Arnaldo, or, The injur'd lover. An excellent new romance. / Written in Italian by the excellent pen of Girolamo Brusoni. Made English by T.S.

Arnaldo; or, The injur'd Lover. (Book 8)

BOOK VIII. (Book 8)

BUt, Who can recount the transports of Ar∣naldo, when knowing of his liberty, he knew also by the Judge, that it was I that had ob∣tained the Reprieve of Euristhus, and procured his freedom? And, Who can expresse his raptures when as he saw me, and heard that his Argosthe∣nia was gone to Athens some dayes before with M throdorus, to stay at my house, and was not ••a•••• away nor dead, but merry and in health?

He had a desire to enterchange with me many endearments of condolings, congratulation, information, excuse, gratitude, and offers of ser∣vice; but could not, having abundantly sup∣plied all with tender Caresses of friendship. The Governour in the mean time gave order for the apprehension of Liviana, as a violater of his edicts, and as a calumniator of an inno∣cent person in so hainous a Crime; but she be∣ing pre-advised that a Gentleman was come to Town, that procured the liberty of Arnaldo, fled away with the Boat of Euristhus.

This advice came to the Palace, whil'st we were complementing Isabella the Governour's wife; who himself also, the more to vindicate himself and to agrade us, was present at that Vi∣sit. She took occasion to request of Arnaldo, Wherein he had angred that woman, that she should plot so enormous a treachery? To which he having modestly given satisfaction with the honest blushes of Isabella, we past next to discourse of Argosthenia, and of the news of Negropont. Whereupon Isabella, who desired to be at Athens, for the celebration of some feasts, with pretence of seeing Argosthenia, of∣fered us with unspeakable courtesie the same Feluca which she had made to be prepared to do us the honour to permit us to wait on her in that voyage. Having returned the ac∣knowledgements due to so grand a favour, whil'st the Governour had withdrawn to give orders for the entertainment of Arnaldo: Ma∣dam, said I to her, the civilities we receive from you are truely worthy of an Isabella,

there is onely wanting the freedom of Euri∣sthus. You know Sir, said Isabella, and sigh'd, that I have a desire upon all occasions to repay you the Obligations I owe you: but this is a difficult case, the Crime being against the person of a publick Minister; therefore I fear that it lieth not in my power to get him out of prison. Alasse, Madam, said I, it is very easie for you to do. Two words of yours to the Keeper, to charge him not to hinder me from visiting him at my pleasure, shall suffice to carry him in your Feluca to Athens. You will do some of your miracles, said she, and laughed; but have a care, The Pitcher goeth so oft to the Fountain that at last it comes broken home. Madame, said I, my times are past: let others do what they can, for I can work no miracle. You are not to be trusted, said she, for your eyes be∣tray you; But rell me a little, What course of life have you led since you left Athens? For I have heard divers relations of it; and it's re∣ported that being inamoured of a handsom creature of Anaplistum, you have renounced the profession which you made of a Platonick Lover, out of complacency to her corporeal beauty. I confesse, I gave no credit to it, ha∣ving experimented your modesty to be greater; but yet length of time, and variety of occur∣rences often changeth opinions; and it is of∣ten seen that he that is not frolick in youth, raves in old age. I laughed, and replied. Fair and softly, Madam! though ther's a few false witnesses here on my head that accuse me, I am not so old yet. This very thing (said she)

testifieth against you; for if you count age an injury, you thereby let us know, that you are come from being a spirituall, to be a sensuall Lover: for we know very well, that Lovers of this nature, make themselves seem young, lest they should be rejected. For else, measuring my age with yours, from my first acquaintance with you to this hour, I know you cannot be old, not having haply seen thirty. But this is no∣thing. Tell me, I intreat you, How this news of the Gentlewoman of Anaplistum came up: for I have had no good successe in defending you against some Ladyes, who abused me when I ce∣lebrated the miracles of your modesty.

Isabella was silent, and I rejoyn'd; Madam, It was only a novelty that fame spread abroad by an Ignorant Amourist, that breaking open the seals of some Lettes which he understood not, interpreted them according to his ignorance, and published them conformable to his mal∣lice. That Gentlewoman is marryed, and by this time a Mother; and I never knew her far∣ther than to have done her some slight services. Isabella smiled, with a grace peculiar to her self, and said: You tell me she is Married, and a Mo∣ther, (and so saying▪ she called for her woman:) See, said she, that Gentlewoman now in a wi∣dow's habit. I sigh'd, and she fell on weeping at that encounter: and I extreamly desired to know, what crosse wind of Fortune had disturb∣ed the tranquillity of her state: But because that was not a time for such matters, I sudden∣ly had a conceit, how I might save Euristhus, by her means. I therefore intreated Isabella to

grant her me for two hours, before her depar∣ture, and I obtained her without reply: Arnal∣do, and I, were invited to dinner by the Gover∣nour; Isabella exempting her self, that she might make ready all things for her departure, and to take care about what we had agreed upon, for the safety of Euristhus. Here it was, we under∣stood by publick information, that the Count of Lithar, uniting the Army of the Rebells, was gone to lay seige to Caristum, to beleaguer the Dutchesse therein, and that she had for that cause dispatch't one of her Gentlemen to Athens, to demand assistance of that Republick, where∣upon the Generall at Sea was commanded to set sail for that place forthwith: we took a re∣solution, not to lose that opportunity of ser∣ving Arnaldo, by transporting our selves in the same Armado to Negropont. And in the interim he had an opportunity of sending to Boeotia, Olym∣pia's messenger, with advice of his resolutions, and to petition the King, to let his succours on the other hand march to that Isle. This being dispatcht, we returned to the Governesse, to im∣part these things to her, entreating that she would so favour us, as to accept of our service. She made a civill return to our complement, saying, that if we would dis-imbroyl Euristhus, she would be presently ready in the Bark, to expect us. So I took with me Lisa the young widow, and retreated to the house of Euridimas, and made her to put, under her womans habit, man's aparrell, and provided my self of a long mour∣ning garment, and in this manner we came to the Prison of Eu••••st••••••; and leaving Arnaldo,

Euridamas, and other friends, to stand Centi∣nell at the Gates, I passed onely with Lisa, be∣ing assisted by his Keeper, who having been pre-advertised by Isabella of that visit, he atten∣ded me with great civility: Euristhus and Lisa were so alike in age, in looks, and in de∣portment, that when I saw her, thinking I beheld another Euristhus, the contrivance of this conceit came into my head. And because I might freely dispose of Lisa, as having brought her up, and given her in marriage, and again be∣ing a woman of a great soul, and of very resolute courage, she was easily induced to second this enterprise. Being come into the Prison, I dis∣mist the Keeper with a formall complement, and bid her to put off her woman's weeds; with which having drest Euristhus, and advised them both of my design; I held discourse with a Cam∣rade of his, to whom I promised (and did ob∣serve it,) to prevail in reward of that service, that Isabella should manumit him: Euristhus went out in womans apparell, with a counte∣nance, that in the darknesse of such obscure dwellings, would have deceived curiouser eyes than those of a rude and simple guard: and as∣sisted by his Companion to the Gate, I took Lisa up under my mantle, for she was so little, that we past almost un-discerned, and I went out in the obscurity of those walks very happily: But being got to the principall Gate, in the open light, and under other Sentinells, they saw that I walked slowly, and with some luggage under my long mantle, and began to suspect som fraud: but not daring to open their mouths, because

Arnaldo and the other Cavaliers, stood in a po∣sture able to terrifie more daring souls; they opened the Gate, out at which Euristhus sud∣denly leapt, sans complement, I followed her, se∣conded by Arnaldo, and our other friends, with so much alacrity, that Lisa putting back one of her feet, falsified the secrecy of the Mantle. Now the Keepers plainly perceived our design, and having neither courage to cry out, against persons of such quality, nor to stay an hazard of being questioned for that escape; they flung away the keys, and betook themselves to their heels; and ran faster than we into some other place: For we mounting upon the Carroche of Euridamas, past happily to the Feluca of the Go∣vernesse, which attended us ready to weigh Anchor.

So Euristhus being delivered, and every one fal∣ling to some discourse or other, I would have had Lisa took her woman's cloths again; but she with a comely smile said, If that the Lady Isa∣bella so please, since my Fortune hath brought me whither my election formerly led me, be you content, Sir, that I continue as I am, to accompany you to see the war of Negropont. And you shall not need to fear I shall want the company of women, for I will wait upon the Princesse Argosthenia. Your company, said I, since the Lady Governesse is so content, shall be very welcome to us, provided it be in an ap∣pearance and garb, becoming your quality and my reputation. Do what you please, said Isabella, for that: I took her to be neer me for the Love of you, and to you I consign her, now that

she is at liberty. I thanked Isabella for her cour∣tesy, and added;

But, How came Antonello to dye so soon, said I, being so sprightly, and lusty? She may better tell you, (answered Isabella, laughing) than I, as better acquainted with it. Yet for the pre∣sent, know that Antonello is dead, because he was not worthy of the company of so handsome a maid. He was become so infinitely Jealous of her, that she could not stir out of doors, to go to the Temple, nor so much as see the air at her window, without his grumbling, and bea∣ting her. You know what is wont to happen to such Animals; but the goodnesse of Lisa, hath never desired (though she might) to pay him in the Coyn he deserved: howbeit not be∣ing able to live in so miserable a slavery, she found out a way to free her self by placing her∣self in the Palace neer my person. Whereat Antonello took such distast, and fell into so fu∣rious a rage, that meeting me one day at a feast, he had the saucinesse, to vent his resentments publickly treating me with unworthy names. Whereby those Cavaliers, at whose house the feast was celebrated, were so moved, that un∣der pretence of communicating something to him, they drew him aside and slew him, having learnt, by his death, all such rash fellows, to ob∣serve the respect due to Ladies of my quality. In sum, Antonello is dead, and Lisa lives ever at your dispose; I having no longer any desire of this charge, to keep her for you. Dispose of her therefore at your pleasure, she being yours; but look well to it, that you provide her no

more Jealous husbands, for I know not whe∣ther she may be alwayes so good as not to deal with them according to their deserts. The rest of the company laughed, but Arnaldo sighed at these words of Isabella, though it was onely observed by my self, that sate next him, and knew the peccant humour of his profound me∣lancholly. He asked me, Who that fair young creature was? And I satisfied him, that being a Noble Lady of Anaplistum, which fell, by the death of her Parents, into a miserable conditi∣on, I had took her into my house, and marryed her to a young man, well descended, of Eleuxis, who perished in the mis-fortune re-counted by Isabella: whereupon, he exprest a desire to have her go along with Argosthenia, that so he might repay to her part of the obligations, which he acknowledged to my person. Perceiving where∣at he did drive, I complyed with him, seeing that together with freeing him, in a great measure, from the inquietude of his jealousie, I came also to ease my self of the burden of farther caring for her. Answering, that he was her Master, alwayes provided that she was satisfied; because I was alwayes far from offering Vio∣lence to the liberty of another's will. In this kind of entertainment we came with a feli∣citous voyage to Athens; where Fortune had prepared for us a new vexation. After we had waited upon Isabella to her house, we took our way towards my own; where instead of Argosthenia and Methrodorus, we came to en∣counter with the perfidious Liviana, who, without knowing who I was, had landed there

with the Feluca, and with a Page of Euristhus. Which Page, being brought up in my house, by reason of his new Masters mis-fortune, was fled thither. Argosthenia and Methrodorus, hearing by the boy of Arnaldo's imprisonment, and the condemnation of Euristhus, yet know∣ing nothing of the cause, but onely of the death of the Provost; they instantly went for Eleuxis, to provide the best they could, for that occurence. But, how amazed was Ar∣naldo and Euristhus, when they saw Liviana? and how confounded was Liviana, to behold Euristhus and Arnaldo; I leave for others to imagine. She having re-assum'd her banished spirits from her sudden fright, betook her∣self to my Closet, and hastily shutting her∣self in, fell a plotting her own death, to free herself from the feared ignominy of some scan∣dalous punishment. Whereupon I, not ex∣pecting any other from so furious a Female, knowing that Arnaldo and Euristhus, were too generous, to seek to revenge themselves upon a Woman, which, agitated by Love, or by hatred, knew not what she did; entred into the Clo∣set another way, and snatcht out of her hands the mortall instruments, which she had prepa∣red to take away her life, and left her at li∣berty, to go whither she would; assuring her upon my word, that she should not be preju∣diced in the least, by her adversaries. She be∣ing comforted a little by my words and de∣meanour, entreated me to let her remain for a few dayes in that Retreat, being in great dan∣ger if she should be seen. But being unwil∣ling

to incur such a scandall, I caused a Bark presently to be hired, and sent her (Arnaldo and Euristhus never knowing of it) the same night back to her confinement of Aegina; where, instructed by her mis-fortune, she reformed the lubricity of her Genius, living and dy∣ing (O strange alteration of Heaven!) with a fame very different from that of her former life.

We being in the mean time in great in∣certitudes, whether to return to Eleuxis, in search of Argosthenia and Methodorus, or else lest we should once again lose our labours, to expect their return, or some advice (for they might easily learn there, that we were come with the Governesse to Athens) supped with much confusion, because also Euristhus was not secure whilst he was in Athens (howbeit he desired to accompany us to the War of Negro∣pont, we resolved that he also should return by Sea to Corinth, to comfort his wife with his presence, who was disconsolate peradventure in regard of the sad news, which might flye thither of his death. He was no sooner de∣parted, but there knockt at my Gates a servant of Isabella, which presenting me with a Note from that Lady, took his leave and went ano∣ther way. Being troubled at such a novelty, at that time of night, I presently opened the Paper, and found that it said

Isabella to Philiternus.

SIR.

IUst now my Husband is arrived hither from E∣leuxis, pretending to be angry with me for ha∣ving been assistant to the escape of Euristhus: and intended to complain to the Supream Magi∣strates against those Cavaliers which have aided him in that Enterprize: but in truth, it is for that he is transported with a jealousie conceived against you, for the past troubles and for my pre∣sent coming away with you in this manner. I be∣seech you therefore to provide according to your prudence some expedient to these disorders, lest there arise hence new occasions of vexation to you, and of inquietude to

ISABELLA.

I Valued not the design the Governour had to disquiet me, and my friends, upon such a quarrel; having power in my hands to make all his attempts that way to vanish into smoke. But that which did extreamly trouble me, was, that Isabella might hereby be a sufferer, to whom professing so many singular Obligations, it was my duty to remove from her any thing that might occasion her discontent. I made use therefore of this occasion to leave Athens once again, and participated my designs to Ar∣naldo, beseeching him to stay in my house with Lisa, to expect Argosthenia and Methrodorus, or some news from them before that he did

resolve on any thing. Arnaldo would by no means permit that I should go alone; but I be∣ing glad that I had encountred an opportu∣nity convenient for the pursuit of my intent of traversing the World, and compliance with my humour of travail, resolved to leave Athens before morning, being wafted over by a very swift little Bark to Eleuxis; where providing all things necessary for the interests of my friends, and informing my self of Argosthenia and Methrodorus, and having heard that being deceived by a false report, that Arnaldo and I had set sayl on our way for Thebes, they were gone thither; I took with me Euridamas being well practised in that course, and put my self in pursuit of them with such speed, that we over∣took them upon the Banks of the (to Argo∣sthenia) so fatal Asopos; with what resentments of the Lady, may be easlyer imagined than de∣scribed. She wept a great while for joy, and seeing her to trouble her content with condo∣ling the many malitious fortunes which sepa∣rated her from Arnaldo, I took occasion to di∣vert her thoughts unto more sublime appre∣hensions, perswading her to go presently for Calcides. Methrodorus feared such dangerous counsel, for that the Citie being in the Re∣bels hands, it would be to precipitate her in∣to the jaws of destruction. But revolving in my head a consideration of State, upon which the fortune of the Lady and of Arnaldo de∣pended, I persisted still in this resolution, al∣leadging, that there was no way so secure, not so facile as this to enstate Argosthenia in that

Grandure, to which her birth and destiny gave her just pretensions. Methrodorus and Euri∣damas desired me, that, to encourage them to accompany me in so hazardous a service, I would declare to them the secrets of my de∣figne. But I would not discover my self in a thing that depended more upon events than upon discourse; telling them, that if they thought the enterprise desperate and perillous, they might stay at Arclides to be spectators, and I would go with Argosthenia, her woman, and onely one Page, to Calcides. They would not consent to that, alledging that being my com∣panions, in the voyage, and in the service of Argosthenia, they would also partake with me in the hazzard, and in the glory of so strange an adventure. This being concluded on, and, giving the name of Erintha to Argosthe∣nia, I called my self Polydamas, a Knight of Corcira, and gave out, that, being banished for a matter of honour by the Prince of Epi∣rus, I was come into those parts to seek my fortune. Euridamas, and Methrodorus put them∣selves into the disguise, this of Usher to Argo∣sthenia, that of Gentleman of my Chamber; And I sent two servants belonging to those Knights (for that we would not have such mean persons about us in a businesse of that moment) to wait our pleasures at Arclides: and so we travailed by Land to Calcides: where, learning by the common vogue of the people, that the Count of Lythar, proceeded vigorous∣ly in the siege of Caristum to reduce it, before the Athenian Armado should relieve it; and

that the Metropolitan Citie Calcides was left to the Government of the Count of Olorita his brother, or indeed rather to his wife, who, be∣ing a Lady of a great Soul, had the greatest share in the management of all Affairs: I took the name of the Countesse as an auspicious Omen, and instantly dispatcht this Letter to her for the orderly disposal of my designs.

Polidamas to the Countesse of Olorita.

THe misfortune which persecuted me in my own Countrey, hath forced me to seek elsewhere for protection to my self and family. For that being desirous to defend my honour in the person of my wife, I was banished from Corsira by the Prince of Epirus my Lord: so that my family having in former times had correspondence, and relation to some in this Citie of Calcides, I have had thoughts to inhabit here with my wife. To which, I have been very much encouraged by understanding, that it is at present governed by the Lord Count of Olo∣rita, your Worthy Consort with the assistance of your counsel; confident, that both my wife under your Worthy Protection shall have occasion to live con∣tentedly even in exile, and that my Lord Count will accept in my person, the obsequy, and fidelity of one of his most devoted, and most obliged servants. I would have come immediately my self to have re∣ceived your most welcom commands; but because in the present conjuncture of Affairs it's not permitted to strangers to come to this Citie without a Pasport from the Lord Count, I humbly entreat this fa∣vour,

for my wife and self onely, and four servants of our attendants. And here I resign my self, Il∣lustrious Madam,

Your ever most humble and most obliged Servant POLYDAMAS. A Cavalier of Corsira.

HAving written this Letter, and informed Euridamas of my thoughts, I sent him to present it to the Countesse, together with a Necklace of Turchoises, wrought in Gold, com∣posed by Argosthenia in her idlenesse at Athens. The quality of the present, more than the style of my Letter, and the curiosity together of see∣ing my presumed wife, which Euridamas com∣mended for the most beautifull Creature in the World, easily perswaded the Countesse to grant me more than my request, making us an offer of her own Palace, till such time as we were provided with Lodgings. But being unwilling to engage my self, I took the first empty house, which I stumbled upon, and shut my self up in it, and that night went with Argosthenia to the Palace; not only to complement with the Count and Countesse, but to observe their proceedings, and the manner and quality of their Attendants. The Caresses which the Countesse gave us, (de∣siring perhaps to get some other present out of us), were indeed without measure, and yet with∣out

the least affectation, for that she was a Lady truely sprightly, vivacious, and magnanimous. This foundation being laid, and having for ever captivated the heart of the Countesse to favour us; I advertised Methrodorus that he should be∣gin by little and little to discover himself to his Kindred, Friends, and Allies, which he knew dis∣gusted the present Government; ye•• declaring he was arrived at Calcides, upon assurance of the fall of the Royal family which had so persecu∣ted them. With this diligence we collected in a few dayes twelve Cavaliers of the Prime of the Nobility of Negropont: some of which, though dissatisfied with the Dutchesse and the Princes past; yet would not admit to be governed by persons whom they had conversed with as equals in Fortune, and whom they had treated as in∣feriours in Nobility. We could easily have mustered a far greater number; but fearing by delay to give fortune an occasion of discovering something of these agitations; and doubting that in a greater number such a secret might be endangered; we summoned them every one to meet at an hour unobserved in my house; and having taken of them a solemne Oath towards the Dutchesse their legitimate Lady, for whose service I had gathered them together in that as∣sembly, I began in this manner resolutely to speak.

My Lords, I suppose that you have alrea∣dy understood by Methrodorus your good Friend and Kinsman, to what end you were called hither, which is to consult of the way to eject the Rebels, and Tyrants from this Ci∣tie,

and to put it into the hands of the Dutchesse Doricinia, to whom by right of pri∣mogeniture, and by your election, you be ob∣liged in a perpetual obedience and fidelity. I know you think it strange, that I, being a young man, and a stranger, should upon my own motion venture my self, and incite you to an Enterprize of so much difficulty, and dan∣ger; But I shall not be the first among men, which although a weak instrument my self, have been able to give a motion to grand ma∣chinations. But, though others moved by co∣vetousnesse, have attempted enterprizes above their fortune; I may be thought to be come to this resolution by the onely impulse of Justice, Friendship, and Love. She, My Lords, which here you behold with the name of Erintha, and in the appearance of my wife, is Argosthenia, a noble branch of the Royal Stem of your Prin∣ces, to whom, after the Dutchesse your Mistress, discends the inheritance of this most flourishing Principality. Nor is she my wife, but my Lady by merit, and Sister by fortune: and is indeed lawfull Spouse of Arnaldo, a noble person of the Royal Line of Thebes, which is ready to come in a few hours with the Armado of the Republick of Athens in relief of the Dutch∣esse. There will not be wanting neither, on the other side, the succours of the Theban King, who stayes but for our notice, to haste over with his Forces to these parts. But if it be lawfull for me freely to declare my thoughts; I do not at all like these Auxiliaries, because I am afraid it is but the taking a Serpent into our bo∣some,

to our suppression, rather than relief. For, if that Commonwealth, and this King, make themselves Masters of the strongest pla∣ces of this Dukedom, to which they have so antient and so strong pretensions; I know not when they will be content to resign them willingly; (Princes never wanting pretexts, to usurp, and detain the possession of other States;) And, to compell them by force, we shall be al∣wayes too weak of our selves; and to call other Princes to our assistance, would be an opening the sluces to our totall inundati∣on, changing this Country into a seat of con∣tinuall War, for strangers, to consume our wealth, annihilate our families, violate our honours, and to impose reduplicated chains of vassallage, upon this, at yet, free Principali∣ty. I would advise therefore, that with Spi∣rits, and Resolutions, worthy of generous Knights, and Loyall Subjects, we do at∣tempt with our own hands, to re-establish the Crown of this Dominion, upon the heads of our legitimate Princes and Masters. Nor is this so difficult a matter to effect, if it be well managed. Resolve therefore to acknowledge for your Princesse (with a Salvo alwayes to the right of the Dutchesse our Mistresse) Ar∣gost henia, and to unite your selves for her, in this testimony of fidelity; and hereafter, we shall not want either time or occasion to con∣sult the manner also of turning the Rebells out of the City, to establish her in the pos∣session of her lawfull Dominions.

Those Cavaliers for a good space stood asto∣nished,

by the unexpected coming of Argosthe∣nia, and by such an attempt of a young Knight, alone, and surrounded by a City of Enemies. But afterwards certified by Methrodorus, and by their own eyes (which discerned in the face of ArgOsthenia, the features of Doricinia, and her deceased brothers) of the truth of her per∣son; and encouraged also by the rehersall of the adventures she had happily gone through, un∣der my conduct, and of her Contract with Arnaldo, they ranne all to kisse her hand, pro∣nouncing her (after the Dutchesse) for their Lady; and disposed themselves in every parti∣cular, to follow my directions. Hereupon, I lost no time, but desiring some of them to stay in that house, till the contrived Design had taken effect, I thus continued to speak to them.

My Lords: This is my design; And he that hath any better way, let him speak, and procure the publick and private benefit of his Country, of his Prince, and of himself. You shall, if you please, take a rude supper with me, to stay hid till my designs be ripe, to lead you elsewhere. In the interim, I will send Euri∣damas to intreat the Countesse to sup to night with my wife, desiring to impart some matters of concernment to her, out of the noise of the Palace. I am confident she will come presently, out of a desire to get some Present out of us, having an opinion, that we are exceeding rich in Jewells. When she comes, we will secure her attendants, and re∣turn with her and Argosthenia to the Palace;

of the which having made our selves Masters, with the imprisonment (if he will not freely surrender himself) of the Count Governour, we will proceed with his Orders and Signalls, to seise the Market-place, and the Port, without noise or blood. And this I assure you, my Lords, on the word of a Gentleman, (which is the onely recompence of merit, which myperills and counsells may acquire me) that there shall not be spilt the blood of any Sub∣ject, although a Rebell; nor of any Stran∣ger, although an Enemy; except it be in our necessary defence. I onely shall ask, that the Count and Countesse Governours, may be left to my protection, to whom beeing other∣wayes obliged, and drawing the Countesse to my house, I desire and entreat the Princesse Argosthenia to ingage, that she will never here∣after on any occasion, or under any pretence, punish them for this default of the Rebellion of the Count of Lythar their brother.

Having thus said, and having received from the Princesse and Lords, their Word and Oath; and having left them in an unobserved place of the house, I immediately dispatcht Eurida∣mas to invite the Countesse to Supper; who failed not to come a while after, with a very slender retinue. We supt reasonable well; and forasmuch as being discomposed with the plots in my head, I was ever and anon silent and pensive, and sometimes beholding her with much attention, she entred into a suspition of me, as if I contemplated her out of a liking of her beauty; and began to observe my face, and

behaviour, and remained a little suspended and changed. But supper was hardly done, when I was informed by Methrodorus and Euri∣damas, that they had, in a pretence to entertain them, carryed the Attendants of the Countesse into a place whence they could not stir, and that the Confederated Lords were in a posture ready to march to the Palace. I started up, and, with a countenance between merry and seri∣ous; Gentle Madam (said I)

It sensibly agrieves me, to stain the mirth of the Table of hospitality, with a necessitated incivility towards you; but because I am more obli∣ged to Argosthenia your Princesse, and my La∣dy, than to the courtesies received from your urbanity, I beseech you pardon the errour, that, with reason, I commit against Reason. Madam, you are my prisoner, and all that I can comply in to your Merits, and my Obli∣gations is, to assure you, in the name of this your Princesse, and my Mistresse, your life, honour, and estate. Be pleased therefore to change your title of Governesse of Calcides, into that of a Subject and Servant of Doricinia and Argosthenia, and to remain in my custo∣dy, not stirring a step from me; for if you stir, and receive some affront, I have dis∣charged my self, having already satisfied the debts of Friendship and Honour, not onely in advising you, but in preserving all that which you ought in justice to lose, as of course, with your Husband, guilty of a High treason, impardo∣nable upon any other account, unlesse that of the unparallel'd Clemency of this generous Princesse.

That the Countesse remain'd astonished with such a change of Scenes in the Theater of For∣tune, questionlesse is not to be doubted; She would at first have shewed her resent∣ments, and have cryed out to her servants; but seeing the confederate Lords to enter the room armed at all poynts, she now requested, what I had formerly voluntarily proffered, to pre∣serve her honour, estate; and life. Then I lead her, and Argosthenia, into her own Coach, and made some of the Lord's servants, to put on the Liveries of her Pages, and Lacquyes, who had already rallyed a great number of friends and Complices, going in this posture qui∣etly, till we came to the Palace; giving her in the mean time, particular information of Ar∣gosthenia, and of that affaire; that she might Cancell her former crimes, by her present good service, co-operating (herself) to the setle∣ment of the State, in reducing it to the obedi∣ence of it's legitimate Governours. The Coun∣tesse (as she said, being obliged with such modesty and courteous treatment,) offered her self to do miracles in this particular, seeing no sini∣ster adventure of Fortune obstructed her.

Being brought with such like discourse to the Palace, and having deluded the guards, by first dividing them by her order, and then they being made to dis-arm by the Servants of the Lords, we ascended to the uper appartements (possessing our selves of all the posts as we went) and into her own Chamber, where her Husband was expecting her to go to bed.

But, seeing me appear with her, and Argo∣sthenia,

Methrodorus, Euridamas, and the other Lords, in no peaceable posture, he would have cried out, and have called his Gentlemen and Guards to help him.

Then the Countesse, stepping out before the rest, said, My Lord, you also must acknowledge Argosthenia for your Princesse and Lady, and put your self, as I have done, under the prote∣ction of this Knight, or resolve to die present∣ly without any remission. These usurped Gran∣dures, as unfit for us, are soon vanished: It re∣mains that we submit with patience and fide∣lity, thereby to deserve the favours we have already obtained of pardon for our Crimes; with the safety of our lives, riches, and ho∣nours.

Surrender therefore to this Lady, who is your Princesse Argosthenia, your pretensions of Command, and the Signals for the possession of the Port and Fleet. She is Mistresse, and you are no longer Governour of Calcides.

He being in part satisfied with these Remon∣strances of the Countesse, the absolute con∣trouler of his heart, and regulator of his affe∣ctions, did all that we desired: and we instant∣ly committed the charge to the Lords our Con∣federates, recommending to Euridamas the Guard of the Palace to Methrodorus that of the Piazza, or Market-place; to the Count of Armenum the investing of the Port, to the Count of Lagia of the Fleet, and to other Lords and Knights other Charges, according to their merits and capa∣cities. There were likewise called to the Palace the old servants of the Dutchesse, which had stay'd at Calcides; but I my self stirr'd not from

the Princesse's side, not to confound the orders, which depended on my direction, and to look to the persons of the Count and Countesse, and get out of them such things as were necessary to be known for the regulating my actions in the present conjunctures.

The night being thus spent without sleep, the morning following, all that vast Citie beheld it self recovered out of the hands of the Rebels, without the losse of any man, except one onely Captain, and a few Souldiers of a Corps du guard: which would have refused obedience to the Count of Armenum. Day being come, all the Nobility and Citizens repaired to the Pa∣lace to do Homage to Argosthenia, and to de∣mand the death of the Governour and his fol∣lowers, for an expiation of that Rebellion. And seeing the old Counsellours of the Dutchesse, and the other Ministers of State advised that they should be delivered, notwithstanding the Prin∣cesse's Oath, that so the people might not be de∣nied that satisfaction, which might be a means to make them the more resolute in defending themselves against the Count of Lytharre, when he should march thither with his Army to re∣venge them; and being unwilling that my faith should be broken, I carried the Count and Countesse with the Princesse's permission secret∣ly to my house, and there disguising them in Lacquyes apparel, got them safe out of Calci∣des. Then afterwards leaving the Princesse's in∣structions in writing for the perfecting the de∣sign of the work begun, and bidding Adieu to the Cavaliers, my friends, I got incognitò a∣board

a very expeditious Bark, and hoisted sayl for Athens, to bring in person the first news of these Revolutions to Arnaldo. Who standing a long while astonished thereat, as at a thing he esteemed impossible; in the end threw himself about my neck with large acknowledgements of infinite Obligations, and would have carried me back to Calcides, with large promises of sharing his fortunes with me. Argosthenia con∣curred in the same instances with reduplicated Letters, and re-iterated Ambassages: but being content in having satisfied my Obligations of friendship to Arnaldo, and of brotherhood with Argosthenia, I would not again leave the doors of my own house, to hazard my self in the Tempests of the Court. And so having recom∣mended to them both, Euridamas, Methrodorus, and Lisa, who merited their esteem, I continued constant in the quietude and tranquillity of my mind and fortune: howbeit, I was very much troubled in the passions of my Soul, for the un∣timely, and much to be lamented deaths, which a little after hapned to Isabella, for whom I had already suffered so much in the Kingdom of Love and Fortune; and likewise of the Count of Olarita, now become my most Cordial friend; which left me heir of a great trouble, with re∣commending to me in the place of Sister, the fair, and sprightfull Countesse his Consort.

How afterwards Arnaldo went to Calcides, how he was acknowledged for husband of Argo∣sthenia, how he rallied a potent Army of faith∣full subjects, and adventurous Souldiers; How he relieved the Dutchesse, overthrew in battle

the Count of Lytharre, who fled, and ended his dayes at Byzantium; And how the Dutchesse being returned to Calcides, confirmed Argosthe∣nia, after a solemn Marriage, in the Dignity of Hereditary Princesse, with the other Adven∣tures of these married Princes; Some more for∣tunate Pen than ours, will perhaps give no∣tice to the World; here being concluded th•• dysasters, and afflictions (the subject of Phil••ter nus his relation) of the Injur'd Lover.

FINIS.