SO long continued the fight betwixt the valiant Anzitemus, The Battaile betwixt Anzitemus and Cleonidas at Sea. and the Arch-pirat Cleonidas, that extremitie wondred to be maintained, and the night (as a common decider of Controuersies) hasted for very pittie to determine the furie, not remembring what terrour her haste would adde vnto the furie: whereupon Anzitemus enraged to be disappoynted, commaunded to grapple, and the taske imposed, chained their Barkes togeather; the effect whereof, produced the lamentable Stratagems, wherewith Confusion, Slaughter, and Death, terrifieth the beholders: For the fighters with Swords seemde to play in the choyse either to deuide the Body from the Head, or seperate the Members from the Body: Such as vsed Pikes, might either wound or kill; such as throw Stones, either braine, or endanger; & such as trusting to their strength durst cloose, either strangle, or tosse ouerboard: Thus were some throwne into the Sea, some stifled in the Shippes, some slaine outright, some irrecouerably wounded, some thronged to death, some sprauling halfe dead, & some fainting ouerweatied; none escaping one mischiefe or other; and all confounded, because they saw all things confused: the faythlesse hearted trembling before death, as dismayed at their fellowes outcryes: the valiant hoping to liue to reuenge their companions wrongs: At last, Destruction lifted vp her horrible countenaunce, as if shee meant to distract them with this assurance, that neither Pollicie, nor Endeuours could direct to any way of securitie; which when Anzitemus (euen betwixt the contraries of Pittie and Rage) apprehended, hee then cryed out: Let all cease, and Cleonidas and I determine the controuersie.

But, whether Cleonidas despayring in the successe, stomaked the misfortune, or remembring his fault conceited the reuenge; or impatient at the difficultie, forgate the meanes of redresse; or enraging to be ouer-mastered, became absolutely desperate: Hee put in practise more feare A dèsperate action of Cleonidas. and more terrour: with his owne hands like a hired Seruant of mischiefe setting the Ships on fire, and commaunding the rest of his partie to heaw them a peeces, or otherwise to shift for themselues. This was so well liked of the Mariners, and so soone performed, that you would haue imagined, Confusion meant to decipher, with what varietie shee would entertaine Death: For what with Axes, Hat-chets, Sawes, Dragges, Winches, Croes, Engines, and other Instruments: the Shippes were splitted, spoyled, broken, disioynted, and all to peeces shiuered: besides, the Fire playing the Tirant, quickly disseuered, what before fastned the maine Beames togeather; herein onely acting the part of a Friende by soone ridding out of the paine, and concluding (seen we must die) to die with resolution.

Thus were such interdicted with necessitie of sauing them selues, who before striued to intercept others: Thus did vncomfortable Cryes condemne the crueltie of Reuenge; which would not be satisfied without so small a massacre: Thus were pittifull yelles the last testimonie, how many hundreds exclaymed on the ambition of men: Thus did horrible Curses sound out the wicked mindes of such, as neglected the true vse of a good Conscience: Thus were all the causes of amazement vnited, to shew the formidable effectes of Enrage & Despight, so that the most part perished, and very few summoned vp new hopes to prolong their liues: Yet had Anzitemus this fortune, to light on the hinder quarter of his enemies Shippe; and if before affrighted with the hideous spectacle hee stood vncapable of any The Shipwracke of Anzitemus. resolution, now reduced with the enforced conditions of life, he bestirred his consideration to inhibit vnkind and vntimely mischaunce: wherevpon compelled to leaue the ornaments of his vallour, because he was to make vse of his armes and lightnesse, he quickly stripped himselfe, and as quickly tooke vp his seate on the broken peece, which resembling some Boigh or Sea marke, was no doubt the occasion he was the better marked. For as the vncomfortable Night finished her progresse, the bountie of a sunshining Morning layde open her treasurie, and hee had the choyce of many seuerals; faire Weather, sweet •… Winde, calme Sea, cleare Ayre; and sight of a Fisher-boat, which seemed a Messenger of life, in regard it approched so neere, that he was vnderstood in crauing their helpe; and they helped, when they vnderstood what he craued: But to strengthen your knowledge in this accident, you must alow of some circumstaunce.

AFter the Earth like a magnificent Bride had apparrelled her selfe in her beautious attyre, the Inhabitants of Nagania on the Northren Caspian Shore, (betweene whom the The storie of the Shepheards of Nagania. melancholy Winter had compelled a discontented seperation) began their solemne Spring feastes, and set forward the heards of Sheepe, Goates, and greater Cattell to the Downes, which were in a manner purged by the gentle ebbings & flowings of the Sea; where both one and other seemed to make vse of a pleasing theft, pleasing to the Beastes in finding so good a pray as the sweete Grasse affoorded; pleasing to the Earth, in being ordained an instrument of such reliefe: the effect whereof produced, that Riches without Enuie, Good order without Flatterie, Quietnesse without Imperfection, Peace without Intemperance, Plenty without Inordinatnesse, Encrease without Repining, and all other blessings of the Land, as it were in one league combined them selues: Besides, the Sea disbursed a recompence to their industry, which caused them to maintaine certaine Boates to fish with, and euery one according to a well applauded custome watched his course: amongst these Placandus (whom yeeres & grauitie had much graced) liued with such loue and liking, that whensoeuer his iourney importuned, some Placandus fishing night. one or other attended the worke in hand, and at this instant bare him company in his fishingnight: so that by Art vnited to industrie (the onely enemies of idlenesse) their nets were filled with great store, and their Trunks stored with excellent Fish, the dispatch whereof (as vnwilling to tempt prosperitie with an vnnecessary iourney) concluded a returne, had not a sudden cry directed their pittie to regard what they heard, and that detained them to consider, how they might administer reliefe, the rather because a man appeared sitting on a broken piece of a Shippe, neither much dissmayed at so great an enemie as death, nor now seeming ouer ielous for so sweete a friend as Life: But such as hee was, did their industry assist, their assistance helpe, their helpe recouer, their recouery welcome to Comfort: now when Comfort came to act her part, like the Sunne, who scorning to be checked with euery slender Vapour, quickly lifteth vp his glorious head: Feare and palenesse was made ashamed of their wrong disseisure, and he seemed the very Sonne of Valoure, and darling of loue.

This at the first, raysed a kind of reuerence, wherein they would more orderly haue proceeded, had not a pleasing vtterance pacefied their importunities Anzitemus saued by Placandus changeth hisname to Montanus to vnderstande, who hee might be with his earnest desire to take him as hee was, which (sayth hee) I cannot but presume on, because I finde such a vnitie of goodnesse: Bee therefore satisfied, that my simple trueth telleth you, I am Montanus of Carberia, vnfortunate in being that I am; and ten times vnfortunate in remembring what I was: meane I confesse, but now the meaner by loosing all meanes of my estate and liuing, as hauing with some substaunce and friends not eighteene dayes since burdoned one small Barke, and after some varietie of Stormes within these eighteene howers tasted the very bitternesse of aduersitie, which many with the meditation put me in minde of some misfortune: But thinges remedilesse, are past care and cure; therefore I will teach my tongue to forget her owne language, and ouermaster Misery with an ill respected Vertue called Patience.

But Placandus tooke an other course, and from troubling him with any more questions, applyed the ordynary meanes of helpe in such cases, telling that they were men of Husbandrie and Cattle in the Kingdome of Nagania, and not Fishers; if then their supplyes could stand him in stead, or estates induce him to be one of the companie, hee might be sure neither to fayle of succour, nor complaine for want: and if my selfe seeme not lesse worthy then another, I will welcome thee, and vpon good deseruing, adde to thy welcome, a reward,

By this time, had Montanus youth shewed a scorne of the mischiefe, which the Seaes vnmercisulnesse pretended, and hee remained in some extasie, remembring his owne affayres, but especially, that in so remote a place, hee must represent the fruite of a foraine Land, which the Inhabitants haue no other vse of, but wondring at: Yet hoping to spende out the extreamitie of sullen conceites with this varietie, and perceiuing the rest as it were to stomacke his slacknesse, that apprehended no sooner the curtesie proposed, he presently opened the treasurie of the poore, thanked all in generall, and gratified Placandus in particular, accepting the kindnesse with many wishes, that his honest endeuours might draw on successe to confirme him a dutifull seruant.

Thus they returned with effectuall dispatch of their iorney, and extraordinary newes of this aduenture, which ouer a day or two, was willing to participate it selfe to the rest: Yet not in so slender a manner, but euery one amplified report, as their opinions receiued impression, some praysed his Feature, some his Countenance, some his vpright Comelinesse, some his well knit Ioynts, some his Demeanour, and some his Constancie in the affliction; nor wanted there others, which supposed him of better fortune, then his present shew portraited, so that for the time, Placandus house was neuer empty; many comming to see him, many to prayse him, many to iudge of their prayses, many not to be beholding to anothers report, many to giue notice, how well they had profited Montanus as Placandus seruant saluted by Coranus. in the Schoole of Ciuilitie, and many to performe Goodnesse, because Vertue delighteth in action: Amongst this number, Coranus though the last, which came, yet was not the least meanes of his comfort, because hauing him selfe experienced distresse, he tould, how counsell and reliefe might be seasonably confirmed, and heere, like the discreete Phisition, knowing the state of his Patients body, reduced him to some moderation; so that their humanity, and Placandus good vsage, made Montanus beleeue, he was ordayned to this quietnesse: For with a kind of delight he put in practise willingnes, and exercise the ouermasterers of difficulties, which vnder propped his knowledge with these particulars, how to pasture the Cattle before the Sunnes pride might preuent theyr stomackes, how to guide them ere the Euening had determined theyr rest; when to water, and where to refresh them; when to driue them to the Fold, when to retyre from the Field, and in what sort to vse the instruments of commaunde his voyce and Pipe, all which were done with so good a grace, that the beholders woondred a •… the action, and he mused how necessity had so soone acquainted the action: they loueing, his Maister liking; and hee satisfied to be thus loued and liked.

BY this time, Fame was not so nigardly, but Coranus not onely relateth the story of Montanus, but describeth him to his daughter Deltona. the women as wel as men (to whom in deed curiosity seemed more proper) entertained the newes, & had not a customarie modesty restrained their desires, they would sooner haue satiated their longing then they did; yet because their Sommer Feast approched, in which many meetings, & ancient ceremonies had their seuerall passages, their forward desire was a little suppressed, and the feastiuall approached to put them in remembrance, that Time had strengthned their encreases, and this Stranger expected the setting them selues foorth to best becomming: In the meane while, Coranus returning home, told his Daughter Deltona (for the Man was wiuelesse, and a stranger amongst them) of Montanus ariuall with amplification of the circumstances belonging to his shipwracke, which because it agreed to their fortune, shee was willing to heare, and hee readie to dilate. Truely (quoth hee) I neuer saw a man of a better presence, his stature comely and tall, yet not exceeding mediocritie; his members so framed, as if our first Mother looking backe on the worke, had like a skilfull statuarie new polished, what shee escaped; his Shoulders Coranus describeth Montanus to Deltona. large, and Body vpright; of mighty Bone, and not ouermuch Flesh; the Necke in equality of length made to support a well proportioned Head; and an amiable, yet stately Countenance, which like some faire Planet in a frostie night, by speciall markes doth warrant him of Noble birth: For the Tresses spatiously plighted seeme to boast of extraordinarie curiousnesse, and the Tyara sumptuously fashioned, to propose vnto vs a very certainty of wealth: his Eyes according to the course they intende louely, compelled to distemperature fearefull, & enclining to sadnesse, very Adamants of Compassion: to be plaine, hee may be what our greatest thoughts can comprehend; but as he is, we repute him Placandus seruant by name of Montanus.

Deltona could not but like her Fathers description, and allow of his opinion; yet was not satisfied because shee had not seene him; and wished to see him, that she might be satisfied: wondring how her desire tooke vpon it such a libertie, and halfe ashamed, least her Father might perceiue her minde distempred, but hee poore man, had a world of conceites to thinke of: for though hee looked on her with a kind of demurenesse, yet was it to ouerlooke her, least shee might haue discouered his sighing and teares; which to preuent he cunningly led her foorth into a larger feeld of other conference; and so they remained with a reciprocall gladnesse not to be seene perplexed.

Now the Feast comming forward, Placandus much mooued with the desert of his new Seruant, and as it were enriched with the care he had ouer his charge, and the prosperitie following his care, thought to gratifie him with a thing of some worth, and therefore one Euening by way of relation, hee told the Storie how his Wife, his louing Wife, his louing loued Wife Iapeta, miscarying long since in child-birth, left him a fatherlesse, and a sorrowfull Widower, which for the time had such impression, that for feare to be so againe called to the account of passion, he vowed in Marpesias Caue, he would neuer marry; and although I haue found it a matter almost of impossibilitie to tie our frayltie to such strict rules: yet my honest Montanus, I haue waded through the difficultie, and I hope reserued my selfe to some good 〈2 pages missing〉

the Haire vntyed without curiositie, but that the hanging downe seemed a curiousnesse, hung downe with sufficient comelinesse, their Loynes were loosely girt with a kind of Belt, which at pleasure made the neither part of their Mantell resemble a full blowne double Rose; their Countenances were amiable, youthfull, rather smiling then sad, and bending to another, respected none but them selues; the Head was decked with a Corenet of Flowers, as if they meant to tell vs, Vertue compelleth Honour as well as commendation, and the whole portrature so well graced, that a man could not but affoord a reuerence. In the midst of this roome was a square Table seruing to many purposes, as contracts of Mariages, the parties enterchangably embracing ouerthwart, then kissing, then with a setled countenaunce laying one hand vpon another, swearing an inuiolable League, Bargaines and exchangings dispatched, both buyer and seller promising no more, then they meant to performe, and performing no lesse then they presumed to promise; offerings of their encreases presented, which euer returned with aduantage, according to the willingnes of the partie and the honestie of the giuer: sacrifices for pacification fulfilled, as their consciences layed open transgression, or their desires meditated Religion, knowing the Gods were to be adored, and their neighbours to be beloued, The Anchress was extracted from the blood of Prometheus, whom they superstitiously beleeued a great God, and once had his residence on Mount Caucasus, and so began a Familie amongst them: shee euer liued vnmaryed, and had sixe seruant Maides likewise to attend her her reputation was the greater, because she neuer fed the people with vntruths, nor exacted from them more, then their owne willingnes extended vnto: the inward Roome she kept shut, and yet stood open, while anyes businesse imported it, because the next commer might haue warning the place was supplyed: but why the name of Marpesia receiued estimation amongst them, you must bee thus aduised.

IN the mightie Kingdome of Scithia, at such The Story of Marpesia▪ time, as the first Amasons, women of Heroiecall courage, gloried to make themselues instruments of vertue; raigned as Queen the excellent Laciana: a woman of great Industrie, & greater successe in her Industry: for much affecting the magnanimity of Tolmilanda, against the Tartarian Mulmashag, she fortunatly determined diuers famous exploits, and after gouerned the countreyes with such maiestie and wisedome, that other Kingdomes feared her displeasure, with louing her vertue; and her owne subiects had the practise of singular discipline, which so much the more grew beneficiall, by how much the imployment tended to their good: of her proceeded Deiophaeba, and from her the faire Poligambis, vnder whom an enuious anger, that women should so raise the Trophees of Honor, excited the adioyning Kingdoms to conspire their destruction, and Fortune neuer constant but in vnconstancies, permitted a wicked Furie to massacre the wonderfulnesse of nature: wherein, though the large circumstance, and the strangenesse of the Action keepeth my tongue from her full discourse; yet this must I discouer, that the course of time disappointed their ambition, and dissolued this imparadised company: onely Marpesia sister to Poligambis, as it were alotted from the beginning to some deuinesse retyred hither, and erected another Regiment, but of diferent qualitie: For though shee grewe in fauour so Beautifull, and in Beauty so Celestiall, that the greatest Princes deuoted their endeuours to her acceptation: yet shee proclaimed against vanitie defiance, and Cupid stormed to bee so counterchecked: this made her abandon all Courtly fashions, least deceitfull temptation might at aduantage entrappe her weaknesse, and heere repose herselfe in a solitarie Groue, that a quiet dispensation from the company of men, might settle obedience to vndefiled thoughts. But some Writers haue iustified, how the desire of reuenge so exasperated her anger, that ere three yeeres had resetled the Company, and drawne backe againe her dispersed Forces, shee returned with a newe Alarum, and prosecuted her attempts with sufficient successe; leauing the example of her glory to animate Lampedo to maintaine this second industrie, shee prospering induced Antiopa, from her proceeded Penthisilia the mother of the gallant Thalestris, and the last Marpesia: with whose renowne other Kings offended, Enuie neuer desisted, vutill they shrunke indeed vnder destruction. Howsoeuer, the reziance of the former Marpesia gaue name to this place, and occasioned these Ceremonies; so that after a ciuill consideration had acquainted the people with husbandry and tillage: in the felling and stocking vp the wood was this Caue found, for the wonderfulnesse religiously preserued, and the conueniencie in manner aforesaid regarded: and now beginneth our Festiuall.

AFter they had sacrificed at the Caue, the The Shepheards feast, wherein Mountanus and Deltona meet. Custome allowed Montanus with his Batchellers to deuide themselues amongst the Virgines, as Fancy led opinion the way to iudgement: but who had seen the louely Deltona comming forward, must needs haue remembred, that Diana with her Nymphes added something to Natutes allowance, when she was to entertaine so great a Lady; and Iupiter determined the Rape of Calisto: for whether the behauiour of this Stranger taught expectation the practise of other things, or whether time had ripened their estates, that they began to take benefit of their wealth; or whether their own conceits meant to make much of the blessings of Nature, as not willing to continue in a barren rudenesse; or whether the acquaintance with ciuell Cities induced them to immitation, I dispute not, but the fortune of this day was such, that euery one in a manner sequestred from the common basenesse of Tartary, detayned the lookers on with the seuerall presentation of beautie and comelinesse.

Next to Deltona came Crolaca old Silenus The description of the shepherds daughters. Daughter, who manifested she was begotten in a time of discretion by attyring her Head after the plainest fashion, and because no deuise obscured any imperfection, she might the better haue satisfied a iudicious Censurer, had not the neere approach of a prying looke marked the equalitie of her forehead tending to a little flatnesse.

The second was Enseria very ill placed so neere the formost; her attire seemed rather fantasticall then costly, and added this to suspition, that shee determined some strange course of life, because her beautie was adulterate.

The third was Hiale, pleasant Parastoes daughter, who might well haue brought liking with admiration on her side; but that a little smiling somewhat more then cheerefulnesse (as if mirth determined not to goe out of a generation) cal'd her modestie in question, and ouer-wrought the ornament of her face, the mouth.

The foorth was Niphe, from whom some quarter of a yeere before, Deaths Harrold summoned both Father and Mother; who amased the beholders with the appearance of liuely colours naturaly embelishing her cheekes, onely a dead eye accused her of fullennesse: yet it might be former remembrance admitted the vnkinde ghuest sorrow, and limited commendation from ouer-reaching too farre.

Now marched Ladra Daughter to Argias, (to whom for his excellencie in Musick, they had giuen a Pension) and was quickly seene: For hauing her Haire large, long, and of a singular amber; she ware it in a kinde of loosnesse; but so kindly, that it seemed an excellent carelesnesse: because shee was faire and vpright; yet kept pale Lippes, the full life of beautie aside.

Then presented her selfe Carista lusty Darpanos Daughter, who of purpose to shew varietie, or vnwilling to patrizare being a Maide merited a choyce commendation, had not a kind of sobrietie made her strangenesse reputed a littell pride, whereby a liuelinesse wanted to set foorth her worth to the best becomming.

The seuenth was Gralle Temellus onely Child, in whom the best cunning might be deceiued, because, though now a fauourable countenance seemed dimmed with ouermuch Blood, yet imputing it to a kind of blushing, or allowing time the effect of moderation, without doubt she was an amiable president of delight: so that Enuy added not this as an other fault, her speech was ouer loude.

The eight was Ranata, whose cost questionlesse exceeded her fortune; in regard, that beside a well proportioned Body, the face could boast of no great Beautie, and wanted many parts to make it fauourable.

Now approched Tarina ritch Pleios Daughter, who made demonstration of her Fathers Wealth, by her owne statelinesse, yet in so good an order, that it seemed a prerogatiue, and had not a seucere Censor exprobated Nature for not allowing so sweete an aspect a perfect clearenesse, to all others it either appeared no defect, or appearing durst not so be counted, considering her owne countenance better marked, dispelled the former conceit, and made a new impression applaud all deserued worthinesse.

Next her came Carix blacke Alcastoes Daughter, whose Haire enclining to a more then brownnesse, added that bie name: yet was she full of fauour, which seemed attractiue as ioyned to a sober demeanor; so thou couldest not choose, but repine at Nature for vniting two contraries togeather, because the choysest louer was astonished, when that nakednesse (which modesty allowed to be seene) surpassed the rest for dellicacie and coloure.

The 11. was called the strange Duplana, who hauing no good part exactly lookt vpon, possessed yet euery part without exception; because her sweete cariage and dellicate behauiour strocke an amazement, ere you could examine the particulars.

The last of especiall note, was Sabetha, and in outward shew the least; but such a least, as shined like a sparcke of Pleasure: for the Eyes were able to enflame, the Countenance to enamoure, and her selfe so well fashioned to rauish: so that if a man would haue wished to be the beholder of a dellicate creature, the outward shew warranted, and the inward persection confirmed her the same.

But to returne to Deltona, like a braue pointed Diamonde triumphing ouer a border of prety ones, not altogether so well foiled, shee warranted her Liuery to be sued out of the Court of Perfection, and with all vnited a magnificent portlinesse; that Montanus imagined strange things, and suspected himselfe surprized with the imagination, as though he durst haue sworne, shee deserued farre better then a simple Cottage: yet allowing as a Stranger the iudgement of so many, that tooke her for Coranus daughter, he quieted his thoughts, because the businesse in hand disappointed Meditation, had not the businesse disquieted him with Meditation. For hee was to salute, entertaine, welcome them, and to place them at the Table, which according to their olde Customes (least error might breed repining in wronging one another) hee orderly performed: but taking Deltona by the hand, as if Loue and Fortune had vsed some conference about it, he made her his owne obiect.

By this time it was a world to see, how a little strangenesse can alter the whole companie: For the vpper Table consisting of the better, and elder sort weeried Placandus with many questions, and in a manner seemed emulous against the other for hauing Montanus amongst them: They againe reioyced in his presence, and were soone induced to allow him some preeminence, and truely howsoeuer he liked their fashions, or fashioned himselfe to their liking, or was now setled in the aduantage of his owne amiable and portly countenaunce, hee seemed, as if a good Husbande had preserued a stately Cedar in a conuenient Groue of smaller Trees, whereby hee might boast of one surpassing all the rest: but doe not suppose hee was so generally regarded of them, as particularly noted by Deltona, who could not so moderate her neerenesse, but shee must eye him at the full, and when it seemed a pleasing thing to behold, she tooke the occasion of beholding him to be pleased: then she attempted to refraine, little knowing the restraint, made her next looking passionate: yet excused by the curtesie to Strangers, she againe emboldned her selfe to looke, and to speake, both performed with such Loue-infusing sweetnesse, that Montanus protested maiestie was betrayed to the meanest deiection. For how could so great beautie seeme kinde, but hee must be friendly? How could shee demaund, but he must answere? How could she view him, but he must review her? How could shee craue, but he must allow it? How could shee execute any thing, but he must be pleased? Insomuch that this first acquaintance warranted delight in the highest manner, and soothed their desires to wish the continuance; yet those wishes were not ready toadmit any stedfastnesse, because Montanus was to forward the Dances, which for the first day concluded the pastimes, wherein no sooner setled he himselfe to the measure with Deltona, but as if a soft Esterly winde had with a sudden strength sturred the thicke leaued trees, a certaine wispering of the company from mutuall eying them proceeded to liking; from liking to affecting; from affecting to praysing; from praysing to wishing them some good; and debating wherein, confirmed it by marriage: the rather because they had demeaned themselues so well before, and seemed now sutable in a Liuerie of preeminence: but other Coples presented occasion of new speach: yet Montanus stil in sight was stil remembred, as busied in ordring the next commers out to the Dances.

HEere then was deciphered sober Eugenio, who by the outward countance assured, his The discription of the shepheards. care was greater to encrease his wealth, then his pleasure.

Louely Miletus a man still practising of good as one, which knew no bad.

Rich Polio, whose abilitie outcountenanced imperfections, which without doubt would else in pouertie not without scandall haue appeared, besides hee published this errour, that counting Vertue but the passage of breath, hee esteemed Money before a Friend.

Rude Sciscus, who in an ill accomplished pride, shewed rather a willingnesse to the vice, then was fashioned to any Grace or good Manner.

Vnfortunate Pleistos, whose Fancie was euer haunted with a counter-changeable crossenesse, as a man playing with his Shadow running from that, which followed him, and prosecuting, what seemed to fly from him.

Quiet Dromos, who yet was abused for his opinion of consience, and a slacknesse to reueng euery disgrace, gaue suspition of cowardice.

Peuish Derson, who carlesse either of Order, or good Manner belonging to education, manifested a very scorne of behauiour, and harsh extremitie of humours.

Modest Ergastus, as one speaking little, but meditating the more, loth to giue occasion of offence, and vnwilling to remaine sullen.

Froward Romero, who indeed hauing a naturall gift of vtterance was not tongne-tyed, as supposing his speech to be still pleasing.

Stubborne Bustosa who had no good qualitie, but plainenesse.

Pleasant Tedanus, who graced with many qualities was as gracious to seuerall Companies.

Sturdie Philastro, who thought well of himselfe, because he was able to match his hardest il willer.

Besides that did not dance, Enuious Franio, who was not onely ill in himselfe, but compassed to make all others like himselfe.

THVS prooued their Actions to bee the seruants of time, and with making their Procession The continuance of the Feast, with the Exercises of the shepheards. once againe about the Pastures, that dayes iollitie was ended, so they thought it conuenient to depart, which without further curiositie they would haue done, had not Montanus by taking leaue of Deltona, giuen notice to the rest, that some Ceremonie of good obseruation, addeth a grace to each Action. But depart they must, and depart they did, which being no longer then the next Morning: The next Morning they thought it ouer long, vntill the swiftnesse of their •… ooteman-shippe gaue the Reward to the best deseruer.

BVt when Montanus saw Deltona holde the Garland, at the vpper end of the Lists, which The secodn meeting of Montanus and Deltonae he quickly did, because the place and her selfe were of specialtie; or els Loue (if hee durst haue so perswaded himselfe) is quicke sighted, he stood amazed, almost neglecting what hee had in hand: yet lest the company might ouer-looke his distemperature; or that his owne disposition still desired, what was excellent; or ielious, that any other should watch Deltona with the like regard; or emulous to hazzard his credit by being ouer-mastered, hee gallantly set forward; and was indeede so forward, that while the rest repined at Fortune to suffer a Stranger to glory in their disgrace, he had time to tell her, that her matchlesse beauty was attractiue, and had added wings to his willingnesse: with that shee gaue him the Garland to weare, and forgaue him a kisse which hee stole: Now? Whether kisses produce strange Effects? Or some naturall secret was infused with the new breath? he remained distracted, and seemed more pleased with the theft, then the sonne of Maia, when he had beguiled the euer waking eyes of Argus: but the Company comming forward deuided his desire, and ouer-wrought his countenance by bestowing liberall prayses on his desert.

Thus did a second meeting encrease more vertue, and liking. For many qualities in one man, helpe forward to excellencie; and diuers interviewes in well-willing parties, conclude affection: which (to bee plaine) prooued heere in short time a strange deuise of Fortune, but wee are not yet ready for such contentment, because the third dayes Exercise, which was Wrastling (Placandus, Silenus, and Argias, Iudges) presented it selfe with an excellent temprature. Imagine yet Montanus was not so hasty, but he looked vp to the Mount. to see Deltona, who soone apprehended the motion, and looked too; by which he supposed shee bade him to remember himselfe, as if the secret of his desaster had been discouered: In this feruencie he stepped foorth vncalled, neuer seeming angry till now; not to be feared, till hee was angry, and then were all commers ouer-throwne: what he yet did, proceeded rather from a necessary vertue, then a vaine ostentation, vnlesse it were in the contention with Franio, whom for ill lookes and base manner of Play, valour scorned, so that adding a little violence to disdaine, the fall brake his arme; no man so sorry for his hurt, as glad of Montanus estimation which by a generall Plaudite, and theyeelding vp the Prizes, gaue him testimonie of regard.

NOw the Custome shadowed the secrets of passion, if perhaps there happened a mutuall The third meeting of Montanus and Deltona. liking of Parties: For it was an honour to the preuailer, if he bestowed the Prize (which was a Watchet Scarffe of curl'd Cypers, embrodered ouer with Starres of gold) on any worthy subiect: Whereupon Montanus with a wanton pleasantnesse, much gracing his demeanour, presented the same to Deltona; who tooke it, but in such a manner, that shee knewe not, whether the gift, or the handsomnesse in the deliuerie pleased more, besides: her sudden blushing matched to contraries together, feare & gladnesse. But heere ended their Pastimes, which according to the true nature of pleasure, least a continuall •… atiating should rather glut then delight, did they vse with sparingnesse: so that euery one applyed their seuerall affaires, no man imagining any ill, and therefore not practising; no man practiling, because they were enemies to dishonestie; no man dishonest, for friendship helpeth vp and downe the burdens of the weake, and leaueth no fault vnexcused. Else you must thinke; heere were such, as did loue, could hurt, might mallice, durst controll, and knew to reuenge; all which were afterward put in execution, when folly and impierie entred the breach against goodnesse. But the time importuned their care ouer their estates, which consisting in the prosperity of their cattle compelled a generall retyring to their Heards & Flocks.

NOw; what was this retyring, but a very Montanus in loue with Deltona. tyring of Montanus, in whose conceit Fancy already had made Impression? For though the outward shew discouered no distemperature, yet the wit much out of frame, striued to restraine it self from any base scope: and whether other company put him in minde of the absence of Deltona? Or that the nature of absence bred a greater desire to possesse the thing vnobtained, he suddenly began to be angry with himselfe for suffering her departure, and encreased his anger with despaire of her returne; but giuing that stoppe a dash with an heroicall presumption, that nothing was impossible, it somewhat setled him in the hope of a new meeting: at last he began a strict examination, why his minde should so run on Deltona; his sleepes in broken dreames of Deltona; his dreames, that hee meeteth Deltona? his waking fancie recounting the worth of Deltona; stedfastly supposing a shepheards daughter could not be Deltona? But the more hee meditated, the sooner he receiued a foile, for lacke of resolution, so that by this time the want of the thing longed for was not so great, as the meanes to obtaine it daungerous: his feare, mistrusting the practises hee meant to set on worke, and his desire importuning some satisfaction: this willed him to repayre to solitarinesse, where hee quickly ranne ouer the rugged Fieldes of disquiet; sometime condemning fondnesse and folly for consorting together, then exclaming on his owne weakenesse, for yeelding to such degenerate companions: other-while hee met with consideration, that man was subiect to many inconueniences; anon he encountered with patience, a strange vertue to pull on heauier burdens; sometime hee vp brayded his peuishnesse for his submission, after the Battle with Leonidas; and by & by, he protested to abiure both the place and the companie: But this seeming a counterfeit stoutnesse (as if hee had offended by such imagination) set him foorth to the recourse of his Friendes; but alas, their Welcome prooued like a trayterous Banquet, wherein mischiefe counterfeiteth to betray a man, and sounded in his eares, they were the enemies of Reposednesse; whereupon hee practised againe to be alone, had not so many by wayes of Fancie confounded him, that hee durst not abide the fearefulnesse of being alone. Thus euery thing framed the vnframing of his health, and brought him at last to the vnkind acquaintance of a Feuer, whereby he wanted orderly rest, and naturall diet, the soule bearing the body company in tollerating many changeable inflictings, as it had yeelded to a sence-weakning violence; sometime leaning the head against a firmenesse, as if he meant to settle his Braine: otherwile the Armes crossed with strength, resembled two strong Barres, which bound in the Heart from flying out of her inclosure: Sometimes his Feete stood him in stead to pace out his griefe: anone a Palle •… seemed proude of the ease it affoorded: presently the Ground was his resting place, and at last by his vnrest, hee could abide in no place; which when the good old Placandus had discouered, the care and opinion, which he conceiued of his new adopted Sonne, made him pitty his distresse, and put in execution his pitty.

My Sonne (quoth hee) doubt not to vnlocke the treasure of thy thoughts to mee: For as I haue respected thy desert, and loued thee with the same respect; so hath my loue ouerwatched thy griefe, and that loue made me partaker of the sorrow: Bee therefore perfect in thy former Wisedome, and thinke there is a remedie to each desaster; by my Zeale, and thy owne Vertue I therefore coniure thee, let mee know the occasion, whereby thou hast admitted this discontentment, and welcommed so vnkind guestes as Griefe, and Disquiet. Looke how a man hearing the sound of some sweete harmonie, and vnwilling to deceiue his sence of the pleasure, biddeth a silence; so stood our passionate Montanus, while Placandus had thus broken the enclosure of his sullennesse: and finding Silence a tyrant maintaining this faction of distemperature against him, he thus replied. O Father, this childishnesse, folly, and negligence, is worthy reprehension! yet pardon my vnwillingnesse either to be childish, foolish, or negligent? And this I doe protest, vnlesse some secret influence had ouer-wrought my spirits, no peeuish Humour could haue thus mastred mee. For to be plaine; I like Deltona, I loue Deltona; yea and liue in the loue and liking of Deltona: But suppose not? this breuitie marcheth with the same slightnesse: For a world of secrets depend on my speaches, yet my tongue hath now mittigated the burdensome paine of my heart, which otherwise like a well stopped Ouen, had increased the burning heate fo •… lacke of vent.

When Placandus heard the name of Deltona pronounced, you might haue compared him to a man meeting an Adder in an vnbeaten path, and starteth for feare, as if indeed the worme had mischieued him, so gaue hee a sudden motion prognosticating further mishap: Oh (saith hee) what doth Montanus attempt? I thinke she hath vowed her selfe to scorne, and proclaimed defiance against Fancie: Else would she neuer haue checked Fortune in her full flight of happinesse toward her? For Rugeo Duke of Fortuna tempted her constancie, and attempted to perswade a more glorious alteration: but she to all our amazements denied the honour, and ouer-prised this quietnes beyond Courtly vanitie: yet (my Sonne) because Loue and deuine appointment hath some secret in store, I wish thee not despaire; but vse my credit, and thine owne desert to hold the beame, wherein Loue weigheth the fancies of women: onely as a Caueat, beware of Franio; for besides the generall ill conditions wherewith he is infected; I heare he whispereth, yea murmureth against thee, which proceeding from malice hath this propertie, neuer to desist, till with aduantage it prooue inficious. Farre bee it from my obedience answered Montanus, not to make vse of your aduice and encouragement, I will therefore by the great eye of heauen, goe to morrow to Coranus howse, a day wherin as the world agreed to yeeld me life, so may Cupid assent to afford mee ioy to my life; but while he prepareth for his iourney, let vs see how Deltona is willing to admit him.

AFter the Feastiuals had end, Coranus with his Deltona in loue with Montanus, and how they came togeather. Daughter returned home, who poore soule very quickly began another manner of Banquet: For somewhat too curious in the musing at her owne weaknesse, to be ouerswayed with conceit, shee liued extreame pensiue; now whether continuall pensiuenesse debarring life openeth vnto griefe, griefe vnto distemperature, and distemperature vnto sicknesse, I know not; but shee seemed suddainely surprised; and neither waked with quietnesse, nor slept in soundnesse, shee would looke sad, figh often, practise extrauagant actions, and yet say little; which questionlesse kept the more in store against shee discouered her passion: But her Father was mightily perplexed, because his care extended to the highest degree of regard; and her sorrow continued with the sorest manner of trouble: therefore finding the body distempered from the minde, hee setled to ouerwatch her, if at any time he might discouer the cause. For though Phisicke can cure diseased bodies, when the Infirmitie is knowne, yet hath it small power ouer troubled Passions arysing from hidden Distemperature: At last (some excuse of businesse emboldning her to presume on his absence) his patience ouer matched ignoraunce, and one morning acquainted this abruptnesse.

Surely (quoth shee) I cannot beleeue my selfe the seruant of Vertue, when I finde the best part of my selfe subiect to basenesse, and •… he rest caryed with as ill violence: An Gods; a Shepheard; a Stragler; an out-cast; thus to entrappe me, and reuerse my deuotion? what worst temptation? where is the goodnesse my resolution boasted of, euer countermanding incontinent thoughts? what quite exiled? where is the magnanimitie which gaine-sayed the Duke in his greatnesse, and kept chastitie vpright in a simple Cottage? what? worne with time, or out of countenance with allurement? why then I see continencie hath secret enemies, and constancie hidden foes, who like traitours in an ambush cause an ouerthrow by aduantage? But oh deuine Loue, this foolish presumption of ours is but a mockerie to withstand thy violence; and the glory wee seeke in striuing against nature, an vnkinde detention from happinesse: as though wee were t •… xed and indeed desired to finish some excellent worke, and yet kept backe our selues in beginning the same. I therefore recant and recall my deuotion; yet deare vertue turne not thy face from me, for before any occasion open the way of incontinencie, I will seale my couenants to thee with my dearest blood: and blessed Genius, what doe I know, but thou hast ouerlooked my patience; and brought M •… ntanus to patterne out the perfection of me •… for to speak with a liberall trueth, what ere hee is, vertue and honour hath questionlesse taught him the way to full gracing goodnesse. Here those excellent lights of her bodie were dimmed with moisture, and passion had so racked her spirit, that though the smart caused her to confesse any thing, yet the extremitie of paine, ouer-wrought the instrument of vtterance, and with a sweet stilnesse enforced sile •… ce, which her father was mooued to pitie, and could not choose but accompany her with his teares, being once minded to haue discouered himselfe, but fearing to out-countenance her by being intercepted, hee suffered the humour to haue a little scope, and so retired somewhat pleased; hee now know the cause of her griefe.

AS these feares and sorrowes had their seuerall Montanus commeth to Coranus and Deltona. passages betweene Coranus and his Daughter, one morning (yet not so early to except against good manners) the opening of the outward Dore gaue them warning of some Strangers accesse, and the old man hastning to vnlocke, the other found Montanus in the Court with a ready message from Placandus to speake with him. Truely (sayd he) welcome, and it the word welcome might last so long, as my desire to bid you welcome, I should doe nothing but repeate welcome. In this extrauagant manner, as if Montanus presence had strucke both a reuerence and delight, or his daughters griefe entreated redresse, hee vsherd him through two roomes into a lowe chamber, and bad him tary till he prepared his entertainement. But when Montanus beheld Deltona sadly couched on the Rushie flore, they strewing the ground, and shee bestrewing them with her Teares, which (as water cast on a white Wall leaueth a show of spotted impression, seemed shadowes of pale Pearles) in a kind of generall pitty hee condemned Distemperature for maintayning a quarrell against such rarenes: then finding it touched him neerer, as liking the party, the eyes of affection bade him looke for reliefe; had he either knowne what to doe, or durst haue done what hee knew •… at last checking his foolish feare, seeing Loue had in deed chayned his heart to her deuotion, by many made paces, as if Orpheus were againe to passe by the euer-waking Cerb •… us; hee approached vnto her: To whom when he came, and that a little disdaine had scorned to be entrapped, whereby a womanly remembrance hastned to lap her cloaths togeather, which for her ease she had vnlaced: the strangenesse of the accident ouercame her former desire, and a pretty shame to be watched, made her affrayde of what she wished; and her feare onely put in practise a confused flight, which Montanus durst not yeeld vnto, and therefore with a reuerent speedinesse caught hold of her arme, almost bare by hasty massacring the artificiall garment, whereby his eyes setled now their quicknesse, and new thoughts immagined a very fire to burne his presuming hand: As for what was treasured vnseen, he imputed that to the cunning of the Ieweler who first laying abroad to the contentment of the beholders his smaller prised Riches, doth only declare, hee hath a Iem of that inestimable vallew, as may well suffice to be a present for the greatest Monarch: with the like disposition was Montanus transported, and therefore loth to loose the benefit of what his hope assured was pretious, hee entreated her aboad; and perceiuing her somewhat more tractable, thus disputed the matter.

Most worthy of the greatest worth; neither are teares the Antidotes of griefe, nor griefe a preuention of trouble: yet do we complaine to see Mortality the tennisball of Fortune, now stroke low, then mounted high; anone beaten backe againe, and at last banded quite away, little remembring that Vertue remaineth immaculate, and bringeth Patience to ouermaster Aduersitie, which in very meane spirits vpholdeth weaknesse and fraylty, by considering diuine prouidence hath ordained, what neither industry can preuent, nor mans cunning auoyde: but in greater courages, when soeuer crosses chaunce, there must be a representing of the Sunne, which at the lowest seemeth biggest; and indeed affliction retyreth, when shee is with constancie tollerated: Deny not therefore Vertue her due in subiecting it to so bace an enemie as Despaire; nor Beautie preeminence in thus disordering thy most faire amongst the fairest fairenesse: But leaue this sadnesse, & by the immortall powers I sweare (which with an Emphasis he pronounced) no discontentment shall affright thee: for my selfe wil vndertake the office of a neighbor to comfort, of a friend to assist, or of: which hee would faine in a more kinder terme haue vttered, but not knowing what it was, hee left her to imagine, what it might be.

Heere a mannerly stoppe, and a prety fashion of amazement caused his strength compassing her tender wrist to suffer some changes, and withall a sad kinde of looke waranted his wordes to proceed from true desire: but when shee marked the orderlinesse of his behauiour, and that a different grace warranted a greater desert, then his present fortune: a blessed hope sent to her countenance the Messenger of delight, and erected vp a well proportioned body to her better becomming: yet had a powerfull reason in the time of this parlie so tempered her ioy, that shee meant not ouer sodenly to consent to her owne minde, nor yeelde him too hasty libertie of presumption; like a discreet Master, who though his seruant bee painefull wil not ouer-familiarly thanke, but with good order embolden him to goe forward in his dutie: therefore as if shee could haue entertained an angry mislike, she thus replyed.

Why, who is Montanus? that thus enueigheth against Fortune, as if honour had read a Lesson of magnanimitie vnto him? or from whence proceedeth this audacity to poison my vertues spring with the dregs of peeuish Loue? Or what maleuolent Planet was ouer this day predominant, that I must be thus intercepted? Beleeue me, I am afraid I haue played the truant in the Schoole of Modestie, and forgetting my rules by ouer courtesie allowed this stranger some hardinesse: Assure thee therfore, that in the very mislike of this boldnesse, all other good parts are eclipsed in thee, and howsoeuer I could be perswaded to suppose any goodnesse in mariage, Placandus sonne must take another course: for my wits were neuer so enchanted to repulse the offer of a mighty Duke, and submit to a shepherds flattery: but to be plaine, I haue deuoted my selfe to another Saint, and offred my incense on the pure altar of Continency.

When hee had heard her out, as if a sudden feare fatally prognosticated some following mischiefe, or sullen anger kept the motion of the tongue from true liuelinesse? hee stood amazed, scarse able to yeeld a reason why he was amazed: like a man meditating in secret stilnesse, who looketh, yet perceiueth not on what, by reason the minde transporteth the vse of sence to other purpose: But knowing custome taught all women the deniall of what they wished, as though hee would haue chid her for such generall peuishnesse he once againe replyed. By the giuer of my life, this peremptorinesse shall not accord with successe, nor will I hazard the losse of what I esteeme so precious: Remember therefore the wrong thou shalt doe to nature in obscuring her blessings from the delight of men; remember the displeasure to the world, in depriuing it of the fruites of Mariage: Remember the iniurie to mee, who can ballance thee beyond expectation, and boast his regarde meriteth a better recompence, then despight. With this the countenance began to readmit a pristinate excellencie, and Deltona supposed shee saw a new Montanus; which questionlesse much imboldned her, and bade hope entertaine an other Ioy: Now when Ioy came to play her part, no deuice serued to counterfeite Disdaine: onely Wisedome limitted her Passion within sure bounds, and she somewhat relenting, thus answered, Wel; if the meditation of this busines perswad mee to a sweete mischiefe, I will not altogeather reiect your remembrance; and if my Genius hauing hitherto protected my Fayth and Chastity, thinke it now time to supplant it with a necessary ill, I am content to lay open the records of your merit and loyaltie: Yet presume not in this as an answer, nor allow Hope any libertie to suppose, that I shall euer be perswaded to loue. But hee hearing her name Loue; with a portly demeanour stepped forward, and caused a mannerly neernesse to make impression on her lippes, saying withall. My dearest life; by thy Beautie I sweare, it shall returne from whence it came, and thus will I keepe in this loue-breathing sweetnesse, that it may diue backe againe to the heart, and worke there conuenient motiones of delight: now whether the sudden audacitie countermaunded preuention; (or the grace vnited purchased attonement I will not dispute, but she neither seemed so angry; nor so sad, onely she told him, her customes a •… ted not so much as a circumstance of wantonnese.

BY this time the aged Coranus prepared his viandes, and comming vnto them found as it Corauus is pleased with Deltonas recouery, and Montanus company. 〈◊〉 were a newe cheerefulnesse in his daughter, which loth to disturbe be framed all his speach to Montanus, saying; that it troubled him not a litle in the wanting iufficiencie to enteraine him. Leaue off such ceremonie (replyed he) I am more troubled to finde Deltona pensiue and distempred, but time and her owne constancie will frame her thoughts to better purpose. I doe purpose so indeed (quoth she) but to the greatest purpose; how shall I requite the courtesie of the good Placandus, that wisheth so well to an vndeseruing creature? By the encrease of our •… ockes I sweare (quoth Montanus) he should be a contrary to all men I have conuersed with, who did not more then wish wel to such all pleasing goodnes: say you so: answered Coranus, then? would my d •… lling, my selfe, or my daughter had any meanes to inuite you to contenment promise for your selfe good Father (replyed Deltona) For company worketh temptation, and Yongmens flatteries are the baites of out modestie, which they suppose with a few idle praises to supplant. Nay (quoth Montanus) for my part I will not abuse what is of worth with flatterie, but thinke, that prayses proceede from necessitie. Then belike (sayde Deltona) you make praysing a necessary helpe to flatterie, that was cunningly concluded. But I hope (answered hee) you will not so hemme in my speeches with vnkind exception. No, no, (replied Coranus) be sure my daughter meanes well, whatsoeuer shee sait •… and quoth Deltona, Montanus speakes well whatsoeuer he meaneth: and Deltona lookes well (answered Montanus to be spoken vnto. But words said she, be like the passage of a shippe, leauing no shew behinde of her course, and promises resemble fading shadowes. Then try performance (replied Montanus) vertue appeareth in her liueliest colours in action. Nay, yet obiected Deltona, better liue with want os something may be wished for then in certaintie of euery thing breedeth trouble. Why (quoth Montanus) is there such trouble in Marriage? I assure you not (said Coranus) for if the parties loue vpon a sure ground, they resemble a building strongly founded, and one part depending on another equally deuideth the comfort: againe, when inconueniencies arise, least the burden proue too grieuous, a yoke-fellow helpeth, & between them it is made lightsome, besides the tirannie of want is surprised with content, and mutuall agreement ouer commeth necessitie. But letting this passe (beleeue me) Montanus we are very glad of your companie, and since your aduenture, me thinkes there appeareth (I know not) what alteration. But I know (said Deltona) to look smooth, to dispute cunningly, to seeme ceremonious, to bring presents, to vse protestations, and commit errors: and if all this tende to good purpose, I see no cause of mislike, nor I of liking answered Deltona, but to despise all these and make account of simple trueth. Well, quoth Coranus, let vs set our teeth on worke, as we haue done our tongues, and for conclusion Deltona and I will visite Placandus to morrow.

Thus passed away the time, and this meeting with the time, yet could not Montanus (after thankes for his entertainement) but take a kinde leaue of Deltona, leauing her indeed musing at the departing with these tearmes: My life and Loue once for all liue to be happy, and suppose, there is more in Montanus loue then thou canst imagine; so farewell, and let them feare ill, that wish not Deltona to farewell. But least he should ouerprise this iollitie, misfortune presented him to an ominous chance, the meeting with Franio: the same Franio, whose willingnesse to mischiefe exceeded Montanus meeteth with Franio, comming from Corauus. his power, yet had his power compassed some hatefull stratagems: The same Franio, whose arme was broken in wrestling with Montanus, and whose heart receiued infection from the sirruppe of malice: The same Franio who therefore pryed into Montanus actions, not with a desire of imitation, nor with a slender wickednesse, only to find fault at imperfection, but with an implacable hatred to supplant him, as the least occasion hapned: euery way playing the Monster of Nature; neither daring to execute his owne reuenge, nor willing that he should perceiue him reuengefull: For still his countenance was as full of flatterie, as the heart of Deceit: This appeared in his ceremonious saluting of Montanus, which continued with tearmes of good will, and by way of insinuation gaue him notice his Iorny was discouered; insomuch that he knowing excuses would increase suspition, in good fashion told him, how Placandus had intreated Coranus and his Daughter to visit him to morrow. That is very strange (quoth Franio;) for euer since the Duke threatned to steale her away, wee neuer saw her but at the Feast. Heere might Montanus haue easily stepped into a litle curiosity, as not yet acquainted with any certainty of this story, but loth to be beholding to such a man for a discourse, he somewhat cunningly shifted him off, & by excuse of businesse, as contraries, departed the one full of diuolish mischief the other of honest desires.

When Montanus came home, he told his Father the substance and circumstance of his Iorney, the sicknesse of Deltona, the entertainement of Coranus, 〈◊〉 •… lke at their dinner, the manner of his departing, and the meeting with Franio: withall he asked Placandus, if Deltona were borne in that Countrie? and the reason, because he thought her behauiour ouerstately, and that she managed a different cariage from the rest. To be plaine (answered he) it is full twelue yeares since her Father and she were cast on shore by shipwracke; where euer since they haue continued with such applause & regard, that of him we haue esteemed as a man industrious and peaceable; and of her, as a very sparke of delight. Well, (sayd Montanus) she will be here to morrow, and then I per wade mee wee 〈◊〉 heare of newes. But returning to Deltona, she finding it but densome to keepe her meditations so inclosed; conceiued of reliefe in reuealing them. Truly (quoth she to her Father) my minde giues mee, this man is but the subiect of some 〈◊〉 for a time; else from whence comes this grace▪ this gallantnesse? this maiestie? withall? His last speach▪ there is more in Montanus discouerre then 〈◊◊〉 •… agme. Then belike, quoth Coranus, he spake to you of Loue I cannot dissemble (answered she) he did, & it his own speeches had not cond •… ed me into the fields or expectation, he might questionlesse haue marched in the tryumpd or his vertuous conquest. Now was Coranus 〈◊〉 ; for remembring his troubles past, the greatnesse of Deltonas birth, & the wonderfull matters depending on her discouerie; hee trembled to giue his 〈◊〉 to any •… paragement, and yet 〈◊〉 not 〈◊◊〉 thoughts with her owne Storie: againe in a prescience of Montanus, hee suspected a worse displeasure, it it should afterward appeare that he had been an obstacle to his desires. Therefore with a kinde of indifferencie, like a skilfull Rider, that neither checketh too hard for feare of disordering the mouth; nor yet giueth that liberty to countenance any head-strong defect: hee thus replyed. Well Deltona, hitherto all is well; and since you are thus amended, thinke the Gods keepe their mercy in store, and powers inscrutible: Let not vs then subuert the frame of their workmanship by beeing wilfull or preiudicate, but rather consent to direction and aduice, which resemble the props of a ruinous Building: Bee therefore affable; yet vse it as a vertue, not imperfection. Loue with relation to deseruing worth: yet consent not too soone, least thy good meaning be misinterpreted. Consent at leasure; yet keepe chastity secured, so shalt thou be sure of more desire, and more reuerence: For though men say, they can be contented with a vertuous familiarity▪ yet is the conquest of that, the India of their treasure. With all bee not an enemie to Nature, in suffering the fruit to perish without vse; but let a timely Haruest reape vp the Come, least it shed as 〈◊〉 stands: Thus shalt thou be worthily counted a rich manured ground, and to that ende wert thou part of our first Fathers Inheritance. Oh, but (answered Deltona) How shal our weakenesse ouer sway strong passions? Fancy 〈◊〉 no limitation, and offection is only subiect to the outward demeanour, as you see in the world so many matches concluded in despight of reason. True said Coranus, where Vertue preuaileth not against Idlenesse, or good councell helpeth to see the deformitie of Folly, which is as easily suppressed with carefull endeauours, as maintained with retchlesse liberty. But thinke you (answered the halfe fearefull Deltona) that inferiour meanes can reuerse appointment? Questionlesse (replied Coranus) Destinie is ineuitable, and Fate an Irreuocable decree, yet is it conuenient to tell wilfull youth the contrary, that restraining their frowardnesse, they may suppose it a treason against wisedome, not to be directed by the Clue of aduise. Well (concluded Deltona) let the Gods bee Controllers of mischiefe, and men the possessors of reason. Thus posted that night to the Kindome of darkenesse, and the next morning like a bitter root throwne into a dish of sweet sirrupe approched, wherein Fortune threatned to be in this manner maleuolent.

LIttle knew Montanus of Franio •… s affection The Story of Franio, an enuious opposite, and riuall of Montanus. to Deltona, and lesse suspected what inconuenience the former parlee had concluded, and therefore simply nourished the infant Hope of successe: But Franio as it were conferring with Malice, exasperated the same with these particulars; that Montanus should so sodainely attaine to be Placandus. Sonne: then from the naturall Country-men so carry away the Prize with the good opinion of the beholders, next amongst all others to tryumph in his disgrace and hurt: Lastly (as it were to despight him) to seeme acceptable to Deltona; so that with the spider onely looking the venum; hee soothed Enuie to maligne him: Now when Enuie saw her selfe Mistris of conceit, shee desisted not, vntill her associat rage were entertained. Rage againe interdicting reason yoelded to the violence of Hate▪ and Hate tyrant-like, boyling with the heate of crueltie, meditated nothing but reuenge: with these humours gathered Franio together some speciall coadiutors, though Wicked idle men described: not altogether so wicked as himselfe; yet easily seduced, as men vntractable to good, and therefore vnesteemed for their apparant bad, as men liuing in a liberall opinion of conscience, therefore neuer sollicited but for diuelish attempts, as 〈◊〉 wilfully vnciuill, therefore by their harsh demeanours debarred from the better sort▪ as men wanting, hauing no setled estates of their owne, therefore carelesse from whom they did purloyne; as men supposing Religion but a matter of Policie, and therefore scorning further feare or punishment. To these besides mercenary reward, and strict alliance, he thus coloured the extremitie of his malice.

Although I know your loues and resolutions concurre in one course toward mee, whereby I shall but seeme idle humoured; either to insinuate into the first, or pupill the latter; yet must •… countenance the occasion of our now meeting with the strength of reason, and say something to put you in minde, that life is a tedious burden, ouerpressed with disgrace: It is not therefore vnknowne to you, how farre the pride of this Stranger (I meane 〈◊〉 ) hath extended, insomuh, that i •… before we maintayned our estates with Wealth and credite, wee now remaine impayred in the one, and scandalised in the other For, whose Flockes and Heards haue prospered, but his? Whose name is remembred, but his? Whose remembrance applaued, but his? as though wee durst not put our selues forward, or seemed vnworthy regard: yet this were somewhat tollerable, if yeelding to good parts, Vertue were prized accordingly: But with selfe ouerweening hee hath set open the inclosure of an arrogant spirit, not sp •… ring to dispise vs all: For besides the hurt in the fall, and the disgrace in the hurt, hee boasteth of it, and threatneth further: Besides, Deltonas scorne of my good-will, hee alloweth the contempt, and maketh a tush at my desires: besides, the naming vs with carelesnesse, hee cou •… teth with tearmes o •… ostentation, and in a iollitie promiseth strange thinges, which must needes agg •… ate our miserie, if wee preuent not the worst, which will follow by perceiuing the ill, that hath chanced: For my part therefore I neither can brooke her peeuishnesse, nor his presumption; but haue thus concluded. To morrow 〈◊〉 is to goe with▪ her Father to Placandus: now because the Duke, as a Prince stomaking her base contradiction, is not to be worse abused with a meaner preuention, I meane to intercept her Iorney, and present her vnto him, as if the Heauens had taken no •… ise of his passion. Bee therefore louers of your kindred, and credites; for though feares and terrours should be proiected, the exployte will aduance vs as men of action; my selfe will prostrate my estate in profuse manner before you, and the Duke shall remaine a powerfull friend, like a maine Rocke to breake the force of impious Violence.

When he had deliuered his minde, they onely considering the present complaint, and falsely misconstring the renowne of the businesse, soone consented to what he perswaded (for indeed heere were none to perswade otherwise then he would consent vnto) and so they promised with foure on horsebacke, and fiue well appoynted, to be in readinesse; which though it seemed very slender against an enterprise of difficulty; yet had they reason to presume sufficient against a silly Mayden, and old Man. But returning to Montanus; eie the next morning had fully drawne the Curtaines of light, his remembrance brought him to a kind of feare, that he had ouerpassed good manners in not attending her, on whom his very soule and thoughts attended: therefore he prepared himselfe, not forgetting some addition of comelinesse, as if indeed loue had taught him the way to handsomnesse; and so he saluted Coranus, and againe and againe the much attractiue Deltona, whom Hope had long since perswaded to thinke on nothing, but new delight. Thus passed curtesie counterchangeably betweene them; and so comming along, they entred the freedome of other conference, vntill the freedome and conference presented them to the bondage of Franios treason; who had no sooner, a sight of them, but sodenly step •… ed foorth proclayming quietnesse, and all should be for the best, considering resisting increased reueng: whereupon one of them irreligiously prophaning a Virgins priuiledge by maine strength aduanced Deltona toward Franios lapp, had not Montanus stepped to the Weapon, as hee layd it from him, and ran him quite through; whereby the steely poynt catching hold of her Gowne in his falling, made her fall too. But when Montanus saw her fall, it was not a feare, it was a very dispaire of her life hastned his race, and by ouer-great desire to saue her, hee might haue lost himselfe; but that Deltona cryed, I am well, if you take heed. This directed his other sence to performe the best part of his function, which saw Franio hastning against him with his Sword drawne. Now was Vallour almost betrayde for want of Resolution, because on the one side Death appeared in a desperate encounter; on the other, Shame in a da •… tardly retreat: But when Deltonas distemperature seemed to complaine of the wrong, and that wrong in his owne nature but in minde of redresse, he aduaunced the colours of a magnanimous heart, and so as a man experienced in the many changes of execution, he wrapped the Mantle about his arme, and told the beholders they should see a strange sight, a man on foote and vnarmed encounter with another o •… horsebacke well prouided▪ In which spirit hee put by the blow with his left hand, and ioyning close to the Horse, puld him out of the Saddle with the other, not yet letting him escape masterles; but continuing the action, put him selfe in possession of the Beast, and scorning to defile his hands with slic •… a poysoning bacenesse, thought to pash out his braines, had not feare to die, taught him to counterfeit death to liue: so that Montanus seeing him sprawle, as killed with the bruse, left him to wander to the borders of Desperation, and pressed to another, in the same rage, making him loose his head for not keeping his Sword.

But who had seene Montanus on horsebacke with a Sword drawne in his hand, might questionlesse haue been deceiued▪ for though the Horse wanted either comelinesse or qualitie to grace a man •… et was there in him both horsemanship and statelinesse to beautifie the Beast, whereby the Vilanies were quickly dispersed; and Mischiefe complained, her seruants had not well learned instruction: onely Coranus heartned with the likelihood of successe, & striking Bustofa Franios chiefe coadiutor, had submitted to his youth & strength: but that Montanus vndertooke the quarrell, and with a violent reuerse, deuided the Sword arme from the body; which onely gaue him this notice, Hee might better run away then fight, as hauing two Legges, and but one Arme.

In the meane while Deltona freed her selfe of the dead body, and seeing Franio panting, another slaine, a third wounded, a fourth armelesse, Montanus on horsebacke, & Coranus well, she was well too. Thus is the danger ouerpassed, and the hurliburly appeased; onely Franio miraculously recouering was glad to liue, glad to submit, that hee might liue; and in the submission excusing himselfe by the power of loue, which (though as a riual had been cause enough of his confusion) yet because there wanted all those motiues of Ielowsie, hee being so vnworthy a person, Montanus framed a patience, and left him to the dishonour of the action, intreating Deltona to take in worth this poore peece of seruice, and set forwarde with a more emboldning comfort. Nay (quoth shee) feare and discontentment are now to act their partes; My Father therefore and I will surely home, and attende the welcome of better successe; In the meane space, haste you to Placandus, and let the trueth of the matter blason your credite, and your credite with the circumstances exasperate the wickednesse, that the rest remaine without grudging, and you without blame. This he wi •… ed him to do, and this he did, because shee willed: but Fame of her owne disposition had quickly diuulged the accident, and one of the parties enlarged it with many circumstances shewing some property of goodnesse, as if Remorce had bade him first confesse, then be sorrowfull; and last, endeuour satisfaction: The trueth of whose report, quickly strook both a feare and hate: For who could not but feare the losse of that beautie, the hazard of such persons, the slaughter which did, and might haue ensued? Who could not, but hate the malice put in practice, the manner of the trechery, and the parties, that so shewed them selues the slaues of villany.

But when Placandus stomaked the disgrace, and that a litle meditation had considered on the shame, if such a president might passe with our, controlment or correction. Montanus had much adoe to disswade him from present complaint to the Duke, intimating that it could not choose but he must be made acquainted with the matter by a generall murmuring; now if it pleased him to apprehend it as an exorbitant action, without doubt in his owne honour hee would take the cause in hand: but if any other humour would suffer his conniuencie thereat, then the better course were to supresse it, considering iustice in supernaturall pitty had awarded so good a verdict on their side. This modest behauiour of Montanus, produced more loue, and more regard; more loue for those Vertues abounding in him; more regard, for that Wisedome, which knew to put them to gracing vses. All this seemed yet insufficient to his satisfaction, without bringing his Shippe into the safe and desired harbour; wherefore he thought it high time to vnuaile the Maske of his metamorphosis, rather then thus to hazard his soules life, or tye his owne greatnesse to this course any longer; besides, delay was a kind of torment to his passion; and the feare of being ouer-watched with malicious eyes, bade him dispatch: to which resolution, hee fastned his anchor-hold, and Fortune once againe thus dallied with him.

DEltona safe at home, thought this safety an exceeding disquiet; yea a very intermixture Deltona is resolued to know what Montanus is, and what shal be the issue of their loue; & so goeth to Marpesius Cane, where she entertaineth Montanus. of torment, considering shee saw so many tokens of greatnesse in Montanus, and founde her heart violently caried in the streame of affection towards him, and yet was debarred the happinesse, which her hope flattered to inioy: like a man brought to the delight of a dellicate Orchard, and by standing on a Bancke ouerlooketh the same with a longing desire of entrance, according to the Gardners promise, and yet is delayed with excuses: Whereupon shee assured her Father, her felt was vp, and shee would referre it to no other tryall. Hee poore man still doubtfull, durst not answer to the purpose, but thought by cunning rather to mittigate the violence, then with reason to resell the argument which perceiued by Deltona (as if indeed shee could haue welcommed an vnmannerly guest wilfulnesse) shee bade him not trifell, but conclude with effect. Why then (quoth hee) wee will goe to Marpesias Caue, as well to be thankfull for the escape of our late perill, as to present our Offertorie, which we haue not yet done: there shall the Anchresse warrant your successe, or controll to a new course. Glad was she of this: glad was hee of her gladnesse: the one allowing any thing, might adde life to her desires: the other, disalowing euery thing, might disparage her worth: yet the next day he brought her along, not desisting from a milde passage of speach tending to instructions, by the way.

TO this place (O happy Fortune, that conducted Montanus commeth to Marpesias Caue, and findeth Deltona. him to this place) did Montanus single her out: for as the working of his spirits draue him to pace out his fancie in the fields, hee saw Coranus and Deltona passe the Groue toward the Caue; and knowing the limitation of his aboade would be quickly measured: hee very couertly entred the Sanctuarie, as soone as Coranus had yeelded her the freedome of being alone, and in a kind of distemperature betwixt feare and gladnesse hasted into the roome of Statuas, where Deltona was off ciously disposing her affaires. But when shee saw her Deuotion intercepted, and Montanus so strangely audacious, shee neither knew what to thinke, or to say: for her thoughts were at variance betweene Desire and mistrust, and her speach was stopped with amazement; so that shee almost fainted for feare, had not feare in an other nature, least shee might be surprised added life to her fainting. On the other side, when Montanus saw the errour of his rashnesse, the first liuelinesse was quite rebated; and the conceit at her distemperature, made him checke his folly for being no better aduised; at last finding ouer-shamefastnesse to be more childish then man-like, and that a retreat would rather shew a demissnesse, then audacitie a fault, he thus framed his treatise of pacification.

My most deare, and dearer then my dearest life; Fortune euer maleuolent vnto mee, hath now taken pitty vpon mee, and weary of her tyranny, brought mee to this place of delight: By Loues chiefe happinesse, I therefore pray thee, make my Hopes legitimate, and my worthily bestowed Affection, the fortunate child of contentment; least you ouerpasse the glory of a strange conquest, which may adde to thy desert, what the greatest thoughts can imagine, and I repent too late for submitting Princely maiestie to the censure of a Shepheards Daughter. Till this, her amazednesse at the accident rather tollerated, then admitted, what was done: but hearing him name a tytle of that consequence, a new ioy quickly reuiued her spirits: like a friend in ambush reuiewing a priuate Combat, and seeing some dangerous inequalitie rusheth out either to deuide the contention, or assist the weaker side; this made her thankfull to the Nimphs, as if her Orizons had wrought the propitiation, and accepting it for answer from the Oracle, (as if she had knowne before he had taken this counterfeite vpon him) shee replyed.

Little needed Montanus, (for in that title my liking consented to Montanus) to haue boasted of Genealogies, or names of Dignitie: so that (to be plaine,) I was euer carryed with the streame of Fancie; yet durst I not betray my forwardnesse to the violence of Passion, vntill I was assured of her respect to vertue, (to whom, seeing my vowes haue specially combined mee) be thou vertuous, and be Montanus, or Prince, or what thou wilt; and I shall then loue thee for vertues sake. What call you Vertue, answered he, by Marpesias Altar? By the sacred Nimphs, by these starlike Eyes, (which I will charme with my kisses) I meane truth, fayth, constancie, mariage, and what soeuer Deltona would, that I meane: But thinke you I can liue in this fire vnconsumed, and see this excellencie without desiring? What should you desire? (replyed shee:) I hope you will not your selfe destroy your selfe; or affecting my estate, seeke to diminish my wealth: for if you like me for goodnesse sake, will you attempt to bereaue me of that goodnesse, whereby you would like no more? Farre be it from my fraylest imagination (sayd Montanus) to prosecute any sinister meanes against your owne will: for by this Table of Contracts I sweare, I intend nothing lesse, nor applaud any thing more, then to behold you like a faire Planet in a beautious euening; or a pleasant Plant in a well manured ground. Then (concluded Deltona) except incontinent thoughts, and incongruent actions to honour, and my owne resolutions, vse the benefite of victorie with moderation; and so I confesse my selfe subiected: Yet let me know to whom, considering I determine to challenge the performance, as you enlarged the promise. First, (quoth Montanus) be this place, and these Statuas, witnesse of our League; & Heauens confound the violation of our truce, & maligners of our loues. With that they mutually imbraced ouer the Altar, according to the manner of Contracts; then kissed: and finding it a circumstance strengthening the band of Loue, kissed againe. Then Montanus sware to let his desire run no further at randome, then to chast entertainement, vntill conueniencie solemnised their Marriage: And Deltona protested, no alteration should dis •… her opinion of him. Thus gaue Loue a plaudite to this meeting; and Successe seemed glad to be the period of such reciprocall liking: Yet Deltona perceiuing the place and opportunitie agreeing to his remembrance, which already procured certaine wanton changes, with a prettie kind of allurement enticed him out of doores; which hee very carefully yeelded vnto, as well to maintaine her iudgement of his loialty, as to support his owne expectation for the fruition of such inestimable worth.

Heere met they with Coranus, who more then astonied at his Daughters being alone with Montanus, seemed so confounded, that they verily thought they had done amisse in being authors of his feare: but hee scorning the interception of euery obstacle quietly pacified him, that nothing had passed, wherein Verue and Honour was abused; nor shall any thing proceed without liberall satisfaction, if a Crowne and Kingdome may counterpoyze her worth. But this troubled him more, as suspecting hee was deluded, till Deltona razed out the scruple of Diffidence by making demonstration of his Princely demeanour; and reassured, nothing had, nor should impeach her vowes to Chastity, but death. Well (quoth Montanus) I see there are many entries, windinges, turnings, and difficulties in this Laborinth of Loue; and my owne Fortune tyreth mee with vnkind meditation; but I will dally no longer then to morrow, if you come to Placandus, a strange truth shall direct you into the plaine discouerie of my Story: But mischance once againe, to their better tryall, thus outfaced Delight, and interposed this crosnesse.

NEuer did any expresse the conditions of wickednesse in more ample manner, then Franio betrayeth Deltona to the Duke: with his story a •… loue to Deltona. Franio: For first coustome made the greatest faultes scarse seeme imperfections, and sinne like a bottomlesse pit; (from whence it is easier to keepe ones selfe from falling in, then once falne to recouer out) had already entrapped him: Next vild suggestion bussed in his peeuish eares, as good execute something to recouer his credite, as be still suspected: yea hated in the soile receiued: then the bond, in which he was tied to his Coadiutors, as if the mischiefe they were brought into begged a redresse and satisfaction: Lastly his owne malice taught him, there was no hope of constant loue, where he wished and determined confusion: So that hamm •… ring on the Anuile of Enuie he quickly framed this peece: After many watchings both of Deltonas retierings, and Montanus actions, it was his chance by Coranus attending at the dore of the caue to suppose his daughter entertained there a time of deuotion, whereby he deuised to obscure himselfe, and by reason of a hollow Pine saw vnseene, and to his soules torment heard the kinde parting, and appointment of Deltona and Montanns, whereupon he went to Fortona, where Duke Rugio, was at this time▪ resident, and rather to satiate his owne reuenge, then for any loue to the Prince, he yet made loue the excuse of his reuenge, telling (though fortune helped not his d •… ers to expresse his dutie toward him) hee might with litle company shrowded in the Caues, where the Beasts doe vse to shade, recompence his honourable passion with her moderate Rape: For shee is determined to goe to morrow to Placandus, where, and whither Montanus with vaine promises hath intised her; so that if hee please to take notice of her peeuishnesse, and his contumacie, it was apparant there was 〈◊〉 danger in the attempt; and his Fayth could in nothing so well be seene, as in venturing life and credite for his sake. But ere the Duke entertained this motion, we shall heare the Story from the beginning.

AFter Katabasy had brought the Tartarians The story of Rugio Duke of Fortona & Deltona: to subiection, that liue betweene Caucasus and the Caspian, his valure quickly disciplined them in martiall exploites, and wisdome reduced them to ciuillity and state of gouernment, which consisting in nothing so much, as magnificense of a court, and well ordring of Citties, he presently erected after his owne name the mightie Katabasy somewhat neere the Northen •… ore of the Hircanian or Caspian Sea, and hauing 〈◊〉 ar •… ed Ickatasa Queene of the hether Scythia saw the pleasure of many yeeres, and the towardly 〈◊〉 of too sonns: Of whom Zalby as eldest succeeded, and at this time enioyed the prerogatiue of a great age: Fortona the youngest had the prouince of Zaga as a large Dukedome designed, who induced by the royall example of his father built 〈◊◊〉 the Estern Fortona, and had questionlesse made appearance, from whence he proceeded: but that death stomaking his ouer boldnesse of his bodies constitution, as promising long life, cald him to an vnkind account, and in his manly progresse shewed the strength of a stronger arme, by which occation was this Rugio left like waxe fit for any impresion to augment his prodecessors glory, or submit to the vanitie of his youth and liberty: but he, like a discreet traueler, that not presuming on his owne experience, chooseth a skilfull pilot for his iorny, selected men of honor and vertue to manage the affayers of his Realme, with whose assistance he made his gouernment compleat: the hope whereof induced Busimorus King of Bactriana, to bestow his Daughter Palestra vpon him in mariage, whom though his prerogatiue did not fully grace with the height of Maiestie, yet being a mighty and absolute Prince, flourishing in the very pride of yeares, and beautified with outward and inward excellencies: her loue and liking ouerswayed further conceite of ambition; so that shee liued to the great applause of the people, and indissoluble respect of the Duke, the rather, because she prooued a gladsome Mother of many towardly Children, had not a lamentable vntowardness disprooued her a Mother at all: For quietly trauelling in her hopes to see them prosper like men, shee was interdicted from making any further progresse by the archbaily of the Earth, who condemned her as inexorable to his perpetuall mansion, whereby the princely Rugio had many causes of sorrow, and onely one of comfort in the expectation of her issue, to which he added this couenant, neuer to e •… angle his opinion with any stepmothers deceit: Thus remaining a widower, and assured of further succession, by reason his sons Philano and Kasteppi marched arme in arme before the colours of Honour, hee began to bee carelesse of a second wife, for that as a man graced with externall comelinesse, and other causes of entisement, he might either command a wanton Loue, or make choise of his owne satisfaction, and had he not in this maner ouer liberally payd tribute to his pleasure, surely both for gouernement ouer others, & many choise accomplements in himselfe, he might well haue beene inserted in the Records of good Princes: yet this must be alleadged, the vice neuer grew so contagious, that it extended to spoile or rauishment, otherwise then as gifts and greatnesse compassed.

In the time of this wantonesse florished Deltona, amongst the Shepherds of Nagania, like an especiall flower in a curious Garden, on whom the worke man bestowed extraordinary cost and labour. To her amongst others, Franio, whether perswading himselfe to like, or because he would be thought capeable of some goodnesse, framed a motion of Loue: but she (as if you had seen a Cup presented to a man willing to drinke, and perceiuing poisonin the bottome standeth amazed, and so desisteth, suddenly started backe, and hireing for the time an extraordinary scorne, assured him, she conceiued, that the heauens maligned, and the earth found him burdensome: with this answere, the cumbersome weeds of despight quickly choked and ouer-spread the fruit of true Loue, and so falling backe to his owne inclination, hee presently nourished a kinde of hate, and hate not onely wisheth ill, but oftentimes practiseth means of reuenge; though some Politicians more cunningly contriue their businesse, making the outside a false insinuation, and couertly worke vilainy and deceit: in which humour did Franio enter familiarity with Guleppo a man very neere the Duke, and for the performance of some pleasing matter of great trust with him: For you must vnderstand, Rugio did not so priuately satiate his inconinencie, but that diuers according to the libertie of that time, gaue their seuerall verdicts: some saying, sinne was intollerable in Princes, by reason example quickely reduced the people, and the persons gaue easier notice of their imperfections, like spots sooner seene in pure linnen, then courser cloth. Others would not dispute so vehemently, alleadging their actions had diuers Priuiledges, and themselues were sacred from reproch: some whispered; that a second marriage (considering his yeeres and abilitie) would diuert his carelessenesse of the common wealth to a more sufficient regard: others alleadged his loue to his Children, (least the secret emulation of a Stranger might be preiudiciall) detayned him through diuers examples from subiecting them to a Stepmother: Some feared the expence of the Treasure, which must needes be too profusely consumed in charge of Apparrell, deuises, and rewards; others tooke in good part that course, because diuers priuate men were inriched, and the mony dispersed within the Dukedom: Some true louers of vertue (as farre as they durst) counselled the retreat to the secure fort of Moderation; others framed themselues to the Princes appetite, nere disputing who esteemed them else for bace and demisse: Of this sort was Guleppo, a man euer about the Duke, and imployed onely for matters of lasciuiousnes: To him did Franio declare the perfections of Deltona, and by way of circumstance, inferred the facility of the Rape, which might questionles be effected without infamy, danger, or repining. This brought him to secret conference with the Duke; who searching no further into the ground of his malice, supposed the fellow was willing to make a fortune by any course, and therefore with reward, for that time dismissed him. But presently proclaymed a generall Hunting, which corresponding with their Summer Feast, made him an eye witnesse of Franios description; and the first interuiew so pleased his apprehension, that hee tooke the benefite of the two dayes following; and to colour his meaning, pitched vp diuers Tents, imparting the best of his game with a plentifull hand vnto them; and the honest Shepheards imputed his accesse to an honourable affability. Now when true Regard had thus satisfied his fancie, Opinion (though many times the mother of Errours) did not now deceiue his iudgement, but (as she was indeed) he supposed her excellent, & without doubt of a better hope, then Coranus child. Heere some secret wrought a strange alteration; for Honour awaked the remembrance of Vertue, and assured him, it was not to be betraied to transitory vanity: yet loth to giue notice of any distemperature, hee commaunded a returne; and one time taking Guleppo aside, vrged him with inuention and endeuour to helpe his Lord and Master. But alas (for al his first confidence) he seemed as a man distracted at her admirable presence, rather then officious, like him, which hauing sore Eyes, and presuming on comfort by refusing his solitary Lodge, little knew the Sunne was more obnoxious vnto them) and protested hee was neuer so ouerwrought in conceit; for he vtterly despaired in the successe. Yet (quoth the Duke) thou shalt carry a Present to Coranus, & a Iewel to Deltona; which accordingly he did: But as soone as his trembling feare had deliuered the message, al impatient she replied. Thou subtile enemy to frailty, & bace broker of wantonnes; hence with thy trash, & assure thy careles Master of honesty, that vertue remaineth like an inestimable Diamond, which is still a pretious Stone, though neuer so meanely obscured, and content representeth a strong foundation; whereon lay what burden you will, it easily supporteth it. With this answere Guleppo against his will returned, and the Duke in a manner stomacked the contempt, had not the maner of the contempt made him suppose there was some excellencie she ment to keepe him from, which without doubt by the deniall inflamed him the more, and according to the nature of violence draue him without respect to goe to Coranus, assuring him by a Princes faith hee meant no circumuention, but an honourable marriage: this wrought his admittance to Deltona, who seeing shee was to wrastle with mightinesse durst not clogge her selfe with ouer many impediments, but with a Sence-rauishing Modestie appeared, as if shee had knowne her owne Metamorphosis, which so inflamed the amourous Prince, that with protestation of remaining a kind louing, and constant husband, hee perswaded her to accept of the Dutchy of Fortona.

This offer Coranus wold haue taken hold of, as thinking it a happinesse from Heauen, that her Honour should be so well preserued, so prosperously reintegrated: and a fortune on Earth, that his feares and dangers should at last receiue their period; had not her answer amazed them both. Although (most mighty Prince) it were impossible for mee to deserue so great a portion of happinesse, so that in all wisedome I might welcome the blessing, as a donatiue from the Gods: yet hath a certaine resolution impugned all thoughts of mariage, and my Vowes tyed mee to the expectation of euerlasting quietnesse in a single life. Deltona refuseth to be Dutches of Fortona. By the small benefite of my Beautie (for which you haue let loose the streame of liberall Promises) I therefore expostulate at your hands, to remember your selfe, that is to pacific your Greatnesse, from being distempered with the denyall of inequalitie & meannesse; if not, then let a hard hearted stubbornnesse assure, I wil admit of nomotions, tending to the disenabling of my poore resolutions.

This sharpe repulse much disquieted the Heroick Prince, and confounded the simple Coranus; yet the manner of her deliuerie, and grace-gracing Graciousnesse somewhat pacified (though not altered the passion: For hee reasoned, Coustome had taught Women deniall; and the strongest Townes with time and industrie were subiected: so with a kinde of impatient patience •… e departed. But absence vsed him more vnkindly then other men, because by often iournies (which the vehemencie of his passion occasioned) he thought Fortune very spare; that still inticed him to the inchanting abode of beautie, and allowed him no charme to preuent the perill: hee complained on Loue as tyrannous, that bound his affection to an vnworthy subiect, and vrged against Nature, for being too too partiall; that shee against nature should despise him with scorne, & he (against reason) should prosecute a matter of such difficultie: so that euery thing (for the time) conspiring against him, the violence at last conspired against her; either by policie to allure her to the Court, where delicacie and pleasure might fashion her to other humours, or by strong hand to steale her away: for which purpose Guleppo for the Duke, and Franio for Guleppo; and both, as venemous spiders in an vnswept house, with industrious subtiltie attended, and as you haue heard, acted one part of the Tragedie already, which although diuers in a manner complained of: yet because it was a stone of the Dukes owne rowling, he made onely shew of mislike, neglecting indeed the true vse of mislike; somewhat discouering thereby the errors of greatnesse.

For men of power in this world sometime by strong hand beare out the actions of others hauing relation to their pleasure or profit: sometime extenuate the fault, & by way of circumstance excuse the same; like artificiall Painters, whose greatest cunning consisteth in the curious shadowing of things, though the rich exclaime; and poore resemble them to flies escaping the Cobweb by strength, when the little ones are catched and destroyed: sometime in meere wilfulnesse they repugne reason and perswasion, either not perceiuing nor suffering other to tell their faults: or vnder colour of state, imagine it demisnesse to be attentiue to each exbrobration: sometime finding the secret of delight to consist in varietie, one vice is quickly let in after another, and so the Brokers for the first are politickly discarded; like Flowers worne no longer then their scent lasteth; and new Factors cunningly admitted: sometime their affaires are managed with Alexanders fortune, who seeing the Gordion knot too intricate to vntie, shew'd the force of a strong arme to vncut. In which maner plaied now the Duke his game; for he embraced the deuiser of this Plot with gladnes, & put it in practise with speedinesse, so that he welcommed the next Sunne in solemne intercessions, not to obscure his face the day following, & hasted to the ambush accordingly, wherein an houres tediousnes had not detained thē, before Franio gaue the watch-word, Il tempo, & they leauing their couert The Duke stealeth away Deltona. suddenly surprised Coranus and his daughter, as an vnlook't for tempest turneth the sailes about, when the sight of harbour cheereth the poore afflicted Sailers. By this means is the Duke in possession of his much desired happines, & seeing her aduanced vp before him, cōmanded away; none remaning but the aged Coranus weeping, & diuellish Fran •… o laughing. But who had beheld the beautious Deltona in this captiuitie, would haue sworne constancy meant to out-braue mischance, and an honourable minde was not to be suppressed with misfortune? For she was not altered, nor much dismaied, only stomacking to be so circumuented, in his armes thus spake. Traytour both to vertue and Maiestie, take heed of an intent of wickednesse, least deuine Iustice gather all the seruants of Reuenge against thee, as for the least hope to expect any thing, but hate and disdaine; let my scorne of thy presumption make thee answere; but concerning the thought of wantonnesse, by the euer-reuerenced Marpesia, I sweare these handes shall first rende out my heart, and throw it in thy face. Be not so extream, sweet and faire Deltona answered the Duke, I protest nothing is meant against thy chastest wishes: be onely pacient and moderate, letting time worke his will, thou beeing willing vnto tinnes working. Thus hee brought her to Fortona, and indeed (as if he had knowen her to be the mightiest Empresse of the world) gaue order for her entertainement accordingly.

NOw playeth Report her part, for mingling certainties with vntrueths the vprore of the The Duke stealeth away Deltona through Franios mischieuous deuice, who is slaine in the businesse. Citie, and the muttering of the people, shuffled together many and strange opinions: because a seldomnesse of doing amisse, maketh small faults wondred at; and the fauour of the partie wronged striketh a compassion, which quickly breedeth scandall and repining: For how-euer fauour or power may support an vniust Action, or protect an Offender from the penaltie of the Law; yet can wise men see the conniuencie, and the better sort will exclaime on the partialitie.

This appeared in the Dukes stealing away of Deltona; at which some murmured, and diuers presumed to reprehend the incontinencie. Amongst whom the youthfull Egerius Minion to Philano the Dukes elstest Sonne; as if some naturall respect compelled the remorce, assured the Prince, that the Duke much impayred his renowne to deale so violently with such modesty and goodlinesse. Peace (quoth Philano) be aduised in the reprehention of Princes; yet because thy vertue is pure without diffused compounds, I ouerpasse the inuection: and seeing thou desirest shee should be choycely intreated, I protest to loose the benefite of my birth-right, before shee haue cause to complaine.

This Egerius was sonne of a Stranger named Bertosas, dwelling in the Citty, whom those attractiue Vertues, which grace Princes themselues, did so accompany, that all men affoorded him their loue and liking; and the Duke applauded his Sonnes choyce. Thus for the time, was Deltona quieted, the Duke in some hope, his Sonne in strange expectation, and Egerius in a kind of repining: But thus is Coranus in all despaire; as much vexed with Franios laughing, as his Daughters losse, whereupon hee hasted to Placandus, and stuttered out the matter to Montanus, as though feare had made him forget an orderly methode, yet not omitting Franios despight, who indeede (supposing mischiefe vnsufficient without bosting of it) followed grinning and clapping his hands: but when Montanus had heard him out; like the Kings of Beasts, who once enraged roareth and beateth the ground with his taile, not in the nature of lamentatiō, but because he cannot be reuenged: so stormed hee, and seemed in such manner wrathfull, that the rest trēbled: for without further reasoning, taking onely his simple she ephooke, he flung out of doores and almost at the house met with Franio crying, Deltona was gon, and darest thou Villaine, (quoth he) triumph in such a losse? with all letting a blow flee at his head; either feare, or the smart; or feare of more smart, made him fall, wherein his cowardly submission discouered the fault: But Montanus bade him dispatch, leauing tediousnesse and falsehood: With that, hee began his discourse, had not the other interrupted him, exclaiming; Oh deuine Iustice? Let not my cares be defiled with this wretched breath-broker nor my hands forbeare to purge the earth of such a venemous monster; but let him perish in his own shames, least others bee impoisoned with his infections, and mischieuous life. This hee vttered with great fury, and fury not passing without action, strucke with such quicknesse at his head, that the braines spurted from their broken inclosure: The death of Franio. which not regarding, hee hasted toward Fortona, and hast encreasing distemperature, gaue him no leisure to meditate on the diffusednesse of his iourney. But when Coranus was assured of his departure, he corected his owne slacknesse, that made no more haste, considering the many secrets and strange occurrents, which his onely knowledge must discouer: where vpon hee followed with speede.

Now what estate was poore Placandus in, who left alone with dead Franio, and seeing the Hurlyburly had gathered the Inhabitants together, knew not which way to excuse the murther, nor durst beginne any circumstances, but the plaine truth; which after his reuerent Age had reuealed, and the pittifull story, with an vnkinde scope deciphered the wickednesse, they quickly conuerted all suspition & hatred for Franios death into counsell, the strength of comfort, and chiefest proppe of Placandus life. Why then (quoth hee) am I indeed reuiued, that like men, like honest men, like honest wise men you wil accord vnto reason; and like friends, yea true-hearted friends, you will not faile in aduersitie: let vs therefore giue the dead his due Ceremonies, and liue our selues in good hopes, that Montanus and Coranus will returne with glad tydings. But other affaires detaine them beyond expectation, and we must hast to Fortona, to know the certaintie.

SVch was the haste Montanus, Montanus followeth the Duke into the Cittie to see what will become of Deltona who is discouered to be an Emperours daughter. made after the Duke, and Coranus after Montanus; and of both to deliuer Deltona: that you might haue deciphered in Coranus the properties of Feare and Hope: his Feare, in the vntying the intricat knots of Deltonas fortune: his Hope, that the Duke would not degenerate from honour and vertue. And in Montanus, of Loue and Anger; his Loue, supposing nothing impossible to be attempted; his Anger, assuring to be compassed, what so euer might be attempted: and thus went hee forward vnaccompanied, vntill Coranus ouertooke him entring into the Towne, which they found full of rumours by reason of the accident. This imboldned him to bid Montanus stay awhile: for Wilfulnesse repenteth, when Reason openeth the eyes of Vnderstanding, and his Counsell must be the Threed to direct him out of this Laborinth. Counsell how you will (quoth Montanus,) so it tende to recouer Deltona. Then must you be attentiue a while (replyed Coranus;) for strange and dangerous is the Storie. Is it time now (answered hee) to tell tales, or to tryfle? No, no: Pleasure and conceites are not sutable to this feate and haste: besides, in matters of necessitie, delay openeth the sluce of Inconuenience. Tush (sayd Coranus) you mistake mee much. But O eternall Powers! whom doe my eyes behold? Coranus meeteth his brother Bertosus in Fortona. Bertosus, loyall Bertosus; my brother and dea •… fellow Bertosus? With that, they saluted a comely Old man of the Cittie, who mooued with the first vprore, and like a right Naturalist thirsting after Newes, posted to the Court to be beholding to Truth: for hauing a Sonne named Egerius, of secret respect with the princely Philano the first borne of the Duke, hee presumed on his knowledge and credite; but thus intercepted by Coranus, whom in thirteene yeares hee had not seene, nor euer supposed to haue seene, as long since seeing the neuer satisfied Ocean swallow him vp, hee was confounded: the strangenesse making them both as strange, vntill the extasie moderated, gaue Remembrance leaue to play her part; then appeared Knowledge and Comfort in full life; and after a second ceremony of kindnesse tuned the organs of Speech to this purpose. But doth Brizaca liue (quoth Bertosus?) I, if Trezoboro be preserued (said Coranus?) Then hath the Gods mightily fauoured (Coranus replyed) Bertosus. And miraculously protected Bertosus, (answered Coranus.) Now was Montanus astonied; for these new names, increased new thoughts; and the strangenesse of the nouelty rebated his first heate, distempering him with a trembling desire. Oh (said Coranus) now shall you heare a discourse of some trouble! bee therefore more considerate (good Montanus) and let Bertosus salute thee. With that, a mannerly ceremony passed betweene them, vntill Bertosus counselled to returne to his house, where the benefite of Aduice might be thus farre aduantagious vnto them, that the Duke made acquainted with the matter, would questionlesse proceed in a new course.

But ere they were entred into a full passage of speech Egerius all ready enamoured on the excellent Deltona, & tormented to se another in possession of his delight, came home to his father very sad: yet was he the sadder for comming home, because ignorant, whom his father accompanied, his determination of solitarinesse seemed disappointed; and but that the gallantnesse of Montanus, as it were naturally attracted a respect, his first course had entertained a further fullennesse: yet being a Courtier, who seeme to be the professors of humanity, & indeed arrogate to themselues the essential knowledge of curtesie and good manners, but especially induced by some regardable appearance, hee saluted them with a very good grace; whereby delight it selfe seemed to play in the greeting. For Egerius countenance (not so much as down'd with the difference of Sexes) kept an extraordinary grauity, & Montanus comelynesse an vnaccustomed temperature, which pleased Egerius, and Egerius pleased Montanus; who demanded many questions tending rather to necessitie then curiositie, answered without ambiguitie or circumstance.

In the meane while Coranus and Bertosus pace •… out the very secrets of their knowledge, and concluded to participate the same to Egerius, who hauing the greatest interest in the matter might remember himselfe, and remember the Duke, that Deltona was farre surpassing her selfe; wherupon Bertosus not without a reuerent contrarietie taking Egerius by the hand, thus began. If the Gods had not their Iudgements inscrutible, and vnited to supernaturall power, a prerogatiue beyonde mans capacitie, wee might slightly estimate their mightinesse, and step into presumption of our industry: but because they will giue vs notice of their all working preeminence, miraculous and strange accidents draw vs to admiration, and that men may be subiected, euen the greatest estates feele the scourge of affliction: This appeare thin the Discourse now intended. For concerning your selfe; no longer Sonne, nor Egerius, but Egerius and Deltona discouered to be brother and sister, the Emperour of Trebizonds 〈◊〉 . princely Trezoboro. Concerning Deltona; no longer Deltona, nor Coranus Daughter; but priselesse Brizaca. And concerning vs no longer the reputed fathers of Mengrelius children, but loyall vassals to the Emperour of Trebizonda. With that he vnfolded many intricate circumstances of his birth, losse, and fortune; whereby it appeared, that Egerius was sonne to the Emperor Mengrelius of Trebizond, by the name of Trezoboro; that Deltona was his twin Sister and called Brizaca; and Coranus with Bertosus were brothers, to whose trust the charge of their infancie was committed.

But thinke you, did Montanus heare this? or did hee wonder at the hearing? or remayned he silent at the wondring? or seemed hee amazed in the silentnesse? Surely he heard, wondred, kept silence, and 〈◊〉 amazed: yet quieted his thoughts; and gaue Time a little scope to play with the nouelty, expecting a prosperous euent: But Egerius adding a new spirit to 〈◊〉 to wardlynesse, and yet retayning his wonted affabilitie, replyed. Seeing it hath pleased the Gods thus to make you the instruments of their power, let not me be ingrate •… either in the diffidence of their 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 neglect of regard to you: whose honesty, loue, and paines, haue made tryall of so many inconueniencies for our sakes: Yet least the Duke coupling Power and Wilfulnesse togeather, yeeld Intemperance full liberty (and so we may •… ment, but not redresse the misehiefe) I thinke it requisite to awake his sleeping honor; by sounding the trumpet of strangenes into his •… ares & telling that Fortune hath an 〈◊〉 and to relate. 〈◊〉 was •… ered with such an allacrity of spirit, and 〈◊〉 of speech, that the hearers promised to them selues, what so •… uer the expectatiō of a Prince could afford whereupon the next morning they accompanied him to the court, & Egerius saluting the princely Philano, was answered as if loue had in sumpathy pleased one another. Then (quoth Egerius,) let this loue acquaint the Duke, that a matter of importance is to be discussed, and how I am to impart the circumstance. Heere omitted friendship no part of her dutie; for the willing Philano presented himselfe before his Father, and certified their accesse and the cause.

But whether a feare to be preuented of enioying Deltona made euery conceit a suspition of her hazzard, or some vncomfortable misdoubt fore-tolde anothers interest to the thing he vsurped; he quite degenerated from his owne Customes: vntill Philano seeing his Egerius attend vnregarded, conferred againe with the Duke; and he sommoning his Counsell, as if the Common-wealth claimed a redresse, was at last ouer-ruled by them to pensil out his vertue in more liuely colours: whereupon Egerius encouraged, when the day of hearing lifted vp her head to be seen, aduanced his speech to be thus vnderstood.

AFter Samarchanus (most mighty Duke) sonne The History of Mengrelius and Kalucki. of Rhecus, Sonne of Demorgus, the ancient Inhabiter of the Caues of Sarmatia, had reduced his people to a ciuilitie by his discipline, and with the example of valour countenanced their courages; hee attempted the Empire of Terbizonda, and preferred for preuailing, so relied on their obedience and loialties, that Colchidos, Pontus, Iberia, and Capadocia were also subiected, with which renowned; a time of peace afforded him leisure to recompence the time of his paines with the reward of delight. But he apprehending the royaltie of other Monarchies, applyed himselfe to immitation; neuer desisting, till hee had his Gouernment and Court, a very Nursery of state and glory: so that you might lawfully haue giuen that Lustrum the preeminence, considering the people had the practise and obseruation of glorious things, and Samarchanus himselfe seemed a man compleat in all circumstances of prosperitie.

For concerning the gifts of the minde, they were such rare qualities, as contained more vertue in their operation, then shew in the worke-manship: yet such work-manship as made adellicare obiect to the eye, and enriched the possessor. His direction in publicke affayres consisted of such parts, that very aspiring mindes rather submitted to him, then soothed their owne ambition; and in his priuate Court the pallace was a receptacle of the nobly disposed, and well enclined attendants, whom neerenesse to the Prince, made rather study for his Honour, then their owne pleasure: His state commanding affection, for moderation of greatnesse, rather then feare for mightinesse of power; yet was his power of such sufficiencie, that diuers Kingdomes were in tributorie subiection: His libertie admitted Millitary exercise and honourable expenses, neither lauish to satisfie a vaine ostentation; nor too sparing, to discouer any defect that way, His goodnes in generall a sufficient subiect to talke of; and in particular so many by-wayes to perfection.

As for Fortunes portion, she distributed it with a plentifull hand, and contrary to her selfe, with a iudiciall foresight: His Territories many and rich; yet none so rich as well gouerned: His Magnificense augmented in goodly Buildings, and costly furniture; yet neither so much respected, as their orderly vse obserued: His Treasure amassed by regardable prouidence without exactions or cruell penalties: not yet omitting, what princely bounty should remember; nor admitting, what powerfull licentiousnesse might inferre: His royaltie beautified with ceremonious pompe and regall necessitie, his happinesse consummate in a glorious Queene, towardly Succession, honourable Allies, dutifull Attendants, sure Subiectes, and friendly Neighbours.

Touching the Bodies alowance, the first Parent of the earth boasted in her owne workmanship; for his Liniaments had a decent vniformity, and Fauour triumphed to be setled in Maiestie: His Countenance retained as well an amiable Chearefulnesse, as manly Grauitie; yet neither enclined the one to childish Effeminatenesse, nor the other to secure Exaltation▪ His Speech was euer reposed, and the manner of his cariage such, as neither shewed any wrested motions of Bountie, nor degenerating conditions of Princely demeanor: and although the continuance of a long age might haue brought her accustomed tediousnesse; yet health corresponded to his lustinesse, and an able body emboldned him to the naturall discharge of his Fancie; so that the greatest were his fauorites, & the yong Russian Dutchesse Balutasa his Spouse. Of whom (most excellent Duke) the curiostest Rhetoricke will rather manifest a willingnesse, then abilitie to speake; and in whose prayses the best sufficiencie will shorten the iorney to her estimate. For in beeing so great a person, her worth appeared the more, (like an illustrious Carbuncle set out to the best purpose, that wee may perceiue how Art can beautifie Nature; and because a reuerent loue tempered other passions with Reason, shee liued famous to the world, and gracious to Samarchanus, ioyning to other blessinges goodly Sonnes, and fayre Daughters; deuided into such couples, that for Men, who might compare with Kalucki and Mengrelius: for Women, who could match with Arcabella and Pisana.

These being the choyce fruite of a flourishing Graft had perfected the beauty of this Garden, and made an vpshot to prosperitie, but that the contention for a Kingdome eclipsed the glorious sunshine; and disdaine of partnership in the wearing of a Crowne, ware out the print of blessed continuance: Yet did the life of their Father containe ill will within limitation, and his death make the strife the greater; because it was for such a soueraignety. For no sooner payde Samarchanus his debt to Nature, yeelding to the sommons of not so hasty, as vndalliable a Commaunder, leauing Balutasa in sorrowfull mightinesse, his Children in doubtfull expectation, his Subiects in suspition of now troubles, his adioyning Confederats in opportunitie of reuolt, and euery one fearing their owne losse, by the losse of so good a Prince: But Kalucki through the prerogatiue of his Birth-right, claymed the Diademe; which clay me was yet reclaymed by the great working spirit of Mengrelius, and partiall affecting loue of Ballutasa, who imboldned with her alliance in Russia, and the Northen Europa: but especially presuming on her sonnes vertues; with which he had drawne out the peoples loues to the greatest length, resolued to endeauour his aduancement, so much more gracing him, by how much opinion thought him to surpasse Kalucki, not differing from our kinde of Cockering mothers, which commonly dally with the yongest, & without apparant reason make sometimes their affection partiall: yet had not her wilfullnesse been caryed with so strong a current, if other stepps had not helped her vp, as some speciall coadiutors, amongst whom Corambello Duke of Raganda, Putrasso Steward of the Pallace, and Hardubax Lord of seauen Ilands, were men of great sufficiencie. This made her goe forward, and her forwardnesse bade him not faint in the proiect; whereupon incited with his Mothers resolution on the one side, and the glory of the exployt on the other, hee prosecuted a wonderfull attempt, and she sommoned the assembly of estates, vrging many reasons for the preferring of Mengrelius.

But Kalucki all impatient at so vnlookt for beginning stood amased, rather sullen with anger, then affrighted with feare, till at last, the generall silence (for who durst presume in a cause of such importance) reduced his distemperature to conceiue, that if the proiect were a matter premeditated, she then had a faction prepared, and his sufficiency was doubtfull: But if it were onely a Mothers partialitie, hee supposed by the intimation of Treason, and the penaltie to depose her Regencie, and contract their Securitie by honorable insinuation. Why Lords (sayd he) shall Samarchanus liuing so well, be now rewarded so ill? that daring not presume to immagine him the least wrong, you now goe about the greatest iniurie, by manifest repugnancie to neglect his appoyntment, and odious defamation to disenable his Sonne? And Mother, (though vnworthy the least letter in so louing a word) either will it fall out to your shame to dishonour so well deseruing a Husband: or to my proch to be vpbrayded with Bastardie? else can neither the law of Nature preferre any besides my selfe; or of Nations giue so much as a colour to a younger Brother. But as for you, whom stricter alleageance combineth to the obseruation of our state and person, wherein dare you hassard your selues, & suffer Iudgement to be abused, as though you respected not, whether the drinke were poyson, so it be brought in a Golden cupp? As though Mengrelius, because more effeminate, were therefore more fitte to reuenge your wronges: And Kalucki (because a peeuish Woman, thinketh not so fashionable) must therefore be disseised of his Birth-right? Take heed in time, as yet your Prouidence may dam vp the fluce of our Iustice: but if you suffer your selues to be carried against your duties; by death I sweare, no submission shall make an attonement. Now to you Sir: (an vnpleasant countenance threatning his Brother with a following mischiefe) remember that Principalitie abideth no concurrent; and prosecuteth an Enemie to confusion. Besides, the name of a Traytor, resembleth a consuming Leprosie, which infecteth all the body, and leaueth scandall to posteritie. Doe not hassard therefore the benefite of life, by vaine Securitie; Nor be so besotted to thinke, that a fleeting looke, or bace popularitie can alien the loyalties of so many trustie Subiects: But assure you, I challenge this Empire as hereditarie; thy selfe for a Subiect, the rest obedient, and all confederats assistant. Thus somewhat forgetting his first intent of moderation, hee approached the royall Throne, and had without interruption ascended, but that Ballutasa interceded, and in this manner set the fire of Rebellion on a blase.

I deny not but thou mayest boast, as the immediate successor of Samarchanus, and wast in times past reputed as a blessing to a Mother: But doe not thinke wee are so simple and inconsiderate, that hauing the choyce of two seueralles, to admit the vnworthiest. I doe therefore without euasion or circumstance, condemne thee for froward and badly disposed; and coniure these rather to take compassion on the prostrate necessitie of the Common-wealth, then pitty thee for a priuate complaint, seeing those degenerating humours, which make Princes odious, are already ripened in thee: the remembraunce whereof hath exasperated my displeasure, and mooued these to remooue thee, as preiudicate. Besides, it is the will of the Gods to aduance a Steward, which may husband their Plenty, and not ruine their Inheritances. How can it then equipage mine Honour, that the name of a fonde affectionate Mother, should make mee forget the dutie of a prouident Princesse? Wherefore you louers of Goodnesse, it is for your sakes, I digresse from my selfe, and for the common prosperitie I disable Kalucki; considering Obedience is rather the seruant of Vertue, then titular Dignities; which can seldome be incident, where Deformitie maketh loathsome. Pride ouermastreth, Hear •… burning incombreth, and Tyranny threatneth a very conuulsion of your gouernement.

But as a forward bitternes might haue aggrauated his disgraces; the wrathfull first borne of this disquietted Queene in impatience made a sudden approach vnto her, and directed a most dangerous blow (for by this time quicknesse had vnsheathed the blade,) as if the vnpleasing messenger of Reuenge meant to proclaime the strange death of an Empresse, had not Mengrelius waled with his owne body, and by securing her, sustayned the smart of a grieuous wound; whereby seeing the fire was kindled, hee betooke him to his Guard; and making forward, had the assistance of other coadiutors. Now when Kalucki perceiued the gates of Treason were set open, hee exclaymed on the mischiefe, and commaunded the true louers of their Prince to performe their duty. Wherevpon many set them selues on worke, and the place bred rather confusion, then the confusion dispatch; so that euery one shuffled vp some action or other. Mengrelius set Pollicie and Valour on worke to extenuate the furie: Kalucki countenanced Rage and Despight to punish the reuolters: As for the rest; some pressing forward could neither auoyde a pitious slaughter, nor keepe possession for the body to stand vpright: others (vnwilling to be so endangered) were ere the midst of the hall had shortned their iorney, either in the throng stifled, or by the commers in, compelled backe: Some vsed such weapons for necessity, which in quietnesse were borne but of fashion; others hauing none wrested from such, as could not resist: Some tooke the Pallace furniture, as not regarding how they helped them selues; others made euery thing offensiue, as not caring how they iniured the rest: Some exclaymed on the reuolt, crying, The Gods protect Kalucki; others ready to innouation, wished Mengrelius Emperour: Some with vnseasonable wisedome perswade a pacification; others with strange hearts fraughted with Treason, ran away with the violence.

THus was a dangerous vnquietnesse begun Kalucki dispossessed of the Empire by his younger brother Mengrelius: seateth himselfe in the further Tartary. with a few mens deaths, which no doubt had ended with the losse of many mens liues, had not Carambello, Putrasso, and Hardubax, taken the cause in hand for the Empresse, and by force ouermastred Kalucki: For Carambello rather addicted to Rallutasas wilfulnesse, then fearing the diuision of the Empire, made yet this feare a colour of his pa •… iality, and so contriued the matter, that Kalucki co •… sented to a surceance of his rightfull claime, and subscribed to a compulsiue deposition: This necessitie conuented, and the day of truce in Bellonas Temple ratefied these particulars.

That Mengrelius should raigne during life: but Kaluckies successors, or him sealfe ouerliuing to reposses the Diadem.

That Kalucki, and as many as would make tryall of his fortune, after certaine summes of mony disbursed should within twenty dayes depart the territories of the Empire, and within twenty howeres the Verge of the Court:

That if Mengrelius by the benefit of maryage were blessed with the effect of mariage, the comfort to be frustrate in losse of their liues, and the name of a Father forgotten in respect of the Male children:

That if Kalucki taking notice of these couenants infringed, within one yeere conuicted not the cleceite, the gouernment to remaine subiect to election, and no man culpable to resist any vnestablished:

That no subiect to the Empire, should repine at these particulars, and the abettors of any couen remaine faultie, as in case of high Treason:

Thus was Kalucki compelled to take his farwell of an ingratefull Country, and disobedient people: But magnanimity showing rather a scorne then a grudging at their disloialties, left them with out ceremony to the reproch of their errors, and posted to the hope of better fortune, wherein his expectation was not deceiued. For no sooner abandoned he these Confines, but hee was acceptable to other Countries: and the place, which af •… er Kalucki setled in Tartaria. much variety setled his abode was the further Tartary, a place yeelding a receptacle for his state and with a strange fortune opening the Gates of the magnificent Coralla to his wishes. Heere in short time, hee prooued a worthy soiorner, the Country reioycing, where hee remayned; and the world trembling, whither his fame was dispersed. For honorable industrie increased Riches, Riches amplication, amplication reuerence, and reuerence feare; which though against others engendred hate, yet toward him, was the cause of loue, in regard hee was loth to acquaint them with any displeasing Newnes; and they respectious to giue no occasion of inconsiderat neglect: but remained in one vnitie of loue, as hee did in one method of discipline.

When Mengrelius saw his Ioy triumph ouer Anoyance, and that hee had leasure to actuate his Ambition, he proclaimed a publike Celebration, as if he meant to make the day of this Peace, a glorious Feastiuall, whereby the people were acquainted with vnacquainted Ceremonies, & confirmed the manner of the State, knowing when to appoynt, and to whom proportion both Honour and respect. This was made manifest, because they solemnised his Coronation with willingnesse, beautified his Pompe with cost, augmented his Triumph with Presents, and diuulged their good Opinion with acclamations. And truly (most mighty Duke) wheth •… r he had a desire in him selfe, to make his Renowne a worthy subiect of Report; or that his Fathers example suborned his industry, hee performed so many things tending to perfection, that euery one adored him as a God in the world, and magnified the time as the yeares of true comfort, wherein hee might haue tempted the reuenger of all contempt with scorne of alteration, had not remembrance of the Oath to his Brother, and Couenaunts to Carambello, dashed out all ouerboldning conceites: much like an Aprill tempest chancing in a moment to the dismay of a Gardner, boasting of a sun-shyning morning to grace his handy worke; this strocke a pensiuenesse for a time, and did indeed add an outward countenance of demission: For considering, that in hauing a Wife, the blessing of a Wife was to be quite extinguished; and the name of a Mother a most wretched title in her owne Children, by reason of their murder: Who could but tremble at the conceit, and exclaime on the vnaduisednesse of such enforcement? Till at last, Time the consumer of all things, ware out the print of that feare. Youth, the maintayner of Carelesnesse, would needes haue recourse to Pleasure: Nature, an enemie of Deuises, scorned to be counterchecked with Appoyntment: Fortune, the Mistris of of Alteration, stomaked the stedfastnesse of mans Proposing: and Loue, the Father of Fancie, raged to be suppressed with a peeuish Promise: Wherevpon they conspired in a league, and brought him to the house of Wantonnesse; where he was welcommed according to his worth, and ouer-esteemed for his wealth and greatnesse. For whether hee meant to satiate an incontinent liberty, heere were such, as knew the power of a Princes dalliance; or whether hee meant to limit his affection to a vertuous choyce, heere were such as secured chastity with a victorious army of good thoughts; but when that Iudgement was to be giuen, though his communication extended to variety of disport, hee onely liked his sister Arcabella to their greater despight; whom fauour for beautie, beautie for countenance, countenance for comelinesse, comelinesse for delight, and all for Maiestie, had so extraordinarily graced, that neither kindred interposed her neerenesse, nor conceit of mischance to come rebated his desires, but hee made tryall of her modestie, and layde downe his Crowne as the rewarde of consent: and shee considering that Menarelius marieth his sister Arcabella. Emperours make no Prentishipp of their Contracts, without delay or nicetie, tooke hold of opportunities hayrie top.

Thus was the Mariage happily concluded, and speedily celebrated with glorious Triumphs belonging to state, and stately continuance appropriate to Kings, so that Ballutasa as a gladsome Mother reioyceth, and Arcabella as a happy wife is comforted, till requited with an husbandly duty; and making shew to the world of an irrecouerable losse by her swelling Wombe, an vnkind remembrance checked her iollity, and affoorded occasion to others in this manner to descant. What meanes Mengrelius now, to performe the couenant so vnnaturally graunted? or violate his oath so dangerously made? Shall an Emperour be a bloody executioner of his owne Childe? or a Tyrant ouer his Country? Must Trebizouda be reproched for immanitie, or reprooued for perfidiousnesse? Can it stand with naturall pietie to destroy faultlesse Infants? or regardable Honour to tryfell out so strange a composition? Surely Content repineth at the inequalitie: For either shall Kalucki haue occasion of new Warre, or a wretched Murder continue an old Peace.

NOtwithstansting these doubts, though Arcabella might haue made him a ioyfull Father, Mengrelius killeth his first Sonne. yet he ere nine howers; caused her to be a sorrowfull mother. For the Child was marked to the house of death, as soone as the birth gaue notice of his sexe; which done, vnkindly pacified. Arcabella vuderstood it must be so; and the too late repenting, Balutasa was assured it should be so. Thinke not yet any outward Maske so obscured the continuance of sorrow; but many perceiued the Emperours allacritie dulled, and the very life of the Court discouraged. As for Arcabella, whom dellicatenesse made more subiect to griefe, griefe manifested in her the effect of griefe, sadnesse, and teares, which by reason of neglect, resembled Spots made by the enuy of an vnlucky hand on a white wall; O •… vnluckly staines disgraciously chancing to some pure Linnen: nor was this vngentlenes so satisfied, but enforced as many sighs as teares, and pangs as sighes; with whose violence the heart had broken, but that the spirit driuen as farre as the passage of the mouth by the life of the tongue procured some ease.

O inscru •… ible powers (qd, she) whom the frame of 〈◊◊〉 , and the wonders of the world compell to acknowledge, can you seeme so inexorable, that after so many & forcible intercessions, I yet am destitute of reliefe, and subiect vnto all wretchednes and oppro •… ry. For is not the glory of my life quire raced, when the benefite of hauing children, in the hauing them is disappoynted? Who else lamenteth not, when this blessing is wanting? Who else complaineth for enioying the Prerogatiue. Better had it been, that I had neuer been the louing child of a happy mother, then to be now the vnhappy mother of an vnfortunate child; whom impartiall Destenie hath not onely denyed, but an vnnaturall Father despightfully murdered: Murdered? yea too too cruelly murdered; yet witlesse and impatient? To complaine of my Emperour must proceed from passion; for he is bound to honorable strictnesse, & I am subiect to dutie and alleagence: To complaine of Fortune, will detect more weaker •… s: for she distibuteth with carelesnes, and is inconsiderate in her fauours: To complaine against the Gods is execrable: they framing all things to good purpose, and we vnframing them to bad appetites. What shall I then doe? cast ouer the account againe, and then euen I, haplesse Arcabella must support the burden of this horrer; I consented to disappoint the first borne of his birth-right, and am now reuenged with my first borne liues right; I infringed the law of nature: and am now tormented against the law of all nations; and am now 〈◊〉 because my hopes are abortiue, and am now without all excuse? For I was an Actor in Kaluckis tragedie, and must concontinue an agent in Mengrelius miserie.

These broken speeches had not their passage in stillnesse, for Sabina her quondam Nurse pressed with dutie and care ouer-watched, and ouer-heard her distemprature, and for feare shee might haue burdened her tender heart with to •… ore conceit, discouered her self, a •… d thus presumed to try whether counsell and comfort had made a league together. Leauing (most peerlesse, and long I hope to continue most peerelesse Princesse) to agrauate your griefe either with as much griefe, or more teares; I hope my former vnd •… Zeale shall •… fie, that the imparting of your sorrow hath deuided the same, wherfore I thought it part of my dutie to studie for redresse, which the God •… I hope haue consented vnto in this manner: Let a iorney bee made to Delphos; There will the Oracle either disanull the vnmercifull co •… ts as ouer ruling by deuine reuolution, or ratifie the crueltie, as a distributiue iustice in reuenging abus •… wickednes in after ages: by the one must Kalucki remit the composition, as vnreasonable, by the other Mengrelius maintaine it, as prodigious,

This was so well liked of Arcabella, that present ioy chased away the enemies to health, griefe and dispaire, making way to cheerefulnes, with whose helpe beautie appeared in more liuely colours, and so shee hasted to the Emperour, whom finding at leisure, or causing other affayres to tarry her leisure (after some debating of the matter) she confirmed to her opinion: yet for a while she was vnanswered by his musing on the successe: resembling a man ready to taste of an inchanted Cuppe, whose propertie by shedding or sauing the drinke warrenteth a chaste or dissolute wife: and reasoning thus, what do I now attempt; If she be found constant, it is no lesse than I expect; If incontinent, it is that I would not know; without doubt I will therefore make no such triall, but in this point Mengrelius kept not correspondencie. For though he impugned the iourney by many arguments, yet at the last he promised Arcabella to go in person, and sealing the couenant with an amorous kisse dismissed her, to entertaine a greater delight, and applyed himselfe to the conuenient dispatch of the Progresse.

Stay a while (my Egerius, quoth the Duke) and let vs be resolued, what aduenture hath enforced this hurliburly in the Cittie: With that they might heare the Alarum-bell of the Hauen ring out, and a Messenger discouered King Zalbys approch, whom a strange accident had drawne downe into the nether Comagena; the dispatch whereof and neerenesse to the place where the Duke his Nephew was reziant, gaue libertie to a motion of kindnesse to put it selfe it practise, and thus occasioned his accesse to Fortona.

IN the setled time of King Zalby •… gouernment, The hystorie of Xantippus and Encelidon. the neither Comagena was famous for the Riuer Gozaxs, playing the wanton betwixt the Pallaces of the Lords Cusanach and Soltimos, which as you see a Messenger bring glad tydings to one, and so returne to another, ran through a pleasant valley to Cusanach, and backe againe to Soltimos; proportioning both the sides of a Peninsule, with a current of 15. Leagues. For first, it went forward with iollitie to the East, and then (as if it had beene proud of some good Newes) with a stately compasse (least too short turning might hinder his good speed) whirled backe againe to the West; and by often recourses at last acquainted the inhabitants with the birth of two sonnes: two sons famous to the world for Natures first life▪ famous in the world for liues strange loue; famous from the world for loues vnmatchable continuance, which made death stomach the 〈◊〉 : For as the worke finished in them both shewed but one person in both, though parted in motion: so the mindes of both grew with their bodies to a Sunpathy, and resembled sweet musicke made by the well tuning the strings, onely their names accorded to this difference, that Cusanach taught Xantippus the dutie of a sonne, and Soltimos shewed Encelidon the affection of a father: and surely how euer greatnesse breedeth many times contempt, the secret enemy of conuersation, and absolute hinderer of former amitie: yet heere did the fathers liue without grudging, and the sonnes proportion their affections accordingly; as not debarred by the distance of their dwellings from counter-changeable meetings, and inseperable familiaritie, in eating, lying, liuing, and louing together; keeping time in their actions, as if they had determined to conclude some woonder of friendship in the world, and indeed appeared like Twinne-brothers of one mother; both in habite, fashion, demeanour, and what circumstances soeuer may make any thing like another: yea, it grew to that rare and admirable effect, that when Xautippus had with strange conflicts resisted his passion, least the loue of Eucasta, beautious Eucasta, and in being beloued of Xantippus fortunate Eucasta, should deuide the loue of his friend, he yet continued the same Xantippus, and would not permit Encelidon to depart from Xantippus, nor could indeede Encelidon digest any thing, but what liked Xantippus.

AT last Fortune despighted to behold such a mirrour of immutability, bribed the sonne of Venus, (as the Poets vse to sing) to sow the seedes of Diuision; which how euer they rooted, were sprinkled in Encelidons heart, and began to spring forward, as sweetned with the graces of Eucasta, which like the translucent beames of so me fayre Planet, shewed tokens of admiration, rather then knowledge: so that Encelidon could not but loue Eucasta, Eucasta could not but like Encelidon, because hee was like Xantippus, and Xantippus loued Eucasta the better for liking Encelidon; till the controuersie grew betwixt a passion ouerruling Reason, and true Friendship ouermastring Idle humors: But when Encelidon perceiued no way of comfort, but by beeing a traytor to Zantippus, friendship preuayled, and hee chose rather to die, then to be found dissoyall; so that after many circumstances of discontentment, hee would haue killed himselfe, had not the working of his spirit compelled the tongue to intreat Death not to be too too cruell; by which occasion with the fortune of ouerlooking his de •… neanor, Xantippus was made acquainted with the errour of Encelidon, and Encelidons distraction exposed both feare and trouble: yet the admirable innated loue expelled the combersome enemies of his quiet. Ielosie and Mistrust, and by way of kindnesse, hee expostulated with Encelidon the cause of his griefe, distemperature, and now desperate attempt: But as you see a guiltie man disconsolare with the iudgement of Conscience and Law concluding his finall end: so stood Encelidon hauing nothing to answere, but amazing lookes, and a deiected countenance, wherein Xantippus might read the mischiefe pretended, and by his abashed vnwillingnesse to reueale, found (and at last compelled him so to confesse) the first discouerie to be true.

Encelidon had no sooner cursed the day of his Birth, Fortune, Loue, Heauen, Earth, and Hell, that thus had tonspired against his Fayth; but faynted with remorce, and as if he would plead the defect of Nature, not Malice, fell downe in Xantippus armes, and bade him not spare to ridd the world of such a wretch. But hee in a strange contrarietie comforted him with preuention, and that there was nothing remedilesse; yea coniured him by all the names of life, manhood, setled loue, inseperable contracts, and what else a sweete oratory might inferre, to rayse vp his spirits; and if need were, not to desist: For although his infamy and dishonor must leaue a scandall to Xantippus in his partialitie; yet what would hee not doe to saue the life of Encelidon: Cheare thy selfe therefore, and onely change the name of Encelidon, and Eucasta can know no other, but that thou art Xantippus: For Xantippus onely can discouer, who is Encelidon. Bee not dismayde, I prise thee at a great rate; and rather then Encelidon should miscarry, Xantippus will be without Eucasta. Heere grew the contention betweene them to some vnpleasant particulars; the one pleading for Death, the other scorning euery thing but his Friends life: At last perswasion, some reasons, and Xantippus enforcement, compelled him to take the name of Xantippus vpon him, and so the loue of Eucasta ouercame his feare, and brought him to reape the Haruest of his strange desires. But when Loue came to florish his Colours, (Oh pardon the fortune and errour of Passion) how could those beauties appeare? How could those sweet embracements continue? How could that euer burning impression remaine in stilnesse, and hee not be thankefull to successe for the same? Yet fly Friendship from sight of this treason. For Encelidon like a man rauisht fell senselesse in the armes of Eucasta, and Eucasta confoun ded at Xantippus extasie, striued to helpe, and helped when shee knew how, though shee little knewwhom; till at last (as no extremitie can last) Encelidon recouered some life, & with passionate teares shewed tokens both of trembling feare, and enraging desire: but pittifull Eucasta wretched in the ignorance of her Xantippus distemperature, accompanied him with a sadder weeping. Now when Encelidon saw to what straights hee had driuen his Barke, and that the delight of his soule was disquieted with the errour, all impatient hee discouered hee was Encelidon, and not Xantippus; leauing out no circumstance, which either might reueale his loue, or publish the glory of his Friend, beseeching her to loue him nere the worse for taking this course in her loue; nor Xantippus the lesse for louing his friend; nor her selfe for being beloued of Encelidon, who had once made choyce of death, had not the loue of Eucasta perswaded life, and Xantippus commanded, that Encelidon should liue. But alas, Eucasta durst not trust her owne sences; she heard the voyce of Xantippus, she saw the shape of Xantippus, she felt the motions of Xantippus; onely he sware he was Encelidon. Some times she feared a pollicy to try her weaknesse: some times her feare accompanied with Ielosie, that Xantippus mistrusted her Constancie: some times a pretty kind of anger sware to Xantippus, this was too great vnkindnesse: some times shee entreated him to desist from this circumuention: and at last on her knees coniured him by the secrets of her loue, to loue his Eucasta, to bee her Xantippus, and suffer Eucasta to bee nones, but Xantippus: till Encelidon added the oaths of the sunne, and by other circomstances of more particularitie brought her to the right path of vnderstanding, that shee was resolued it, was Encelidon. This a while her patience forbare to stomach, and loue to her Husband forbade to discouer: But as when you see the Fire put out by supposing the Ashes to couer and hide the same, and yet the next day some Sparkes of life are remayning by remoouing their Veyle. So fared it with Eccasta, shee wisely raked in her Discontent with the coldest Embers shee could, till Misfortune brought her to tosse them abroad, and then appeared, that the fire was not quite extinguished; that her conceite was not altogeather eased, but stomaching more and more to be so betrayed, shee acquainted her mother Iugeroth with the History from the beginning: A woman of that working spirit, that if the Country had affoorded meanes of setting Ambition on worke, shee would haue scorned the name of a Subiect: A woman so imperious in her will, that no action was vnattempted, nor after the attempt vndetermined, which might add wings to her desires, though sometimes they tended to lasciuiousnesse: A woman of that implacabillity, that once subiect to the error of mislike, before she would admitte of remiission, she dared discouer an absolute mallice: A woman of that apprehention, that the least abuse was an indignity to her house, & then followed a prosecution of reuenge: This appeared in the discourse of the fearefull Eucasta; the memory whereof stroke such impression, that the impatient Iugeroth without care of Conscience in plaine tearmes vrged the Murder of Xantippus, and to be effected by the hand of Encelidon: nor desisted shee from reason and argument, as the breach of Honour, the hate of her Husband, continuall heart-burning, secret mislikes, the discouery abroad, and the renowne of the reuenge, as if because the body was distempered through the paine of the Head, no other remedy serued, but to bereaue it of his capitall member without further search of redresse.

To this was Eucasta soone perswaded, as supposing her honour and renowne ecclipsed, yea broken in pieces, and so suffered her loue to receiue the same foile: besides (as it were insorcered, with her mothers deuillish Impostures) shee was the lesse carefull of her duety, & therfore dared to reason with Encelidon to the same purpose; yea some-times to Xantippus instead of Encelidon: For but by their names she neuer could know one frō an other, who seemed to diuert her from such immanitie enforcing some arguments, though to little purpose, whereby if the feare had continued, hee might indeed haue suspected his friend, but the worst part of such a conceit was quickly cut off by the hasty (and peraduenture vnlook't for) comming of Encelidon; who once againe prostrated his open breast to Xantippus, and bade him not spare to rid the world of such a recreant traytor, whose wauering loialtie was subiect to so many temptations; with that hee went on in the strange discourse of his murther concluded by his wife and her mother; which with many protestations he disclaimed, and proceeded so farre, that after Xantippus had denyed to entertaine the least thought of suspition against him, he stabbed himselfe in many places, till preuented from the full effect of his furie, Xantippus was enforced to a new course; at last his helpe brought recouery and encouragement seemed a reconciliation to the eternall strengthening the bond of friendship. But Eucasta all impatient at Encelidons slacknes, and more then perswaded, how Xantippus was made acquainted with the fault, presently fledde to Mastricot, wher after a pithy intimation of her disgraces, & the wrongs offered her fathers honse (to which her mother added forceable reasons) shee raised a strong partie, and determined to repaire by force of Armes, what her slender policie (as she tearmed it) had almost ruined: so that Xantippus was compelled to stand on his gaurd, and (when he perceiued, how he which only lyeth at defence helpeth himselfe but a little withdefence) after to make an offensiue war. To this Encelidon, and the house of Soltimos was auxiliary, and the two friends gloried in their constancie, and cared not who stomaked the successe of their businesse: till at last the many slaughters and distractions of the Prouinces pleaded for redresse; and king Zalby was cornpelled in person to come into Comagena, to limit or restraine these mischiefes: yet wrought his presence no other attonement, but the surceance of the warre. For Eucasta (or Iugeroth in her daughters behalfe) would not hearken after any reconciliation; and Xantippus denied to be diuided from Encelidon, because Encelidon concluded neuer to be seperated from Xantippus.

THis was the occasion of king Zalbys comming King Zalby commeth to Duke Rugio to Fortona. to Fortona, at such time as Egerius related the Historie of Mengrelius, whereupon they all dissisted from the worke in hand to attend the Duke who made it a matter of respect and specialitie to remember the Kings worth, as being his Vncle in blood, and father for directions and corroboration in his estate; whereupon the Officers of his Houshold omitted nothing, which belonged to the state of his person, & the dignity of the present Court. Thus is King Zalby feasted, and much satisfied to be so magnificently feasted: thus is the Duke established in the strengthening amitie of such a mightie Prince: thus is Deltona cheered, that no action of Rugios ouer-passed the limmits of moderation: But thus is Montanus perplexed, as confounding desire & distrust together: at last the Duke imparted to the King all the circumstances of his loue & Rape; of Deltonas demeanor & contempt; of Egerius complaint & discourse; which the King (because he had bin long fince cursorily made acquainted with Kaluckies banishment, & Mengrelius aduancement) desired to heare at large: Like a man tasting on delicates, who more longeth to fill his stomach after the proofe of the sweetnes, then before: whereupon the Duke soon conferred with his sonne Philano conceruing the matter, who as soone certified Egerius of the Kings pleasure, who as soone confented to obey the pleasure, and dispatch the matter, wherein he thus proceeded.

THe great Eye of heauen (most mighty Princes) Engerius prosceutcth the Historie of Mengrelius. had not fully viewed all the parts of the earth, nor time chased with such swiftnesse the course of the yeere: but that the fruitfull Arcabella once againe gaue notice of her pregnancie, and signified to the world, she was borne to be a mother, what Disaster soeuer went about to disappoint her: which only hasted the Emperors iourney forward; who setting on worke all the parts of his thoughts made a hundred seuerall fashions of one piece. Sometimes with more quicknesse then good speed, running ouer all the course of former occurrents, with a certaine heart-breaking at his Brothers exile; but surfetting on that dish, hee loathed the dyet, and choaked himselfe with the delight of principalitie; next hee remembred the contract, whereof the very terrour made him abashed to thinke, in what madnesse it was ratified then, and with what remorce repented now: anon hee conceited how his subiects were affected, if either the murther of his children should continue, or the breach of such inhumane couenants be attempted; afterward hee reasoned, why Arcabella importuned this trauell; and last of all, whether the sentence should be reputed Canonicall: Butthe feare of that diffidence extinguished at the first puffe the flame, and yet gaue light to goe forward in the other path; as if there were as much necessitie to propitiate Apollos displeasure, as to determine his owne affaires: whereupon hee sent out Commissions, for the artificiall housing the Sea; and defensiue furnishing and rigging his Nauy; in which the benefit of a Sun-shining morning (nothing then practised but honourable necessitie) without further delay embarked him, and time (not much intermingled with strange occurrents) brought him at last to safe harbour.

Thus prooued this Voyage prosperous at Sea, and was not altogeather ominous at Land, because Scalitorax King of Phocis truly aduertised of the Emperours comming, and the cause, found it a matter of small suspition, and therefore made an honourable Welcome, a forward Spring of his owne greatnesse, and a very life of Mengrelius hope: But when his brother Misocrapus and Apollos Priest had returned answere, hee would attend the Emperour at Delphos, not doubting of auspicious successe, hee seemed rauished with gladnesse; and in that poynt of extremitie onely affoorded occasion of suspition, as when we see a sodaine Storme immediatly succeed a glorious Heate: yet durst no man make such interpretation, because the Art of Deuining was peculiar to the Priestes. So the Emperour went forwatd, and had Scalitorax company to the Towne; where he found the reuerent Misocrapus ready for his conduct to the Oracle.

THis Delphos had the report of others illustred, and the rarenesse of it selfe made admirable: The description of Delphos. in respect the place was supported by the euerflorishing Pernassus, which seemed glad to be the foundation of the Building; but ten times glad, that it resembled some Bulwarke to secure a tresurie; and yet it appeared more beholding to Nature then Art: For the cragginsse of the Hill resembled a very net of Rockes, as if the Stone and Earth were layde countercompony togeather: next the passable wayes were so many, and hemmed to crosse turnings meeting one another, that it made a confused Laborinth. Lastly, the entries into mighty Caues, represented so many Dores of the house of Darknesse; and by the many changes of Lightnings, Thunders, casting vp of Stones, Sulphur, flashings, filthy stenches, and suffocating Dampes, seemed the very entries of Hell; which Xerxes made proofe of by loosing foure thousand men in going about ro robbe the Treasure, and Brennus Duke of Gallia experimented, when hee prosecuted the like theft: Contrariwise, all peaceworking gentlenesse, and sence-pleasing sweetnes welcommed the necessarie commers, and liberall Benefactors.

On the topp of this Mountaine was the Oracle erected; a place beautified with the cost of Kings, & venerated by the accesse of chiefest Monarches: for therein none might enter, but especiall Priests, religious Princes, and strange Embassadours. Concerning the Monument it selfe, Fame confirmed it a Temple vnmatchable; and Time designed it the Pallace of Apollo, allowed both for an honorable dwelling, and a consecrated Sanctuarie: the substaunce whereof it was compounded, made shew of a costly Marble, and the forme it retayned, seemed a spatious Goodlinesse, staying the eyes of the beholders with varietie of obiect; wherein the Workemen had so played their partes, as if indeed they had determined to make their memories immortall. For Agamedes and Trophonius the supposed Attificers, are for this cause made famous: It was well Leaded on the top, strongly bard with Iron, vnusually windowed with Iaspar, mightily vnderpropt with Pillars, substancially roofed with Cedar, surely lockt to keepe their Treasure, and cunningly enclosed for obscuring their Secrets: the inside allowing more daintinesse, then the outside goodlinesse; and both vnited to be a scence-rauishing Miracle: and the trouble to others arose from conceite, rather how it was finished, then in the labour to them, which concluded it. Round about were Trees planted, in which did alwaies Oyle burne; Houses established to lodge the companie, and Vestries appoynted for the ornaments of the Sacrifice. At the Doore stoode an Idoll, which they did kisse: a hollow Truncke, in which they did offer, and a Lauatorie to wash in. Within hunge a siluer Bell to be rung, stoode a perfumed Lampe to be sti •… d, and a golden Altar supporting a massie Image, before whom they must kneele.

The Priestes were the first which apparrelled themselues, opened the doores, sweetned the roomes, bedecked the Tables, brought out the Rellicks, hung the walles, furnished the pillars, spread abroad costly Carpets, set out their Iewels, trimmed the cup-boards, and entertained the Embassadors. After them other Officers and Attendants were to celebrate a tryumph; and last of all, the parties approached to receiue their answeres, which were sometimes diffused & obscure; sometimes ambiguous or Amphibologies; sometime briefe and very peremptorie; sometime true, certaine, and enlarged.

Now is the Emperor magnificently entreated, and orderly instructed; whereupon hee lodgeth his Retinew, watcheth his Nights, shaueth his haire, apparrelleth his body, approacheth the Temple, washeth his hands, offereth his presents, kisseth the Idole, knolleth the Bell, sturreth the Incense, alloweth the Orizons, beginneth his Sacrifice, standeth his Circles, and marketh the coniuration; which began with terrors and darknesse, vntill two burning Tapers suddenly flaming by the naked side of the Image, discouered the wonders of the Chappell, and made him attentiue to heare the vnliuing massinesse divuldge the pleasure of the Gods. This finished, the reuerent Misocrapus (in his Priestly habite) drew the stately trauers before the Altar, and with a sadde demeanour presented himselfe to Mengrelius more sadder, kneeling vpon the ground, til the holy Priest fastned an enameled Tablet, to a twisted string of blacke silke and gold, putting it ouer his head next his bodie, and departed awhile with a silent blessing, leauing the Emperor to the dispatch of the Ceremonie, but the Attendants of the Pallace, brought Mengrelius solemly foorth to his companie, who as solemly welcommed him, and so they tooke leaue of Misocrapus, & returned to the Citie of Delphos, where Scalitorax King of Phocis expected his aduenture.

By this time either feare or furie hastned his departure to his ships, wherein he quickly disposed himselfe, and without other interception, then the tediousnesse of the iourney, came in safetie to Trebizonda, where each one imparted the manner of the Voyage, and made this diuision of their discourses; some amplified the description of the places seene; others the discouery of the wonders heard: some tooke occasion from those changes the Sea afforded; others made remonstrance of what each countrey maintained: some ouer-passing what was impertinent, disputed of the hill, and the Oracle; others more curious intermedled with the Sacrifice and the Orders, which not admitted to behold, they were therefore more desirous to vnderstand: some presumed to aske how the Emperor was pleased, and others dared to enquire, whether the Common-wealth should be disordered: but the fearefull Mengrelius made his accesse to the Court, an astonishment to his Nobles, and a heauie welcome to Arcabella; they sorrowing his answere was frownes: and she trembling his salutation was a command out of presence, who accustomed to no other disposition then obedience: displeasingly dutifull accorded to the hard doome, and louingly impatient effected his will.

But vnkindnesse had not thus her period: For Mengrelius findnig the Oracle to threaten his destruction, in the Beleefe grewe so impatient, that the promises of comfort, and sweetnesse of counsell seemed ircksome, scarse abiding to heare of redresse, and absolutely denying to discouer the reason: resembling him, whom crueltie bereaued of his principall member the tongue, because hee had nothing to talke of but wofull lookes, nor any thing to discouer, but soone mooued displeasure, which astonished the beholders, who yet desisted not to pacifie his trouble, and beguile his passion: but he despighted to see any inclination to delight, and perceiuing his actions were so generally marked, retiered himselfe, and was only humorons in the worst part of melancholy: at last the extremitie draue him cleane out of doores, and made him eccho in the fields, what he durst not wisper in the Pallace.

O Gods (quoth hee) what auaileth life, if to liue be worse then death? What profiteth honour when the shame of deiection shall extripate the glory of former credite? What benefite in a Crowne, when euery dramme of golde must bee ballanced against a hundred of cares? What preeminence in the title of dignitie; when confusion shall make ridiculous dignitie, titles, and preeminence? O Fortune! O false Fortune! Well may we call thee blind, when thou strikest those who offered no wrong; and fawnest on him, that detesteth thy fauours. Well may we call thee vnconstant; for if by chaunce a Morning manifest thy smiles, yet shall the same Euening detect thy malice. Well may we call thee deceitfull, seeing thy pleasures are like the waters of Alphastus, sweet to the pallat, but poison to the stomach. Well may wee call thee a tyrant, for thy hate is implacable, and thy reuenge inexorable. O Sun whose glorious beauty is the life of all creatures, & comfort of the earth; what comfort can I haue, that must bee depriued of thee dying, or despighted with thee liuing; and so hath my prognosticated discomfort assured? O walkes of solitarinesse, how agreeable onely are your shades to my passions, had your trees sable barkes, and your boughs blacke leaues? For the heauens haue conspired, the earth consented, and hell it selfe concluded my destruction. Why then base Dieties, iniurious Fortune, vnprofitable Sunne, and vncouth Deserts; spare not your malice, and powre out the liquor of your deadliest poison: if not so? yet what terror intrudeth with suspition: But witlesse & impatient: whether am I carried with these outrages; either there is truth or falshood: if the first, what preuention? if the latter, why was any iorney? yet shall I be so childish to shrinke vnder this feare; as though each paltry ceremony were the armes of Religion, or coosening deuice of Priestes a countermaunding of the actions of Kings? tush; I will not submit to such mockery, nor suffer my selfe to be the stall of derision. No, no; before I consent to be so sottishly baffled: Murder, Fury, & Contempt of all Women shall reuenge my distemprature.

In this mood he hasted toward the Pallace, but the instant violence of his Resolution was thus stangely rebated: Eare the tract of the groue had fully conduced him to the end, a sodden storme intercepted further hastinesse, and compelled his retreat to a place of shellter: now; whether the nature of the tempest effectuated drowsinesse; or his spirites weried with meditation desired rest: or the very braine dryed with sorrow shruncke vp the stringes of his eyeliddes; or him selfe was willing to this course to ouerpasse his feare; he quietly fell a sleepe, had not his sleepe the more disquieted him, like a man reparing a ruinous house, and pulling downe aparte haleth also the whole to his greater charge: For a formidable dreame thus surprised his repose. An Eagle mounting to her Mengrelius troubled with a Dreame. nest had onely too young ones to feed, but whether she conceiued vnkindnesse against them or in the misfortune of her rauin brought not wherewithall to succour them; or displeased at some other accident, shee threwe them to the ground, leauing, her selfe childlesse, and them liuelesse: yet they recouered, and miraculously gathering new life, and extraordinary stature returned, ere their mother had made a second flight; seeming by their demeanour as though they come to comfort her: but shee stomacking the curtesie, conuerted her loue to rage, and began a manner of contention against them; they seeing the daunger desisted awhile, till very necessitie of life draue them to offence; and offence increasing with anger, anger forgat it selfe, and so betweene them the olde one was torne in pieces, which when a better consideration deliberated on, with a monstrous howling they departed: the noyse whereof awaked Mengrelius, so his Dreame ended, and the tempest ended, but a worse dismay began then before.

At last remembring himselfe, he hasted to a priuate Posterne of the pallace, where finding the appointed Comptrollor of his house, hee with him imparted such secrets, that as the charge was of importance, his dispatch was with speedinesse. For he presently returned with sadnesse from the Empresse, and trouble from the Court; shee submitting to his appointment, and they appointing that nights libertie, if it pleased him to visite her; where upon he hasted vp, and dismissing all from his presence, conferred onely with his mother about strange things and tolde his sister Pisana his cruell resolution; wherein the suspition was so terrible, that forgetting the weakenesse of his Empresse, hee left them and thus astonished the helpwanting Princesse: with a soule-vexing preamble: Vnfortunate Arcabella, not in that thou art the daughter of Samarchanus, but wife of Mengrelius: vnderstand by me; that I am accursed for my owne sake, and thou art cast with the same verdict for my sake, as being the instrumentall cause of vnhappinesse: the Oracle confirming thee a mother of strange Issue, pronouncing my deiection by my sonne, death by my daughters husband, and confusion, if I infringe the oth to Kalucki; nor imagine I am caried away with supposes. For what I haue rufully reported, thou mayest pittifully ouer-looke, with that he shewed them Misocrapus Tablet, and they read the Prophesie thus insculped.

This they read, and to this was some reply in redinesse, but Mengrelius interposed this breuitie; that my former Oath may therefore bee kept inuiolate, and my vexed spirits from sorer out-rage restained, I command (what euer vnreasonablenesse seeme in the command) that as soone as Nature hath brought thy children into the light, thy own hands depriue them of the light; this see thou regard to performe, and performe as thou regardest thy life; but Arcabella permitted not the freedom of this bitternesse, for she thus aduentured to repell it.

What inhumane crueltie is heere threatned, and vnmanly prosecutions deuised; nothing but inordinate passions, distempered behauiour, broken sleeps, fearefull out-cries, inconsiderate vows, and vnnaturall tyranies? Neere tell mee of vnprincely protestations, better resolue to transgresse enforced contracts, which satisfaction may counteruaile; then continue in settled wickednesse which repentance cannot mitigate? better submit to inscrutable mercie, whose goodnesse euer exceedeth formidable appearance, then execute malicious wilfulnesse, whose out-rages are seldome preuented? What Law, Iudgement, or Reason wil allow, condemne, disappoint? The massacre of innocent Babes; the Preuiledge of sacred Princes; the right of Legitimate Heires. But to the purpose; hath heauenly reuolution threatned an ouerthrow? What earthly meanes can prohibite the pleasure of the Gods; hath our feare taken roote from the Oracle of Apollo? What humane cunning shall hinder the course of their springing? Yet peraduenture you haue mistaken: what was prophesied, or prophesied what your selfe haue mistaken: besides each fond Dreame must not be beleeued, or lying Priest allowed; as for deuine resolutions, neither can the reaching wit of man impeach the credite, nor Furie of deuils controule the enforcement. By the paines therefore of Ballutasa in our birth I desire; by the teares & sadnes of Pisana: by my owne chastitie; by thy aduancement to this Empire; by the secrets of our marriage I coniure; either your patience to tollerate the burden of heauenly Imposition, or resuscitate your allacritie to recouer your renowne: by the one you shall be sure to proceed in a good course; by the other confirme the faith of your subiects toward you; who setled so long in a happy peace, & confirmed in the Loue of a Royall Prince, wil neither hazerd the one, nor leaue the other, though Kalucky should immagine there were cause of innouation.

ut what was this otherwise, then to spit against the winde, whose violence returneth the filth into thy face, or to impart the sweetnesse of musick to a deafe auditorie. For hee either not hearing, because he minded it not; or not minding, because it liked not: or not liking, because it pleased not; or not pleasing, because it disagreed to his humorous suspition, answered; My will shall now stand for a Lawe, and pronounceth death to thy children; or losse of thy owne life; with which conclusion of death departing, as the beginning was death, the proceeding death, and the ende death, so no doubt had it finished with a double death, if prouident carefulnesse had not preuented desperate quicknesse. For the Empresse all inraged, put in practise diuers motions of a broken spirit; as rashing of her ornaments of Maiestie; scratching her louely face with a manifest rebellion against beautie, disseuering her daintie plighted tresses in scorn of comelinesse, and bethumping her panting sides swelling with the life striuing within; so that the Ladyes had a taxe of difficultie imposed to withhold her from a desperate crueltie, til a new worke proposed it selfe: for her spirites weakened with the threanes of her pangs; and her pangs increasing with child-bearing trauell, subiected her to necessitie of life, and induced them to further her deliuerance, which was done in such reuerent manner, and womanly order, that the secret was secret to themselues, and the hurliburly consisted in the action, which busied, and not in the parly, which troubled them.

THus may the next Morning send fame abroad The Empresse is deliuered of two children, the one named Trezoboro, the woman Brizaca. to declare the hazard of Arcabella her selfe, and the birth of two Princes; who though they seemed marked for the court of life, yet durst they not but appoint them to the house of death; allowing onely this fauour, to name them before they went that their entertainment might bee like Empresse children; so the man was called Trezoboro, and the woman Brizaca, and thus began their Tragedie.

No sooner had the carefull Ballutasa clogged the mothers armes with so precious a burden, but shee affoorded them ghastly lookes and sore outcries, the children smiling but newe borne, and laughing the faster for her threatning the greater; which had shee warily marked (though the dangerous choise caused the preferment of her owne life, whereby shee demaunded the instrument of of death) yet surely would the heart neuer haue consented to so pittilesse an action, nor the tongue so quickly expressed the consent of the heart. For in dimnesse of sight (teares still hindring the fulnes of seeing) beholding how pleasure and delight made reziance in their countenance, shee forgate either to doe or to speake; and proceeding further, burst foorth into abrupt speeches, threatning to kil her selfe with them. But the mother fore-seeing the inconueniences of a troubled spirit, by policie wrested the knife from her handes, and by force tooke the children out of her armes, imploying another in that butcherly office, who had charge to hast with diligence, and dispatch with secrecie.

The Ladie daring not denie, what yet she durst not complish, had libertie (teares and kneeling procuring this libertie) to depart out of sight, and so retired her selfe into some obscure corner; mistrusting the light would haue made her ashamed to murther infanrs: but heere a conscience not to dee amisse, ouer wrought with a sudden timerousnesse, that the heart repented, and the hands could not: Then she tryed a place where shee might see what she did; but now their smiles caused so many teares that shee was neither able to abide them laughing, or her owne selfe trembling: Once againe she posted to the corner of a Groue, but here a sudden quaking turned the sharpned edge to her owne heart, as shee profered her hand to their throat: At last remembring the penaltie, shee concluded her owne life dearer then all the Princes in the world; so that growing halfe angry, she tooke againe the knife, and more stoutly went forward; yet proffering a stroake roared out-right, fainting for feare, and fearing euer after so to presume: thus as she went shee returned, prostrating her selfe both before the mother and the mothers mother, desiring to abide a thousand torments, rather then imagine a thought amisse against them; so that a new course of immolation must be taken in hand, or some strange deuise of concealement put in practise; whereupon they reasoned among themselues on the fame of the action, the charitie of the deed, and the honour of the attempt: nor left they out the difficultie of the enterprise, the penaltie of infringing the Emperors pleasure, the way to preuent the greatest mischiefe, which was the accesse to see them murdered, nor the recompence, which time might recouer, if the Princes should be preserued: so that Ballutasa made Arcabella strengthen her selfe with the returned spectacle, taught Arcabella meanes to bee patient; and patience in her anguish, told Arcabella, Trezoboro and Brizaca should liue, and reioyced with Arcabella, for that Gellida and Perinthum vndertooke the matter.

THese were two daughters of the King of Capadocia How Gellida and Perinthum saued the Princes. Opacus, who kept his abode at the Citie of Archelaies, so famous for the circomferenciall Channell, which the Riuer Halys by winding it selfe about it doth make; and in a iollitie proude of the action, hasteth to the great Euxinum to boa •… of his passage. Now by reason hee was cotributotie to the Empire, and had setled his brother Cicotroxus in the great Office of Dianas Priest-hood in Taurica, these Ladies from their Vncles priuiledge wrought the Idea of the childrens securitie, and presently posted to Cicotroxus, to whom they discouered the whole processe, the penaltie of the Law, the cruell determination of the Emperour, and the shortnesse of time, as being limited but fourteene dayes of returne: When the reuerent Arch-Priest, heard the discourse, rather conceiuing well on the piety of his Neeces with their Honorable pollycie, then disputing on feares or troubles depending, like a man prising integritie before worldly respect, He confirmed the action, and thus briefly warranted likelyhood of successe: Although (Royall Ladyes) as a man subiect to the weaknesse of our first •… ailty, I might seeme amased with your strange story and paines taking: yet sometime made acquainted with the like occurrents, and peraduenturo •… matters of greater secret, though not of such consequence, I desist from vnnecessary questions, and thus giue light to your furtherance. Dianas sacrifices are euery Moone cellebrated the first day; and consist of humane bloud from the Veines of young infants, wherwith we besprinckle the altares and then consume the bodies with fier, other ceremonies are infinite, and easier to be knowne by eye witnesse then report, now by vertue of my authority will I proclame the necessitie of a new supply, out of which you shall choose a cupple a Male and Female, and with them depart to Trebizond, presenting the Empres this signe of my affection, and duty. For if Mengrelius importune the murder, which he will quickly doe, then may these tollerate the cruelty, and you with the true Princes escape to Capadocia, if this please; detract no time? but returne in peace: if not; to morrow is the day of pacification, and you shall vnderstand the pleasure of the Goddesse:

But the Ladies quickly apprehended Cicotroxus deuice and thought it bootelesse to make further tryall, therefore gratifying their Vncle they returned to the Empresse, as you see the friend of a faultie subiect to some great Prince; who either condemneth to death or bannishment: for shee remained all this while in discomforts and doubtes, because whatsoeuer chanced, she must be depriued of her Children; but by that time Gellida and Perinthum had pacified with reason, and enforced argument of two inconueniences, to beare the lesser burden, she cheared herselfe, and somewhat raysing her body with a heart enforcing fearefullnesse, and teares compounded of sorrow and gladnesse deliuered her Twinnes to the Ladyes; who receiued them with a modest stilnesse and departed accordingly, leauing the strangers like silly lambes in a Butchery:

No sooner were they thus dismissed, but the Emperor (infringing the particulars of his owne state) would needs visit Arcabella, and in person behold the execution: For thus it chanced: since the time of his suspition and fearefull Dreame, he was much conuersant with Belgorundo a magitian now counted in Court, but till this necessity neuer esteemed, nor reputed worthy such a title, had not fortune beene the Maister, and meere happ the Minister of his renowne, because Mengrelius first acquainted him with the couenantes betweene Kalucki & himselfe, & after with the vision of the Eagles, which he enterpreted by himselfe and his Children, wherin he so iumped with the Emperors ielosie, and indeed seconded the Prophesie of the Oracle, (which was not as yet discouered to any body,) that he seemed to dote on his skill, and graced him with a Roabe of Purple, a Cape of Maintenance, and winged rod like Mercuries Caduceus: withall he commaunded the Court to honour him for his respect, so that his reputation accrewed from Mengrelius, will and he made his owne power the meanes to continue it; which he might the better do, because the birth of the Princes chanced as was before intimated; besides Belgorundo (vnderhand acquainted with the Empres vnwillingnesse to the murder, and flat deniall to be the executioner) he reuealed it to the Emperor, and wrought a further ampliation of his credite, by inferring the new discoueries, concerning his brother, and the warres likly to ensue, if the couenants betweene them weare infringed: Wherupon the Emperor seemed in a manner distracted conceiuing it would be so, and fearing it should be so, as if indeed it weare so, and with the misdoubt of he knew not what, rather raging then distempred hasted to Arcabella, threatning nothing but fier and sword, if they once immagined to deceiue him: they againe exclaimed, as farre as they durst, & dared to execrate all incantations and deluding sorceries: but neither exclamations nor execrations, nor the sweete infants themselues mollefied the hard harted Emperor. For he beheld the Massacre in person, leauing them to what pacification, they could procure; and returned himsealfe to see, who durst find faulte:

By this time are Gellida and Perinthum welcomed into Cappadocia, as gratious to Opacus their father, and gratified by the subiects of the kingdome: yet concealing the secrets of their iorney they watched an opportunitie thus to dispose of the Princes, Coranus & Bertosus too brothers dwelling togeather in one house, and hauing maried Dalie and Phemon, too sisters not altogeather of Ignoble parents assured the world, that loue and good order can affright Enuy and Contention: For whether their delight one in another conuicted those displeasures, which passe betweene man and man, nothing was offensiue, or if it were the offence neuer appeared, or whether the time affoorded no scope to the ambition of men, or peeuishnesse amongst women, the husbandes carefully endeuored to looke to their businesse, the wiues modestly agreed to content their husbandes, and both like a The Empres Children deliuered to Coranus and Bertosus, too Brothers in Capadocia: well made bundell of sweete smelling flowers, yeelded comfort to the sence and life: To these (most mighty King and Duke) weare these Princes deliuered, and these (pointing to Coranus and Bertosus indeed) be the men accountable for this reckning; so that if their Fortune be worth the discouering from their Infancie forward, no doubt by their discourses the trueth will in more liuely collours appeare.

NOw by the plentious times of Katabasies Montanus hearing the Historie of Mengrelius is much troubled when the Duke confesseth that he loueth Delte na victories (quoth King Zalby) I am much satisfied in the redaction of this Chaos, because till now Fame hath beene to sparing of her secrets, and the report of the Trebizondian turmoiles was either denied the trueth, or augmented according to the disposition of the author. For we knew that Mengrelius possessed the Diadem, and Kalucki meant to be beholding to his owne valour for another kingdome: whereunto (as if an heroicall presumption had been the breath of some heauenly voyce) Fortune quickly lifted him vp, and gaue him the further Tartarie in reward of his paines, which first made him passage through my vpper Comagena, and after wrought his acceptation with the magnanimous Mullumalla the widow, Empresse of the late deceased Barka: so that by your fauour (Nephew Rugio) I wil gratulate Egerius for the participating this Noueltie; and entreat Coranus and Bertosus (seeing we are so forward on our iourney) not to leaue vs, till we come to safe harbout. All this and more (answered the Duke) shal be but part of my dutie, yet doth the eyes of feare fore-see, that the end will be worse then the beginning; and both beginning and ende vnite a crosnesse against me. For Egerius himselfe is displeased, Bertosus dreadfull, and Coranus mistrusteth my loue to Deltoua.

But when Montanus heard the name of loue, so sadly pronounced, and the name of Deltona, and the name of anothers lou •… to Deltona (like the Indian Odonta, vvho by the hunters noyse is •… ured of trouble and disquiet, and yet rowseth himselfe rather to prepare his courage to resist, th •… by policie to escape) he started vp, and somewhat angerly (for his associate furie was moderated), spake to this purpose. Great Princes, as you expect dutie and alleageance from your subiects, so must you be the author's of iustice and vertue in yourselues; els may you be feared for tyrants, and hated for beeing feared; els may you incurte the danger of repining, which at aduantage is subiect to innouation, & wil questionless a subborne euery traiterous reuolt; els may yee awake a sleeping enemie, as sometimes the priuare occasions of one Kingdome maketh partes-taking from another. Let Honour then ouer-looke his Index for particular directions, and you maintaine goodnesse for the enlargement of renowne: as for the matter in hand, a compulsiue loue is absolute incontinencie, and the disseising of anothers right is worse then tyrannie, especially in a matter of such consequence as the disturbing the beautious Deltona, whom some heauenly influence hath warranted that I and must enioy: assure you then no deuice, or force of man shall bereaue me of my claime, considering my interrest.

Looke how some strange apparition doeth set on worke the eyes of such as are mooued with nouelties; so did the suddennesse of Montanus speech amaze the hearers: for the King maruailed, Rugio stomached, Egerius gazed, Coranus with Bertosus trembled, & all were silent; vntill the Duke grudging at the reprehension, durst not giue way (as he supposed) to such audaciousnesse, but thought to slake the violence in this manner. Boldly spoken what ere thou art, yet ouer-caryed With presumption (which many times ouer-throweth a good purpose, by taking a wrong course to suppresse a badde) thou abusest a Prince, and hast waded further then strength is able to deliuer, or policie to refraine: besines it is not for Shepheards and men of base estates, to entermeddle with the actions of persons priuiledged, and sacred: But to permit a straggling vp-start thus afore my owne subiects, the King in presence, in my Court, and to my face, to distaine my honour, which neuer was impeached? I may not, I will not, I cannot abide it, though my pleasure maintained a fault indeed.

A fault (replyed Montanus) by Marpefias Altar such a fault, that vnlesse you determine otherwise, then to affright the peerelesse Deltona; it is not menaces, or titular dignities, shall keepe reuenge from sending her ministers amongst you; or make me subiect (against vertue) to imperious will.

The King Zalby was much mooued at this, but Rugio more; as suspecting a purposed neglect of dutie: yet perceiuing a setled countenance, and vndeuided speeches to conclude the rebuke, they knew not how to enterpret it; considering the partie reputed an inferiour amongst them; at last they called Coranus, who more fearefull to oppose against the Duke, then firme in expectation of Montanus, told them of his shipwracke at Sea; Placandus entertainement; his loue to Deltona, the Contract at the Caue, and in a sparing manner, how he promised her to discouer a further secret: which wrought thus much, that the King fore-saw there might be cause of affliction; and he seemed likely to be of better account, by which reason the Duke was pacified, and Montanus moderated his forwardnesse: but who had seene Egerius behold him in this extasie pleading for Deltona, would haue sworne he had beene contemplating some Prodegie: presently Philano aduaunced himselfe, and asking Egerius what troubled him, bade him withall tell his opinion of Montanus. Truely (sayd Egerius) accidents of admiration chance in the world, and men are subiect to high direction, so that it must needs fall out, that hee hath beene ouer-burdened with extremitie, and is sure of better desert then the outward habite or appearance, which hee the rather allowed, because by his owne example hee might immagine as vnlikely possibilities to come to passe. VVell sayd Philano, ere wee haue done, I beleeue, wee shall haue much to doe; for as yet we are in the midst of a confusion, and ignorance tryumphes she hath, and must make vs astonished. But the Duke (loth that a time of mirth and entertainment should bee out-faced with trouble and dismay) dismissed them awhile, euery man to his owne course, and imployed himselfe to honor the King with entertainment befitting; whereuppon a solemne hunting inuited him to varietie of pastime, and no man was wanting, whom place or pleasure induced to attend: and as you see a cunning enemie obscure himselfe in some remote place of aduauntage, when hee apprehendeth a stronger force is comming against him: So played the Inhabitants of these woods, after they vnderstood now they were besieged; till suspecting the ill successe of a tryall, they tooke aduantage to escape, little thinking that their steppes betrayed them, and gaue notice to the aduersarie of their beeing; who by this time discrying their flight, shooted for ioy, as if already victory had administred both renowne and reward: in the end, least delay might breed disaduantage, the Houndes (with the addition of their Masters policie in laying of Toiles, and orderly following the execution▪ quickly ouer-tooke them in the Retreat, and them subiected to a furious slaughter. But the Officers loth to make too tyrannous a spoyle, sounded the rechaite, so the rest at randome were assured of more rest; yet rested not the Duke, till he conducted the King in to a gallant Arbour, so cunningly handled, that a man might haue said the deuiser determined to grace the walkes of the Pallace with a worke of specialtie, and set foorth his owne praises, as if he were by it to commend himselfe; for who could but aske his name to know him, and extoll him once knowne.

Heere was a roiall Banquet prepared, and an after time of Counsell (sorting with the conueniencie of the place) concluded, that Bertosus should end the Storie of Mengrelius; who as willing to be disburdened of hir owne feares, as they seemed to be acquainted with others fortune, sent for Montanus to come within hearing, and thus began.

AFter Gellida and Perinthum had taken notice Bertofus proceedeth in the story of Mengrelius. of our solitary life, knowing we retyred our selues in the fulnesse of a good opinion, least the deceiuing vanities of the world might endanger or entrappe vs, they committed the Infants vnto our charge; not without some circumstances of the perill in the discouerie, the feare of both the Empresses, the troubles depending, and their owne reuerent care toward them, as if the hope of many Kingdomes lay heauy either vppon our diligence or negligence. Thus were wee much esteemed for the resort of the Kings daughters vnto vs, who indeede often visited, and as often rewarded vs; so that wee had cause to bee carefull, as well for their sakes that commanded, as theirs wee had in custodte: this wee performed with reasonable successe. For the time of Nursing ouer-passed, the Princes seemed to scorne their Infancie by entertaining a third year, to which they posted with such a gallantnesse, as if indeede they had knowne with iudgement to haue welcommed all gallantnesse. But (most Noble King and Duke) looke how a suddaine storme is so much the more terrible to a well burdened Barke, by how much it is in iollitie of a good beginning, and almost in sight of safe harbour; so was the pride of our hopes rebuked; and when wee least suspected alteration in such a kinde, there happened a most vnkinde alteration. For as my brother and I solaced the Princes in the walkes of a pretty Groue, whereon the handy-worke of man had bestowed addition, and stood playing the wantons with conceit of their towardlinesse, who by this time seemed the Heauens charge, as well as our charge; comes the Arch-pirate Cleonidas, and altering the manner (though not the profession) hurried vs together toward the Hauen, where his ships lay at Anchor.

With that Montanus in suddaine motion interrupted his speech, & hearing the name of Cleonidas pronounced, cried out: O Eternall Powers! hath Cleonidas been an Actor in this Tragedie, and do I liue to heare so odious a sound to my sences? Or shall I liue to thanke the gracious Nemesis for his destruction? Or may I liue to reuenge my disgraces: if the Ocean haue scorned to bee poisoned with his carkas? O Princes! pardon my impatience: this is the head from whence my affliction springs, and runneth into a strong channell of disquiet this is the roote supporting a stocke of miserie, and spreadeth into branches of all vnhappinesse to shade my happinesse: this is the author of such immanitie, as my tongue trembleth to report it; though he seemed raised from the deepest hell to put it in practise. As he was setting forward this inuection, King Zalby perceiuing hee had awaked some conceit of importance, rose vp with a milde intent of pacification (least in counterchecking the humour, it might either grow to violence, or exasperate his discontent) and thus perswaded him: Princely Montanus, We are not so incredulous of those infinite accidentes, which are directed by highest influence, as to oppose against your desert; but lay the fault of our slight respect vpon ignorance, and permit Bertosus to goe forward: then by a Kings protestations, I sweare, your desires shall not range to such a scope, but wee will bring them within limitation; and if neede requireth, with a royall consent alsist your desires. By this time had discretion wonne the field, and Montanus seemed halfe ashamed, yet loth to make any demisse appearance, hee thus replyed: Vertue (great King) I see will be like a square Die, euery way cast standing vpright: your wisedome hath ouer-ballanced my distemperature, and in a manner recouered my despaire, I will therefore fasten my anchor on the holde of your honourable promises, and attend more chearefully the discourse: with that he sate downe, and Bertosus proceeded.

Cleonidas hauing ranged farre from his shippes, ouer-tooke vs thus accompanied, and as wee thought to rudely, questioned our names, estates, The Empres children with Coranus and Bertosus taken prisoners by Cleonidas. and dwelling; wee supposing the reuerence of our King would haue made our peace, and the respect to the Princely Infants assured our libertie, boldly made answer, whatsoeuer you be, or intend; We are the Kings seruants, and these be the Kings children, and you and these (quoth one amongst the rest) be now prisoners to Cleonidas, and so shall remaine, til the tyrannous Perinthum redeeme them with the price of her honour; by this time wee vnderstood enough, and more then was pleasing (vnlesse you may immagine an offender standing before a seuere Judge, vrging his fault to as cruell a Iurie, and after their verdict giuing sentence of death, pleased with the same) For Cleonidas we knew, and his despight wee knew, and the cause of Cleonidas despight we knew flowed from the current of this venemous streame.

ARtabazes was no sooner inuested with the roialties of Armenia, but Cleonidas taking The story of •… xus and Menedemus. his banishment in disgrace exprobrated his simplicitie, that had not more iudicially proceeded wherupon (as hee supposed, to recouer his credit, rather then for any mallice to the King) he attempted a second innouation, but herein his will exceeded his fortune: for the valliant Pelorus Artabazes Admirall, ere he once set foot on land discomfited him at sea; and enforced his reculing to the dry Iland: where Cleonidas tooke a newe course of life both by Piracie, whereby hee gathered infinite wealth, and mercenary assisting other Princes, which obtained him many friends. In the time of this wantonnesse, on the borders of Capadocia was resident as Prouincial Gouernor Prazus, a Gent, of an ancient house and great estate, had not the crueltie of the warres wasted the same; but now somewhat resetled by his owne endeauours and policie, and in reasonable good grace with the king Opacus for his seruice; hee thought vpon nothing so much as the addition of Honour to his house: but apprehending a kinde of error in the kings wants, who was counted to exchang fauour for money, and vnwilling to giue him cause of distasting, considering that aduancements depend on the pleasure of the Prince; hee conferred with his friends about the king, and such whom seruice at Court had especially graced: so that perceiuing the vse of their fauour, he compared himselfe to a man ready for entrance in to some pleasant Gallery, wherof he had the right, but another keepeth the Key: at last reason, reward, or his owne worth preuailed with them, & they inferred to the King the necessitie of the gouernment, the deseart of the Gent. not without addition, how hee had lost his Goodes, spent his Reuenewes, and hassarded his Life: thus was the King prepared. Then proceeded they further by putting him in memorie, how the Vertuous expect a Recompence, as well as the Wicked deserue Punishment: And lastly, as the string, which yeelded the sweete sound of the Musicke, they touched this, that a present summe of Mony and yearely Reuenewes, would come into the Treasurie. I will not say it preuayled; but the King most graciously ennobled him with the title of Exarchate, and constituted him Gouernour during life, according to the Lawes of the Land; wherevppon now the Lord Praxus was enforced to try Menedemus for a competent portion of money to defray his charges, that the entrance into his new Honour in good fashion might establish the opinion of the people by applauding his worth. This was a wretch liuing in the strength and delicatest place of all the Kingdome; and had culled out the sweetest dwellings, and peeces of Land to make his Inheritance sufficient, like a skilfull Marchant who determining to iourney into a strange Country, and contriuing to returne with credite and gaine, searcheth euery Shoppe of a Citie, and selected the best Peeces, the curiostest Stuffe, the choysest Dellicats, and what els he needeth to serue his turne: Yet for all this was the threed of his life drawne from such a minde as seemed made of filth and durt, and the very dregges of Miserie: For abroad his complaints were of the ill thriuing of his Cattle, the vntoward groth of his Corne, the ill payment of the Tenants, the want of Money; when yet it was well knowne, hee had alwayes great summes lying by him; so that the bad vse of Natures blessings, made him want indeed; and that v •… de disposition, wrought him odious to Man, hatefull to God, and irck •… some to himselfe: Within dores the Seruants were negligent, the wife too lauish, the Children too importunate, the Strangers too cumbersome, the Kindred and Friendes bent to vndoe him: Besides, hee was accompanied with these ill Conditions, ridiculous Pride to make men imagine, this basenesse the meanes to haue him selfe glorified; heart-vexing Enuie to see any thriue by him, or possesse their estats in good order: Impudent delight to heare of an others Ouerthrow, or Decay; and inhumane crueltie, if the errour or inconueniences of life draue men into his danger: But to see him about his owne house accompanied with Pesants all ill apparelled, as himselfe sweaty, greasy, dusty nasty, and what-els maketh a man odious, would shew a very comicall Tragedy: And if necessitie wrested the disbursing of some small summes, hee would excruciate him selfe; but when the State compelled his acc •… sse, what cursings, what execrations, what torments? yet goe he must, and in such a manner, as I cannot with patience describe it; him-selfe like a Pedler with foule Linnen, beastly Garments, patcht, seamerent, and greasie, and worse then a Slaue: His men brought to his owne bent, Carters, Ploughmen, Shepheards, and such as were imployed in the greatest drudgerie: His Horse and Furniture part old, broken, and foule; part such as hee vsed in his businesse, and part paw •… ed, forfayted, or bought at second hand: Onely this I must needes say, some things of his Auncestors he vsed in sparing manner, which were good, and made the rest more rediculous.

With such a fellow was Praxus to deale withall, and had so many delayes, such excuses, such foreswearings, yea teares from his eyes flowing from an hipocriticall heart, that he knew nor whether to laugh, or to be angry: at last vpon sufficient securitie of a Morgage; a Lordship, on which hee had long since cast his eyes for his younger Sonne, like him that ouerlooketh a flocke of Sheepe to see which be ready for the Butcher, or to inrich his Purse; the Money was sent, and Menedemus tormented him selfe, not so much for feare of the securitie, as to depart from the company of his Treasure. Now betweene the time of repaiment, Menedemus had brought to his house the beautious Lausana, a Ladyes daughter left in ward to the King, and by this Monster of Nature bought out, more to make benefite of, then for loue to his sonne, or any other, whom her owne worth without addition, might well satisfie. With her did L. Praxus fall in loue; and feeing the forwardnes of so many Graces in so gracious a person, assured him selfe, they could not chose but grow vp to the becomming of the place wherein they were sette, and bring all wealth, happinesse, and coutentment to him whose fortune had alotted the Haruest; but perceiuing the diff •… culty of obtaining her, by reason of Menedemus bad disposition & ielosie, and that he was aleady engaged, and within his danger, (as you haue heard) he knew not well how to proceed; at last he contriued not to pay his Mony, and by a little stretching his Authoritie, sent a band of Souldiers to keepe possession of the Place; all which, he said, was for the wretches good, because if he would consent to the Contract of Lausana, he might at one payment receiue the Mony borrowed, and what he had disbursed for her Wardship; otherwise he would inferre to the King and Counsell, the complaints against him, the mischiefes he had procured, and some other enforcements, which would ouerthrow him for euer. Heere was Menedemus in an extasie, hauing so many Crosses, (as hee tearmed them) to be cleared of as to be vtterly vndone for want of his Money, to be vexed in soule with the feare of this accusation, and to be put to greater charge in contesting with the gouerner: but the secret of this terror depended on a priuate commaund from the king not to cellebrate Lausan as mariage without his consent; nor to yeeld to any contract to another vnlicensed from the state: This he tould Praxus with a strange kinde of trembling, that he hoped he would not seeke his ouer-throw, nor put him to trouble in recouering his owne: but Praxus by faire intreatie not to suspect displeasure, considering she should rather be aduanced then disparaged, wonne him to thinke well of the Maryage, and by engaging his Honour to see him secured or otherwise not damnefied, made some return of comfort, but indeed the absolute deniall of his Money, vnlesse he consented to this course, enforced him at last to forget dutie and honestie; and so with a chearfulnesse in the receipt thereof, hee deliuered Lausana to Praxus: for which, hee gratified the wretch beyonde expectation. Thus either returned; Menedemus to his miserable life, and Praxus to solemnise the Triumph of his delight: wherein without doubt (if hee had proceeded with the Kings fauour) a happie contentment had been the reward of counterchangeable worth, and liking.

By this time is Opacus acquainted with each circumstance, wherupon he sommoned both Praxus and Menedemus to appeare at Archelais, which Praxus would haue done, had not the other for feare of expences absolutely denied it, and putting him in minde of his promises, and how for his sake these dangers were threatned, detracted the time so long, that Opacus stomaching the contempt proclaimed them both Traitors, their goods and Landes to be confiscate, & their persons infamous and subiect to the Law: this newes had almost made cowardise the seruant of Valure. For Menedemus would haue kild himselfe, or rather hanged himselfe, least he should haue seene his one blood, had not Praxus awaked his drowsinesse with warrantice and comforte, that rather then for so slight offence extremity should open the gates of crueltie; Curatsax king of •… beria (to whom Praxus was of alliance, would not suffer him without cause to perish: this made them stand on their guard, and exasperated the kinges displeasure, who came forward in persone to represse the insolency, wherby Praxus was enforced indeed to expostulate the matter and after true intimation of the cause, and the kings extremitie, drue Curatsax with a sufficient Armie as auxiliary: so a ciuell warre (which more and more like a new kindled fier suffered to wast the woode by degrees) burst foorth at last with flames of dispight and desolation, especially to Capodocia, wherin it continued and began, and Opacus was constrained to higher Cleonidas, who at this time kept about the Riuer Cirus, and when he list to come vp into the Country carried his Boates on Camelles backes ouer the Mountaines, leauing his shippes sufficiently conducted and secured, with his ayde and the death of Menedemus, (who in a time of •… uce would needes goe see his Land, and in what estate his inheritance stood, but was intercepted by certaine of Cleonidus new Soldiers, to whom his owne Tenants had betrayed him, and so submitted to their fury, was the Warres ended, Praxus restored •… o the kings fauour, and the King of Iberia dismissed.

THis businesse thus ouerpassed Opacus inuited Cleonidas to the Pallace, as well to gratefie his The story of Cleonidas and Perinthum. vertue, as to pay his Soldiers: heere had he sight and conference with Perinthum the Kinges second daughter, and whether the opinion of his owne worth, or the vnfained affection vnto her, induced; in very good manner he demaunded her loue, had not loue commaunded the contrary, which at the first was taken as a coustome amongst womē, till a continuall repugnancy both in speech & action shewed rather a scorne, then neglect of his suite: this agrauated his greife, but not extenuated his passiō, because questionlesse subiected to her perfection, and now debarred from the thinge he desired, he resembled a man in a continuall feuer, still longing for what he is forbidden, and loathing what is prescribed: At last rather enflamed, then e •… amored, he vrged Opacus consent, who to be plaine neither durst deny, nor would accord: resembling a man holding the Woolfe by the care, which if he hold fast he is sure to be bitten, if he let loose, he is in danger of life: So he feared on the one side Cleonidas reuenge in the deniall, and his daughters defamation in the accord: yet seing the necessitie of the businesse, and the others importunitie for an answer: kindnesse had reciprocall passage betweene them, and the king tooke time to confe •… re with his daughter.

But Perinthum assuered her father, that her faulcon pitched a higher flight, which he not much misliked, and therefore to auoyd all inconueniences sent her with Gellida, her other sister to attend the Empres of Trebizond, and enformed Cleonidas, as though their owne wilfulnesse, or desier to be acquainted with a place of such renowne had vndertaken the progresse: To this excuse he knew not how to oppose. For finding Opacus rather wishing a pacification of the displeasure, then countenancing the Vnkindnesse, he moderated his Indignation; and so departed, neither warranting his loue, nor expressing his hate to the Country: Till vnderstanding of the Ladies returne, hee practised many meanes to circomuent her; and fayling in them, as many forages to disquiet the Land, which some times with successe had outragious effectes; some times with stronge hand, as forcible repulses; till at last, Fortune willing to doe him a pleasure, as the Champion of her quarrels, brought this prey to his choyse, and him to this place at such time, as wee were playing with the Princely Infants: so that the action related his pride in vnmannerly hastinesse hurrying vs away; and thanked Opportunitie, as it should seeme, without further questions in vnproper cruelty tying vs in bands: For all wee intreated with teares, threatned with anger; lamented with sighes, anon rayled on their presumption, after offred sufficient ransome; and last of all, pleaded conscience, manhood, and the Law of all Nations. The Infants in the meane while, smiling at the vproare, neither dismayed with the company as Strangers, nor action as troublesome: But neither intreaties, promises, prayers, offers, threatnings, nor exclamations, could preuaile: Forwith tedious Iornies they brought vs to the Sea side, where their Shippes lay at anchor, and were ready to attend the caulling of the Winde, who by this time, began to chide our negligence, that was not thankfull to so kind putting vs in minde of our businesse: onely wee expected the comming backe of the Captaine; whom Cleonidas had sent to certifie Opacus of the accident.

But when his returne assured an illusion, and that the king disclaimed any right to the infants, warranting withall the fiction, but a deuice to set our selues at libertie: neuer was so fit a time to pattern out wrath and fury, as in Cleonidas whose •… ies glistered like Fier, and impatience scarce forbore with his owne hands to teare vs a peeces, commaunding vs to be tortured for deluding him; which as a villaine was forward to execute foure great Quinquiremes scowred first by vs, and after winded about, as if they meant with aduantage to set vpon vs: which when Cleonidas had beheld with the eyes of aduice, and perceiuing they were but Messengers of some mischiefe following, (for by this time hee had descried the whole Fleete,) we were a while forgotten, and hee (to our amase) proceeded with such courage and iudgement, that in applying the like to generous performaunces, hee might have prooued a sufficient member of a politicall body: for the Souldiers were placed each one in a congruent distance, least shuffled togeather, might haue bred a confusion: The Fireworkes were prepared, the Fights were ouerseene, enclosed, and well flancked; the Weapons were considered on either to skirmish a farre off, or to grapple, if need required; and the vnable and insufficient, were separated into some remote corner from troubling the rest: Amongst whom, was our account cast; yet some honorable concite vnwilling to be tyranous against Infants, and men vnlikly to be preiudiciall, remitted vs from bands, and imbarked vs into a very good brigandine to be transported to the Dry Iland: where the strength and conueniencie of the place both secured, and contented him, when he list to make his retreat.

THus were we parted from the company of The Shipwracke of Coranus and Bertosus with the Emperors children, who are here discouered to be Egerius & Deltona: But by their proper names Trezobor •… & Brizaca. death and danger; for Cleonidas presently made toward the Gallies, but (Most mighty Princes) how the wrathfull Nemesis, or his fortunate Genius determined of him I know not, because, vntill this occasion, his name was neuer once a subiect to talke of, though his wretchednesse yeelded many times sufficient matter to thinke on. But wee kept a steady passage to our Harbour, and had cause of comfort, when the trauell of foure dayes brought vs within the sight of the Iland: Yet looke how a sparke of Fire euen at the very present of his taking leaue of the heate giueth the greater light; so wee gaue a sodaine shoot of ioy, with a Swanlike dittie, at the instant of our destruction: For on a sodaine, a North-west winde whirled the Barke about, and though the Mariners endeuored the contrary, wee as quickly lost, as enioyed the former delight: Then followed a Storme, which with continuance vnited to the Winde, raised a dangerous Tempest: last of all, approached a second Darknesse, wherein the night drew her Curtaines to hide vs from the face of Heauen, had not the contention in those vpper Regions giuen vs more light, then wee wished, because bringing terrour with the Thunder, wee neither durst behold either Earth, or Heauen. On the other side, the Sea hearing the bigg voyce of the Windes, awaked her sluggishnesse, and perceiuing such variance betwixt the Fire & Aire for superioritie, would not imbace her selfe, but thought to make her greatnesse appeare, as well as they; and so swelled beyond measure, growing to that rage, that wee thought it better to be subiect to Men, then implacable Waues.

This continued a whole day and night, and the continuance wroughteffect to put vs in minde of our frailtie, and to make preperation for another dwelling, because the Barcke vnable to house vs, was willing to dislodge vs; and we likewise grew weary of being such Tenants, especially my poore Brother and I, who seemed dying, before death; and ten times dying, to behold the sweete Infants cling to vs for succour, who were not able to helpe our selues: Yet at last Nature preuayling against Wilfulnesse, wee determined to tarry for, rather then to runne to so bad a friend as Death, and therefore agreed to striue with Redresse, if wee could, and to tie the Children to our backes, concluding to change their Names what euer chaunced; and withall, changed our Places, setling our selues neere to some strong Planckes, and Chestes: So, by that time our Genius assured the splitting of the Shippe, I was safe in this vnsafetie on a seasoned Truncke of Firre, and my Brother on a spare Mast; both which, floted for a while neere the dismembred Barke, like silly Birdes houering about their Mother entrapped in a Nette, and leaue her not, till the Fawkner assure, hee is the messenger of death. What should I say (most mightie King) the feare was more then the danger; and yet may the greatest scorner of Perils, confesse the danger exceeded any meanes, which humaine pollecie had to auoyde it, considering our burdens, and combersome company, which did rather augment, then diminish our griefe. For alas, to be in hassard of drowning amidst the cruell Billowes, desperat of succour, on vnfirme seates, and with infant Princes tyed to our backes, who can but thinke wee had sorrow sufficient, and suppose our heauinesse a wonderfull temptation: At length we seemed cheared with a life cast in a new mold by perceiuing faire weather approching, resembling a condemned person meditating with repentance, and sadly casting his lookes on the ground, as not daring to lift them vp to heauen, till the sound of a Pardon infuseth strength and courage into his decayed soule: whereupon wee setled vp our selues, and began to appease the Children, who as if they meant to finde fault with Fortunes discourtesie, exclaymed on her vnkindnesse by pleading their owne innocencie; which whether it were with the inforcement penetrable, or that the Gods meant to shew their power in contrarieties (I dare not verdict) but presently to our amaze, & their pacification, a gallant calme succeeded, and the outward face of heauen suffered her blacknes to be wiped away, whereby it appeared like the milde mother of the earth; so that it was my good happe to driue vnder the Walles of Fortona, where a Fisher stood drying his Nettes, whom as I learnt afterwad, was the old Piscaro; and as I had cause to acknowledge, was the honest Piscaro: For seeing some strange thing floting a farre off; hee watched to helpe, if hee could; and graciously helped when hee could: So my safetie increased with his comfort; in which loth to appeare defectiue, hee had me presenty to his House, confirming his Charitie by his good Workes.

NOw when hee presumed on my strength, hee questioned with mee about my Shipwracke; Bertosussuffering shipwracke is taken vp by Piscarro & nameth Trezoboro Egerus. and to be plaine, I made a round excuse, as though Cleonidas had set fire on my poore dwelling in Persia, and caried mee Prisoner to his Iland, till a tempest deuided vs, and sent mee floting, as hee found. I but (quoth Piscarro) would a Pirate permit you so much leasure to tie your Child to your backe, and giue you libertie to make such shift? Questionlesse (replyed I) you haue made a pretty doubt; yet must the truth thus resolue you, and fauour him, that out of furie, hee is most pittifull, and worthy of a good report. This was the excuse I made, and with this excuse was my peace made; so that I remayned with him a while rather willing to please, then to complaine of my owne discontentment: but when he found my endeuours consorting to his disposition, as though I ment to checke ingratitude, he professed a further liking, and very suddenly imparted his wealth vnto me: to be breife with him I continued some fiue yeeres not forgetting the bringing vp of my sonne, who seemed of that forwardnesse (as quickly learning and gracing whatsoeuer he learnt) that my contentment sprang from his expectation: but this manner of life did not long last, because Piscarro, lasted not himselfe, as summoned to a stricter tryall by the irreuocable sentence of death: and preparing for another world made an oueraffection adept me his heyre in this world, & left a stranger to be subiect vnto their mallice, that saw me possessed of his wealth, which though it amounted to no great matter, yet I compassed the dwelling I now enioy, and was able to bring vp Egerius, as you all can partly witnesse: But seeing the winges of time haue thus spread out themselues, and the booke of heauenly reuolutions turneth to this leafe, let not vs degenerat with dulnesse or wilfulnesse, but take out a new lesson, and with reuerence acknowledge him the Emperor Mengrelius Sonne, and remember his true name to be Ptincely Trezoboro: For this is he, whom Gellida and Perinthum gaue me such charge of.

But say Coranus (quoth King Zalby) after Bertosus was thus vnkindly seperated from you, what fauour found you amongst the tossing surges? Not much vnlike my brother (replied Coranus) only in being thus deuided my sorrow the rather encreased, and I seemed to lament his losse, as much as suspect my owne danger: Now belike mischiefe wery of her owne handyworke gaue liberty to an other sceane to alter the act. For within two houres▪ after, the calme presented it selfe, I kenned a farre oft a Fisher boate; who conceiuing of our extremitie made as much hast as my tongue did require their hast: thus was I saued, and by their industry recouered, the old Silenus one of the Shepheards of the Downes commaunding it should be so, and I was glad to finde it so; but more glad, when he brought vs home to his House, where with louing care; and sufficient meanes, wee had the comfortable effectes of good diligence, and •… onest looking vnto. But when I told him I was a man of Husbandry in Armenia, and was taken in a Passage-Boate by the Pirate Cleonidas, as I was traueling into Media to an elder Daughter there bestowed, with this Child, hee much pittied my distresse: But when I tolde him, seeing Fortune was so crosse vnto me (& pouertie must needes prooue combersome, and the discouerer of imperfections) I would take any paines in an other Country to helpe my wants, rather then be a scandall to my selfe, a laughing stocke to my Enemies, & a scorne to my Friends; or at least such, as in former time professed so; hee liked mee as a man of sence, and added somewhat of his owne opinion. But when I told him, that the bond of his Kindnesse had tyed mee to the strict obseruation of Satisfaction; and that I offered him the fruit of my endeuors in his seruice, Coranus suffering shipwracke is taken vp by Selenus and nameth Brizaca Deltona. he tooke it in good part, made tryall of my industry, and welcommed me accordingly.

There I remained vntill Deltona (for so I named Brizaca) was able to apprehend my instructions, and loth to let her loose the benefit of this towardlynesse I obtained of Selenus a Cottage by my selfe, wherin we liued, till she in her life florished, and I in her florishing prospered: For as if the graces had doated on her, each action she attempted was gratious, and I (as if fortune men •… to turne her Wheele indeed,) in euery thing had good successe: in so much that with the admiration of her beautie & gallant behauiour Deltona obtained the chiefe place at the feast: & with regard of the companie, and my owne good vsage, the poore Coranus held the reputation you found him in: therefore (most Noble Duke) looke on her now with other eyes? for no longer Deltona, but the Emperor-Mengrelius daughter; Brizaca.

By that time Coranus concluded his discourse, a generall muttering was heard, and raised a manner of confusion amongst them, wherein we will leaue them, till the extasie haue end: and as they begin to conferre of the strangnesse, shall the time acquaint you with the story.

THe truth had no sooner Deltona thus reuealed doth not yet forget Montanus: but confesseth her loue. triumphed in Deltonas discouery, but seemed impatient at restraint, and therfore commaunded fame to diulge it abroad: yet who had at this instant beheld her, would haue sworne shee ment to participate to some excellent artist a very patterne of modesty and humilitie rather then state and magnificense: For there neither appeared alteration, nor any new countenance; only that which seemed new, was a manner of scorne to thinke, how a vaine titell should produce such regard before vertue and desert: Neither would she haue admitted those ceremonies, had not Egerius now her brother Trezoboro perswaded, that though a diamond (howsoeuer set forth) is still pretious, and a stone of estimation: yet arteficially pollished maketh apparant a greater lustre, and augmenteth the vallue and sufficiencie: So no doubt vertue & beautie in Deltona Coranus Child, were guiftes of singular delight and account, but in Brizaca the Emperor Mengrelius daughter, they were perfections and excellencies of admiration: thus she was contented to dismisse her former stilnesse & feare & appeared, as if maiestie had framed a worke of ostentation, which made the king, Duke, and the rest, burden ignorance with the error of their slight respect, and desired her to pardon the former negligence: to this she was soone directed, and by her excellent behauiour, gaue notice of all those additions, which make Princes famous to their eternall renowne.

In the time of this celebration, Montanus seemed forgotten: For euery one busied themselues with the matter in hand. The king to gratefie Rugio to purchase attonement; Trezoboro to acknowledge a Sister, Philano to honour his friend, Coranus in recounting of secrets; and Bertosus in discouering of circomstances: so that Montanus too curiously stomaching the operation of ioy extended alto •… ather toward another, entertained an vnkind suspition of her neglect, which made him retyre to Bertosus house, where his meditation was quickly welcomed to Ielosy and misdoubt, had not Coranus brought him tidinges of better cousequence vpon this occation.

Brizaca setled in glorious alteration, began to ransacke the Closet of affection, and found the remembrance of Montanus mourning, that there seemed neede of a new search, which made her challenge the company for his losse; as if she ment to giue them notice, that on his saftie depended her chiefest content. Now was a new hurliburly in the Pallace, and a new humor in the Duke, they busied in the execution of her pleasure, and he repining to finde a concurrent in his loue: For if before her Comlinesse and Beautie had withdrawne Power from an incontinent libertie, now her Greatnesse and Maiestie rather inflamed, then enamored; which suggested emulation against Montanus, and might haue nourished those despights encreasing betweene riuals, had not the presence of Brizaca caused the returne of better consideration, and her last deniall assured shee was engaged with the bond of Fayth toward him.

Thus was Rugio imperiously ruled, and for her pleasure displeasingly pleased: so be sent Coranus and Bertosus abroad, who comming home, found Montanus in a manner ouercharged with griefe. Why how now (quoth Bertosus,) is this the conquerour of Misfortune? and terrour of Licentiousnesse? Did you exclaime against Rugio, to our amase, and disquiet the King with your heroyicke reprehention? Is Brizaca lesse regarded an Emperours Daughter, then when shee was Deltona, the reputed Child of Coranus? Where is Courage and Magnanimitie? Where is Hope and Resolution? Where is Loue and Delight? See Loue, (replyed Montanus) but little Delight: For what goodnesse can I expect, when at the very first, Disdaine and Contempt proceeded against mee? no man more deseruing, no man lesse regarded. Tush (answered Bertosus) Imagination is the mother of Trouble; let me therefore bring these glad▪ tidings, that how-euer the strangenesse wrought in vs, and extasy was effectuall in them; yet is Brizaca honourable, constant, and resolute toward you. Toward mee (quoth Montanus,) how can a Shepheard bee remembred amongst Princes? Truly (sayd Coranus) if I may speake without offence, ouer-liberally credulous of your Promise, shee reprehended mee for your absence, and sware shee would forget her new name, if it should be an obstacle to her desires. Well (said Montanus) I allow of the deceit, and am content to checke my suspition: I request you therefore like men, let vs beleeue the Gods remaine vncontroulable; and like friendes, suffer mee to make this vse of your kindnesse, to certifie Deltona (for as yet I dare not name Brizaca) that my life and loue dependeth on her respect; whereon I will aduance the trophes of Honour, when that sleeping Fame shall awake to tell her, Montanus is no lesse then a Monarch: In the meane while, I present her my M •… ntanus departeth from Forton •… . Heart; but must absent my Bodily presence. Nay, reply not? For Heauen concludeth, my Geniusperswadeth, and I am vnchangeable. With that, hee hasted out of the Cittie, and left them to maruell at the wilfulnesse.

Thus they returned to the Court, assuring the Duke hee was not to be found: But imparting to Brizaca the matter as it chanced, and the manner, as the circumstances effected; in commending withall his care (exceeding all other care) to be restored to the possession of happinesse: This somewhat setled her feare, and yet troubled her opinion, considering she could not apprehend, whither hee should goe, vnlesse to Placandus. In the meane while, Trezoboro and the Duke, concluded to proclaime their discouerie in all the Kingdomes adioyning; which Rugio consented vnto, as well to make his endeauours plead his affection and desert to Brizaca, as to amplifie his renowne both abroad and at home: wherevpon many Messengers assured diuers Princes, that truth and strangenesse had sent them; and they according to the nature desiring nouelties, by Commission or rather Warrants of safe conduct came to Fortona, ere the limitted time had fully spred her winges, and were welcommed accordingly: so that such as professed in chiualrie, made their cost rather extend to necessitie then wantonnesse; and such as had their Fancies tyed to other subiectes, seemed doubly charged, to make a mixture of armes and delight; but when the day approached, wherein glory determined a solemne inauguration, the entercourse of people gaue notice, as if they went to the Pallace of Honour, and the Duke added to his greatnesse and euerlasting fame, both by his demeanour and expences. In this manner proceeded the Triumph, and the Iudges of the Field were conducted to an imperiall Tent, equally deuiding the Listes, which were King Zalby: Orcanus Lord of the Blew Ilands: and Nestorius Prince of Oxidracan: the Ladyes discharging their nicetie, were as ready as the multitude, and the Knights came triumphantly forward: Amongst whom the defendants shall receiue this sparing commendation, that their outward brauery and gallantnesse, made the beholders suppose it sumptuous, and the person vnknowne, was worthily liked for his honourable minde and good intent: As for the Challengers (how euer some censor doe except against the time, which had not yet ripened inuention) they may not so slightly ouerpasse my remembrance.

Ligornio heire and hope of Bactriana brother in law to Rugio, and newly betrothed to the faire Ramira, a daughter of Artaxerxes Prince of Susiana, had his Caparison of a Sea colour satten, so arteficially embrodered with a tempestuous water deuided into broken waues by the purling of the Silke and Siluer, that the contention arose, whether the cost or the cunning exceeded: for at euery corner of the Quarters, you might descry a Shippe in harbour of safetie. The Mott was: Tandem,

Sacromirus sonne of Hircania, ware a purple Veluet, all spotted and embrodred with Panthers; but so done, as wee well might know, Hircania affoorded this Beast exceeding other Countries, and hee affected them surpassing other men, as if hee meant to discouer, that looke what property Nature bestowed vpon them, hee assumed to him selfe. The Mott: Si saturatus mitis.

Seleucus heyre of Margiana, on a curious Cloth of Siluer had in diuers places a Rocke deciphered, resembling that, which protected the Country from inuasion, and assured; the place it selfe was also impreguable. The Mott: Hoc cape et regna.

Belnidus the sonne of Carmania, bare a Peachcolour Veluet purled ouer with siluer and gold Wier; but so artificially wrought, that you might perceiue a cut off Head on an Altar, as if hee meant to tell vs, that Loue was there obtained with the price of their enemies Heads The Mott: Sic amor. conquiritur.

Culanus King of Sogdiana hauing matched with the heroyicall Tarina Queene of Saca, thought no scorne to blazon her excellencies, and therefore on a VVatchet Satten embost with Gold had her resemblance portrayted, and himselfe kneeling before her, wherein the chiefest care consisted to decipher, that Beautie and Vallour, had doubly enforced his yeelding vnto her. The Mott: Non pudet vinci.

Philano sonne to Rugio on an Azure Damaske, bare a resplendant Sun, so excellently embost, that the very Rayes gaue shew of a glorious light; but when we perceiued certaine Cloudes of Silke and Siluer, as it were thrust into a corner, wee then remembred a greater force might put a weaker enemie to retreat. The Mott: Sio gloria desidiam.

Trezoboro on a russet Veluet cut in pierced mascelles vpon azure Persian stuffe, had diuers Crownes of Gold-smiths worke; ouer whom an Enameled eye seemed to take the charge. The Mott: Quis amittet?

The Duke himselfe ware on an Orenge satten an embrodred Arme, shaking a Sword out of a fiery Cloude, and so wrought, as if it receiued life from a Heart threatning despight. The Mott: Vindicta.

Thus passed the Ceremonies of this Triumph; wherein is to be obserued, that Valure and Delight made before-hand a bargaine with Mischaunce, not to enter the Listes, or any way to impeach the Iollitie, being a thing determined for show and pleasure: Yet when it came to execution, the broken Lawnces flew into the ayre, scorning the compasse of a small hold. The Horses wearied with ill managing, disburdened themselues of their vnfortunate Masters. The Knights actiue in their seuerall encounters, (louing Virtue for her owne sake) desisted not for one repulse; but againe and againe made their tryall: Amongst whom, Rugio enforced himselfe beyond expectation (as caryed with a passhionate violence toward Brizaca;) for though hee had broken fourty Lawnces, and ouerthrowne sixteene Knights; yet scorned hee a surceance, till the fortune of the day confirmed the Prize to his worth: But as his forwardnesse insulted with his merit, a suddaine hurliburly at the West ende of the Tilt, exposed new matter of variety, and came thus to passe.

MOntanus went directly to his father Placandus, ouer whom seuerall feares and Montanus commeth to Placandus: his father & prepareth himselfe against the Triumph. sorrowes for the murder of Franio, and the dissipation of his friendes had an vntoward gouernment: but it was quickly deposed by the returne of Montanus, who by this time was welcommed, as if a traueler hauing left a louing wife in the seuerall mistrustes of a dangerous vioage paste hope of returning presented himselfe by miracle vnto her: which occationed some ceremony of kindnesse, as well to strengthen the opinion of Placandus toward him, as to satisfie his curiosity, which neuer left ouer burdning him with questions: Wherupon he tould the old man of the Dukes stealing Deltona, her scorne and Franios trechery: he tould the old man, Coranus had found a brother, himselfe was entertained with Bertosus, and what had chanced concerning Egerius: he tould the old man Mengrelius story, king Zalbys comming to the Court, and Deltonas with her brothers discouery: he tould the old man the entertainement, which followed, the embassage concluded on, and the triumph proclamed, whither he was resolued to goe; which when Placandus rather wondred at, then impugned, hee told the old Man of his misfortunes, the fight with Cleonidas, and his right to the kingdome of Armenia: To be breefe he tould the old man he was the Prince Anzitemus, of his contract at Mengrelius Caue, and how Deltona remained irremoueable, and vnaltred: of which though the strangnesse slacked his beleefe, yet was the truth so modestly vrged, & the likelyhood of his speeches concurred with such smothnesse, that Placandus reioyced in the hope to find it so, and with a gladsome contraryetie seemed officious vnto him, as if he knew it was so: But when the next morning rumored the like circumstances, he then obserued all the partes of loue and secrecy, and according to his directions made ready Mony of his Cattell, moueables and such like he possessed, with which Montanus furnished him selfe, as conueniently as he could, and at the time appoynted came into the field with a Caparison curiously embost with watchet silke and gold counterchangeably layed vpon the same coulour Persian stuffe: his deuise a lawrell florishing vnder a tempestuous Element, the Mote: Salua tamen.

Thus with a seemely Trot he paced to the Tilt, Montanus commeth to the Triumph unknowne. as if he determined to grace their expectation with a thing of some rarenesse: For the Horse commaunded manifested a scorne of wantonnesse by a stately sobrietie; and he commaunding, managed the beast without any wrested mouinges or enforced restraintes: nor was the Duke much discontented with his approach (his courage enterpreting it a pollecie of Honour to adde more fethers to the Wings of Fame, because he had alredy made tryall of as good men at armes as any in Asia: yet very loth, that mischance should make a mixture with that dayes glory, he shifted his weary Horse, and tooke him to an old Bay, which rather (as if time had altered the coulour) seemed a perfect Chesse-nut, and so supplyed the roome againe, attending the sommons of victory.

But when the Ladyes were made acquainted with the noueltie, strange was their desier to know him, strange was their griefe, that none could satisfie their desier: As for the peerlesse Brizaca, though she could haue wished him Montanus; and withall, remembred the good of Montanus: yet not able to thinke, what treasurie in a place vnknowne, had opened her doores, she desisted from supposing him Montanus: But whether, because her minde had runne on Montanus, or that the nature of well wishing extendeth to the weaker side; she once againe allowed him Montanus; and praied accordingly for the same successe, as if it had beene to Montanus; but the Trumpets sound gaue warning to put her other sences in practise; and so the first course began, which passed both with liking to the beholders, and astonishment to Rugio, because they perceiued a sweeter cleannesse in the diuision, and hee felt a quicker strength in his deliuery: yet knowing conceit was a weakning of courage, and the least aduantage,descried a step to Conquest, hee made ready againe, and so fiue times togeather with sufficient equality concluded, and might surely haue triumphed without impeachment, considering the deeds of Armes, with whose applause he had filled all mens cares the day before: but that the Saddle at the sixt encounter scorned the weakenesse of his Strappes, and vnworthily disburdened it selfe of so worthy a Master; who seemed somewhat perplexed to be so disappoynted, yet was pacefied in the displeasure, when the rest receiued the same payment.

In this manner was Glory satisfied to see the Vertue of this new Knight accompanied with good successe, and so the Iudges with semblant suffrages, yeelded the honour of the triumph vnto him: But hee vtterly disclaymed to assume it, considering the Duke had continued longest in the Field, and hee came like an Enemie in ambuscado, espying the best aduantage for his sallying foorth. To this Rugio opposed, as much pleased with his respect, as opinion of the rest: especially considering his hopes toward Brizaca were frustrate, and therefore led him vp in great royalty to receiue the Prize: where the admirable Princesse, accompanied with many worthy Lapyes expected, to whose portion Fortune would allot it: But when a full interuiew had taken away the vaile of doubtfulnesse, it was no kind entertainement, but a sence rauishing ioy published him Montanus, wherein shee might haue passed the limits of moderation, if Trezoboro had not sommoned her to put her other graces in practise. Now when Montanus found him selfe the cause of this confused silence, and turmoyle, hee thought it high time to pollish the rough way, and lead them to a plaine Field of his knowledge; whereupon hee vsed this preamble. Let not (great Princes) too suddaine a censure passe vpon my presumption or negligence; but rather be incensed against Ignorance, and my owne Misfortunes, if respect haue not passed with her properties: But because you haue already participated with the discouery of this peerelesse Princesse, and yet still continue as a longing and louing Mother for the returne of an other Sonne, affoord mee a litle patience, and I will fill vp the measure of your hopes:Yet in regard the Iourney I vndertake is tedious, and this dayes trauell importuneth repose, I will dispence awhile with the time, and procrastinate your desires till to morrowes conueniencie: But very quickly is the Sunne infeoffed with the nights inheritance, and Trezoboro in his sisters hehalfe (stomaching the delay, hee thought Montanus made) challenged his honourable Promise, and accompanied him to King Zalby, the Duke, and rest of the Princes; who by this, furnished a roome of State, wherein the chiefest things worthy regard was strange expectation: So that after Brizaca with her princely assistants, had enriched the place, Montanus with a solemne Maiestie rose vp, and with the ceremony of a reuerent obeysance to them, a mannerly chearefulnesse to her, and sweet affabilitie to the rest, thus began.

WHom so euer remembrance fauoreth The History of Artabazes and Olmus. with the occrurences of an age forepassed, must needes either read, or heare of the famous victories of Armenus surnamed the great, whose vallure subiected diuers resisting powers, and gaue name to the Country to his obedience reduced: In which hee had not long aduanced the Standard of imperiousnesse, but amongst others, erected two especiall Cittis Sagarena, and Artaxata: The first, corresponding to his Fathers: the second, to her Name; for whose sake the Country submitted to a Strangers wroth. In these hee constituted Lawes for the Common-wealth, and Orders for the Court; which although seemed repugnant to the peoples disposition, by reason they sauored of new inuention, and combined them to a strictnesse, rather wresting their obedience, then animating their loyalties: Yet the good vse by his ouerlooking, setled their grudgings, and established him in a florishing prosperitie; which though misfortune began to impugne by some slender reuolts, and the losse of the royall Artaxata; yet was fully reintigrated in a second Mariage with the magnanimous. Talmiranda Queene of Assiria; with whom hee spent the dayes of his yeares, and the yeares of his glory, glorying so much the more, because Nature imparted her Bountie in many particulers, and Time made the vpshot with expectable issue: For his Sonnes, Artabazes and Olmus shewed in their bringing vp great hope, and in their Fathers life Honourable gouernment. But the aged Armenus must satisfie his debt to the whole worlds creditor, & leaue them in the world like Waxe wrought with a warme hand ready for any impression. At last, sorrow ouerpassed the time of her ceremonious sadnesse, and the noble Artabazes without difficultie or repining, inuested him selfe with the royalties of both Armenias, Assiria, and many Prouinces annexed to his Empire; and so two especiall occasions lifted vp their heades to make them selues knowne to the King: The one, a Celebration of his Mariage with Euphamia heyre of Arach and the three Arabias: The other, a forme of Gouernment, as well to maintaine his Fathers good proceedings, as to auoyde the suspition of his owne weakenesse. In this, after extreamitie compelled a strong Arme to ouerturne Cleonidas House and confederates, euery one applawded his method and manner, and the people were carried with admiration toward him, the rather because he assured, that the like iustice should be distributed as well to the poore as rich, & made his owne example a magnes to draw forward the steeliest disposition: But when by many particulars tending to a perfect establishment, they found their peace and plentie to florish, then were they violently carryed with zeale, duty, and reuerence: and truly (most mighty Princes) how euer some enuious hand did afterward cast poyson into his vertuous Spring, hee questionlesse layed a sure foundation, as your selues (if you will affoord mee a little patience) may witnesse.

For the first thing he vndertooke, was the peopling a mighty Citty in the hart of his Realme, and erecting a sumptuous Pallace in the middest of the Towne; that a reseptacle of all sorts, whom controuersies compelled to tryall of Lawes, this ordained to especiall persons, whom honour incited to follow the Court. The Buildings not yet so much beautified with externall curiousnesse, as firme statelinesse: and the Pallace an inuention of glory and eternity: as hauing sure walles, well proportioned largnesse, stately lightes, easy Staires, great Entries, Princely Galleryes, conuenient Lodginges, wide and magnificent gates, aparted Offices, holsome walkes, sweete Gardens, and dellicate Nurseries: But what was this to the scituation & polliticke aduancement, the ground worke it selfe mounted two Furlonges higher then the other buildinges, and the metation finished with the circuit of a Thousand yardes, all contained within the deepenesse of a double Moat to which industry of man had drawne vp the violence of many springes, and the circomference of a triple Wall: yet did a stealing hill in such soft vprising direct thee, that what with the brauery of the Marbell paued streetes, and the comlinesse of the euen built houses waling foure great wayes of two hundred foot in breadth, eight hundred yardes in length from the Cittie gate to the first Pallace wall, thou wouldest haue been delighted in the iorny, and wondred with what pleasure thou hadst attained to such height: thus was it stronge to with stand insurrection, and in the midest for the better commaund of the Cittie, and easier prouision of the Pallace: like the heart enuiorned with the body, and the nourisher of life to all the members, they flourishing by the strength of it, and that prospering by the good order of them: Thus was it princely to resuscitate regarde, because the state of Maiestie may not be confounded with communitie, but retaine speciall reuerence. Thus was it named Armamiranda that the people in remembring their well affected Prince might conceiue he forgot not his much deseruing parentes.

The next matter of import was to vnuaile the grosenesse of errors, and to reduce the gouernment to vniformitie, which consisting in the admittance of vertue and men louing vertue for vertues sake, selected such, whose integritie of life, and prudent directions warranted their worth for any purpose, as for follie either of her selfe lothsome, or bewtiched with impietie abhominable, she was altogeather banished: the person whosoeuer reiected for the imperfection, and the imperfection imputed rather to scorne of discipline, then naturall defect. This made the good goe forward in a well troden path, and the bad desist from accoustomed ill life, to which they were as it were directed, by reason so great a king made himselfe exemplary by his owne vprightnesse in iudgment, trueth of word, reposednesse of speech, chearefulnesse of aspect, secrecie of businesse imparted, tolleration of inconueniences, resolution of enterprises, heroyicke proceedinges in matters of Armes, constancie in affliction, and at all times reuerence towrad the Gods.

The officers of his house were such, whose demeanour sollicited Honour to remember their worth, or vertue beautified, that Honour before collated to them: yet was no man trusted to the libertie of his owne will, but receiued these instructions, to accknowledge the dignitie of a kinges person, to maintaine the secretes of state and Court, to perpetrate no fact incurring the crime of Maiesty, to detract no time nor occasion, which might set foorth the honour of his kingdome, to admit no vnworthy person, as an officer in Court, to hinder no mans aduancement, that had merited his place, and to depraue, nor depriue no complainant, till his cause were iudicially heard.

His prouidence appoynted a Hundred Senators, as Presidents of Prouinces dispersed through the Empire; to whom he committed Causes of incombrances, and Petitions of the people; not yet withdrawing him selfe from Controuersies of importance, nor forbidding to speake, whom Iniuries enforced; so that the Proude and Mighty were depressed, the Weake and Innocent comforted, and the Worthily regarded, confirmed.

The Priestes had charge to watch late, to rise early, to be spare of Diet, sober in speaking, patient in suffering, holy in conuersation, seruent in execution of Sacrifice, impartiall in reprehention, vntainted with priuate malice, no hoorders of Treasure, administers of wants, and keepers of their owne houses.

The Noble-men reziant in their Countries receiued these instructions, To haue their Houses stored with seruiceable Attendants, such as should neither be rash, quarrellers, lyers, blasphemers, gluttonous, gamesters, lecherous, or infamed: All which might be easily auoyded, or quickly preuented, if they themselues were milde, honest, sober, silent, patient, familiar, and deuoute: neither murmuring at the haunts of Brothers, Vncles; Coosins, and all other of their kin; nor denying to succour the necessities of poore Allies; or supplying the wantes of crauing Strangers; whose enforced aduersitie deserued compassion.

The Iudges of the Kingdome, and Iustices of each diuision were prescribed rules touching them selues, and had a commission concerning others: touching themselues in no sort to be irregular, not lauish in tauntes, not arrogating vnproper titles; no vtterers of base reproches, no nourishers of impatience, no deriders of former instances, no despisers of ciuillitie, nor others ignorance, and aboue all no deniers of iustice, nor strangers to religion: concerning the people to make stronge weaknesse, to commend courage, to prouide before enforcement, to chastise dissolution, to succour in time, to appease sedition, to obserue conformitie, to cleare suspition, to remedie heuinesse, and to temper the momentary ioyes of prosperity.

The Gent: whose youth added Iustinesse to desire, and sufficiency to willingnesse, were aduised (with this caueat not to surpasse their degrees, or endanger their estates) to learne morallitie, as an ornament of the minde, and practise to be actiue for the enabling their bodies, either to Courtly pastimes, as the Prince delighted, or to Warres necessitie, as the Common wealth enforced, whereby was put in vse the running of rases, the swiftnesse of Footmanship, the wrastling by armes, the breaking of Horses, the sleight of the Launce, the casting of Dartes, the benefit of Slinges, the stroke of the Sword, the wearing of Armour, and the aduantage of other weapons: besides the spare time of Countries repose was bestowed in taming of Beastes by pollicy, force, deuise of Toyles, deceite of pittes, coursing of Dogges, or cunning of Horsmanship: In catching Fowles by counterfeit of Voyce, limings of bush, placing of Ginnes, and exercise of Hauking: In snaring of Fish, by skill of Hooke, groping by hand, casting the Net, opening the sluce, or poysoning the poole.

The Marchant was made acquainted to trauell abroad, to obserue his Martes, to learne nauigation, to abstaine from curiosity, to apply himselfe to the place of his Trade, to exchange his commodities, to be certaine of his admittance, and to make difference in the choise of his Marchandise, according to the variety of Countries, each affording natures bountie, and the earthes plentie,

The Countri-man had these informations to till the ground, to Plough their seasons, to Sow their Corne, to reape the blessings, to howse their Stuffe, to order their Cattell, to Plant fruite, to sow Acorns, to set Wood, to quicke Ditches, to draine Marshes, to stocke Rootes, to cast Pondes, to sheate Sheepe, to trim Wooll, to weaue Cloth, to spinne Linnin, to dresse Hony, and to practise whatsoeuer labour might attaine to, or conceite imagine.

The Artificers were imployed to build strongly, to Wall with stone, to strengthen with Iron, to make warme with Glasse, to heaw Timber, to burne Brickes, to graue in Mettall, to cast Armour, to digge Mines, to search Welles, to deuise for Shipes, to Tann Leather, and to furnish townes: so that nothing was left vndone, which belonged to the vse of man, nor any thing done according not to reason and wisdome.

Thus (noble Princes) flourished the Common-wealth fiue Lustrums togeather, vntill a wanton Securitie set on worke the worst part of mans maliciousnesse, and made euery paltry Controuersie rather a wicked Cauell, then a necessary Complaint: For in short time, many Sycophants grew in the Common-wealth, (like some strange Disease on an infected body, which either carelesnesse or wilfulnesse neglected to cure, vntill it became vlcerous and past redresse,) who neuer desisted from wrong information betwixt Neighbour and Neighbour; whereby they began in Displeasure, and ended in Despight. Many ambitious spirits not able to beare out them selues, suffred Enuie to intangle one another with infinite outrages; so that if one Cause were determined, ten Actions were commenced: and many diuelish Polliticians prying vnder-hand into the demeanors of men, either brought them within apparant Default, or suborned Witnesse against them as, infringers of the Law; whereby euery man feared the conuersation hee kept, and repining Hurliburlies in a manner mutinied against the permitters: but especially when the King (growing mightie and rich, by reason diuers aduantages brought them within penaltie of some Statute •… and For •… etures,) became somewhat carelesse in such particulars, as before his Father and him selfe had ouerlookt: Then were vnder Officers left like vnskilfull Pilots in a dangerous Voyage; and the •… e arose a very feare of confusion amongst the people, and lacked but a Head to draw them into action; which though it was not iustifiable in the wrong course so to bee vndertaken, yet was to be pittied in the reasons, they inferred of redresse.

For speaking the truth, the men in authority (espetially to whom the determining of controuersies weare appoynted) not onely made benefit of the contentions of the people, but for the insatiablenesse of the benefit subuerted the first good intent of the lawes with quillites and detracting, being cunning indeed in nothing but detracting: besides, touching priuat humours, this ridiculous crossenesse chaunced, that where their owne originalls were for the most part base and obscure, they in the scorne and inueighing against others, laboured yet to ennoble themselues and their Children: Heere also was added the errors of higher officers euery one striuing to aduance his friend and follower to such places, which other men expected for desert, or had wonne with time of seruice and attendancie; nor was this sufficient, but the Common wealth was burthened with strange impositiones, & diuers Monopolies brought only benefite to some few persons to the generall repining and complaint of the kingdome: For the better sort stomached to see their honour checked and controuled: The men of Armes disdained to be vsed like flowers, which are worne while they keepe their scent, but cast on the Dunghill neuer so little fading: The religious, like their profession, were rather esteemed for a pollecie to keepe the people in awe, then in necessity to tremble at any iudgment to come: other Artists poore for lacke of practise, and therefore despised: the Countryman stoubborne, malitious, and yet outwardly humble enough, vnderstanding but by others instructions, and a little soothed, brought into a Fooles Paradise: Only the Citisen made good shift, by reason nauigation was to be maintained, and the entercourse of people bestowed their Mony amongst them: yet desisted they not from sinister meanes in gathering of wealth, and cruell extremitie in extorting aduantages, quickly suggested by base Brokers and petty Lawiers, who in the end made them resemble that enuious man, who wished one of his eyes to be puld out, so his companion might lose both, which wrought so great feare (by reason Conscience accused them of so many faultes,) that they quickly fined themselues, and when there was no such thing meant, consented to any imposition to maintaine their liberties,

Thus grew the name of Lawyer and Officer more hatefull, then orderly execution: For their Pride and Wealth made them respect no body but them selues; nor any thing, but their owne profite: Now when Pride and Couetousnesse were yoked togeather, like vntamed Heifers vnder the hand of an vnskilfull workeman, the Plough went quickly aside with ill holding, and the Common-wealth grew full of Weedes for lacke of seasonable tillage; which was a long time marked, and as long concealed by the Kings brother Olmus, who quickly apprehended the mislike of the people, and as quickly entertained some strange hope in the apprehension; nor wanted their meanes and helpes to betray his conceite. For some induced him to take the defence of the people into his hands; others dispersed Libels of defamation against the State: Some whispered against the King for not reforming these enormities; others dared to buzze in the peoples eares, that Olmus was of an other disposition; who in deed by this time, affecting a kind of popularitie, soothed each complaint with a pittifull behauiour toward many Suters, and fayre Promises to stand them in what stead he could: whereupon they flocked on heapes, and Olmus the Kinges Brother beginneth aninne uation. made intercession, hee would protect the Common-wealth, offering their liues and goods in profuse manner vnto him.

VVHen Artabazes vnderstood the truth, and that Euphamia pleaded the hazard of Artabazes, stomaching his Brothers, presumption will not induer it but Kills him in the Hurliburly. her selfe and Children, he durst not giue way vnto the mischiefe, for there was no sitting still in hearing of Innouation, but published an apparant mislike of these beginnings, and proclaimed against his Brother, for taking a wrong course and cause in hand: Now? because the ielowsie sprung from the hazard of his Crowne and dignity, it burst foorth into flames of Despight; with which he ment to consume him, had not some speciall Coadiutors vnderpropped his ambition, wherby he was a while reserued, like a man traterously asisted to the Top of an high tree, that his fall might be the greater, when they list to tumble him downe, for presently diuers ciuell Warres ensued, which the people with great feare and charges maintained, and Olmus with extremitie and pollicy continued, as fully resolued, that the fault now aggrauated would neuer admit reconsiliation: sometime passed in this businesse, wherin all mediocrity ouerpassed (both Country and Citties suffering the wrecke of the mischiefe) wherupon a truce was taken, and the king seemed contented to haue their greeuances heard, for which a sollemne meeting was appoynted at Sagarena: but Artabazes incensed to be thus Coorb'd, as he thought, would by no meanes admitte of other Course, then his owne pleasure, perswading his great heart, or at least his great heart perswading him, that the authority of Kings consisted in commaunding, and not in being ouerruled by audatious disobedience: with which quicke conceit he ouershott to dispute or Reason the matter, and so by forcible entrie broke into the consistory, with a strong hand dismissing the Counsell, amongst whom finding his vnhappy brother, he made the case more Lamentable, because he slew him himselfe, Artabazes Killeth his brother Olmus. and that the company in a place priuiledged were vnable to reuenge it, who yet performed, what they durst, and durst doe no more, then excalime on the action.

But the king carelesse of any mans repining, retyred his forces to the Principall fortresse, suspecting what a mutinous Multitude might vnaduisedly yeeld vnto, especially hauing already entertained mislike, and now confounded with new action of distrustes, which accordingly came to passe. For the Cittie dismayed with the report of Olmus death, and terrefied with the speeches of diuers, who gaue out that the King ment presently to sacke it, misdoubted their owne saftie, and were v •… d to Master their forces to saue their liues, which Gestarius incited them vnto (a Minnion of the slaughtered Prince) and with The story of Gestarius. a slender inuectiue quickely exasperated their displeasure. But heere Fortune laughed, first to see a man of iudgement deceiued in an idle choyce: and then the world bewitched to be caried out of the smooth path of Obedience by a blind guide into the stony and craggy streights of Innouation. For concerning the man, hee was in great credite about Olmus; yet neither bitth allowing the fauour of a Court, nor education meriting any extraordinate liking, onely readinesse of Lip-labour adioyning some outward pleasantnesse to many abrupt speaches (of them-selues, neither in another gracious, nor from another allowable) made the ouercredulous Prince continue his loue; because hee had begun his liking, and admit the person for pleasing his fancie, loth to reiect so great hope, as his cunning perswaded; and vnwilling to bring his first Iudgement in question, which had so much ouerruled him. Touching his Action? as soone as silence was pittifully entreated, hee seemed to excruciate him selfe with sorrow, and began to vtter his minde, yet could not for deepe sighs, nor sigh long for many teares; which proceeding from affection, detained him awhile in some abruptnesse, till at last the strength of his desire to Reuenge, gaue libertie to the tongue thus to dispute.

O infortunate people (sayd •… e) euen after so long goodnesse with the surfet of the same vnfortunate, now are you inuited to a sower Banquet; in which neither courtious entertainement alloweth a welcome, nor holsome Diet satisfaction; vnlesse odious Presumption, arrogant Contempt, wilfull Negligence, vnexpected Oppression, tyranous Slaughters, and vnnaturall Murders, be the fare you attend, and the Dellicates you hope after: For naught else affoordeth the Disshes of this course, or the courses of this Feast, considering your glory (O yee that were proude in the fruition of such glory) is quite extinguished; but in whom? in Olmus; ô princely Olmus is slaine: But where? in the Pallace temple sacred to the people, and sanctified to the Gods: But how? by force of Armes, and furie of Tyrants: But by whom? by blood thirsty Artabazes, who with his owne hands chased vs from the place, and slew his Fathers Sonne in the Temple; which as I cannot declare without griefe, so I wish not let passe without redresse, considering you importune to haue the gouernment worthy your obedience; and not to remaine in a continuall feare of your ruine: For what shall wee expect, when the Common-wealth hath been made the Tennisball of Fortune, and tossed, as his violence inforced? When the Complaints of the people haue been derided, and irregular wilfulnesse set on foote manie diuelish stratagems; as for the Warres, which hath made vs all smart, they haue been but counted pastimes, and the meanes to disburthen him of ill willers: But concerning our selues, How shall we that be Strangers, liue without dismay, when hee which was his Mothers Sonne died without remorce? Let my very Enemies, whom yet I would not haue enemies to their Country, looke about with the eyes of zeale and discretion, and then tell mee, if the Kingdome thus distracted, stand not in need of better direction, when they see in all strong compacted Estates, either Wise men be aduanced to authoritie, or men in authoritie endeauour to be Wise? Nor are-we so slauishly bound to the succession of a Monarchy, not yet confirmed with eighty yeares memorie, to submit to priuat insatiatnesse, rather then prouide for publicke good. What shall I say? I protest, neither old rooted Malice, nor any priuate Displeasure of my owne, giueth this euidence: Or as the ill willer may inferre, perpretrateth a crime; but the dangers you remaine in (most honourable Armenianus) to see your Priuiledges taken from you, your Goods dispearsed, your selues made slaues, your Wiues rauished, your Daughters deflowred, and your Citties set on fire, (as if your names were to be forgotten on earth) compelleth this aggrauation: For the Head corrupted, suffreth the Body to perish, and the Minde to be contagious: a Spring poysoned, dissolueth the venom into the running Streame; and the Prince lifted vp like the head of a polliticall body, either of him selfe wicked, or of as wicked as him selfe mis-ledde, quickly ruineth the flourishing'st Kingdome. Then may the Subiects wish amisse, because they hate, and hate in that they can receiue no good: which seeing wee haue such pregnant proofe of, let vs in time, either alter this vntoward beginning, or depose our new beginning Tyrant: for in our case, wee for •… y not that good men doe die; but tremble that the vicious doe liue.

No sooner had his rebellious eloquence soothed the conceites of the multitude, but with a mutinous hurliburly (not vnlike a raging Sea swelling ouer some small defence, which caryeth before it what so euer stoppeth his course; or a boysterous Winde, whose violence hurleth downe the greatest and highest Buildings) did they thronge on heapes against the place, whither safety had withdrawne Artabazes; and seeing the Ports guarded, were the more enraged, because resisted; yea altogeather out of patience, as finding a likelihood of Gestarius inuectiue, the most of them not knowing whither they went, nor aduised what to doe; yet because they would bee dooing, did indeed what was not to be done: Some crying it surpasseth Homicide, and no way to be excused; others wished their silence, and inferred there might be a causing circomstaunce: Some whispered the danger of delay, and that there was opportunitie to reuenge all their wronges; others gaue an assault, vainely presuming on the glory of the exployte: Some thought it too much outrage, and therfore seemed halfe angry; others of a more dangerous courage, fearing a slacknesse in the deuision, were the angrier at their anger: Some gaue a caueat to be aduised, least the King should preuaile; others made vse of that doubt, that no Pardon would euer be graunted, and therefore as good purchase their Peace by force, or make it a generall trespasse.

Thus vnstayed hastinesse, the very principall part of trayterous insurrection, deuided their wits, and debarred all motions of alleageance, causing them, which intended to doe well, to practise what was amisse, and such as ment amisse to continue in tenn times worse: so that Artabazes was amased at the wretched vprore, and in a manner confounded to see such a concurrencie of mischiefe; but when he perceiued their outrage bent to entrap his life, and that they had begun a worke of great trouble, he summoned the best aduise he could of preuention, which concluded to winne time, the father of contraries, and by secret flight to preuent the present fury: reasonning thus, either their owne affayres would deuide them to their houses, or the charge in maintaining the Army would proue to comberfome; or the Queene hauing strongly fortefied her selfe in Belcania, would raise and encrease her power, or the neighbour amity of Media would sufficiently reenforce his Army: this his eldest sonne Anzitemus much vrged, because Artabanus the Median King was many wayes tyed in honour vnto him, and to this did they all condiscend, making that night a sudden alarum and with a gallant sally quickely winning the Hauen with the Ships within the Riuer, wherein no man resisting (for the King Artabazes? leaueth Armenia. commaunding, and was now able to be obeied) they as quickely embarked themselues.

But heere you might haue deciphered the operation of base cowardise, and gallant vallure; this of such vertue, that each daunger was as soone ouerpassed, as attempted: that of such changes, that the hurlyburly amongst themselues slue more with disorder, then the Enemie with aduantage: For as Anzitemus gaue the on set, and that the king followed to second him, whole Lanes were made through some few companies new risen, and the suddennesse suffered none to rise, who were otherwise ouertaken: besides, the night encreased the feare, the feare a confusion, & a confusion a most lamentable slaughter, which the King not regarded (as supposing Iustice had taken his cause in hand) but thanking Fortune for the opportunitie, left them amazed at the accident, and setled him selfe to the dispatch of his iourney.

By this time some better aduised, then the rest, gathered togeather the dispearsed Forces: but when the light of their Vnderstanding had vnited it selfe to the light of the Morning, and that they saw so pittious aspectacle, and knew the King was escaped, then followed another alteration: For the vnsetled multitudenere disputing on the first cause, condemned the present mischiefe, and began to enueigh against the inchantment of that exercist Gestarius, which had so seduced them: but when they ouerlooked their damages, and conceiued the matter, as if Iustice had sent them to the house of Correction, then grew the terror amongst themselues more, then their courages against their enemies, none now being enemies, but such as enterprised the defence of Gestarius, who base in very basenesse it selfe allowed each reproch without Coulour or excuse, and suffered the wrecke of their rage with the losse of his owne life which done Pleios a chiefe man amongst them aduised to submit to the Queene Euphamia, whom in all actions they had found a worthy patterne of Ptincelynesse and vertue, and would not now degenerate, considering Gestarius had already receiued the guerdon of a Traytor, and no man remayned, Gestarius death. but trembled to immagin, what the end would haue been, if the King had miscaried.

This euery one applauded; and a present submission made intercession for a pardon, but by reason of her feare of Artabazes, it receiued not full life, yet shee accorded, what euer chanced, to make their peace, and they encouraged with her Princely promise disperced themselues, wherupon she sent forth a Pinace, as a messenger of these glad tidinges to finde out Artabazes, which made such hast, that within three dayes it ouertooke them ouertaken with such ill successe, as if mischiefe and destruction indeed had called a dismall counsell to crosse a man,

FOr (most Excellent Princes) euen when they The story of Cleonidas & Artabazes. thought misfortune weary of her tyrany, they descried a Fleet at Sea, the arch Pirat Cleonidas, whom the Ministers of report had certefied of Artabazes troubles, and mingling many lyes with some truth, perswaded, that most men desired his returne and aduancement, to which his former discontentments, and present meanes of Reuenge seemed to flatter him, that if the worst fell out, he might ioyne with Olmus, and so make the same Water that draue the Mill, to drowne the Mill by his comming, causing the Brothers so to weaken one another, that at last he might be warranted to depresse the strongest party: This aduised him to furnish his Nauy, and hearing the voyce of the Windes sound comfort vnto him, made vse of the time, & set forward with speed, vntill he encountred Artabazes Sailing into Media, and thought Fortune very liberall in bestowing such a benefit vpon him: For now the choise of reconciliation or Reuenge was exposed, but Reuenge sounded like Musicke in his cruell eares, as maintained with the life of a more cruell heart; wherupon without parlee, or other amplifieing manner of defiance (more then that he exclamed, how the fauour of the Gods had sent Cleonidas to cry quittance with the sonne of Armenus) he presently assaulted them.

But when the name of Cleonidas, wicked Clenidas, (yea in his wickednesse dishonorable Cleonidas) was vnderstood of Artabazes, neuer came vallure to be so miserably checked (as if the sound of Cleonidas had proceeded from the Trumpet of death) for a sudden stilnesse (far be it from any man to call it a feare) made such a Metamorphosis, that when there seemed greatest need of an embolding courage, then began a misdoubt of death warranting sorrow, which departed not, till a strong party of sighes and teares disproportioned his magnanimitie: at last he remembred himselfe, and seing his sonne Anzitemus, as it were ouerlooking him, caught hold of his Arme, and thus spake: O the strength of my life? O my Anzitemus? Be not dismayde at this extasie, nor impute the titell of Cowardise to the father of such a sonne, but the only opinion, & the now examination of the same, which I conceiued of the wise Dermastro, who long since in a greefe-working sadnesse assured, that Cleonidas would be omninous vnto me hath ouerswaied that allacrytie, which I once supposed no mischance should distemper: yet I protest, this is not troublesome in regard of my selfe, but for thee, whom I haue doublie and irrecouerably betrayed and abused: But necessitie made a breach of his speeches: For Anzitemus (answering no otherwise, then liue Artabazes in despight of Cleonidas?) was enforced to the fight, and so disposed his Ships, that Cleonidas determining to Grapple, thought to discouer some aduantage by Wheeling about, and turning his Sailes. And as when two mightie Rammes enraged with the smart of well inforced stroakes quickly part themselues, and to the vnexperienced make a Cowardly retreat, butindeed to meete againe with sorer fury: so acted Cleonidas his part, for what with animating of some, terrefieing of others, and his owne example he set forward againe, and becircled the ship, wherein Artabazes was with foure greater: Now who had seene the peerelesse King for his worthynesse could not, but haue thought valure rightly bestowed, such was the slaughter he made, such was the confusion, which followed: The shipe full of dead Carkases, full of dying men, full of wounded fighters, himselfe bestowing no blow, but like a Messenger of Reuenge and ouerpressed with number like a Minister of rage, as for the rest, the valiant in their deaths outfaced death, the coward saw his shame rewarded either with miserable slaughter, or slauish Captiuitie: the Ships were suncke and dismembred, and Anzitemus began to be ouermastred fighting with Cleonidas, which when Artabazes perceiued, his impatience was so great, that Terror it selfe might haue beene dismayed at the distemprature: For a strange fury began a strange action ouerthrowing all resisters, making some Armelesse, some Headlesse, some Liuelesse & desisted not, till he approched the place where his sonne fought, and displacing him began the Combate himselfe, which continued in such a fashion, that Anzitemus was deuided from them, though his handyworke had wrought the Miracles amongst the company: at last Artabazes (as angry, that it stood him in no more stead) threw away his sword, and closing with Cleonidas supposed with maine strength to throw him ouerboord.

Heere began a new contention, as if destruction ment to shew the beholders variety, but after many windinges, shouings, and turnings both strong, both cunning, the Pirat was ouerthrowne, but not with that quicknesse, but Artabazes fell two, compelled by the fast holding one another: thus lay, they both breathing, both fainting, till Cleonidas awaking the very secrets of mischiefe, and perceiuing the neerenesse of his owne Ship gaue directions to tumble them togeather therin, which whether they neglected thinke (Noble Princes) Cleonidas carieth Artabazes away prisoner. when it was as quickly done as spoken, and the Enemie to manhood-commaunded to vngrapple, and so to depart with their gotten Prize, which though Anzitemus striued to intercept, yet Fortune vnwilling to his destruction infringed his desiers, and left him dying in seeing his father so captiued: and Tenn times dying in the succorlesse helpe remaining: nothing with holding his owne entrance into the house of death, but hope of Cleonidas death, which very shortly he had time enough to meditate on, though slender meanes to execute: For when his eyes returned from their dastardly flight, as they termed it (because they might as well haue Triumphed ouer him) to regarde his present estate, and that he found of sixteene Saile & two Thousand men but two barckes, and fiftie eight in saftie, suppose he remained rather not knowing how to dye, then wishing to liue: at last the life breathing Counsell of Ardmeio, faythfull Ardmeio recaled his spirits, and thus dispelled the combersome enemies of courage; Honorable Anzitemus leauing further ampliation of Titles, let deuine resolutions be rather reuerenced, then disputed on; let hūaine actions be rather accounted the subiects of change, then Anchor hold of perpetuitie; let vertue be still it selfe rather to redresse mischiefe, then maintaine prosperity; Let time haue her allowance, and what we suppose vnlikly, that will dispose vnlookt for: This I am bolder to inferre, because without doubt a secret influence doth none ouerrule, and might in some persones effect demissnesse, but in you, where the better part remaineth vnassaulted, which is magnanimity, let that apply and imploy it selfe to redresse, wherin no doubt as your constancie shall appeare, your succour shall approch: proceed therefore in your iorney to Artabanus? Whose ayde may set you forward into Persia, or whersoeuer Cleonidas is supported: or if you please you may returne into Armenia, where I am sure, if you will take the protection of the Kingdome into your hands, you shall be able with loue and leasure to raise sufficient power to plucke Artabazes out of the lawes of destruction.

But Anzitemus vtterly neglected, yea in a manner despised the motion of returning, protesting neuer to returne, vnlesse Artabazes did returne; or both ouerturne their liues right to her contraries vsurpation, and therefore tooke the other course of going to Artabanus; where he was without scruple or diffidence entertained. But (most royall Princes) Misfortune followed like a a shadow; for wee found the Noble king in such distresse as there seemed no hope of our recouery: Then belike (quoth the Duke) you were a party Montanus discouereth himselfe to be the Sonne of Artabazes. in this businesse? Great Duke, I was; and to bee plaine, am that vnfortunate Anzitemus the first borne of Artabazes, vnfortunate in being that I am; but ten times vnfortunate in not being at all.

O Thou life of the World! thou glorious Montanus hauing discouered himselfe to be King Artabazes Sonne by the name of Anzitemus maryeth Brizaca. Sunne, (quoth Ligornio Prince of Bactriana) Who hath not heard of Artabazes misfortune? Who hath not heard of Artabanus successe? Who hath not heard of Persias troubles? Who hath not heard of Anzitemus victories? With that, hee arose to imbrace him: Nor were the rest of the Princes so vnsatisfied in opining his Discourse, as once to suppose there were errours in the same; but likewise arose, as if indeed the same of his actions, and greatnesse of his birth, had read them a lesson of respect and reuerence: Whereupon Ligornio tooke the King Zalby and the Duke aside, and gaue them notice, whom Fortune as malignant had thus turmoyled, whom Vertue as predominant had thus conserued, whom Fame as triumphant had thus eternised; which Rugio (hauing long since receiued the deuision of report) willingly acknowledged and therefore with true Honour welcommed him by the name of vertuous and victorious Anzitemus: then followed the King, then the rest: last of all, as the Iudges before led him to receiue the Prize from Brizaca, they now conducted him to be receiued Priselesse of Brizaca, alleaging that neuer deuine fauour could open the Treasure house of bountie vnto them, as now to behold the Pallace of Fortona the place for truth and strangenesse to display the ensigne of admiration, for loue and beautie to March vnder the standard of vertue, for vallure and magnificence to flowrish with the Coulours of Maiesty, for Riches and contentment to conduct the Vantgard of delight, and heere to appoynt the Rendezuous, as if they had concluded a Triumph of happinesse; The Gods therefore forbid (quoth Rugio) that any default of mine should intercept your desires: loue him then Brizaca? Loue her then Anzitemus? and long may you liue to loue, and not liue, except you loue one another.

Great was the grace affoorded Rugio for this: great was the ioy the Kings and Princes made for this, great was the amaze the Court shewed for this, great was the applause the people yeelded for this: but when the royall Brizaca seased once againe on her comfort, and that her happinesse extended in the highest degree of equality, shee thought it inequality in the highest degree no •… to glory in his loue, so firmely before incorporated▪ & Anzitemus and Brizaca maryed. so fortunately now confirmed; therefore she 〈◊〉 led a publicke solemnisation of a new contract: nor seemed the euer-willing Trezoboro to repine at his Sisters choyce, but made vp the defects of the confort with his plawditie. By this time, the household Officers couered for the Feast, and the Trumpets sound gaue warning of a new worke so the obseruations of good Customes adiorned further conference, and with seuerall delights posted the seuerall howers of that day; Rugio striuing to set foorth his owne greatnesse, and the Princes much pleased to receiue so full contentment: Yet the youthfull Trezoboro and diuers others, to whom the report of strange aduentures seemed instigations to as strange performances in themselues, were vnsatisfied in the broken off Discourse of Anzitemus proceedings, vntill Ligornio to doe them a pleasure; and least Anzitemus should be too sparing, speaking of him selfe, (but especially to allow him opportunitie with the much desired Brizaca, to whom he might at leasure, yeeld accomp •… of his heretofore well imployed time) condiscended the next day to finish his Story: which Anzitemus gratified as a kindnesse, and so left the Prince to pensell on the Table of his renowne.

AFter the ciuill Warres of Persia (quoth the Prince) had made the Seruants of Bellona Ligornio porceedeth in the History of Artabazes, & beginneth with the story of Artabanus and Astiages, wearie in executing her bloody Commandements, a pacification was effected in the election of a man fitte for the gouernment (which at last, though Artabanus King of Media, a Prince of sufficient power, and more suffitient direction, was nominated) yet fell to the share of Astiages, by reason of his blood, education, and commorance amongst them. This Artabanus tooke in ill part, and was amongst the Medians a reputed contempt; nor wanted there such, which inferred, that the scorne was greater in the resusall after they had by their Embassadors vrged it, then if the matter had neuer been proposed: Of this sort, the especial of •… man was Medormus, who well hoped for the Crowne of Media, if Artabanus obtayned the other: whereupon an ambitious Counsell of Warre concluded reuenge, and confirmed the manner by inuasion, the rather because Adelphus Duke of Alstratia offered the disbursing of great summes of his owne, and tooke vpon him the conduct of the Army, which consisting of foure-score thousand foote ten thousand Horse, and foure thousand Camels for burden, made him presume, that Astiages in the inchoation of his Peace, was not able to raise sufficient forces to withstand him, considering his Souldiers hauing the prey and spoyle of a Country (worthy any title) exposed vnto them, seemed impatient at restraint; and indeed performed their duties in the best manner; as when you see a costly Prize erected at the end of a Goale, and the runners striuing to make it the Trophe of their victorie: For at their first entrance they began with subuerting of Houses, felling of Wood, fiering and cutting of Corne, dryuing of Cattle, ensconsing of Wayes, and making of Forts: But Astiages vnwilling that the Earth should bee vnfurnisht of her golden Apparell, which already the vngentile multitude had presumed to disrobe; and forecasting, least the best part of his Country should be the Seate of the Warre, came forward in person, with a full and well furnisht Armie, compounded of all those Souldiers, which in the ciuill Warres were vnnaturally caryed against one another; but now finding the sweetnesse of a little Peace, determine absolutely for the honour of Persia, and within seuen dayes made the tryall of Swordes warrant their affection to their King and Country.

Thus both the Armies are driuen to a mighty encounter, not vnlike to a dusty Path dauncing to and fro as obedient to the Winde, till an extraordinary violence whirleth the vppermost •… olde, that a man would wonder, how one blast should so soone deuide so great an Heape; by which vnfriendly greeting, the one party hath great cause to lament; the other small reason to triumph: The Earth bled for woe, considering the effusion which was made, made her change colour, and receiue vnnaturall moysture: The Beastes whose seruice consisted in the skilfull managing of the Rider, lay dismembred, the men whose cunning was countermaunded by vnfortunate aduantage fell dismounted: The Captiue supposing the law of Armes would haue serued his turne, is suddainely stab'd, the Triumpher is ouertaken with an others weapon in his owne bowels, ere the Blade is out of the others body: One-while the Persians troope with applause of preuayling, anone the Medians shoute with ioy of victorie, as when you see a mightie presse of people, sometime shoouing forward with a murmuring noyse into that corner; sometime backward into this place, and many times confused with the cry of the company: To conclude, what Stratagem disorder of enrage euer performed was now for the manner dangerous, and the number lamentable: For had not the night hasted to decide the quarrell, some other Company must haue ended it, considering it would soone haue ended them. Thus are the Persians retyred with great damage, and the Medians entrenched with small gaines; who slenderly mooued with this defeature, are not at all remooued from their first wilfulnes, but determine, that new supplyes shall make another tryall to pay their double losses: So haue I seene an vnskilfull Archer loosing one Arrow, to shoote another after to find it, till taking great paines in the search, he like a foole returneth with the losse of both: Whereupon Adelphus sent Poligambus into Media, who certified Artabanus of the vnfortunate disaster, extolling indeed aboue truth, the force of the Enemie, to deminish their owne shame in their ouerthrow; but this newes was not so ill of it selfe, as in the efect it procured. For Medormus taking aduantag of these particulars, that the losse in Persia would busie them heere with forren occasiones: that the supplying them would much troubted the kingdome: that the absence of the kings best friends gaue him oportunitie to strike the Iron, while it was hott; and that his owne abillytie seemed euery way strong enough for the attempt, made a strange, cruell, and Trayterous reuolt; wherein without doubt a prosperous beginning had been sustained with vnpropper successe, if by the ariuall of Anzitemus the maske of despaire had not been taken off, and a new Countenance of hope smiled on the discomforted King, discomforted not so much in displeasure of his owne affaires, as in the despight of Medormus vnkindnesse, who had so kindly been beholding vnto him, as your selues may thus witnesse.

ARtabanus now raigning, was sonne of Artabanus Otanes, who had the title of a father The story of Medormus and Gliranda. doubled in enioying also a Daughter called Gliranda, & his ioy redoubled in those giftes of nature, beautie, and Maiestie, which excelled in her, and the rather excelled, as yeelding to the gouernment of vertue and obedience: vntill some violent humour willingly lifting ope the Gate of ambytion made a strange loue, the vnnaturall cause of a strange hate. For somewhat pleased in the gallant youthfulnesse, and well deseruing towardlynesse of this Medormus, sonne of Cestus brother to Artabanus the father, after many circumstances and endeuors to purchase her liking, she admitted rather with a gennerall curtesie, then any particuler affection, his discourses and desiers: but when his loue was pleaded with resolution, that neither father nor brother should be any obstacle for her head to be impaled with the Crowne of Media, vrging his right indeed by being the elder brothers sonne, a matter long since (as shee partly heard in question, and determined otherwise) neuer was vertue so out of countenance: For admitting his reasons and inducements, she rann Arme in Arme with him in the race of a violent Treason: yea such an impression had the expectation of her glory made, that in the infant time of her abortiue proceedings she stomached lesse reuerence, then what is accoustomed to Queenes, and was not ashamed to proclaime her now title, and defiance against her Father: nay more, after the discouery, and that they were preuented, she dared to exasperat the kings displeasure with a kinde of impudencie, who enraging to see such offenders past shame, commaunded the prerogatiue of Maiestie to proceed against them, wherby without question they had both lost their liues, as before they had done their loyalties, if her brother Artabanus now raigning had not importuned a hard returning mercy: yet could not the father so passe ouer the vnkindnesse: For he presently entertained all the Ministers of rage and discontentment, by whom'he was quickly miscaried to the house of sicknesse, wherin only able to assure his sonne, that Kings permitte neither concurrent nor Competitor, with a life fainting farewell, he bad him remember his father, and looke to himselfe.

Now encreased new troubles, because Medormus and Gliranda set on worke new Treasons, as perceiuing one only obstacle to debarte their progresse to the dignitie, which made them contriue to remoue it, wherein they went somewhat cunningly to worke, causing a good mother to bring foorth a bad Childe, and vnder Coulour of an Honorable exployte to incite Artabanus to the inuading of Persia, not doubting but he might miscary in the danger, or they by his absence haue conuenyency to reuolt: but when the kings sending Adelphus had thus disappointed them, the very despight discouered, that there is no confidence to be attributed to a reconsiled enemie, who like the Serpent of Nilus came fawning, creeping, yea and shed teares, till he was able to reach his prey, and then Murdred him without remorse, 〈◊〉 so wrought with them from acknowledging a life sauing benefit, that they once againe attempted a death working Catastrophe: a Catastrophe I may well terme it; as hauing a double reference both to the king, and themselues: For soothed, or rather betraied to this opportunitie of Artabanus forces ouerthrowne in Persia, they begann an intestine broyle and innouation in Media, which shewed the countenance of such miserable towardlynesse, that the king was enforced to fortefie himselfe in the Cittie of Abadod, where commonly his Court was kept, and the people were euer carryed with a Zeale toward him: heither did Medormus prosecute him, and within seauen clayes after Anzitemus ariuall (to whom for the strangnesse and crosse variety the King imparted both the one and the other Warre) miserably deseiged him.

When Anzetemus perceiued to what tryall his patience was enforced, he repined at the troubles, rather then was troubled with any repining, because his owne determination for Artabazes deliuery was procrastinated, and he himselfe must needes be engaged for Antabanus releife: yet making vertue of necessitie; and willing to affright Conceit with some imployment, hee offred the king two especiall iewels of his treasurie, Direction, and Encouragement; that in regard of his louing Cittisens, whom hee meant to protect: this in respect of his disloyall Subiectes, against whom hee determined to proceed; whereupon a summons brought them to hearken after a Parlee, and Artebanus out of the Window of a Port, thus deliuered his minde.

I am gladd louing, and yet disordred louing Friends, that I speake to such, who by their quiet attention make shew at the first, of wisedome & obedience; I will therefore without euasion, or challenging this vnkinde and vnnaturall bearing of Armes against your King, come to the purpose in deed: If then my defects and extremities haue been so narrowly searcht into, that I seeme vnworthy to enioy my Inheritaunce, I was neuer so vntractable to reiect good counsaile and aduise: or if they haue been so vnnaturally vrged against mee, that you cannot beare the burden without a reuolt; yet you might orderly haue discouered your griefes, and desired reformation: for I protest before the Reuenget of all Treasons, that I ioyne with you in well wishing to haue Goodnesse flourish, Prudence direct, Fortitude protect, Iustice controule, and Temperance moderate: Or if any better course might like a quiet working Potion, be administred for the health of this Polliticall body, the patient is not so distempred to cast away himselfe: But if priuate grudges haue led you out of the smooth paths of reason to the ragged and stony streightes of passion, returne for shame, least your foolish choise scandalise you to the world, or for feare, least you be driuen to an vnpreuentable destruction: But if the ambition of others hath detained you in the bondage of impossible hopes and flatteries, shake off the deceite, and with the eyes of discretion behold your owne weaknesse,, considering Iustice correcteth the offender, as well as rewardeth the well deseruer: But if M •… dermus Treasons (hatefull to God and man, especially to me, that am his kinsman, life giuer▪ and soueraigne,) haue bewitched your simplicities, that you can be •… ontent to despise your king, disturbe the commonwealth, slaughter your friendes, Butcher vp your kindred, ruine th •… s established Cittie, and make a confusion of all▪ Whether may I iustly 〈◊〉 on your vnreuerent •… artiallity, •… or the world condemne you for witlesse & outraged? but me thinks, I heare some good Angell wisper amongst you, it is reason and truth I haue discouered, and therfore there must be error, nay monstrous rebellion in these proceedings; deferre therfore your threatninges and keepe your vallures in store against your enemies; for hee •… e a •… ne but allies, Countrymen, friends, and ki •… d, vnlesse like Parricides you are determined to vnrippe the Bowels of so carefull a Mother, I meane your Countrie, for whose Honour, if not for my sake; Be not stained with the lothsome spottes of infamy; And behold mercy, peace, and life offer themselues to your free election, take; and choose? the King speakes, the king promiseth, the King will performe; if not; let these be the times of terror, and the day of my aduancement neuer reckned in the yeere for this your stifneckednesse; This was vttred so passhionately, that the extermity burst forth into teares breeding remorse, yea the manner of his demeanor was such, that the impression had wrought their defiance against disobedience, had not Medormus, stubborne Medormus counterpleaded: they were entrapped with subtilty; and ensuared with a cunning baite, tush (sayth he) though Artabanus may make you beleeue, he will forgiue, yet can he neuer forget this fault, and in the greatest plentie of your dayes will once for all make a seisure of your selues and inheritances; besides? your names and families shall be odious vnto him, alwayes subiect to ielousies, and neuer put in trust with matters of import, as for aduancements they? shall be so farre from being conferred vpon you, that like strangers you shall stand for euer remote; But why bread I this scruple amongst you? You haue Iustice on your side, and conscience bidds you assist me, that am wronged, as for Artabanus, he vsurpeth my right, and as the best of you can tell, so did his father deale with vnfortunate Cestus his elder brother; goe on therfore; goe on; I say againe goe on, deuide the Kingdome at pleasure, and make your owne peace and prosperitie to flourish. But for all this golden field of Promises, the third part of his Armie the next night shrunke from him; and were doubly welcome to Artabanus, both in the succour by the vniting his owne Forces, and the benefite in making knowen Medormus secrets: whereupon Anzitemus perswaded to sally, reasoning on the dishonour? for a Subiect to encage so great a King in one silly Towne.

This was so forcible with Artabanus (who looking on Anzitemus with the eyes of Iudgement, wondred with what setled grauitie his Counsailes were deliuered, as if maturenesse had brought him from the wanton aboad of Youth to the house of Wisedome,) that the men of Armes were that night deuided into two parts: the one left with the King, as a sufficient guard for the Citie: the other committed to Anzitemus, as an able Armie for the Field; with which by breake of day, hee sallyed foorth, and resembled a beautifull Plant newly come to some shew in a Garden, which euery looker on praised, as an Ornament to the place, and feared, least some misfortuue might ruine before his time: But Medormus made vse of his Souldiers reuolting, fortifying him selfe the stronger, doubling his Watches, and in person ouer-looking his Campe and Trenches, whereby hee was prepared at all times; and so when the Alarum was giuen, quickly made it an equall tryall: and although the valiant Anzitemus whirled in the thickest presse, weakning the troopes, abating the strength of the Enemie, reuersing the dispaire of the fainthearted, and prosecuting actions beyonde expectation, whereby his glory was both published, and stomaked; his friendes amased to behold magnanimity so well bestowed, and his enemies confounded to finde the vallure of one man so sufficient: yet were the Medormians so resolute, and encouraged, that Anzitemus would not be further engaged, then his owne forces might purchase a freedome, & therfore made an honorable retreate, as when you see the afterdrops of a storme continue in the greatest force at the parting: This he accoustomed many times besides, as if destruction ment to play the wanton with the company, rather lessning their number, then their hate; which so discouraged Artabanus, perceiuing no other hope then the calamity of his Realme, and confusion of the people, that he determined by single combate to preuent these reuenge-crying massacres, resembling the Pellican, who by hassard of her owne life, feedeth and preserueth her young ones.

NOw when Anzitemus perceiued so gallant resolution, hee could not mislike the same; yet checked his owne slacknesse for not being author of the matter; and therefore to make as it were satisfaction to his opinion, hee vrged Artabanus to elect him Champion of his cause, not so much in deed to confirme the King toward him, as to try Medormus; ouer whom hee was in a manner emulous: Againe, supposing in the preuayling an euerlasting league would be combined, or in the default, his troubles should end with his owne end: Heere grew a vertuous Contention betweene Artabanus and Anzitemus, the one inferring the vnreasonablenesse of the cause to bring a man of his deseruing into so great danger for an others businesse: the other, insisting on his desire to match the Aduersary vpon equall tearmes: at last, Anzitemus preuayled, and a Hearrold Artabanus offereth priuat Combate to Medormus which Anzitemus performeth for the king. for the King proclaymed the Defiaunce; which Medormus durst not but accept, because the Company ouerboldly vrged him, that a Prince in possession was willing to aduenture both life and dignitie; and they them selues were almost tyred with butchering one another. But when Gliranda euer doting on his strength, and cunning in matters of Armes, alleadged the likelihood of successe, hee neuer disputed, but appoynted time, place, and manner; which was by prime of day at a fourtnights end, a full mile from the Cittie, and like a Knight on Horse-backe with Launce, Sword, and Shield: And although in the meane space, some quiet spirits laboured betweene the parties, wishing Artabanus pacefied toward his Sister and Medormus; and vrged Medormus to submit to the King, whom Vertue would questionlesse bring to the house of Pardon; yet hee misconstruing the Moderation of Peace-makers, was wilfully bent to put all to this tryall.

Thus is the day come, and the dignity of the King compelled some magnificent Shew for the furnishing of Anzitemus. First, diuers Purseuants at Armes gane notice of Artabanus approch, and a L. Marshall with a hundred Seruants all well appoynted, so deuided the disordered multitude, that the way seemed a liuing Wall, as if the men had admitted direction by line and leuell: then followed two hundred Courtyers on horsebacke richly apparrelled for their owne credits, and the Kings Honour: Next matched owne hundred Gent. on foote all in a Liuerie sutable, which was a Roabe; Morisco fashion almost to the small of the Legge of flame coulor Veluet, yet so darkned with black-silke and gold-lace, that you might easily imagine, there was sorrow mingled with his glory, they had Sea caps embrodred sorting to his Imprese, semiters according, and halfe buskins of white Spanish Leather enclosed on the outside with flame coulor Ribbin: Then followed twenty spare Horse, on whom rode so many Pages bearing seuerall sheilds with his deuice, which was a ship in full Saile betwixt Scilla and Caribdis, the Mott, As ill is to come, giuing notice his troubles were not ended, though he should atcheeue this aduenture: after them rod fiue Knights with his caske, Launce, Sword, Shield and Horse, which was trapped in a sumptuous and curiouse caparison of Cloth of gold, wrought like flames of fier couered ouer with rowles made like waues of Sea water greene Cipers, in such an artificiall loosnesse mingled with the stuffe, that you would haue supposed the water to haue quenched the fier, and the fier to haue burned the water, besides they were hooked togeather with great Claspes of Goldsmiths worke ritchly Enameled, but more ritchly beautified with Diamonds and Rubies. Presently followed a new fashion Chariot made like a Rocke irremoueably standing for all the waues seemed impetuous against it, which by reason of the motion of the Wheeles tossing water against it indeed, like the violence of a Mill, resembled a tempestuous Sea: Vnder it, or rather within it satte Anzitemus and Artabanus, who in a pleased grauitie and yet displeased Countenance gaue the people to vnderstand, his care was not so much for his owne glory, as their safty: The Rocke was tyed to certaine Cables made of blacke Silke and Gold, which had their seuerall fastning to sixe Pinnases, so well deuised, that the Horses enclosed within them gaue action full libertie, and they Sailed with the Rocke away, as if they determined to drawe it out of the Sea: but the faster they went, the sorer did the Billowes threaten by beating on the sides, yet stood the Rocke strongly founded, assuering that vertue and magnanimitie remaineth integrate, what aduerce crosses so euer chaunce. Round about went fiftie Gent. on foote, the younger sonnes of Noble men with Pollaxes in their hands, whose neerenesse to the king gaue notice of their Honorable place, and credite. After followed the Officers of his Court, Guard, & Attendance; and last of all, fiue thousand armed Souldiers brought vp the Reare, who well marshalled with their Commaunders and Officers, was not the least grace to the Trimuph.

Thus Artabanus came with Anzitemus, and Anzitemus with Artabanus into the •… istes, moouing his very Enemies with the manner of his caryage, and the state of his spectacle: and although his behauiour neither enclined to exceeding chearefulnesse: nor disconsolate sadnesse, wher •… y they might haue vsed correspondence in theirs; yet began they to wonder with a kind of repentance, how they had been all this while subiect to such preuarication: but the approach of Medormus extinguished these meditations, who certefied by the Earle Marshall, that Anzitemus was already in the Feeld, thus issued out of a Crimsen Veluet tent, all imbrodred with Crossebowes of Gold with this Mott: Viribus plusquam ingenio:

First a fame on Horsebacke diuulging her hate to secrecy sounded a very Warlike diuision: next followed diuers gallantly mounted with the seuerall Penons of all his Troops: then came fiftie Gent. on foote all apparrelled a like in an vpper Roabe of Arabia; the stuffe Crimsen Veluet, the fashion open before, cutt vp behind, and of each side: all places yet enclosed by reason great Gold-lace Buttons made of intricate knottes, were folded within the circuit of the like Loopes: On their head the attyre now vsed in Turkestan, but long since in Siria, made of Crimson & yellow Cipers rowled compony togeather, and thicke beset with Spangles: behinde almost to the Calfe of the legg hung a Scarfe fastned to the rowles of Crimson-Taffata, all ouer embrodred with Crownes: By their right side a short Sword, guilt in the like coulored Sheth, as if they had been all left-handed, and signified, that what enheritance could not challenge, by one meanes or other he would obtaine: their S •… ockinges were of Yellow famitt, and Shooes of red Leather, as if they purposed for their Maisters sake to tread in Bloud: Then rode fortie Knightes his Allies and confederates, Armed in guilt Armour pounced with a Garden of Marigoldes, and a heauen ouerspredding with a glorious Sunne in it, as if he were the Sunne of their glory, whom like the Marygold they would obserue for he had giuen them already Guilt maces in their hands, resembling Scepters with intent to inuest them kings: After followed tenn Pages on somany spare Horses richly caparisond with seuerall deuises, but their sheeldes had one Imprese, which was an Arrow flying out of a Bow to the Element: The Mott higher then another: next attended three Knightes with his Helmett, Shield, & Launce: Then came he himselfe proudly mounted, his Armour sumptuously enameled with certaine Crosse-bowes, which were no way to be bent but by force, but to see them of Goldsmiths worke richly embelished with Rubies and Opalles, orderly marshalled all ouer a Crimsonveluet Caparison; you would sure haue taken him for the Sonne of Mars, or Seruant of Honor: On his left Arme hee ware a Scarfe of Orenge curled Cipers all ouer tufted with Womans haire, made fast vnder buttons of Gold, quadrated with rich Diamonds. This Gliranda bestowed vpon him, as assuring shee would spare neither Hayre, nor Heart, to forward the enterprise. Last of all followed diuers companies of his Armie, not in mistrust of any vnlookt-for surprysing, but to giue the King notice, their obedience vnto him was not altogeather forced.

Thus is the comicall Shew presented, and many sportiue obseruations streamed about in a smoth channell: But now enters Death and Destruction to bring in a Tragedie, and the Princes summoned to doe their deuoire, with a gallant speedinesse make a stop in the midst of the race; so that what with fulnesse of their Strength, the swiftnesse of their Horses, the surenesse of their Armour, the cunning in their Deuision, and their iust Meeting togeather: the Launces were weary of their length, and the Knights might for neerenesse imbrace one another: But this was soone forgotten, and their vnsheathed Swordes put them in minde, they were drawne to some purpose: so began a gallant Turny, which likewise had his passage, till Medormus quietly gathering vp the raines of his Horse with his Bridle hand set him againe loosely forward, and indeed was the first, which stroke a blow of aduantage; wherein if hee had not ouer-liberally yeelded to his haste, it had made an excellent try all of the deliuery, whereas it now slided by without any setled damage: But when Anzitemus felt him selfe burdened with smart and shame, hee reprehended his slacknesse, and set a taske on his courage to requite it, which by this time, made anger follow apace; yet loth to strike him behinde, and vnable to wheele about, with a reuersse he hit him on the side of his head, & comming fortunatly forward, stroke him againe, as if hee meant to tell him, there was two for one. Quite was Medormus out of patience, and so put an action of distemperature in practise, by bearing his Shield ouer his Sword with a maine careere at his aduersarie, who apprehending the mischiefe, fortunately receiued it on the outside of his; which vnable to resist the force, vnwillingly deuided it selfe, and Anzitemus was glad he escaped so, supposing a slender losse sooner recouered, then a greater, which made him imploy both his warinesse and diligence the better, that hee desisted not, till Medormus best defence was broken, disioynted, and vnable to stand him longer instead; who 〈2 pages missing〉

iected, for assured of her husbands death, bad death goe forward: and entertaine her for a slaue, that would not be the friend of life: so stabing Gliranda killeth her selfe. her selfe, left an instace of Trayterous ambition worthy lie rewarded.

THis was for the manner & the parties querimoniall, but soone ouer passed, in regard Anzitemus Anzitemus meditateth on his owne affayres and his fathers imprisonment. feeling his wounds begin to coole inforced their best care toward him, and so by the skilfull & fortunate Surgeon receiued presently some ease, & that hasted them to the Cittie, where the applause of the people, his welcome, and Triumph was so magnificent, that he seemed vnpained in his paine, & acknowledged sufficient satisfaction, though his debt to nature had been payed in the bargaine: But by that time the woundes of his body began to heale the corasiues of his minde craued some cataplasme, as his owne businesse, Armenias troubles, and Artabazes captiuitie: all which, like the humble sutors for a friend in distresse, pleading to a King his merit, and how well bestowed his fauour should be toward him, vrged Anzitemus to goe the next way: whereupon hee counsayled Artabanus to recall his Forces out of Persia; reasoning, that a vertuous Peace, was to be preferred before an vniust Warre; and concluding to offer Astiages a present of euerlasting Amitie, by matching Roxana his Daughter to Darius, Artabanus Sonne. Neuer was Counsell better bestowed; for though Anzitemus thought by this contract, to reduce his confused businesse to some forme, and so to be able to circumuent Cleonidas, where soeuer hee lurked; or at least to redeeme his Father: yet they apprehended it, as the voyce of some good Angell for their happinesse, and without more adoe, elected the Honourable Mulcasses to the Embasie; by whose Commission, Adelphus Artabanus Lieuetenant generall in Persia, was against his will discharged, because in deed the Souldiers were disappoynted in their expectation, as euer louing better Booty and Spoyle, then Pay, or strict Obedience to home Commanders. But certified of Medormus treasons, and how honourably Anzitemus had behaued himselfe, they quickly returned to the sweet walkes of loue and dutie, and allowed Mulcasses authority: So Adelphus leasurely gathered vp his Army, and yet departed not quite out of Persia, till hee vnderstood Astiages answere; who keeping his Court at Susiana, (whither hee had withdrawne his Forces to garison) entertained Mulcasses as a Messenger of peace; and after audience, limitted a time to receiue his satisfaction.

But after he was fully dismissed, the monstrous enemies of Prosperitie, Enuie and Wrath made an onset against the Kings honour, and so battered the citadell of good thoughts, that hee could not depresse his malice without discouering it thus to his Councell.

My Lords: I am sure, you will not be so sparing in your regard toward the renowne of Persia, and my Honour: but you remember the disgraces offred my fathers house by the first Artabanus, who many yeeres turmoyled with a Ciuell-warre our Country, and denied our right to this Kingdome: and now you see Artabanus his Sonne, as his Father against the Law of nature would haue disappointed vs, against the Law of nations, hath intruded himselfe, my auncestors cast cleane out of doores by a mutinous rebellion, and I not permitted the saftie of my hard gotten peace: yet you see Iustice hath taken my part a little and Fortune openeth now the doores of a further recom pence, I meane the Croune of Media it selfe, but how? not by base relaxation and accordance to their wills, but by our owne vallutes, and preuailing excursions, pressing now forward, as if a Tree cutt to the heart and hanging by a small hold were with a strong push to ridd the workman of m •… e labour: Let vs therfore sooth this opportunitie, and catch the Goddes by her goodly foretop, least she take in scorne the disdaine, and we preposterously repent the negligence: But the most of his Councell interposed their negatiues, and forecasting the benefits of a florishing Common-wealth through sweete peace, deciphered the mischiefes, yea the miseries of the best warre. Then Astiages replyed, the Honor of a King was more then a Million of liues, and the Gods had appointed them their vicegerents, sometime like good stewards to husband their plenty & encrease their inheritance, sometimes like seuere Maisters to correct offenders and to be the scourges of Iuorath: howsoeuer, he would not remaine ouerinsulted by the wrong of an other, but be famous in after ages for some exployte of his owne: They againe inferred that contentions arose from prestigious spirits which delighted in the blood of men, that their late scares of desolation and aduersitie were not yet worne out, that plentie like an Orphan went mourning in the streetes, and that his election to the Diadem challenged no such bondage at their hands, because they well hoped in his conformity to good purpose, and had •… eofaild with Artabanus in the promise of the Kingdome; but this put him beyond all patience, as euer stomaking the house of Media, and watching an opportunitie to be reuenged, though in deed the first errour proceeded from the incontinencie and tyranny of Persia vpon this occasion.

ORmisdates not long since King of Persia, The story of Ormisdates and Damafloris. hauing matched with Garifeola, Artabanus Otanes Mother of Media matched her likewise with Noblenesse of birth and minde, and by reason of their loues, the Kingdome like a well manured Ground, brought foorth encrease of much happinesse, to the inestimable enriching of the possessor: For although the Queene was barren of her body, yet her inward excellencies so flourished, that they added life to good conceite toward her; and indeed moderated to the admiration of diuers, and the honor of the King, that wanton libertie, which such a Prince in enioying many concubines, presumeth on. But the oldest Wood doth soonest burne, and Ormisdates in his declining age was soonest allured to lust-breaking faith, and did degenerate from himselfe, I meane stood not so strongly on his Guard of vertue, when there was expectation of setled humours, as in the heate of youth when the errors of life might haue passed with excuse: For as he passed through the streetes of Magranopolis to cellebrate the feast of the Sunne, he cast his eyes vpon a window, wherein a Lady (at left her outward shew bare the same record) sate with a countenance compounded of cheerefull affabillity, and louely modesty, little thinking, that cunning had taught her eyes both to allure, and draw compassion, that experience had brought her countenance to the vse of many changes, that necessitie had made her tongue deny, where she wished, and demaund, where she knew there was nodeniall; that time had wrought her heart sometime like waxe to melt with the warmth of desier; sometime like stone to be hardned with disdaine: & that coustome had custructed her demeanor Matronlike, if there were occasions of sobrietie: Courtlike, if great estates importuned, and fantastique, if there were inducements of wantonnesse.

This was Damastoris, a woman of reasonable good Parentage, of reasonable good yeares, of reasonable good estate, a Widdow childles, and wealthy, two helpes in all conditions and Common-wealths; and a wanton taking the benefite of her time: and belike finding inconuenience in the obedience of one man, would not so subiect her youth and liberty any more; whereupon shee made vse of her experience, and indeed ouerliberally satisfied her pleasure: Yet with that delicate conueyance, that the fault seldome appeared; and if it did, could not be vrged against her. With her Ormisdates fell in loue, or at least in such liking, that hee perswaded him selfe it was loue, and so determined to perswade her: this yet was the doubt, the meanes of accesse, hee not able to come to her without speciall notice taken, and for speciall purpose; shee not likely to come to him, neither willing to attende in Court, nor hauing cause of Petition or complaint: At last Desire bred Imagination, Imagination Conceit, Conceit some Disquiet, and Disquiet must needes haue Redresse: Now when Princes come to seeke Redresse, I hope no man will imagine, that any worldly meanes can be wanting; and when the King of Persia importuned dispatch; who would not? nay, who did not endeuour to please and to pleasure him? yet heerein hee onely imployed Pasquito, a man of reasonable comelinesse, exceeding good behauiour, dellicate ellocution, setled experience, (as hauing all his time like a cunning Marchant, seene many Countries, and neuer daring to venture his Wealth in one Shippe) and honourable secrecie, such a quallytie that somtimes all other good partes fayling it simplie preuayleth: who at the first, pleaded many excuses to the King, of disgrace in the action, hassard of preuayling, & so incurring his displeasure, danger of temptation, ielosies, mistrustes, and the cunning of Women: At last the king commaunding, or he being willing to obey, Pasquito furnished him selfe, and came to Damafloris with all the graces of a Princes solicitor: first beginning with her owne worth, that shee did Beautie wrong, to keepe it like a Flower in a close Potte, making no vse either to please the scent, or the sight: that shee was a present for a mighty King (and peraduenture a King indeed did like her. (This hee sayd, to make her inquisitiue, knowing Women were subiect to curiositie) that he had heard and knew shee was Wise, and therefore would not refuse the fortune was toward her; and that hee came from Ormisdates, who wished well vnto her, and had sent a Present of kindnesse by him; so that if hee were not an vnworthy Messenger, and a man hatefull, it could not choose, but shee must apprehend the blessing ment. This was vttered in so good a fashion, that though shee had knowne, how to haue reprooued Incontinencie, yet could shee not much mislike him, that did but his dutie to his Prince; nor the King, that offered fauour to his Subiect; nor her selfe, for beeing solicited by the mighty Ormisdates: But with a kind of abasshed drawing backe, rather studying to contriue her businesse to the best purpose, then willing to entertaine any cause of mislike, shee yet made him beleeue, there was cause of mislike, saying, (and almost weeping in so saying) that the King wronged her much, to suppose shee would make sale of her Chastity; that hee wronged her more so to motion her dishonour, hauing neither seene nor heard any tokens by her of immodesty. All this, sayd Pasquito, is confessed: yet, quoth hee, the loue of a King is of that prerogatiue, that hee protested, it was more for her owne sake, then the Kings satisfaction hee came thither; and so by degrees of insinuation, fell to appeasing her; from appeasing to perswading, from perswading to counsayling, that howsoeuer she determined (which sayth he, I will not vrge further against your vertuous resolutio) it were not amisse to speake with the King. Heere shee stopped againe, falling to the examination of particulars, how, when, and where, the King should take notice of her? All which, he certified with excellent circumstances. Then she made many doubts of the Queenes ielousie, the Courts opinion, and her owne iourney. Nay, sayth hee, if you vouchsafe me the Author of this good Newes to my Prince, neither Queene, Court, nor your selfe, shall know your selfe, or once haue cause to entertaine the attributes of Ielosie. Thus it was concluded, that shee should bee disguised like a Marchant of Arabia, and so vnder colour of the sale of rich Iewels haue secret conference with Ormisdates, and this she did with that gallant demeanor and attractiue, that the King was rather rauished then •… amored toward her, yea she behaued herselfe so well, that at a second meeting he promised to inuest her a Dutches, and if he had issue by her to proclaime him heire to his kingdome, which was performed accordingly: For with in one yeere after, she brought him a sonne named Ascrasapes, and he thought himselfe a happy man to be the Father of a Child: This made him dote on her the more; and that made her deale with him the cunninger: so that the Queene Garifeola seemed altogeather forgotten, and her former deseruing was ouergrowne with the rancke weedes of a Strumpets flatterie, which shee could not but repine at: yet at the first, shee gently behaued her selfe, till finding the nature of some things, as Nettles and Burres to sting the sorer by the softer handling, shee remembred her great birth, and plainely tould him the wrongs done to her and her house were intollerable; and that shee would be reuenged both on the tother and the Bastard: this incensed the king, and mingled with the Counterfeate feare of Damafloris contriued a strange course, which was by deuorce (vnder colour of barre •… nesse) to be seperated from her, nor desisted he so: But as a man tumbling downe a paire of Staires neuer lins falling till he came to the bottome, did •… e cause the same resemblance in the Queene, absolutely putting her by all gouernment, and proclaiming Damafloris in her stead. But when Artabanus Otanes her Sonne vnderstood of these proceedings, the indignitie was too hainous to tollerate, and the reuenge too difficult to attempt: yet something must be done to keepe his Honour intigrate, and his Mother from so strange infamie; wherupon without further ambagie, finding himselfe vncapable of the Scepter, by reason that the Lawes of Persia debarred a Stranger (which yet they afterward went about to disanull) and vnable to make a conquest in regard of home incumbrances, hee determined to cast it on some other, whose 〈◊〉 and abilitie might second the enterprise. To this counsaile was Tautaxes called, a Noble man of Persia of the honourable family of Od •… nates, and next heire to the Crowne; to him did Artabanus inferre the scandall of the Kingdome, the wicked life of Ormisdates infaming them all, the bastardy of Ascrasapes, an vnlawfull stop to hinder his course, the desire of the people to haue reformation, (who most commonly vnder that goodly shew, begin inuouation,) and his owne power to assist him; touching sparingly his Mothers wronges, as if hee would leaue out somewhat for him to remember, and so might be sure of his apprehention, which consorted to his wish: For Tautaxes ambitious enough of himselfe was willing to be thought worthy to be a Prince, not remembring the danger of that point, but now incited by such liklyhoodes, he gathered his forces and friendes togeather, sending Artabanus word, that if he would come in person (because he would haue the name of a King and credite to the action) there should not any oare want to •… owe the Boate to what streame he liked.

Thus began the ciuell Warres of Persi •… , and this stone neuer left rowling, till Ormisdates house was cleane extinguished, and the Crowne at last vnited to Media: yet many battailes were first fought, and the seuerall alterations gaue only notice, that this world is a stage of vncertainties: For as Artabanus once brought the King to a narrow streight, and Tautaxes if he had followed his Fortune might haue ended the Warre, Ormisdates thus despighted in the worst manner made the wronged Garifeola beare the burden of his rage, and striking off her head sent it her sonne as a present: I will not say he lamented a remedilesse matter: but he prosecuted his reuenge and went forward apace, had not his owne misfortunes in despight of resolution recalled him, and this was the first reuolt of Medormus and Gliranda in Media: yet T •… taxes proceeded as well now to liue as to raigne▪ For there is no Medeum betweene an Emperor and Traytor, and in a gallant encounter shew the mi •… ed Ormisdates, and returned in triumph toward Magranopolis, where the incontinent Damafloris kept her Court, of purpose to shew the greatnesse of her state in that place, where once shee had liued in meane degree: But as hee was marching, a Brother of the Queenes vnder colour of Embasie from Artabanus, and crauing priuat conference, stabd him to the heart with a poysoned Knife.

Now was Damafloris sole Queene, and with her cunning and authoritie, handled her businesse so well▪ that by aduancing of some, bestowing of Offices on others, placing reconsiled Friends (least farre off they might prooue dangerous Enemies) neerest her seate, and forbearing a time the vsuall impositions of the Kingdome, her former errour was forgotten, and they were contented to admit of her Sonne Ascrasapes for King; who by this time was able to conceiue of matters of gouernment; and seeing the miseries which the Warres had in a manner deuasted all the Kingdome with, pollitickly matched with Mitrea the Daughter of Tautaxes slaine by his Vnckle; hoping by vniting both the Families togeather, to leaue no scruple nor doubt for his succession. In his time many troubles were appeased; but what he purposed the strength of his state, was his owne ouerthrow, like a man determining to spit poyson out of his mouth, but doing it against the winde, it flyeth backe againe in his face, and inuenome •… as ill: Which came to passe by hauing a Sonne this Astiages now reigning, whom his Mother Mitrea brought vp very carefully, as looking on him with reuengefull and ambitious eyes to maintaine her owne greatnesse, and by his meanes to bring to good end, what shee had long since deuised. First then, the remembrance of her Father helped forward her hate against Damafloris; and that ended not without effects, and they procured Ascrasapes to depose her from her regencie, by suggesting a conference happening betweene the Mother and Sonne, wherein shee dared to tell him, hee must respect her as principall cause of his Honour, and that hee was tyed in a kind of duty toward her, for aduancing him in this sort. Little needed the Spurre to a forward Horse; little needed Mitrea to vrge this against her, because hee tooke it in ill part, and the Sonne of such a woman had malice enough in store; which according to the Queenes owne desire, made his Will stand for a Law against both his Mother and her partakers. The second attempt was against the King himselfe; for finding her heart to stomacke shee was matched with a Bastard, for whose sake her Father was slaine; and her selfe more in pollecie, then honour and loue thus confirmed, shee cared not what troubles were procured, or mischiefe might settle her minde; so that after many circumstances, Ascrasapes died, not without suspition of poyson, and shee in her Pha •… tons flourish was sole Queene of the East. But the Noble men of Persia casting vp the account of these strange distractions of the Common-wealth, thought by taking away the cause to remooue the effects; and by quite abolishing the race of Ormisdates, (especially the ofspring of Damafloris) and some what fearing the violent humour of the Queene Mitrea, determine for another King, and looking toward Artabanus of Medea, as well for his owne worth, as his Grandmothers sake, and Fathers losse; who though he perished not in the Fieldes of Persia, yet by his beeing heere, his troubles in Media were occasioned, nominated him to the place, and sent accordingly to bid him prouide for all their goods: Yet by the good behauiour of Mitrea, was this iudgement reuersed, and Astiages her Sonne appearing with some towardlinesse, made them repeale the former Edict, as it were pittying his youth, and that hee deserued no such punishment; but indeed the desire of satisfaction toward the noble house of Tautaxes bound in their duty and obedience with stricter obseruation: So they all submitted to Astiages, and misfortune weary of tartying long in Persia, passed into Media, as you haue heard: in which time the Kingdome of Astiages recouered some part of her former glory, vntill Artabanus tooke vpon him the burden of being wronged, and so lay in waite for reuenge; which hee went about, but was frustrated by his forces defeature vnder the leading of Adelphus and so shot another shaft of all peace working goodnesse, bythe sending of Mul •… asses: but how he sped the Prince, Sacromirus beere canbest tell: For as I suppoose the beautie of Roxana daughter to Astiages had then drawne him into Persia: Indeed said Sacromirus: indeed sayd the Duke; by your Princely leaues we will be sparing of this delight. For pleasure vsed with extremytie looseth her sweetnesse, and best propertie: therfore let vs first diue and remember the Ladyes, as well loue exercise, as discourses; and yet the hearing of other mens matters doth little touch their owne prayses: so that day passed with the varietie of Courtly pastimes, and the next with the flying of Hawkes, the third with hunting, and the fourth made the time seeme very long, had not the company entreated Sacromirus to finish Anzitemus story: who thus began.

AFter Aistages was in in a manner restarined Sacromirus sonne of Hircania proceedeth with Artabanus historie. by the wisdome of his Councell: he yet most ingenerously scorned to be so courbed of his will, and enraged, put in execution a terrible reuenge, imprisoning Mulcasses against the Law of Armes, and surprising Adelphus against the Law of honestie: within the time of truce gathering his Armie togeather, and one night came vpon him vnprouided, he yet vsed the aduantage of his Trenches, and some streight passages he had fortunately Barrocaded: But alasse this rather sharpned, then rebated their courage; So by reason of ouernumber and home assisted, they quickly made a breach into the Campe, and Triumphed with a notable slaughter: Adelpbus dangerously wounded, and hardly escaping to be the messenger of more harder tidinges.

When Artabanus saw him selfe thus subiect to the mallice of fortune, and that he resembled a man, who once stumbling neuer left reeling, till he came to the ground, or one whom shrewd Turnes, (as it were in sequence) followed after one another: his modest anger could not refraine from inuection, and pashionat complainning against his Fortune: But when Anzitemus stomached the dishonor, because his Councell consorted The story of Anzitemus and Astiages. not with successe, and that he saw a further procrastination of his businesse, little needed Arttabanus to trouble conceite, how to winde vp the Wheeles of this engine: For he importuned the iorney in person, and opposed against the difficulties obiected: Wherupon the Magi and Haruspices were commaunded to attend, who by their sacrifices deuined the greatest and happyest euent, and Anzitemus with a well prouided and sufficient Armie passed through all the borders of Persia, possessing the strongest holds, and after in three encounters preuayled against Astiages, enforcing his retreate to the strong Towne of Susiania, where the place almost impregnable made him lye a while houering like a skilfull Faulken, that with aduantage he might sease on his prey.

By this time had report added much to his glory; and that made the comparison betweene his true vertue and Astiages ill disposition stand him in great stead. For when vntoward remembrance had layed open the recordes of all their strange accidents, which turmoyled Persia, they reckoned themselues in the rancke of vnhappy subiects vnder an vnhappy King, the rather for that the Royall Anzitemus came orderly to demaund Mulcasses deliuery, and to propound the former articles of peace vnto them by the Maryage of Roxana to Darius Artabanus sonne, and so to dismisse Astiages murdreth Mulcasses. his Armie. But the disloyall Astiages not only entreated him with scorne, but barborously murdedred Mulcasses, & like a Monster in nature, brought him in seuerall Dishes dismembred before them all: and thus with a violent gesture, vngorged his mallice. Why base fugitiue? Art not thou the wretched sonne of a more wretched Father, whom his Country scorned, and people exiled? what monstrous presumption hath besotted thee to terrefie Persia with wonder-making deuises, as if I were an infant vnder a foolish Mother to be beaten with a Rod, and appeased with a trifell? Or dost thou suppose with thy vntoward proceedinges, by the helpe of my owne subiects, Traytors to our God' and me, to affright or dismay Astiages, who if the worst fault will teare out his heart, and throw it in thy face? thou art deceiued, Vacabond as thou art: yet because you counterfeite a kinde of embassage, your iorney shall not altogeather be frustraite; heere is Mulcasses; here is Astiages that brought him; and heere is the contempt of Armenias power, and Artabanus, that sent him: Thus is your farewell concluded, vnlesse you meane to supply the defects of my entertainment with this cheare.

But what cheare could the vncheered company make; when the hideous spectacle daunted the stoutest courage? or what answere might they frame, that knew not how to speake, because they could not; nor could, because they durst not; nor durst, being so appauled? the company of his owne obedience strangely altered, and the rest sooner altred, as hauing no cause to obey: yet doe not imagine they sate long to behold, or durst, as they sate, behold so vilde a sight: But rising in a mutinous turmoyle, spent the shortest time in exclamation, & offerd such violence, as the place and number permitted: but in vaine doe they attempt further, for feare, and shame; or shamefull feare hath caried his hatfull body into some remoat corner, where affraide to see the mishappen deformitie of his minde, he smothered all the motions of reformation with a working conceite of more mischeife.

By this time is the Cittie in Armes, as terrefied with a suspition of their owne ruine, and most of 〈2 pages missing〉

BVt by that time the next morning had wiped Astiages desperate of recouery, considering Anzitemus possessed his Kingdome, flyeth to Cleonidas. away the dolefulnesse of the night, a new Alarum raysed the Armie, and disturbed them all: For Astiages certified of this disaster, wherein his wilfulnesse had entoyled him, and how hee was in a manner caged vp within his owne Cittie, of which before his eyes a Stranger had the possession, tooke it so ill at Fortunes hands, that all enraged, hee thus encouraged his fauourites.

Oh (sayth hee) there is no trusting to any place wee haue wronged; besides, our prouision cannot long last, though the Hold (as wee may fortefie it) seeme impregnable, and to driue you to vnpreuentable mischiefes when the enemie will increase, as well in number as in Pride; and former disgraces set other on worke to reuenge, is that I may not, nor will not suffer. Let vs therefore now set vpon them, as they are debating the matter, and by fyering the Citie, wee shall draw the most of them to looke to their priuate and so in not preuayling, preuaile to make our escape in the hurliburly: For the rest, let the changes of time determine, as they may. These speaches, and the performance, had but one hower: for his Souldiers with Firebrands in their hands, came running through the streetes, killing all they met, and casting them into euery house they could enter, and although the necessitie of their businesse proiected only escape for Astiages: yet as if they had been to Sacke the place, the miseries of such change succeeded, murdring all sortes without difference of sexe or age, pillaging, taking of prisoners, rauishing of women, and mingling a cruell victory and dissolute pleasure together, till Anzitemus ouertooke them Whirling downe the streete to the water-gate, wheresome forces had intercepted their passage, whereby an equall mett manhood grew to the greater proufe, when the streightnesse of the place compelled to fight or defence, and Astiages played his part so well, that all men had him in admiration. For the troopes were weakned, the arayes broken, the assailants slaine, the retierers dismembred, and this new feare bread new confusion: But when Anzitemus had resembled him to a rauenous Mas •… e in a hunger starued night, who carlesse of the owners welfayre breaketh into a company of sheepe, mangling more with the chase, then necessitie, he pressed neerer to single him out, and his modest anger could not refraine from thus reprehending him. Oh insatiate homicide! What Tiger cherished thy infancie? or didst thou sucke the Teares of crueltie, that thou scornest all vertue, humanytie▪ and true manhood: and soothest each venemous motion with a false obedience to stubborne will; surely the Gods are not such as our reuerence adore; If this impietie haue with her spring alike repining Harnest; Nor are men worthy the earths encrease, if they suffer this outrage, and let Anzitemus be for euer defamed; if he endeuour not to punish such a wretch. But when Astiages heard the name of Anzitemus, and knew that this was hee, which entred his Realme, with-drew his Subiectes from him, tooke his Townes, was novv Maister of the Citie, and had driuen him to these streightes; the outward franticknesse proceeding from inward distemperature, beat the Earth, gnashed his Teeth, and bitt the very Corselet hee wore: Yea the rage changed his countenance to a duskish blacknesse; which shewing the strange effect of hate opened the ioynts, whereby the veines spurted out their fulnesse; and not able to proceed any further, then oh yee infernall powers; hee made his Sword the Hearald of a dangerous Defiance, whose force tryed, whether Anzitemus strength could abide it falling, or courage vphold him selfe staggering, the standers by imputing it both to Cunning and Fortitude, that that one blow had not finished the tryall: Now was Anzitemus put to the pollicie of an out-facing retreat, not in any diffidence of the Combat, but in hope of better aduantage: For perceiuing his Aduersary bent to ouermaister him, with actiue warinesse he bare off the burden of infinite strokes; but finding at last, the Tirant wearied with making too much haste, and that his Strength beeing spent, his Furie passed with a kind of slacknesse, hee aduanced him selfe; and rebuking Shame encreased his courage, that Astiages might not auoide vnlacing his Armes, deuiding his Shield, nor wounding his Body. And thus haue I seene a new made Fire tarry a while, vntill heate had dryed the moysture of the Fuell, and then in a sodaine flame to make reflexion of greater warmth: yet was Astiages loth to discouer either disabillytie or suspition, but striuing with an excellent courage, made it a perilous fight, and the perill bade them beware of the effectes, which was vtter destruction. And as when two mightie Lyons hauing both their Females in necessitie of food, hapning at an instant on a little pray fall at such variance, that the scorne of distribution settleth them to besatisfied in the bloud one of another: So these as mightie combatanta not acknowledging the least difference, determine, that life shall depart, before Honour be subiect to disgrace, wherby the strangnesse wrought an amase, and the manner a kind of delight. For they taking vp the narrow Rome of the streete, the rest had libertie to breath as if they seemed weary in the Butchering one of another, and apprehended the end of all their troubles in the end of this controuersie: But Astiages seeing no hope of the conquest, and beginning to misdoubt him selfe, fell backe againe to his first resosution of escape, and remembring his League with Cleonidas, thought there was possibilitie to returne with sufficient Fortune and Reuenge, if hee could get thither by any meanes: Whereupon, lifting vp the fayling legges of Courage with all the remainder of a worne-out Furie, he whirled at the turning head of his aduersary a blow of too great perill, had not his eyes twinckling at the brandishing of the weapon, been a caueate to other motiones, wherby a sudden starting made his right foote slip, and the earth yeeld, so that thinking to giue forward, the body measured the ground with his length; which Astiagas tooke Astiages flyeth to his Ships. hold of, and by crying Auzitemus was slaine, in despight of opposition made for the time a fortunate escape, euery one confounded with the sorrowfull newes, and hindering one another with a rumerous entercourse: But their feare and griefe with a chearefull contrarietie is soone reuersed by the vprysing of Anzitemus, and although they could not satisfie him with reuenge on the person of the King; yet did they recompence him with the gift of the Kingdome, and with Panegericall ceremonies conducted him to the Pallace, not doubting, but as the Beare displeased with natures deformity by often licking fashioneth her young ones to an appointed shape: So would he deale with their dissolute Common wealth, and reforme what had misled the company amisse.

But because I haue brought him to so good lodging, and that he found the beautifull Roxana there, I will qustionlesse leaue him, as vnwilling to enter into vnfortunate discourses, either concerning himselfe and father: or touching Brizaca who might be suspitious to heate Roxana named. Nay (qouth Trezoboro in his Sisters behalfe) things past are past care, & therfore I dare auouch Brizacas content shal consist in Anzitemus future respect, but they I perswade my selfe, will well agree. So shall we neuer (replyed king zalby) vnlesse we be thankefull to the Prince for his discourse, and entreate the gratious Brizaca once againe to impose this taske on Anzitemus, For I proteste, I long to heare, by what chaunce the director of all chaunces hath consented, that this meeting should be recorded in the volumes of admiration. But Rugio sayd, there was no reason in the suddennesse: For he had a purpose to shew the Princes the Arbour, which King zalby so much liked, and they after they liked, so much commended: in this taking the benefite of the next sunnes aduancement: the Feast was prepared, but till it please them to rise from their solemnytie, I dare not begin to trouble you with the discourse.