upon a Paper) by a direct line to the Citadel of Iris, as the point B. whence by a spiral line, we marched to the Caves of C. where we eclipsed our

selves all night; the next morning, before the Sun came from the Antipodes to our Horizon, we marched, keeping the figure of a Paralello∣gramum, conducted by Megistus, Philarites, and the Martial Knight, who, as three lines, made a glorious Triangle, whereof Megistus, as General, was the Hypotenusa; in this fi∣gure we marched to the shoar, where we en∣countred the Persians, upon whose bodies we carved hundreds of wounds, in form of Isos∣coles, Scalenunis, and Trapezias.

This discourse was interrupted by an Envoy from the three Knights, who acquainted his Majesty of their unexpected and compleat Vi∣ctory: Whereupon his Majesties Pleasant (per¦ceiving the Kings humour fitted for mirth, and intending to twit the Mathematician for his pedantry) told, his Majesty desired to impri∣son that Persian, alluding to his not understood discourse; which the Courtiers (whom com∣placence with his Majesty had gladned ex∣treamly) speedily executed, dragging him a∣way from the Royal Hall in spight of his many tears and protestations, that he was an Egyp∣tian.

The Victory being compleated, Megistus sent to the neighbouring Towns and Villages, desiring all both women and children to come to the shoar, that so by a false muster, he might

deter the Persians from landing any more For∣ces: So that they who were aboard of the Navie, being destitute of boats and disappoint∣ed (by that numerous, though feeble company, having expected to surprize the Egyptians be∣fore they took the allarm) did now hoise sail, leaving their hopes buried, and their compani∣ons unburied, upon the Egyptian shoar.

The King glad of the Victory, and glader that Providence had imployed these Gentlemen (whom he affected extreamly) as agents in it, because the Noblemens ambitious undiscretion was thereby checked, and that heaven seemed to authorize his inclinations, intended to wel∣come them with a triumphant reception; which they fearing, directed secretly this missive to his Majesty, entreating him to forbear both the honour and envy, which they knew would be linked together.

SIR,

OVr advancement to this charge hath rob∣bed your Majesties most meriting Sub∣jects of an occasion of doing you service; it were unjust that we should expect any other reward for our service, than the honour of being imployed: and seing your Majesties Subjects grudged us formerly that honour, which our birth and your Majesties pleasure

entitled us to, how will they now pack up a wrong which they will think wounds their in∣terest more deeply? Be not prodigal, Sir, of those honours which all gape for, and which ye may confer more deservingly hereafter upon your own Subjects; for, albeit the vastnesse of a Kings treasure, and the unlimitednesse of his power, occasion that no profusion either of riches, or honours, can be accounted prodiga∣lity upon his part, yet the meannesse of the re∣ceivers deserts may make Royal Favours be listed among the other species of prodigality; and the glorious beams of your favours darted upon us, will against your Majesties intention attract the vapours of envie; and possibly your Majesties favour may procure ruine to those for whom ye intend triumphs.

This Letter the Knights wrote, scanning upon what emergents had formerly occurred; and considering how moe vessels were sunk by carrying too large a sail, than by want of bal∣last; and how all men contributed thousands of wishes to destroy the greatest Minions (men being like Pyrats who pursue alwayes the rich∣est prizes, thinking the poorest sort unworthy of their pursuit) and that high imployments are like high places, whose hight makes the hardest head somewhat giddy.

The King pondering their desire, and re∣flecting upon the reason of their disassent, was willing to shuffle up all the projected pomp in a meer complement, which at their entry to Court he delivered thus in a most obliging fa∣shion.

Gentlemen, Egypt, whose Ramperts ye have been in this last Expedition, congratulates your safe Return, and her very Rocks trumpets your Praises, which is ecchoed by all her Inhabi∣tants. When I conferred that charge upon you, I was confident, that if the Heavens had any favours in store for us, they would bestow them by your pure and mir aculous hands; So that we all acknowledge our selves your deb∣tors, albeit none dare be so vain as to under∣take to be your paymasters.

The Knights making a knee-deep reverence, acknowledged themselves debtors to his Ma∣jesty, who had put that opportunity in their hands, and that these applauses were the price of his Countrymens bloud, who were the only root, from which all these noble actions stem∣med.

But we must return to recreate melancholy-ARETINA (whom Philarites had confirmed in her jealousie, by not saluting her at his re∣moval from Court; which he had not omitted, but rather passed by, as an encounter which

might melt his courage, and fearing that she might have kept him from imbarking himself in a quarrel, to which both his respect to the King, and the purchase of glory, prompted him beyond resistance: yet she interpreted it ac∣cording to her jealous humour, not unlike a person affected with the yellow jaundice, to whom every thing appears of that colour; or rather, like a cacochimick stomach, which tran∣substantiates the best of meats in its own ma∣lignant humour: for, if at at any time, love perswaded her that jealousie was a cheater; yet even in that case love did rather distract, than recreate her; and she being bound to the stake of jealousie, love by these pulls, did not pull her away, but rather pull her to pieces; like a traitor bound to two horses, whose con∣trary motions are his funest torments: thus love and jealousie, like two twins, aguued by their discord their comfortless Dame.

Yet in fine, ARETINA (perceiving what indefatigable correspondence was kept betwixt Pinasa and Placeta, and how lavish Placeta was in her invective discourse against Philari∣tes, whom Pinasa so much adored) resolved to fathom this design; whereupon, enquiring diligently where they conversed most, found, that their ordinary appointments were in an Arbour, in the Royal Garden, at five a clock

every morning; so that she at last, hit at this expedient for the discovery of this their myste∣rious correspondence.

She caused the Gardener (who was com∣manded by Agapeta to obey her in every thing) enter at two a clock, taking her maid with him, and there dig a hollow in the ground, where her maid was to lye; which he was thereafter to cover with a sheet, leaving a rent in the coverlet, whereby she might suck in new supplies of air, and to straw it over with roses and violets, as if they had been placed there to dry at the Sunshine; that place being near the Arbour, she could not but hear all was spoken; neither did the heavens disappoint her wishes, for at five a clock entered the two Correspon∣dents, who being seated within the reach of the maids hearing, Placeta deduced to Pinasa the whole story of ARETINA'S misfortune, dwelling upon every point, as an infallible te∣stimony of her own sagacity; and in the epi∣logue of her discourse she demanded money to satisfie the roguish Scrivener; who, seing he sold his soul, intended to draw a considerable price for it: Pinasa sucked out the honey of ••ontentment from these poysonous flowers of their discourse, and glutted her ears with so pleasing a narration: Thus they fat drinking the dregs of ARETINA'S affection, and ••d∣miring

somtimes their own conduct, and some∣times their successe, saying that Country Maids were an easie prey to such Eagle spirits as were Court Ladies; and that such a rich herb, as Cunning, could not grow in so poor a soyl as was a retired hermitage:

This discourse ended, they returned to a feast prepared for Placeta, leaving both time and opportunity to ARETINA'S maid, to return home to her Mistris, fraughted with these un∣expected and welcome enquiries; where she found her Mistris sitting, as if her soul had bidden her body adieu, and had left it like an appartement without an indweller, her hands crossed, as if she would in that emblem have represented the crosses of her innocent life: at her maid's entry she raised her eyes, like a per∣son whose head being upon the block, starts up once more to see if a pardon can be expected. Her maid unwilling to torture her afflicted Mistris, by twisting new delays, falling on her knees, and throwing her eyes upwards, as if she would have bestowed them upon heaven, as a requital for these favours, said, Madam, Phi∣larites is not unconstant, but Pinasa is a chea∣ter; so she spun out to her the whole web of their discourse, so exactly, as that ARETINA by the help of what her memory furnish'd her from the Letter, and from Placeta's discourse,

did easily piece up the whole progresse of their hellish treachery.

ARETINA (who would not unvail her re∣sentments in presence of her maid) desired the curtains might be drawn, for she intended to sleep, and commanded the door should be shut. The maid being removed, she accused her self thus for her former jealousie; O unworthy ARETINA, seing thy credulity hath declared thee such! Was it not enough that thou mightest be vicious by one of those vices, which could reach its poyson only to thy self, with∣out harbouring a vice that stained the repute of such a spotless person as Philarites? was nei∣ther his fame, nor thy experience, antidotes sufficient against that venome of jealousie? How darest thou place his portracture in so polluted a room as thy polluted heart? and if fate convoy him to paradise in the chariot of some glorious enterprise, there to punish thee for thy crime, and reward him for his vertue; who shall absolve thee from that guilt which thou hast contracted? and if he pardon thee, that will evidence his goodness, but not thy guiltlesness; and his very smiles shall be thy continuall accusers. Whilest grief was thus triumphing, love replied, that she was not so culpable as she alleaged; for, ••••alousie was at worst but an excesse in love, and excesse is not

accounted so heinous a guilt as defects were; seing excess had all that was to be found in the vertue which it transgressed, and superadded somewhat to it: whereas the defect could frame no title to any of the least of vertues perfections. Moreover, seing the greatness of the temptation, was the golden rule whereby Moralists squared the smalness of the vi••e; that in this case, the undiscoverablness of their plots min••ed exceeding the guilt of her escape. Lov•• in its plea alleageth also, that albeit womens breasts be ordinarily Cristal-like transparant, yet she had not blazed abroad her passion, nor his crime; but had chosen rather to sit desti∣tute of comfort, than to receive comfort from one whom she behoved to make conscious to her griefs, and his escapes; and how that Phi∣larites himself had been a builder in this Ba∣bylon of mistakes, by not saluting her at his departure, and in wearing the Livery of ano∣ther Lady.

Thus ARETINA loved more now than for∣merly; resembling in that, a curious Watch, which runneth most soundly when it is first disjoynted, and thereafter pieced up by a skil∣full Artist; or the breaches of a besieged City, daubed thereafter with more strength than for∣merly, by the wary indwellers: Thus she spent some restless hours, till sleep truced up a cessa∣tion

of arme, betwixt these warring passions.

After two hours sleep (which were not able to defray so much wearinesse) she was awaked by the deafning acclamations of a great many street-runners; whereupon, calling her maid, she desired to know the origine of these confu∣sions; who told her, That the Persians were beat by the two Knights, and that Philarites had captivated the Persian General. This re∣port was seconded by a Letter from Agapeta, who, to congratulat Philarites success, acquain∣ted her with all the passages of the Victory.

The next morning Philarites (the lungs of whose love could breath no air contentedly, but what they suckt in ARETINA'S pre∣sence) sent Kalodulus, to learn if he might have acc••ss to ARETINA'S chamber, which being indulged him, he came, circled in his pas∣sage by the joyfull Egyptians, and being en∣tered, and the servants removed, spoke thus, with a majestick (and yet discomposed) air.

MADAM,

That arm which hath been so fortunate, as to be imployed in your service, and which your interest hath strengthened to the extirpation of your enemies, comes now, by imbracing your feet, to do homage to its divine Princesse: the veins of my courage were filled with no other bloud, than that of love; neither was my sword

otherwise edged, than by the whetst••ne of true affection: Wherefore, Madam, it is upon your head that Victories garland should be placed, and it is to you that I carry these Bayes of ap∣plause, which your too civil Compa••riots have propined me with.

SIR (said ARETINA) if ye had re∣signed your self over to my disposal (as ye long since professed) surely ye were too rash in jeo∣parding a body which was not your own; and I should think her much mistaken, who would set her heart in a breast, which ye expose daily to so many hazards. Madam, if I knew (re∣plyed Philarites) that my breast were the re∣sidence of such a noble guest, doubtless, I would be carefull of it: yet, Madam, I am confident that if such a heart as yours were placed in it, the gods would imploy their special providence to be a buckler to it.

ARETINA'S eye travelled alongst all the proportions of his well limb'd body, whose proportion, his close armour shewed most re∣markably. But Philarites eyes dwelt upon each trait of ARETINA'S face, and upon the most negligent motions of her body, as objects proportionated enough to a mans united admi∣ration, in whom he perceived all beauties globe mapped up in small bounds. The next morning

their correspondence was somewhat disconti∣nued by Monanthropus arrivall, whom the King had, at Megistus's instigation, recalled to Court. The Knights, at his arrival, waited upon him assiduously, and their attendance re∣invited the eyes of the Courtiers to behold him, as a person in whom their Nation had great interest; only Sophander dreamed that his grandour was much ruffled by his presence, and it would be somewhat minced by the re∣spect which all did bear him: neither was he much mistaken, for he became the standard un∣der which the male contents at Court listed themselves, and to whom all true Egyptians made address; and all concluded, that he was a Comet appearing before Sophanders destru∣ction: Yet the King vizarded his real love to Monanthropus, and his real aversion from So∣phander, le••t the change should prove as dan∣gerous as it was sudden; and Monanthropus imployed his friends, to desire his wellwishers to lowe somewhat, the sails of their nimious respect, till providence should calm the ocean of their misfortunes.

Prastus finding his hopes stifled, and his de∣signs blasted; and being informed of Sophan∣ders murmurings, treated with him incognito, to promove his interest; and in requital, he should, after his conquest of Egypt, be promo∣ted

to the Government of it: and if that pro∣ject framed not, that he should have the same charge in Persia which he enjoyed at that time in Egypt. This was a bait at which Sophan∣ders avarice did greedily bite, and the rather, because he found every accident prognosticated his ruine; and that his misery wanted onely time to ripen it, Wherefore he did now begin to bend all the force of his malice against the Egyptian Monarchy; imploying the experience of State which he gained in their service, to do them now some egregious disservice, yet so covertly as he never seemed to question the Kings affection to him. But finding, that he was not alone able to manage so bulkish a Ves∣sel as that enterprize was, he resolved to im∣barque with him others, who shared equally with him in the common enmity which many bore to Megistus and Philarites; but the plight anchor of his hopes, was Misarites, Ge∣neral of the Egyptian Forces, who stormed unapeasably at Megistus success; thinking that no mans hands should have plucked fortunes golden apples beside his own.

Sophander finding Misarites judgment so distempered, by that feaver of passion, thought it fittest to engage him in that quarrel, in which his judgment, if once cooled, would never have allowed him; calling him to his chamber, after

he had seen the King spend two hours in privat with the Knights, and after some insinuating discourse, asked him, if he and the Officers of the Egyptian Army had not reapt a plentifull har∣vest of rewards, for all the bloud they had ex∣pended in his Majesties service, when strangers did partage amongst them the booty of honour, which they had foughten for? Sir, (replied Misarites) your condition is more deplorable than ours, because your losse will be greater, we having lesse to lose than you; and our hap∣pinesse is consistent with theirs, their aims le∣velling at higher Offices than ours: but your Eminency and they cannot stand together, seing they desire to stand upon that ground where∣on ye stand now; yet your condition is most to be pitied, because your hands have planted these Ciens, whose flourishing branches um∣brage this day your greatnesse, shading you from these rayes of your M••sters favour which reverberated formerly upon you; and by their roots sucking from yours that aliment of trea∣sure which fed you hitherto: and to conclude, that is the greatest unhappiness imaginable, to have been once happy; and the greatness of the fall is measured from the height of the place fallen from; and seing, Sir, here is no real happinesse or unhappinesse here, but what stands in comparisons (absolute happinesse be∣ing

entailed upon the gods, and absolute un∣happinesse being the portion of devils) our misfortune will seem but a mole-hill, in regard of such a mountain as yours; and men will be so busied in admiring your fal, that hardly they will eye ours. Pardon me (answered Sophan∣der) your fall will be more remarkable than mine: for, it is rather a wonder to see me stand amongst so many Emulators (they being Pa∣triots, and I a stranger; they being many, and I one) than to see me fall; and oft-times great Oaks which are top-heavie, will fall sooner un∣der the hand of a storm, than those of a lesser bulk: but Misarites affronts will weigh more in the ballance of some mens fancies than of others (and that is the greatest affront that the persons affronted reputes such) and of all men none weigh affronts so heavily, as those of your profession: for, glory being your main design, your glor•••••• sooner blurred than ours, and your passions (which are alwayes afloat) are sooner incenst than ours; vanity (which is necessary in Souldiers) being of all others passions, the most combustible: and seing your disaster will have moe young men and gallants to be witnesses to it, it must be more insuppor∣table than mine, which being at a Council-Table, will be judged by some few wise old men, who prize not much affronts of that na∣ture;

and as the glory of a Souldier glistereth more than that of Statesmen, certainly the foil must be more grievous: Neither is ambi∣tion the vice of my age, old men being rather enclined to avarice, than panching to ambition; for old men, not knowing by what means they are able to gain, if necessity urged them to it, are more greedy of it when they can attrap it, than young men whose strength gives want a defiance; as also, they know better how hard it is to gain, and rely lesse upon the large pro∣mises of others, than young men do; and their bodies half transubstantiate in the earth, seems to be near in kin to gold and silver, which are but cadents of the same family; We want these sparkls of courage which kindleth ambitions fire, which not only burns in younger breasts, but turns all other humours into its own na∣ture; and that is the soveraign passion in you, to which all the rest must do obeysance: But why should our spirits be thus enthralled to stupidity? and why should we sink in this gulf of misery, seing the arms of our liberty are yet loose, and the shoar of safety is so near? Where is that shoar (quoth Misarites) where we may find a safe harbour? If ye will follow me as your Pilot (replyed Sophander) I shall shoar you safely. I will most willingly, re∣plyed Misarites.

Sophander glad that he was able to compli∣cate such a considerable person in his treason∣able plot, devellopped to him the whole my∣sterie, and promised that if he would go a share with him in the hazard, he should likewayes have a share in the gains; and promised to treat for him with Prastus, and with Sotorus, who (being a prisoner of war there) was com∣missionate for that effect.

But let us now visite Monanthropus and Megistus, who spent their time as frugally as their adversaries, and who were countermining all their mines, and cantoning their friends and associats, so that most of their exercise was discourse, and most of their discourse was the revolutions, whereby the heavens preached perpetually the instability of humane affairs. Monanthropus desirous to hear the sequel of the Knights travels (begun at his house) en∣treated Megistus to pursue it; and Megistus, to divert the eyes of his memory from gazing on desolations gastly colours, condescended to spin out that threed to a greater length, and commenced thus.

Sir, after the foundation of Philarites ac∣quaintance and mine was laid at Athens, and its fabrick (cemented by assiduous familiarity) was raised to some height, we resolved to ramble up and down the world, carving always

to our selves an adventure by our hungry swords; wherefore, discharging our trains at Athens, we desired Kaledulus only to attend us: and beginning our journey towards Lace∣demon, we were outed of our way, by a mist which led us to a Wilderness; where we had not travelled far, when a cry or two (sent from the lungs of affliction) commanded our admi∣ration to follow its tract; we posted to it, knowing that anxieties glasse runt swiftly, and at our coming, found a young Gentleman and a Lady staked to a tree, looking every moment in the face as the harbinger of death, and tear∣ing in such abundance, as that had they remain∣ed in that posture but a short time, the tears would have rotted the cords wherewith they were bound; our compassion had scarce fast∣ned its eyes upon them, when we were necessi∣tated to place them elsewhere: for, two naked men, covered with nothing but with their hair (a garment lent them by dame nature, their ap∣pear and stepmother) not so much out of affecti∣on to them to cover their nakedness, as out of respect to the beholders, and to oblige their modesty) did by their uneven brows (which were to them in place of tongues) cartel us to a combat; their arms were two long poles, to which were fixed two shables (neither did they offer us choice of arms) we judging gallantry

but a nicety, where necessity was the quarrel, and considering that they who were outlaws to Nature, might be punished by any of her sub∣jects, (all men being commissionated against such common enemies) and that they who would not kill such rascals, were guilty of the bloud that was shed by them, resolved to make use of all arms, and arm our selves with all ad∣vantages against them, Whereupon Philarites pulling out a pistol, sent from its barrel two balls, cloathed in deaths livery, and by them opened a salley-port to his soul to fly out of that nasty prison, wherein it had been too long captivated; his comrads courage fell with him, and deaths horrid face represented in the mir∣rour of his dying friend, agasted him so, as that he was willing to ransome his life upon his knees with tears, which fear had commissionat to intercede for him; We who thought that to kill a man before he was prepared to die, was to murder the soul aswell as the body, desired him to throw away his weapon, and he should have quarter: but he not accustomed to hear such a dialect, understood us not, so that we were forced to make a demonstration our in∣terpreter; he no sooner understood our mind than he disarmed himself of his weapon, thro∣wing his body open to our mercy; we advan∣ced, but scarce could perceive in him the re∣liques

of humanity, which was all mudded over with the rubbish of desuetude and cruel∣ty, and his tongue exprest it self as if it had but freshly come to the school of the world; whereupon Philarites concluded, that seing he and his companion could understand one an∣other, that the bruits did use possibly an ideom peculiar to themselves, aswell as these, whose expression claimed affinity to that used by them; or, if they had no language, they be∣hoved to read each others sentiments in the characters of thoughts, like the intuitive know∣ledge of Angels.

We untyed the naked couple, who took their life as a donative from our hands, upon whom fear had made such an impressa, as they could not believe but death had them stil in its claws. We desiring to pull up that poysonous herb by the root, fearing lest it might thereafter spread and pullulate afresh, resolved to know where he nested; he would willingly have quit us, yet in obedience rather to fear than to us, he led us to a cantone of the Wilderness, and shewed us there a hole, whereat he entred; it seemed to be hells porch, and its very stink (occasioned by the boyling of mans flesh) did fortifie it suffi∣ciently against all humane approaches; he cal∣led forth at last his wife, and I must say he was fitly matched: for, her face was a rende∣vouze

of all those deformities, that a petulant fancy could have excogitated, and, except in the case of an Incubus, he might have defied all the world to make him a Cuckold: We learned at last, by a discourse composed of semibrievs and crotchets, that she and her hus∣band had lived there fifty years (death having forgot that there lived any mortals in such a corner) and that their son was killed; We lookt in, and perceived that the hole was all pent up with wood, and that their best chear was mans flesh: So we brought them alongst with us to the next Town, where those two lived whom we had released, and committed them to the publick prison.

Thence our inclination (which was the compass by which we steered) led us to Lace∣demon, which was then the stage whereon Fortune acted all her Tragedies. This Nation had pilgrimaged through all Governments, and seing it could not unload it self of Rules heavy burden, it did, like the Asse, fetch it from shoulder to shoulder, and so, contrarie to its expectation, past from evil to worse, and from worse to worst of all; We had not marched but two dayes journey in this Lunatick Coun∣try, when we encountred a fellow whose eyes sparkled some of that folly which was breasted within him, and by the inorderly Index of his

face, we might easily know that the volumn of his thoughts could not but be confused; his equipage was so mean, that he resembled an old Oak, whose starved leaves had fallen away from the stock which was not able to al••ment them, to which the obdured earth denied the pension of its ordinary aliment; his motions shewed, that they received no commission from a rational soul, and were like the reelings of a ship, whose rudder the careless Skipper had abandoned: thus did he by his inconsiderable∣ness render himself considerable, and made us notice him, meerly because he was not worth the noticing; he past by us, without giving us a hat, or paying a reverence; and glancing over his shoulder, he said, Friends, think ye who shine so upon earth because of your diamonds, to shine in heaven, circled with the rays of di∣vine splendor? or, dream ye that heaven will suffer your pride to passe unpunished? Ye are mistaken (replyed Philarites) for gorgious∣nesse in apparrel betokeneth much humility; for, we think, that we need such weights as these, to be put with us in the ballance of such capricious fancies as yours, else we might fear to be judged but light; whereas ye imagine that your innate worth is able to create respect enough for you: and I pray you, seing the gods have not created these diamonds for our ali∣ment,

surely they have created them for our ornament: and we see how they have varie∣gated the fields with flowers, and have enam∣meled these flowers with diverse colours, whereby our pleasure might be baited, aswell as our necessities supplyed; neither certainly, would they have left man (who is the most excellent amongst all the creatures) naked of these ornaments, if they had not given him rea∣son and fancy to be his provisors, and the whole earth to be his magazine: Neither must we confine ornaments to the narrow bounds of necessity, else why tax ye not the gods likewise of superfluity, for having spangled the heavens with so many and so various stars and constel∣lations, seing they might have supplyed their rooms by two or three Suns or Moons? And Sir, had not these eye-dazling creatures, the Diamonds, concealed by their absence some portion of their makers glory, if they had still been intombed in the earths dark bowels. Well friend (replied he) since I cannot convince you, who lies swadled in the cradle of your fol∣lie, and understands not these true mysteries, go read Grandours Epitaph in the person of Ephemerus, who was not long since Prince of this Country, and is now hunting near-by, followed only by two servants; Whereupon he paced away, leaving us puzled in what rank of creatures he was to be placed.

He being gone, Philarites marked that of all mad-men, those were most fortunate, whose madness resembled most the humour of the Country where they lived; as for instance, Seing the Lacedemonians were ordinarily most superstitious, that therfore that madness which was allyed with most superstition (as in that poor fellow) was least discernable amongst them, seing the Natives being inured to conti∣nual superstition, would not remark its excess so easily, as they would the excess in any other passion: and on the other hand, strangers who perceived such extravangancies, would rather list them amongst the inclinations of the place, than account them real fits of distraction.

This discourse was scarce at a period, when we overhyed Ephemerus, whose mean equi∣page and thin train overpowered our admira∣tion; and now our voyage seemed to us admi∣rations ladder, in which the higher we mount∣ed, we discovered alwayes the more; but we concluded that our amazement was now in its Zenith, and could mount no higher; for, in him, we saw the Mapps of fortune and mis∣fortune both in one Carte, and this Gentleman seemed to be a Skeleton, of whose bones, the State-Ravens of his own faction had pickt all the flesh of honour: We associated our selves to him, to try whether those qualities which

are often admired in eminent persons, be real, or if they be occasioned only by the sunshine of power; and after some discourse we found, that he stood more obliged to his birth, than to his parts; and that he had been heir to his fathers office, rather than to his endowments; and that, albeit amongst bruits the young re∣semble the old, because there is nothing in them, which is not propagated, yet amongst rational creatures it is otherwayes; because the soul is not kneaded of any corporeal masse; and Philosophers alleage, that oft-times the wisest fathers, having evaporated either in acti∣on or contemplation their finest spirits, beget the simplest children, who seem to be the lees of so fine stuffe. We may see, said Philari∣tes to me thereafter, that albeit in all other vi∣sible objects, the higher any body be placed, it appears so much the lesse, yet in State-prefer∣ment it is quite contrary; for all the faculties of a person seem aggrandized by his promoti∣on: and that in the Comedy of the World, the habit of a King or Prince neither improves nor impairs the real habilities of the Actor. This Gentleman talkt of hunting, as if it had been the onely imployment quadrating with true Gentility, and that a Gentleman and a Hun∣ter were but the same thing diversly exprest; Whereupon I (willing to tilt a little in dis∣course

with him) alleaged, that of all exer∣cises, it was the least subservient to our necessi∣ties, and that Fencing or Riding might possibly be a buckler at occasions to a mans life, and might fit the users of them to serve their Coun∣try; but that Hunting was useless to its users, and destructive to the Country where it was most used, by trampling of corns, and alienating the inclinations of Gentlemen from their other imployments, and that it was of all recreations the most destructive to the health; for it obli∣ged men somtimes to ly cold a whole day, wai∣ting for an occasion, and when they had found an occasion necessitated them to move too im∣petuously and ardently; and at last the losse of their prey, did ordinarily affect them too anxi∣ously: and subjoyned, that I conjectured that Hunting was at first excogitated by Princes and Statesmen, to avocate factious minds from deeper projects, and to divert them from pro∣jecting any thing to the prejudice of the State.

Being wearied of his society, from which nothing could be reaped, We retired to the City of Lacedemon: where there were so ma∣ny and so contrary tides, as that it was dange∣rous for the strongest vessel to sail safe in it. Amongst many other slaveries, the people com∣plained much of the too frequent change of State-officers (this Commonwealth being like

the Moon, which never appeareth twice with the same face) wherby the people were charged with miseries: for, those who were newly in∣stalled in their Offices, did like the empty Loch∣leeches, suck themselves full; and those who were not in charge, were continually plotting the extirpation of those who did officiate; nei∣ther could they know how to govern before they were removed from the helm of Govern∣ment.

Amongst many other passages which occur∣red during our residence there, I cannot forget one, which was this; An old fellow which had outlived his wit, became so witless as to fall enamoured of a young Girl, who lived at our house, and now all his spirits, which age seemed to have beaten from all the other posts of his soul, retired themselves to the citadel of his fancy, and being garrisoned there, gave old age a defiance. In order to his design, he mustered all those old suits, which had been witnesses to his first Nuptials, which now, be∣cause of their mustiness, were as grayhaird as himself, and piaffed daily before our windows, possest by this devil of love; and imagining that he was, not what really he was, but what re∣ally he would have been: at last, having lea∣gued with confidence, in a war defensive and offensive against prudence; he entred the cham∣ber,

where the young Gentlewoman was atti∣ring her self, where having, by the help of his staff, made an antick reverence, he complemen∣ted her in these words.

Lady, all the time that I have spent in the world, hath been spent in remarking that there was never any so beautifull as you are; and all these wrinckles which ye may perceive in my face, are caused by the heat of my passion; as we see the fire contracts and furroweth the parchment. And albeit my age and your youth are of a different temper; yet we see that things of most different, yea, and of contrary qualities, when separate; yet do, when joyned, piece up the most excellentest compositions: and strings of the most various sounds, echoes the sweetest melody: these hairs, which seem gray, are not dyed of that colour by age, but by an accident; and my weakness (which was blazed lately abroad) was not the effect of my decrepedness, but of sickness, against whom none can plead exemption: If there were any to quarrel your beauty, or to account it but second to anies else, ye should see (fair Lady) that there is abundance of bloud barrelled up in these veins; and that in this heart there is courage enough to hazard it in your quarrel.

A young Gentleman (one of her Suiters) stepping in, and intending to twit his folly,

said, Fair Lady, ye may believe him anent your beauty; for, whereas others can only adduce two eyes, as witnesses to prove their opinion, he can bring four: for I remarked him yester∣day in Church, bestride his nose with specta∣cles, that by them he might perceive, what his eyes could not. The old Gentleman (like a lamp which albeit it be almost extinguished, yet when irritated by a breath of wind, will flame something more than ordinary) breathed nothing but revenge, and would fain have honoured his sword with such an imployment; but its sheath and it had of so long a time been inseparable companions, that it was very hard to separate them; and rust had so glued them together, that his old arms could not pull it out. The other taking advantage of his mis∣fortune, cried aloud, Oh he hath kill'd me, he hath kill'd me! which cry rendevouzed us all in the chamber, where we found the old Gen∣tleman dashing his sword against the walls, be∣cause of its disloyalty to its master.

This affront did not wean him from the breasts of his amorous folly: and seing age was the occasion of his folly, the older he grew, he behoved necessarily to be the more foolish; so thinking himself too far advanced in this ri∣ver of passion, he resolved to swim, though with hazard, rather than to retire, though with ease.

The next morning, equipaged like one whom we see presented in Taliduce, by some Anti∣quary, he presented himself at his Mist••isses chamber door, where being licentiate to enter, he thanked the gods, who had arrested his sword yesterday in its sheath, lest he should have contaminated her chamber with the bloud of so base a fellow; and continued to perswade her, that it was neither his weaknesse, nor the rustinesse of his sword, which had occasioned the difficulty to unsheath it, only he acknow∣ledged, that after a combate which he had fought not long since, he had forgot to wipe it clean of that bloud, wherewith his adversaries wounds had besmeared it. The Gentlewoman applauded to all, telling him, that his sword looked like a blade which had been Actor of many Tragedies, and that she remembred only to have seen one of that fashion, which her grandfather keeped as an old monument of his family. I heard, Sir, (continued the Gentle∣woman) that in a combat ye had all these teeth shaken out by a blow, which we perceive ye now want; and that another blow, whilst ye were rescuing the Royal Standard, left in lega∣cy with you that infirmity, which is perceived in your march. The old man, who dreamed that all these discourses were the relations of these whose friendship he had bought, accorded

to all, confirming her fictions by some circum∣stances; which busk rendred these fictions yet more ridiculous. Weary at last of his imper∣tinency, she entreated him to hear her read a part of a Romance, which had come to her hands lately; but she had scarce spent half an hour in that imployment, when sleep closed those eyes, which saw but dimly when they were open, old men being like Watches, which the older they are, run alwayes the faster, and must be often winded-up by sleep; for, their infirm bodies, and weak vitals, must have more time allowed them to forge spirits, than young bodies require; and Nature, which hates all transitions from one extream to another, will inure old men, to endure death by dying often. Her other Suiter perceiving he was asleep, came from behind the hangings where he stood, and by a sharp knife cut the ribon wherby his bree∣ches were tied up, and thereafter retired softly; the old Gentleman awaked, would willingly have perswaded his young Mistris, that it was not sleep, but an extasie wherein he had been, and that it was occasioned by the sweetness of her voice, and vivacity of her deportment in reading. The other hearing that he was awake, came bolting in, as if he would have chal∣lenged the old man for his yesterdayes brusk∣ness, whereupon he rising in haste, his breeches

fell about his feet, leaving his thighs like two leafless and withered branches, in whose top an Owl nested; or like an Egyptian Mummy em∣balmed by Art, which had once been coetani∣ous with the first founders of the Lacedemo∣nian Walls.

Megistus's relation was here interrupted, by a confused noise which tumbled-in at the windows; and Monanthropus looking out, perceived a multitude, whose allarmed-like ge∣stures portended some eminent danger: here, one running did ask his fellow what the uproar meaned? and yet posted by; for his curiosity would not wait for an answer: there, another returned laughing, but not telling why: some through fear, others through curiosity hunted for news: Thus they floated up and down the streets, raging and murmuring like waters fallen from some high cataract: At last Kalodulus entring the chamber, told them, that the basis of that commotion, was a combat betwixt two Persian Captains, who being Rivals in love, re∣solved to terminate their debate by the dye of a combat; but though they wanted not cou∣rage, yet they wanted armour (as being pri∣soners) neither durst they adventure to seek any from their acquaintances in the City, lest they should have brought themselves within the compass of State-jealousie; at last, revenge

and love fornisht them this overture, That they should walk to a Sword-sellers shop, and should look each upon a sword, meerly as if they intended to try them, and that there (which was a remote corner of the City, and early in the morning) they should make cou∣rage Arbiter betwixt them: which project fra∣med well; for, before any could mediate be∣twixt them, the one had lost as much bloud as might have cooled him out of that feaver of love wherein he raged formerly, and there were sufficiently many issues opened in their bodies, at which that unnatural heat might have evaporated.

Let us now return to the Court, which is the Chequer wherein the dyce of favour alters still the game; and where the Courtiers, like so many Moons, wax or wane, accordingly as the Sun of Royal Pleasure darts its rays upon them; all being paved with ice, whereon none can stand because of its slipperiness, unless they be frosted with fortune, and Court-respect; here all things seemed to be moulded a new, and Monanthropus was now the house of the Zo∣diack, wherein the King's fancy dwelt. For Sophander was looked upon as a person whose ambition towred too high, and who intended to enthronize himself in the affections of the subjects: the King eyed him as his Rival, and

the best of his actions were construed to be treasonable: Neither was his Majesty mista∣ken, for Sophander levelled at nothing lower than the Supremacy of Egypt, and he had now devoted himself to be a Partisan of the Persian Monarchy; and had, as best things when cor∣rupted, become alwayes the worst (evil being the privation of good, and consequently the more numerous the good qualities were in the good, the more numerous their privations are in the evil) So Sophander was from the best of friends, degenerated in the worst of enemies, and tasked himself now with the destruction of the Egyptian Nation; In order to this de∣sign, he endeavoured to have Misarites pre∣ferred to the conduct of the Egyptian Army, who had combined rather to mislead, than to lead them; and had undertaken to ruine them without a Persian sword.

Prastus encouraged by their undertakings, and by the numbers of his Army, resolved to prosecute the Egyptian War; and the rather, because the body of his own State did begin to amasse noxious humours, through want of martial exercise, and was become so plethorick, that it behoved to be let bloud of by the hand of some forreign War: his Army is sent to Egypt under the conduct of Sotorus (who had been lately ransomed) their landing allarmed

the Egyptian Court, whose fears were fed by Sophanders emissaries.

The King commanded to rendevouze all the solded Forces, who being but eight thousand strong, were alwayes upon duty, whereby the rebellion of subjects and the invasion of forreigners were easily cohibited; a lesson which his predecessour had learned from the late Insurrection: He likewise ordered the le∣vying of twelve thousand moe, which being all bodyed together, were subjected to Misa∣rites command. Megistus, Philarites, and the Martial Knight refusing any imployment.

All things thus ordered, Philarites resolved to go seek a pasport from the lovely ARETI∣NA, whom he thus accosted.

Fair Lady, I am come to beg a licence to employ that heart and bloud, which is really yours, in the service of your Prince, and to skreen your Country from its irreconciliable enemies; honour invites me to fight for my Prince, but love entreats me not to abandon my dear Princess; Yet seing loves burning-glasse can inflame at a distance, and seing my soul, where-ever I go, carries alwayes about with it the impressa of ARETINA, and seing I can love in the camp, but cannot be victorious in a chamber, I hope ye will not only pardon my absence, but commissionate me to be absent;

that by my absence I may gather lawrels of peace, and triumphing bays, to crown the head of my dear Princess.

If your heart be mine (replied ARETINA) and seing ye have gotten mine in exchange, ye must either go heartless, else stay at home and enjoy it; for I will not render you yours: for, seing I live by it, I cannot live without it; Neither can the King desire you to hazard a womans heart, whose sex exempts them from danger; if you be lost, I lose all: And albeit you were absent, the King will be loser but in a part. Wherefore seing my losse may be greater, and my gain cannot equal his; and seing your interest in me exceeds your interest in him, I hope ye will not rob me of that ye have once bestowed upon me. This discourse was con∣tinued by a floud of tears, whereof the least was able to quench the flames of Philarites cou∣rage; her sighes, like great ordnances, made breaches in the walls of his resolutions for her perswasions to enter; so that like Mahomets tomb, he hovered betwixt the two Loadstones of Love and Courage: Yet at last the danger of the State in general, and of her father in parti∣cular (whose safety moved upon the hinges of their loyalty and courage) joyned with the re∣iterated promises of shunning danger, prevailed with her, to permit him to risk yet that one

hazard: yet her love combated her resolutions, and will and courage fell at variance; neither were Philarites honour, nor her own interest, eloquent enough to perswade her to relinquish without reluctancy, her first intention, her eyes protested against what her tongue spoke, and challenged it for transgressing that commission which her heart had given it.

The Trumpets sounding a march to the Ar∣my, did sound a retreat from these amiable ca∣resses, and necessitated Philarites to close that dialogue, which else he had never closed till death had closed his eyes.

Megistus and Agapeta had all this while interchanged amorous glances, but albeit their imployment was the same, the way was most different: for, Megistus studied nothing more than to acquaint Agapeta with his design, and Agapeta studied nothing more than to skreen hers from Megistus, thinking it derogatory to a Princesse to love a Subject: and albeit that Eudoxa ceased not continually to feed the fire of Agapeta's love with the faggots of Megi∣stus praise, yet Agapeta smothered all these flames under the ashes of a prudential silence.

Megistus finding himself consumed away by this hectick feaver of a languishing love, re∣solved rather to die by hazarding a cure, than to languish without it; and judging this the

fittest time to ventilate his passion, resolved to let something of it fall in his discourse to Aga∣peta: So having gone to her chamber as if he had been to bid her farewell before he initiated his journey, after he had acquit himself of the ordinary ceremonies customarily used in such addresses, and after servants were removed, he spake thus:

Madam, since my heart hath been so arro∣gant as to pretend to your love, I have resolved to expiat its crime in hazarding it against those who hate your Country, that they may wound it, seing it hath wounded it self, and that they may revenge your quarrel against me, whilst I am revenging against them the quarrel of your Country; every drop of my bloud, supplicates me to be honoured in your service, and forbids me to dispute the lawfulness of the quarrel, seing ye interest your self in it. Madam, albeit I be by birth a King, yet my birth cannot en∣title me to your love, whose worth is a King∣dom preferable to the whole Globe, albeit it were all ranged under the subjection of one Scepter: Wherefore, Madam, albeit I be a King, yet in this I accuse my self guilty of treason against the majesty of your worth, and pannels my self willingly at the bar of your pleasure. I know I was guilty even in loving you, yet seing all Egypt is complicated with

me in the same crime, I hope, as in other cases so in this, the number of the delinquents will procure a pardon for the crime. Yet, Madam, I am singularly guilty, in having avowed before you my own guilt; which as none but I could be so arrogant as to commit, so none but ye can be so clement as to pardon.

Agapeta hearing that he was a Prince, but not noticeing it, as if she heard it not, resolved not to glut her self with those grapes of love, untill the sunshine of time had ripened them more maturely; yet, lest she should starve al∣together his passion, she returned him this Answer.

Sir, it is certainly the feaver of courage wherein ye now burn, which occasioneth that discomposure of spirit which ye now bewray▪ for else Megistus, who is loved by all, would never be so mad as to love Agapeta, who is loved by none; But, Sir, ye may know, that I am one of the Jewels of my fathers Crown, and none can dispose of me, but they who can dis∣pose of it; so that I hope ye will not suffer your self to be so much mistaken, as to shoot at that mark: But really there is another in∣convenience in being Megistus's Mistris, seing she who is such will make her self the rival of all those Ladies, who have but once conversed with you, who doubtlesse place their happiness

in the fruition of your favour; but, Sir, seing ye plead guilty, and will make me your Judge, I shall, as in all other crimes, so in this, make the crime the punishment: Wherefore, seing love is your gu••lt, let love be your torture.

As men should shun, replyed Megistus, to look on you, because of your beauty, so they should shun to converse with you, because of your eloquence: every thing which is either seen in you, or spoken by you, being a snare to entrap unworthy mortals; who must, in spight of prudence, like flyes, flee about the candle which burns them. But, Madam, my love is no infant passion; for, it bears as old a date as since my arrival at Court: and albeit the per∣sisting so long in my guilt, be an aggravation of it (every thought being a new crime, and every moment forging a new thought) yet seing I have avowed my passion, I cannot but avow its birth. Madam, since ye have sen∣tenced me guilty, I beg fetters, which are the badge of guiltiness. Agapeta knowing what he aimed at, gave him a bracelet of her hair, which she desired him to take, not as an appro∣bation of his love to her, but as a reward of his loyalty to her father.

Megistus glad to receive it upon any terms, kissing her hand, went away, telling her, that he gloried more in that badge of her favour,

than he would do in all the trophies which could be raised for him upon the ruines of the Persian Monarchy.

The Army was marched, and had left Me∣gistus, Philarites and the Martial Knight, be∣hind, busied in saluting their numerous friends; their visits accomplisht, they posted after the marched Troops, and in their way the Mar∣tial Knight, in pursuit of a discourse anent the antipathy betwixt the Egyptian and Persian Nations, fell a chiding Astrologues, because they attributed it to the variety of celestiall signs: these mad fellows (said he) will needs have all the Watches of National inclinations set by the Sun-dyall of the heavenly Aspects, as if the Needle of free-will were obliged to follow the touch of that Adamant; and as if the face of the firmament were like those op∣tick chambers, on whose chamber walls one may perceive what is acted in the streets, to which their backs are turned for the time; but seing the humours of Nations varies, the hea∣venly Aspects still continuing the same; and seing those influences are corporeal, and so can∣not affect the will which is meerly spiritual, I admire how men can fancy any influence, where there is no passibility: But why are the neigh∣bouring Countries alwayes most tainted with this natural aversion, more than the remote

parts of the Nations? Is it because the heavens are divided in shires as the earth is? surely all these are dreams of capricious fancies; and it is to small purpose that men should vex them∣selves by enquiring for a reason of that in the heavens, whereof the reason may with small scrutiny be found upon the earth: for we know that bordering Kingdoms do alwayes war one against another; and these Wars are fathers and mothers to that Antipathy; And who would not hate these who are their suc∣cessors, who have massacred their antcestors? and for this reason is it, that in these antipa∣thizing Nations, the frontier Countries hate most one another, seing the occasions of fresh quarrels makes them oft purple their fingers in one anothers bloud. And upon the contrary, the remoter Nations, are ordinarily linked in Confederacies; for these Nations that border on the remote frontire of the Nation hated, do in odium of the interjacent Nation, league with those who border upon the other frontier, So that, that friendship is cemented with the com∣mon hatred of both the averse Nations; and here mysterie of State is the heavenly Aspect which causeth this contrariety.

This discourse being ended before the jour∣ney, they resolved that each of them should maintain a Paradox, which, being as weights

added to the paices of times clock, might make it run more swiftly; Philarites being by lot destinat for the precedency, undertook thus the defence of Vanity.

Gentlemen, before I begin to wade through this discourse, I must rid marches betwixt Pride and Vanity; and I call Vanity, an high estimation set by man upon his own actions, and a confidence he hath of being able to per∣petrate undertakings above the ordinary reach of humane power; and Pride, that whereby one undervalueth all that is done by others, quarreling it, meerly because it was not done by himself; and not only esteeming highly of himself absolutely (as is done in Vanity) but also over-rating himself, when compared with others. I affirm then, that Vanity is the wheels, whereby honour, courage and triumph moves: for, if Vanity suggested not to man the enter∣prise of something extraordinary, and if these suggestions were not welcomed by generous spirits, the greatest part of new inventions had been stifled in the cradle of their first concepti∣on; Commerce had never been entertained through want of shipping; and new discove∣ries, both of unknown Countries, and usefull Engins had never been atchieved; and certain∣ly, men should never rise above their own le∣vel, if they circled their undertakings within

the narrow compasse of their own experience: and seing, in setting a high price upon my own worth, I magnifie the workmanship of the im∣mortal gods, and believes undoubtedly that I am more obliged to them, than really I am; I think my self, as to them, no more culpable, than he who acknowledgeth himself my debtor in a greater sum than truly he is, should be bla∣med by me: And further, seing mans misery, if sufficiently known, were sufficient to ingu••fe him in the depths of melancholy, and to ingrain it more deeply of a black colour; Certainly Vanity is of excellent use, seing it confects sweetly those bitter aigrets, and skinneth over those deep wounds, which are inflicted by the hand of our natural misery.

The Martial Knight maintained, That Pro∣digality was no wayes to be punished by the Commonwealth; and that Prodigals in reason, ought not to be interdicted, if they sowed not their monies in the furrows of forreign Nati∣ons, in which case only the Commonwealth was prejudged; but that if they spent it with∣in the territories of the Commonwealth, they could not be challenged; seing they were ma∣sters of their own, and seing the Common-wealth was not endammaged, but rather ad∣vantaged; seing their money came in the hands of frugal men (for such are ordinarily those

who fleece these sheep) who might improve it more to the publick utility; and if persons of vast estates deborded not in such extravagan∣cies, they would in fine coffer up all the monies of the Kingdom, so that poor Artists, and others, should be totally impoverished; (for the superfluities of the rich, are the granaries of the poor) and these who were once rich, might presume, knowing that they would not be licentiated to dilapidate; and poor (though ingenuous, and ingenious persons) might de∣spair, if they had not such crumbs as these to feed on: but by Prodigality, treasure runs like the Sea, to the water-sources of poor Artists, and from them, by the frugality of others, re∣turns back again to the ocean of Noblemens treasuries; by which circulatory motions, the fabrick of the Universe is maintained in the one, and the fabrick of the State is entertained by the other.

Megistus maintained, That there was no Adultery in the case where the husband allow∣ed his wifes imbracements; and that it was only the husbands dissent, which made the wifes consent be reputed Adultery: for, said he, all the precepts which concern man, may be dis∣pensed with, by man; for, seing the great Le∣gislator hath only made these Laws which ter∣minate themselves in mans advantage, to be

bulworks to him against the malice of others, it appears that where there is no wrong done to him, the Law introduced in his favours cea∣seth; and as, if there had never been fear of wrong, surely the Law which punisheth that wrong had never been statuted; even so in the case where the party that only can be offended, remits the offence, there the Law ceaseth, be∣cause its occasion faileth: And albeit in crimes once committed, the Law-giver may pursue, al∣beit the party offended desist; yet that is where the crime was once committed, and where the committer hazarded upon the fact, before he had the parties offended consent; and so, as he contemned the Law-giver, as much as he of∣fended a private subject; the Law-giver may insist, albeit the subject desist. And, as in the case of theft, the Magistrate may punish the stealer, albeit none concur with him; yet be∣fore the theft is committed, if the person whose goods are taken, consent, there can be no theft; even so, if the husband before the Adultery al∣low his wifes familiarity, he cannot be said to be wronged: neither can ye obtrude here, that the wife hath chained her self to her husband by an oath, which adamantine chain, the weak hands of a husbands consent can never break; this, I say, cannot be obtruded here: for, seing this is an oath only, and no vow, the immortal

gods are not parties, but witnesses in it, (for a vow is only where the thing promised is made meerly or mostly for their honour, which can∣not be said here) and so the person in whose favours it is made, may favour the maker so far, as to dispense with it. Nay, but (replyed Megistus) both the Gods and the Common-wealth, are interested in what is enjoyned by that Law (which seems to be one of those Laws which was made in Natures first Parlia∣ment) and are as much parties as is the hus∣band; for, if husbands had the keys of that Law put into their hands, they would open a door by them to all wickedness, and would feed the greedy appetite of that monster, Lust; and the souls of creatures, and hearts of subjects, would be so stuffed with this base passion, that no room should be left either for vertue, or gallantry; and the gardens of mens souls should be so overgrown with this spreading hemlock of corruption, that no ground should be found to sow in, either the roses of piety, or lillies of generosity: and albeit ye combat stoutly with the weapon of the husbands consent, yet ye shall never be able by it, to wound one who is covered with the armour of reason; for that husband who would by the hand of his own folly raze down the ramparts of his own ho∣nour, and by the mire of his madness pollute

the wel-spring of his private satisfaction, might justly be reputed mad and demented, and his consent might be accounted as ineffectual, as it is unreasonable, and so to operate no more here, than the consent of mad-men doth in Law elsewhere.

They were arrived by this time, at the place where the Army had encamped for that night, and were welcomed by the applaudatory ac∣clamations of the Souldiery, each one esteem∣ing them the coals by which the green wood, for their unexpert courages, behoved to be kindled; and their enemies themselves (who were rather rivals of their success than enemies to their vertues) acknowledged them both the patterns and patrons of true gallantry. After they had tendred their respects to the General, they retired to their own Tents (which their servants had already stretcht out for them) and thereafter Megistus exercised a Company of foot in the face of a Regiment, teaching them by what he did, what they should do, and dis∣ciplinating those who dreamed formerly, that War was only a flash of artless courage, and that all its precepts might be summed up in that one, of not running away.

Misarites much dissatisfied, that applause should have so hugd these Knights in its arms, and that all should be so much beadsmen for

their success, sent a Gentleman to acquaint them (as if in a friendly way) that the Offi∣cers of the Army frowned exceedingly to see their own eggs hatcht by others. Megistus could easily have unridled a greater mysterie than this, and conjectured instantly that emu∣lation was the sender of that Ambassage; whereupon they retired to their Tents, but so prudently, as that none could perceive their design in retiring. Where the Martial Knight (to dissipat these clouds of passion which were already conglomerating in the firmament of Megistus face) undertook this subsequent re∣lation for their divertisment. I lodged, said he, with a Merchant in Alexandria, whose wife thought her self the widow of a living man; and so setled her fancy upon a pretty youth, her apprentice, upon whom she con∣ferred those respects which she denied her hus∣band; to whom, albeit she could not in reason, yet she did in fancy, marry her self; and with whom she spent those amorous hours which she could steal either from her husbands assi∣duous company, or the youths numerous im∣ployments; but when the husband was abroad in the Country, then they reaped the harvest of these pleasures, which they gleaned only at other occasions, and feasted upon those amo∣rous delicacies, which they could only use as

desert at other times: But that I may abridge my story, it hapned one day that the husband was by his imployments called to the Country, telling his wife that he would not return of a fortnight; so that they had the reins of their pleasure laid upon their own necks, and thought an occasion to sin was enough to authorize them in sin; but whilst they are in bed toge∣ther at twelve a clock of the night, the husband wearied with his journey, and disappointed of his projects, returns home, and knocks at the door; the wife conjures her Gallant not to budge, whilst she was opening the door to her husband, which he condescended to, ra∣ther to satisfie her, than his own reason: the door was opened, and the kind wife caresses most affectionatly her wearied husband, telling him that it was pity the husband should toil so, in amassing means and money for their wives, who sucked the honey, albeit they brought not home the wax; but said she, Sweet-hart, pro∣vidence hath led you home this night, that ye might be a target to the innocency of your im∣portuned wife, whose honour your apprentice hath oft and most passionately assaulted; so that in him ye keep a fox at home to devour your own hens, and this night at one a clock (which is not now far off) I trysted him in my chamber, resolving to intrap him; but seing

ye can manage that imployment with better success, I entreat you go to my closet, and put on my cloathes, and meet him at the door in that way which he deserves: The honest hus∣band smiling at the conceit, undertook the con∣duct of that business; and retiring himself to her closet, opened a door to the Gallant to es∣cape, who having shifted himself in his cloaths upon the top of the stairs, returned to act what the wife had promised in his name; and he grating the chamber door, was answered by the husband; the door was no sooner opened, than our Gallant buffets the poor husband most sadly, calling him disloyall base whore, and unworthy to be wife to such a civil Gen∣tleman, as was his master; and that it was not to satisfie his lust, but to experiment her inte∣grity, that he had thus courted her to a par∣ley. The master surfeited with blows, and satisfied both with his wife and servants can∣dour, desired him to leave off to strike him, or revile his wife; but the other continued his rage, till, as he alleaged, the wifes cryes deci∣phered to him his mistake; and then imbracing his master, did, after a full information, beg pardon upon his knees for his errour: which both of them promised not only to pardon, but also to reward.

Megistus and Philarites had that morning,

been comparing the rise of their several affecti∣ons to their Mistrisses, and each disputed the precedence to his own; Philarites seemed to have fallen into a burning feaver, and Megistus love had crept upon him like a hectick: where∣fore they resolved to submit in this to the Mar∣tial Knight, who commanded Megistus first to plead his cause, which he obeyed thus.

Sir, Nature, which is equal and proporti∣onal in all its periods, seems to ominate a speedy death to that which hath a speedy birth; and it is probable, that that heart of straw which flameth soon, will not flame long; and those creatures whose nativity is ruled by the Alma∣nack of a night, or hour, may expect to meet with their climaterick the next day: whereas that passion which resembleth the Elephant in its slow••paced conception, may probably re∣semble it likewise in its admired bulk, after that it is once conceived: and that love which like the Hart, lodgeth so long in the belly of its dam, may like the Hart prove long-liv'd after its arrival to the world: and those impressions which are made upon the ashes of a soon-in∣flamed soul, may be easily obliterated; where∣as the obdured marble of a resisting spirit, will hardly suffer ever its impressions to be effaced; and seing love should stand upon the basis of reason, the broader that basis is, the longer

love will stand; and that soul which resisteth longest by reason, will persist longest by con∣stancy. Philarites contended thus:

Sir, the purest air is alwayes soonest infla∣med, and enlightened by the rayes darted from the Sun, and those are but foggie and misty vapours which resist its illuminations; it be∣tokeneth a body wet with the dull phlegm of stupidity, not to be presently heated by a vast fire: and those spirits are not powder fitted for the war of generosity, which cannot kindle at the first touch: great beauties are like the Sun, which spreads its beams all in one instant; and that is the best eye which discovereth im∣mediatly all the excellencies which are disco∣verable in the objects.

Both parties having closed their plea, the Martial Knight adjudged victory to both: for (said he) Cupid confines not himself to one way of gaming, and all his shafts may be equal∣ly good, albeit they wound not equally soon; and the bodies may be equally resistant, albeit the darts pierce not equally deep: for, the dif∣ference may, and doth oft proceed from their being better or worse armed, either by indiffe∣rency, or inanimadvertency; and albeit the Sun be the same still, yet its heat is not still communicated after the same manner, because of the nearness or other position of the body,

which should concentrate its beams.

The Army next morning marched, each ex∣pecting that week, once to cope with the Per∣sian Forces, who besieged the Citadel of Iris, and were like to conquer it, because of the pau∣city of the defendants: Misarites hoping to blunder Megistus with unsuccessfulness, or else willing the Persian (whom he now adored) should possess himself of that strength, com∣missionated him to march thither with two thousand foot, to try if he could by any means rescue that place, whilst he, and the remanent Forces expected there the advancing Troups from the remoter parts of the Kingdom.

Megistus, accompanied with Philarites and the Martial Knight, obeyed his Order; seem∣ing to rate as a complement, what they knew was an injury; and albeit he commanded them to make brick without straw, yet they shewed as great alacrity as if he had furnished them with means proportionate to such an end. The next morning, they commenced their march, and having at night fortified themselves in a neighbouring marish, they plotted thus to suc∣cour the City. The Martial Knight was to choose an hundred stout fellows, who were to carry burdens of provenant to the Persian Ar∣my, they were to drop in to the Camp by two and three, as if they were coming to provision

the Army, but were enjoyned to value all things so highly, as that there should be but little sold til their number were compleat; and that thereafter, those who were within should sally out upon that corner where they were lodged, with whom they should instantly joyn, and march in to the Citadel, whilst the others were disputing the event with courage: This undertaking framed prosperously, and the Ci∣tadel flanked with fresh Souldiers, and en∣couraged by the conduct of the Martial Knight, was now impregnable.

The noble Knights fearing that the malice and skill of their adversaries at Court might somewhat (if not altogether) misreport their ingenuous procedures in that expedition, (ma∣licious spirits being like corrupt stomacks, which can corrupt the best of viands) resolved to nar∣rate the whole tract of what was done in a Letter to his Majesty, whereof the tenour ran thus.

SIR,

JVstice hath unsheathed her sword in your Majesties quarrel, and in all probability resolves to defend you once, who hath so often defended her: The prudence of your General commanded the attempt, and the obsequious∣nesse of your Majesties servants under sub∣scribing▪ atchieved it; seconded rather by the

benignesse of your fortune, than either by our own courage, or multitude of our follow∣ers. The rescue of the Citadel of Iris, hath un∣dertaken the prologue in the tragedy of the Persian misfortunes, and we hope shall like an usher, hold aside the tapestry, till the succeeding rable of their misfortunes enter in at the same door. This smiling skie, promises a bright sunshine at noon: and we hope your Majesty shall one day pull with satisfaction the fair fruits of victory, after these blossoms of suc∣cesse are ripened, by the heat of your Armies courage; who will, we hope, allye their great valour, to your good fortune: which is both the expectation and wish of your Majesties most loyal subjects,

• MEGISTUS,
• PHILARITES.

Megistus addressed another Letter to the di∣vine Agapeta, wherein he discoursed thus.

MADAM,

MY reason (befooled with credulity) per∣swaded me whilst I lived at Court, that lapse of time, and distance of place, might have effaced some of those impressions, which the diamond of passion had engraven upon she long resisting cristal of my love-fearing spirit: but

I find now that I have been abused in this, by my credulity; for I perceive that the wound is not cured by distancing it from the sword which made it; and that love resembles an impetuous river, which swelleth the more the farther it runneth from its source; and that albeit the weakest wit might wade through it near its fountain, yet the strongest reason is not able to ford it, when it hath run farther off. Madam, every beautiful face which I see, hath some trait in it, which proves a re∣membrancer to me of those incomparable lines which the Pencil of Nature hath drawn in yours; but they are but dull copies of such an original, and can represent it in nothing else, besides in making me infortunate, in beholding that, which I can only behold and not enjoy. I lye here, tortured by the sharp ague of passion; sometimes scorched with the flames of love, and at other times frozen by the cold chilnesse of despair; and as in all poysonings, so in this, I must seek the antidote from the same body, whence came the poyson. Fair Lady, live hap∣py, and dart forth one ray of your happinesse, to enlighten the darkned soul of melancholie

MEGISTUS.

Philarites vented his passion to his dear AR••TINA in another Letter thus.

Incomparable Lady,

IF this paper had not been dampt in the floods of my tears, the flames of my zeal had burnt it to ashes; neither can I but envie its happi∣nesse in kissing your fair hands, a happinesse sufficient to border and limit the most unsa∣tiable of mortals: and so being its rival, I would certainly destroy it, if it did not pro∣mise to acquaint you with the ardour of my respects to you. Oh that there should be grea∣ter distance betwixt this and Alexandria in ground, than there is in the Mappe, that so I might see that Sun, with whose shadow I must now rest satisfied; and that I might adore that Deity, by which I intend to be saved. Ma∣dam, I have sacrificed all the flesh of my par∣ched body upon the altar of love, and were it not that my soul thought that it could be ser∣viceable to you in its present dwelling, it would leave that ruinous fabrick wherein it now re∣mains. Madam, be not so unmindfull of him, whose both happinesse and torture it is, that he is too mindfull of you; and bestow one thought upon him, who bestowes so many upon you; and who cannot, nor will not be happie, except in being esteemed, fair Lady,

Your humble Servant, PHILARITES.

Whilst Philarites was dispatching this En∣voy, a young Gentleman desired access to Me∣gistus, which being granted him, he did with a chearfull countenance deliver his mind thus.

Noble Sir,

ALbeit the desperatnes of my design, might make you eye me, as either distracted or malecontent, and like one, who being in fear to drown in the gulf of despair, is content to hang by the smallest twig of comfort that he is able to grasp to; yet the publick advancement of my Nations interest, makes me over-look all such difficulties, and willing to exchange my own losse with their gain: for, I think it most reasonable, that one member should rather be cut off, than that the whole body should be endangered; and especially such a member as is already in apparent danger of being lost: wher∣fore, Sir, seing the Enemy is to passe this night alongst a wooden Bridge over the Nile, hoping to attaque unexpectedly your Camp, I entreat ye may suffer me to inclose my self in an Arch of it, with some barrels of Powder, that when such a number of them as your Army is able to encounter, hath past alongst it, I may blow up the Bridge, and so stop both the passage of those who are not already past, and the return of those who are gone over. Sir, lest my in∣truding

my self in this danger, and the horrour of the danger it self, should make you think it is rather treachery than affection which hounds me out to this enterprize, ye shall be pleased to know, that these ravenous Physicians, who have these two years preyed upon my fat purse, and practised all their cheats upon my wasted body, have at last told me, that my cancer shall at last irrecoverably period my dayes: Wherefore, Sir, finding that I could not by Art prolong my dayes, I resolved to do it by fame; and to sweeten the harshness of death by the generous manner of it, that so my pa∣rents might have the breath of my praises to dry up the tears of their compassion; and that by destroying one subject to my Prince, I might preserve him two thousand; having thus satis∣fied my reason, I resolved to satisfie my Con∣science, which is that great Controller of all our actions; whereupon I addressed me to a Priest, my intimate acquaintance, who per∣swaded me, that it was as lawfull for the Civil Magistrate (whose command he desired me to ask) to dispose of me for the publick utility, as it was lawfull for a private person to ran∣som his life by the losse of a member, and that such a generous resolution was a key able to open the gates of Paradise: and if it was law∣ful for a man to hazard his life in battel, where

he could kill but two or three; how much more lawful was it to buy the safety of many friends, and the destruction of so many enemies, with so worthlesse a farthing as my single life was?

Megistus having deliberated with Philari∣tes the expediency of this Overture, resolved to accept the offer: whereupon, having both thanked and encouraged the young man, ha∣ving heard that the Enemy was to passe alongst the Bridge the next day, he went under silence of night to the Bridge, and opening an Arch thereof, he inclosed in it the Gentleman, toge∣ther with some barrels of Powder, and some Match; and guarded the Bridge with some Souldiers, lest any should carry intelligence to the Enemy of their intention: The next mor∣ning, the Enemy (according to expectation) ap∣peared in view, which made the two Knights make a shew as if they would fight (for they were now four thousand strong) and having, after some resistance, abandoned the Bridge, they suffered the Persians to passe alongst it, three thousand of them being on this side al∣ready, Megistus caused shoot some Peeces of great Ordnance (which was the signal conde∣scended upon betwixt the Gentleman and him) and which was instantly obeyed; for, he ha∣ving fired, the Powder did, to the terrour of

the spectators, and ruine of the passers, blow up both himself, them, and the Bridge, and sent them all to heaven in a fiery chariot, their bodies convoying their souls half way, and would have entered the upper spheares with them, if heaven had not shewed its unwilling∣nesse to lodge such contaminated guests, as bloudy carcasses were: those who had passed over, finding themselves destitute of the assist∣ance of their friends (who were able to con∣tribute nothing now but their prayers and wishes) resolved to imbrace an honourable death, since they could not procure to them∣selves a long life, and to shew, that rather fate, than fearfulnesse, had occasioned their overthrow; yet courage had its eyes so dazled with the unexpectednesse of their former dis∣aster, that it could not see what was fittest to be done in that juncture of affairs; and they beheld their enemies through the multiplying-glasse of fear, and as those for whom Provi∣dence had displayed a Banner. The Knights assaulted them whilst thus perplext, and put in disorder the ill-marshalled right wing; and as ordinarily those who draw one link of fortunes chain, will make all the rest follow it; So this partial victory was seconded by a total, and the Persians were forced rather to imploy their tongues in demanding pardon, than their

swords in seeking victory, leaving the two Knights both the victory and the field, as the recompence of their gallantry:

These news wrought as different effect at Court, as the Sun doth upon the earth, when it causeth the roses smell sweetly, and the mari∣shes stink insufferably, producing effects accor∣ding to the dispositions of the bodies wrought upon: Thus all the truly generous spirits at Court shared with these noble Gentlemen in their good fortunes: (virtuous men honour∣ing true Generosity, as that whereby they ei∣ther have already been, or hopes to be honour∣ed) but Sophander and his faction, made the sunshine of their glory, appear as dapled with some obscure spots, and alleaged, that it was intolerable arrogance in them, who were but strangers, to place the Martial Knight in the Citadel of Iris, which being a frontier Town, could not be disposed of but to a native; and that it was the custom of Egypt not to bestow frontier strengths, either as appanages upon the children of their Prince, nor as governments for the use of strangers: as also, they challenged them for fighting the Persians, albeit with ad∣vantage, yet without order, Misarites having only commissionated them to rescue Iris, and no more; and if private persons should follow rather the dictates of their own reason, than

the commands of their Superiours, Govern∣ment were unnecessary, and ruine behoved cer∣tainly to attend such disorder: and albeit for∣tune should make such undertakers victorious, yet it could not justifie their undertakings; neither could the dammage which might ensu•• upon such exemplary contempt, be compen∣sated by the advantage which might accrue from an accidental victory.

Amongst all their friends at Court, none were so much satisfied, nor esteemed them∣selves so much interessed in these victories, as Agapeta and ARETINA, who kindled bon∣fires of joy in their breasts, to congratulate their great success; and albeit they could not then in modesty nor prudence cry up these no∣ble exploits themselves, yet they respected all those who did it. Sophander, who had at the council table of his own thoughts, declared himself an enemy to the Royal Faction, con∣cluded now, that the only way to ruine the King, was to ruine these noble Gentlemen; knowing that those who would fell a great Oak and pluck it up by the roots, behoved first to cut the earth about it: to effectuate which, he bribed a Mesopotamian at Court, to con∣fess the pedigree of his Prince Megistus, and at last to declare to the King, that he had carried Letters from him to Agapeta: and now confi∣dent

of this fellows perseverance in his roguish business, he addressed himself to the King the next morning thus.

Sir, if my being entrusted by you, the confi∣dence I have in you, and the experience I have of you, did not imbolden me to unfold to your Majestie such mysteries of State, as is that which I am presently to discourse of, I would not dare to dip in affairs of so great importance; and seing Princes have not the leisure to pry into all particulars, nor informers either the opportunity or confidence to give them imme∣diate information of what toucheth them, I think it is prudence in Princes to imploy Mini∣sters of State to learn, and duty in Ministers of State to acquaint Princes with what they have learned; and since all Subjects are tied by their condition, to detect what may wrong the State, or endanger the person of their Prince, what a strict obligation is laid upon Minions to dis∣close to their Masters, what may ruine them and their Subjects? and albeit there be great danger in being misconstrued by their Prince, yet expediency should not be disputed in those actions which are commanded by duty. Sir, this Gentleman, named Megistus, is of a birth rather answerable to the extraordinariness of his qualities, than suitable to the meanness of his equipage; his deportment tels, that he is a

Prince, and my author confirms me in it: for, I am informed by a Mesapotamian (whom I have brought alongst with me) that he is Son to the King of Ethiopia, and is come to your Court to court your daughter. Sir, this may seem improbable: yet if we ponder the hazard he runs in travelling abroad, and the desire pa∣rents have to keep their children under their eye (especially when he is their successour and the expectation of a whole Nation) your Ma∣jesty may think that is not altogether impos∣sible; but Sir, if ye consider the pains he is at in your service, and the perils he layeth himself open to in a forreign Nation, ye may eye it as probable. And if yet further, ye ex∣amine the correspondence he keeps with your Daughter (which this fellow will assure you) ye may justly conclude it certain. Where the danger is great, the proofs needs not be most clear (neither can we expect plenary probation in those plots which are hatched so covertly) and the fear of a disease is enough to command its prevention: Neither can there be greater danger anywhere, than here; for, Megistus being by birth, a Prince; in stature, handsom; and by fortune, successfull; it may be feared that your Daughter will prefer his bed to that of a subject, upon whom she fears ye will be∣stow her: And if once he master her affection,

(which is easie where he is so accomplished, and hath so few competitors) she will die, if she marry him not; or your Crown will be carried to a stranger, if she marry him: Neither lies all the danger there; for it is to be feared, that if he married once your Daughter, either your Majesty behoved to nominate her your successour, and then possibly they will rather hasten than expect your death; or else, if ye do it not, he may secure himself in your King∣dom, by the assistance of your mercenary or discontented Subjects, into which two files, all the Commons, and many of the Nobility may be ranked. Sir, I know he is your Favourite, and so I may be misconstrued as being thought to to fear that he is my rival; but, Sir, I know that a Prince will not stay long here to inherit your Majesties favour, and so to slight his own Royal Inheritance at home; Sir, it is rather my affection to you, than my dislike of him, that animates me thus to inform you: where∣fore, I hope your Majesty will endeavor a cure, since you know the disease, and will not suffer repentance to be your first informer.

This discourse some what allarmed the King, yet considering how oft Sophander had betray∣ed his belief by such like State-cheats; he re∣solved to suspend his judgment, till the matter were fully determined by Mo••anthropus's ad∣vice,

and knowing that Sophandor and he were of different humours and contrary judgments, he knew that such contrary ingredients might make up the dose of a most solid advice; and that his own judgment, which Sophanders dis∣course had crooked a little to his side, might be streightened by Monanth••opus's drawing it somewhat to the other; and resolved by this means to keep the scales of Court equal, by placing them each on a side; Wherefore send∣ing for Monanthropus, he laid out the whole matter before him, who returned him this Answer.

Sir, albeit it was my interest, yet it was ne∣ver my humour to detract from any of your Majesties servants; for, by ranting against their insufficiency, I behoved to challenge your sim∣plicity in making choice of them. But, Sir, I may the more freely give your Majesty my ad∣vice now, that I never gave you it till it was desired; and I think, that as in witnesses, so in advisers, those who intrude themselves, are to be suspected; and the rather, because the per∣son delated is of so unspotted a repute, that his very deportment is able to answer all the cavils that his enemies can object against him; and, Sir, since that accusation is only seconded by a presumption, his generous humour and singular successe (the one whereof testifies his

affection to vertue, and the other whereof te∣stifieth the gods affection to him) is able to fortifie him against ten thousand such weak assaults; and the general presumption of all mens being presumed good (the only hinge of all credit amongst men) added to the par∣ticular presumption of his repute, is too strong a defence, especially for a defender whom ju∣stice owneth always of her client in all actions, and secondeth in all combats; and we have a proverb, called Suffragium Minervae, whereby we signifie, that if any be accused and the votes of the Judges be equal, the Defendant is ab∣solved, because that goddess voteth likewise the absolution of the party accused: And seing he proveth him a Prince, meerly by his deport∣ment, I may by the same argument conclude, that he will do nothing unworthy of a Prince: but admit he were a Prince, we cannot con∣clude thence, that he resides here upon that de∣sign; for, else he had never abandoned the Court, where he might enjoy the frequentati∣on of that beautifull Princess: Sir, it is most unprobable that he could dream of joyning two Crowns which lye at so great a distance, as lye the Crowns of Egypt and Ethiopia; certainly he knows that by force he could never subject Egypt to him, and without force Egypt would never suffer it self to be adjected to Ethiopia;

by which course they would forfeit their Prin∣ces presence, and be in fine possibly reduced to a Province; Wherefore, Sir, condemn not a Prince upon so frivolous grounds, but rather re-examine your authour, to see what more truth ye are able to milk from him. This mo∣tion pleased the King exceedingly, and sending for the Mesapotamian, he threatened him to professe whether what he had spoken to So∣phander, was truth or not, or was voluntarily informed or not; telling him withall, that he would cause presently streatch him upon the rack, because he had heard that Sophander had bought that Confession from him. The poor fellow fearing that all was deciphered, and begging the King's privacy, he confessed inge∣nuously the progress of the whole matter, and that he never heard any inclination which his Prince had for Agapeta; neither delivered he her any Letters from him; but that that les∣son was dited to him from Sophander's own mouth: but contrariwise, he knew, that it was concluded by Megistus's father, that he should marry a neighbouring Princess, whose estate was adjacent to Ethiopia, and did secure it as a frontier, albeit it was but of small revenue, and she of mean parentage; and he heard at Court, that his father answered those who up∣braided him for bestowing his son and gaining

no Allies by him, That marriage could never solder up the cracks which were in Princes friendship, and that Princes might be friends, but their Crowns were alwayes enemies. The King satisfied with this Confession, dismissed him after he had rewarded him, and enjoyned to him that he should never reveal to Sophan∣der what he had acknowledged to him.

Monanthropus, after he was gone, resumed his discourse, thus; Sir, those who intend to perswade too eagerly, are not unlike those, who fearing to shoot short of the••r mark, shoot of∣ten over it. I am confident, if Sophander had not been distracted by envie against Megistus, he would never have endeavoured to perswade your Majesty, that a business of so great mo∣ment could have come to the ears of such a fellow as this; but, Sir, since his pretended reason, which was alleaged to be zeal to your service, is now found not to be the cause of his information, your Majesty may perswade your self that there is some poysonous hook lurking under that pleasant bait; and ye may justly turn the edge of your jealousie, which he hath desired you to unsheath against Me∣gistus, against himself; and since Sophander is a stranger by birth, and by inclination most avaricious, ye have reason to fear his projects, and eye narrowly the comportment of his crea∣tures,

by whose motion ye may come to know the nature of that machine which moves them.

The King thanked Monanthropus for his advice, and entreated he would tell him how he behoved to carry himself in a business so ticklish. Your Majesty (replyed Monanthro∣pus) must seem to believe Sophander, and may to him promise, to narrow your affection, and abridge your respects to Megistus, whereby ye may the more covertly discover by his ad∣vices to you, what his scope is in this his pas∣sion.

After Monanthropus had thus enstated Me∣gistus in the Kings affection, he acquainted Megistus with what had passed by this Letter.

SIR,

SInce unkindness is a vice, I will not requite it; and albeit I regrate that ye should con∣clude me unworthy of half a sheet of paper, yet I shall rather think my self so unworthy, before I think you mistaken. Your great successe hath made all men your admirers, and some your enemies; fearing lest your noble hands should unwreath that yoke of slaverie which they have so laboriously tied upon this poor Nation. Sir, admire not that Pirats follow alwayes the richest Vessels; for, as vertue, which reigneth in you, imployeth you as her

subject, to maintain her honour; so vice, which reigns in them, entreats them to deface yours. Sophander hath informed the King, that ye are Prince of Ethiopia, and intended to court his Daughter, and enjoy his Crown; but I have counter-informed, and his Majestie is now fully assured of your innocencie, and resolveth to rely mainly upon your conduct and courage; So, if ye intend to gain his Daughter, lose not himself; and manage your passion with more indifferencie than lovers ordinarilie do: con∣sider that Kings have long ears, and many pa∣rasits to fill them with detracting clamours▪ Sir, leave not off to be a Prince, when ye begin to be a Lover; but since ye are a Prince who loves, love rationally like a Prince; and let those whom ye are born to rule, see that ye can rule your self: I know love scorns to live un∣der the tutory of reason, thinking it too severe a master, and knowing that if it had reason for its associate, all its victory would be attri∣buted to reason; whereas now it shews, that it can both war and triumph, not only without reasons assistance, but even against and over reason: Yet, Sir, seing the danger is great here, a Ladies Honour and Crown being at stake, I hope your prudence will deal warilie, where your unwarinesse may be so prejudicial to her and you both: all the Nobles of this Na∣tion

will band against you, and will think this Crown too large for any strangers head; and that the Throne of Egypt is too easie a seat for any besides themselves: And ye will learn by the change of affection in those who pretend now to be your friends, that love is but the handmaid of interest; and that as they love you now for their own interest, so they will pre∣fer hereafter their own interest to your love. Whatever be the carriage of others, if ye man∣nage these affairs prudently, ye shall find Mon∣anthropus your very humble servant.

This Letter came to Megistus hands as he was sending away the captives to Misarites, to be disposed of at his pleasure, and after he had dismist them, he did reade it, and thereafter re∣tired to his chamber, fearing lest any of the Soldiers should discover the pangs wherewith he found his soul tortured; he did now con∣clude that his love-voyage would be dange∣rous, seing at his first lancing forth he was en∣countred by such storms; and to admire the folly of men, who having received freedom as a patrimony from providence, did, like unfrugal heirs, sell their ancestors old inheritance; their thoughts did no sooner appear, than love muste∣ring all her forces presently, quelled them, bat∣tering them with no other Ordnance than that

picture of Agapeta which Megistus carried in his breast: Could such a prize as this (said love) be gained without a contest? and would ye marry a woman whose affection were not tryed by the competition of many rivals? how should her love, or their courage be known, without opposition? or, can things be deemed difficult when undergone for her? Ye think both her face and endowments incomparable, and they are so; wherefore, if ye would pro∣portion your deserts to them, shew your pati∣ence to be so too; and think not strange, that vertue, to shew the world for their instruction an example of constancy, should, like all wise teachers, cull out you, who is one of her prime scholars, to make men admire her skill in your proficiency; neither can she be so unjust, as not to reward your pains with lawrels: if your voyage be harsh, there is a good harbour atten∣ding you▪ and albeit the storm be boistrous, yet if the vessel of your resolution be strong, ye need not fear: fear puts on oft-times the vizard of terrour and difficulty upon the face of our un∣dertakings, to terrifie us, which if ye can by the hand of courage pluck off, ye will find your pro∣jects very smooth-faced: seing ye are entered into the river of difficulty, look not to the un∣der-running streams lest your head by troubled, but look over to the shoar of contentment, up∣on

which ye intend to set foot; complain not of the loss of your liberty, for necessity, in things that are excellent, is to be preferred to liberty: Thus we see our liberty is no wayes impaired by loving the immortal gods, nor by loving that which is good, albeit we do both the one and the other necessarily; Yea, rather we are infinitly obliged to them for necessitating us to love something, which possibly if we were left to the disposal of our free will, we might pos∣sibly relinquish; and these same gods who have bestowed freedom upon us, do likewise excite us to love: So that seing love is of a divine extraction, it must be of a most pure essence: the gods disdaining to put their impressa upon any mettall that is not in it self excellent: and that it is the effect of some divine influence we may conclude from this, That it were im∣possible for Nature to raise instantly such an emotion in the soul as ••••ve occasioneth, where∣by it is transported beyond the ordinary limits of its ordinary strength; yea, often produceth effects contrary to its wonted humour: so se∣ing it makes cowards stout, and fools witty, we may infer that this is not natural; for, na∣turally no cowards can be stout, nor no fools witty.

Having ended this melancholious contem∣plation, he called for Philarites, who helped

him alwayes to bear the burden of his grief; and related to him the whole passage circum∣stantiated, as he had learned it from the Let∣ter. Philarites, not a whit dismayed, told him, that at Court the minds of Courtiers changed fashions as oft as their cloaths: and as fortune changed oft-times her favourite, so her favourites changed oft-times their affecti∣on; the reason whereof was not, because Courtiers were of a more facile humour than others, (for ordinarily they were men of the most pregnant spirits, with which facility can never suit) but because their affection was ne∣ver so deeply fixed, as the affection of those who lived retiredly; for, seing they had many to bestow their affection upon, they could not bestow much of it upon all; whereas those that live retiredly, meeting with few worthy of being beloved, fix all their love upon those few: Neither was th•• ••ove of Courtiers unlike an anchor, which albeit it be great and strong in it self, yet, if it be not deeply fixed, will be raised by the first storm; As also, mis-informers at Court were so many and so busie, and the jealousie of Courtiers so great, that it was wonder how love lasted one week even in the most constant among them: And I am confi∣dent (said he) that providence useth the un∣constancy of favour at Court, as an argument

to deter generous spirits from places which are ordinarily in themselves most vicious; And al∣beit Sophander promised upon our first appea∣rance at Court, to befriend us, yet it is one of his tenents, That a Statesman should be a ser∣vant to his word, to obey it in a rational way; but that he is not obliged to be a slave to it, in obeying it in things both against his reason and interest; and I heard a Gentleman say, that he defended ordinarily, That all State-promises were no longer obligatory, than things conti∣nued in the same way they stood when the pro∣mise was made: for, said he, I promise, because I am informed, or imagines, that the person to whom I promise is of such a temper; so that if he be of a different or contrary temper, the condition failing, the thing conditioned cannot be sought; and since promises are ordinarily donatives, there is reason the donator should have the priviledge of explaining his owne mind; for, seing they to whom I promise can pretend no right to the thing promised, but because I willed it; therfore if my will be not clear, their right is null: and seing none can be so well acquainted with my will as my self, none should be admitted to explain it but my self: and ordinarily, so many and so great in∣conveniences would follow upon the observan∣cy of such promises at Court, that there would

be greater danger to the Commonwealth in keeping them, than there could redound to any private mans conscience by the breach of them: but, Sir, (continued Philarites) think not strange that fortune should graple with you; for it is her ordinary, never to list her self but against some noble spirit, whose conquest were worth her pains, scorning the easie victory which she might have over silly clowns: but possibly she intends to try your courage, which when she comes once to know, she will think you worthy to be her minion: She can com∣mand weak spirits, but great ones are born to command her: And since the mustering false hopes is able to make a man victorious, and the basest of men gain oftimes, because others think that their brags and threats are true; how much more shall the best of spirits (amongst whom ye may be ranked) become victorious, if they but hope really that they shall conquer? hope resembles a bridle, whose motion is able to recover the stumbling feet of our courage; And how many Armies have gained more by presages, and happy omens, than they could have done either by skill or num∣bers? This is the reason why speeches are made to Souldiers; and for this audacious spi∣rits are usually most fortunate.

This discourse was interrupted by a Letter

presented from Misarites, wherein they were ordered to return to the Camp with those un∣der their conduct; which they were most wil∣ling to obey, knowing that the Souldiery there might easily be misinformed of what was done at such a distance from them: The next mor∣ning they did begin their march, and being af∣ter two dayes arrived, they were welcomed by the acclamations of the Souldiers (but coldly entertained by the Grandees, whom Misarites had poysoned) who, in spight of all misinfor∣mation, admired the rare qualities of these no∣ble Gentlemen: for, albeit it be an easie task, to defame amongst the vulgar sort, those, whose prime quality is wit; because their wit, which should antidote all these aspersions, is not easily perceived by that sort of people; yet it is hard to defame those whose chief part is courage, because the most ignorant cannot but see that; and ordinarily the vulgar sort is more led by their sense than by their reason.

Misarites delayed alwayes to fight, preten∣ding that it was fitter to starve than to fight the Persians; who being far from home, could not subsist long in a forreign Nation: but his intention was to ruine the Egyptian Army by these delayes, who finding themselves near home, and overburdened with hardship, did drop away daily. Nothing was acted all

this time, except by skirmishes; wherein Mi∣sarites imployed all those whose courage was formidable to the Persians, and whose loyalty was formidable to himself, and many of them were swept away by this means; neither omit∣ed he to entice the Knights with this point of honour, but all in vain: for they resolved to re∣serve themselves for archievements of lesse ha∣zard, and more honour. Misarites caused like∣wise mix the meal, which was sent to the Army with lime and chalk; whereby diseases became both numerous and dangerous, and the whole Army began to resemble an Hospital, wherein there was greater need of Physicians than of Field-Officers: He likewise, together with So∣phander, perswaded the King, not to send the Army their pay, assuring him that poverty was the best encouragement to fight, for it made them fight couragiously, out of a desire to gain the Enemies spoil; whereas those who were rich, were unwilling to hazard what they were assured of already, for what they were not sure to gain. Sophanders drift in this, was to re∣serve the money for himself; but Misarites scope was meerly to turn the Souldiers male∣contents: Neither ceased the Knights covert∣ly to make the Army remark these passages, thereby to enrage them against Misarites.

At last, Megistus trysting Misarites his Se∣cretary

o••e morning to his chamber, after some previous discourses, whereby he sounded his thoughts, spoke thus freely to him; Sir, it is not to discover the treason of your master, but to learn some evident proofs of it, that I sent for you this morning; his complot with So∣phander and the Persian is already detected; and ye are mad who imbarques your self in such a quarrel, ye walk upon a narrow preci∣pice, wherein there is great difficulty to stand, and certain ruine if ye fall: think not that the Gods will suffer Princes, who are their Depu∣ties, and who govern for them, to be circum∣veened by such treacherous designs; in vain have they been at so much pains for the de∣fence of his honour, if they abandon it now: and albeit it did thrive in your hands, yet after the game is plaid, there will be danger in your Master's parting the stakes with Sophander; who will lay him aside when he findes that in peace he stands not in need of him: But albeit your Master did injoy his promised preferment, who knows but he will cause cut your throat, both fearing lest you should thereafter upon some discontent divulge his cheats, or fearing that he could not safely therafter imploy you, who betrayed your Prince? Wherfore if ye de∣sire to perpetuat your happiness, and to prevent your inevitable ruine, desert that, interest, and

own the interest of your Nation, and I promise you in his Majesties name greater preferment, than ye are to expect from your Master; Nei∣ther need you stumble at this, as a breach of trust, and as a sin comitted against the affection which your Master bears to you, for ye should pay the oldest debt first; and ye were a subject to your Prince, before ye were a servant to Misarites; wherefore ye should endeavour to acquit your self of your duty to his Majesty, as being both of greatest importance, and of oldest standing; Neither doth your oath of fidelity, given to your Master, oblige in things unlawful; for the gods will not be witnesses in things abominable, and there is no oath where∣to they are not called as witnesses; they will not suffer a man to be bound to the stake of impie∣ty by such sacred chains; and since the thing sworn is unlawfull in it self, there can be no confirmation of it by oath: for, how can ye confirm that which is not? as also, Sir, all oaths are given with this proviso, that they wrong ••ot our Superiours; for, our subjection to them not being ours, we cannot dispose of it without their advice.

This discourse surprized so the Secretary, who entreated some time to advise; but Me∣gistus fearing that he might detect him to his Master, or at least, might dissemble with him,

told him, that to relate things already done, there needed no consultation, which was only required to prevent things to come, wherefore he insisted passionatly for a present discovery; which the other, convinced by his conscience of his errour, and considering that he had already half confessed the truth of what was doubted, by seeking some time to solve the doubt, which else had been needless; desired Megistus to swear in his Majesties name, what he had pro∣mised, and that he should unriddle to him the whole mysterie; which when Megistus had done, the Secretary spoke thus.

Sir, I cannot tell whether it be by sagacity, or divine inspiration, that ye come to know this mysterie, but it must be by either; for those who were privy to it, were all of them so much concerned, that I am confident they would ne∣ver divulge it: but, Sir, you have conjectured rightly, for my Master hath devoted himself to the Persian service; and one day by a compact betwixt him and the Persian General, I was desired to walk out to the ••ield, where I would find a Persian, of such a statu••e and garb, who would suffer himself to be taken my prisoner; which succeeded accordingly, and whom I con∣ducted to my Master, and who was brought to his bed-chamber, upon pretext as if he would examine him privatly; my Master commanded

him to prison for two dayes, but thereafter en∣larged him upon his promise to stand by the Egyptian quarrel, so that he walk'd up and down the Army, and was countenanced by the most eminent in it; till at last acquainted both with our strength, and knowing fully Misari∣tes mind, he made shew to go out one day in a party, but forgot to return: and yesterday there came a Trumpet, under pretext of treat∣ing for some prisoners, but secretly he delivered my Master some Letters.

Megistus did send immediatly for Philari∣tes, to whom he related all that had past, and after some debates what was fittest to be done, they concluded, that they would acquaint some Colonels with it, who were not of Misarites his faction; as also a young Nobleman, who was the King's sisters son, and thereby had much command and following in the Army: after they were all assembled, and had taken an oath of secresie, and had heard the case dedu∣ced, they resolved that same night (because two of their Regiments were upon the guard) that the King's sisters son Stirias, should take the Letter, and ensure Misarites, and imme∣diately divulge the Letter to the Army; but they concluded presently to acquaint the King with what had past, that he might secure So∣phander as they were to secure Misarites, lest

if they were not secured both at once, the im∣prisonment of the one, might advertise the other of his danger; wherefore they wrote to his Majesty this Letter.

SIR,

YOur eminent danger must now move your inclination to be more rigid than at other times; and albeit Sophander be your Confident, yet ye must make him now your pri∣soner. Prisons were made for Traitors, and courage suiteth well with Princes. He and Misarites have conspired against your Majestie with the Persians; we have secured the one, secure ye the other; and let neither his reite∣rated protestations, nor his cunning discourses buy him off from a condign punishment. We have sent alongst Misarites Secretary, to whose loyalty your Majestie owes the discovery of the whole plot, and who hath been as honest as his master was disloyal; We hope your Majestie will recompence the one, and punish the other: and that ye will acquaint your humble ser∣vants, who shall be preferred to Misarites his Charge, that so all confusion may be avoided, and the ruine of your affairs here prevented.

The two Knights addressed also another Let∣ter to Monanthropus.

After this Gentleman was dispatcht, and the Guards set, Stirias, accompanied with the Knights and the Officers, went to Misarites Tent, and there made him prisoner: he would h••ve raised some tumult, but was prevented by Stirias, who calling the other Officers, shewed them and the Souldiers the Letter, and immediatly prevented the tumult, and arrested two or three others who were of the same ca∣bal: this done, the Guards were commanded to let none passe who might acquaint the Per∣sians with what had occurred, but to lie quiet till to morrow; for, in the twilight they re∣solved to set upon the Persian Army, who were secure, relying upon Misarites infallible affe∣ction to them: The Souldiers witnessed by their looks, their joy and willingnesse to fight, weary of the insupportable fatigue of that slow-paced War. Whereupon the Council of War preferred all in one voice, Megistus to be General in the interim, and Stirias and Phila∣rites to command in vice of the other reduced Officers: at midnight they marched, the sickest among them shewing himself healthfull, and the most sullen shewing himself chearfull. At two a clock in the morning, they assaulted the Persians; ilk defended trenches; who opprest with sleep, and distracted with fear, could neither give nor receive orders; some had their

beds turned in their graves; and others were from the imbracements of their dear friends, sent to the cold imbracements of cruel death: Sotorus was, after much resistance, taken pri∣soner, and in his conquest ended the conquest of the field; the General being like the heart of the Army, which is the last part in the bo∣dy which lodgeth life. Thus ended that War so formidable to the Egyptians, that they had concluded necessarily their own ruine; and so glorious to these two Knights, that they only were esteemed the wel-spring, whence flowed that large river of happinesse, whose streams fatned so all Egypt. The diligence used at Court was as great as what was used in the Army: for, immediately upon the receipt of the above-mentioned Letter, the King com∣manded Sophander to prison, each at Court contributing his assistance to his disgrace; ho∣ping that many small Vessels might be built with the ruines of that bulkish one; and each one endeavouring to testifie his own innocency, by the rigour of his carriage to Sophander; and now the Court, which resembles ordinarily an Orange tree, whereupon there is alwayes some fruit flourishing, some blossoming, and some withering; did now resemble an Aspen tree, where all the leaves trembled, rather by an innate quality, than by any outward storm;

So all trembled here, rather astonisht with the novelty of the accident, and fearing unjust in∣formations (which are ordinary at such occa∣sions, of which private enquiries takes advan∣tages, and when it is a crime even to be dilated) rather than from a consciousness of their own guilt. A servant of Monanthropus admiring the inconstancy of Court favour, presented his Master with these lines.

How can those stand, who on the slippery ice Of Court are plac'd? when by the storms of vice, Or malice, they'r attaqu'd; O happy he, Who from his cottage doth these disasters see. Court is a firmament, whence stars oft fall, And Courtiers are tossed like a ball In Fortunes tennis-court; and by Prides racket are Toss'd over all the walls of Court most far. Their greatness an hydropsie is, and they Not with good blood, but humours swell each day. They grow so big, that vertues narrow gate Forbids them entry; then by witty fate, He who exalted was is tumbled down Fates narrow stairs, stript of preferments gown. Luxuriant pride shakes often their hour-glasse, And their debordings seals to them a passe, To go to endless torments, and each man Adds to the yard of their disgrace, a span. Who would be fixt, must grip to vertues hand: For on the legs of vice no man can stand.

The Court was upon this occasion remodel∣led, and all those who had been Sophanders confidents, were either imprisoned or disgraced, as persons in whom the King could not con∣fide; and now Monanthropus was the only Minion, by whose advice, and through whose hands all things passed.

The War being ended, the King, to secure himself at Court, resolved to call back the Ar∣my, and ordained the two Knights to be re∣ceived in triumph, and withall posted away a Commission to Megistus to command in chief: The Commission being received, Megistus be∣gins his march to Alexandria; and stopped by a Warrant from the King, four miles from the City, till all things should be in readinesse for his reception. The next morning they en∣tered, all the streets being tapistred as they pas∣sed alongst, and Guards standing upon both sides. After the Infantry, marched Megistus, with Philari••es on his right hand, and Stirias upon his left: In the Market-place stood a Scaffold, whereon was represented the Parlia∣ment of the gods, before whom Themis, as goddess of Justice, and Mars, as god of Cou∣rage, did plead which of them should be pre∣ferred to welcome these worthy Gentlemen; at last Mars was preferred for the Armies bet∣ter satisfaction; who at their arrival delivered them this speech.

My darlings cadets of my house, whose hands Were made to execute the just commands Of divine powers; it's (my sons) to you, That Victory her lofty top doth bow; That ye your heads may with her glorious bayes Encircle, like unto a Sun with rayes: Ye who hold fortunes wheel by the strong hand Of Courage, making her swift course to stand; Iustice and Courage, shrewdly did contend, Which of them as ambassadors the gods should send, But seing Courage, Iustice doth include, (No Courage being, but where the cause is good) Therefore the gods have Courage sent to greet Your safe return to this most joyfull street; And were it not to leave on earth a seed Of Heroes, they would surely with all speed Transplant you to the heavens, there to shine Amongst those other deiti••s divine. Live then, brave Heroes, and more praise possess, Than Mars rude tongue is able to expresse.

After that scene was ended, there appeared an Egyptian loaded with fetters, and making his approaches to the Knights, entreated them to untye his fetters, which they did according∣ly, and thereafter he made them this gratula∣tory.

Invincible Gentlemen, this that ye have now done, is but an emblem of that ye have done formerly; It is not so mysterious that I n••ed to explain it: Our liberty is a debt which

we owe you, and our thanks are the only coyn we can pay it in; all the by-standers partici∣pates with me in the common freedom, and would return with me the common thanks, if order would permit it: our thanks and your me∣rits are no wayes proportionable, the one being empty, and the other excellent; but our admi∣ration, and your deserts hold a better propor∣tion, both being inexprimable; they are twins both springing from the womb of your Cou∣rage. Live then happily, worthy Princes, and inherite these praises, which ye have pur∣chast by your blood and pains.

The reception at Court exceeded in splendor that of the Market-place, and the rather, be∣cause Agapeta and ARETINA were there, in whose affections the Knights desired more to triumph, than in any thing else; caring only for those honours they had received, as means to make their peerless Mistrisses honour them the more: all the inventions at Court was im∣ployed in honouring the Knights, and they were esteemed wittiest who pleased them best: Tiltings were continually used; for, courage being once wakened, behoved to have some exercise till it were fully re-setled; neither could it change its pace so extreamly, as to fall from a gallop to a still standing, but behoved to retire by piece-meal: this joy was in it self

great, but was thought the greater, that it was the successor of a pannick fear; and at last the King resolved to sacrifice Sophander to the ho∣nour of their solemnities: for, many thought it not fit that such a plodding head should have leave to rest upon its old shoulders, and that there could not but ensue great alterations amongst the Nobles upon this late innovation; and those who were postponed, might probably study his releasment, desiring rather he should bear sway, than their own competitors; and expecting by his releasment, to return affairs to their old confusion; that a living man might alwayes finde friends, but dead dogs would bite none; that to keep him in perpetual fir∣mance, was in it self illegal, prisons being ap∣pointed rather to reserve men for punishment, than to be a punishment it self; and that it dif∣fered as far from punishment, as the means did from the end for which they were appointed; or, if perpetual imprisonment was at all conve∣nient, it was only, either where the person in∣carcerated was furious, and so there was fear that in executing the body, they should kill both soul and body; or else, where the crimi∣nal was a person loved by the people, whose death would irritat them; or else, of great fol∣lowing, so that their expectation of his life, or fear of his death, would justly poise all his

friends undertakings, and over-awe all their insolencies: But that neither of these was to be expected by Sophanders execution, whom all hated, and none loved; and possibly, if it were continued, he might convey away out of the Nation most of his Estate (which he had ever keeped in movables, as being most trans∣portable, and so it was best to wring the spunge so long as it was full: The King resolved to execute him presently, and therefore sentenced him to be hanged in the Market-place; but the Church-men petitioned his Majesty, that he might be first examined by them, being one of their number; and as being the ambassador of the immortal gods, he should not be sentenced by any mortal Prince; and that they behoved to examine first, whether what he had done were done for the glory of God, in which case there could be no crime, and to which none were Judges but Church-men: for, if the secular power might at pleasure cut off Ecclesiastick members, it would follow that it were in his power to suffer a Church to be, or not; for so he might hang them at his pleasure: neither should ever any vice in the State, or Statesmen be purged or enveighed against; for, all such reproofs should presently be declared treason: And seing Ecclesiasticks were naturally too prone to connive at vice, they should now be

necessitated to do out of fear, what they did formerly but by omission and negligence. The King rejected this Petition, and told them that as they cognosced upon the errours of Laicks when committed against their power, so he might cognosce upon the escapes of Ecclesia∣sticks, when committed against his; that So∣phander had offended as a subject, and so be∣hoved to behoved to be punished by his Prince, and that it were safer being a shepherd than a King, if they who were ordinarily governed by some two or three factious fellows (the best of Ecclesiasticks alwayes shunning command) should be Judges competent to treason; wher∣fore, seing they had their protection from him, it was fit he should challenge subjection from them, which consisted in nothing more than in this.

Megistus hearing that the King resolved to cause hang Sophander, thought, that albeit he could not beg his life, as being a Trai••or, yet that he would endeavour to mitigate the man∣ner of his death, as being his old friend and pa∣tron; whereupon both Philarites and he en∣treated his Majesty, that he would cause cut off his head, and not hang him, as being once ho∣noured by himself with the title of Chief Mi∣nister of State; and that it was customary amongst all Nations, to punish in the least emi∣nent

way those who had been most eminent in dignity, both because the smallest punishment is greater to them, than the greatest would be to others, as also, because punishments being ordinarily inflicted, not for what was past, because that could not be re-called, but for prevention of the like by that rigour for the future; and so seing fewer great ones would probably incurre these guilts, the Law needed not punish them so severely, as it did the meaner sort, who would more frequent∣ly fall in the crimes forbidden. That Maxime holds only true (answered the King) in those crimes which degrade not a man of his ho∣nours, as in combats and private injuries, which crimes are consistent with true honour; but in treason and treachery, the committer declares himself unworthy of his honours, and conse∣quently should not enjoy those priviledges due to them; yet, to satisfie your desires, I am content his head be struck off, and his body buried.

At the day appointed for his Execution, all the City, yea, and the Nation flocked to the Market-place; some to satisfie their inhumane revenge, (which that circumstance of time made most unjust) others, to remark the period of humane glory; and a third sort, to glut their boundlesse curiosity. After some time so

spent, Sophander appeared upon the Scaffold, in his gown and night-cap, whose age and gra∣vity drew tears from his most inveterate ene∣mies; after he had setled himself a little, he gave the spectators this farewell,

Gentlemen,

I Am by providence presented here as an emblem of unconstant grandour; I wish my case may be remarked by all, but imitated by none: I am set up as a beacon upon the rockie shoar of Court-favour, that ye should not approach the place where I have splitted; I mean not that ye should all retire your selves from Court, for that were impossible, seing the Nation must be governed by some; and unlawfull, seing Nature hath bestowed publick spirits upon some, that they might imploy them for the profit of all; but I mean, that none should thrust themselves into the crowd of Minions, wherein many have perished in entring, and all have perish∣ed almost before they could retire: And that all should be so wise, as to be the last who will go to Sea in such storms, and the first who will retire from them: I know many are taken with our greatnesse, but they con∣sider not our hazard; many envie our access

to our Prince, but they advert not the mis∣informations given in to him against us; some eye greedily our riches, but remembers not our vast expences and numerous attendants: And, on the other hand, they see the poverty of a private life, but are strangers to its con∣tentment, and contemns its lownesse with∣out weighing its security: thus greatnesse, like a whore, presents her self unto us fair∣ded, whereas chast vertue appears only in her homely habite; and, believe me, albeit ye may for a season recreate your self more tick∣lingly with the first, yet ye will live more contentedly with the second: O! who were lodged but one night in the breast of a Gran∣dee, to see what confusion of thoughts were there, would thereafter buy himself off from the ensnaring pleasures of that anxious life; May ye not consider that the gods who have created all things for the use of man, have made things which are most usefull and good to be most common? and so, seing they have ordained many to be governed, and but few to govern, we must conclude those who are governed to be happiest: for, if they had thought Crowns and Scepters as requisit for mans happiness, as were private estates and cottages, they could have made as many of the one as of the other, and created as many

Kingdoms as there were men to be Kings in them; yea, I believe that Kings and Courts were ordained, not to make happy those who lived in them, but to maintain the happinesse of those who lived remote from them: your sleep is not interrupted, whilst we are disqui∣eted; neither is your danger worth the no∣ticeing, whilst ours is often inevitable: con∣sider the number of our competitors, the multiplicity of our businesses, our own fears, and the Princes jealousies; and you will soon conclude, that we are like poor peasants who make and sell good wine to others, but drink little or none of it our selves. Since there are so many reasons to disswade us from be∣ing ambitious, we must conclude Ambition to be a cunning Sophister, which can solve all those unanswerable arguments. I remember that the Christians observe, That seing it tempted the Angels, before they were cor∣rupted with any other sin, it is no wonder it should tempt us who are but men, and al∣ready tainted with sin; and that since it was the first sin, it must necessarily be the sin we have greatest inclinations; for, seing we im∣brace first ordidarily that we affect most: Ambition then is the Devils first-born, and so no wonder it claim precedency before all other vices; and as ordinarily proud men of

all men have alwayes the greatest train, so Pride it self of all vices hath still the maniest attendants; for, it must be waited upon by covetousness, to fill its prodigal coffers; with revenge, to repair its imaginary affronts; with murder, to remove all those who stand in its way; and in fine, it is the great bellyed vice, which spanneth all the rest. Gentlemen, if I were speaking this to you, incircled with my former honours, ye might imagine I en∣veighed against greatness, as wishing all others to flee it, that I might share alone in it; or, if I were to live banished, ye might say that I disparaged it, because I could not retain it; but being to dye, ye may be confident that all I say are the dictates of meer ingenuity. I am now upon the brink of my grave, and can leave you nothing in legacy but my tears and precepts; which, if ye follow, may re∣pair the great losse this Nation hath suffered by me.

Farewell.

Thereafter he called for Megistus, and cra∣ved him pardon for misinforming his Majesty against him▪ and gave him privatly some Pa∣pers, wherein were some remarks, usefull for those who were to govern Egypt; and pro∣phesied to him his future advancement (which was thereafter ••o small encouragement to Me∣gistus)

for, said he, the soul being certainly of a divine extraction, would fore-know many strange events, if it were not ignoranced by the unproportionatness of the bodily organs to such contemplations, and when it is emanci∣pitated from the power of the body, as in fea∣vers, death-beds, swoonings, extasies, and wo∣mens histerick passions, we see it acteth and foreseeth things extraordinary. Thereafter he recommended his friends and nephews to Megistus, and Megistus to the people, and loyalty to all of them; and so had his head struck off by the Executioner, and received by Megistus.

The next morning there was this Epitaph posted upon his Tomb.

Here restless he doth rest, who never could Get earth enough, till casten in this mould.

Megistus sadned exceedingly, partly by the uncertain condition of mankind, partly puzled with the thoughts of Sophanders prediction; retired to his chamber, where his Landlord, a witty fellow, came presently to solace him, and related to him this story, which had occurred that same day in the City.

A young Country Gentleman, accustomed at home to whistle following the plough, to domineere amongst a great many Countrey

Clowns, and to feed a kennel of dogs, was by his friends brought into the City to court a young Citizen; whose beauty lay in her cof∣fers, and whose perfections were counted by thousands: yet this Jet was able enough to draw straw to it, and her blacknesse did cast a curious lustre when enambled upon gold; his friends cared not whether she had a golden mind, seing she was a golden mine; neither looked they to her age, seing it was a golden age: to speak truth, such a statue fitted well such a worshipper. Being come to the City, he was all gilded with gold: and indeed such an harsh pill had need to be so; and ye would have sworn that his cloathes being upon him, were another Iasons fleece, and himself the sheep: Thus accouted, he marched up and down the City, dreaming that all persons were busied in viewing him, and pointing out his fin∣ger, asking who was that, or the other; which a young Gallant perceiving, watched till he holding out his finger to a Coach, to ask what a Cart was that so covered? which his servant not hearing at first, as being a busie as his ma∣ster; he asked the second time, with his finger outstretched, What was that? to which the other Gallant, making a low congie, answered, That it was his Honours finger. He admired likewise for what use served those Chests that

men carried about the streets (meaning the Sedans) to which a merry bystander answered, That it was to carry Gentlemens hounds and dogs, lest else they should stray, or be robbed by the Courtiers; whereupon the Youth ad∣dressed himself to the bearers, and commanded them to take in his dogs (for the other had perswaded him, that if he spoke calmly to them that they would think him blunt and silly) at which the bearers, thinking he spoke so, only to affront them, and knowing by his garb that he was but a fresh-water Citizen, reviled him most pitifully, saying that the shepherds in the Country were much to blame, who suffered their sheep so to stray, and that they behoved to fleece him; whereupon they pulled away his cloak, and had not restored it, if his ser∣vant, who went up and down crying that his Honour was massacred, had not amazed many people, who caused restore him his cloak, each one swearing that what he had spoken, was spoken out of simplicity: home he went with his cloak lined with this affront; and the next morning was admitted to see his Mistris, who albeit she was not fair, yet could go fair to cheat him; and was able to play her cards so, as that she was able to counter and beast such a Gentleman; and if they had begun the game, doubtless she had by turning up alwayes the

ace, made my Gentleman throw down his cards.

The Gentlewoman being informed of his pure wit, resolved to let him see some of hers; whereupon she commanded her maid to put on her cloathes, and to sit in her chair, and receive the visit for her; and withall, after the young Gallant should begin to extol her beauty above all others, that she should then ask what he judged of her maid? All things being thus ordered, she sent to entreat his friends, that none of them should come to her chamber with him the first day, because she would be too bashfull if any else were there to remark her; to which they easily condescended.

Enter Gentleman.

The Gallant the next day enters, and put∣ting his arm about her neck, kisses his Mistris loudly, fearing that else that they had imagined that he had not kissed her at all, and thereafter tumbling back confusedly, made another low reverence, where he lost misfortunately the paper upon which his compl••ments were writ∣ten) (which he very often repeated at home to his uncle) He entreated her to sit down in the highest chair, thinking that to be some prefer∣ment: whereto the Gentlewoman wittily an∣swered, Sir, the woman should be lowest. Af∣ter this debate was ended, he insisted thus.

Mistris, when I came first to Alexandria, I

thought this City the prettiest thing in the world, but now when I see you, I esteem no∣thing of it; for, I think that all our Country maids, may be handmaids to you; whose beau∣ty is as far preferable to theirs, as this City is to ours. Here he stopt, hearing a horse passe by upon the street, and called for his servants to look if that was his young horse or not, and thereafter insisted thus; Madam, I believe that my father's house hath all accomplish∣ments requisit for sweetning the harshness of a solitary life, only it wants such an accompli∣shed Lady as you are, to be Mistris of all, (and there he recounted to her what choice fields for hunting, and what excellent pasturages for h••rding, were there) But Sir, replyed she, seing we see Country Gentlemen leave all these rural pleasures, pretending to come to the City for converse; and those who are in the City, leave their well deckt chambers, and sumptu∣ous parlors, and go abroad to recreate them∣selves with their friends, we may infer, that society is preferable to all these; for, when ye come to the City, ye acknowledge it is to bet∣ter your spirits; and when we go to the Country, our end is only to refresh our bodies, So that the Country may be thought as justly to cede to the City, as the soul is preferable to the body. O Madam, but ye could make any

place happy; and happy were the son of that father who might be husband to such a com∣pleat Lady as ye are. What think you of my maid, if compared with me (said she) I think her a beautifull young Gentlewoman (quoth our Gallant) but no beauty when compared with you: Whereupon the Mistris, who had played the maid hitherto, did now sit down in her own chair, and commanding her waiting∣maid to stand by her, she thundred thus the poor simple Gentleman.

Sir, I admire the lesse what hath past, that I expected to hear what I now hear; but I ad∣mire that men should lavish out so profusely praises of what they know not: for, Sir, if we were so simple as to believe, that your heart conceived what your tongue brings forth, ye might rather wish us in Bedlam than in your Beds; and if we are so wise as to discern your dissimulation, ye may conclude, that we think you as unfit to be our husbands, because of this last, as ye might judge us unworthy to be your wives because of the first; wherefore, Sir, consider for the future, that albeit women are so discreet as to connive at your dissimula∣tion, yet they are not so ignorant, as not to know it. Ye wrong our sex hugely, by think∣ing us so simple, and your own, by making us conclude that ye are all dissemblers: and of

all vices, dissimulation is one of the worst, be∣cause it not only is evil in it self (as being a cheat) but likewise is an abuse of what is good, even of respect and friendship, making them bauds to your vicious cheats: Sir, those strings are not well tuned, which are tuned too high; and those praises are but flatteries, which are palpable lyes; yet, Sir, I pardon you more than others: for, as those who shoot seldom, must be pardoned when they shoot over; So those who complement but unfrequently, must be pardoned albeit they do it imprudently.

The Gentleman struck dead by these thun∣der-bolts of wit, remained speechless, as if his soul had fled away for shame; he essayed often to speak, but his words no sooner peeped out, but smelling this reply, they retired back to their old quarter in great disorder; leaving their master helpless without them, who had been formerly but little holpen by them. Since his own soul hath left him, said Megistus, it is reason we leave him also, and so he went to bed.